Sharp VL-Z7U - Manual (Page 13)

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Dew Formation
• What is “dew formation”?
When cold water is poured into a glass,
dew drops form on the glass. This clinging
of water drops is called dew formation.
• When dew forms in your camcorder.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum
of your camcorder and make the video
tape stick to the head. This causes
damage both to the head and the tape.
When dew forms, recording and playback
may not function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following
circumstances:
— When moving the camcorder from a
cold place to a warm place.
— When placing the camcorder in a cold
room which is then heated rapidly.
— When moving the camcorder outdoors
from an air conditioned room or car.
— When placing the camcorder in the
direct path of air
blowing from an air
conditioner.
— When placing the
camcorder in a
humid room.
• How to prevent trouble.
When using the camcorder in a place
where dew is likely to form, allow the
camcorder and the video tape to
acclimate to the surroundings for about
one hour.
For example, when bringing the
camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in
a plastic bag.
1 Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag
containing the camcorder.
2 Remove the bag when the air tem-
perature inside it reaches the tempera-
ture of the room.
• “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on
the screen, and the power will automati-
cally turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
Plastic bag
1 If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,
leave the cassette compartment open,
and wait for a few hours to allow the
camcorder to acclimate to the
surrounding temperature.
2 To use the camcorder again, turn on the
power after waiting for a few hours. Be
sure that “DEW” has disappeared.
3 Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is
flashing; this may result in damage to
the tape.
4 Since dew forms gradually, it may take
10 to 15 minutes before the dew
warning feature engages.