2-515-259-12(1)

Camera Operations Guide

Read this first

Video Camera Recorder/Digital Video Camera Recorder
CCD-TRV138/TRV338 DCR-TRV280

2005 Sony Corporation

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking LithiumIon batteries.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV280 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
b Notice If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.

Owners Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. -TRV Model No. Serial No. Model No.ACSerial No.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. b Notes: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. This product contains mercury. Disposal of this product may be regulated if sold in the United States. For disposal or recycling information, please contact your local authorities or the Electronics Industries Alliance (http://www.eiae.org).

Recording starts. To change to standby mode, press REC START/STOP again. You can also use REC START/ STOP of the LCD panel.

START/STOP

View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

a Slide the POWER

switch repeatedly until the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up.

b Press c Press

(rewind).
(play) to start the playback.

To stop, press.

To turn off the power, slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
Recording/Playing back with ease
By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback.
Press EASY when recording/ playing back.
EASY lights up in blue (1) and screen font size increases (2) during Easy Handycam operation.
Easy Handycam operation ON
For details, see instructions for each operation. See page 26 for recording, page 36 for playback.

Stereo: ( TRV280)

Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder.
The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

USB cable (1) ( TRV280)

AC Adaptor (1)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30 (1) CD-ROM Picture Package Ver.1.5 (1) ( TRV280) Camera Operations Guide (This manual) (1)

Power cord (1)

Lens cap (1) See page 104 on how to attach the lens cap.
Shoulder strap (1) See page 107 on how to attach the shoulder strap.
A/V connecting cable (1) Monaural: ( TRV138/338)
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the battery by attaching the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (M series) to your camcorder.
b Notes You cannot use batteries other than the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (M series) (p. 96). Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminals with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or build-in cabinet.

Lift up the viewfinder.

Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
Battery pack DC IN jack DC plug

TRV280:

255 385

Recording time when recording with the LCD screen on
Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25C (77F). For TRV138/338:
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 445 670
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 485 725

220 335

* Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the POWER switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.

220 300

NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 355 535
Playing time Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25C (77F). For TRV138/338:
Battery pack LCD panel opened

LCD panel closed

715 1070
Recording time when recording with the viewfinder

NP-FM30 (supplied) 175

580 865
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 390 585
b Notes The power will not be supplied from the battery pack when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even if its power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet. The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperature. The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information will not be correctly displayed in following conditions. The battery pack is not attached correctly. The battery pack is damaged. The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery information only.)
Step 3: Turning the power on
You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 17).
Using an outside power source
While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down.
The power turns on. To enter the recording or playing mode, slide the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp for the desired power mode lights up.
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power source when you do not want the battery to run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its charge even when it is attached to your camcorder.
PRECAUTION Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
CAMERA mode: To record on a tape. PLAY/EDIT mode: To play or edit pictures on a tape.
Connect your camcorder as shown in Charging the battery pack (p. 12).

To turn off the power

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

Adjusting the LCD panel

3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
[LCD BRIGHT], then press the dial (p. 51).
4 Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

5 Press MENU.

z Tips If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. If you are using the battery pack for power source, you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD B.L.] in the (LCD SET) menu (p. 51). The recorded picture will not be affected by this setting. You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by setting [BEEP] in the (OTHERS) menu to [OFF] (p. 57).
You can adjust the angle and brightness of the LCD panel to meet various recording situations.
Even when there are obstructions between you and the subject, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.

Adjusting the viewfinder

Maximum 180 degrees
You can view images using the viewfinder when you close the LCD panel. Use the viewfinder when the battery is running out, or when the screen is hard to see.

Maximum 90 degrees

Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it to the desired position.
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever
To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen 1 Press MENU. 2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
(LCD SET), then press the dial.
Lift up the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture is clear.
Step 5: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder.
b Note If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery (p. 100) and then set the date and time again.

Press MENU.

MANUAL SET PROGRAM AE P EFFECT AUTO SHTR

[MENU] : END

DEMO MODE

When you remove a cassette from your camcorder, and select the CAMERA mode, you can view the demonstration in about 10 minutes.
GON OFF Select to see an overview of the functions available such as when you are using this camcorder for the first time. Select when you do not intend to use the [DEMO MODE].
b Note You can view the demonstration only when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to OFF. z Tips The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below. When a cassette is inserted. When a mode other than CAMERA is selected. If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5 min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 57).
Using the (OTHERS) menu WORLD

TIME/VIDEO EDIT, etc.

You can select items listed below in the OTHERS menu. To select items, see Changing the menu settings (p. 41). The default settings are marked with G. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the
OTHERS WORLD TIME BEEP A. SHUT OFF DISPLAY REC LAMP

DATA CODE

GOFF DATE/TIME CAM DATA
Select not to display date, time and the camera settings data during playback. Select to display the date and time during playback. (p. 37) Select to display the camera setting data during playback. (p. 37)

WORLD TIME

You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the time difference by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the clock will be adjusted in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time.
GMELODY Select to play a melody when you start/stop recording, operate your camcorder with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, or when an unusual condition occurs on your camcorder. Select to sound a beep instead of the melody. Select to cancel the melody, beep sound, shutter sound and operation confirmation beep.

NORMAL OFF

A.SHUT OFF
G5 min Select to activate the Auto shut off. When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off to prevent the battery from becoming consumed. Select to deactivate the Auto shut off.
b Note When you connect your camcorder to the wall outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER].

DISPLAY

GLCD V-OUT/LCD Select to show the displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. Select to show the displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.

Connect your VCR to your camcorder as a recording device (p. 59, 60). Prepare your VCR for recording.
Insert a cassette for recording. If your VCR has an input selector, set it to the input mode.
Prepare your camcorder for playback.
Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode.
Start the playback on your camcorder, and record it on the VCR.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your VCR for details.
When the dubbing is finished, stop your camcorder and the VCR.
b Notes When dubbing using the A/V connecting cable, press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to hide indicators such as time code (p. 37). Otherwise, they will be recorded on the tape. For TRV280: When connected using the A/V connecting cable, to record the date/time and camera settings data, have it displayed on screen (p. 37).

Dubbing a tape easily

Easy Dubbing ( TRV138/338)
You can control VCR for dubbing with your camcorder easily with the VCR connected to the camcorder.
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [SETUP], then press the dial.
EASY DUBBING SETUP I R SETUP PAUSE MODE I R TEST RETURN 0 ::3

[ E A S Y D UB ] : E N D

NORMAL
Step 1: Preparing your camcorder and VCR for operation
Follow the steps below when you are performing the Easy Dubbing for the first time. You can skip this setting if you have set up the VCR by the following procedure before.
b Note You cannot perform the Easy Dubbing on a VCR that does not support [IR SETUP] codes.
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [IR SETUP], then press the dial.
When you connect with an A/V connecting cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code signal to see if your VCR can be operated by your camcorder (infrared ray emitter).
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR, then press the dial.
For the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR, refer to [IR SETUP] code list (p. 63). When there is more than one code listed for the manufacturer of your VCR, try each code and find the most appropriate one.
Connect your VCR to your camcorder as a recording device (p. 60). Prepare your VCR for recording.
Insert a cassette for recording. Set the input selector to input mode, if your VCR has one.
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [PAUSE MODE], then press the dial.
EASY DUBBING 0 ::SETUP I R SETUP PAUSE MODE P A U S E REC I R TEST PB RETURN
Insert a cassette for editing. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

NORMAL [ E A S Y D UB ] : E N D

Press EASY DUB.

EASY DUBBING START T I T LE SEL MODE SEL SETUP 0 ::0 0
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the mode to cancel recording pause on the VCR, then press the dial.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your VCR for details on operation.
10Point the infrared ray emitter of your
camcorder towards the remote sensor on your VCR, from about 30 cm (12 in.) away, with no obstructions.
Remote sensor Infrared ray emitter VCR

[IR SETUP] code list

The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded on your camcorder by default. (It is set at 3 as the default setting.)

Manufacturing company

Sony Admiral (M. Wards) Aiwa Akai Audio Dynamic

[IR SETUP] code

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 47, 54, 80 49, 51 21, 35
Bell&Howell (M. Wards) 36 Broksonic 21, 70, 82 77, 47, 73 8, 77, 80 26, 40, 77
11Set the VCR to recording pause. 12Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select [IR TEST], then press the dial.
Canon Citizen Craig Curtis Mathis Daewoo
13Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select [EXECUTE], then press the dial.
Recording starts on your VCR when the setting is correct. [COMPLETE] appears when the [IR SETUP] code test is finished. Go on to the next step. When recording fails to start, select another [IR SETUP] code and try again.
DBX Dimensia Emerson Fisher Funai General Electric Goldstar/LG
21, 33, 26, 48, 59, 70, 80, 81, 82 36, 37, 44, 8, 32*, 77, 94*, 71 8, 42, 77, 78 8, 21, 33, 35, 36, 42, 77 12, 13, 14, 21, 33, 35 21, 33, 35, 47 36, 37, 42, 44, 45, 47, 49, 80 17, 77, 78, 83 21, 33, 37, 77 8, 42 22, 23, 24, 28, 29
14Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select [ dial. RETURN], then press the
GO VIDEO Hitachi HQ Instant Replay JC Penny JVC Kenwood LXI (Sears) Magnavox Marantz Marta Memorex Minolta Mitsubishi/MGA
Multitech NEC Olympic Optimus Orion Panasonic Pentax Philco Philips Pioneer Quasar RCA/PROSCAN Realistic Sansui Singer Samsung Sanyo Scott Sharp Shintom Signature 2000 Sylvania Symphonic Tashiro Tatung Teac Technics Toshiba Wards Yamaha Zenith * TV/VCR component
23, 32, 80 21, 33, 35 77, 60 16, 17, 77, 78 8, 42 26, 70, 77, 78 47, 77, 78, 6, 16, 17, 77, 78 7, 8, 16, 40, 41, 42, 77, 78, 78*, 83, 101 22, 36, 37, 77, 80, 73 24, 24*, 32, 32*, 41, 94, 94* 26, 36, 37, 47 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 37, 40, 41 88, 80, 89 77, 78, 80, 47 21, 33, 35 21, 33, 35, 80 77, 78 7, 40, 49 37, 47, 88, 89, 95 21, 33, 35, 36 95
Step 2: Selecting the title
You can insert a title. You can select one of the 8 preset titles and the 2 custom titles. See steps 1 to 4 on page 31 to create original titles.
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [TITLE SEL], then press the dial.

6 Insert a cassette into your VCR, and set
the VCR to recording pause.
7 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
[IR TEST], then press the dial.
8 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
[EXECUTE], then press the dial. The recording starts on your VCR when the setting is correct. [COMPLETE] appears when the [IR SETUP] code test is finished. Go on to Step 2: Adjusting the synchronization of the VCR (p. 68). When recording fails to start, select another IR code and try again.
To set the [IR SETUP] code
Step 2: Adjusting the synchronization of the VCR
Follow the steps below when you are performing digital program editing for the first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip this setting if you have set up your VCR before using the following procedure. You can adjust the synchronization of your camcorder and the VCR to avoid not recording the starting scene.
[IR SETUP], then press the dial.
the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR, then press the dial. For the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR, refer to [IR SETUP] code list (p. 63). When there is more than one code listed for the manufacturer of your VCR, try each code and find the most appropriate one.
Remove the cassette from your camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper to take notes. Set the VCR to recording pause mode.
Skip this step if you have selected [i.LINK] in step 9 on p. 68.

b Note

[PAUSEMODE], then press the dial.
the mode to cancel recording pause on the VCR, then press the dial. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your VCR for details on operation.
Run the tape for about 10 seconds before pausing. The starting scenes may not get recorded when you start recording from the beginning of the tape.
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [ADJ TEST], then press the dial.
VIDEO EDIT EDIT SET CONTROL ADJ TEST CUTIN CUTOUT IR SETUP PAUSEMODE IR TEST RETURN [MENU] : END 0:08:55:06 RETURN EXECUTE ENGAGE REC PAUSE
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the average numerical value of [IN], then press the dial.
The calculated start position for recording is set.
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [CUT-OUT], then press the dial.
VIDEO EDIT EDIT SET CONTROL ADJ TEST CUTIN CUTOUT IR SETUP PAUSEMODE IR TEST RETURN [MENU] : END 0:08:55:06

There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to a computer.
USB cable This method is good for copying video and sound recorded on a tape to the computer. i.LINK cable This method is good for copying video and sound recorded on a tape. Image data is transferred in more clarity than with a USB cable.
For details on connection, see First Step Guide.
Viewing video and pictures on a computer You can view the pictures copied from your camcorder by selecting from thumbnails. Still images and movies are saved in folders by date.

About First Step Guide

First Step Guide is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This First Step Guide describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software stored on the CD-ROM (supplied). After installing the CD-ROM, reading Installing the software and First Step Guide on a computer ( TRV280) (p. 74), start the First Step Guide, then follow the instructions.
About the help function of the software
The Help guide explains all the functions of all the software applications. Refer to the Help guide for further detailed operations after reading the First Step Guide thoroughly. To display the Help guide, click the [?] mark on the screen.
CPU: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or faster (800 MHz or faster recommended) (For using ImageMixer VCD2, Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster recommended) Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (this product is based on DirectX technology. It is necessary to have DirectX installed.) Windows Media Player 7.0 or later Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or later Sound system: 16 bit stereo sound card and stereo speakers Memory: 64 MB or more Hard disk: Available memory required for installation: 500 MB or more Available free hard disk space recommended: 6 GB or more (depending on the size of the image files edited) Display: 4 MB VRAM video card, Minimum dots, High color (16 bit color, colors), DirectDraw display driver capability (this product will not operate correctly at dots or less, and 256 colors or less.) Others: USB port (this must be provided as standard), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive (You need a CD-R drive to create a video CD. For the compatible drive, visit the following URL: http://www.ppackage.com/)

System requirements

For Macintosh users
b Note When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the OS.

For Windows users

When using Picture Package OS: Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded. In Windows 98, USB Streaming is not supported. In Windows 98 and Windows 98SE, DV capturing is not supported.

Using First Step Guide

For inquires about this software

Viewing First Step Guide

Starting up on a Windows computer
Double-click the icon on the desktop. You can also start by selecting [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP), [Picture Package], and [First Step Guide], then start up [First Step Guide].
Pixela User Support Center Pixela Home Page Windows: http://www.ppackage.com/ Macintosh: http://www.ImageMixer.com/ North America (Los Angeles) Telephone: +1-213-341-0163 Europe (U.K.) Telephone: +44-1489-564-764 Asia (Philippines) Telephone: +63-2-438-0090

On Copyrights

Music works, sound recording or other third party musical contents you may acquire from CDs, the Internet or other sources (the Music Contents) are the copyrighted work of the respective owners thereof and are protected by copyright laws and other applicable laws of each country/region. Except to the extent expressly permitted by applicable laws, you are not permitted to use (including, without limitation, copying, modifying, reproducing, uploading, transmitting or placing to the external network accessible to the public, transferring, distributing, lending, licensing, selling and publishing) any of the Music Contents without obtaining authorization or approval of the respective owners thereof. License of Picture Package by Sony Corporation would not be construed as conferring to you by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any license or right to use the Music Contents.
Starting up on a Macintosh computer
Double-click FirstStepGuide.pdf.
z Tip To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed. If it is not installed on your computer, you can download it from the Adobe Systems web page: http://www.adobe.com/

On trademarks

Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

About remaining battery time indicator
When the power goes off even though the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again. The indication on the remaining battery time will be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the battery indication will not be restored if it is used in high temperatures for a long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when the battery pack is frequently used. Use the remaining battery time indication as a guide to the approximate shooting time. The E mark that indicates low battery flashes even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery time remaining, depending on the operating conditions or ambient temperature and environment.
To charge the battery pack
Be sure to charge the battery pack before you start using your camcorder. We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10C to 30C (50F to 86F) until the CHG (charge) lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to charge it efficiently. After charging is complete, either disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove the battery pack.
About storage of the battery pack
If the battery pack is not used for a long time, fully charge the battery pack and use it on your camcorder once a year to maintain proper function. To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. To completely use up the battery pack on your camcorder, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER] in the (OTHERS) menu (p. 57) and leave
To use the battery pack effectively
Battery pack performance decreases when the surrounding temperature is 10C (50F) or below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the following to use the battery pack for a longer time.
your camcorder in tape recording standby until the power goes off.

About i.LINK

Video head

When the video head becomes dirty, you cannot record pictures normally, or distorted picture or sound is played back. The video head suffers from wear after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette, it might be because the video head is worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video head replaced. For TRV138/338: If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional). Playback pictures contains noise or the screen is displayed in blue. Playback pictures are hardly visible.
Playback pictures do not appear. [ Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.] appears on the screen during recording.
For TRV280: If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional). Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
About care and storage of the lens
Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: When there are fingerprints on the lens surface. In hot or humid locations When the lens is exposed to salty air such as at the seaside. Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust. To prevent molds periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended you operate your camcorder about once a month to keep it in an optimum state for a long time.
Playback pictures do not move. Playback pictures do not appear or the sound breaks off. [ Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.] appears on the screen during recording.
To charge the pre-installed rechargeable battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settings even when the POWER switch is set to (CHG) OFF. The pre-installed rechargeable battery is always charged while you are using your camcorder but it will get discharged gradually if you do not use your camcorder. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all. However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable battery is not charged, the camcorder operation will not be affected as long as you are not recording the date. Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER switch set to (CHG) OFF for more than 24 hours.

LCD screen

Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. While using your camcorder, the back of the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a malfunction. To clean the LCD screen If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, it is recommended you using a soft cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen. Use cleaning paper moistened with the liquid.