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2-515-268-12(1)

Camera Operations Guide [US]

Camera Operations Guide

Read this first
Digital Video Camera Recorder

DCR-TRV380/TRV480

SERIES

2005 Sony Corporation

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

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
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. b Notice If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV480 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone Number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. This product contains mercury. Disposal of this product may be regulated if sold in the United States. For disposal or recycling information, please contact your local authorities or the Electronics Industries Alliance (http://www.eiae.org).

Notes on use

Note on a cassette tape
You can record on standard 8 mm and Hi8 , Digital8 video cassettes in Digital8 system only on your camcorder. See page 137 for details.

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. DCR-TRV Serial No. Model No. ACSerial No.

Notes on recording

Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems. Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc. TV color systems differ depending on the country/ region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. b Notes: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Playback

Viewing movies recorded on a tape... 49
Playing back in various modes.... 50 Viewing recordings with added effects Digital effect... 51
Viewing recordings on a Memory Stick
Playing back in various modes from a Memory Stick... 53
Playing back with ease Easy Handycam... 54
Making full use of Easy Handycam operation... 55
Various playback functions... 56
Magnifying pictures Tape playback zoom/Memory playback zoom.. 56 Displaying the screen indicators... 57 Displaying the date/time and camera settings data Data code.. 57
Playing the picture on a TV... 59 Locating a scene on a tape for playback.. 60
Searching quickly for a desired scene Zero set memory.. 60 Searching for a scene by date of recording Date search.. 60

Advanced operations

Using the Menu
Selecting menu items.. 62 Using the (CAMERA SET) menu PROGRAM AE/16:9 WIDE, etc.. 64 Using the (MEMORY SET) menu QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/ NEW FOLDER, etc. 68 Using the (PICT. APPLI.) menu PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/FRAME REC/INTERVAL REC, etc. 71 Using the (EDIT/PLAY) menu END SEARCH/TITLE, etc.. 76 Using the (STANDARD SET) menu REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA, etc.. 79 Using the (TIME/LANGU.) menu CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME, etc. 85 Customizing Personal Menu.. 86

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to a VCR or TV. 89 Dubbing to another tape.. 90 Recording pictures from a VCR or TV. 91 Dubbing pictures from a tape to a Memory Stick.. 92 Dubbing still images from a Memory Stick to a tape.. 93 Dubbing selected scenes from a tape Digital program editing.. 94 Deleting recorded pictures. 101 Marking recorded images with specific information Image protection/ Print mark.. 102 Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer).. 104

Using with your computer

Features... 106 Installing the software and First Step Guide on a computer. 108 Using First Step Guide.. 112 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to Click to DVD).. 113 Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder Digital convert function. 116

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting..118 Warning indicators and messages.132

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad.136 Usable cassette tapes..137 About the Memory Stick..138 About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack..140 About i.LINK...141 Maintenance and precautions.142 Specification..145

Quick Reference

Press EASY when recording/ playing back.
EASY lights up in blue (1) and screen font size increases (2) during Easy Handycam operation.
Easy Handycam operation ON
For details, see instructions for each operation. See page 35 for recording, page 54 for playback.

A/V connecting cable (1)

Step 1: Checking supplied items

USB cable (1)

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

AC Adaptor (1)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30 (1) CD-ROM Picture Package Ver.1.5 (1)
Camera Operations Guide (This manual) (1) Power cord (1)
Lens cap (1) See page 148 on how to attach the lens cap.
Shoulder strap (1) See page 149 on how to attach the shoulder strap.
Wireless Remote Commander (1) A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the battery by attaching the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (M series) to your camcorder.
b Notes You cannot use batteries other than the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (M series) (p. 140). Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminals with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or build-in cabinet.

Lift up the viewfinder.

Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

DC IN jack DC plug

Power cord AC Adaptor To the wall outlet
With the v mark on the DC plug facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

v mark

Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor. Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.
To check the remaining battery Battery Info

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

After charging the battery
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

POWER switch

You can check the batterys current charge level and its current remaining recording time both during charging or when the power is turned off.
To remove the battery pack
BATT(battery) release button POWER switch

1 Set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF. 2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. 3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
The battery information appears for about 7 seconds. Keep the button pressed to view it for about 20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL

0% 50% 100%

1 Set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF. 2 Lift up the viewfinder. 3 Slide the battery pack out in the direction
of the arrow pressing the BATT (battery) release button down.
b Note If you do not use the battery pack for a long time, use up the battery pack completely before storing it. See page 141 about storage of the battery pack.
REC TIME AVAILABLE LCD SCREEN: 72 min VIEWFINDER: 95 min
A Battery charge level: Displays approximate remaining amount of power left in the battery pack. B Approximate possible recording time using the LCD panel. C Approximate possible recording time using the viewfinder.
Charging time Approximate number of minutes required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack at 25C (77F). (10 30C (50 86F) recommended.)
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 260 360
* Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the POWER switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Recording time when recording with the LCD screen on
Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25C (77F).
Battery pack Continuous recording time
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 315 475
Playing time Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25C (77F). This table shows the playing time for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. For DCR-TRV480: The playing time of tapes recorded on other devices in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm system is reduced by about 20%.
Battery pack LCD panel opened
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 335 505

LCD panel closed

465 695

Typical* recording time

150 230
Recording time when recording with the viewfinder
NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D 415 625

205 310

b Notes The power will not be supplied from the battery pack when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even if its power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet. The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperature. The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information will not be correctly displayed in following conditions. The battery pack is not attached correctly. The battery pack is damaged. The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery information only.)

Using an outside power source
Step 3: Turning the power on
You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 21).
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power source when you do not want the battery to run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its charge even when it is attached to your camcorder.
PRECAUTION Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down.
The power turns on. To enter the recording or playing mode, slide the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp for the desired power mode lights up.
Connect your camcorder as shown in Charging the battery pack (p. 16).
CAMERA-TAPE mode: To record on a tape. CAMERA-MEMORY mode: To record on a Memory Stick. PLAY/EDIT mode: To play or edit pictures on a tape or Memory Stick.

To turn off the power

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

Adjusting the LCD panel

[MENU], (STANDARD SET) menu, then touch [LCD SET] (p. 81).

3 Adjust the item with

touch.

, then

You can adjust the angle and brightness of the LCD panel to meet various recording situations.
Even when there are obstructions between you and the subject, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.
z Tips If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. If you are using the battery pack for power source, you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD BL LEVEL] from the [LCD SET] on the (STANDARD SET) menu (p. 81). Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight, the recorded picture will not be affected. You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by setting [BEEP] in the (STANDARD SET) menu to [OFF] (p. 84).

Adjusting the viewfinder

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

Maximum 90 degrees

Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it to the desired position.

Recording for a longer time
To record for a longer time on a tape
In the (STANDARD SET) menu, select [ REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 79). In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer than you can when recording in the SP mode. A tape recorded in the LP mode should be played back only on this camcorder.
To record for a longer time on a Memory Stick
In the (MEMORY SET) menu, select [MOVIE SET], [ IMAGE SIZE], then [160 112] (p. 68). The length of time you can record on a Memory Stick varies depending on the image size and the recording environment. Refer to the following list for approximate length of time you can record movies on a Sony Memory Stick formatted on your camcorder. Image size and time (hour: minute: second)

[320 240] [160 112]

8MB 16MB 32MB 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB
00:01:20 00:02:40 00:05:20 00:10:40 00:21:20 00:42:40 01:25:20 02:50:40 05:41:20
00:05:20 00:10:40 00:21:20 00:42:40 01:25:20 02:50:40 05:41:20 11:22:40 22:45:20

Using zoom

To use the zoom buttons on LCD frame
Keep W pressed to record wider range of view, and keep T pressed to record closer view.
b Notes You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on LCD frame. To press the zoom buttons on LCD frame, support the LCD panel with your hand.
When the CAMERA-TAPE mode is selected, you can choose zoom to magnification levels greater than 20 times, and from that point activate the digital zoom ([DIGITAL ZOOM], p. 66). Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but use it sparingly for best results.

Using the built-in light

You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 1.5 m (5 feet).

Built-in light

1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*
80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*
Press LIGHT repeatedly to select a setting.
* The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus in that position of the lever.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
To record wider range of view Move the power zoom lever towards W. The subject appears farther away (Wide angle). To record closer view Move the power zoom lever towards T. The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
The settings are displayed cyclically in the following order. No indicator displayed: Always records without using the built-in light. m : Automatically turns on and off according to the ambient brightness. m : Always turns on.

BLACK FADER MOSAIC FADER

WHITE FADER
Fading in from still image on the Memory Stick Memory overlap
You can fade in from the still image on the Memory Stick to the movie currently being recorded on the tape.

Still image Movie

1 Check that you have a Memory Stick
with the still image to be superimposed and a tape in your camcorder.
2 Slide the POWER switch to select the
3 Touch. 4 Touch [MENU]. 5 Select (PICT. APPLI.), then
[ OVERLAP] by touching / and touch. The recorded image appears on the thumbnail screen.
[TRAIL] You can record a picture so that an incidental image like a trail is left. [SLOW SHUTTR] (slow shutter) You can slow down the shutter speed. This mode is suitable for shooting a subject more clearly in a dark place. [OLD MOVIE] You can add an old movie-type atmosphere to pictures. Your camcorder automatically records pictures in the letterbox mode for all screen size, sepia in color, and at a slower shutter speed.

6 Touch

(previous) / (next) to select the still image to be superimposed.
7 Touch [ON], then. 8 Touch. 9 Press REC START/STOP to start
recording. [M. OVRLAP] stops flashing, and disappears when fading is finished.
Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode. Touch.
Using special effects effect

Digital

Touch [D.EFFECT].
60min D. EFFECT: STBY OFF 0:00:00
You can add digital effects to the recordings. [STILL] You can record a movie while superimposing it on a previously recorded still image.

STILL LUMI. KEY

[FLASH] (flash motion) You can record a movie with a serial-still-image effect (strobe effect). [LUMI. KEY] (luminance key) You can replace a brighter area in a previously recorded still image, such as the background of a person or a title written on white paper, with a movie.
Touch the desired effect, then adjust the effect by touching (decrease) / (increase) and touch.
Adjustment screen example:
60min D. EFFECT: STBY STILL 0:00:00
When you touch [STILL] or [LUMI. KEY], the image displayed on the screen at that time is saved as a still image.

An error message appears when you cSet the computer display as follows: place the CD-ROM in your computer. Windows: dots or more, High Color (16 bits, colors or more) Macintosh: 768 dots or more, colors or more You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer. cDisconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. cSlide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode, set [USB-CAMERA] to [USB STREAM] in the (STANDARD SET) menu. (p. 82) (Only when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable) cDisconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. cSlide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode, set [USB-PLY/EDT] to [USB STREAM] in the (STANDARD SET) menu. (p. 83) (Only when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable) cWhen you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the OS. cInsert the Memory Stick firmly. cYou cannot use an i.LINK cable. Connect the camcorder and the computer using the USB cable. cSlide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode, set [USB-PLY/EDT] to [STD-USB] in the (STANDARD SET) menu. (p. 83) The computer does not recognize the Memory Stick during camcorder operation such as tape playback or editing. cFinish camcorder operation before connecting the camcorder to the computer.
You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the computer.
You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the Macintosh computer. You cannot view the pictures recorded on a Memory Stick on the computer.
The Memory Stick icon ([Removable Disk] or [Sony MemoryStick]) does not appear on the computer screen.
cSlide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode on your camcorder. cInsert a Memory Stick into your camcorder. cDisconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. cSet [USB-PLY/EDT] to [STD-USB] in the (STANDARD SET) menu. (p. 83) The computer does not recognize the Memory Stick during camcorder operation such as tape playback or editing. cFinish camcorder operation before connecting the camcorder to the computer.

2 Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click

[Done].

b Note Sound is not supported on Windows 98. The movie is not smooth during USB streaming. cChange the settings as described in the following procedures:
2 Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video

quality].

3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click
Picture Package does not function correctly. An error message appears while operating Picture Package. cClose Picture Package, then restart the Windows computer. cClose Picture Package on your Windows computer first, then set the POWER switch on your camcorder to another mode.
The CD-R drive is not recognized or cFor the compatible drive, visit the following URL: data cannot be written on the CD-R in http://www.ppackage.com/ Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup or VCD Maker. [USB Streaming. This function is not available.] appears on the screen of your camcorder. cStart the operations for MEMORY MIX, recording or playing back pictures recorded on a Memory Stick after USB Streaming is finished.
First Step Guide is not displayed correctly.
cRefer to First Step Guide in PDF. For copying the PDF file, see page 112.
Warning indicators and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators
If indicators appear on the screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.

Indication

C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Selfdiagnosis display)
Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:04:ss cA battery pack that is not an InfoLITHIUM battery pack is being used. Use an InfoLITHIUM battery pack. (p. 140) C:21:ss cMoisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette. (p. 143) C:22:ss cClean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 143) C:31:ss / C:32:ss cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform this procedure if moisture starts to condense. (p. 143) cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your camcorder again. cChange the tape. cPress the RESET button and operate your camcorder again (p. 148). E:61:ss / E:62:ss cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from E. The file is damaged. The file is unreadable. You are trying to carry out the MEMORY MIX function on a movie (p. 45). The battery pack is nearly used up. Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, the E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes remaining.

101-0001 (Warning indicator pertaining to files)
E (Battery level warning)
% (Moisture condensation warning)* cEject the cassette, set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF, and leave it for about 1 hour with the cassette lid open (p. 143). (Warning indicator pertaining to the Memory Stick) No Memory Stick is inserted.
(Warning indicator pertaining to Memory Stick formatting)* (Warning indicator pertaining to incompatible Memory Stick)* Q (Warning indicator pertaining to the tape)
The Memory Stick data is damaged. The Memory Stick is not formatted correctly (p. 69). An incompatible Memory Stick is inserted. Slow flashing: There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape. No cassette is inserted.* The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 137).* Fast flashing: The tape has run out.* Slow flashing: The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 137). Fast flashing: Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 143). The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 132). The image is protected (p. 102). The write-protect tab on the Memory Stick is set to lock. (p. 138)
Z (Eject cassette warning)*
- (Warning indicator pertaining to image deletion)* - (Warning indicator pertaining to the write-protect of the Memory Stick)
* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.

Warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.

Subjects

Battery

Indications

Use the InfoLITHIUM battery pack. Battery level is low. Old battery. Use a new one. Z Re-attach the power source.
Corrective Actions/References
cSee page 140. cCharge the battery (p. 16). cSee page 140. cSee page 143. cSee page 143. cSee page 22. cThe cassette might be damaged, etc. cSee page 137. cSee page 23. cReinsert the Memory Stick a few times. cFormat the Memory Stick. (p. 69) The Memory Stick might be damaged. Try with another Memory Stick. cSee page 138.
Moisture condensation Cassette/tape
% Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette. % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. Q Insert a cassette. Z Reinsert the cassette. Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab. Q The tape has reached the end.

Simple setting of clock by time difference
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] in the (TIME/LANGU.) menu, then set the time difference (p. 85).

AC-L15A/L15B

On TV color systems
Your camcorder is an NTSC system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC systembased TV (see following list) with the AUDIO/ VIDEO input jack.

System

Used in
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc. Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, etc. Brazil Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

PAL - M PAL - N SECAM

Usable cassette tapes
You can use standard 8 mm and Hi8 , Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder.

Digital8

system
This video system has been developed to enable digital recording to Hi8 /Digital8 video cassette. The recording time when you use your Digital8 system camcorder on Hi8 / standard 8 mm tape is half of the recording time when using the conventional Hi8 / standard 8 mm system camcorder. (120 minutes of recording time becomes 60 minutes in the SP mode.)
When you record You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals for copyright protection of software. [Cannot record due to copyright protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen if you try to record such software. Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records.
To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set to SAVE.
This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed to produce higher quality pictures. You cannot play back a tape recorded in the Hi8 system correctly on video recorders/ players other than a Hi8 video recorder/player. To prevent a blank section from being made on the tape Touch to go to the end of the recorded section before you begin the next recording in the following cases: You have played back the tape. You have used EDIT SEARCH. If there is a blank section or discontinuous signals on your tape, re-record from the beginning to the end of the tape as described above.
REC: The cassette can be recorded. SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (writeprotected). When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations as shown in the following illustration so as not to cause malfunction of your camcorder.

To use i.LINK functions on this unit
For details on how to dub when this unit is connected to other video device having a DV Interface, see page 89, 90. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video device. Before connecting this unit to your computer, make sure that application software supported by this unit is already installed on your computer. Some i.LINK compatible video device such as Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players, and MICROMV recorders/players are not compatible with DV device. Before connecting to other device, be sure to confirm whether the device is compatible with DV device or not. For details on precautions and compatible application software, refer also to the operating instructions for the device to be connected.
About the required i.LINK cable
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable (during DV dubbing). i.LINK and Corporation. are trademarks of Sony
Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside. When disconnecting the power cord, pull by the plug and not the cord. Do not damage the power cord such as by placing anything heavy on it. Keep metal contacts clean. Keep the Remote Commander and buttontype battery out of childrens reach. If the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor immediately. If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked consult your local authorized Sony service facility. wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin. if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and consult a doctor. When not using your camcorder for a long time Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by playing back tapes for about 3 minutes. Otherwise, unplug it from the wall outlet.
This is not a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected. Note on moisture condensation Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a humid place as shown below. When you bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating device. When you bring your camcorder from an airconditioned car or room into a hot place outside. When you use your camcorder after a squall or a shower. When you use your camcorder in a hot and humid place. How to prevent moisture condensation When you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, put your camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag when the air temperature inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about one hour).

with an object such as the corner of a Memory Stick. The position of the changes.

CALIBRATION

LCD screen
Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. While using your camcorder, the back of the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a malfunction. To clean the LCD screen If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, it is recommended you use a soft cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen. Use cleaning paper moistened with the liquid. On adjustment of the LCD screen (CALIBRATION) The buttons on the touch panel may not work correctly. If this happens, follow the procedure below. It is recommended you connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation.
If you did not press the right spot, start from step 4 again.
b Note You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if you have rotated the LCD panel and set it with the LCD screen facing out.

On handling the casing

If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth. Avoid the following to avoid damage to the finish. Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine, alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent and insecticide. Handling with above substances on your hands. Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or vinyl objects for a long period of time.
About care and storage of the lens
Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: When there are fingerprints on the lens surface. In hot or humid locations When the lens is exposed to salty air such as at the seaside. Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust.
1 Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG)
2 Eject the cassette and Memory Stick
from your camcorder, then disconnect any connecting cables except the AC Adaptor from your camcorder.
To prevent molds periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended you operate your camcorder about once a month to keep it in an optimum state for a long time.

Specification

Video camera recorder
To charge the pre-installed rechargeable battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settings even when the POWER switch is set to (CHG) OFF. The pre-installed rechargeable battery is always charged while you are using your camcorder but it will get discharged gradually if you do not use your camcorder. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all. However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable battery is not charged, the camcorder operation will not be affected as long as you are not recording the date. Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER switch set to (CHG) OFF for more than 24 hours.