GR-D72US_01Cover.fm  Page 1  Tuesday, November 18, 2003  11:38 AM
MasterPage: FrontCover
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA
GR-D72
Please visit our Homepage on the World Wide Web for 
Digital Video Camera:
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/cyber/
For Accessories:
http://www.jvc.co.jp/english/accessory/
INSTRUCTIONS
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing this digital 
video camera. Before use, please read 
the safety information and precautions 
contained in the pages 2 – 3 to ensure 
safe use of this product.
ENGLISH
GETTING STARTED 5
VIDEO RECORDING &
PLAYBACK 11
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA
(D.S.C.) RECORDING &
PLAYBACK 18
ADVANCED FEATURES 25
REFERENCES 38
TERMS 54
For Customer Use: 
Enter below the Model No. and Serial 
No. which is located on the bottom of 
the camcorder. Retain this information 
for future reference. 
Model No.
Serial No.
To deactivate the demonstration, set 
“DEMO MODE” to “OFF”. 
(墌 pg. 25, 27) 
EN
LYT1226-001A
GR-D94US.book  Page 2  Monday, November 17, 2003  2:12 PM
MasterPage: Safety_Left
2 EN
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION
DO NOT OPEN
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
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 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 
operating  and  maintenance  (servicing)  instructions  in 
the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, 
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NOTES:
● The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution 
are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.
● The rating information and safty caution of the AC 
Adapter are on its upper and lower sides.
CAUTIONS:
● This camcorder is designed to be used with NTSC-type 
color television signals. It cannot be used for playback 
with a television of a different standard. However, live 
recording and LCD monitor/viewfinder playback are 
possible anywhere.
● Use the JVC BN-V408U/V416U/V428U battery packs 
and, to recharge them or supply power to the camcorder 
from an AC outlet, use the provided multi-voltage AC 
Adapter. (An appropriate conversion adapter may be 
necessary to accommodate different designs of AC 
outlets in different countries.)
Caution on Replaceable lithium battery
The battery used in this device may present a fire or 
chemical burn hazard if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) 
or incinerate.
Replace battery with Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), 
Sanyo, Sony or Maxell CR2025.
Danger of explosion or Risk of fire if the battery is 
incorrectly replaced.
● Dispose of used battery promptly.
● Keep away from children.
● Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in fire.
This product has a fluorescent lamp that contains a small 
amount of mercury. 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:
When the equipment is installed in a cabinet or on a shelf, 
make sure that it has sufficient space on all sides to allow 
for ventilation (10 cm (3-15/16") or more on both sides, on 
top and at the rear).
Do not block the ventilation holes.
(If the ventilation holes are blocked by a newspaper, or 
cloth etc. the heat may not be able to get out.)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should 
be placed on the apparatus.
When discarding batteries, environmental problems must 
be considered and the local rules or laws governing the 
disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or 
splashing.
Do not use this equipment in a bathroom or places with 
water.
Also do not place any containers filled with water or liquids 
(such as cosmetics or medicines, flower vases, potted 
plants, cups etc.) on top of this unit.
(If water or liquid is allowed to enter this equipment, fire or 
electric shock may be caused.)
Do not point the lens or the viewfinder directly into the sun. 
This can cause eye injuries, as well as lead to the 
malfunctioning of internal circuitry. There is also a risk of 
fire or electric shock.
CAUTION!
The following notes concern possible physical damage to 
the camcorder and to the user.
When carrying, be sure to always securely attach and use 
the provided strap. Carrying or holding the camcorder by 
the viewfinder and/or the LCD monitor can result in 
dropping the unit, or in a malfunction.
Take care not to get your finger caught in the cassette 
holder cover. Do not let children operate the camcorder, as 
they are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
Do not use a tripod on unsteady or unlevel surfaces. It 
could tip over, causing serious damage to the camcorder.
CAUTION!
Connecting cables (Audio/Video, S-Video, etc.) to the 
camcorder and leaving it on top of the TV is not 
recommended, as tripping on the cables will cause the 
camcorder to fall, resulting in damage.
GR-D94US.book  Page 3  Monday, November 17, 2003  2:12 PM
MasterPage: Safety_Right
EN 3
IMPORTANT SAFTY 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 manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, 
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including 
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the 
manufacturer.
10. 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.
11. Unplug this apparatus during 
lightning storms or when 
unused for long periods of time.
12. 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.
This camcorder is designed exclusively for the digital video 
cassette, SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard. Only 
cassettes marked “
” and memory cards marked 
“
Before recording an important scene…
…make sure you only use cassettes with the Mini DV mark 
” can be used with this unit.
” or “
…make sure you only use memory cards with the mark 
.
 or 
.
…remember that this camcorder is not compatible with other 
digital video formats.
…remember that this camcorder is intended for private 
consumer use only. Any commercial use without proper 
permission is prohibited. (Even if you record an event such as 
a show, performance or exhibition for personal enjoyment, it 
is strongly recommended that you obtain permission 
beforehand.)
MasterPage: Heading0_Left
ADVANCED FEATURES 
25 
MENUS FOR DETAILED ADJUSTMENT  .............................. 25 
Changing The Menu Settings ...................................... 25 
Recording Menus  ........................................................ 26 
Playback Menus  .......................................................... 28 
FEATURES FOR RECORDING  ........................................... 29 
White LED Light  .......................................................... 29   
Night Alive  ................................................................... 29 
Wipe Or Fader Effects ................................................. 30 
Program AE With Special Effects ................................ 30 
Snapshot (For Video Recording) ................................. 31 
Auto Focus  .................................................................. 31 
Manual Focus .............................................................. 32 
Exposure Control ......................................................... 32 
Iris Lock  ....................................................................... 32 
Backlight Compensation .............................................. 33 
White Balance Adjustment  .......................................... 33 
Manual White Balance Adjustment  ............................. 33   
EDITING  ........................................................................ 34 
Dubbing To Or From A VCR  ....................................... 34 
Dubbing To Or From A Video Unit Equipped With A DV 
Connector (Digital Dubbing) .................................... 35 
Connection To A Personal Computer .......................... 36 
Audio Dubbing ............................................................. 37 
Insert Editing  ............................................................... 37  
REFERENCES 
38 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................................... 38 
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................... 40 
CAUTIONS ..................................................................... 45 
USER MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 48 
SPECIFICATIONS  ............................................................ 49 
INDEX ........................................................................... 50 
TERMS 
54 
GR-D94US.book  Page 4  Monday, November 17, 2003  2:12 PM
CONTENTS
4 EN
GETTING STARTED 
5
Provided Accessories  ....................................................5
Power .............................................................................6
Grip Adjustment  .............................................................7
Operation Mode  .............................................................8
Date/Time Settings  ........................................................8
Viewfinder Adjustment  ...................................................9
Brightness Adjustment Of The Display  ..........................9
Tripod Mounting  .............................................................9
Loading/Unloading A Cassette  ....................................10 
Loading/Unloading A Memory Card  ................................... 10 
VIDEO RECORDING & PLAYBACK 
11
VIDEO RECORDING  ........................................................11
Basic Recording ...........................................................11
LCD Monitor And Viewfinder ........................................12 
Tape Remaining Time ..................................................12 
Zooming  .......................................................................12 
Journalistic Shooting ....................................................13 
Self Recording  .............................................................13 
Time Code  ...................................................................13 
Recording From The Middle Of A Tape  .......................13 
VIDEO PLAYBACK ...........................................................14 
Normal Playback ..........................................................14 
Still Playback ................................................................14 
Shuttle Search  .............................................................14 
Blank Search ................................................................14 
Playback Using The Remote Control  ...............................15 
Connections To A TV Or VCR  .....................................17 
DIGITAL STILL CAMERA (D.S.C.) RECORDING & 
PLAYBACK 
18 
D.S.C. RECORDING  .........................................................18 
Basic Shooting (D.S.C. Snapshot) ...............................18
Dubbing Still Images Recorded On A Tape To A Memory 
Card  .........................................................................19 
D.S.C. PLAYBACK  ...........................................................20 
Normal Playback Of Images  ........................................20 
Auto Playback Of Images  ............................................20  
Index Playback Of Files  ...............................................20 
Viewing File Information ...............................................21 
Removing On-Screen Display ......................................21 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR D.S.C. ..................................22
Protecting Files  ............................................................22 
Deleting Files  ...............................................................22 
Setting Print Information (DPOF Setting) .....................23 
Resetting The File Name  .............................................24 
Initializing A Memory Card  ...........................................24 
GR-D72US_04Start.fm  Page 5  Tuesday, November 18, 2003  11:48 AM
MasterPage: Start_Right
Provided Accessories
or
GETTING STARTED
EN 5
How To Attach The Lens Cap
To protect the lens, attach the provided lens cap to the 
camcorder as shown in the illustration.
NOTE:
To confirm the lens cap is on correctly make sure the cap is 
flush to the camcorder.
9
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a AC Adapter AP-V14U or AP-V15U
b Battery Pack BN-V408U-B
c Audio/Video Cable (ø3.5 mini-plug to RCA plug)
d Core Filter (for USB Cable and optional S-Video 
Cable. 墌 pg. 6 for attachment)
e Shoulder Strap (See the right column for attachment)
f CD-ROM
g Remote Control Unit RM-V718U
h Lithium Battery CR2025* (for remote control unit)
i USB Cable
j Lens Cap (See the right column for attachment)
* A lithium battery is pre-installed in the Remote Control Unit 
at time of shipment (with insulation sheet). To use the 
Remote Control Unit, remove the insulation sheet.
NOTES:
● In order to maintain optimum performance of the 
camcorder, provided cables may be equipped with one or 
more core filter. If a cable has only one core filter, the end 
that is closest to the filter should be connected to the 
camcorder.
● Make sure to use the provided cables for connections. Do 
not use any other cables.
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Push.
Place here during shooting.
How To Attach The Shoulder Strap
Follow the illustration.
1 Thread the strap through the eyelet.
2 Fold it back and thread it through the strap guide and 
the buckle.
● To adjust the length of the strap, loosen and then tighten 
the strap in the buckle.
3 Slide the strap guide fully towards the eyelet.
Strap guide
2
Buckle
1
Eyelet
3
GR-D94US.book  Page 6  Monday, November 17, 2003  2:12 PM
GETTING STARTED
6 EN
How To Attach The Core Filter (for USB Cable and 
optional S-Video Cable)
Attach the core filters to the cables. The core filter 
reduces interference.
1 Release the stoppers on both ends of the core filter. 
Power
POWER/CHARGE
lamp
Lock Button
Stopper
2 Run the cable through the core filter, leaving approx. 
3 cm of cable between the cable plug and the core filter. 
Wind the cable once around the outside of the core filter 
as shown in the illustration.
● Wind the cable so that it is not slack. 
3 cm
To DC connector
MasterPage: Left
Power Switch
Battery pack 
mount
Arrow
3 Close the core filter until it clicks shut. 
Wind once.
NOTES:
● Take care not to damage the cable.
● When connecting a cable, attach the end with the core filter 
to the camcorder.
Mark
Battery pack
BATT.RELEASE
AC Adapter
To AC outlet
This camcorder’s 2-way power supply system lets you 
choose the most appropriate source of power. Do not use 
provided power supply units with other equipment.
Charging The Battery Pack
1 With the arrow on the battery pack pointing upward, 
push the battery pack slightly against the battery pack 
mount a.
2 Slide up the battery pack until it locks in place b.
3 Set the Power Switch to “OFF (CHARGE)”.
4 Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder.
5 Plug the AC Adapter into an AC outlet. The POWER/
CHARGE lamp on the camcorder blinks to indicate 
charging has started.
6 When the POWER/CHARGE lamp goes out, charging 
is finished. Unplug the AC Adapter from the AC outlet. 
Disconnect the AC Adapter from the camcorder.
To detach the battery pack
Slide the battery pack down slightly while sliding BATT. 
RELEASE to detach it.
Battery pack
Charging time
BN-V408U*
BN-V416U
Approx. 1 hr. 30 min.
Approx. 3 hr.
Approx. 5 hr.
BN-V428U
* Provided
NOTES:
● If the protective cap is attached to the battery pack, remove 
it first.
● During charging, the camcorder cannot be operated.
● Charging is not possible if the wrong type of battery is used.
GR-D74US_04Start.fm  Page 7  Monday, November 17, 2003  2:53 PM
MasterPage: Start_Right
GETTING STARTED
EN 7
The Benefits Of 
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion battery packs 
are small but have a large 
power capacity. However, 
when one is exposed to 
cold temperatures (below 
10°C/50°F), its usage time 
becomes shorter and it 
may cease to function. If 
this happens, place the 
battery pack in your pocket 
or other warm, protected 
place for a short time, then 
re-attach it to the camcorder. As long as the battery pack 
itself is not cold, it should not affect performance.
(If you’re using a heating pad, make sure the battery pack 
does not come in direct contact with it.)
For other notes, 墌 pg. 38.
Lithium-ion is vulnerable in 
colder temperatures.
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Grip Adjustment
1 Adjust the velcro strip.
2 Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the 
grip.
3 Adjust your thumb and fingers through the grip to 
easily operate the Recording Start/Stop Button, Power 
Switch and Power Zoom Lever. Be sure to fasten the 
velcro strip to your preference. 
 
● When charging the battery pack for the first time or after a 
long storage period, the POWER/CHARGE lamp may not 
light. In this case, remove the battery pack from the 
camcorder, then try charging again.
● If the battery operation time remains extremely short even 
after having been fully charged, the battery is worn out and 
needs to be replaced. Please purchase a new one.
● For other notes, 墌 pg. 38.
Using The Battery Pack
Perform steps 1 – 2 in “Charging The Battery Pack”.
Maximum continuous recording time
Battery pack
LCD monitor on 
Viewfinder on
BN-V408U*
1 hr. 10 min.
BN-V416U
2 hr. 20 min.
1 hr. 40 min.
3 hr. 15 min.
4 hr. 10 min.
BN-V428U
* Provided
NOTES:
● Recording time is reduced significantly under the following 
5 hr. 50 min.
conditions: 
 Zoom or Record-Standby mode is engaged repeatedly.
 The LCD monitor is used repeatedly.
 The playback mode is engaged repeatedly.
 The White LED Light is used.
● Before extended use, it is recommended that you prepare 
enough battery packs to cover 3 times the planned 
shooting time.
ATTENTION:
Before detaching the power source, make sure that the 
camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in 
a camcorder malfunction.
Using AC Power
Connect the AC Adapter to the camcorder as shown in 
the illustration on page 6.
NOTES:
● The provided AC Adapter features automatic voltage 
selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.
● Do not allow the DC terminals of the AC Adapter to come in 
contact with metals, as this can result in a short circuit and 
cause malfunction.
● For other notes, 墌 pg. 38.
About Batteries
DANGER! Do not attempt to take the batteries apart, or 
expose them to flame or excessive heat, as it may cause 
a fire or explosion.
WARNING! Do not allow the battery or its terminals to 
come in contact with metals, as this can result in a short 
circuit and possibly start a fire.
GR-D94US.book  Page 8  Monday, November 17, 2003  2:12 PM
8 EN
GETTING STARTED
Operation Mode
To turn on the camcorder, set the Power Switch to any 
operation mode except “OFF (CHARGE)” while pressing 
down the Lock Button located on the switch. 
POWER/CHARGE lamp
Power Switch
Lock Button
MMENU/VOL.
VIDEO/MEMORY
Choose the appropriate operation mode according to 
your preference using the Power Switch and VIDEO/
MEMORY Switch.
Power Switch Position
A (Full Auto Recording):
Allows you to record using NO special effects or 
manual adjustments. Suitable for standard recording.
The “A” indicator appears on the display.
M (Manual Recording):
Allows you to set various recording functions using the 
Menus. (墌 pg. 25)
If you want more creative capabilities than Full Auto 
Recording, try this mode.
There is no indication on the display.
OFF:
Allows you to switch off the camcorder.
PLAY:
● Allows you to play back a recording on the tape.
● Allows you to display a still image stored in the 
memory card or to transfer a still image stored in the 
memory card to a PC.
● Allows you to set various playback functions using 
the Menus. (墌 pg. 25)
MasterPage: Left
VIDEO/MEMORY Switch Position
VIDEO:
Allows you to record on a tape or play back a tape. If 
” (墌 pg. 28), still 
“REC SELECT” is set to “
images are recorded both on the tape and the memory 
card.
/
MEMORY:
● Allows you to record in a memory card or access 
data stored in a memory card.
● When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, the 
currently selected image size appears.
Power-Linked Operation
When the Power Switch is set to “A” or “M”, you can also 
turn on/off the camcorder by opening/closing the LCD 
monitor or pulling out/pushing in the viewfinder.
INFORMATION:
The following explanations in this manual supposes the 
use of LCD monitor in your operation. If you want to use 
the viewfinder, close the LCD monitor and pull out the 
viewfinder fully. 
Date/Time Settings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The date/time is recorded onto the tape at all times, but 
its display can be turned on or off during playback. 
(墌 pg. 25, 28)
1 Set the Power Switch to “M” while pressing down the 
Lock Button located on the switch.
2 Open the LCD monitor fully. (墌 pg. 12)
3 Press the MMENU/VOL. Wheel in. The Menu Screen 
appears.
4 Rotate the MMENU/VOL. 
Wheel to select “n”, and press it. 
The CAMERA DISPLAY Menu 
appears.
5 Rotate the MMENU/VOL. 
Wheel to select “CLOCK ADJ.”, 
and press it. The parameter for 
“Month” is highlighted.
6 Rotate the MMENU/VOL. 
Wheel to input the month, and 
press it. Repeat to input the day, 
year, hour and minute.
7 Rotate the MMENU/VOL. 
Wheel to select “BRETURN”, and 
press it twice. The Menu Screen closes.
NOTE:
Even if you select “CLOCK ADJ.”, if the parameter is not 
highlighted, the camcorder’s internal clock continues to 
operate. Once you move the highlight bar to the first date/
time parameter (month), the clock stops. When you finish 
setting the minute and press the MMENU/VOL. Wheel in, the 
date and time begin operation from the date and time you 
have just set. 
A
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