Panasonic Multi Format Digital Hd Video Cassette Recorder Ajhd3700b Hdw Operating Instructions

							Multi Format Digital HD
Video Cassette Recorder
Operating Instructions (Hardware)
P
E
AJ-Model No.
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this manual for 
future use.
VQT0F74 
						

							– 2 –
For your safety (General)
Since this VTR is designed for metal tapes only, make sure that only the designated tapes are used. An or-
dinary VHS tape cannot be used. Removal of the covers on electrical appliances for maintenance purposes
may lead to electric shocks.
Personnel should therefore adhere strictly to the normal safety precautions.
Some customer-preference switches are located on printed circuit boards within the unit. Be sure to turn off
the power prior to opening the unit, before changing the position of any switch, and especially before re-
moving or reinserting any circuit board.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE,
USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
ONLY.
1is the safety information.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, REFER MOUNTING OF THE OP-
TIONAL BOARD AND CHANGE OF THE
SWITCH SETTING INSIDE THE UNIT TO AU-
THORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION:
Do not install or place this unit in a book-
case, built-in cabinet or in another confined
space in order to keep well ventilation con-
dition. Ensure that curtains and any other
materials do not obstruct the ventilation
condition to prevent risk of electric shock
or fire hazard due to overheating.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE GROUNDED
To ensure safe operation the three-pin plug
must be inserted only into a standard three-pin
power outlet (socket) which is effectively
grounded through normal household wiring.
Extension cords used with the equipment must
be three-core and be correctly wired to provide
connection to the ground. Incorrectly wired ex-
tension cords can be extremely hazardous.
The fact that the equipment operates satis-
factorily does not imply that it is grounded, and
the installation is not necessarily safe. For your
safety, if in any doubt about the effective
grounding of the equipment or power outlet
(socket), please consult a qualified electrician.WARNING:
≥TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
≥TO 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 DROP-
PING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND DO
NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS
ON TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT.
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.
CAUTION:
EVEN WHEN THE POWER SWITCH IS IN
THE OFF POSITION, A SMALL CURRENT
FLOWS THE FILTER CIRCUIT.
CAUTION:
THE AC OUTLET (MAINS SOCKET) SHALL
BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT
AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE. 
						

							– 3 –
For your safety
For USA and Canada
CAUTION:
DO NOT REMOVE PANEL COVER BY UN-
SCREWING
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
remove cover. No user serviceable parts
inside. And do not insert fingers or any other
objects into the video cassette holder.
1is the safety information.
The lightning flash with arrowhead sym-
bol, within an equilateral triangle, is in-
tended to alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” with-
in the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilat-
eral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the ap-
pliance.
FCC NOTE:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. To assure continued compliance follow
the attached installation instructions and do not
make any unauthorized modifications.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital de-
vice, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commer-
cial 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.
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.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
For Europe 
						

							– 4 –
For your safety (Europe)
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 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 approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark Ïor the BSI mark Ìon
the body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must
ensure 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
local Panasonic Dealer.
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE
FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN
THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG
CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A
DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF
THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 
13 AMP SOCKET.
If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring
code as shown below.
If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are
coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green-and-Yellow: Earth
Blue: Neutral
Brown: LiveAs the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this
appliance 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 Earth symbol Ó
or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
≥The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected
to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the
letter N or coloured BLACK.
≥The wire which is coloured BROWN must be con-
nected to the terminal in the plug which is marked
with the letter L or coloured RED.
How to replace the fuse
1. Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver.
2. Replace the fuse. 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
outlet, it should be cut off and appropriate one
fitted.
Fuse 
						

							– 5–
Contents
For your safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
Controls and their functions
≥Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08
≥Connector section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connections
≥Connections for a single unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
≥Connections for 2 units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
≥Connection with an editing controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Basic operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Manual Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Manual audio cross editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Automatic insert/assemble editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Audio split editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Variable memory Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Connector signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Video head cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Rack-mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Dip switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 
						

							– 6–
Features
This HD VTR is a hi-vision digital VTR for recording and playing back the video and audio signals complying
with BTAS-001A (1125/60 high-definition TV system studio standard) and SMPTE 274M standards. 
By image-compressing the hi-vision signals and digitally recording them, this unit delivers up to 124 minutes
of recording and playback using a 
1/2qcassette (the maximum length with the 1080/23.98p format is
155 minutes.). It is possible to switch between the following system formats to record and play back the sig-
nals in one of these formats: 1080/23.98p (8-channel audio), 1080/24p (8-channel audio), 1080/25p 
(8-channel audio), 1080/59.94i (4-channel audio version), 1080/59.94i (8-channel audio version), 1080/50i
(8-channel audio), 720/59.94p (4-channel audio version), 720/59.94p (8-channel audio version), 576/50i 
(8-channel audio), 480/59.94i (4-channel audio version) and 480/59.94i (8-channel audio version).
Only playback is possible with 576/50i (4 audio channels) format tapes which have been recorded using the
VTR (AJ-D580).
Simultaneous output of HD (hi-vision signals) and SD (standard signals) can be achieved.
In the case of the 1080/23.98p, 1080/24p and 1080/25p formats, the 1080/23.98psf, 1080/24psf and
1080/25psf (Progressive Segmented Frame) formats which divide the frames into two segments every
1/47.96, 1/48 and 1/50 of a second, respectively, for interfacing are also used.
Picture/sound quality at a reasonable price
≥High picture quality digital recording of signals complying with studio standard
The hi-vision studio standard signals, which have been 10-bit quantized using sampling frequencies of 
74.25 MHz for Y signals and 37.125 MHz for the P
Band PRsignals, are image-compressed and digitally
recorded to meet the full range of specifications under the hi-vision studio standard. 
Virtually distortion-free recording and playback at a low compression rate–and with a signal-to-noise ratio of
60 dB and a wide band (Y: 30 MHz, P
B/PR: 15 MHz), which have to date proved difficult to achieve with 
analog VTRs using 1/2-inch tapes–are now made possible by utilizing a high recording rate of around 
300 Mbps: the result is a consistently high picture quality all the way through from the initial recording to 
editing.
≥Compact size, light weight and low power consumption
The unit is compact (height equivalent to 5U, depth at 20
1/2q), lightweight (69.96 lbs), low in power consump-
tion (260 W) and easy to handle.
≥High cost performance 
In addition to featuring the basic functions and performance of HDD5, this HDVTR makes it possible to switch
between the 1080/23.98p (8-channel audio), 1080/24p (8-channel audio), 1080/25p (8-channel audio),
1080/59.94i (4-channel audio version), 1080/59.94i (8-channel audio version), 1080/50i (8-channel audio),
720/59.94p (4-channel audio version), 720/59.94p (8-channel audio version), 576/50i (8-channel audio),
480/59.94i (4-channel audio version) and 480/59.94i (8-channel audio version) system formats to record and
play back the signals in one of these formats. Furthermore, installation of a format converter board enables
HS and SD signals to be output simultaneously.
≥Digital audio with high sound quality
A high sound quality with a dynamic range of 100 dB is delivered by 20 (24)-bit 48 kHz sampling. Not only
can recording, playback and editing be conducted separately for each of the 4 (8) channels but channel mix-
ing is also possible. Moreover, one channel is provided for the analog (cue) track. (At 1080/23.98p,
1080/24p, 1080/25p, 1080/50i and 576/50i formats, 8-channel audio and 24 bit format.)
With the 1080/59.94i, 480/59.94i, or 720/59.94p system format, either the 4-channel 20-bit format or the 8-
channel 24-bit format can be selected. However, due caution should be exercised in operation since the
recording format used for the 8-channel audio version and the one used for the 4-channel audio version dif-
fer, and these differences pertain to their video recording areas as well. As such, these two system formats
are not mutually compatible.
≥Compact 
1/2ztape cassette
Two sizes of cassette, [L: 124 minutes (1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p and 480i), 149 minutes (1080/50i,
1080/25p), 155 minutes (1080/23.98p and 1080/24p), 112 minutes (576/50i) and M: 63 minutes
(1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p and 480/59.94i), can be used with this unit: this enables the size best suited to the
intended application to be selected. The compact 
1/2qcassette takes up minimal storage space and offers ex-
cellent handling ease. 
						

							– 7–
Features
I/O specifications and interfaces
≥Serial digital I/O facilities
The unit is equipped with hi-vision serial digital interfaces which meet the BTAS-004A, S-005A and S-006A
standards and which enable both video and audio signals to be transferred using the same coaxial cable. An
SD (525/625-line standard TV) serial digital interface is provided for operation with HD/SD mixing.
≥Format converter function
A format converter board has already been equipped in the unit as a standard accesory. This facilitates con-
version between HD and SD, and it makes the integrated production of Hi-Vision and standard TV broadcast
much simpler. 
In addition to the composite analog signals, a serial digital interface (SDI signals) which can switch the mul-
tiplex transfer of audio signals ON or OFF is included in the SD output signals. SDI signals enable digital con-
nection to a DVCPRO/D5VTR.
≥AES audio input/output facilities 
Separate digital audio inputs and outputs are provided for each of the 4 (8) channels, and standard interfac-
ing with a variety of digital audio units is possible. (8 channels with 1080/23.98p, 1080/24p, 1080/25p,
1080/50i and 576/50i formats. 4 channels/8 channels with 1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p and 480/59.94i formats.)
≥Remote control
In addition to the standard 9-pin serial (RS-422A) connector, 50P parallel and RS-232C connectors are pro-
vided on the unit for remote control. An AV control connector is also featured.
Slow motion, search and editing functions
≥Slow motion/jog
The incorporation of Panasonic’s unique AT (auto tracking) mechanism makes slow-motion playback and
jogging possible at a speed which can be varied from j1kto i2knormal tape speed.
≥50tshuttle search
Shuttle search is possible at up to 50knormal tape speed in the forward or reverse direction.
≥Simultaneous playback monitoring 
Simultaneous playback monitoring of video, digital audio, time code and CTL signals is possible.
≥Automatic editing functions
A full range of editing modes are provided including assemble, insert, audio split and variable memory.
≥Multi cue points
One hundred cue points can be marked for searches and prerolling.
Operation and maintenance
≥Channel condition monitoring
The error rate is monitored at all times. When the setting is exceeded, an indicator on the front panel lights
to warn the operator that the tape is approaching the end of its service life or that the heads are clogged.
≥Built-in test signal generator
Color bar signals and other test signals, which come in handy for conducting maintenance and adjustments
and for checking the connections, are generated internally. 
						

							– 8–
Controls and their functions
Front panel
0(1) POWER lampThis lights when the power is turned on.
0(2) POWER switchWhen the ON side is pressed, the power is turned on; when the OFF side is
pressed, the power is turned off.
0(3) AUTO OFF LampThis lights when trouble has occurred in the unit and operation cannot be conti-
nued without taking any remedial action.
0(4) EJECT buttonWhen this button pressed, the cassette tape is ejected.
0(5) Cassette holderThis is the slot where the 1/2-inch metal cassette tape is loaded.
0(6) Display panelThe different kinds of data are displayed on this large 640-dot by 200-line display
panel.
0(7) Function keysMenu function keys F1 to F13 are provided.
0(8) UNITY lampThis lights when all the digital audio output signals are in the UNITY state or when
the audio input/output and the video output are in the UNITY state.
0(9) AUDIO MONITOR≥These buttons switch the output of the audio monitor connector and headphone
L/R selector buttons≥jack.
≥They are used to select which of the 5 (9) channel [4 (8) digital audio signal
channels and 1 cue audio signal channel] signals is to be output to L/R.
≥Each time the L (or R) button is pressed, the selected output L (or R) signal
changes in the sequence of CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 (CH5, CH6, CH7, CH8)°, and
CUE.
°When a 4-channel digital audio format is used, either no sound is output or the
sound of channels 1 through 4 is copied as the sound and output for the channels
in the parentheses.
≥The channel now selected can be monitored by observing the L and R indica-
tions on the display panel.
≥L and R displays are highlighted corresponding to the channels now selected on
the display panel.
≥Default settings: CH1 for L and CH2 for R.

1080/23.98p, 1080/24p, 1080/25p, 1080/50i and 576/50i formats are digital audio 8ch.
Either the 4-channel or 8-channel digital audio signals are selected for the 1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p and
480/59.94i system formats.
EJECT
SDHDCHANNEL CONDITIONVIDEOAUDIOSERVO
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0CTF
F12
F11
F10
F9
F8 F7 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 L AUDIO MONITOR UNITY
HEADPHONES
PULL
OPENLEVELCURSOREXECUTE PREROLLENTRY REW STOP REC/EDITPLAYREC INHIBITSTAND BY FFREVIEW
PREVIEW
R
OUTINOUTAUDIO
LINE OUTSHTL JOG VAR
INPUT CHECK REMOTE
ADJUST
POWER
AUTO OF F
ON
OFF
UNITY
/VAR
TC/CHRSET UPTEST DIAGFROM COPY/BS
ENT
AUDIO
PULL
OPEN
(4)
(7)
(8)
(9)(6) (5) (3)(1) (2) 
						

							– 9–
(10) Headphone jack≥The stereo headphones are connected to this M6 headphone jack.
(11) Headphone VR≥This volume control is used to adjust the headphones output level and monitor-
ing output level.
≥The headphone output level and the monitoring output level are interlinked
[when the F7 (A. MONI) key on the AUDIO OUT MONITOR menu is set to
VAR].
(12) CURSORThese keys move the cursor on the display. The center key displays the cursor.
(13) Panel opening≥The front panel can be opened and closed by pulling the buttons 1and 2 at 
buttons≥the front of the sides.
(14) SD lampThis lamp lights when SD is selected as the recording format.
(15) HD lampThis lamp lights when HD is selected as the recording format.
(16) Error display lamps≥These lamps light in response to the number of errors.
(channel condition)1Lights during normal operation (when the error value is minimal).
2Lights when the number of inner errors has increased.
3Lights when the number of video outer errors has increased.
4Lights when the number of audio outer errors has increased.
(17) SERVO lamp≥This lights when the servo is locked.
EJECT
SDHDCHANNEL CONDITIONVIDEOAUDIOSERVO
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0CTF
F12
F11
F10
F9
F8 F7 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 L AUDIO MONITOR UNITY
HEADPHONES
PULL
OPENLEVELCURSOREXECUTE PREROLLENTRY REW STOP REC/EDITPLAYREC INHIBITSTAND BY FFREVIEW
PREVIEW
R
OUTINOUTAUDIO
LINE OUTSHTL JOG VAR
INPUT CHECK REMOTE
ADJUST
POWER
AUTO OFF
ON
OFF
UNITY
/VAR
TC/CHRSET UPTEST DIAGFROM COPY/BS
ENT
AUDIO
PULL
OPEN
(14)
(10) (12)(11)(15)
(13)(16)
1
123 4(17)
(13)
2
Controls and their functions
Front panel 
						

							– 10–
Controls and their functions
Front panel
(18) Number keys≥These are used to enter numbers.
(0 to 9)
≥CClear key for clearing input data.
≥ENTFor registering the data which have been entered.
≥FUsed in combination with other keys.
≥BSBackspace key
≥s rKeys for adding and subtracting
≥FROM
≥COPY
≥T
≥/
(19) INPUT CHECKWhile these keys are kept depressed, the input signals can be checked.
It enables the video input signals to be checked at the SD SDI MONITOR OUT
connector or HD SDI MONITOR OUT connector and the audio input signals to be
checked at the MONITOR connector and headphone jack.
When the F7 (TCG OUT) key has been set to MOMNT on the TC/CHR SET UP
menu, the INPUT CHECK is established for the time code signals but only while
the INPUT CHECK key is held down. When the INPUT CHECK key is pressed
while the F7 key is set to LATCH, the INPUT CHECK mode is established, and
the mode remains established even when the key is released. The mode is re-
leased when one of the tape modes is established.
(20) REMOTE button≥This is the switch for switching between operation from the front panel of the
unit and operation from the remote control terminals (RS-422A, RS-232C) at
the rear connector panel.
≥When REMOTE (lamp lit) is selected, the recorder can be controlled via the
remote control terminals at the rear connector panel.
≥When LOCAL (lamp not lit) is selected, the recorder can be operated from the
front panel.
(21) AUDIO LINE OUTWhen the ADJUST control (23) is turned while this button is being pressed, the
output of all audio channels can be changed at the same time (HOME, AUDIO
OUT menus only).
(22) UNITY/VARThis is used to switch between UNITY and VAR when the video output signals or
audio level is to be adjusted.
(23) ADJUST controlThis is used to adjust the levels.
EJECT
SDHDCHANNEL CONDITIONVIDEOAUDIOSERVO
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0CTF
F12
F11
F10
F9
F8 F7 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 L AUDIO MONITOR UNITY
HEADPHONES
PULL
OPENLEVELCURSOREXECUTE PREROLLENTRY REW STOP REC/EDITPLAYREC INHIBITSTAND BY FFREVIEW
PREVIEW
R
OUTINOUTAUDIO
LINE OUTSHTL JOG VAR
INPUT CHECK REMOTE
ADJUST
POWER
AUTO OF F
ON
OFF
UNITY
/VAR
TC/CHRSET UPTEST DIAGFROM COPY/BS
ENT
AUDIO
PULL
OPEN
(18) (23) (22) (21) (19) (20)