Additional Information

Usable cassettes.. 138 About i.LINK.. 140 Troubleshooting.. 142 Self-diagnosis display.. 148 Warning indicators and messages. 149 Using your camcorder abroad.. 151 Maintenance information and precautions... 152 Specifications.. 156

Editing

Dubbing a tape.. 56 Dubbing only desired scenes Digital program editing. 58 Using with analog video unit and personal computer Signal convert function. 68 Recording video or TV programs. 69

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls. 158 Quick Function Guide.. 166 Index... 167
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 3

Getting started

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 164) 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 11) 3 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 164) 4 NP-FM50 battery pack (1) (p. 10, 11) 5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 27, 56)
6 Lens cap (1) (p. 15) 7 USB cable (1) (p. 126) 8 Memory Stick (1) (p. 93) 9 CD-ROM (SPVD-002 USB Driver) (1) (p. 126) q; Lens hood (1) (p. 18) qa Battery terminal cover (1) (p. 10)
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

Quick Start Guide

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information. Pull down the Holding Grip to hold your camcorder as illustrated. Holding Grip
Connecting the power cord

(p. 13)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10).
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Open the DC IN jack cover.
Connect the plug with its v mark facing up.
Inserting a cassette (p. 14) 1 Slide OPEN/Z
EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

2 Push the middle

portion of the back of the cassette to insert. Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with the window facing out.

3 Close the cassette

Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
(1) While sliding BATTERY RELEASE in the direction of the arrow 1, slide the battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2. (2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
To remove the battery pack
The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.
Note on the battery terminal cover To protect the battery terminals, install the battery terminal cover after the battery pack is removed.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (M series).
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plugs v mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins.
When the CHARGE lamp goes out, normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack in place for approximately one hour after the CHARGE lamp goes out.

CHARGE lamp

After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder. Notes Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power adaptor. Keep the battery pack dry. When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once fully and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool place.

Charging time

Battery pack NP-FM50 (supplied) NP-FM70 NP-FM90 NP-FM91 Full charge (Normal charge) 150 (90) 240 (180) 330 (270) 360 (300)
Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack

Recording time

Battery pack NP-FM50 (supplied) NP-FM70 NP-FM90 NP-FM91 Recording with the viewfinder Continuous* Typical** 135 (120) 80 (70) 285 (255) 435 (390) 505 (455) 170 (150) 260 (230) 300 (270) Recording with the LCD screen Continuous* Typical** 115 (105) 65 (60) 245 (220) 370 (335) 430 (390) 145 (130) 220 (200) 255 (230)
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate the time using a normally charged battery. * Approximate continuous recording time at 77F (25C). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. ** Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/ stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

OPEN/ZEJECT

To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3. Notes Do not press the cassette compartment down forcibly. Doing so may cause malfunction. The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the mark. When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 138). To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

Recording Basics

Recording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
(1) Remove the lens cap and pull the lens cap string to fix it. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See Step 1 and Step 2 for more information (p. 10 to p. 14). (3) Pull down the Holding Grip. Hold your camcorder firmly as illustrated. (4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. Your camcorder is set to the standby mode. (5) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. (6) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

Microphone

Camera recording lamp

REC 0:00:01

Notes Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording Note on Recording mode Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP (long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings. In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times as long as in the SP mode. When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the tape on your camcorder.
Note on the LOCK switch When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting. To enable smooth transition Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. However, check the following: Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and ones in the LP mode on one tape. When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the END SEARCH function (p. 23). If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and to CAMERA again. When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record some scenes in the LP mode The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between scenes. Recording date and time The recording date and time are not displayed while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display the recording date and time, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.

After recording

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Close the LCD panel. Set the Holding Grip back to the original position. Eject the cassette. Remove the battery pack. Attach the battery terminal cover.

Adjusting the LCD screen

The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to the lens side. If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the indicator appears on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode).
When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and swing it into the camcorder body.
Note When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically turns off. 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. When you adjust angles of the LCD panel Make sure if the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees. Picture in the mirror mode The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal when recorded. During recording in the mirror mode ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work. Indicators in the mirror mode The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of the other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed. When recording with the LCD panel opened Recording time becomes shorter a little compared with when recording with the LCD panel closed. LCD screen backlight You can adjust the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings (p. 84). Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight or brightness of the LCD screen The recorded picture will not be affected.
Recording a picture Adjusting the viewfinder
If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
Attaching the supplied lens hood
To record fine pictures under strong light, we recommend attaching the lens hood. Also the lens cap can be attached even with the lens hood on.
Notes When you use the Remote Commander and the lens hood, the Remote Commander may not function properly because the lens hood blocks the infrared rays from the Remote Commander. In such case, remove the lens hood from your camcorder. You cannot attach filters or other objects onto the lens hood. When you use the filter (not supplied) The shadow of the lens hood may appear in the corners of LCD screen or viewfinder.
Recording a picture Using the zoom feature

(1) Press (self-timer) in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press PHOTO firmly. Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last 2 seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically.
Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the LCD screen or in the viewfinder while your camcorder is in the standby mode. You cannot cancel the selftimer recording using the Remote Commander. Note The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when: Self-timer recording is finished. The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.
Recording a still image on a tape Tape Photo recording Printing the still image
You can print a still image by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the video printer using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Connect it to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack and connect the yellow plug of the cable to the video input of the video printer. Refer to the operating instructions of the video printer as well.

Video printer

LINE IN VIDEO S VIDEO

S VIDEO AUDIO/VIDEO

If the video printer is equipped with S video input Use the S video connecting cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality output. Connect it to the S VIDEO jack and the S video input of the video printer.
Adjusting the white balance manually
You can manually adjust and set the white balance. This adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural color balance. Normally white balance is automatically adjusted. In CAMERA or MEMORY mode, select a desired WHT BAL in (p. 84). n (INDOOR) : Lighting condition changes quickly Too bright place such as photography studios Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps (OUTDOOR) : Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise, neon signs, or fireworks Under a color matching fluorescent lamp HOLD : Recording a single-colored subject or background in the menu settings
To return to the automatic white balance mode
Set WHT BAL to AUTO in the menu settings. If the picture is being taken in a studio lit by TV lighting We recommend that you record in the n indoor mode. When you record under fluorescent lighting Use the automatic white balance or hold mode. Your camcorder may not adjust the white balance correctly in the n indoor mode. In the automatic white balance mode Point your camcorder at a white subject for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER switch to CAMERA to get a better adjustment when: You detach the battery for replacement. You bring your camcorder to the outdoors from the interior of a house holding the exposure, or vice versa. In the hold white balance mode Set the white balance to AUTO and reset to HOLD after a few seconds when: You change the PROGRAM AE mode. You bring your camcorder to the outdoors from the interior of a house, or vice versa.

Signature 2000 (M. Wards) 80, 89 Sylvania Symphonic Tashiro Tatung Teac Technics Toshiba Wards Yamaha Zenith 83, 78, 77, 47 21, 33, 35 21, 33, 80, 35 77, 78 40, 7 89, 88, 37, 95, 47 36, 21, 33, 35 95
* TV/VCR component Note on IR SETUP code Digital program editing is not possible if the VCR does not support IR SETUP codes.
(2) Setting the modes to cancel the recording pause on the VCR
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select PAUSEMODE, then press the dial. 2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the mode to cancel recording pause on the VCR, then press the dial.
OTHERS ED I T SE T CON T RO L AD J T ES T CU T - I N CU T -OU T I R SE TUP P A U S EMOD E P A U S E I R TEST REC RE T URN PB [ ME N U ] : E N D
OTHERS ED I T SE T CON T RO L AD J T ES T CU T - I N CU T -OU T I R SE TUP P A U S EMOD E P A U S E I R TEST RE T URN [ ME N U ] : E N D
The buttons to cancel recording pause on the VCR The buttons vary depending on your VCR. To cancel recording pause: Select PAUSE if the button to cancel recording pause is X. Select REC if the button to cancel recording pause is z. Select PB if the button to cancel recording pause is N.
(3) Setting your camcorder and the VCR to face each other
Locate the infrared rays emitter of your camcorder and face it towards the remote sensor of the VCR. Set the devices about 11 7/8 in. (30 cm) apart, and remove any obstacles between the devices. Infrared rays emitter

Remote sensor

(4) Confirming the VCR operation
1 Insert a recordable tape into the VCR, then set to recording pause. 2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select IR TEST, then press the dial. 3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select EXECUTE, then press the dial. If the VCR starts recording, the setting is correct. When finished, the indicator changes to COMPLETE.
OTHERS ED I T SE T CON T RO L AD J T ES T CU T - I N CU T -OU T I R SE TUP P A U S EMOD E I R TEST R E T URN R E T URN E X E CU T E [ ME NU ] : E ND
OTHERS ED I T SE T CON T RO L AD J T ES T CU T - I N CU T -OU T I R SE TUP P A U S EMOD E I R TEST COMP L E T E R E T URN [ ME NU ] : E ND
When the VCR does not operate correctly After checking the code in About the IR SETUP code, set the IR SETUP or the PAUSEMODE again. Place your camcorder at least 11 7/8 in. (30 cm) away from the VCR. Refer to the operating instructions of your VCR.
Dubbing only desired scenes Digital program editing Step 2: Setting the VCR to operate with the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable)
When you connect using i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied), follow the procedures below.
(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR on your camcorder. (2) Turn the power of the connected VCR on, then set the input selector to DV input. When you connect a digital video camera recorder, set its power switch to VCR/VTR. (3) Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. (4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (5) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select EDIT SET, then press the dial. (6) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CONTROL, then press the dial. (7) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select i.LINK, then press the dial.

To stop dubbing during editting Press x using the video operation buttons. To end the Digital program editing function Your camcorder stops when the dubbing is complete. Then the display returns to VIDEO EDIT in the menu settings. Press MENU to end the program editing function. You cannot record on the VCR when: The tape has run out. The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark. The IR SETUP code is not correct. (When IR is selected.) The button to cancel recording pause is not correct. (When IR is selected.) NOT READY appears on the LCD screen when: The program to operate the Digital program editing has not made. i.LINK is selected but an i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) is not connected. The power of the connected VCR is not turned on. (when you set i.LINK.)
Using with analog video unit and personal computer Signal convert function
You can capture images and sound from an analog video unit connected to a personal computer which has the i.LINK (DV) jack to your camcorder.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Set the POWER switch to VCR. to LCD in the menu settings. Set DISPLAY in Set A/V t DV OUT in to ON in the menu settings (p. 84). Start playback on the analog video unit. Start capturing procedures on your personal computer. The operation procedures depend on your personal computer and the software which you use. For details on how to capture images, refer to the instruction manual of personal computer and software.
AUDIO/VIDEO OUT S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO

i.LINK

(not supplied) : Signal flow
After capturing images and sound Stop capturing procedures on your personal computer , and stop the playback on the analog video unit. Notes You need to install software which can exchange video signals. Depending on the condition of the analog video signals, the personal computer may not be able to output the images correctly when you convert analog video signals into digital video signals via your camcorder. Depending on the analog video unit, the image may contain noise or incorrect colors. You cannot record or capture the video output via your camcorder when the video tapes includes copyright protection signals such as ID-2 system.

Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings
To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode.
(1) In the standby, MEMORY or VCR mode, press MENU. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired icon, then press the dial to set. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to set. (4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode, then press the dial to set. RETURN and press the dial, then (5) If you want to change other items, select repeat steps 2 to 4.
For details, see Selecting the mode setting of each item (p. 85).

CAMERA

MA NU A L S E T P ROGR AM A E P E F F ECT WH T B A L AUTO SHTR
MA NU A L S E T P E F F ECT
MA NU A L S E T P R OG R A M A E P E F F ECT OTHERS WOR L D T I ME BEEP COMMA ND E R D I SP L AY R E C L AMP
MA NU A L S E T P ROGR AM A E WH T B A L
OTHERS WOR L D T I ME BEEP COMMA ND E R D I SP L AY R E C L AMP R E T URN
OTHERS WOR L D T I ME BEEP
OTHERS WOR L D T I ME BEEP COMMA ND E R ON D I SP L AY R E C L AMP R E T URN
OTHERS WOR L D T I ME BEEP COMMA ND E R ON D I SP L AY OF F R E C L AMP R E T URN
OTHERS WOR L D T I ME BEEP COMMA ND E R O F F D I SP L AY R E C L AMP R E T URN
To make the menu display disappear

Press MENU.

Menu items are displayed as the following icons: MANUAL SET CAMERA SET VCR SET LCD/VF SET MEMORY SET CM SET TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS
Selecting the mode setting of each item
z is the default setting.

POWER switch

Menu items differ depending on the position of the POWER switch. The LCD screen and the viewfinder shows only the items you can operate at the moment.
Icon/item PROGRAM AE P EFFECT WHT BAL AUTO SHTR Mode z ON OFF D ZOOM z OFF 16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT z OFF ON z ON OFF z ON OFF HIGH z NORMAL LOW Meaning To suit your specific shooting requirement (p. 42) To add special effects like those in films or on the TV to images (p. 38). To adjust the white balance (p. 34). To automatically activate the electronic shutter when shooting in bright conditions. To not automatically activate the electronic shutter even when shooting in bright conditions. To deactivate the digital zoom. Up to 10 zoom is carried out. To activate the digital zoom. More than 10 to 20 zoom is performed digitally (p. 19). To activate the digital zoom. More than 10 to 120 zoom is performed digitally (p. 19). To record a 16:9 wide picture (p. 35). To compensate for camera-shake. To cancel the SteadyShot function. Natural pictures are produced when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. To use the NightShot Light function (p. 21). To cancel the NightShot Light function. Makes the flash level higher than normal. Normal setting. Makes the flash level lower than normal.

320 REC

0:[ SEC ]
Recording time can be recorded on the Memory Stick This indicator is displayed for 5 seconds after pressing START/STOP. This indicator is not recorded.

To stop recording

Press START/STOP. Note Sound is recorded in monaural. When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY The following functions do not work: Wide TV Digital zoom SteadyShot function SUPER NIGHTSHOT Fader Picture effect Digital effect Title Low lux mode (The indicator flashes.) Sports lesson mode (The indicator flashes.) MEMORY MIX When recording in MEMORY mode The angle of view is a little increased than one in CAMERA mode. When using an external flash (not supplied) Turn the power of the external flash off when recording moving pictures on Memory Sticks. Otherwise, the charging sound for the flash may be recorded. During recording on Memory Stick Do not eject the cassette tape from your camcorder. During ejecting the tape, sound is not recorded on the Memory Stick.
Recording a picture from a mini DV tape as a moving picture
Your camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a mini DV tape and record it as a moving picture on a Memory Stick. Your camcorder can also take in moving picture data through the input connector and record it as a moving picture on a Memory Stick. Before operation Insert a recorded mini DV tape into your camcorder. Insert a Memory Stick into your camcorder.
(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR. (2) Press N. The picture recorded on the mini DV tape is played back. (3) Press START/STOP on your camcorder at the scene where you want to start recording from. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. When IMAGESIZE in the menu settings is set to 160 112, the maximum recording time is 60 seconds. However, when IMAGESIZE in the menu setting is set to 320 240, the maximum recording time is 15 seconds.

REW PLAY FF

N 0:1 5:4 2:0:[ SEC ]
Recording time can be recorded on the Memory Stick. This indicator is displayed for 5 seconds after pressing START/STOP. This indicator is not recorded.

Press START/STOP.

Notes Sound recorded in 48 kHz is converted to one in 32 kHz when recording images from a mini DV tape to Memory Sticks. Sound recorded in stereo is converted to monaural sound when recording from tapes. When the access lamp is lit or flashing Do not shake or strike the unit. As well do not turn the power off , eject a Memory Stick or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur. Titles have already recorded on mini DV tapes You cannot record the titles on Memory Sticks. The title does not appear while you are recording a still image with START/STOP. Data code recorded on a mini DV tape You cannot record the data code recorded on a mini DV tape. If AUDIO ERROR is displayed Sound that cannot be recorded by your camcorder has been recorded. Connect the A/V connecting cable to input images from an external unit used to play back the image (p. 114).

Still image

M. LUMI I

Items to be adjusted M. CHROM M. LUMI C. CHROM The color (blue) scheme of the area in the still image which is to be swapped with a moving picture The color (bright) scheme of the area in the still image which is to be swapped with a moving picture The color (blue) scheme of the area in the moving picture which is to be swapped with a still image
M. OVERLAP No adjustment necessary The fewer bars there are on the screen, the stronger the effect.
To change the still image to be superimposed
Do either of the following: Press MEMORY+/ before step 6. Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial before step 6, and repeat the procedure form step 4. (Except for M.OVERLAP)
To change the mode setting
Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial before step 6, and repeat the procedure from step 4.

To cancel MEMORY MIX

Press MEMORY MIX. Notes You cannot use MEMORY MIX function for moving pictures recorded on Memory Sticks. When the overlapping still image has a large amount of white, the thumbnail image of the picture may not be clear. The Memory Stick supplied with your camcorder has stored 20 images For M.CHROM : 18 images (such as a frame) 100-0001 ~ 100-0018 For C.CHROM : 2 images (such as a background) 100-0019 ~ 100-0020 Sample images Sample images stored in the Memory Stick supplied with your camcorder are protected (p. 134). Image data modified with personal computers or shot with other equipment You may not be able to play them back with your camcorder. During recording You cannot change the mode setting.
Copying still images from a mini DV tape Photo save
Using the search function, you can automatically take in only still images from mini DV tapes and record them on a Memory Stick in sequence. Before operation Insert a recorded mini DV tape into your camcorder and rewind the tape. Insert a Memory Stick into your camcorder.

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Set the POWER switch to VCR. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select PHOTO SAVE, then press the dial. PHOTO BUTTON appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (5) Press PHOTO firmly. The still image from the mini DV tape is recorded on a Memory Stick. The number of still images copied is displayed. END is displayed when copying is completed.

P HO T O S A V E

0:0 0:0 0:4 / 15

0:3 0:0 0:8 / 15

SAV I NG 0
MEMOR Y S E T ST I L L SET MO V I E S E T P R I N T MA R K P RO T E C T P HO T O S A V E RE T URN

USB jack USB connector

Personal computer

USB cable

Push in until the connector clicks into place
Note You cannot install the USB driver if a Memory Stick is not in your camcorder. Be sure to insert a Memory Stick into your camcorder before installing the USB driver.

For Macintosh users

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Turn on your personal computer and allow the Mac OS to load. Insert the supplied CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your personal computer. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon to open the window. Double-click the icon of the hard disk containing the OS to open the window. Move the following 2 files from the window opened in step 3 to the System Folder icon in the window opened in step 4 (drag and drop).
Sony Camcorder USB Driver Sony Camcorder USB Shim
(6) When Put these items into the Extensions folder? appears, click OK. (7) Restart your personal computer.
Viewing images using a personal computer Viewing images

For Windows 98 users

(1) Turn on the power of your personal computer and allow Windows 98 to load. (2) Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB jack on the camcorder and the other end to the USB connector on your personal computer. (3) Insert a Memory Stick into your camcorder, and connect the AC power adaptor to your camcorder and then to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. PC MODE appears on the LCD screen of the camcorder. (5) Open My Computer on Windows 98 and double click the newly recognized drive. (Example: Removable Disk (D:)) The folders inside the Memory Stick are displayed. (6) Select and double-click the desired image file from the folder. For the detailed folder and file name, see Image file storage destinations and image files (p. 129).
Push in until the connector clicks into place Double-click in this order
Desired file type Still image Moving picture* Dcim folder
t 100msdcf folder t Image file
Mssony folder t Moml0001 folder t Image file*
* Copying a file to the hard disk of your personal computer before viewing it is recommended. If you play back the file directly from the Memory Stick, the image and sound may break off.
Viewing images using a personal computer Unplug the USB cable/Eject the Memory Stick
To unplug the USB cable or eject the Memory Stick, follow the procedure below.

For Windows 2000 users

(1) Move the cursor to the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the Task Tray and click to cancel the applicable drive. (2) A message to remove the device from the system appears, then unplug the USB cable or eject the Memory Stick.

For Machintosh users

About the Name i.LINK

i.LINK is a more familiar term for IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by SONY, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

i.LINK Baud rate

i.LINKs maximum baud rate varies according to the equipment. Three maximum baud rates are defined: S100 (approx. 100Mbps*) S200 (approx. 200Mbps) S400 (approx. 400Mbps) The baud rate is listed under Specifications in the instruction manual of each equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK jack on some equipment. The maximum baud rate of equipment on which it is not indicated such as this unit is S100. When units are connected to equipment having a different maximum baud rate, the baud rate sometimes differs from the indicated baud rate. *What is Mbps? Mbps stands for megabits per second, or the amount of data that can be sent or received in one second. For example, a baud rate of 100Mbps means that 100 megabits of data can be sent in one second.
About i.LINK i.LINK functions on this unit
For details on how to dub when this unit is connected to other video equipment having DV jacks, see page 57, 70. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV) compatible equipment made by SONY (e.g. VAIO series personal computer) other than video equipment. Before connecting this unit to a personal computer, make sure that application software supported by this unit is already installed on the personal computer. For details on precautions when connecting this unit, also refer to the instruction manuals for the equipment to be connected.

Required i.LINK Cable

Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable (during DV dubbing). i.LINK and are trademarks.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If C:ss:ss appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function has worked. See page 148.

In the recording mode

Symptom
START/STOP does not operate.

The power goes off.

The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. The SteadyShot function does not work. The autofocusing function does not work.
The picture does not appear in the viewfinder. A vertical band appears when you shoot a subject such as lights or a candle flame against a dark background. A vertical band appears when you shoot a very bright subject. Some tiny white spots appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. An unknown picture is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

Five-digit display

C:04:ss

C:21:ss

C:22:ss

C:31:ss C:32:ss

E:61:ss E:62:ss E:91: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. Moisture condensation has occurred. c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least one hour to acclimatize. (p. 152) The video heads are dirty. c Clean the heads using the cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 153) A malfunction other than the above that you can service has occurred. c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder. c Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power source, 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 corrective actions a few times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Warning indicators and messages
If indicators and messages appear in the viewfinder or the LCD screen, check the following: See the page in parentheses ( ) for more information.

Warning indicators

1000001 C:21:00
100-0001 Warning indicator as to file Slow flashing: The file is corrupted. The file is unreadable. You are trying to carry out MEMORY MIX function on moving picture. C:21:00 Self-diagnosis display (p. 148). E The battery is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: The battery is nearly dead. Depending on conditions and battery pack models, the E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes remaining. Fast flashing: The battery is dead (p. 11). % Moisture condensation has occurred* Fast flashing: Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with the cassette compartment open (p. 152). Warning indicator as to cassette memory* Slow flashing: No tape with cassette memory is inserted (p. 138). Warning indicator as to Memory Stick* Slow flashing: No Memory Stick is inserted. Fast flashing: The Memory Stick is not readable with your camcorder (p. 93). The image cannot be recorded on Memory Stick (p. 114). Warning indicator as to Memory Stick formatting Fast flashing: Memory Stick is not formatted correctly (p. 88). The Memory Stick data is corrupted.*
Q Warning indicator as to tape Slow flashing: The tape is near the end. No tape is inserted.* The write-protect tab on the cassette is out (red) (p. 14).* Fast flashing: The tape has run out.* Z You need to eject the cassette* Slow flashing: The write-protect tab on the cassette is out (red) (p. 14). Fast flashing: Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 152). The tape has run out. The self-diagnosis display function is activated (p. 148). - The still image is protected* Slow flashing: The still image is protected (p. 134). Warning indicator as to the flash Slow flashing: During charging. Fast flashing: The self-diagnosis display function is activated (p. 148).* There is something wrong with the built-in flash or the external flash (not supplied). * You hear the melody or beep sound.

COMMUNICATIONS

Multiple Online Auctions
Y. Alex Tung and Ram D. Gopal, University of Connecticut Andrew B. Whinston, University of Texas at Austin
pated in multiple auctions was relatively small. Interestingly, none of the cross-bidders won the item they bid on. The dearth of monitoring and hopping indicates that eventual winners did not game these auctions effectively to obtain the items at the lowest price and earliest possible time. Consequently, there were signicant price discrepancies among the auctions, even for those that ended at the same time. Furthermore, nonwinners from one auction could have won the item at another auction that they did not
onsumers have traditionally relied on posted prices, bargaining, and auctions to trade products or services. With the advent of modern information technologies, this activity is increasingly occurring online. According to a recent report from Forrester Research (www.forrester.com), more than 80 percent of global trade will soon be conducted via the Internet, with auctions accounting for 25 percent of all online sales. The dynamic and uncertain nature of auctions signicantly complicates the consumers search and decision-making strategies. An active auctions current state is not a certain predictor of its future state, necessitating periodic reevaluation. Participating in multiple, simultaneous auctions compounds these uncertainties. Complex decisions about which auctions to monitor, in what sequence, and how often, and which ones to bid and rebid, can have a signicant impact on the desired items nal price. Sticking it out with one auction can negate any chance to obtain the item cheaper elsewhere; monitoring without committing to a purchase can likewise result in missed opportunities. Simultaneous bidding at multiple auctions may lead to the possibility of winning multiple items. Bid retractions are prohibited at most auction houses and can be costly to bidders. The rapid transition of trade to the Internet raises critical questions about

Computer

Arbitrage possibilities are a useful yardstick for evaluating overall auction market efciency.
how well the time-honored methodologies, strategies, and processes that buyers and sellers use translate to the online world. Do Internet consumers effectively evaluate all available options? How do their decisions translate to seller profits? Determining whether consumer participation in multiple auctions yields optimal results offers one benchmark for evaluating the overall benets of e-commerce.

LOST CHANCES

We collected relevant 2001 data from a popular online auction house for several consumer electronics items between Thanksgiving and Christmas, one of the busiest shopping periods. For each item, we tracked four separate auctions that were simultaneously active at the same auction house. To rule out a strong preference for one seller, we selected auctions with identical seller ratings. Table 1 summarizes key auction characteristics for two of the items, a Samsung DVD-V1000 VCR/DVD player and a Sony DCRPC110 Mini DV camcorder. The number of bidders who partici-
actively consider. For example, the highest nonwinning bid for DVD 1 was $250, which is higher than the winning bid in the DVD 2 auction that ended at the same time. In addition, as Figure 1 shows, the highest-bidding nonwinner in the auction for DV cam 1 could have hopped to the auction for DV cam 2 with a good chance of obtaining the item cheaper and sooner. Clearly, price discrepancies in the winning bids of multiple online auctions have a differential impact on sellerssome gain, while others lose. More importantly, simultaneous auctions may be suboptimal for the seller community as a whole. For example, the seller of DV cam 2 could have extracted a signicantly higher prot if the nonwinning participant from the DV cam 1 auction chose to also actively evaluate the former auction. This violates the basic principle that when two identical items are available, they should go to the two highest bidders. Instead, the two highest bidders chose to take part in the same auction, and consequently a seller from another auction lost out.

Table 1. Multiple auction statistics. Samsung DVD-V1000 VCR/DVD player DVD 1
Ending time (hours from start of recording) Total bidders Winning bid Highest nonwinning bid Winners earliest entrance time Highest nonwinners earliest entrance time Number of bidders who participated in other auctions $255.00 $250.25.5 5

$242.50 $240.8 1

$225.00 $222.26.5 3
35.$240.03 $237.53 35.5 24.5 5
Sony DCR-PC110 Mini DV camcorder DV cam 1
Ending time (hours from start of recording) Total bidders Winning bid Highest nonwinning bid Winners earliest entrance time Highest nonwinners earliest entrance time* Number of bidders who participated in other auctions $2,100.00 $2.075.-10 5

DV cam 2

$1,628.76 $1,626.11 2

DV cam 3

$1,650.00 $1,600.3 4

DV cam 4

$1,325.00 $1,300.51 3
*A negative number indicates the entrance time occurred before initial recording.

ARBITRAGE OPPORTUNITIES

The prevalence of price disparities in multiple online auctions, due in part to lack of hopping by inexperienced bidders, reveals significant arbitrage opportunities for sellers. Arbitrage involves buying a good in one market and simultaneously selling it in anotherideally at a higher price, generating risk-free profit on the difference. Persistent arbitrage conditions indicate economic inefciency. For example, the seller of DV cam 1 can use the bid price at her own auction as a basis to bid as a buyer at an alternate auction for the same item. Let P be the bid price at time t, c the commission that the seller needs to pay the auction house for the hosting service (typically below 5 percent of the nal selling price), and c the shipping costs if the seller were to win at another auction. If the seller can procure the same item from another seller for a price lower than P - c - c , then arbitrage opportunities exist. Because P is time
2,200 2,100 Bid price (dollars) 2,000 1,900 1,800 1,700 1,600 1,15 Time (hours) 30 DV cam 1 DV cam 2
Figure 1. Possible auction-hopping strategy. The highest-bidding nonwinner in the DV cam 1 auction could have hopped to the auction for DV cam 2 with a good chance of obtaining the item cheaper and earlier.
varying, the seller can continually monitor it and adjust her bidding strategy accordingly at an alternate auction. If the seller does not win but manages to sell the item at her auction, she is no worse off. If she manages to win at a
lower price than was bid at her site, she can simply forward the item that she wins to her own buyer, keep the original item, and earn some risk-free prots. Following this strategy, the seller of DV cam 1 could participate in the aucFebruary 2003

Communications

tion for DV cam 3 and win it at $1,652.50 ($1,650 + $2.50). This buysell strategy results in a price differential of $447.50. Even after paying the commission fees and shipping charges, the seller could reap signicant prots. Note that this strategy does not constitute shillinganonymously bidding in an auction to drive up the bid price because the seller does not interfere in any way in her own auction. The arbitrage opportunities do not represent any unethical or illegal activity on the part of the seller, but simply a straightforward strategy that a seller can exploit in the face of buyers who suboptimize their participation strategy with multiple auctions for an identical item. The arbitrage problem becomes worse if an auction house charges sellers only when the item is sold. In such a case, the seller need not even possess the item to gain arbitrage prots. He can simply listed a reserve price that covers the posted price, expected commissions, and shipping charges.
This is a realistic opportunity when an item is on sale at the sellers geographic location or if signicant price disparities across locations are present. For example, farming products are typically cheaper in rural areas than in urban locations. In addition, a seller need only incur the cost of one site, using it as the launching pad to hunt for arbitrage opportunities at other auction houses.
information technologies, caveat emptor should remain the key operating principle for online consumers. I
Y. Alex Tung is an associate professor in the Department of Operations and Information Management at the University of Connecticuts School of Business Administration. Contact him at atung@business.uconn.edu. Ram D. Gopal is an associate professor in the Department of Operations and Information Management at the University of Connecticuts School of Business Administration. Contact him at ram@business.uconn.edu. Andrew B. Whinston is the Hugh Roy Cullen Centennial Chair Professor in Information Systems at the Graduate School of Business in the University of Texas at Austin. Contact him at abw@ uts.cc.utexas.edu.

he nascent online auction market is far from realizing the muchtouted efficiencies promised by the Internet. Bidders must undertake a holistic strategy that encompasses multiple, active auctions to effectively participate and procure a desired item. Although we present data from only a few auctions, the underlying behavioral patterns are widespread and persistent. Until buyer participation and bidding strategies as well as online auction market structures catch up to new