Indicators displayed during recording/playback..26 Searching for the starting point..28
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH).... 28 Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH)... 28 Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).. 29
Remote Commander (DCR-HC24E/HC35E)... 30
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory). 30 Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search). 31 Searching for a still image (Photo search)... 31 Playing back still images in sequence (Photo scan). 31
Playing the picture on a TV... 33

Using the Menu

Using the menu items... 36
Operation button items... 38 Menu items.... 43 MANUAL SET menu... 44
PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.

CAMERA SET menu... 45

D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.

PLAYER SET/

VCR SET menu... 47

HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX

LCD/VF SET menu.. 47
LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc

TAPE SET menu... 48

REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN

SETUP MENU menu... 49

CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.

OTHERS menu... 50

WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc.. 51 Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. (DCR-HC26E/HC35E)... 54 Dubbing sound to a recorded tape.. 55 Jacks to connect external devices.. 57

Using a Computer

Before referring to the First Step Guide on your computer. 58 Installing the software and First Step Guide on a computer. 60 Viewing First Step Guide... 64 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to Click to DVD).. 65

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting...68 Warning indicators and messages..80

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad...83 Usable cassette tapes...83 About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack..84 About i.LINK...86 Maintenance and precautions...87 Specifications....90 Index...94

Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly
To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. When using it for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 18).

POWER switch Lens cap

After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 18), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.
3 Hold the camcorder correctly.
4 Ensure a good grip, then fasten 1 Remove the lens cap by pressing
both knobs on the sides of the cap. the grip belt.

2 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.

To turn off the power

1 Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG). 2 Attach the lens cap.
At the time of purchase, the power will be set to turn off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 50).
Lamps that light up CAMERA: To record on a tape. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

The LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).

180 degrees (max.)

The viewfinder
You can view pictures using the viewfinder to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.

90 degrees (max.)

90 degrees to the camcorder Viewfinder lens adjustment lever Move it until the picture is clear.
Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations. See [LCD BRT] (p. 41) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) [VF B.L.] (p. 47). You can adjust the [FADER] and the [EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder (p. 39).

Step 5: Using the touch panel
You can play back recorded pictures (p. 23), or change the settings (p. 36) using the touch panel. Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.

DISP/BATT INFO

Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Select the screen language in [ LANGUAGE] on the (SETUP MENU) (p. 36, 49).
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide)
You can easily check the meaning of each indicator (p. 27) that appears on the LCD screen.

1 Touch

Touch the button on the LCD screen.
Perform the same actions as explained above when you press the buttons on the LCD frame. Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally while using the touch panel. If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the LCD screen (CALIBRATION) (p. 88). Dots in lines may appear on the LCD screen, but this is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.

SPOT FOCUS MENU

FOCUS FADER

SPOT METER END SCH

DISP GUIDE EXPO SURE

2 Touch [DISP GUIDE].

Select area for guide.
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen indicators (such as time code) on or off.

DISP GUIDE

The indicators vary depending on the settings.
3 Touch the area including the
indicator that you want to check.
DISP GUIDE FOCUS: MANUAL PROGRAM AE: SPOTLIGHT P EFFECT: SEPIA END 1/2
The meanings of the indicators in the area are listed on the screen. If you cannot find the indicator you want to check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle. When you touch [ RET.], the screen returns to the area selecting display.

To finish the operation

Touch [END].
Step 6: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position.
If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 89).

Playback

Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.
Touch , then touch start playback.
A Stop B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it C Rewind/Fast forward
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch setting. and [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 36 for details on
Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 43). Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Almost all the settings are returned to the previous situation.
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are unavailable, since the items are set automatically. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if operations not available during Easy Handycam are attempted.
BACK LIGHT button (p. 24) PHOTO button (p. 22)
Lens cap Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap PHOTO POWER switch REC START/ STOP A

REC START/STOP B

1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on

the CAMERA lamp.

2 Start recording.

Movies

Press REC START/STOP A (or B).

Still images

Press and hold PHOTO lightly to check the image (A), then press it fully (B).

Indicator appears

CAPTURE
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to [REC].
A shutter sound is heard, and the image is recorded with sound for 7 seconds.

To stop movie recording

Press REC START/STOP again.
appears when the tape photo recording does not work.
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Start playing back.

Touch playback.
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch
to start Recording/Playback
A Stop B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.

C Rewind/Fast forward

To adjust the volume
Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then / to adjust the volume.
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 42).

Do not shake your camcorder while is flashing quickly. flashes slowly if white balance could not be set. If keeps flashing even after you have touched , set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO]. If you have changed the battery pack while [ AUTO] is selected, taken your camcorder outdoors or brought it indoors after outside use while using fixed exposure, select [ AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa. Set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO] or [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps. The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you turn the power off for more than 12 hours.

[PAGE2]

WHT BAL (White balance)
You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. B AUTO
The white balance is adjusted automatically.

OUTDOOR (

Outdoors Night views, neon signs and fireworks Sunrise or sunset Under daylight fluorescent lamps

SELF TIMER

The self-timer starts recording after about 10 seconds.
1 Touch t [PAGE2] t [SELF TIMER]. appears. 2 Touch. 3 Press REC START/STOP to record movies, or PHOTO to record still images. To cancel the count down during recording movies, press REC START/STOP.

DATA CODE*

During playback, displays information (data code) recorded automatically at the time of recording. B OFF
Data code is not displayed.
To cancel [SELF TIMER], redo step 1.
For DCR-HC24E/HC35E: You can also set the self-timer with the REC START/STOP button or PHOTO button of the Remote Commander (p. 30).

DATE/TIME

Displays the date and time.

CAM DATA (below)

Displays camera setting data.

60min 0:00:00:00

LCD BRT (LCD bright)
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. Adjust the brightness with /.

100 AWB F1. 8 9dB FN

When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up
You can use the video operation buttons ( / / / ) on every PAGE.
A SteadyShot off B Exposure C White balance D Gain E Shutter speed F Aperture value
In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and time are displayed in the same area. If you record a picture without setting the clock, [-- -- ---] and [--:--:--] will appear. During Easy Handycam operation, you can set [DATE/TIME] only.

[PAGE1]

VOL* (Volume)

See page 23.

BURN DVD
When your camcorder is connected to a Sony VAIO series personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a DVD (Direct Access to Click to DVD) (p. 65).

* Horizontal lines may appear at the top, bottom, or in the center of the screen. This is not a malfunction. **Pictures output from the DV Interface (i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in slow mode.

2 Touch [

RET.] t

BURN VCD

When your camcorder is connected to a personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a CD-R (Direct Access to Video CD Burn). See First Step Guide in the supplied CDROM for details (p. 64).
To return to the normal playback mode, touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from frame playback).
You will not hear the recorded sound. You may see mosaic-like images of the previously played picture.
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)

See page 56.

[PAGE3]
V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback)
You can play back in various modes while viewing movies.
1 Touch the following buttons during playback.

To Touch

REC CTRL (Recording control) (DCR-HC26E/HC35E)

See page 54.

change the playback direction* play back slowly**
(frame) [ySLOW] To reverse direction: (frame) t [ySLOW] (double speed) To reverse direction: (frame) t (double speed) (frame) during playback pause. To reverse direction: (frame) during frame playback.
play back 2 times faster (double speed) play back frame by frame

Menu items

Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 20). CAMERA PLAY/EDIT Easy Handycam

MANUAL SET menu (p. 44)

PROGRAM AE P EFFECT AUTO SHTR z z z z z z z z z AUTO OFF ON OFF 4:3 ON OFF ON

CAMERA SET menu (p. 45)

D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH N.S.LIGHT
PLAYER SET (DCR-HC23E/HC24E)/ VCR SET (DCR-HC26E/HC35E) menu (p. 47)
HiFi SOUND AUDIO MIX z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z STEREO BRT NORMAL BRT NORMAL SP SP 12BIT AUTO z OFF z ON * z 5min ON LCD

LCD/VF SET menu (p. 47)

LCD B.L. LCD COLOR VF B.L. WIDE DISP

TAPE SET menu (p. 48)

REC MODE (DCR-HC23E/HC24E) REC MODE (DCR-HC26E/HC35E) AUDIO MODE REMAIN

SETUP MENU menu (p. 49)

CLOCK SET USB STREAM LANGUAGE DEMO MODE

OTHERS menu (p. 50)

WORLD TIME BEEP A.SHUT OFF COMMANDER (DCR-HC24E/HC35E) DISP OUT
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.

MANUAL SET menu

PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 36 for details on selecting menu items.

SUNSETMOON**(

PROGRAM AE
You can record pictures effectively in various situations with the PROGRAM AE function. B AUTO

PASTEL*

Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.

MOSAIC*

Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming factor. The zooming zone appears when you select the zooming level.
* Not available during playback. You can record pictures edited with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc. (p. 51). You cannot output playback pictures edited with picture effects via the DV Interface (i.LINK). For DCR-HC26E/HC35E: You cannot add effects to externally input pictures.
Up to 20 zoom is performed optically.
Up to 20 zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 40 zoom is performed digitally.

640 (DCR-HC23E)

Up to 20 zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 640 zoom is performed digitally.

AUTO SHTR (Auto shutter)

Automatically activates the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions if you set it to [ON] (the default setting).
800 (DCR-HC24E/HC26E/HC35E)
Up to 20 zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 800 zoom is performed digitally.
CAMERA SET menu (Continued)

WIDE SEL (Wide select)

You can record a picture in a ratio suitable for the screen on which it will be displayed. Refer also to the operating instructions supplied with your TV for details. B 4:3
Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV).

EDITSEARCH

Does not display LCD screen. or on the
Displays and on the LCD screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH function and Rec review (p. 28).

16:9 WIDE (

Records pictures to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with [16:9 WIDE] selected.
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)
When using the NightShot plus (p. 24) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the default setting).
Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 24). Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is attached. The maximum shooting distance using [N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you record subjects in dark places, such as night scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT] to [OFF]. You can make the image color deeper this way.

When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.

WIDE DISP (Wide display)

You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio picture appears in the viewfinder and the LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to [16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. B LETTER BOX
Normal setting (standard type of display)
REC MODE (Recording mode)

B SP (SP)

Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.

LP (LP)

Increases the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play).
You can record about 510 still images in the SP mode and about 765 still images in the LP mode on a 60 minutes tape. If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or sound may be interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs. When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

SQUEEZE

Expands the picture vertically if black bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect ratio are undesirable.

AUDIO MODE

B 12BIT
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).

16BIT (

Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).

SETUP MENU menu

REMAIN

B AUTO

Displays the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds in situations such as those described below.
When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted. When you touch (Play/Pause).
CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 36 for details on selecting menu items.
Always displays the remaining tape indicator.

See page 18.

USB STREAM
You can view the pictures displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See First Step Guide in the supplied CDROM for details (p. 64). Using the Menu

LANGUAGE

You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

DEMO MODE

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to view the demonstration in about 10 minutes, after you have removed a cassette from your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below. When you touch the screen during the demonstration. (The demonstration starts again after about 10 minutes.) When a cassette is inserted. When the POWER switch is set to other than CAMERA.

OTHERS menu

WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 36 for details on selecting menu items.
DISP OUT (Display output)
Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.

WORLD TIME

When using your camcorder abroad, you can set the time difference by touching / , the clock will be adjusted in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time.

V-OUT/LCD

Shows displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.
A melody sounds when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel.

Cancels the melody.

A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)

B 5min

The camcorder is automatically turned off when you do not operate your camcorder for more than approximately 5 minutes.
The camcorder is not automatically turned off.
When you connect your camcorder to a wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER].
COMMANDER (DCR-HC24E/HC35E)
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the Remote Commander (p. 30).
Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit.
E:\SONY\2659812111\01GB05BAS_E.fm
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc.
You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/ DVD device, etc.). You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3). Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 9). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
A/V OUT jack AUDIO/ VIDEO jacks (Yellow) (White) (Red)
VCR/DVD device To i.LINK jack
To DV or (i.LINK) DV OUT Interface
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued)

DV Interface (i.LINK)

C i.LINK cable (optional)
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your camcorder to another device equipped with an i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures and sound. Note that you cannot output picture and sound separately. When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video jack, and the red (right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the audio jack on the VCR/TV. When you connect a device via an A/V connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 50).
When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be reproduced more faithfully than with the supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this case, the yellow (standard video) plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.

Noises appear and

is displayed on the screen.
The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is not a malfunction (p. 83).
The tape you are playing was recorded on another device with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC). Your camcorder is not compatible with 4ch microphone recording.
Date search does not work correctly. (DCR-HC24E/HC35E)
Be sure to record more than 2 minutes after the date changed. If one days recording is too short, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. There is a blank section in the beginning or between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.
The supplied Remote Commander does not function.
Set [COMMANDER] to [ON] (p. 50). Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor. Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote sensor, otherwise the Remote Commander may not function properly. Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/ terminals matching those of the compartment (p. 89). Remove the conversion lens (optional) as the remote sensor may be obstructed by it.
Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.
Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR. Cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.
Menu items are grayed out.
You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with [PROGRAM AE].
You cannot use [SPOT METER].
You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with NightShot plus. If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [ AUTO].

You cannot use [FADER].

You cannot use [FADER] together with [SELF TIMER].
You cannot use [EXPOSURE].
You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with NightShot plus. If you set [PROGRAM AE], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [ AUTO].
You cannot use [WHT BAL].
You cannot use [WHT BAL] together with NightShot plus.

You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] together with NightShot plus.
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices
Pictures output from the camcorder do not appear on the screen of the connected device. (DCR-HC35E)
When attaching the camcorder to the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover on the camcorder, and then fully insert the camcorder into the Handycam Station in the correct way securely (p. 10).
Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected device.
Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p. 50).
You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.
The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting cable is connected to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from your camcorder (p. 51).
New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard.
Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 56).
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly. Troubleshooting
The input signal is not PAL (p. 83).
The picture gets disturbed or dark, or the sounds get distorted. (DCR-HC35E)
A/V connecting cables are connected to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station. Disconnect one of the A/V connecting cables.

Connecting to a computer

The computer does not recognize your camcorder.
Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely. Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the (USB) jack on the computer. Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect them again correctly. For DCR-HC35E: Insert you camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10).
An error message appears when you place the supplied CD-ROM in your computer.
Set the computer display as follows: Windows: dots or more, High Color (16 bits, 65,000 colors) or more Macintosh: 1,dots or more, 32,000 colors or more
You cannot view the video your camcorder is seeing on the computer.
Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp on your camcorder, and set [USB STREAM] to [ON] (p. 49). (Only when connected to the Windows computer with the USB cable)

REC SAVE

What is an InfoLITHIUM battery pack?
An InfoLITHIUM battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/ charger. The InfoLITHIUM battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes.
x When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Do not put a label along this border.

Labeling position

To charge the battery pack
Be sure to charge the battery pack before you start using your camcorder. We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 C to 30 C (50 F to 86 F) until the CHG (charge) lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to charge it efficiently. When charging the battery pack while the AC Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove the battery pack.
x After using the cassette Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid distortion of the picture or the sound. The cassette should then be put in its case, and stored in an upright position. x When cleaning the gold-plated connector Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10 times it has been ejected. If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may not show correctly.
To use the battery pack effectively
Battery pack performance decreases when the surrounding temperature is 10 C (50 F) or below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the following to use the battery pack for a longer time. Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up, and insert it in your camcorder right before you start taking shots. Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FP50/ FP70/FP71/FP90 (optional).

x 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. x 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 socket using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation.
1 Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG). 2 Eject the cassette from your camcorder, then disconnect any connecting cables except the AC Adaptor from your camcorder or the Handycam Station supplied with the DCR-HC35E. 3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp while pressing DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder, and keep pressing down DISP/BATT INFO for about 5 seconds.

Video head

If the video heads are dirty, video or sound distortion may be apparent. If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM12CLD cleaning cassette (optional). Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
Playback pictures do not move. Playback pictures do not appear or the sound breaks off. [x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.] appears on the screen during recording/playback. The video heads will wear after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because the video heads are worn. Please contact your
4 Touch the displayed on the screen with the corner of the Memory Stick or the like.
On charging 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 OFF(CHG). The preinstalled rechargeable battery is always charged while your camcorder is connected to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor or while the battery pack is attached. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all without the AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack attached. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery. 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. x Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER switch set to OFF(CHG) for more than 24 hours. Additional Information