Sony CCD-TR23 User Manual

SONY.

3-798-695-21 (1)

Video Camera

Recorder □

CCD-TR23/TR33

Operation Manual

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,

and retain it for future reference.

Owner's 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.CCD- .
Serial No.

©1995 by Sony Corporation

______

Model No. AC-V _
Serial No.

Welcome to Video 8

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam' camcorder. With your Handycam, you can
capture life's precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam 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.

For the Sony Service Center nearest you call

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or

moisture.

l-800-222-SO.\Y (United States only)
For the Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking

nickel-cadmium batteries.

CAUTION

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

00 NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE 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
product's 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.

RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM
BATTERIES

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.

MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.

Nickel-Cadmium batteries are

recyclable. You can help preserve our
environment by returning your

Ni-Cd

Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-cadmium

batteries in household or business trash may be
prohibited.

unwanted batteries to your nearest
Sony Service Center or Factory Service
Center for collection, recycling or
proper disposal.

For the Customers in the U.5.A.

WARNING

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.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your

authority to operate this equipment.

For the Customers in CANADA

This apparatus complies with the Class B limits tor radio
noise emissions set out in Radio Interference
Regulations.

TO PREVENT ELEC TRIC SHOCK, DO NO T USE THIS
POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE
BLADES CAN BE EULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

Checking Your Model Number 4
Checking Supplied Accessories 5

Getting Started

Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 6
Inserting a Cassette 9
Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens 10

Basic Operations

Camera Recording U

Using the Zoom Feature 13
Hints for Better Shooting 14
Checking the Recorded Picture 15
Connections for Playback 16
Playing Back a Tape 17

Advanced Operations

Using Alternate Power Sources 19

Using House Current 19

Recording with the Date or Time 20
Shooting with Backlighting 21
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 22
Fade-in and Fade-out 23
Changing the Mode Settings 24
Editing onto Another Tape 26

Additional Information

Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 27
Resetting the Date and Time 28
Playback Modes 29
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 29
Maintenance Information and Precautions 32
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 35
Trouble Check 36
Specifications 39
Identifying the Parts 40
Warning Indicators 46
Index 47

Checking Your Model Number

The instructions in this manual are for two models listed below. Before you start reading and operating,
check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TK33 is the model used
for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in
operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, "CCD-TR33".
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters,
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

Types of Differences

Model number

CCD-TR23
CCD-TR33

Note on TV Color Systems

TV color systems differ from country to country.
To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system based TV, When you want to use a PAL-M
system based TV, you will need a NTSC/PAL-M transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based
camcorder). Please check the list on page 35 to see the TV color system of your country.

Precaution on Copyright

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws.

Precautions on Camcorder Care

• Do no let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or dusty
place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction and
sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired, [a]

• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder from rain or sea water. It may cause a
malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired, [b]

• Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 140“F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun
or under direct sunlight, [c]

Viewfinder

B/W

Color

Checking Supplied Accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

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13] Wireless remote commander (1) (p. 17, 43)

[2] NP-55 Battery pack (1) (p. 6, 29)

[3] AC-V25A/V25B/V25C AC power adaptor (1) (p. 6, 19)

[4] A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16)

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[U Shoulder strap (1) (p. 41)

[6] Size AA (R16) Battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 43)

CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 27)

Already installed in the camcorder.

Getting Started

Charging and installing the Battery Pack

Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery
pack, use the supplied AC-V25A/V25B/V25C AC power adaptor.

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration.

(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the

line on the AC power adaptor, then slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. (3) Set the

selector to CHARGE. The POWER lamp (green) and the CHARGE lamp (orange) light up. Charging
begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Set the selector to the center position and

unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder. To

stop charging, set the selector to the center position.

Battery pack

Charging time*

NP-55

(supplied)

NP-80

NP-80D

NP-77H NP-66H

70 190 170 125

NP-6S

NP-60D

90 105

NP-C65

Approximate minutes to charge an empty pack using the AC-V25A/V25B/V25C (Lower temperatures
require a longer charging time.)

Battery Life

CCD-TR23

Battery pack

Typical recording time”

NP-55

NP-80

NP-80D

30

Continuous recording time ”*65 170

90

NP-77H

NP-66H

NP-68

NP-60D NP-C65

85 60 45 50

165 120 85

95

CCD-TR33

Battery pack

Typical recording time”

Continuous recording time ”*

NP-'SSl'■

30 85

60 165

NP-80

NP-80D

f«P-77H

NP-66H

NP-68

80 60 40 45

155 115

NP-60D

NP-C65

80

90

** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and

turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

*** Approximate continuous recording time indoors.

Important!

Use the battery completely before re-charging!

Before you recharge the battery, make sure the battery has been used up (discharged) completely.
Repeated charging while some capacity remains causes a lowering of battery capacity. However, the
original battery capacity can be recovered if you use the battery completely and charge it fully again.

To use up the battery, remove the cassette and slide the POWER switch to CAMERA with the battery
attached, and leave the camcorder until the (Xi indicator and the red lamp flash rapidly in the
viewfinder.

Removing the Battery Pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

• The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power cord is
unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.

• If the POWER lamp does not light, set the selector to the center position and disconnect the power

cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again.

• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.

Charging and Installing the Battery Pack

Installing the Batteiy Fade

(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the white line on the

camcorder, and slide the battery pack to the right.

Removing the Battery Pack
(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) While pressing ВАТТ, slide the battery pack to the left.

8

Inserting a Cassette

Make sure that a power source is installed.

(1) While sliding the lid lock, lift up the lid. Then open it. (2) Press EJECT. The cassette compartment

automatically lifts up and opens. (3) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out.

(4) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment

automatically goes down. (5) Close the lid until it locks.

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To Eject the Cassette

Press EJECT.

To Prevent Accidental Erasure

Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the [a^ and — indicators flash in the viewfinder, and
you cannot record on the tape. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out to cover the red mark.

9

Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens

Before you use the camcorder for the first time or after someone else has used it, focus the viewfinder

lens. Make sure that the power source is connected to the camcorder.

(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn

STANDBY up. (3) Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.

10

Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted. The date is automatically recorded for 10
seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day. Before you
record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that you are using the
camcorder correctly.

(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn

STANDBY up. (3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording and the "REC" indicator
apperars in the viewfinder.

To Stop Recording Momentarily [a]

Press START/STOP again. The "STBY" indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode).

To Finish Recording [b]

Press START/STOP. Turn STANDBY down, and set the POWER switch to OFF.
Then, eject the cassette (p. 9) and remove the battery (p. 8).

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See the next page for further information. 11

Camera Recording

Note on Standby mode

If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the
camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To
resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. To start recording, press
START/STOP.

Note on recording

When you record from the beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before actual
recording. This prevents the camcorder from missing any start-up scenes when you play back the tape.
You can record tapes in SP (standard play) mode only.

Note on the tape counter

The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of

several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET located below
the viewfinder. You can know the approximate remaining tape by the remaining tape indicator (p. 45).

Note on the AUTO DATE feature

The clock is set to the East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock (p. 28).
You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu system (p. 25).

• The AUTO DATE feature works once a day. However, the date may automatically appear more than
once a day when;

- you reset the date and time.

- you eject and insert the tape again.

- you stop recording within 10 seconds.

- you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set to ON in the menu system.

• Once the AUTO DATE feature turns off the date display 10 seconds after the start of recording, the date
and time are displayed as follows:

- if the date display setting has been made, the date is displayed.

- if the time display setting has been made, the time is displayed.

- if neither display setting has been made, nothing is displayed.

When moving from indoors to outdoors (or vice versa)

Turn STANDBY up and point the camcorder at a white object for about 15 seconds so that the white
balance is properly adjusted.

12

Using the Zoom Feahire

Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more
professional-looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly.
T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

Zooming Speed

Press the power zoom button firmly for a high-speed zoom. Press it softly for a relatively slow zoom.

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When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom

If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the W side of the power zoom
button until the focus is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 3.3 feet (about 1 m) away from the lens surface in the telephoto
position, or 1/ 2 inches (about 1cm) in the wide-angle position.

13

Hints for Better Shooting

For hand-held shots, you'll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions:

• Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the
controls with your thumb, [a]

• Place your right elbow against your side.

• Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.

• Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.

• Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.

• You can also record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Turn the viewfinder up for
recording from a low position, [b]

Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod.

Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod
for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder (p. 41). Make sure the tripod screw is shorter
than 9/32 in (6.5mm).

To Use the Viewfinder as a Sports Finder [c]

With the sports finder, you can monitor the picture while your eye is at a distance from the eyecup.
The sports finder is convenient when moving around to shoot scenes.
While sliding the viewfinder release knob to the left, flip open the viewfinder.

Note on the color viewfinder (for CCD-TR33 only)

You may find it difficult to use the color viewfinder as the sports finder for recording in light location.

Cautions on the viewfinder

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder, [d]

• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder
may be deformed. Be careful in placing the camcorder under sunlight or at the window, [e]

Checking the Recorded Picture

Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the
viewfinder.

(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA.

(2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the - (@) side momentarily, the last few seconds

of the recorded portion plays back (Rec Review).
Keep pressing EDITSEARCH to play back the last recorded portion (Edit Search).
+ side: to view the forward playback picture

- side: to view the reverse playback picture

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To Stop Playback

Release EDITSEARCH.

+ EDITSEARCH - S

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To Begin Re-recording

Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do
not eject the tape, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will

be smooth.

Monitoring the Sound While Viewing the Playback Picture in the Viewfinder

Connect an earphone (not supplied) to the ® jack. Play back the tape in PLAYER mode (p. 17).

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