Recording - Manual vs. Auto

Hi,

I have a JVC GR-SXM248 VHS camcorder.

I love to use the auto setting to record because it automatically adjusts light, etc. BUT I hate the fact that I can't get the date to display at the bottom when I record in this mode. The most I can get is "Auto Date" which displays the date only for a few seconds when I first start recording for that day.

Also, I like to have the Fade in/Fade out effect, which also doesn't work in the Auto mode. Anyone know a way around this?

Thanks

CamGirl