What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW?
2 types of discs are available and they are different in the following ways.

Which disc can I use?

How can I choose between these 2 discs?
The number of recordable times is different for the 2 discs. Choose the one that meets your needs.
8cm DVD-Rs and 8cm DVD-RWs are available.

8cm DVD-R

You can use the following discs: DMR30 (single-sided disc) DMR60DS (double-sided disc)
DVD-Rs can be recorded only once.
They are suitable for long-term records and for making a backup copies. Recorded in VIDEO mode.

8cm DVD-RW

You can use the following discs: DMW30 (single-sided disc) DMW60DS (double-sided disc) Discs other than these 2 types cannot be used in your DVD Handycam. Examples of incompatible discs 12cm DVD-R 12cm DVD-RW DVD+R DVD-RAM DVD+RW DVD-ROM CD-R CD-RW
DVD-RWs can be overwritten repeatedly.
They are suitable for source gathering and temporary recordings. You can choose VIDEO mode or VR mode to make your recordings.
What kind of player can I use for playback?
You can play back a disc you have recorded on your DVD Handycam on other players by finalizing the disc (see page 65). The following list shows examples of players that can play back a disc recorded by your DVD Handycam. However, playback compatibility is not guaranteed with all players.*1

DVD-R (VIDEO mode only)

Players compatible with the DVD Video format. DVD player/ DVD recorder Computer with a DVD drive installed

DVD-RW (in VIDEO mode)

Players that can play back DVD-RWs.

DVD-RW (in VR mode)

Players that can play back DVD-RWs in VR mode.

DVD player/ DVD recorder

Computer with a DVD drive installed
In VIDEO mode and VR (Video Recording) mode
VIDEO mode: A disc has wide compatibility with other players. VR mode: A disc can be edited on DVD Handycam but the players are limited.

*1 DVD-R/RW discs recorded by Sony DVD Handycam camcorders are designed to be compatible with and may be played back on home DVD players, computer DVD drives and PlayStation 2 video game consoles.*2 *2 Playback on all home DVD players, computer DVD drives and PlayStation 2 consoles cannot be guaranteed. Some players, drives, and video game consoles lack the ability to read due to the optical reflection standards of DVD-R/RW discs and/or due to decoding incompatibilities. Refer to the specifications of your playback equipment for additional compatibility information.
How to prepare and use your DVD Handycam

Preparing

Prepare a new disc.
You can start recording promptly with a DVD-R. You need to format a DVD-RW before recording. Formatting is also required when using a once recorded DVD-RW again.
Select a recording format (either VIDEO mode or VR mode) when using DVD-RW.

Shooting

Both movies and still images can be recorded on a single disc.
Because your movies and still images are recorded in free areas on the disc automatically, important recordings are not overwritten. If you finalize the recorded disc after shooting, you can play it back immediately on DVD players, etc.

Playing back

Select a scene to play back from the Visual Index display.
If you finalize the recorded disc after shooting, you can play it back on DVD players, etc.
Continued on the right page.

Editing

You can make a copy of a disc you have recorded by connecting your DVD Handycam to your computer with the supplied software.
For the recommended computer system environment, see page 91.
You can produce an original DVD by editing your movies/still images on your computer.

Finalizing

Finalize the disc so that it becomes compatible with other DVD players.
You may not be able to record additional material, edit, or format a disc after finalizing it, depending on the kind of the disc used.
Overwrite DVD-R (VIDEO mode) DVD-RW (VIDEO mode) DVD-RW (VR mode) No Yes*1 Yes*2 Edit No No Yes*2 Format No Yes*3 Yes*3
*1 Unfinalizing is required. *2 Unfinalizing is not required. *3 Recorded data will be erased.

Table of contents

What you can do with your DVD Handycam. 4 What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW?.. 6 How to prepare and use your DVD Handycam... 8 Using Super NightShot plus. 45 Using the NightShot Light. 46 Using Color Slow Shutter. 46 Self-timer recording.. 47 On shooting movies.. 47 On shooting still images. 47 Shooting for the wide-screen TV 16:9 Wide mode.. 48 Adjusting the white balance manually.. 50 Shooting techniques to match your circumstances PROGRAM AE. 51 Focusing manually.. 52 Shooting with special effects. 53 Using fader (for movies only). 53 Using special effects Picture effect/Digital effect. 54 Checking/Deleting the last scene. 55 Checking the last scene Review. 55 Deleting the last scene (DVD-RWs only).. 55

Step 3 Adjusting the LCD screen and the viewfinder Adjusting the viewfinder
When recording pictures with the LCD screen closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to accommodate your eyesight so that the image in the viewfinder comes into sharp focus.
Viewfinder lens adjustment dial
Extend the viewfinder. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment dial until you can see the characters in the viewfinder clearly.
Tips If you install a large capacity battery pack such as the NP-QM91/QM91D in your camcorder, extend the viewfinder and adjust the angle. You can change the brightness of the viewfinder backlight. Select [VF B.L.] in the SETUP display when using the battery pack (page 113). The [VF B.L.] setting does not affect the brightness of the image when you are recording. Recording pictures with the viewfinder is recommended in the following cases: When the pictures on the LCD screen are hard to see. When you want to save on battery consumption.
Step 4 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. Set the geographical area, then daylight savings time ([DST]), the year, the month, the day, the hour and the minute, in that order. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] display appears whenever you turn on your camcorder or change the mode dial. If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the date and time settings may be cleared from memory because the built-in rechargeable battery in your camcorder will have been discharged during that time. In that case, charge the built-in rechargeable battery by connecting the AC adaptor, and set the date and time again (page 16, 134).
Open the LCD screen. Turn the power on by pressing the POWER button for a few seconds. The CLOCK SET display appears.
CLOCK SET AREA 1 GMT Lisbon,London DST DATE Y M OFF D : +0.0

[ ENTER ] : NEXT ITEM

Use the multi-selector to select the desired geographical area.

Multi-selector

Select with V/v/B/b and press the button in the center to confirm your selection.
CLOCK SET AREA 1 GMT Lisbon,London DST DATE Y M OFF ON D : +0.0
Use the multi-selector to set daylight savings time ([DST]) to [ON], if necessary.
CLOCK SET AREA 1 GMT Lisbon, London DST DATE Y 2004 OFF M 1 D : 00 +0.0

Use the multi-selector to set the year.
CLOCK SET AREA 1 GMT Lisbon, London DST OFF DATE Y 2004 M 1 D : 00 +0.0
Set the month, day, hour and minute with the same procedure as in step 5, and then press the button in the center. The clock starts to move. The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 24-hour cycle.
Note When setting the date and time, you cannot go back to a previously set item. If you make a mistake, press the SETUP button twice and re-start from the biginning of the (SETUP MENU) , then [CLOCK SET]. step by selecting Tips If the CLOCK SET display does not appear in step 2, press SETUP, then select (SETUP MENU), then [CLOCK SET] using the multi-selector. If the SETUP display appears after step 6, press SETUP. The SETUP display disappears.
Step 4 Setting the date and time Simple setting of the clock using a time difference
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting the area. In the SETUP display use the multi-selector to select (OTHERS) then [AREA SET].

World time difference

Area code

Time-zone differences

Area setting
GMT +01:00 +02:00 +03:00 +03:30 +04:00 +04:30 +05:00 +05:30 +06:00 +06:30 +07:00 +08:00 +09:00 +09:30 +10:00
Lisbon, London Berlin, Paris Helsinki, Cairo Moscow, Nairobi Tehran Abu Dhabi, Baku Kabul Karachi, Islamabad Calcutta, New Delhi Almaty, Dhaka Rangoon Bangkok, Jakarta HongKong, Singapore Seoul, Tokyo Adelaide, Darwin Melbourne, Sydney
+11:00 +12:00 12:00 11:00 10:00 09:00 08:00 07:00 06:00 05:00 04:00 03:30 03:00 02:00 01:00
Solomon Is. Fiji, Wellington Eniwetok, Kwajalein Midway Is., Samoa Hawaii Alaska LosAngeles, Tijuana Denver, Arizona Chicago, Mexico City New York, Bogota Santiago St. Johns Brasilia, Montevideo Fernando de Noronha Azores
Step 5 Preparing a disc for recording
A new DVD-R or DVD-RW is required for recording. You cannot overwrite or delete data recorded on a DVD-R, but you can delete data and record again with a DVD-RW. The preparation procedure is different depending on the type of disc you use. Notes When you insert or remove a disc, move the grip belt to the bottom of the camcorder so as not to obstruct the operation with your hand, etc. Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder while [DISC ACCESS] or [PREPARING TO OPEN COVER] is displayed on the LCD display. Formatting is required when a DVD-RW is used for the first time.
Make sure that the disc is not exposed to fingerprints and dust.

Set the mode dial to

(Movie) or

(Still).

FINE 0 -R VIDEO

Press and hold PHOTO down lightly, then check out the image. When the AE/AF lock indicator (z) stops flashing and remains on, your camcorder is ready for shooting. The brightness of the image and focus are adjusted, are targeted for the middle of the image, and are set.
Number of recorded images
Press PHOTO all the way down. [CAPTURE] appears after the shutter sounds. Recording is completed when the bar scroll indicator disappears.
The image displayed when you pressed PHOTO all the way down in this step will be recorded. When you press PHOTO of the Remote Commander, the image appearing on the LCD display at the moment is recorded.
Notes When the mode dial is set to (Still), the following functions do not work. 16:9 Wide mode Digital zoom SteadyShot Super NightShot plus Color Slow Shutter Fader Picture effect Digital effect The Sports lesson feature of [PROGRAM AE] (The indicator flashes.) When the ACCESS lamp lights on, data is being recorded on the disc. Take note of the following when data is being recorded, or the data and the disc may be damaged. Do not shock or vibrate the camcorder. Do not turn the power off. Do not remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC adaptor. Do not open the disc cover. When you press PHOTO lightly in step 7, the image momentarily flickers. This is not a malfunction. You can neither turn off the power nor press PHOTO while CAPTURE appears on the LCD display. The writing time to the disc for recording may vary depending on the still image size.
Tips The amount of recording data may vary depending on the settings for image quality and image size, and the type of images you are shooting. The recording data (date/time or various settings in effect when shooting) are not displayed while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the disc. To display the recording data, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback (page 59). The angle of view for still images is slightly wider compared with the angle of view of the movie (DCR-DVD201E only). If you leave your camcorder powered by battery for 5 minutes, your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent battery wear. Turn the power on again by pressing the POWER button for a few seconds. You can (SETUP MENU) [A.SHUT OFF] cancel the automatic power-off by setting the menu item to [NEVER] in the SETUP display. The image size is not displayed with DCR-DVD91E/DVD101E.
Shooting still images Selecting the still image quality and size

File size of still images

File size 640 480

150 KB 60 KB

1152 864*1

500 KB 200 KB
The table shows approximate file size. *1 DCR-DVD201E only.
Shooting still images Shooting images continuously (BURST, DCR-DVD201E only)
You can record still images continuously by setting [BURST]. NORMAL Your camcorder shoots up to 4 still images in size or 12 still images in size at about 0.7 sec intervals.
EXP BRKTG (Exposure bracketing) Your camcorder automatically shoots 3 images at about 0.7 sec intervals at different exposures.
Use the multi-selector to select [BURST].
CAMERA SET SELFTIMER BURST QUALITY IMAGESIZE N. S. LIGHT RETURN OFF NORMAL EXP BRKTG
Use the multi-selector to select [NORMAL] or [EXP BRKTG].
CAMERA SET SELFTIMER BURST QUALITY IMAGESIZE N. S. LIGHT RETURN NORMAL
Press SETUP. The SETUP display disappears from the LCD display. Press PHOTO all the way down. Images are recorded continuously as the settings specified above. In the [NORMAL] settings, images are recorded continuously to the maximum number while pressing PHOTO.
Notes You may not be able to record continuous images up to the maximum number depending on the image size and the remaining capacity of the disc. The flash unit (optional) is disabled during continuous shooting. It takes longer to record continuous images to the disc compared to normal shooting. Shoot the next still image after the scroll bar indicator and the ACCESS lamp turns off. Tips Shooting with the self-timer or the Remote Commander, images are automatically recorded up to the maximum number possible. The effect of exposure bracketing may be difficult to recognize on the LCD display. It is recommended that you connect your camcorder to a TV or a computer to see its effect.

Adjusting the exposure

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects BACK LIGHT
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight.
Adjusting the exposure manually
Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: when you need a fine adjustment for subjects against the light. when the subject is too bright against the background. when recording dark pictures (e.g. night scenes).

BACK LIGHT button

Set the mode dial to (Still).
Press BACK LIGHT. The. indicator appears on the LCD display.

Slide the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.
Shooting in the dark NightShot plus, etc. Using the NightShot Light
The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance using the NightShot Light is about 3 m. To enable the NightShot Light, set (CAMERA SET) [N.S.LIGHT] to [ON] in the SETUP display. The default setting is [ON].

Using Color Slow Shutter

Color Slow Shutter enables you to record color images in a dark place. Color Slow Shutter may not work normally in total darkness.
Slide the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF. Press COLOR SLOW S. The and [COLOR SLOW SHUTTER] indicators flash on the LCD display.
To cancel Color Slow Shutter
Press COLOR SLOW S again to make the indicator disappear. Notes You cannot use Color Slow Shutter to record still images. While using Color Slow Shutter, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness. At this time, the motion of the picture may slow down. While using Color Slow Shutter, you cannot use the following functions: Fader Exposure Digital effect PROGRAM AE

Self-timer recording

PHOTO button

On shooting still images

Set the mode dial to Steps 2 to 6.

(Still), then perform

START/ STOP button SETUP button
Press PHOTO all the way down. Self-timer starts counting down with a beep. In the last 2 seconds of the countdown, the beep gets faster, then recording starts automatically 10 seconds after pressing PHOTO.

To cancel self-timer

On shooting movies
Set (CAMERA SET) [SELFTIMER] to [OFF] in the SETUP display during the standby. Notes When the self-timer recording is finished, the self-timer is automatically cancelled. You can set self-timer during the standby only. You cannot stop the count-down on shooting still images by pressing PHOTO. Tip To stop the countdown when you shooting a movie, press START/STOP. To restart the countdown, press START/STOP again.
Use the multi-selector to select (CAMERA SET). Use the multi-selector to select [SELFTIMER].
CAMERA SET SELFTIMER D ZOOM 16 : 9WIDE STEADYSHOT N. S. LIGHT RETURN OFF ON
Use the multi-selector to select [ON]. Press SETUP. The SETUP display disappears from the LCD display and the (self-timer) indicator appears. Press START/STOP. Self-timer starts counting down with a beep. In the last 2 seconds of the countdown, the beep gets faster, then recording starts automatically 10 seconds after pressing START/STOP.
Shooting for the wide-screen TV 16:9 Wide mode
You can record a 16:9 Wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE). Black bands appear on the LCD display during recording in 16:9 Wide mode [a]. The picture during playback on a normal TV [b] or on a wide-screen TV [c] is compressed in the longwise direction. If you set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [d]. Refer to the operating instructions of your TV for further information.

Use the multi-selector to select (CAMERA SET).
CAMERA SET SELFTIMER D ZOOM 16 : 9WIDE STEADYSHOT N. S. LIGHT RETURN OFF

16:9WIDE

Use the multi-selector to select [16:9WIDE].
CAMERA SET SELFTIMER D ZOOM 16 : 9WIDE STEADYSHOT N. S. LIGHT RETURN

OFF ON

Use the multi-selector to select [ON].
*1 When 16:9 Wide mode switches to full mode, the picture appears on the TV screen at the right ratio. *2 When you play back in ordinary TV (4:3 mode), the picture may be compressed. When you play back in 16:9 Wide mode, the picture appears as you see it on the LCD display or in the viewfinder.
To cancel the 16:9 Wide mode
Set [16:9WIDE] to [OFF] in step 5.
Notes You cannot select [OLD MOVIE] (page 54) during recording in the 16:9 Wide mode. When you select VIDEO mode, setting the recording mode to [LP] cancels the 16:9 Wide mode. You cannot change a movie recorded in the 16:9 Wide mode to the normal aspect.
Adjusting the white balance manually
Normally white balance is adjusted automatically. Adjust manually in the following cases: When shooting in a place that the light condition changes often such as a party hall. When shooting a night scene and a neon sign.
To return to the automatic white balance mode
Set (MANUAL SET) [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] in the SETUP display. Notes In the [HOLD] white balance, set the white balance to [AUTO] and reset it to [HOLD] after a few seconds: when you change the [PROGRAM AE] setting. when you take your camcorder outdoors from inside a house, or vice versa. If you remove the power source longer than 5 minutes, the white balance returns to [AUTO] automatically. Tips If the picture is being taken in a studio lit with a video light (optional), it is recommended that you record using [INDOOR]. When you record under fluorescent lighting, use the [AUTO] or [HOLD]. Your camcorder may not adjust the white balance correctly when you use [INDOOR]. In the automatic white balance mode, point your camcorder at a white subject for about 10 seconds after turning the power on to get a better adjustment: after you replace the battery pack. when you take your camcorder outdoors from inside a house while holding the exposure, or vice versa. When you slide the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON, white balance returns to [AUTO].
Set the mode dial to (Still). Press SETUP.
Use the multi-selector to select (MANUAL SET).

Insert a Playlist-registered DVD-RW into your camcorder.
Use the multi-selector to select [MOVE]. A thumbnail list of the scenes registered to the Playlist appears.

EDIT EXEC. MOVE RET.

Use the multi-selector to select the scene to be moved. The selected scene is marked with. Repeat this step if you want to move multiple scenes.
Use the multi-selector to select [EXEC.]. The move destination display appears.

Move destination bar

EDIT MOVE RET.

[ENTER] : MOVE 1/2

Use the multi-selector to place the move destination bar where you want to move the scenes. The confirmation display appears.

EDIT MOVE

Use the multi-selector to select [EXEC.]. The selected scene in step 6 is moved to the designated position. When you have selected multiple scenes, the scenes are moved following the order displayed in the Playlist. It returns to the Playlist edit display when the moving is completed.
To cancel changing the order
Selecting the playing order on your camcorder Playlist Dividing a movie within the Playlist
You can divide a movie into 2 scenes. Dividing movies into scenes within the Playlist does not affect the actual recorded data on the disc. Insert a Playlist-registered DVD-RW into your camcorder. Note You cannot divide a movie converted from still images.
Use the multi-selector to select [DIVIDE]. A thumbnail list of the scenes registered in the Playlist appears.

EDIT DIVIDE RET.

Use the multi-selector to select the scene to be divided. The playback of the selected scene starts.
DIVIDE EXEC. 0:00:12 RET.

Time in progress

2:40 [ ] : RETURN [EDIT] : END
Total time of the selected scenes
Press the button in the center of the multi-selector at the point at which you want to divide the movie into scenes. The movie pauses.
DIVIDE EXEC. 0:02:05 RET.
After selecting u using the multi-selector, adjust the dividing point with more precision.
Note A slight difference may occur from the point where you press c/C and the actual dividing point, as your camcorder selects the dividing point based on halfsecond increments.

Connecting your camcorder to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder.

AUDIO/VIDEO

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

White Red

Yellow Black
VCR AUDIO S VIDEO VIDEO INPUT : Signal flow
Dubbing a disc to a tape Dubbing to a tape

Before operation

Set [DISPLAY] in (OTHERS) to [LCD] in the SETUP display (the default setting is [LCD]). Press the following buttons to make the indicators disappear so that they will not be superimposed on the edited tape: DISPLAY/BATT INFO DISPLAY on the Remote Commander DATA CODE on the Remote Commander
Insert the recorded disc into your camcorder. Prepare the VCR for recording. Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR. Set the input selector to LINE. Refer to the operating instructions of the VCR. Start recording on the VCR. Play back the recorded disc on your camcorder.
When you have finished dubbing
Stop recording on the VCR, then press x on your camcorder.
Dubbing a TV program or video tape onto a disc (DCR-DVD101E/DVD201E only)
You can record a disc from another VCR or a TV program. Use your camcorder as a recorder.
Selecting the Video jack to be used on the TV or the VCR
The supplied A/V connecting cable is equipped with an S video plug and a video plug. Use either the S video plug or the video plug depending on the TV or the VCR. Set [DISPLAY] in (OTHERS) to [LCD] in the SETUP display (the default setting is [LCD]).
Connecting your camcorder to a TV or a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the TV/VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder.

Black Yellow S VIDEO

Set the mode dial to your camcorder.

(Play/Edit) on

Press SETUP. The SETUP display appears. Use the multi-selector to select (VIDEO SET). Use the multi-selector to select [VIDEO INPUT].
VIDEO SET HiFi SOUND VIDEO INPUT RETURN VIDEO S VIDEO
AUDIO White Red REC button
Use the multi-selector to select [VIDEO] or [S VIDEO]. Press SETUP. The SETUP display disappears from the LCD display.

: Signal flow

Dubbing a TV program or video tape onto a disc (DCR-DVD101E/DVD201E only) Dubbing onto a disc
Press x on your camcorder to stop recording and stop the playback on the VCR. Note There may be time difference between the point when you press REC and the actual point that the recording starts/stops. Tips To change the recording mode, see page 32. If your VCR is a monaural type, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video output jack and the white or the red plug to the audio output jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the white plug, the sound is from the L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is from the R (right) signal. Connecting via an S video jack reproduces pictures more faithfully. When there is an S video jack on the device to be connected, connect the S video plug to that jack instead of using the yellow video plug. The audio will not be output when you connect via the S video plug alone.

Prepare the TV/VCR. If you are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tape into the VCR. Set the mode dial to your camcorder. (Play/Edit) on
Insert a blank disc (or a disc you want to record additionally) into your camcorder. The [FORMAT] display appears when you insert a new DVD-RW. Format the disc in VIDEO mode or in VR mode (page 7) following the instructions on the display. Press VISUAL INDEX on your camcorder. The Visual Index display disappears, and the image from the LINE appears. Playback the tape on the VCR if you are recording a tape from a VCR. Select a TV program if you are recording from a TV. The picture from the VCR or TV appears on the LCD display or in the viewfinder. Press RECz and the adjacent button at the same time on your camcorder at the scene where you want to start recording. Dubbing starts.
Customizing your camcorder
Changing the SETUP display
You can change the default settings by selecting the options in the SETUP display with the multi-selector. Select the item in the following order: SETUP display t icon t menu item t option Menu items are displayed as the following icons. The displayed icons are different depending on the mode dial position. APPLI. MANUAL SET VIDEO SET PLAYER SET CAMERA SET LCD/VF SET DISC SET SETUP MENU OTHERS
Use the multi-selector to select the desired icon.
Use the multi-selector to select the desired item.
Turn the power on by pressing the POWER button for a few seconds. Press the SETUP button. One of the following screens appears depending on the position of the mode dial. Set the mode dial to (Movie), (Still), or (Play/Edit), then press SETUP. (Movie)
Use the multi-selector to select the desired mode.
If you want to change other items, select [ RETURN] using the multi-selector and press the button in the center of the multi-selector to confirm your selection, then repeat steps 3 to 5. To return to step 3, select [ RETURN].

(Still)

For details, see "Selecting the option of each item" on the next page. To make the SETUP display disappear Press SETUP.

(Play/Edit)

Changing the SETUP display Selecting the option of each item
Menu items differ depending on the position of the mode dial. The display shows only the items that are currently in effect or that you can operate at the moment. z is the default setting.

BURST*

z OFF NORMAL
EXP BRKTG QUALITY z FINE STANDARD IMAGESIZE* z N.S.LIGHT z ON OFF
* DCR-DVD201E only Notes On SteadyShot SteadyShot will not correct excessive camera shake. Attachment of a conversion lens (optional) may influence SteadyShot. Tip If you cancel SteadyShot, the SteadyShot off indicator excessive compensation for camera-shake.
appears. Your camcorder prevents
Icon/Item LCD/VF SET LCD BRIGHT To adjust the brightness on the LCD screen with /+. Movie Still Play/Edit Option Meaning Mode dial

Darker

LCD B.L. z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT LCD COLOR

Brighter

Movie Still Play/Edit Movie Still Play/Edit
To set the brightness on the LCD screen to normal. To brighten the LCD screen. To adjust the color on the LCD screen with /+.
To get lowintensity color
VF B.L. z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT
To get highintensity color

Movie Still Play/Edit

To set the brightness on the viewfinder screen to normal. To brighten the viewfinder screen.
Notes On LCD B.L. and VF B.L. When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced a little during recording. When you use power supplies other than the battery pack, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected. Tip Even if you adjust [LCD BRIGHT], [LCD B.L.], [LCD COLOR], and/or [VF B.L.], the recorded picture will not be affected.
Icon/Item APPLI. SLIDE SHOW To play back still images continuously (page 62). Play/Edit Option Meaning Mode dial

Icon/Item

Option

Meaning

Mode dial
VIDEO SET (DCR-DVD101E/DVD201E) PLAYER SET (DCR-DVD91E) HiFi SOUND z STEREO VIDEO INPUT*1 z VIDEO S VIDEO To play back a stereo disc or dual sound track disc with main and sub sound. To play back a stereo disc with the left sound or a dual sound track disc with main sound. To play back a stereo disc with the right sound or a dual sound trackdisc with sub sound. To use the A/V connecting cable to connect your camcorder and a player. To use the S VIDEO cable to connect your camcorder and a player. Play/Edit Play/Edit
*1 DCR-DVD101E/DVD201E only
Icon/Item DISC SET REC MODE*1

HQ z SP LP

To record in the HQ (High Quality) mode. To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode. To record in the LP (Long Play) mode. To format a disc (page 74).

Movie Play/Edit

FORMAT*2
Movie Still Play/Edit Movie Still Play/Edit Movie Still Play/Edit Movie Still Play/Edit Still
To prohibit further recording on the disc, and make it compatible with other DVD players (page 65). To make the finalized disc recordable again (page 73). To add an original title to the disc (page 68). To assign numbers to files in sequence even if the disc is changed. To reset the file numbering each time the disc is changed.

UNFINALIZE*2*3

DISC TITLE

FILE NO.

z SERIES RESET
*1 You cannot change this option when the mode dial is set to *2 DVD-RWs only *3 VIDEO mode only

Still images cannot be converted to a movie.
The picture from a TV or VCR does not appear even when your camcorder is connected to output on the TV or VCR. The melody or beep sounds for 5 seconds.
Scene can not be saved in the computer using the USB connection.

Self-diagnosis display

Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display function. This function displays the current state of your camcorder as a 5-digit code (a combination of a letter and figures), on the LCD display or in the viewfinder. If a 5-digit code is displayed, check the following list of codes. The last 2 digits (indicated by ss) differ depending on the state of your camcorder. LCD display or viewfinder

C:21:00

C:ss:ss You can service your camcorder yourself. E:ss:ss Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

5-digit display C:04:ss

C:13:ss C:21:ss

C:31:ss C:32:ss

E:20:ss E:61:ss E:62:ss E:93:ss E:94:ss
Cause and/or Corrective Actions You are using a battery pack that is not an InfoLITHIUM battery pack. c Use an InfoLITHIUM battery pack. (page 16, 130) The disc is faulty. c Use a compatible disc with your camcorder. (page 6) Moisture condensation has occurred. c Turn off your camcorder and leave your camcorder for at least an hour to acclimatize it. (page 132) A malfunction that you can service yourself other than those above has occurred. c Remove the disc and insert it again, then operate your camcorder again. c Disconnect the mains lead of the AC adaptor or remove the battery pack. After reconnecting/reinstalling the power supply, operate your camcorder. A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred. c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code. (example: E:61:10)
If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try the suggested corrective actions a few times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Warning indicators

If indicators appear on the LCD display or in the viewfinder, check the following: See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information. 100-0001 Warning indicator referring to a file Slow flashing: The file is corrupted. The file is unreadable on your camcorder. C:21:00 Self-diagnosis display (page 125) Warning indicator referring to the disc Slow flashing: A disc is not inserted.* The remaining time for recording movies is less than 5 minutes. The remaining amount of space for recording still images will be accommodated fewer than 20 images. The disc recorded in the different TV color system from your camcorder is inserted.* Fast flashing: An unrecognizable disc is inserted.* A finalized disc is inserted in VIDEO mode when the mode dial is set to (Movie) or (Still). The disc is fully recorded.* A disc containing copy protection signals is inserted.* A disc that cannot be read or written is inserted, such as the single-sided disc inserted inside out. Z You need to eject the disc* Fast flashing: An unrecognizable disc is inserted. The disc is fully recorded. A disc containing copy protection signals is inserted. The disc recorded in the different TV color system from your camcorder is inserted. Warning indicator referring to the disc Fast flashing: An unrecognizable disc is inserted. E The battery pack is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: The battery pack is exhausted. Depending on the operating conditions, or the environment and battery condition, the E indicator may flash even if there are approximately 20 minutes remaining. Fast flashing: The battery error occurs. % Moisture condensation has occurred* Fast flashing: Moisture condensation has occurred with the disc. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for at least an hour to acclimatize it. (page 132) Warning indicator referring to the temperature rise Fast flashing: The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high.* Slow flashing: The temperature of your camcorder is getting higher. Warning indicator referring to the flash (optional) Slow flashing: The flash is charging.* Fast flashing: There is a problem with the flash (optional).