3-810-917-13 (1)
Video Camera
Recorder h
CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98
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- |
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Model No. AC- |
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Serial No. |
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Serial No. |
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CCD-TR98
ã1996 by Sony Corporation
CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Welcome to video h
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.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO 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 unwanted batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center for collection, recycling or proper disposal.
Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-cadmium 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 nickelcadmium batteries.
For the Customers in the U.S.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.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
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 9
Basic Operations
Camera Recording 10
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 Alternative Power Sources 19
Recording with the Date or Time 21
Using the Built-in Light 22
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 24
Shooting with Backlighting 25
Selecting the START/STOP Mode 26
Superimposing a Title 27
Using the STEADY SHOT Function (CCD-TR88/TR98 only) 28
Changing the Mode Settings 29
Editing onto Another Tape 30
Additional Information
Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 31
Resetting the Date and Time 33
Playback Modes 34
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 34
Maintenance Information and Precautions 38
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 42
Trouble Check 43
Specifications 46
Identifying the Parts 48
Warning Indicators 55
Index Back cover
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Before You Begin
Using This Manual
The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR98 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, “ CCDTR98 only”.
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 ³in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
Types of Differences
Model |
Viewfinder |
Steady |
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B/W |
Color |
Shot |
CCD-TR78 |
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CCD-TR88 |
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CCD-TR98 |
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r |
Note on TV Color Systems
TV color systems are different depending on the countries. If you view the playback picture on a TV, you need an NTSC system based TV. When you want to use a PAL-M system based TV, you will need an NTSC/PAL-M transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based camcorder).
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 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. [a]
•Do not let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this 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]
[a] |
[b] |
[c] |
See “Precautions” on page 41 as well.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Checking Supplied Accessories
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
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Accessories Supplied Manual/Checking |
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1 NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6)
2 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16)
3 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 51)
4 AC-V15/V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1) (p. 6, 19)
5CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 31)
Already installed in the camcorder.
6 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 17, 51)
7 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 52)
8 Battery case (1) (p. 20)
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
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.
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration.
(1)Connect the AC power adaptor to the 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 CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Unplug the unit from the mains, and then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder.
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POWER 
CHARGE
Charging Time
Battery pack |
NP-33 |
NP-98/98D |
NP-80/80D |
NP-68/66H |
NP-66 |
NP-C65 |
NP-60D |
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Charging |
60 |
215 |
190 |
125 |
95 |
105 |
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Approximate minutes to charge an empty pack using the supplied AC power adaptor (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Battery Life
Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parentheses.
CCD-TR78
Battery pack |
NP-33 |
NP-98/ |
NP-80/ |
NP-68/ |
NP-66 |
NP-C65 |
NP-60D |
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(supplied) |
98D |
80D |
66H |
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Typical recording time* |
45 (25) |
170 (85) |
140 (75) |
95 (55) |
75 (40) |
80 (45) |
70 (35) |
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Charging |
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Continuous recording time** |
85 (45) |
300 (150) |
250 (135) |
170 (95) |
140 (75) |
150 (80) |
125 (65) |
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CCD-TR88 |
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Typical recording time* |
NP-33 |
NP-98/ |
NP-80/ |
NP-68/ |
70 (40) |
75 (40) |
65 (35) |
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Installing |
45 (25) |
155 (80) |
130 (75) |
90 (50) |
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Battery pack |
(supplied) |
98D |
80D |
66H |
NP-66 |
NP-C65 |
NP-60D |
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the |
Continuous recording time** |
80 (45) |
270 (145) |
230 (130) |
160 (90) |
130 (75) |
140 (70) |
115 (60) |
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Battery |
CCD-TR98 |
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Pack |
Battery pack |
NP-33 |
NP-98/ |
NP-80/ |
NP-68/ |
NP-66 |
NP-C65 |
NP-60D |
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(supplied) |
98D |
80D |
66H |
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Typical recording time* |
45 (25) |
150 (80) |
130 (75) |
90 (50) |
70 (40) |
75 (40) |
65(35) |
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Continuous recording time** |
80 (45) |
265 (145) |
230 (130) |
155 (90) |
130 (70) |
135 (70) |
115 (60) |
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*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.
To Remove the Battery Pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Notes on charging the battery pack
• 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 VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the AC power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again.
• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.
7
CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack
Installing the Battery Pack
(1)Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface.
(2)Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly.
To Remove the Battery Pack
Slide BATT, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Inserting a Cassette
Make sure that a power source is installed.
(1)While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically opens.
(2)Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out.
(3)Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment automatically closes.
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To Eject the Cassette
While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT 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 ÿ and 6indicators flash in the viewfinder, and you cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.
Cassette a Pack/Inserting Battery the Installing and Charging
9
CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Basic Operations
Camera Recording
Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted.
When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time (p. 33) before you start recording. When you reset the date and time, 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)Slide the START/STOP MODE switch to 
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(3)Turn STANDBY up. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder.
(4)Press START/STOP (red button). The camcorder starts recording and the “STBY” indicator changes to the “REC” indicator.
You can also select Recording mode, SP (standard play) mode or LP (long play) mode. Set REC MODE (p. 29) according to the length of your planned recording before you start.
To Stop Recording Momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP again. The “REC” indicator in the viewfinder changes to the “STBY” indicator (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 pack (p. 8).
[a] |
[b] |
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
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.
To Focus the Viewfinder Lens
If the viewfinder is not in focus at all or when you use the camcorder after someone else has used it, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring [a] (CCD-TR78/TR88) or move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever [b] (CCD-TR98) so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
[a] CCD-TR78/TR88 |
[b] CCD-TR98 |
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Recording Camera |
Note on the indicators in the viewfinder
The indicators appear in CAMERA mode only. They do not appear in PLAYER mode.
Recording with the START/STOP button depressed
You can also make recording while pressing down the START/STOP button. To make the START/ STOP button work this way, slide the START/STOP MODE switch to 
. [c]
Shooting scenery in several short takes
You can automatically make recording for about 5 seconds with the 5 SEC (p. 26). To make the START/STOP button work this way, slide the START/STOP MODE switch to 5 SEC. [d]
[c] |
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Camera Recording
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.
Notes on recording mode
•This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and in LP (long play) mode. The playback quality in LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in SP mode.
•When a tape recorded on this camcorder in LP mode is played back on other types of 8mm camcorders or VCRs, the playback quality may not be as good as that on this camcorder.
Notes on the tape counter
•The tape counter indicates the recording 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, record in same (SP or LP) mode.
Note on beep sound
As indicated with ³in the illustrations, 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 (p. 55). Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, set BEEP to “OFF” (p. 29).
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock (p. 33). 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.
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.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
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 sparingly.
T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zooming Speed |
Recording Camera |
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Turn the power zoom lever fully for a high-speed zoom. Turn it lightly for a relatively slow zoom.
When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom
If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, turn the power zoom lever towards the W side until the focus is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 2.6 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or 1/ 2 inch (about 1 cm) in the wide-angle position.
Notes on Digital Zoom
You can select 12 x or 24 x of zooming.
•More than 12 x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the T side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom set the ZOOM function to x12 (p. 29).
•The right side [a] in the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left side [b] shows the opitical zooming zone. If you slide the ZOOM switch to x12, the [a] zone disappears.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Hints for Better Shooting
For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions:
[a] |
[b] |
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•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. Do not cover the microphone with your fingers.
•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.
When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure the tripod screw is shorter than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of 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] |
Note on the color viewfinder (CCD-TR98 only)
The color viewfinder is made with high-precision technology. However, black points or bright points of light (red, blue, or green) may appear on the color viewfinder. These points are not recorded on the tape. This is not a malfunction. (Effective dots : more than 99.99%).
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.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 – (Î) side momentarily, the last few seconds of the recorded portion plays back (Rec Review).
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 (Editsearch).
S |
T |
A |
N |
D |
BY |
Picture Recorded the Shooting/Checking Better forHints |
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.
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Connections for Playback
You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. It is recommended to use the house current as the power source (p. 19).
If a VCR is connected to a TV
Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to LINE IN 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 to VCR on the TV.
: Signal flow |
Connecting Directly to a TV
Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to your TV by using the the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector to VCR on the TV.
: Signal flow |
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural.
To Connect a TV or a VCR without Video/Audio Input Jacks
Use the RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).
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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
Playing Back a Tape
You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor on the TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to the TV/VCR (p. 16).
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander.
(1)While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to PLAYER.
(2)Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out.
(3)Press (. Playback starts.
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for Connections |
PLAY |
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Playback/Playing |
REW |
FF |
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STOP |
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a Back |
PAUSE |
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Tape |
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To stop playback, press p.
To rewind the tape, press 0.
To fast-forward the tape, press ).
To Monitor the Sound while Viewing the Playback Picture in the Viewfinder
Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2jack. (p.48)
See the next page for further informations.
17
CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E
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