Getting started

Installing and charging the battery pack
Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. This camcorder operates only with the InfoLITHIUM battery pack. InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Installing the battery pack
(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the battery pack down until it is locked.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.
Note on installing the NP-F730/F730H/F750/F930/F950 battery pack Use the camcorder while stretching out the viewfinder. Note on the battery pack Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.
Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plugs 4 mark 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. Remaining battery time is indicated by the minutes on the display window. Charging begins.
When the remaining battery indicator becomes , normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack attached for about 1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Before using the camcorder with the battery pack, unplug the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack of the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged.

POWER MEMORY

Notes min appears on the display window until the camcorder calculates remaining battery time. Remaining battery time indication on the display window roughly indicates the recording time with the viewfinder. Use it as a guide. It may differ from the actual recording time.

VTR OFF CAMERA

Charging time
Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F750/NP-F730H** NP-F930 NP-F950 Charging time * 150 (90) 210 (150) 210 (150) 300 (240) 300 (240) 390 (330) 390 (330)

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources
You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, house current, and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.
Place Indoors Outdoors In the car Power source House current Battery pack Accessory to be used Supplied AC power adaptor Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied), NP-F530, NP-F550, NPF730, NP-F730H*, NP-F750, NP-F930, NP-F950
12 V or 24 V car battery Sony DC adaptor/charger DC-V700
* NP-F730H is sold only in the U.S.A. Note on power sources Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or playback may damage the inserted tape. If this happens, restore the power supply again immediately.

Using the house current

To use the supplied AC power adaptor:
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on the camcorder. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
WARNING The power cord must be changed only at a qualified service shop. PRECAUTION The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the power cord, even if the set itself has been turned off. Note Keep the AC power adaptor away from the camcorder if the picture is disturbed.
Using alternative power sources Using a car battery
Use a DC adaptor/charger such as Sony DC-V700 (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Connect the DC adaptor/charger and the camcorder using the DK-415 (supplied with DC-V700) connecting cord. This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video product. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES mark.
Changing the mode settings
You can change some of the mode settings programed at the factory to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. Just turn the control dial to select the menu items displayed on the LCD screen. You can make selections in the following order: the menu display n icons n items n mode settings.
(1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired icon on the left side of the menu, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, then press the dial. (4) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, then press the dial. If you want to change the other modes, repeat steps 3 and 4. If you want to change the other items, RETURN and press the dial, then repeat steps 2 to 4. select (5) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

OTHERS menu

WORLD TIME Select this item to set the clock by a time difference. See page 119 for details. BEEP <MELODY/NORMAL/OFF> Normally select MELODY so that a melody sounds when you start/stop recording, etc. Select NORMAL so that beeps sound when you start/stop recording, etc. Select OFF when you do not want to hear the beep sound. COMMANDER* <ON/OFF> Select ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. DISPLAY <LCD or V-OUT/LCD > Normally select LCD. Select V-OUT/LCD to display indicators both on the LCD screen and TV screen. REC LAMP <ON/OFF> Normally select ON. Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording lamp on the front of the unit to light up. COLOR BAR <OFF/ON> Normally select OFF not to display the color bar. Select ON to display the color bar. DV EDITING Select this item when editing a tape on another equipment connected with the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable). See page 84 for details.
* These settings return to the default 5 minutes or more after the power source is disconnected or battery is removed. As far as the other items without an asterisk are concerned, their settings are retained even when the power source is disconnected or battery is removed, as long as the vanadium-lithium battery is charged. When recording a close subject When REC LAMP is set to ON, the red camera recording lamp on the front of the camcorder may reflect on the subject if it is close. In this case, we recommend you set REC LAMP to OFF. Notes When playing back a tape recorded in the 16-bit mode, you cannot adjust the balance in AUDIO MIX. If you select 16BIT in AUDIO MODE, you cannot add an audio sound. If you select BRIGHT in LCD B.L., the battery life while recording decreases 10 to 20%. When you use a power source other than the battery, the menu item LCD B.L. is set to BRIGHT automatically and the item does not appear on the screen.

Photo recording

You can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This photo recording is useful when you want to enjoy a picture such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). You can record about 510 pictures on a 60-minute tape in SP mode. Besides the operation described here, this camcorder can record a still picture on a PC card (not supplied), using the memory card slot (see page 102). You can also record still/moving pictures on a mini DV tape with all the pixels in the progressive mode. See page 35 for details.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture and CAPTURE appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. Recording does not start yet. To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select still picture again, and keep pressing PHOTO lightly again. If you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander when a still picture appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the camcorder will record that still picture. However, you cannot select other still pictures by using this button. (3) Press PHOTO deeper. The still picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded. To record a still picture while normal recording, press PHOTO deeper. Then the still picture is recorded for about seven seconds and the camcorder returns to Standby mode.

2,8 3,4

To adjust the microphone level automatically
Select AUTO in step 5, then press the control dial. Notes on the adjustment The sound level setting is retained as long as the power is on and for about five minutes after removing the battery. Sound level indicator appears at the lower right on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The sound input through the AUDIO/VIDEO jack You cannot adjust the recording level of the sound.
TAPE SET R E C MO D E A U I D O MO D E M I C LEVEL AUTO REMA I N MANUA L RE TURN TAPE SET M I C LEVEL LEVEL SET [ M E N U ] : ER E T U R N ND
TAPE SET R E C MO D E A U I D O MO D E M I C LEVEL REMA I N TAPE SET R E C MO D E A U I D O MO D E AUTO [ M E N U ] M EC D L E V E L : I N REMA I N RE TURN
TAPE SET M I C LEVEL LEVEL SET RE TURN
Shooting with manual adjustment Using the ND filter
Using the ND filter (corresponds to 16% of the quantity of light), you can record a picture clearly, preventing the picture from going out of focus under bright conditions.
When ND ON flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder
The ND filter is necessary. Press ND FILTER so that the ND ON indicator appears. The ND filter is now activated.
When ND OFF flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder
The ND filter is not necessary. Press ND FILTER so that the ND OFF indicator stops flashing. The ND filter is now deactivated.

ND FILTER

Shooting with manual adjustment Shooting with the zebra pattern
You can set the camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) in the portion of the picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder with a subject whose brightness exceeds a certain level. The portion of the picture where zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness and overexposure. You can check the picture level of a subject by displaying the zebra pattern. Use the zebra pattern as a guide for adjusting the exposure and shutter speed so that you can get the desired picture.
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.

Set the bar indicator at the center in step 5, then press the control dial. When you adjust AE shift The 4 to +4 indicator is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The number varies corresponding to the AE shift level.
Shooting with manual adjustment Adjusting gain shift
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 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 GAIN SHIFT, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select 3dB, 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 0dB F RAME REC 3dB 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 AE SH I F T GA I N SH I F T 3 d B F RAME REC I NT. REC RE TURN [ MENU ] : END

To deactivate gain shift

Select 0dB in step 5, then press the control dial. What is gain shift When shooting in bright conditions, the gain shift function automatically adjusts the automatic exposure controls gain value to 3dB as much as possible. This helps you shoot pictures with less noises in a bright condition. In dark conditions, the unit operates as usual. When you adjust gain shift The indicator is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Using the PROGRAM AE function
You can select from five PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following.

Selecting the best mode

Select a proper PROGRAM AE mode referring to the following description.
A: Aperture priority mode Selecting the aperture to determine the desired depth of field. Gain and the shutter speed are automatically set in combination with the aperture value to maintain appropriate exposure. S: Shutter speed priority mode Selecting the shutter speed manually. The exposure value changes in accordance with the selected shutter speed. : Sports lesson mode Capturing high-speed action in sports such as golf or tennis : Sunset & Moon mode Recording sunset, night views, fireworks or neon signs : Low lux mode For recording a subject in insufficient light. Subject becomes bright. Notes on focus setting In the Sports lesson mode, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. In the Sunset & Moon mode, the camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects.
Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function
(1) Set AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while the camcorder is in Standby or Recording mode. (2) Press PROGRAM AE. (3) Turn the control dial so that the symbol of the desired PROGRAM AE mode matches the indicator on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. When you select the aperture priority mode or the shutter speed priority mode, press the control dial. (4) In aperture priority mode ( A) or shutter speed priority mode ( S), turn the control dial to select the desired aperture value (F value) or shutter speed. Aperture priority mode: Turn the control dial to select the desired aperture value. As you turn the dial, the F value changes between F1.6 and F11. For a smaller aperture, select a higher value. Gain and the shutter speed change in accordance with the selected aperture value. Shutter speed priority mode: Turn the control dial to select the desired shutter speed. As you turn the dial, shutter speed changes between 1/60 and 1/10000. For a faster shutter speed, select a smaller value indicator on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The gain and aperture values change in accordance with the selected shutter speed.

T I TLE

THE END

[ T I T L E ] : END

S I Z E SMA L L

S I ZE

L ARGE

THE END THE END

To superimpose the title from beginning
After step 7, press START/STOP to start recording.
To superimpose the title while you are recording
After pressing START/STOP to start recording, start from step 1. In this case, beep or melody is not heard.

To use the custom title

When you want to use the custom title, select in step 2.
Notes on superimposing a title If you have not given any custom title, . appears on the display. The FADER function works while the title is displayed, however, the title does not fade. If you display the menu or title menu while superimposing a title, the title is not recorded while the menu or title menu is being displayed. Title color changes as follows: WHITE YELLOW VIOLET RED CYAN GREEN BLUE Title size changes as follows: SMALL LARGE Title position changes as follows: When you select the title size SMALL, you can choose 9 positions. When you select the title size LARGE you can choose 8 positions. Notes on the title Depending on size or position of the title, both of date and time or either of them is not displayed. If you input 13 characters or more for a LARGE title, the title is automatically reduced into a SMALL size after the position is set. When the title is displayed, LCD BRIGHT and microphone level indicators do not appear.
Superimposing a title Erasing a title
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Press MENU to display the menu. Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select TITLEERASE, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select the title you want to erase, then press the dial. Make sure the title is the one you want to erase, then press the control dial again. Press MENU to erase the menu display.
CM S E T CM S E A R C H T I T L EERASE T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L. CM S E T CM S E A R C H T I T L EERASE T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L RE TURN
MENU ERASE OK ? 1 HE L LO ! 2 CONGRA T U L A T I ONS ! 3 H A P P Y N EW Y E A R ! 4 PRESENT 5 GOO D MO R N I N G 6 WE D D I N G [ EXEC ] : DE L ETE [ MENU ] : END T I T L E ERASE

PRESENT ERASE OK ?

RE TURN ERASE
Note If you use a cassette tape set to prevent accidental erasure, you cannot erase the title. Slide the protect tab so that the red portion is not visible.

Making a custom title

If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. We recommend you to set the POWER switch to VTR or eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 20 characters.

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.
Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with date date search Searching for the date without using cassette memory
If you use the tape without cassette memory, skip steps 3 and 4.
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 OFF, then press the dial. Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the date search indicator appears. (6) When the current position is [b], press = to search towards [a] or press + to search towards [c]. Each time you press = or +, the camcorder searches for the previous or next date.
Playback starts automatically when date changed.

JUL.4.1999

JUL.5.1999

DEC.31.1999

CM S E T CM S E A R C H ON T I T L EERASE T I T L E DSP L TAPE T I TLE ERASE A L L RE TURN 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.
Searching the boundaries of recorded tape with title title search
You can search for the boundaries of recorded tape with title Title Search function. If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can select the title displayed on the LCD screen. You can only operate with the Remote Commander.
Searching for the title by using cassette memory
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 title search indicator appears. (6) Press = or + to select the title for playback.
Playback starts from the scene of the selected title automatically.

T I T L E SEARCH

PLAY REC

VTR OFF

7,9 5,6

OTHERS BEEP C O MM A N D E R D I SPLAY DV ED I T I NG
OTHERS BEEP C O MM A N D E R D I SPLAY DV ED I T I NG RE ADY RE TURN

DV ED I T I NG IN OU T

0 : 23 : 12 : 01

[ MARK ] : EXEC

DV I N [ MENU ] : END
Notes If you use other than Sony DV equipment, you cannot perform DV synchro-editing. You cannot set DV EDITING IN or OUT on a blank portion of the tape. Errors in duplicating If you connect this camcorder to Sony equipment with DV jack, the range of errors is within +/ 5 frames. The range may become wider in the following conditions. The interval between DV EDITING IN and OUT is less than five seconds. DV EDITING IN is set at the beginning of the tape. DV synchro-editing is performed repeatedly.
If you do not make connections with i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) The screen shows NOT READY, and you cannot select DV EDITING.
Recording from a VCR or TV
You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has audio/video outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV.
(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR and set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu system. (2) Press r REC and the button on the right together at the point where you want to start recording.
In recording and the recording pause mode, S VIDEO and AUDIO/VIDEO jacks automatically work as input jacks. If your VCR or TV has an S video jack, connect using the S video cable (not supplied) [a] to obtain a high quality picture.
(not supplied) OUT S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO AUDIO/VIDEO OUT 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. If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video cable (not supplied) [a], you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b]. Notes If the S video plug is not provided on your TV or VCR, do not connect the S video cable (not supplied) to the camcorder. Pictures will not appear. The dual sound cannot be recorded in this camcorder. If you fast-forward or slow-playback on the other equipment, the image being recorded may turn black and white. When recording from other equipment, be sure to play back the original tape at normal speed. S VIDEO OUT S VIDEO [a]

(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press. The picture recorded on the mini DV tape is played back. (3) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a picture from the mini DV tape freezes. CAPTURE appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. Recording does not start yet. (4) Press PHOTO deeper. The image displayed on the screen will be recorded on a floppy disk or a PC card. The recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

CAP TURE

When the access lamp is flashing Never shake or strike the unit. As well do not turn the power off , eject a PC card/floppy disk adapter or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur. If MEMORY FULL appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder The memory of the PC card or floppy disk is full. If CHECK MEMORY appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder An incompatible PC card or floppy disk is inserted. Be sure to use proper card or disk.
Recording a still image from a mini DV tape right after turning on the power Saving the data may take a little more time than usual. This is not a malfunction. Sound recorded on a mini DV tape You cannot record the audio from a mini DV tape. About titles recorded on the mini DV tape You cannot record titles. The title is not displayed during recording.
Recording a still image from other equipment
When recording the image through the DV IN/OUT jack
i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied)
When recording the image through the AUDIO/VIDEO jack
S video connecting cable (not supplied)

OUT S VIDEO VIDEO

A/V connecting cable
(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR and set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu system. (2) Play back the recorded tape, or turn the TV on to see the desired program. (3) Follow the steps 3 and 4 on page 98.
Copying still images from a mini DV tape photo save
Using the search function, you can automatically take in only the still images from mini DV tapes and record them on a floppy disk or a PC card in sequence. Before operation Insert a recorded mini DV tape and rewind the tape. Connect the floppy disk adapter (with a disk inside) or insert a PC card to the unit.

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.

The tape has no cassette memory. m Use a tape with cassette memory. (p. 76) CM SEARCH is set to OFF in the menu system. m Set it to ON. (p. 76) There is no title in the tape. m Superimpose the titles. (p. 63) The gold-plated connector of the tape is dirty or dusty. m Clean the gold-plated connector. (p. 117) The tape has a blank portion between the recorded portions. (p. 116) BEEP is set to OFF in the menu system. m Set it to MELODY or NORMAL. (P. 31)
indicator does not appear when using a tape with cassette memory. The date search, title search, or end search does not work correctly. The click of the shutter does not sound.

Picture

The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. A vertical band appears when a subject such as lights or a candle flame is shot against a dark background. The picture is noisy or does not appear.
The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 13) The contrast between the subject and background is too high. The camcorder is not malfunctioning. m Change locations. The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL (not supplied) cleaning cassette. (p. 123) The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony DVM12CL (not supplied) cleaning cassette. (p. 123) LCD BRIGHT is not adjusted properly. m Press + or to obtain the brightness you want. (p. 16, 22) The camcorder is not malfunctioning. Incorporated fluorescent tube is worn out. m Please contact your nearest Sony dealer.
v indicator flashes on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. The picture is too bright or too dark on the LCD screen. A vertical band appears when shooting a very bright subject. The picture does not appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
The picture does not appear in the viewfinder. The LCD panel is open. m Close the LCD panel. An unknown picture is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to CAMERA without inserting a cassette, the camcorder automatically starts the demonstration or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu system. m Insert the cassette and the demonstration stops. You can deactivate the demonstration. (p. 142) The self-diagnosis display function has been activated. m Check the code and diagnosis the problem by referring to the code chart. (p. 132)
A display such as C:: appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

@ @ @ # #

PICTURE EFFECT DIGITAL EFFECT TITLE MENU MEMORY PLAY INDEX DELETE

$ $ $ $ $

@ LCD Screen (p. 16) @ LCD BRIGHT buttons (p. 16, 22) @ VOLUME buttons (p. 22) @ RESET button (p. 131) # DATA CODE button (p. 81) # Speaker # START/STOP button (p. 12) # POWER switch (p. 12, 22) # START/STOP MODE selector (p. 15) # END SEARCH button (p. 24) # DISPLAY button (p. 22) # MEMORY INDEX button (p. 106) # MEMORY PLAY button (p. 105) # PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 41) $ DIGITAL EFFECT button (p. 42)
$ MEMORY DELETE button (p. 109) $ MEMORY button (p. 105, 109) $ MEMORY + button (p. 105, 109) $ TITLE button (p. 63, 66) $ MENU button (p. 27)
Identifying the parts $ $ % %
$ Access lamp (p. 93) $ DC IN jack (p. 8) $ Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 140) $ Intelligent accessory shoe % EJECT switch (p. 11) % PUSH button (p. 11)
% Grip strap (p. 19) % Lock knob (p. 13) % (self-timer) button (p. 18)
Note on the intelligent accessory shoe Supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light or microphone. The intelligent accessory shoe is linked to the POWER switch, allowing you to turn on and off the power supplied by the shoe. Refer to the operating instruction of the accessory for further information. To connect an accessory, press down and push it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and then press down and pull out the accessory.

% % % % %

% LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it. This jack has the same function as the jack indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE. % DV IN/OUT jack (p. 83) This i.LINK mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation and indicates that this product is in agreement with IEEE 1394-1995 specifications and their revisions. The DV IN/OUT jack is i.LINK compatible. % Tripod receptacle (p. 20) Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage the camcorder. %Stand % MEMORY RELEASE lever ^ 2 (headphones) jack (p. 22) ^ AUDIO/VIDEO jack (p. 70, 82) ^ S VIDEO jack (p. 34, 70, 82) ^ Camera recording lamp
^ MIC jack (PLUG IN POWER) (p. 88) Connect an external microphone (not supplied). This jack also accepts a plug-inpower microphone.
1 Memory slot connector (p. 93) 2 Floppy disk eject button (p. 94)
3 Floppy disk slot (p. 94) 4 Access lamp (p. 93)
Identifying the parts Remote Commander
The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically.

1 PHOTO button (p. 33) 2 DISPLAY button (p. 22) 3 Memory control buttons (p. 105) 4 SEARCH MODE button (p. 74, 76, 77) 5 Tape transport buttons (p. 22) 6 REC button (p. 87)/MARK button (p. 84) 7 AUDIO DUB button (p. 89) 8 =/+ buttons (p. 74, 76, 77) 9 Power zoom button (p. 14)

! ! ! !

! ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 80) ! DATA CODE button (p. 81) ! Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the camcorder. ! START/STOP button (p. 12)
To prepare the Remote Commander
To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the supplied size AA (R6) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander.
Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work. To avoid damage from possible battery leakage Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long time.

Remote control direction

Aim the Remote Commander to the remote sensor. The operative range of the Remote Commander is about 16.4 feet (5 m) indoors. Depending on the angle, Remote Commander may not activate the camcorder. Notes on the Remote Commander Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective. Be sure that there is no obstacle between the remote sensor on the camcorder and the Remote Commander. This camcorder works in commander mode VTR 2. The commander modes (1, 2 and 3) are used to distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in commander mode VTR 2, we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.
Attaching the shoulder strap
Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
Identifying the parts Operation indicators ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
0 min + ST I LL P ROG. S C A N NEG. ART. F1. 6 AE A
0:1 2:min Z ERO S E T M E MO R Y END SEARCH

16B I T

1 Cassette memory indicator (p. 116) 2 Remaining battery indicator (p. 120)
! Recording mode indicator (p. 30) ! Standby/Recording indicator (p. 12)/Tape transport mode indicator (p. 22)/Image quality mode indicator (p. 95) ! Warning indicators (p. 143) ! Time code indicator (p. 13) /Self diagnosis indicator (p. 132)/Image number indicator (p. 106) @ Remaining tape indicator (p. 142)/Memory playback indicator (p. 106) @ ZERO SET MEMORY indicator (p. 80) @ END SEARCH indicator (p. 24) @ Gain indicator (p. 81) @ Audio mode indicator (p. 30) @ Microphone level indicator (p. 48) @ Continuous mode indicator (p. 104) @ ND filter indicator (p. 49) @ Video flash ready indicator (p. 33) @ Self-timer indicator (p. 18)

DCR-TRV900E

Digital Handycam - 40 x Digital Zoom Fold out 3.5" Precision LCD/Speaker High Stamina battery life up to 8 hours based on continuous recording using optional battery NP-F950 (not supplied) and LCD screen off InfoLithium battery transmits battery remaining time in minutes Floppy Disk Drive attachment for easy download/storage to floppy disk Analogue input/output with iLink (IEEE 1394) for interactive communication with other digital products 3CCD chip for sharper colour reproduction Super Steady Shot (Optical) Photo mode recording up to 510 stills 4 lux minimum illumination Colour viewfinder (180K) DNR Programme 5 AE modes Picture Effects 6 modes Digital Picture effect 5 modes LP recording mode 12/16 bit digital audio recording