3-862-052-12 (1)

Video Camera Recorder

Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

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.
Model No. CCD-TRV Serial No. Model No. AC-L Serial No.

CCD-TRV99

CCD-TRV95/TRV99

1998 by Sony Corporation

Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam VisionTM camcorder. With your Handycam Vision, you can capture lifes precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam Vision is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
For the customers in the U.S.A.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
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.
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.
For the customers in CANADA
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only) For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only) Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion battery.

Table of contents

Before you begin
Using this manual.. 4 Checking supplied accessories. 6 Adding an old movie type atmosphere to pictures (CCD-TRV99 only).. 51 Focusing manually.. 52 Enjoying picture effect.. 54 Adjusting the exposure. 56 Superimposing a title.. 58 Making your own titles. 60 Re-recording a picture in the middle of a recorded tape (CCD-TRV99 only).. 62 Recording with the date/time. 63 Optimizing the recording condition. 64 Releasing the STEADY SHOT function... 65

Types of differences

CCDPhoto mode Digital effect functions Fader function Overlap Wipe Auto date Index Zero memory RC time code Data Code Data Search/Scan TRV95 r r TRV99 r r r r r r r r r r
Using this manual Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.

Precaution on copyright

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws.
Precautions on camcorder care
The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using highprecision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and/or in the viewfinder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Over 99.99% are operational for effective use. Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a]. Never leave the camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140F (60C ), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
Checking supplied accessories
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 RMT-717 RMT-708 2
1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 103) RMT-717: CCD-TRV99 RMT-708: CCD-TRVAC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 8, 27) 3 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 7, 27) 4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 81) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder.
5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 104) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 66) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 99) 8 Battery case (1) (p. 28) 9 Video IR light (1)/Screwdriver (1) CCD-TRV99 only
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
Installing and charging the battery pack
Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery. InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Camera recording Using the zoom feature
Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming)
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom. When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom lever to the W side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 5/8 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) away in the wide-angle position. Notes on digital zoom More than 18x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the T side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in the menu system. The right side [a] of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to OFF, the [a] zone disappears.

[b] [a]

Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode
Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video.
(1) While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel. (2) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder records only while you press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5SEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds and then stops automatically. (3) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY and press START/STOP. Recording starts.
If you selected 5SEC, the tape counter disappears and five dots appear. The dots disappear at a rate of one per second as illustrated below.

START/STOP MODE

5 SEC ANTI GROUND SHOOTING
To extend the recording time in 5SEC mode
Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about 5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP. Notes on START/STOP mode If you have turned off the indicators on the LCD screen, the dots do not appear. You cannot use FADER in 5SEC or mode.

Hints for better shooting
For hand-held shots, youll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb.
Place your right elbow against your side. Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the builtin microphone. Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup. Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane. You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position [a]. You can also record in a low position or even in a high position using the LCD panel [b]. When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight, the LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the viewfinder.
Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder. Cautions on the viewfinder and the LCD Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder or by the LCD panel [c]. Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or by a window [d].
Checking the recorded picture
Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the () side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion play back (Rec Review). You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones. Hold down the side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search).

EDITSEARCH

EDITSEARCH EDITSEARCH

To stop playback

Release EDITSEARCH.
To go back to the last recorded point after edit search
Press END SEARCH. The last recorded point is played back for about 5 seconds (10 seconds in LP mode) and stops. Note that this function does not work once you eject the cassette after you recorded on the tape.

To begin re-recording

Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do not eject the cassette, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. The video control buttons light up. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) While pressing OPEN, open the LCD panel. Adjust the angle of the LCD panel or the brightness of the LCD screen if necessary. (4) Press 0 to rewind the tape. (5) Press ( to start playback. (6) Adjust the volume using VOLUME and adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using LCD BRIGHT.
You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR.
To stop playback, press p. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ).

LCD BRIGHT VOLUME

When monitoring on the LCD screen
You can turn the LCD panel over and move back to the camcorder with the LCD screen facing out [a]. You can adjust the angle of the LCD screen by turning the LCD screen up to 15 degrees [b].
Using the remote commander
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries. Note on DISPLAY button Press DISPLAY to display the screen indicators on the LCD screen. To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again. If the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, you can erase the indicator by pressing DISPLAY. Using headphones Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack. You can adjust the volume using VOLUME. When you use headphones, the speaker on the camcorder is silent. To view the playback picture in the viewfinder Close the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns on automatically. When using the viewfinder, you can monitor sound only by using headphones. To view on the LCD screen again, open the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns off automatically. Note on the lens cover The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to VTR. Do not open the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction.
Playing back a tape Various playback modes
With CCD-TRV99, you can enjoy clear pictures during still, slow and picture search. With CCD-TRV95, you can enjoy clear pictures on the LCD screen during still, slow and picture search. (Crystal-clear still/slow/picture search)
To view a still picture (playback pause)

(1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing.

When fading out [b]

(1) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to stop recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, and then recording stops.
The fading mode selected last is indicated first of all.
FADER M.FADER STRIPE BOUNCE MONOTONE OVERLAP WIPE
Note on the bounce function When you use the following functions or D ZOOM is set to ON in the menu system, BOUNCE indicator does not appear. Wide mode Functions using the PICTURE EFFECT button Functions using the PROGRAM AE button
To cancel the fader function
Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears. When the date, time or title is displayed The date, time indicator and title do not fade in or fade out. When the START/STOP MODE switch is set to 5SEC or You cannot use the fader function. Notes on the fader function While using the bounce function, you cannot use the following functions. Exposure Focus Zoom You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, while using the following functions you cannot use the fader function. (CCD-TRV99 only) Functions using the DIGITAL EFFECT button Low Lux mode of PROGRAM AE (overlap/wipe function only) If you do not record anything before operating the wipe or overlap function, the camcorder memorizes the image on the tape. As the image is being memorized, the WIPE or OVERLAP indicator flashes quickly, and the picture you are shooting disappears from the viewfinder. Depending on the tape condition, the picture may not be recorded clearly. (CCD-TRV99 only)
Shooting in the dark (NightShot)
The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. You can achieve a satisfactory recording of the ecology of nocturnal animals for observation with this function. This function may record picture nearly in monochrome.
(1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. and NIGHTSHOT indicators flash.

NightShot Light emitter

To cancel the NightShot function

Slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

Using the NightShot Light
When you set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu system, the picture will be more clear. NightShot Light rays are infrared and are therefore invisible. The maximum limit of NightShot Light is about 10 feet (about 3 merters). Notes on the NightShot When you keep setting NIGHTSHOT to ON in normal recording, picture may be recorded in incorrect/unnatural color. If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function, focus manually.

Press DIGITAL EFFECT. Notes on the old movie function The following functions do not work during old movie mode. Functions using the FADER button Exposure Wide mode Functions using the PICTURE EFFECT button Functions using the PROGRAM AE button Functions using the PHOTO button When you set the POWER switch to OFF, the old movie function will be cancelled automatically.

Focusing manually

When to use manual focus
In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually.
Insufficient light [a] Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [b] Too much brightness behind the subject [c] Horizontal stripes [d] Subjects through frosted glass Subjects beyond nets, etc. Bright subject or subject reflecting light Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod
Focusing manually Focusing manually
When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length.
(1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the end of the T side in the optical zoom zone. (3) Turn the NEAR/FAR dial to achieve a sharp focus. (4) Set the desired shot length using the power zoom lever.

AUTO MANUAL INFINITY

NEAR FAR
To return to autofocus mode
Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen disappears. Shooting in relatively dark places Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position.
To record a very distant subject
Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on the most distant subject while FOCUS is held down. When it is released, manual focus mode is resumed. Use this function when shooting through a window or a screen, to focus on a most distant subject. Note on manual focusing The following indicators may appear: when recording a very distant subject. when the subject is too close to focus on.

Enjoying picture effect

Selecting picture effect
You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function. [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f]
PASTEL [a] The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [b] The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA The picture is sepia. B&W The picture is monochrome (black and white). SOLARIZE [c] The light intensity is more clear, and the picture looks like an illustration. MOSAIC [d] The picture is mosaic. SLIM [e] The picture expands vertically. STRETCH [f] The picture expands horizontally.

Locating the marking position
You can locate the beginning of a desired program easily by marking an index signal during recording or playback and searching for it later.

Marking an index signal

You can mark an index signal during recording or playback.
When marking at the beginning of recording or playback
Press INDEX MARK on the Remote Commander in recording standby or playback pause mode. The INDEX MARK indicator appears in the viewfinder or the LCD screen with the MARK indicator flashing. When recording or playback starts, the MARK indicator stops flashing. This shows that the index signal is being marked. Then the INDEX MARK indicator will disappear.
When marking during recording or playback
Press INDEX MARK on the Remote Commander at the point you want to locate later.

MARK INDEX MARK

Notes on marking Make sure you mark index signals at more than two-minute intervals. Otherwise, you may not be able to search for them correctly. If you stop recording while the index signal is being marked (the INDEX MARK indicator lights in the viewfinder), the search may not be completed correctly. If you mark an index signal on the tape with the Data Code recorded, the Data Code will be erased at the point on which the index signal is marked. When playing back this tape, the camcorder keeps displaying the Data Code immediately before the erased one. A black band appears when you mark index signal during playback, and the sound cannot be heard. This does not affect the picture and sound that are already recorded. You cannot mark the index signal during photo recording. An index signal is marked automatically when you start recording from with the POWER switch to VTR. When you start recording from recording pause mode, however, an index signal is not marked. You cannot mark an index signal on a tape with the red mark on the cassette exposed. You cannot mark the index signal during 5-second recording, recording only while pressing the START/STOP button, or during fade-out.
Locating the marking position Scanning the beginning of each marking position index scan
(1) Press INDEX on the Remote Commander during normal playback. (2) Press 0 or ). The tape rewinds or advances rapidly and plays back for approximately 10 seconds from the point on which the index signal was marked. If you want to continue playback, press (. When you do not press any button, the tape is automatically scanned to the next program.

INDEX INDEX 00 SCAN

INDEX 00 SCAN
To cancel index scan mode
Press (. Normal playback resumes.
Locating the marking position Locating the desired marking position index search
(1) Press INDEX on the Remote Commander during stop or playback mode. (2) Press INDEX repeatedly until the index number of the desired program is displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. (3) Press 0 or ). Playback starts from the beginning of the desired program.
[a] the current position [b] the INDEX number

INDEX INDEX 02 SEARCH

To stop index search mode
Press (. Normal playback resumes. Note on the index number The index number (1, 2, etc.) indicates the distance from the point you are now viewing [a], regardless of the direction.
Locating the marking position Erasing an index signal
(1) Locate the index signal to be erased using the index scan or index search function. (2) Press ERASE on the Remote Commander within 2 to 10 seconds while the desired program plays back. After the index signal is erased, the camcorder returns to index scan when you used index scan in step 1. When you used index search, normal playback resumes.

INDEX REW FF

Notes on erasing Press ERASE more than 2 seconds after the playback of the desired program begins. You cannot erase the index signal on a tape with the red mark on the cassette exposed. While the index signal is being erased, the sound cannot be heard and a black band appears at the bottom of the picture. This will not affect the recorded sound or picture. The camcorder can detect index signals marked with VCRs, but may not erase them. VCRs with an index function can detect index signals marked with this camcorder but may not erase them. An index signal may be erased when making PCM after recording on another VCR in the portion where the index signal is marked. Note on Data Code When an index signal is erased, the Data Code on the same portion of the tape is also erased.
Writing the RC Time code on a recorded tape
You can write the RC time code on a recorded tape. Use the Remote Commander. Before you begin, we recommend to set COUNTER to TIME CODE in the menu system so that you can view the RC time code.

Before editing

Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available. Set EDIT to ON in the menu system (p. 30).

Starting editing

Turn down the volume of the camcorder while editing. Otherwise, picture distortion may occur.
(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert your recorded tape into the camcorder. (2) Play back the recorded tape on the camcorder until you locate the point just before where you want to start editing, then press P to set the camcorder in playback pause mode. (3) On the VCR, locate the recording start point and set the VCR in recording pause mode. (4) First press P on the camcorder, and after a few seconds press P on the VCR to start editing.

To edit more scenes

Repeat steps 2 to 4.
To superimpose the title while you are editing
You can superimpose the title while you are editing. Refer to Superimposing a title (p. 58).

To stop editing

Press p on both the camcorder and the VCR. Note on Fine Synchro Edit If you connect a video deck that has the Fine Synchro Edit feature to the LANC l jack of the camcorder, using a LANC cable (not supplied), the edit will be even more precise.
Recording from a VCR or TV
You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV using the supplied A/V cable. Turn down the volume of the camcorder while editing. Otherwise, picture distortion may occur.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. (2) Set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu system. Then press r REC and the button on the right together on the camcorder at the point where you want to start recording.
In recording and recording pause mode, S video and VIDEO/AUDIO jacks automatically work as input jacks.
If your VCR or TV has an S video jack, connect using the S video cable (not supplied) [a] to obtain a high quality picture.

S VIDEO VIDEO

VCR [a] [b] S VIDEO VIDEO

: Signal flow

If your VCR or TV is a monaural type, connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the VCR or TV. If your VCR or TV does not have an S VIDEO OUT jack, connect cable [b]. Do not connect the S video cable (not supplied) [a] to the camcorder. To stop recording Press p. Note on recording You cannot record a picture that has a copyright control signal for copyright protection of software. COPY INHIBIT appears if you try to record such a picture.

Keep the battery pack away from fire. Keep the battery pack dry. Do not open nor try to disassemble the battery pack. Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.
The life of the battery pack
If the battery indicator flashes rapidly just after turning on the camcorder with a fully charged battery pack, the battery pack should be replaced with a new fully charged one.

Charging temperature

You should charge batteries at temperatures from 50F to 86F (from 10C to 30C). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.
Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the InfoLITHIUM battery pack

What is InfoLITHIUM

The InfoLITHIUM is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data with compatible video equipment about its battery consumption. Sony recommends that you use the InfoLITHIUM battery pack with video equipment having the mark. When you use this battery pack with video equipment having the mark, the video equipment will indicate the remaining battery time in minutes*. However, if you use it with video equipment not having this mark, the remaining battery capacity will not be indicated in minutes. InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation. * The indication may not be accurate depending on the condition and environment which the equipment is used under. How the battery consumption is displayed The power consumption of the camcorder changes depending on its use, such as how the autofocusing is working. While checking the condition of the camcorder, the InfoLITHIUM battery pack measures the battery consumption and calculates the remaining battery power. If the condition changed drastically, the remaining battery indication may suddenly decrease or increase by more than 2 minutes. Even if 5 to 10 minutes is indicated as the battery remaining time on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the i indicator may also flash under some condition. To obtain more accurate remaining battery indication Set the camcorder to recording standby mode and point towards a stationary object. Do not move the camcorder for 30 seconds or more. If the indication seems incorrect, recharge the battery pack fully (Full charge**). Note that if you have used the battery in a hot or cold environment for long time, or you have repeated charging many times, the battery pack may not be able to show the correct time even after being fully charged. After you have used the InfoLITHIUM battery pack with an equipment not having the mark, make sure that you use up the battery pack on the equipment having the mark and then recharge fully. Why the remaining battery indication does not match the continuous recording time in the operating instructions The recording time is affected by the environmental temperature and conditions. The recording time becomes very short in a cold environment. The continuous recording time in the operating instructions is measured under the condition of using a fully charged (or normal charged) battery pack in 77F (25C). As the environmental temperature and condition are different when you actually use the camcorder, the remaining battery time is not same as the continuous recording time in the operating instructions. ** Full charge: Charging until FULL appears in the display window.

Cause and/or Corrective Actions The START/STOP MODE switch is set to 5SEC or. m Set it to. (p. 16) The cassette cannot be removed from The battery is dead. the holder. m Use a charged battery pack or the AC power adaptor. (p. 8, 27) { and 6 indicators flash and no Moisture condensation has occurred. function except for cassette ejection m Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least works. 1 hour. (p. 89) The date or time indicator is flashing. You pressed DATE and TIME together for more than 2 seconds. m The camcorder is not malfunctioning. You may start recording. Flashing will stop soon. The lithium battery is weak or dead. m Replace the lithium battery with a new one. (p. 81) The tape does not move when a The POWER switch is set to CAMERA or OFF. video control button is pressed. m Set it to VTR. The tape has run out. m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 22) The Steady Shot function does not STEADYSHOT is set to OFF. activate. m Set it to ON. (p. 65) The Steady Shot function does not work when the wide mode is set to 16:9 FULL. The autofocusing function does not FOCUS is set to MANUAL. work. m Set it to AUTO. (p. 53) Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus. m Set FOCUS to MANUAL to focus manually. (p. 53) The fader function does not work. The START/STOP MODE switch is set to 5SEC or. m Set it to. (p. 16) The DIGITAL EFFECT function is working. (CCD-TRV99 only) m Cansel it. No sound or only a low sound is The stereo tape is played back with HiFi SOUND set to 1 heard when playing back a tape. or 2 in the menu system. m Set to STEREO in the menu system. (p. 30) Excessive high-pitched sound is The picture has been recorded with WIND set to ON in heard. the menu system. m When there is no wind, set it to OFF. (p. 30) Data code becomes --:--:--. You are playing back a portion of tape on which you (CCD-TRV99 only) wrote or erased the index signal. This is not a malfunction. (p. 25) The date or time indicator Reset the date and time. (p. 83)
Recording stops in a few seconds. disappears.

Picture

The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear.
Cause and/or Corrective Actions The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 13) (to be continued)
A vertical band appears when a subject such as lights or a candle flame is shot against a dark background. A vertical band appears when shooting a very bright subject. The playback picture is not clear. The picture is noisy.

Cause and/or Corrective Actions The contrast between the subject and background is too high. The camcorder is not malfunctioning. m Change locations. The camcorder is not malfunctioning. EDIT is set to ON in the menu system. m Set it to OFF. (p. 30) The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 90) The LCD panel is open. m Close the LCD panel. (p. 17) If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to CAMERA without inserting a cassette, the camcorder automatically starts the demonstration or DEMO is set ON in the menu system. m Insert the cassette and the demonstration stops. You can deactivate the demonstration. (p. 33) Incorporated fluorescent tube is worn out. m Please contact your nearest Sony dealer. The self-diagnosis function is activated. m Check the code and solve the problem. (p. 97) NIGHTSHOT is set to ON. m Set it to OFF. (p. 39)
The picture does not appear in the viewfinder. An unknown picture is displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
The picture does not appear on the LCD screen. The five digit code appears. Picture is recorded in incorrect/ unnatural color.

Others

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu system. m Set it to ON. (p. 30) Something is blocking the infrared rays. m Remove the obstacle. The batteries are not inserted with the correct polarity. m Insert the batteries with the correct polarity. (p. 104) The batteries are dead. m Insert new ones. (p. 104) DISPLAY is set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu system. The picture from a TV or VCR does not appear even when the camcorder m Set it to LCD. (p. 30)
The supplied Remote Commander does not work. is connected to outputs on the TV or VCR. The beep sounds for 5 seconds.
Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least 1 hour. (p. 89) Some troubles occur in your camcorder. m Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate the camcorder.

Self-diagnosis display

The camcorder has a self-diagnosis display. This function displays the camcorders condition with five digits (a combination of a letter and figures) in the viewfinder, on the LCD screen or in the display window. If this occurs, check the following code chart. The five-digit display informs you of the camcorders current condition. The last two digits (indicated by ) will differ depending on the state of the camcorder. LCD screen