3-864-632-14 (2)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Instructions

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

Owners Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-TRV900 Model No. AC-L10A Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-TRV900

1998 by Sony Corporation

Welcome !!

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

WARNING

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

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
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.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For the Customers in CANADA
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
For the Customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only). For the SONY Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only). Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.
When you use Memory Sticks (not supplied), see page 91 for details.
IBM PC/AT is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation of the U.S.A. MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks licensed to Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, and are not mentioned in each case in this manual.

Table of contents

Before you begin Using this manual... 4 Checking supplied accessories. 6 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack. 7 Inserting a cassette.. 11 Basic operations Camera recording.. 12 Attaching the lens hood.. 14 Using the zoom feature.. 14 Selecting the start/stop mode.. 15 Shooting with the LCD screen. 16 Letting the subject monitor the shot. 17 Self-timer recording.. 18 Hints for better shooting.. 19 Checking the recorded picture.. 21 Playing back a tape.. 22 Searching for the end of the picture. 24 Advanced operations Using alternative power sources. 25 Using the house current.. 25 Using a car battery. 26 Changing the mode settings. 27 for camera recording Photo recording.. 33 Shooting with all the pixels PROG. SCAN. 35 Using the FADER function.. 36 Shooting with backlighting.. 38 Using the wide mode function.. 39 Enjoying picture effect. 40 Recording with various effects digital effect.. 42 Shooting with manual adjustment. 44 Using the PROGRAM AE function.. 54 Focusing manually.. 57 Interval recording.. 59 Cut recording... 61 Superimposing a title.. 63 Making a custom title.. 66 Labeling a cassette.. 68 for playing back/editing Watching on a TV screen.. 70 Viewing the picture with the picture effect.. 72 Viewing the picture with the digital effect.. 73 Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with date date search. 74 Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with title title search. 76 Searching for a photo photo search/photo scan.. 77 Returning to a pre-registered position. 80 Displaying recording data data code function.. 81 Editing onto another tape. 82 Editing partially on a mini DV tape DV synchro-editing. 84 Recording from a VCR or TV.. 86 Replacing recording on a tape insert editing.. 87 Audio dubbing.. 88 Memory card slot operations Using the memory card slot introduction.. 91 Recording an image from a mini DV tape as a still image.. 98 Copying still images from a mini DV tape photo save.. 100 Recording still images on PC cards (not supplied) memory photo recording. 102 Viewing a still picture memory photo playback. 105 Preventing accidental erasure PROTECT... 108 Deleting images.. 109 Copying the image recorded with the memory card slot to mini DV tapes.. 112 Playing back images in a continuous loop SLIDE SHOW.. 114 Additional information Usable cassettes and playback modes. 116 Charging the vanadium-lithium battery in the camcorder. 117 Resetting the date and time. 118 Simple setting of clock by time difference.. 119 Tips for using the battery pack.. 120 Maintenance information and precautions.. 123 Using your camcorder abroad. 126 Trouble check.. 127 Self-diagnosis function.. 132 Specifications.. 133 Identifying the parts.. 134 Warning indicators.. 143 Index... 145

You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR.

REW PLAY FF

VOLUME DISPLAY To stop playback, press. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ).
Using the Remote Commander
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries. To display the LCD screen/viewfinder screen indicators Press DISPLAY. To erase the indicators, press again. Notes on screen indicators The screen indicator disappears when the title is displayed. When you play back a tape using a InfoLITHIUM battery, B indicates the remaining battery capacity. The remaining battery time in minutes is not displayed. Using headphones Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack. You can adjust the volume of the headphones using VOLUME +/.
To view the playback picture in the viewfinder Close the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns on automatically. When using the viewfinder, you can monitor the sound only by using headphones. To view on the LCD screen again, open the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns off automatically. When you cannot see the LCD screen clearly Pull out the stand at the bottom to adjust the angle.

Various playback modes

To view a still picture (playback pause)
Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or.
To locate a scene (picture search)
Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewinding (skip scan)
Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or ) while advancing the tape. To resume normal rewinding or fast-forward, release the button.
To view the picture at 1/3 speed (slow playback)
Press & on the Remote Commander during playback. For slow playback in reverse direction, press <, then press &. To resume normal playback, press.
To view the picture at double speed
For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press <, then press 2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the forward direction, press >, then press 2 during playback. To resume normal playback, press.
To view the picture frame-by-frame
Press ' or 7 on the Remote Commander in playback pause mode. If you keep pressing the button, you can view the picture at 1/30 speed. To resume normal playback, press.
To change the playback direction
Press < on the Remote Commander for reverse direction or > on the Remote Commander for forward direction during playback. To resume normal playback, press . Notes on playback The sound is muted in the various playback modes. During playback other than normal playback, the previous recording may appear in mosaic image. This is not malfunction. When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode. To resume playback, press. Note on slow playback The slow playback can be performed smoothly on this camcorder; however, this function does not work for an output signal from the DV IN/OUT jack.

TAPE SET menu

REC MODE <SP/LP> Select SP when recording in SP (standard play) mode. Select LP when recording in LP (long play) mode. AUDIO MODE <12BIT/16BIT> Normally select 12BIT to record two stereo sounds. Select 16BIT to record the one stereo sound with high quality. MIC LEVEL* <AUTO/MANUAL> Select AUTO to adjust the recording level automatically. Select MANUAL to adjust the recording level manually. REMAIN <AUTO/ON> Select AUTO to display the remaining time of the tape in the following cases: With the power on or a tape inside, for eight seconds after the remaining time of the tape becomes certain. For eight seconds after the or DISPLAY button is pressed. During rewinding, fast-forwarding, and searching the picture. Select ON to always display the remaining time of the tape. DATA CODE <DATE/CAM or DATE> Select DATE/CAM to display date and recording data during playback. Select DATE to display date during playback.

SETUP menu

CLOCK SET Select this item to reset the date or time. AUTO TV ON <OFF/ON> You can use this feature only with Sony TVs. Select OFF not to turn on the TV. Select ON to turn on the TV automatically when using the LASER LINK function.
TV INPUT <VIDEO1/VIDEO2/VIDEO3/OFF> Select 1, 2 or 3 of the video input on the TV which the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) is connected to when using the LASER LINK function. LTR SIZE <NORMAL/2X> Normally select NORMAL. Select 2X to display the selected menu item by twice size of the normal. DEMO MODE <ON/OFF> Select ON to glance over the function of camcorder. Select OFF not to display demonstration. Notes on DEMO MODE DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory. The demonstration starts about 10 minutes after you set the POWER switch to CAMERA without inserting a cassette. You can cancel the demonstration by inserting a cassette, setting the POWER switch to a position other than CAMERA, or select OFF in the menu system. To select STBY again, set the POWER switch to OFF when DEMO MODE is set to ON, and set the POWER switch back to CAMERA. You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in the camcorder. If you insert a cassette during the demonstration, the demonstration stops. You can start recording as usual. DEMO MODE automatically returns to STBY. To look at the demonstration at once, eject the cassette, if inserted. Then select ON of DEMO MODE and erase the menu display. The demonstration will begin.

CAMERA S E T D Z OOM : 9W I DE ON S T E ADY SHOT AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC R ER9W I D E TU: N [ MENU ] : END

Enjoying picture effect

Selecting picture effect
You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function.

NEG. ART [a]

The color of the picture is reversed.

The picture is sepia.

B&W
The picture is monochrome (black and white).

SOLARIZE [b]

The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.

SLIM [c]

The picture expands vertically.

STRETCH [d]

The picture expands horizontally.
Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function
(1) While in Standby mode, press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode.

NEG.ART SEPIA B&W

PICTURE EFFECT

SOLARIZE SLIM STRETCH

Press PICTURE EFFECT so that the indicator disappears. Notes on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal mode. You cannot select SLIM and STRETCH when you set PROG. SCAN to ON. While using the picture effect function, you cannot select the old movie function with DIGITAL EFFECT.
Recording with various effects digital effect
With the following functions of Digital Effect, you can add various visual effects to the picture. The sound is recorded normally. STILL You can record a still picture to be superimposed on a moving picture.
FLASH You can record still pictures successively at constant intervals. LUMI. You can replace a brighter portion of a still picture with a moving picture.
TRAIL You can record the picture which leaves an incidental image, such as a trail. OLD MOVIE You can record the picture such as an old movie. The camcorder automatically sets the wide mode to 16:9WIDE, picture effect to SEPIA, and the appropriate shutter speed.
(1) While in Standby mode or Recording mode, press DIGITAL EFFECT. The digital effect indicator flashes. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired digital effect mode. (3) Press the control dial. The digital effect indicator lights up and the bars appear. The bar does not appear in the OLD MOVIE mode. The still picture is stored in memory in the STILL or LUMI. mode. (4) Turn the control dial to adjust effects. The longer the bar is, the greater the effects are. STILL : The proportion of still picture to moving picture. FLASH : The length of the intervals. LUMI. : The brightness of the area where you paste the moving picture. TRAIL : The length of time the incidental image remains. OLD MOVIE : No adjustment necessary.

STILL FLASH LUMI.

DIGITAL EFFECT

OLD MOVIE

STILL IIIIIIII
To cancel digital effects
Press DIGITAL EFFECT so that the indicator disappears. Notes on digital effect You cannot use the following functions while using the digital effect. Functions using the FADER button Functions using the PHOTO button When you set the POWER switch to OFF, the digital effect will be canceled automatically. Notes on the OLD MOVIE mode You cannot use the following functions in the OLD MOVIE mode. Functions using the PROGRAM AE button 16:9WIDE mode Functions using the PICTURE EFFECT button
Shooting with manual adjustment
Under normal conditions, this unit automatically makes various adjustments as it shoots. However, you can adjust manually the following functions to your preference. Functions you can adjust by setting the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position Brightness (exposure), shutter speed, white balance, and program AE Functions you can adjust by setting MENU Zebra pattern, recording level, deactivating the Steady Shot, gain shift, and AE shift Functions you can adjust by using other buttons/switches ND filter, focus The following describes how to adjust all the functions mentioned above except program AE (see page 54) and focus (see page 57). AUTO LOCK selector Set the selector as shown below to maintain or release the settings of the functions.

AUTO LOCK

[a] [b]
AUTO LOCK [a] Select this position to let the unit adjusts all the functions automatically. HOLD [b] Select this position after setting the functions manually to maintain the settings. Manual position [c] Select this position to adjust manually the functions listed above.

Adjusting exposure

Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases.
[a] The background is too bright (back lighting) Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark [b] Bright subject and dark background To record the darkness faithfully
(1) Set AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while the camcorder is in Standby mode. (2) Press EXPOSURE. The exposure indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (3) Turn the control dial to adjust the exposure.

F5.6 0dB

To return to automatic exposure mode
Set AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press EXPOSURE to turn off the exposure indicator. Notes The control dial does not have a stop position. If you press PROGRAM AE, the exposure comes back to automatic adjustment again. When you adjust the exposure manually, you cannot use the BACK LIGHT function.

Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select Turn the control dial to select ZEBRA, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select ON, then press the dial. Press MENU to erase the menu display.
L CD / V F SE T L CD B. L. L CD CO L OR V F BR I GH T ZEBRA L CD / V F SE T L CD B. L. L CD CO L OR [ M E N U ] V F NB R I G H T :E D ZEBRA RE TURN
L CD / V F SE T L CD B. L. L CD CO L OR V F BR I GH T ZEBRA RE TURN
L CD / V F SE T L CD B. L. L CD CO L OR [ M E N U ] V F NB R I G H T :E D ZEBRA RE TURN
To erase the zebra pattern
Select OFF in step 5, then press the control dial. Notes on shooting with the zebra pattern A zebra pattern appears at more than 100 IRE. Even though you see the zebra pattern on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the zebra pattern is not recorded.
Shooting with manual adjustment Releasing the Steady Shot function
When the Steady Shot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camera-shake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use it. The indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. Do not use the Steady Shot function when shooting a stationary object with a tripod.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select Turn the control dial to select STEADYSHOT, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select OFF, then press the dial. Press MENU to erase the menu display.
CAMERA S E T D Z OOM : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC CAMERA S E T [ M E N U ] D EZ OOM : ND : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT ON AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC RE TURN [ MENU ] : END
CAMERA S E T D Z OOM : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT ON AE SH I F T OF F GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC RE TURN CAMERA S E T [ M E N U ] D EZ OOM : ND : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT OF F AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC RE TURN [ MENU ] : END
To activate the Steady Shot function again
Select ON in step 5, then press the control dial. Notes on the Steady Shot function The Steady Shot function will not correct excessive camera-shake. If you use a tele conversion lens (not supplied) or a wide conversion lens (not supplied), the Steady Shot function may not work.
Shooting with manual adjustment Adjusting AE shift
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select Turn the control dial to select AE SHIFT, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to adjust brightness, then press the dial. Darker picture Brighter picture (6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
CAMERA S E T D Z OOM : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC CAMERA S E T [ M E N U ] D EZ OOM : ND : 9W I DE S T E ADY SHOT AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T F RAME REC I NT. REC RE TURN [ MENU ] : END

Viewing the picture with the digital effect
You can play back recorded images with the digital effect. The available digital effects are STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL. (1) During playback, press DIGITAL EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired digital effect mode. (3) Press the control dial. The digital effect indicator lights up and the bars appear. The still picture is stored in memory in the STILL or LUMI. mode. (4) Turn the control dial to adjust the effects. See page 42 for details on the digital effect.

ST I LL

Press DIGITAL EFFECT so that the indicator disappears. If you turn the power off or stop playing back The digital effect is automatically canceled. The picture you apply digital effects to The picture with the digital effect is not output through the

DV IN/OUT jack.

Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with date date search
You can search for the boundaries of recorded tape with date Date Search function. To search the beginning of the specific date and play back from the point, there are two ways: Using cassette memory, you can select the date displayed on the LCD screen. Without using cassette memory. You can only operate with the Remote Commander.
Searching for the date by using cassette memory
You can use this function only when playing back a tape with cassette memory (p. 116).
Set the POWER switch to VTR. Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select CM SEARCH in Turn the control dial to select ON, then press the dial. Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the date search indicator appears. (6) Press = or + to select the date for playback.
Playback starts from the beginning of the selected date automatically.

DA T E SEARCH

SEARCH MODE

SEP SEP DEC J AN FEB APR

/ 5 / 9 / 6 / 9 / 24 / 9 / 1 / 9 / 11 / 9 / 29 / 9
DA T E SEARCH SEP SEP DEC J AN FEB APR / 5 / 9 / 6 / 9 / 24 / 9 / 1 / 9 / 11 / 9 / 29 / 9 CM S E T CM S E A R C H ON T I T L EERASE OF F T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L RE TURN
To stop searching Press p. Notes The interval of the boundaries between the dates needs more than two minutes. The camcorder may not search if the beginning of the recorded date is too close to the next one. The black cursor on the screen indicates the date that was selected previously. If a tape has a blank portion in the beginning or between recorded portions, the date search function will not work correctly. Up to six date data can be stored in a cassette memory.

Editing onto another tape
You can create your own video program by editing with any other DV, mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ED Betamax VCR that has audio/video inputs. You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable).

Before editing

Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable or the VMCIL4415/IL4435/2DV/4DV i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied).
Using the A/V connecting cable [a] or S video connecting cable (not supplied) [b]
Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

S VIDEO IN [b]

S VIDEO AUDIO/VIDEO
VIDEO IN VCR [a] AUDIO IN : Signal flow
Notes on editing when using the A/V connecting cable Press DATA CODE, SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander, or DISPLAY to turn off the display indicators. Otherwise, the indicators will be recorded on the tape. If your TV or VCR is a monaural type, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable for video to the TV or VCR. Connect only the white or red plug for audio to the TV or VCR. If you connect the white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R (right) signal. You can edit precisely by connecting a LANC cable to this camcorder and other video equipment having fine synchro-editing function, using this camcorder as a player.
Using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable)
Simply connect the VMC-IL4415/IL4435/2DV/4DV i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied) to DV IN/OUT and to DV IN/OUT of the DV products. With digital-todigital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high-quality editing.
DV IN/OUT (not supplied) DV IN/OUT

: Signal flow

Notes on editing when using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) You can connect one VCR only. You can record picture, sound and system data at the same time on the DV products by using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) only. You cannot edit the titles, display indicator or the contents of cassette memory. If you record playback pause picture with the DV IN/OUT jack, the recorded picture becomes rough. And when you play back the picture using the other video equipment, the picture may jitter. You can also use the camcorder as a recorder with this connection. In this case DV IN indicator appears on the screen. When you use the camcorder as a recorder, the color balance may be incorrect on the monitor screen. But this is not recorded on the tape. To perform a more precise editing Use DV synchro-editing function (see page 84).

Starting editing

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert your recorded tape into the camcorder. (2) Play back the recorded tape on the camcorder until you locate the point where you want to start editing, then press P to set the camcorder in playback pause mode. (3) On the VCR, locate the recording start point and set the VCR in recording pause mode. (4) Press P on the camcorder and VCR simultaneously to start editing.

Audio dubbing

You can record an audio sound to add to the original sound on a tape by connecting audio equipment or a microphone. If you connect the audio equipment, you can add sound to your recorded tape by specifying the starting and ending points. The original sound will not be erased. You can only operate with the Remote Commander.
Connecting the microphone with the MIC jack

MIC (PLUG IN POWER)

Microphone (not supplied)
Note You can check the recorded picture and sound by connecting the AUDIO/VIDEO jack to a TV. The recorded sound is not output from a speaker. Check the sound by using the TV or headphones.
Connecting the microphone with the intelligent accessory shoe
Audio dubbing Dubbing with the AUDIO/VIDEO jack

Audio equipment

LINE OUT L R
AUDIO L AUDIO/ VIDEO A/V connecting cable

AUDIO R

Do not connect the video (yellow) plug.
Note The picture is not output from the AUDIO/VIDEO jack. Check the recorded picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, as well as check the recorded sound by using a speaker or headphones.
Dubbing with the built-in microphones
No connection is necessary.
Adding an audio sound on a recorded tape
(1) Insert your recorded tape into the camcorder. (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (3) On the camcorder, locate the point where the recording should begin by pressing 0 or ). Then press P to set it to playback pause mode. (4) Press AUDIO DUB on the Remote Commander. (5) Press P on the Remote Commander and at the same time start playing back the audio you want to record. (6) Press p on the Remote Commander at the point where you want to stop recording.
To play back the new recorded sound
Adjust the balance between the original sound (ST1) and the new sound (ST2) by selecting AUDIO MIX in the menu system.
VTR SET H i F i SOUND AUD I O M I X RE TURN ST1
Five minutes after when you disconnect the power source or remove the battery pack, the setting of AUDIO MIX returns to the original sound (ST1) only. The factory setting is original sound only. To end audio more precisely First, press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander at the point where you want to stop recording. Then start recording from step 3, and the recording stops automatically near the counters zero point. If you make all the connections The audio input to be recorded will take precedence over others in the following order. MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack Intelligent accessory shoe AUDIO/VIDEO jack Built-in microphone If an i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) is connected to this unit You cannot add a sound to a recorded tape. If you disconnect or connect a cable to the camcorder during recording The recording may stop. Notes on audio dubbing A new sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the 16-bit mode (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz). When an external microphone is not connected, the recording will be made through the built-in microphone of the camcorder. A new sound cannot be recorded on a tape already recorded in the LP mode. If you add a new sound on a tape recorded with another camcorder (including DCRTRV900), the sound quality may become worse. You cannot add audio with the DV IN/OUT jack.

To eject the floppy disk

Press the floppy disk eject button.

Floppy disk eject button

About the PC card and memory slot connector of the floppy disk adapter To protect the recorded data, follow the instructions below. Do not repair, make alterations, or dismantle them. Avoid using them in direct sunlight, in extreme heat or cold, in damp or dusty locations. Do not spill liquid on them. Do not fold or strike them. When the PC card does not come out Remove the battery before ejecting the PC card. The front edge of the memory slot connector Do not touch the front edge of the memory slot connector with your hand.
Front edge of the memory slot connector Note Unless you press any memory operating buttons after inserting another floppy disk, the indicator may not disappear from the screen.
Using the memory card slot introduction Selecting the image quality mode
You can select one of three image quality modes in still picture recording. If you do not make any selection, the unit automatically records in SUPER FINE mode.
(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the lock knob is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press MENU to display the menu. , then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select (4) Turn the control dial to select QUALITY, then press the dial. (5) Turn the control dial to select desired image quality, then press the dial. (6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

Setting image quality

Setting Meaning SUPER FINE (SFN) This is the highest image quality in this camcorder. The number of still images you can record is less than FINE. The image is compressed to about 1/4. FINE (FIN) Use this mode when you want to record high quality images. The image is compressed to about 1/6.
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y SUPER F I NE PROT EC T S L I D E S H OW DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T RE TURN
M E MO R Y S E T CON T I NUOUS QUA L I T Y S T ANDARD PROT EC T F I NE S L I D E S H OW S U P E R F I N E DE L ETE A L L F ORMA T RE TURN
STANDARD (STD) This is the standard image quality. The image is compressed to about 1/10.
The difference in image quality mode A recorded image is compressed in JPEG format before stored into memory. The memory capacity allotted to each image varies depending on the selected quality mode. Details are shown in the table below. (The number of pixel is 640 x 480, regardless of image quality mode. Data volume before compression is about 600 KB.) Image quality mode SUPER FINE FINE STANDARD Memory capacity About 150 KB About 100 KB About 60 KB

Viewing a still picture memory photo playback Screen indicators during still image playback
Image quality mode Image number/The total numbers of images already recorded 6 / 100

M E MO R Y P L A Y

SFN MVC 6

Protect indicator

Data file name
Playing back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen)
You can play back 6 recorded images at a time. This function is especially useful when searching for a particular image.

MEMORY PLAY INDEX DELETE

MEMORY INDEX Press MEMORY INDEX. A red mark appears above the image that is displayed before changing to index screen mode.

6 / 100

To display the following 6 images, keep pressing MEMORY +. To display the previous 6 images, keep pressing MEMORY.
To return to the normal playback screen (single screen)
Press MEMORY +/ to move the mark to the image you want to display on full screen, then press MEMORY PLAY.
Note When displaying the index screen, the number appears above each image. This indicates the recording order on the floppy disk or PC card. These numbers are different from the data file names. The image quality mode indicator The indicator may show a different mode in which you recorded. This is not a malfunction. The indicator shows the volume of the data file. For instance, if the volume of SFN image is small enough, it may be displayed as FIN or STD. Image data modified with personal computers or shot with other equipment Those image data cannot be displayed on the index screen.
Viewing the recorded images using a personal computer
The image data recorded with this camcorder is compressed in the JPEG format. If your personal computer has an application software that allows you to see JPEG images, you can see images recorded on a floppy disk or PC card on a computer screen. For detailed instructions on operation, refer to the operating instruction supplied with the application software. Example: Operation on a computer that has Windows 95 installed
(1) Start the Windows 95, and insert the floppy disk into the disk drive of your computer. (2) Open My Computer, and double-click on 3.5 inch FD. (3) Double-click on the file of the desired image.
Examples of recommended OS/application software OS Windows 3.1 Windows 95 Windows NT3.51 or newer versions, etc. Application Microsoft Internet Explorer, etc. Notes For Macintosh, you can use the floppy disk recorded with this camcorder using the PC Exchange with Mac OS system 7.5 or higher. A viewing application for Macintosh is also necessary for viewing images. When you see images recorded with the camcorder on a personal computer, the display may show lines on the edge of the screen, depending on the status of video input signals at the moment. This is not a malfunction.

AC power adaptor

Charging Use only an InfoLITHIUM type battery pack. Place the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration during charging. The battery pack will get hot during charging. This is normal. Others Unplug the unit from the wall outlet when not in use for a long time. To disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself. Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or damaged. Do not bend the AC power cord forcibly, or put a heavy object on it. This will damage the cord and may cause a fire or an electrical shock. Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts of the connecting plate. If this happens, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged. Always keep the metal contacts clean. Do not disassemble the unit. Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit. While the unit is in use, particularly during charging, keep it away from AM receivers and video equipment because it will disturb AM reception and video operation. The unit becomes warm while in use. This is normal. Do not place the unit in locations that are: Extremely hot or cold, Dusty or dirty, Very humid, Vibrating

Note on dry batteries

To avoid possible damage from battery leakage or corrosion, observe the following. Be sure to insert the batteries in the correct direction. Dry batteries are not rechargeable. Do not use a combination of new and old batteries. Do not use different types of batteries. The batteries slowly discharge while not in use. Do not use a battery that is leaking. If battery leakage occurred Wipe off the liquid in the battery case carefully before replacing the batteries. If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water. If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a doctor. If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Using your camcorder abroad
Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points.

Power sources

You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

AC-L10A

Difference in color systems

This camcorder is an NTSC system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system-based TV. Check the following list. NTSC system Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc. PAL system Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, etc. PAL-M system Brazil PAL-N system Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay SECAM system Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

Trouble check

If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Camcorder

Symptom
The power cannot be turned on.
Cause and/or corrective actions
The battery pack is not installed. m Install the battery pack. (p. 7) The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack. (p. 8) The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet. m Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 25) While being operated in CAMERA mode, the camcorder has been in Standby mode for more than 5 minutes. m Set the POWER switch to OFF, then to CAMERA. (p. 12) The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack. (p. 8) The ambient temperature is too low. (p. 120) The battery pack has not been charged fully. m Charge the battery pack again. (p. 8) The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be recharged. m Use another battery pack. (p. 25)

The power goes off.

The battery pack is quickly discharged.

Operation

START/STOP does not operate.
The tape is stuck to the drum. m Eject the cassette. (p. 11) The tape has run out. m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 22) The POWER switch is not set to CAMERA. m Set it to CAMERA. (p. 12) The tab on the cassette is out (red). m Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 11) The START/STOP MODE selector is set to 5SEC or ANTI GROUND SHOOTING. m Set it to. (p. 15) The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet. m Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 25) The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack or the AC power adaptor. (p. 8, 25) Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least 1 hour. (p. 123) Reset the date and time. (p. 118) You did not make a new recording after reinserting the cassette. The tape without cassette memory ejected after recording.

Battery Price List

7.5 Volts; 3 Cells: Li-77 Module Li-77 Bag Li-77 Linear Li-77 Mini Interface Adapters DK-80/77-H DK-215 DK-315 DK-500 DK-515/516 DK-626 DK-715 DC-100 DC-600 DC-905 GR DV-1 VEK-8102 Molex 2-pin kit Cable modification Booster Cube Booster Cube Adjustable 10.5 Volts; 4 Cells Li-Volts; 5 or 10 Cells Li-125 Dual Li-125 Li-90

(March 2005)

Visit our web site to view an updated COMPATIBILITY CHART, listed by equipment make and mode. For DVC, Hi-8 Cameras and some Dat Recorders 2 amp (15watt load) 2-pin Molex plug; 60 Watt-hr / 4.2 x 2.5 x 1.4" / 12 oz. (340 gr). $ 68 Belt loop carrier for above. 11 A special-order version of the above. Used in Gates Underwater Housing, etc. 84 Special order only, 24 Watt-hr / 2.25 x 3.125 x 1" / 5.4 oz. (150 gr). 87 These are the manufacturer's DC cables modified for the Li-77 Battery. On-board holder for Sony Hi-8 (NiCad NP 55, 66, 77). $ 43 Sony "M" Series Infolithium battery (PC-100). 61 Sony TRV-9, TRV-900, TRV-65, PD-100 (Sony Infolithium L, M, S-type, NP-F330). 72 Sony TR-500. 72 Sony TR-500, TR-200. 72 Sony TRV-101, PC-7, PC-10, PD-1 camcorders. 81 Sony DCR VX 1000, specify 4 ft. (standard) or 1 ft. 81 Canon A-1, L-1 Hi8 camcorders. 50 Canon ZR. call Canon XL-1 and GL-1 DVC camcorder. 61 JVC concentric plug (Complete cable; not a modification). 24 Panasonic DVC cable w/dummy battery, compatible with / AG-B15. 72 Set of male and female plugs and pins for your field installation. 3 Trade in your existing DC cable; we add plugs, quick turnaround. 36 Voltage Converter - 1.25" cube / 2-pin Molex in and out. This efficient DC-DC. 97 converter raises our Li-77 battery to the 8.4 volts required by some Sony DVC equipment From 8-13.5 volts @ 1.5 amps max output. Use with Li-77. 127 For special applications Molex 2-pin / 80 Watt-hr / 5.25 x 2.25 x 1.5 / 14 oz. 103 For 16mm, Betacam, lighting, general uses Molex 3-pin / 100 Watt-hr / 6.5 x 2.5 x 1.5" / 17 oz. 152 Molex 3-pin / 10 cell / 200 Watt-hr / 6.5 x 5 x 1.5" / 33 oz. 297 Sony BP-90 type coaxial plug. (spec. order) Notice: The Li-90 can be replaced. 336 by the Dual Li-125. Use the M3BP-90 adapter cable.

AMS Battery Price List

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Interface Adapters M3-XLR4 M3-XLR5 M3-CIGAR 2M3-CIGAR Molex 3-pin male pigtail Reducer Cube Molex 3-pin kit
All originate in 3-pin Molex male, our standard 12-16 Volt connector. XLR fem. 4-pin cable; specify short 1 ft. or long 4 ft. $ 31 XLR fem. 5-pin cable; specify order; specify on length. 42 to Cigar Lighter female. 31 Dual Molex to Cigar Lighter female (2X current capacity). 46 specify 4 ft. or 1 ft. 13 Voltage Converter - 12-15V input, 8.4 V output, 1.5 amps as above,. 97 Adjustable Version 4.5-12 Volts. 127 set of male and female plugs and pins for your field installation. 3
We are sorry; the GRABBIT BATTERY has been discontinued; please note that the Li-13/26 model is offered as a replacement. LIND Voltage Converters transforms 12 to 24 volt battery power to your laptops needs. Run various laptops Mac G3 Powerbooks (APA+2425-227), IBM ThinkPads, etc. Typical voltage outputs from 14 to 24; wattage capability to 25 approx. call for prices
13 or 26 Volts; 10 Cells: a Dual Voltage assembly which now replaces the Grabbit Battery. Same power specs as Dual Li125. Uses 4-pin Molex cable is wired for either 13v or 26v delivery. Li-13/cells / 200 W/h / Two sections, wired in parallel for up to 6 amps at 13 volts. Wired in series, produces 26 volts at nominal 3 amps max. Betacam, New ARRI 16 cameras, ARRI 435, Photosonics, etc. 4-pin Molex connector; see below for proper interface cable. 249 The 4-pin Molex allows for series (2 x voltage) or parallel (2 x current) configuration 26v jumpered, 4-pin Molex to 3-pin XLR female (specify polarity). 31 13v jumpered, 4-pin Molex to 4-pin XLR female; pos. on pin 4, neg. on pin 1. 33 26v; Arriflex 2-pin (new style) Fischer Plug female, 4 ft. 99

Cables M4-XLR3 M4-XLR4 M4-F15
16 Volts; 6 & 12 Cells: For Special Applications and some 35 mm Film cameras. Caution: interchangeable with 13 volt 3-pin Molex interface cables Li-126 Dual Li-126 Cables 6 cells / Molex 3-pin / 120 W/h / 8.0 x 2.5 x 1.5 / 21 oz. (590 gr). cells / Molex 3-pin / 240 W/h / 8.0 x 5 x 1.5 / 42 oz. (1.2 Kg). 325 Molex 3-pin (M3) Find on Page 1, same as used on 13 volt models
16 or 32 Volts; 12 Cells for IMAX Cameras and some High Power Special Applications. Caution: interchangeable with some other Molex adapter Cables 16/32V 12 cells / 240 W/h / 4-pin Molex female wired in series or parallel. Special Order Everest 33 for IMAX Mark II, etc. 33 volts. Heavy duty module of 240 W/hrs. approx. 5 amp max load. Used in groups of 2 or 3 for heavier 10-15 amp loads. 3-pin Molex plugs. per module, 420 Wired Carry Bag for above, holds 2 or 3 modules w/Lemo. Each module is 240 W/h / 42 oz. (1.2Kg) Cost varies, in a range of about. 180