Name: Manual for SC-MX20
Brand: SAMSUNG
Availability: InStock

Troubleshooting and error codes

Symptom

Explanation/Solution

Displays

The Recorded Image is more narrow or fat than original Image.

• You should check the size for recording before you record. ☛page 61

Unknown image appears on the LCD screen.

• The memory camcorder is in Demo mode. If you do not want to see Demo image, change the setting of "Demo" to "Off". ☛page 83

Unknown indicator appears on the screen.

• A warning indicator or message appears on the screen. ☛pages 100~102

The after image remains on the LCD screen.

• This occurs if you disconnect the AC power adaptor or remove the battery pack before turning the power off.

The image on the LCD screen looks dark.

• Ambient is too bright. Adjust the brightness and angle of LCD.
• Use the LCD enhancer function.

Menu

Menu items are grayed out.

• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback mode.
• Most of menu items cannot be selected when you set the EASY Q function.
• If there is no storage media inserted, it can not be selected and will be dimmed on the menu: "Storage", "Storage Info", "Format", etc.
• There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously. The following list shows examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items.
If you want to set the desired functions, do not set the following items first.

<Cannot Use>	<Because of the following setting>
"C.Nite", "Digital Zoom", "Digital Effect : Mirror" "Digital Effect : Mosaic" "Digital Effect : Stepprinting"	"Anti-Shake (HDIS)"
"Digital Zoom", "Exposure : Manual", "Shutter: Manual", "Focus: Face Detection", "Back Light", "iSCENE : Manual" "Digital Effect : Mirror", "Digital Effect : Mosaic", "Digital Effect : Stepprinting"	"C.Nite"
"C.Nite", "Focus : Face Detection"	"ISCENE"
"Focus : Face Detection"	"Digital Effect"
"Focus: Face Detection" "Digital Zoom"	"Digital Effect : Mirror", "Digital Effect : Mosaic", "Digital Effect : Stepprinting"
"Digital Effect : Mirror", "Digital Effect: Mosaic", "Digital Effect : Stepprinting"	"16:9 Wide"
"Fader" "Focus: Face Detection"	"Interval REC"
	"Exposure : Manual", "Shutter : Manual"

Storage Media

Memory card functions are not operable.

• Insert a memory card into your camcorder properly. ☛page 38
• If you use a memory card formatted on a computer, format it again directly on your camcorder. ☛page 77

Image cannot be deleted.

• You cannot delete the images protected by other device.
Release the protection of the image on the device. ☛page 71
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the memory card (SDHC memory card, etc.), if any. ☛page 39

You cannot format the memory card.

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the memory card (SDHC memory card, etc.), if any. ☛page 39
• Copy any important recorded files to your PC before formatting.
Samsung shall not be responsible for any loss of data. (It is recommended that you copy the data to your PC or other storage media.)

The data file name is not indicated correctly.

• The file may be corrupted.
• The file format is not supported by your camcorder.
• Only the file name is displayed, if the directory structure does not comply with the international standard.

Does not charge or operate even the battery pack is inserted.

• Check whether the battery pack is genuine. Non-genuine battery pack is not recognized properly by the memory camcorder.

Recording

Pressing the Recording start/ stop button does not start recording.

• Press the MODE button to set Movie Record mode ( ).
• There is not enough free space to record on the built-in memory or memory card.
• Check if memory card is not inserted or write-protect tab is set to lock.
• The internal temperature of your camcorder is unusually high.
Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.
• Your camcorder is damp and moist inside (condensation). Turn off your camcorder and leave it for about 1 hour in a cool place. ☛page 96

The actual recording time is less than the estimated time.

• The estimated recording time may vary depending on contents and features used.
• Recording a fast-moving subject increases the bit rate and consequently the amount of storage space required for the recording, which can lead to a shorter available recording time.

The recording stops automatically.

• There is no more free space for recording on the storage media.
Back up important files on your PC and format the storage media or delete the unnecessary files.
• If you make a frequent recording or deletion of files, the performance of the built-in flash memory will be deteriorated. In this case, format the built-in memory again.
• If you use the memory card with low writing speed, the memory camcorder automatically stops recording the movie images and the corresponding message appears on the LCD screen.

When recording a subject illuminated by bright light, vertical lines appear.

• The memory camcorder is unable to record these levels of brightness.

When the screen is exposed to the direct sunlight during recording, the screen becomes red or black for an instant.

• Do not leave the memory camcorder with the LCD screen exposed to direct sunlight.

During recording, the date/time does not display.

• "Date/Time" is set to off. Set the "Date/Time" to on. ☛page 80

The beep sound is not heard.

• Set "Beep Sound" to "On".
• Beep sound is temporally off while recording movies.
• When the AV cable is connected to the memory camcorder, the beep sound will automatically turn off.

There is a time difference between the point where you press Recording start/stop button and the point where the recorded movie starts/stops.

• On your camcorder, there may be a slight time delay between the point when you press Recording start/stop button and the actual point where the recorded movie starts/stops. This is not an error.

The recording stops.

• The internal temperature of your camcorder is unusually high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.
• Your camcorder is damp and moist inside (condensation). Turn off your camcorder and leave it for about 1 hour in a cool place. ☛page 96

Adjusting the image during recording

Focus does not adjust automatically.

• Set "Focus" to "Auto". ☛page 57
• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus.
• Adjust the focus manually. ☛page 57
• The lens is dusty on the surface. Clear the lens and check the focus.
• Recording is being made in a dark place. Light up to brighten the place.

The image appears too bright or flickering, or changes in color.

• This occurs when recording images under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp. Cancel "iSCENE" to minimize this phenomena. ☛page 53

Color balance of image is not natural.

• White balance adjustment is required. Set proper "White Balance". ☛page 54

The backlight function does not function.

• While recording in EASY Q mode, the backlight function does not work.

Playback on your memory camcorder

Using the playback (Play/Pause) button would not start playing.

• Press the MODE button to set Movie Play mode. ( ).
• Image files recorded using other device may not be played on your memory camcorder.
• Check out the memory card compatibility. ☛page 39

The Skip or Search function does not work properly.

• If the temperature inside the camcorder is too high, it can not function properly. Turn the camcorder off, wait for a few moments, and turn it on again.

Playback is interrupted unexpectedly.

• Check the AC adaptor or battery pack is properly connected and stable.

You cannot hear the sound when playing movie recorded by Interval Recording.

• The Interval recording does not support the sound input. (mute recording) ☛page 64

Playback on other devices (TV, etc.)

You cannot view the image or hear the sound on the connected device.

• Connect the audio line of the AV cable to your camcorder or to the connected device (TV, DVD recorder, etc). (Red color- right, White color- left)
• The AV cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the AV cable is connected to the proper jack. ☛page 93

Connecting to a computer

When using the movies, a computer does not recognize your camcorder.

• Install the provided software program. ☛pages 86, 87
• Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse and the camcorder from the computer.
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect them again correctly.

Cannot play a movie file properly on a PC.

• A video codec is needed to play the file recorded on your memory camcorder.
Install the software provided with your camcorder. ☛pages 86, 87
• Please install by using the software CD that came with this camcorder.
• We do not guarantee compatibility for different CD versions.

Cannot use the provided software, "CyberLink Media Show4", on the Macintosh computer.

• On a Macintosh computer, you can also transfer data by connecting the USB cable, but the provided CyberLink MediaShow4 is not Macintosh-compliant.
• On a Macintosh computer, you can upload recordings using the iMovie application.
• This memory camcorder can be used only as a removable storage device for the computers with Macintosh (OS version 10.3 or later) and Windows 2000.

"CyberLink MediaShow4" does not function properly.

• Exit the "CyberLink MediaShow4" program, and restart the Windows computer.

The image or sound on your camcorder is not played on your computer properly.

• Movie playback or sound may stop temporarily depending on your computer.
The movie or sound copied to your computer is not affected.
• If your camcorder is connected to a computer that does not support Hi-speed USB (USB2.0), the images or sound may not be played back correctly.
The images and sound is copied to your computer is not affected.

The playback screen is paused or distorted.

• Check the system requirements to play a movie. ☛page 84
• Exit other all applications running on the current computer.
• If a recorded movie is played on your camcorder connected to a computer, the image may not play smoothly, depending on the transfer speed. Please copy the file to your PC, and then play it back.

Connecting/Dubbing with other devices (TV, DVD recorder, etc)

You cannot dub correctly using the AV cable.

• The AV cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the AV cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to the input jack of the device used for dubbing an image from your camcorder. ☛page 93

Overall operations

The date and time are incorrect.

• Has the camcorder been left unused for a long period of time?
The backup built-in rechargeable battery may be discharged. ☛page 35

The camcorder does not turn on, or does not operate by pressing any button.

• Remove the battery pack or unplug AC power adaptor, and connect the power supply to the camcorder again before turning it on.

Manual for SC-MX20

Warranty Information

Troubleshooting and error codes