Panasonic Hdc Hs250 Operating Instructions

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Others
Helpful hints
2
Troubleshooting
ProblemCheck points
This unit cannot be 
turned on.
This unit does not stay 
on long enough.
Battery runs down 
quickly. ≥
Charge the battery using the AC adaptor. ( l20)
≥ The battery protection circuit may have operated. Attach 
the battery to the AC adaptor for 5 to 10 seconds. If the unit 
still cannot be used, the battery is faulty.
≥ The battery is affected by ambient temperature. In cold 
places, the battery usi ng time becomes shorter.
≥ The battery has a limited life. If the operating time is still too 
short even after the battery is  fully charged, the battery has 
worn out and needs to be replaced.
This unit is turned off 
automatically. ≥
If you connect to a TV compatible with VIERA Link with a 
HDMI mini cable and turn off the power on the TV with the 
remote control for the TV, the power on this unit also turns 
off. If you are not using VIERA Link, set [VIERA Link] to 
[OFF]. ( l98)
≥ When this unit is connected to a  DVD burner to copy or play 
back images (a disc is being accessed), the power turns off 
automatically if the Mini AB USB Connection Cable is 
removed.
A clicking sound is heard 
when the unit is shaken. ≥
This is the sound of the l ens moving and is not a defect.
This sound will no longer be heard when the unit’s power is 
turned on.
Remaining battery 
indication is not 
displayed properly. ≥
The remaining battery capacity indication is an 
approximation.
If you think the remaining battery capacity indication is not 
displayed correctly, fully charge the battery, discharge it and 
then charge it again. (Even if this operation is performed, it 
may not be possible to display the remaining battery 
capacity correctly if the battery was used for a long period 
of time where the temperature was low or high or if the 
battery was repeatedly charged.)
The built-in flash does 
not function. ≥
The flash cannot be used while using the battery 
VW-VBG070.
Use the batteries that are compatible with this unit. ( l20)
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ProblemCheck points
This unit cannot be 
operated though it is 
turned on.
This unit does not 
operate normally. ≥
Turn on the power again. If normal conditions are not 
restored yet, remove the battery or AC adaptor, wait about 
1 minute and then reconnect the battery or AC adaptor. 
Then about 1 minute later, turn on the power again. 
(Conducting the above operation while the media is being 
accessed may damage the data on the media.)
≥ If normal operation is still not restored, detach the power 
connected, and contact  consumer support. (l149, 150)
Recording does not start 
although power is 
supplied to this unit and 
the SD card is correctly 
inserted. ≥
A message is displayed and you cannot record when the 
HDD does not operate normally due to the temperature of 
the unit being too high or low, or when the SD card cover 
cannot be closed due to failure of the SD card cover. In this 
case, press the recording start/stop button to display the 
media change message, allowing you to change the 
recording media.
Item other than the 
touched one is selected. ≥
Calibrate the touch screen. ( l36)
The remote control does 
not function. ≥
Remote control cannot be operated when the [REMOTE 
CONTROL] is set to [OFF].
≥ The button-type battery of the remote control may have run 
out. Replace it with a new button-type battery. ( l37)
The remaining time 
indication or the elapsed 
time indication is not 
shown. ≥
If you set [SETUP]  > [DISPLAY] >  [OFF], indications 
other than warnings and date etc are not displayed. ( l30)
The unit arbitrarily stops 
recording. ≥
Use an SD card that can be used for motion picture 
recording. ( l24)
When the unit stops while a usable SD card for recording 
motion pictures ( l24) is used, the data writing rate has 
deteriorated. We recommend formatting the SD card being 
used. ( l92)
≥ If [AGS] is [ON], record in the normal horizontal position or 
set [AGS] to [OFF]. ( l63)
≥ If the unit is exposed to strong  vibrations or shocks while 
recording on HDD, recording may stop to protect the HDD. 
If the unit is used in a place with loud sounds, the recording 
may stop due to sound vibrations. Recording data on an SD 
card is recommended in these places.
≥ Repeated recording and deletion of motion pictures may 
reduce the usable time for recording on a media you use. In 
that case, format the media.
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AF tracking does not 
work when the object is 
touched.≥
Touch the part of the object that has specific color such as 
the part that is different from the surrounding. ( l56)
Auto focus function does 
not work. ≥
Set the Intelligent Auto Mode to on or off.
≥ If you are trying to record a scene which is hard to bring into 
focus in Auto Focus mode, use the Manual Focus mode to 
adjust the focus. ( l42, 73)
Color balance of images 
is strange when 
recording in a place such 
as a gymnasium. ≥
In a place with multiple light sources, such as a gymnasium 
or a hall, set the white balance setting to   (Indoor 
mode2). If you cannot record clearly with the   (Indoor 
mode2), set it to   (Manual adjustment mode). ( l71)
Some playback images 
are skipped 
automatically.
Scene does not play back 
to the end. ≥
Playback of   (Intelligent scene selection) is set. Return 
to normal playback. (l 78)
Although this unit is 
correctly connected to a 
TV, images cannot be 
seen.
The images are squeezed 
horizontally. ≥
Please read the operating instructions of your TV and 
select the channel that matches the input used for the 
connection.
≥ Change the [TV ASPECT] setting to match the aspect ratio 
of the TV.
≥ Change the setting of the unit depending on the cable 
connecting to the TV. ( l93, 96)
Scenes cannot be 
deleted. ≥
Release the protect setting. ( l87)
≥ Any scenes/still pictures where the thumbnails are 
displayed as   cannot be deleted. If the scenes/still 
pictures are unnecessary, format the media to erase the 
data. ( l92) Please be aware that if a media is formatted 
then all the data recorded on the media is erased and 
cannot be recovered. Back up important data on a PC, disc 
etc.
If the SD card is inserted 
in this unit, it is not 
recognized. ≥
If the SD card is formatted on a PC, it may not be 
recognized by this unit. Use this unit to format SD cards. 
(l 92)
ProblemCheck points
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If the SD card is inserted 
in another device, it is not 
recognized.≥
Check that the device is compatible with the capacity or 
type of SD card (SD Memory Card/SDHC Memory Card) 
that you inserted. Refer to the operating instructions of the 
device for details.
Color or brightness of the 
image changes, or you 
may see horizontal bars 
in the image.
The LCD monitor flickers 
indoors. (In Motion Picture Recording Mode)
≥
Color or brightness of the image may change, or you may 
see horizontal bars in the image when the object is 
recorded under fluorescent light, mercury light or sodium 
light, etc., but this is not a malfunction. In this case, record 
in Auto Mode or set the shutter speed to 1/60 in areas 
where the power supply frequency is 60 Hz, or 1/100 in 
areas of 50 Hz.
(In Still Picture Recording Mode)
≥ This is a characteristic of  the MOS sensor, which is the 
imaging device of the unit. This is not a malfunction. This 
will not affect the recorded image.
Object seems to be 
warped. ≥
Object seems to be warped slightly when the object moves 
across the image very fast, but this is because the unit is 
using MOS for the image sensor. This is not a malfunction.
White round spots like 
soap bubbles appear on 
the recorded picture. ≥
If you take a picture with the 
flash in a dark place or indoors, 
white round spots may appear 
on the picture caused by the 
flash reflecting of particles of 
dust in the air. This is not a 
malfunction.
A characteristic of this is  that the number of round spots 
and their position differ in every picture.
“ERROR OCCURRED. 
PLEASE TURN UNIT OFF, 
THEN TURN ON AGAIN.” 
is displayed. ≥
The unit has automatically detected an error. Restart the 
unit by turning the power off and on.
≥ The power will be turned off in about 1 minute if the power 
is not turned off and on.
≥ Repair is needed if it is repeatedly displayed even if it is 
restarted. Detach the power connected, contact consumer 
support. ( l149, 150) Do not attempt to repair the unit by 
yourself.
ProblemCheck points
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VIERA Link does not 
work.[Setting on this unit]
≥
Connect with a HDMI mini cable (optional). ( l98)
≥ Press the MENU button, then touch [SETUP]  # 
[VIERA Link]  # [ON]. ( l98)
≥ Turn the power to the unit off and then back on again.
[Setting on other devices]
≥ Depending on HDMI terminal of the TV, the input channel 
may not switch automatically. In this case, use the remote 
control for the TV to switch input. (For details on how to 
switch input, please read the operating instructions for the 
TV.)
≥ Check the VIERA Link setting on the connected device.
≥ Set the setting to control the VIERA Link of the TV to [Off] 
once, and the back to [On] again. (Refer to the operating 
instructions of the TV for details.)
When connected by the 
USB cable, this unit is not 
detected by the PC. ≥
Select another USB terminal on the PC.
≥ Check the operating environment. ( l114)
≥ Connect the supplied USB cable again after restarting the 
PC and turning on this unit again.
When the USB cable is 
disconnected, an error 
message will appear on 
the PC. ≥
To disconnect the USB cable safely, double-click the   
( ) icon in the task tray and follow the instructions on the 
screen.
The power of the DVD 
burner cannot be turned 
on. ≥
When the unit is connected to the DVD burner, use the 
respective AC adaptors for both this unit and the DVD 
burner.
Cannot see the PDF 
operating instructions for 
HD Writer AE 1.0. ≥
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or later or Adobe 
Reader 7.0 or later to read the PDF operating instructions 
for HD Writer AE 1.0.
Cannot copy scenes on 
the SD card by 
connecting to other 
equipment with the USB 
cable. ≥
Other equipment might have not recognized the SD card. 
Unplug the USB cable once, and reconnect it.
ProblemCheck points
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∫If scenes do not change smoothly when played back on another device
The images may be still for several seconds at the joins between the scenes if the following operations 
are performed when multiple scenes have be en continuously played back using another unit.
≥ Just how smoothly the scenes will be played back depends on the playback unit. Depending on the 
unit used, the images may stop moving and become still for a moment even when none of the 
following conditions are applicable.
≥ It may not play back smoothly when the editing of scenes was done with the HD Writer AE 1.0, but it 
will play back smoothly if you set [Seamless settings] in the HD Writer AE 1.0. Refer to the operating 
instructions for the HD Writer AE 1.0.
∫ When the scenes were recorded on different dates
A The image will be still for several seconds wherever the date changes.
B The images are played back smoothly if t he scenes were recorded on the same date.
∫When scenes lasting under 3 seconds have been recorded
1 3 or more seconds
2 Under 3 seconds
A The image will be still for several seconds after a scene which lasts under 3 seconds.
∫When PRE-REC was used for recording
1 Normal recording
2 PRE-REC recording
A The picture momentarily stops at the end of the last scene that was recorded normally before PRE-
REC recording.
1.1.2010 1.2.2010 1.3.2010
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∫When deleting scenes
1 Scene to be deleted
A The image will be still for several seconds wherever a scene was deleted.
B The images of consecutive scenes where there  are no deletions are played back smoothly one 
after another.
∫ When selected scenes are copied  between an SD card and the HDD or 
when selected scenes are copied to a disc in a connected DVD burner.
A If you select a scene other than the next scene,  the picture may momentarily stop at the point 
where the scenes switch.
B The point where the scenes switch will be played back smoothly if you select the scenes in order.
∫Other cases
≥If you record more than 99 scenes in the same date, scenes will be still for a few seconds at the 
switch of the scene per 99 scenes.
≥ When the recording mode was changed from HA/HG/HX to HE or from HE to HA/HG/HX, the picture 
momentarily stops where the scenes s witch between HA/HG/HX and HE Modes.
≥ When recording motion pictures after changing settings on the Digital Cinema Mode, the motion 
pictures at the switching points of scenes stop for several seconds.

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Others
Cautions for use
The unit and the SD card become warm during 
use. This is not a malfunction.
Keep the High Definition Video Camera as far 
away as possible from electromagnetic 
equipment (such as microwave ovens, TVs, 
video games etc.).
≥If you use the High Definition Video Camera on 
top of or near a TV, the pictures and sound on 
the High Definition Video Camera may be 
disrupted by electromagnetic wave radiation.
≥ Do not use the High Definition Video Camera 
near cell phones because doing so may result 
in noise adversely affecting the pictures and 
sound.
≥ Recorded data may be damaged, or pictures 
may be distorted, by strong magnetic fields 
created by speakers or large motors.
≥ Electromagnetic wave radiation generated by 
microprocessors may adversely affect the High 
Definition Video Camera, disturbing the 
pictures and sound.
≥ If the High Definition Video Camera is 
adversely affected by electromagnetic 
equipment and stops functioning properly, turn 
the High Definition Video Camera off and 
remove the battery or disconnect AC adaptor. 
Then reinsert the battery or reconnect AC 
adaptor and turn the High Definition Video 
Camera on.
Do not use the High Definition Video Camera 
near radio transmitters or high-voltage lines.
≥ If you record near radio transmitters or 
high-voltage lines, the recorded pictures and 
sound may be adversely affected.
Make sure to use the supplied cords and 
cables. If you use optional accessories, use 
the cords and the cables supplied with them.
Do not extend the cords and the cables.
Do not spray insecticides or volatile 
chemicals onto the unit.
≥ If the unit is sprayed with such chemicals, its 
body may be marred and the surface finish 
may peel off. ≥
Do not leave rubber or plastic products in 
contact with the unit for a long time.
When you use the unit in a sandy or dusty 
place such as a beach, do not let sand or fine 
dust get into the body and terminals of the 
unit.
Also, keep the unit away from sea water.
≥ Sand or dust may damage the unit. (Care 
should be taken when inserting and removing 
a card.)
≥ If sea water splashes onto the unit, wipe off the 
water with a well wrung cloth. Then wipe the 
unit again with a dry cloth.
When carrying the unit, do not drop or bump 
it.
≥ A strong impact can break the unit’s casing, 
causing it to malfunction.
Cleaning
≥ Before cleaning, detach the battery or pull the 
AC cable from the AC outlet, and then wipe the 
unit with a soft, dry cloth.
≥ If the unit is very dirty, dip a cloth in water and 
squeeze firmly, and then wipe the unit with the 
damp cloth. Next, dry the unit with a dry cloth.
≥ Use of benzine, paint thinner, alcohol, or 
dishwashing liquid may alter the camera body 
or peel the surface finish. Do not use these 
solvents.
≥ When using a chemical dust cloth, follow the 
instructions that came with the cloth.
Do not use the unit for surveillance purposes 
or other business uses.
≥ This unit was designed for consumer 
intermittent use. It was not intended for 
continuous use, or for any industrial or 
commercial application resulting in prolonged 
use.
≥ In certain situations, continuous use could 
cause the unit to overheat and cause a 
malfunction. Such use is strongly discouraged.
When you are not going to use the unit for an 
extended time
≥ When storing the unit in a cupboard or cabinet, 
it is recommended that you place a desiccant 
(silica gel) in with it.
About this unit
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When disposing of or giving away this unit, 
note that:
≥Formatting and deletion simply change the file 
management information and cannot be used 
to completely erase the data in HDD of this 
unit. The data can be recovered using 
commercially available software or the like.
≥ We recommend that you physically format the 
HDD before disposing of or giving away this 
unit.
≥ To physically format the HDD, connect the unit 
via the AC adaptor, select [FORMAT HDD]  # 
[YES] from the menu, and then press and hold 
the delete button on the screen below for about 
3 seconds. When the HDD data deletion 
screen appears, select [YES], and then follow 
the on-screen instructions.
≥ Please look after the data in your HDD 
carefully. Panasonic will not be held 
responsible in the unlikely case that private 
data is divulged. The battery used in this unit is a rechargeable 
lithium-ion battery. It is susceptible to humidity 
and temperature and the effect increases the 
more the temperature rises or falls. In cold areas, 
the full charge indication may not appear or the 
low battery indication may appear about 
5 minutes after starting use. At high 
temperatures, the protection function may be 
triggered, making it impossible to use the unit.
Be sure to detach the battery after use.
≥
If the battery is left attached, a minute amount 
of current continues to flow even if the unit’s 
power is off. Keeping the unit in this state may 
result in over discharge of the battery. This 
may result in you not being able to use the 
battery even after it is charged.
≥ The battery should be stored in the vinyl bag 
so metal does not come into contact with the 
terminals.
≥ The battery should be stored in a cool place 
free from humidity, with as constant 
temperature as possible. (Recommended 
temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F), 
Recommended humidity: 40% to 60%)
≥ Extremely high temperatures or low 
temperatures will shorten the life of the battery.
≥ If the battery is kept in high-temperature, high-
humidity, or oily-smoky places, the terminals 
may rust and cause malfunctions.
≥ To store the battery for a long period of time, 
we recommend you charge  it once every year 
and store it again after you have completely 
used up the charged capacity.
≥ Dust and other matter attached to the battery 
terminals should be removed.
Prepare spare batteries when going out for 
recording.
≥ Prepare batteries enough to last for 3 to 4 
times the period you are planning to record for. 
Cold places such as a ski resort can shorten 
recording time.
If you drop the battery accidentally, check to 
see if the terminals are damaged.
≥ Attaching a battery with damaged terminals 
can damage the unit or AC adaptor.About the battery
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Do not throw an old battery into fire.
≥Heating a battery or throwing it into a fire may 
result in an explosion.
If the operating time is very short even after 
the battery has been recharged, the battery 
has worn out. Please purchase a new battery.
≥ If the temperature of the battery is extremely 
high or extremely low, charging may take time 
or the battery may not be charged.
≥ If the charging lamp keeps flashing, make sure 
that the terminals of the battery or the AC 
adaptor are not exposed to dirt, foreign objects 
or dust, then reconnect them properly.
Disconnect the AC cable from the AC outlet 
when you remove dirt, foreign objects or dust 
on the terminals of the battery or the AC 
adaptor.
If the charging lamp is still flashing, the 
temperature of the battery may be extremely 
high or extremely low or something may be 
wrong with the battery or AC adaptor. Contact 
consumer support. ( l149, 150).
≥ If you use the AC adaptor near a radio, radio 
reception may be disturbed. Keep the AC 
adaptor 1 m (3.3 feet) or more away from the 
radio.
≥ When using the AC adaptor, it may generate 
whirring sounds. However, this is normal.
≥ After use, be sure to disconnect the AC 
adaptor. (If it is left connected, a minute 
amount of current is consumed.)
≥ Always keep the electrodes of the AC adaptor 
and battery clean.
≥ When the LCD monitor gets dirty, wipe it with a 
soft cloth such as eye glass cleaner.
≥ In a place with drastic temperature changes, 
condensation may form on the LCD monitor. 
Wipe it with a soft cloth such as eye glass 
cleaner.
≥ When the unit has become very cold, for 
example due to storage in a cold area, its LCD 
monitor will be slightly darker than usual 
immediately after the power is turned on. The 
normal brightness will be restored when the 
unit’s internal temperature rises. When condensation forms on the unit, the lens 
will cloud up and the unit may not work properly. 
Make every effort to ensure that condensation 
does not form. If it does form, take the actions 
described below.
Causes of condensation
Condensation takes place when the ambient 
temperature or humidity is changed as 
follows.
≥
When this unit is brought inside from the cold 
(e.g. a ski slope) to a warm room.
≥ When this unit is moved from an 
air-conditioned car to outside.
≥ When a cold room has been warmed up 
quickly.
≥ When cool wind from an air conditioner is 
directly blown onto this unit.
≥ After summer afternoon showers of rain.
≥ When this unit is in a very humid place where 
the air is thick with steam. (e.g. a heated 
swimming pool)
Helpful hint
If, for example, you have used this unit for 
recording on a ski slope and are taking it into a 
heated room, place the unit inside a plastic bag, 
remove as much of the air from inside the bag as 
possible, then seal the bag. Leave the unit for 
about an hour in the room so the temperature of 
the unit is close to the ambient temperature of 
the room, then use it.
About the AC adaptor
LCD monitor
Extremely high precision technology is 
employed to produce the LCD Monitor screen 
featuring a total of approximately 230,000 
pixels. The result is more than 99.99% 
effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the 
pixels inactive or always lit. However, this is 
not a malfunction and does not affect the 
recorded picture.
About condensation
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