Rather than simply being listed as “working” or “powers on” like other machines offered for sale, this VCR has been certified as being in excellent operating condition by the individual who served Panasonic as the technical training instructor for the DVCPRO format machines. This same individual just completed servicing this machine and rigorously examined it as to its condition so you can expect it will provide you with many hours of reliable operation. That’s why it costs a bit more– every effort was made and no shortcuts were taken to assure you of a VCR that’s in excellent operating condition. Due to the extent of the examination and service it received, we are able confidently list this VCR for sale not just as “working,” or as being “in good operating condition” but as having been certified as being ready to provide hours of reliable operation.
Read on to learn of more the reasons why this price is a bargain, even if the price is slightly higher then the others machines listed but first, let me describe some of the general features of this machine.
General Description
If you’re looking for a reliable, recently serviced, fully functioning and well running DVCPRO VCR that’s certified to provide the best audio and video playback quality possible for transferring your DVCPRO or DVCAM video tapes to a digital format, you’ve found the right machine! And, with the optional AJCS455P or an equivalent cassette tape adapter (not included in this sale), this VCR will also playback previously recorded SP mode Mini DV tapes.
Because of its compact, half-rack size, excellent audio and video playback quality and the capability of simply setting on top of a desk, the AJ-D230P continues to be a very popular choice among individuals and businesses interested in converting video tapes to a digital format. It’s also a popular choice among broadcast television facilities for conversion of their DVCPRO and DVCAM video tape library.
While this is a professional grade DVCPRO recorder/player, it’s also popular among home users because of its compact size and capability of playing back SP mode Mini DV tapes recorded by many home camcorders. Its ease of use, and simplicity to connect to other devices also makes it a popular choice for home users. (Note: Playback of the mini DV tapes requires an AJCS455P or an equivalent cassette tape adapter which is not included in this sale. Additionally, this VCR does not playback mini DV tapes recorded in the less common LP mode.)
Now lets return to the promised description of the service this VCR just received and why it can be certified as being in excellent working condition.
First, some background on the common problems that have appeared in this model over the years. Various mechanical troubles caused by dried up or contaminated lubrication, distorted audio and video reproduction resulting from defective surface mount electrolytic capacitors (SMECs) in the circuitry and mechanical troubles of loading and unloading the tape caused by one or more failures in the front loading cassette tray assembly have all been known to appear in the machine. (The cassette tray assembly is responsible for lowering the tape into the mechanism during load and elevating it back up again during the eject operation.)
You can be assured of reliable operation from this machine because the cassette tray unit has been serviced, all– not just a few but all– of the SMECs in this VCR have just been replaced and the lubrication throughout the mechanism was not simply refreshed by adding a few drops of oil here and there, but was removed and replaced. Thus, all of typical problems common with this model have already been addressed and will not be a problem like they could be for other VCRs listed for sale bearing this same model number that simply state “it’s working.”
As part of the above described service, the other portions of the internal mechanism (including the levers, gears and linkages) have been thoroughly cleaned and adjusted, as well as the tape tension regulation system and the tape path have been aligned.
Video Head Condition. The video heads in this VCR have been visually inspected for wear, the Channel Condition Indicator light on the front panel is green and the detailed Bit Error Rate Measurements available in the service mode show good results. Add this technical analysis to the relatively low hours of Drum rotation time logged by this VCR (the Drum rotation hours recorded by this machine were stated above and have been displayed in one of the provided photographs), and you have every indication possible suggesting that the video heads in this machine are in excellent condition and should provide many hours of operation before replacement is required.
Here’s a bit of technical information to help you understand how the Drum rotation hour meter reading aids in evaluating the expected life remaining on these video heads and just how good of a bargain this machine really is.
Experience has shown that the video heads in this VCR model typically last for over 10,000 hours of Drum rotation time with some heads having been known to approach 15,000 hours before replacement was required. While the condition of the video tapes used, the method of video head cleaning employed and the operational environment have a direct effect on the number of hours video heads will last in any VCR, the relatively low hours logged on these heads and the current Bit Error Rate measurements all indicate the good potential for these heads to last for several thousand more hours before requiring replacement.
Front Panel Display
All segments in the front panel display are bright.
Audio & Video Reproduction Quality
The audio and video record and playback quality is excellent. Both the audio and video reproduction meets or exceeds factory specified levels, signal-to-noise ratios, K factor, distortion levels and Y/C timing.
General Operation
All functions and features are have been fully tested and are operational.
General Exterior Appearance
Not only are the internal electrical and mechanical workings of the VCR in tip-top shape but the exterior cabinetry and front faceplate is in good condition. Only a few slight scratches and signs of wear are present. Otherwise, the exterior of the VCR is clean and in good condition.
Some Important Things to Consider When Selecting A VCR To Purchase
Have the other VCR’s for sale on this website, and listed as working, been thoroughly examined by someone knowledgeable with the operation and highly skilled in the service of these VCRs? Has all the lubrication been replaced or have just a few drops of oil been sprinkled at select locations in the mechanism to make the VCR temporarily appear as if it was working? Have all the SMECs just been replaced or have only a select few capacitors been changed out just to get the VCR running at the time of sale?
Watch out for machines that have been quickly “patched up” to make them ready for the sale without regard for long-term reliability? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had customers purchase a VCR online that was supposed to be working end up sending it to me for repair shortly thereafter because, while it did work for a brief period, the machine began malfunctioning within a few weeks.
Rest assured, this should not be an issue with this VCR. While any thing can breakdown unexpectedly, every thing possible was done, and all of the service completed on this machine was thorough and comprehensive. It was performed with long-term reliability in mind.
Description of Features
Video head condition
As stated above, and as displayed in one of the provided photographs, the relatively low hours of Drum rotation time logged by this VCR and the good Bit Error Rate Measurements coming off these heads all indicate the video heads are in excellent operating condition and could easily be expected to provide many hours of operation before replacement is required. Since video head replacement is an expensive ordeal, this is a good indication of the real bargain this machine offers.
Professional Grade Input/Output Connections
Outputs include one professional BNC video output jack and one S-Video output connection for video output and one Monitor video output.
The Monitor video output can have On Screen Display information overlaid on the video indicating the machine status including Record, Playback, Fast-Forward or Rewind modes, etc., and/or Time Code information. The On Screen Display characters can also be turned off allowing the Monitor video output to serve as a second source of output video.
Audio output is available from one pair of RCA-Phono jacks for Channel One & Channel Two (stereo) audio output. The front panel selection button allows the operator to select a individual channel or both channels for output.
Inputs for recording include a single BNC input jack, and an S-Video connection for video and one pair of Channel One and Channel Two RCA-Phono jacks for two channels of audio recording.
Sync External Input
An external sync jack (BNC Connector) is provided making it possible to synchronize the playback video from this VCR with other video in a video production environment.
Auto Tracking
Automatic Digital Auto Tracking is part of the DVCPRO format. Tracking cannot be adjusted manually.
Remote Control Feature
This VCR has an RS-232C connector on the rear panel making it possible for the machine to be externally controlled with a computer or another compatible controlling device.
A 3.5" floppy is included with this purchase containing a simple Windows OS based RS-232C remote control software program that works on Windows 98 OS and later Windows OS computers. The RS-232C cable also required for remote operation is not provided with this purchase but is available through regular retailers and online sellers.
Audio Record & Playback Level Meters
Individual Channel 1 and Channel 2 audio level meters display record and playback audio levels via an 18 step display. Peak levels are indicated with red digits.
Chanel 1 and Channel 2 Record Level Controls
Individual volume controls are provided on the front panel allowing adjustment of the record audio levels. The two channel audio level meter provides you with an indication of the levels being recorded.
Head Phone Output
A 3.5mm stereo head phone jack is provided on the front panel for monitoring record or playback audio. Head phone audio level can be adjusted by the level control on the front panel.
VCR Technical Specifications
Ambient operating temperature: 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)
Ambient operating humidity: 35% to 80%
Weight: 15.4 lbs. (7.0 kg)
Dimensions: (W x H x D):8-7/16' X 5-1/4 X 15-7/1&(214 X 132 X 391 mm)
Recording format: DVCPRO (25Mb)
Recording tracks: Digital video
Playback Format: DVCPRO (25Mb), DVCAM, mini-DV (SP mode).
Note: mini-DVplayback is only possible with the optional AJCS455P mini-DV video cassette tape adapter– which is not included in this sale.
Time code: Recorded in sub-code area
Digital audio: 2 channels
Channels 3 & 4 can be selected via a front panel push button when a mini-DV tape is played back recorded with four channels of audio
Cue track: 1 track
Control Track (CTL): 1 track
Tape speed: 33.820 mm/sec.
Recording time: 123 minutes (using AJ-P123LP tape)
63 minutes (using AJ-P63MP tape)
Tape used: 1/4" thin magnetic layer metal tape
FF/REW time: Within 3 mm. (using AJ-P123LP tape)
VIDEO
(Digital video)
Sampling frequency: 13.5 MHz for Y; 3.375 MHz for Pr/Pb
Quantizing: 8 bits
Error correction: Reed-Solomon product code
Input/Output Video Format: Composite, NTSC (3.58 Mhz)
(Line IN/line OUT)
Video bandwidth: 30 Hz to 4.5 MHz (-1±1 dB) for Y
Y/C delay: Less than 20ns
K factor: Less than 3%
(Input connectors)
Line input: BNC x 1; 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohms
SYNC input: BNC x 1; 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohms
S-VIDEO: 4P xl; Y: 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohms
C: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohms (burst level)
(Output connectors)
Line output: BNC xl; 1.0 VP-P, 75 ohms
Monitor output: BNC x 1; 1.0 VP-P, 75 ohms
S-VIDEO: 4P x 1; Y: 1.0 VP-P, 75 ohms
C: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 ohms (burst level)
AUDIO
(Digital audio)
Sampling frequency: 48 kHz
Quantizing: 16 bits
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Dynamic range: More than 85 dB (1 kHz, emphasis OFF, "A" weighted)
Distortion: Less than 0.1% (1 kHz, emphasis OFF, reference level)
Crosstalk: Less than —80 dB (1 kHz, between 2 channels)
(Input connectors)
Line input (CH1/CH2): PHONO x 2; —8 dBV, 47 k ohms
(Output connectors)
Line output (CH1/CH2): PHONO x 2; —8 dBV, 10 k ohms
Headphones output: 3mm stereo, variable level (max. —32 dBV or more), 8 ohms
OTHER INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTORS
RS-232C: D-SUB, 25P, RS-232C interface
Wired remote control: 2mm jack (simple remote control)
DISPLAY
Display Type: Fluorescent Characters
Counter: 8 digits (CTL/TC/UB selectable, remaining tape)
Audio level meter: 18 steps
Other: REC/REC INH, REMOTE, WIDE, "Consumer-use cassette loaded" display, REPEAT, SERVO, Channel condition, "Cassette loaded" display
POWER
Power supply: 120 V AC, 50Hz-60Hz (three prong, C14 male connector)
Power consumption: 45W
Accessories Included
1. AC Cord
2. Operation manual (photo copied)
3. RS-232C remote control software for Windows 98 OS and later (3.5" floppy)
4. Four plastic feet for table top placement
5. Carrying handle
Items NOT Included
1. Audio, video connection cables
2. Audio, video adapters
3. Optional RS-232C controller
4. Optional RS-232C cable
5. Optional AJCS455P mini DV video cassette tape adapter