Sony CCD-TR930 User Manual

3-859-496-11 (1)

Video Camera Recorder

Operating Instructions

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- Model No. AC- Serial No.___________________ Serial No. __________________

CCD-TR930

Welcome!

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.

WARNING

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

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the 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.

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.

Note:

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.

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return you 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 Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only)

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium

ion battery.

For the customers in CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

Table of contents

Before you begin

Using this manual ........................................4

Checking supplied accessories ................... 5

Getting started

Charging and installing

the battery pack .....................................6

Inserting a cassette .....................................10

Basic operations

Camera recording ....................................... 11

Using the zoom feature ......................14

Selecting the START/STOP mode ....15

Hints for better shooting ........................... 16

Checking the recorded picture ................. 17

Connections for playback .......................... 18

Playing back a tape.....................................19

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources .............. 22

Using the house current ..................... 22

Using alkaline battery ......................... 23

Using a car battery ..............................23

Changing the mode settings ..................... 24

Fade-in and fade-out .................................. 27

Using the wide mode function .................28

Enjoying picture effect ...............................29

Focusing manually .....................................31

Using the PROGRAM AE function..........33

Shooting with backlighting .......................35

Adjusting the exposure..............................36

Superimposing a title .................................37

Making your own titles .............................40

Recording with the date/time ..................41

Optimizing the recording condition ........42

Editing onto another tape..........................43

Recording from a VCR or TV....................44

Releasing the STEADY SHOT function...45

Additional information

Changing the lithium battery in the

camcorder .............................................46

Resetting the date and time.......................47

Usable cassettes and playback modes .....48

Tips for using the battery pack ................. 49

Maintenance information and

precautions ...........................................52

Using your camcorder abroad .................. 55

Trouble check ..............................................56

Self-diagnosis function ....................... 60

Specifications...............................................61

Identifying the parts...................................62

Warning indicators.....................................70

Index ............................................................. 71

Before you begin

Using this manual

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. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.

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.

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

• The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using highprecision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Over 99.99% are operational for effective use.

•Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

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

[a] [b]

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.

Checking supplied accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

Before you begin

456

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.66) 2 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p.6) 3 AC-V316/V316A AC power adaptor (1)

(p.6, 22)

4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.46)

The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder.

5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p.67)

6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p.18, 44) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p.68) 8 Battery case (1) (p.23)

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 power adaptor.

This camcorder operates with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. If you use any other battery to operate your camcorder, the camcorder may not operate or the battery life may be shortened.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trade mark of Sony Corporation.

Charging the battery pack

Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.

(1) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (2) Align the surface of the battery pack indicated by the z mark with the edge of

the terminal shutter of the AC power adaptor. Then fit and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins.

When the CHARGE lamp goes out, normal charge is completed. For full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack in place for approximately one hour. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, then remove the battery pack and install it into the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged.

Charging time

Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F730 NP-F930 Charging time* (min.) 160 (100) 170 (110) 250 (190) 330 (270)

The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power

adaptor (full charge). (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)

Charging and installing the battery pack

Battery lifee

Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F730 NP-F930 Continuous recording

time* (min.) Typical recording

time* (min.)

Numbers before the parentheses indicate the time when you use a fully charged battery. Numbers in the parentheses indicate the time when you use a normal charged battery. * Approximate continuous recording time indoors. ** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,

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

Note on remaining battery time indication during recording

Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. It may not be displayed properly, however, depending on the conditions and circumstances of use.

70 (65) 150 (135) 305 (275) 480 (435)

40 (35) 85 (75) 170 (155) 270 (245)

To remove the battery pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Before you begin

Getting started

Notes on charging the battery pack

•The CHARGE 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 CHARGE lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord again.

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

•When a fully charged battery pack is installed, the CHARGE lamp will light once, then go out.

Charging and installing the battery pack

Installing the battery pack

Align the grooves of the battery pack with the receptacles of the camcorder and slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.

To remove the battery pack

While pressing the BATT (battery) RELEASE (PUSH) button, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

BATT RELEASE (PUSH)

You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p.26).

Charging and installing the battery pack

Using the camcorder with the finder slid out or lifted up

When NP-F730 or NP-F930 is installed

When you install NP-F730 or NP-F930, slide out the viewfinder for more comfortable camera recording.

When you record in a low angle

Lift up the viewfinder.

Before you begin

Getting started

To restore the viewfinder

Push the viewfinder down or slide it into the camcorder.

Note on the battery pack

Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.

Inserting a cassette

PUSH

Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H.

(1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the

direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

(2) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. (3) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the PUSH mark on the cassette

compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

123

EJECT

To eject the cassette

While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow.

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed and close the cassette compartment, the beeps sound for a while. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the L and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder, and you cannot record. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.

Basic operations

Camera recording

Make sure that the power source is installed, a cassette is inserted and that the START/ STOP MODE switch is set to . Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording. (p.47) The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day. To save battery power, the picture in the viewfinder appears only when you bring your face close to the viewfinder with STANDBY up (Finder power save).

(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to

CAMERA.

(2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator

appears. The camera recording/battery lamps located on the front light up. The AUTO DATE indicator appears.

You can also select Recording mode, SP (standard play) mode or LP (long play) mode. Set REC MODE in the menu system according to the length of your planned recording before you start.

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

VTR

START/STOP

Basic operations

STBY

0:00:00

40 min.

AUTO DATE

START/STOP

0:00:01

40 min

REC

Camera recording

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 again. Turn STANDBY down and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.

[a]

[b]

START/STOP

STBY

0:35:20

40 min.

START/STOP

To focus the viewfinder lens

If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used the camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

Note on the lighting aperture

If direct sunlight enters the lighting aperture, the picture in the viewfinder appears brighter. When this happens, colors in the viewfinder may change.

Note on Standby mode

If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted, the camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP.

Notes on recording mode

•This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long play) mode. However, the playback quality in LP mode will not be as good as that in SP mode.

•When you record a tape in LP mode on this camcorder, we recommend you to play the tape on this camcorder. When you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs, noise may occur on a picture or sound. Noise may occur also when you play on this camcorder the tape recorded in LP mode on other camcorders or VCRs.

Note on recording

When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before starting the actual recording. This will ensure that you won’t miss any start-up scenes when you play back the tape.

Camera recording

Notes 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.

•If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect recording time. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide, record in same (SP or LP) mode.

Note on the beep sound

As indicated with ≥ in the illustration, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start recording, and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder. Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu system.

Note on the AUTO DATE feature

The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock in the menu system. You can change the AUTO DATE settings by selecting ON or OFF in the menu system. The AUTO DATE feature shows the date automatically 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 it to ON again in the menu system.

Notes on finder power save

•The recording continues even when the picture in the viewfinder disappears during recording.

•If you set VF PW-SAVE to off in the menu system, the picture in the viewfinder does not disappear even when you turn your face away from the viewfinder.

Basic operations

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.

Camera recording

Using the zoom feature

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 function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming)

Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.

When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom

If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 5/8 feet (about 80cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1cm) away in the wide-angle position.

Notes on digital zoom

•More than 15x zoom is performed digitally (x30), and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in the menu system.

•The right side [a] in the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to OFF, the [a] zone disappears.

[a][b]

Camera recording

Selecting the SATRT/STOP mode

Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video.

(1) Set the START/STOP MODE switch to the desired mode.

: Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you

press it again (normal mode). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING

press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes. 5 SEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds

and then stops automatically.

(2) Turn STANDBY up and press START/STOP. Recording starts.

If you selected 5 SEC, five dots appear in the viewfinder. The dots disappear at a rate of one per second. When five seconds elapse and all the dots disappear, the camcorder switches to Standby mode automatically.

: The camcorder records only while you

Basic operations

SHOOTING

ANTI GROUND

START/STOP MODE

START/STOP

REC

40min.

To extend the recording time in 5 SEC mode

Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about 5 seconds from the moment you pressed START/STOP.

To return to normal recording

Set the START/STOP MODE switch to . If you set the switch while recording, recording continues.

Note on 5-SEC and ANTI GROUND SHOOTING mode

You cannot use FADER if you select 5 SEC or ANTI GROUND SHOOTING .

REC

40min.

Hints for better shooting

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

[a] [b]

•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. Be sure not to touch the builtin microphone.

•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. Lift the viewfinder up to record 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. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, 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.

Cautions on the viewfinder

•Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [c].

•Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or by a window [d].

[c] [d]

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, set it to

CAMERA.

(2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the

recorded portion play back (Rec Review). You can monitor the sound from the headphones. Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the

scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search).

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

VTR

START/STOP

EDITSEARCH

Basic operations

EDITSEARCH

To stop playback

Release EDITSEARCH.

To begin re-recording

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

Connections for playback

You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source.

Connecting directly to a VCR/TV with Video/Audio input jacks

Open the jack cover. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, connect the camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. 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)

S VIDEO OUT

[a]

VIDEO OUT

[b]

AUDIO OUT

S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO

: Signal flow

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].

If your VCR or TV is a monaural type

Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the VCR or the TV. With this connection, the sound is monaural even in stereo mode.

To connect to a VCR or TV without Video/Audio input jacks

Use the RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).

Playing back a tape

Using the AV cordless IR receiver – LASER LINK

Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the LASER LINK mark to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the instruction manual of the AV cordless IR receiver. LASER LINK is a system which transmits and receives a picture and sound between video equipment having the

mark by using infrared rays. LASER LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

(1) Connect the receiver to the TV, and turn on the IR receiver power. (2) Turn on the TV power, and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. (3) Set the POWER switch to VTR and press LASER LINK on the camcorder.

The LASER LINK button indicator lights up.

(4) Press · on the camcorder.

The picture appears on the TV screen.

(5) Point the IR transmitter on the camcorder toward the infrared sensor on the IR

receiver so that the blue background clearly appears on the TV.

LASER LINK

Basic operations

IR transmitter

To cancel the LASER LINK function

Press LASER LINK.

Playing back a tape

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

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

The video control buttons light up.

(2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press 0 to rewind the tape. (4) Press · to start playback.

REW

PAUSE

POWER

CAMERA

OFF

VTR

PLAY

STOP

SLOW

DISPLAY

To stop playback, press π. 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 viewfinder screen indicators on the TV

Press DISPLAY on the Remote Commander. To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again.

REW

PLAY

To monitor the sound while viewing the playback picture in the viewfinder

Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack.

Note on the lens cover

The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to VTR. Do not open the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction.

Playing back a tape

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 playback, press ·.

To view the picture at 1/5 speed (slow playback)

Press & on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·. If slow playback lasts for about 1 minute, it shifts to normal speed automatically.

To select the playback sound

Change the “HiFi SOUND” mode setting in the menu system.

Notes on playback

•Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.

•When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode.

Basic operations

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources

You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, the house current, alkaline battery 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

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.

Power source

House current Battery pack

Size AA (LR6) Alkaline battery 12 V or 24 V car battery

Accessory to be used

Supplied AC power adaptor InfoLITHIUM battery NP-F330 (supplied),

NP-F530, NP-F730, NP-F930 Battery case (supplied)

Sony car battery charger DC-V515A

Using the house current

To use the supplied AC power adaptor:

(1) Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet. (2) Slide the connecting plate down into the guides at the rear of the camcorder

until it clicks.

To remove the connecting plate

The connecting plate is removed in the same way as battery pack.

WARNING

The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Notes on the VTR/CAMERA lamp

•The VTR/CAMERA lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. This is normal.

•If the VTR/CAMERA lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord.

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