Answers To Frequently Asked Questions |
First, check the cabling per the diagram in the manual, "A Quick Look." If it's all O.K., make sure you have the correct inputs set for the Record VCR. The code "A1" should be displayed in the VCR's window. When the VCR is turned off, it will reset to Channel 2 when you turn it back on. To set it to "A1", push the down arrow under "Channel" on the flip down panel. The display will change to "A2". That refers to the inputs on the front of the VCR. Press it again to select "A1", the inputs on the back of the VCR.
Question: Why is the print option grayed out when I try to print a title per the instructions in "A Quick Look"?
Unfortunately, some copies of the software shipped with a "feature" that prevents the titler from working properly. The problem should be fixed before the unit ships, but one or two might have slipped through, and you may experience the problem if you reinstall the FASTEDIT software. Fortunately, it's easy to fix. Depending upon whether you are running Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or Windows 95, use either Program Manager or the Start button to find "File Run". Type in the filename win.ini. You will notice that the file is divided into sections, such as [windows] etc. In the [windows] section, you will find a line that reads, "device=Panasonic Fastedit Title-driver, TCOLOR,LPT3:. Edit that line to read, "///FAST VM Title-driver, TCOLOR,LPT3:" Similar text appears further down in [devices] and [printer ports]. Edit those too so that the words "Panasonic Fastedit" are replaced with "///FAST VM". Be sure to save the file.
If you are running Windows 95, select "Printers" on the "Start" menu and the ///FAST VM Title-driver should show up. If it doesn't or if you are running Windows 3.11, shut down and restart. Now try using the titler according to the instructions in "A Quick Look", and it should work fine.
Question: What is the manual called "A Quick Look", and how do I get one?
"A Quick Look" is a brief, illustrated manual on the hookup and operation of the FASTEDIT system. It will answer any questions you may have about connecting all the cables and it will help you get your first edits done quickly and easily. It also has a Troubleshooting section that will help you solve some of the most commonly encountered problems. And if you should have a problem you can't solve easily, "A Quick Look" provides a good basis for communication between you and our Customer Service Representatives. "A Quick Look" is packed into every FASTEDIT system, but if you can't find yours, call us at 1-800-874-9889 and we'll be happy to send one to you at no charge.
Question: Why does FASTEDIT not function properly after I reinstalled the software?
The uninstall utility does not always work perfectly. After you save all your projects and movies elsewhere in some kind of temporary directory, delete the FASTEDIT directory entirely. Then check the Windows directory for the following files: smip.dll, tcdrv.ini, tcflt.ini, vm.ini, vm_inst.ini. If you find any of them, delete them. Then check the Windows\System directory for: dib.drv and tcolor.drv. If you find them, delete them also. Now you can install the software and everything should work fine.
Question: Why do I get an error message that says something about "Projman" when I try to start FASTEDIT?
Chances are, you have a project that has some kind of error in it (most often, a faulty title) and the system is unable to load it properly. Here are two possible fixes. First try moving all of your projects out of the Fastedit/Projects subdirectory into a temporary directory using File Manager or Explorer. If FASTEDIT still won't start, find the file vm.ini in the Windows directory and rename it vm.bak. Now when you start FASTEDIT you will see the Setup screen. Select "Auto" and wait while the system resets. FASTEDIT should now start up O.K.
By the way, if you get that error again, check the Title Editor for loaded filters. Remove all filters, then add the ones you want one after another, checking the results by previewing after each addition. Take notes. After a while, you can develop your own library of selected filters, and you will be able to use them reliably over and over.
Question: Why do I get an error message when I try to preview my movie or record it to tape?
Read the message carefully. Chances are, you have a clip that is too close to either the beginning or the end of the tape, and the system cannot find the space it needs for the pre-roll or post-roll. You can fool around with the settings to try to outsmart the system for the purposes of laying down that one clip, but you'd be better off re-shooting it if you can or dubbing it onto another tape. Always record a minute or two before you start recording clips you want to use.