Sony CCD-TRV118, CCD-TRV150, CCD-TRV318, CCD-TRV418, DCR-TRV250 Operating Instruction

3-079-467-13 (1)

Digital

Video Camera Recorder

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.		-TRV		Model No. AC-
Serial No.				Serial No.

DCR-TRV350

TM

SERIES

DCR-TRV150/TRV250/TRV350/TRV351

CCD-TRV118/TRV318/TRV418

©2003 Sony Corporation

Welcome!

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. 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.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222- SONY (7669)

The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Regulatory Information

For the customers in the U.S.A.

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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:	SONY
Model No.:	DCR-TRV150,
	DCR-TRV250
Responsible Party:	Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:	680 Kinderkamack
	Road, Oradell,
	NJ07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.:	201-930-6972

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:	SONY
Model No.:	DCR-TRV350
Responsible Party:	Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:	680 Kinderkamack
	Road, Oradell,
	NJ07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.:	201-930-6972

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

2

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.

The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in the

U.S.A. and CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.

You can help preserve environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection recycling location nearest you.

For more information

rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

3

Main Features

On the model name indication

In this manual, camcorder-shape icons are used to indicate model names.

CCD-TRV118 :	DCR-TRV150 :
CCD-TRV318 :	DCR-TRV250 :
CCD-TRV418 :	DCR-TRV350 :
	DCR-TRV351 :

Instructions with no icons are for all models. Instructions with icons are for the indicated models only.

Before you start reading this manual, check the model name of your camcorder.

Features Main

	Recording moving or still	On the tape
		•Recording moving pictures (p. 30)
	images, and playing them	•Recording still images
	back	(p. 56)
	b	•Playing back a tape (p. 45)
		On the “Memory Stick”
		•Recording still images (p. 132)
		•Recording moving pictures (p. 146)
		•Viewing still images (p. 163)
		•Viewing moving pictures (p. 166)

•Viewing pictures recorded on a tape or live from your camcorder on your computer

– USB Streaming (p. 183)

•Capturing images on your computer from your camcorder using the USB cable (p. 197)

•Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick” using the USB cable (p. 185)

•Converting an analog signal into digital to capture images onto your computer

(p. 208)

Capturing images on your computer

4

Main Features

Other uses

Functions for adjusting exposure in the recording mode

•BACK LIGHT (p. 38) •NightShot (p. 39)

•Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter (p. 39, 40) •PROGRAM AE (p. 68)

•Adjusting the exposure manually (p. 70) •Built-in light (p. 79)

Functions for giving images more impact

•Digital zoom (p. 34) The default setting is OFF. (To zoom greater than 20× , select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

•Fader (p. 61)

•Picture effect (In recording mode) (p. 64)

•Digital effect (In recording mode) (p. 65) •Title (p. 75, 77)

•MEMORY MIX (p. 140)

Functions for giving a natural appearance to your recordings

•SPORTS (p. 68) •LANDSCAPE (p. 68) •Manual focus (p. 71)

Functions for use on recorded tapes

•END SEARCH (p. 43)

•EDITSEARCH/Rec Review	(p. 43)
•DATA CODE	(p. 47)
•Tape PB ZOOM	(p. 87)
•ZERO SET MEMORY	(p. 89)
•Easy Dubbing	(p. 98)
•Digital program editing	(p. 106)

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

Started Getting

Features Main

5

Table of contents

Main Features ..........................................	4
Checking supplied accessories ..............	9
Quick Start Guide
– Recording on a tape ...........................	10
– Recording on a “Memory Stick”
......................................	12
Getting Started
Using this manual .................................	14
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ...	18
Installing the battery pack.............	18
Charging the battery pack .............	19
Connecting to a wall outlet ...........	24
Step 2 Setting the date and time ........	26
Step 3 Inserting a cassette ...................	28
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture ...............................	30
Shooting a backlit subject
– BACK LIGHT ........................	38

Shooting in the dark

–NightShot

–Super NightShot

–Color Slow Shutter

............................ 39 Self-timer recording

............................... 41

Superimposing the date and time on pictures

.................... 42 Checking recordings

–END SEARCH

–EDITSEARCH

– Rec Review .............	43
Playback – Basics
Playing back a tape ...............................	45
To display the screen indicators
– Display function ...................	47
Viewing recordings on TV ...................	51

Advanced Recording
Operations
Recording still images on a “Memory
Stick” while recording on a tape
......................................	53
Recording still images on a tape
– Tape Photo recording
......................................	56
Using the wide mode ...........................	58
Using the fader function ......................	61
Using special effects
– Picture effect .................................	64
Using special effects
– Digital effect ...........	65
Using the PROGRAM AE function	.... 68
Adjusting the exposure manually ......	70
Focusing manually ................................	71
Interval recording
................	72
Frame by frame recording
– Frame recording
................	74
Superimposing a title ...........................	75
Making your own titles ........................	77
Using the built-in light .........................	79
Inserting a scene ..............	82
Advanced Playback
Operations
Playing back a tape with picture
effects	.... 83
Playing back a tape with digital
effects ..........................	85
Enlarging recorded images
– Tape PB ZOOM ......	87
Quickly locating a scene
– ZERO SET MEMORY
...........................	89
Searching for a recording by date
– DATE SEARCH
...........................	90
Searching for a photo
– PHOTO SEARCH/
PHOTO SCAN .....................	92

6

Table of contents

Editing
Dubbing a tape ......................................	94
Dubbing a tape easily – Easy Dubbing
...........................	98
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing (on tapes)
..............	106
Recording video or TV programs
..............	119
Inserting a scene from a VCR
– Insert Editing
.........................	123
“Memory Stick” Operations
– Recording
Using a “Memory Stick”
– Introduction ...............................	126
Recording still images on a “Memory
Stick”
– Memory Photo recording .........	132
Recording images from a tape as still
images ............................................	136
Superimposing a still image in the
“Memory Stick” on an image
– MEMORY MIX ..........................	140
Recording moving pictures on a
“Memory Stick”
– MPEG movie recording ............	146
Recording pictures from a tape as a
moving picture .............................	150
Interval Photo recording ....................	154
Recording edited pictures as a moving
picture – Digital program editing
(on a “Memory Stick”) .................	156
Setting up a folder ...............................	160

– Playback
Viewing still images
– Memory Photo playback ..........	163
Viewing moving pictures
– MPEG movie playback .............	166
Selecting a folder to view ...................	169
Copying images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” to a tape ............	170
Enlarging still images recorded on a
“Memory Stick”
– Memory PB ZOOM ...................	172
Playing back images continuously
– SLIDE SHOW .............................	174
Preventing accidental erasure
– Image protection ........................	176
Deleting images – DELETE ...............	177
Writing a print mark
– PRINT MARK ............................	180
Viewing Images on Your
Computer
Viewing images on your computer
– Introduction

..............	182
Connecting your camcorder to your
computer using the USB cable
.........	187
Viewing pictures recorded on a tape
or live from your camcorder on
your computer – USB Streaming
.........	197
Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” on your computer
....................	202
Connecting your camcorder to your
computer using the USB cable
...................	205
Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” on your computer
...................	207
Capturing images from an analog video
unit on your computer – Signal
convert function ......	208

7

Table of contents

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings ..............	210
Troubleshooting
Types of trouble and how to correct
trouble ............................................	224
Self-diagnosis display .........................	232
Warning indicators and messages ....	233
Additional Information
About video cassette ...........................	237
About the “Memory Stick” ................	240
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack ................................................	242
About i.LINK .......................................	244
Using your camcorder abroad ..........	246
Maintenance information and
precautions ....................................	247
Specifications .......................................	253
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ...........	256
Index .....................................................	267

	• ,	and	are trademarks.
	• i.LINK and		are trademarks.

•“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

•“Memory Stick,”and “MagicGate Memory Stick” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• “Memory Stick Duo” and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•Windows and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

•Pentium is trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

•Macintosh and Mac OS, QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.

•All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, “™” and “®” are not mentioned in each case in this manual.

8

Checking supplied accessories

Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

1		2
	or
RMT-814		RMT-708
3	4	5	6
			Stereo
			or
			Monaural
7	8	9	q;

1Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 264)

RMT-814: RMT-708:

2AC-L15A/L15B AC Adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 19)

3NP-FM30 Rechargeable Battery Pack

(1) (p. 18, 19)

4Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 264)

5A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 51, 94, 95) Stereo:

Monaural:

6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 256)

7 Lens cap (1) (p. 30)

8 USB cable (1) (p. 182)

9CD-ROM (SPVD-010 USB Driver) (1) (p. 189)

0 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 240)

9

Guide Start Quick

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape

This chapter introduces you to the basic features to record on a tape of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.

Connecting the power cord (p. 24)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 18).

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Power cord	Connect the plug with
	its vmark facing up.

AC Adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a cassette (p. 28)

1Slide OPEN/ EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

2Push the center of the cassette back and insert the cassette properly with the cassette window facing up.

3Close the cassette compartment by

pressing on the cassette compartment. After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid.

10

Recording a picture (p. 30)

1Remove the lens cap.

The cap is not attached when you purchase your camcorder.

3Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The picture appears on the LCD screen.

2Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

			V			O
				C			F
				R			F
								(
PO								C
	WER							H
								G
								)
				E	M		A	C
	R		M			M
	Y	O			E
				R
			A

	4Press START/STOP. Your
Viewfinder	camcorder starts
View a picture placing your eye against this part	recording. To stop
when the LCD panel is closed (p. 32).	recording, press START/
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 35).	STOP again.
The picture in the viewfinder is black and white.

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock is not set up yet. If you want to record the date and time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 26).

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 45)

2Press mto rewind the tape.

REW

3Press Nto start playback.

PLAY

1Set the POWER switch to VCR/PLAYER			V			O
while pressing the small green button.*				C			F
				R				C
							F
								(
	R							H
								G
WE
PO								)
				E	M		A	C
	R		M			M
	Y	O			E
				R
			A

Guide Start Quick

Note

Do not pick up your camcorder by the viewfinder, the LCD panel, or the battery pack.

* Modes on the POWER switch vary depending on models (p. 16).

11

Guide Start Quick

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a “Memory Stick”

This chapter introduces you to the basic features to record on a “Memory Stick” of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.

Connecting the power cord (p. 24)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 18).

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Power cord	Connect the plug with its v
	mark facing up.

AC Adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a “Memory Stick” (p. 127)

Insert a “Memory Stick” in the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go with the bmark facing the LCD panel as illustrated.

“Memory Stick” slot

b mark

When ejecting the “Memory Stick,” press the “Memory Stick” once lightly.

12

Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick” (p. 132)

1Remove the lens cap.

The cap is not attached when you purchase your camcorder.

3Open the LCD panel while pressing

OPEN. The picture appears on the screen.

Viewfinder

View a picture placing your eye against this part when the LCD panel is closed (p. 32). Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 35).

The picture in the viewfinder is black and white.

2Set the POWER switch to MEMORY while pressing the small green button. Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the left (unlock) position.

LOCK switch

		V			O
			C			F
			R			F
							(
POWER							C
							H
							G
							)
			E	M		A	C
		M			M
	O
R
Y				E
			R
		A

4Press PHOTO	5Press PHOTO
lightly.	deeper.
PHOTO	PHOTO

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock is not set up yet. If you want to record the date and time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 26).

Monitoring the playback still images on the LCD

screen (p. 163)

1Set the POWER switch to		R F
		V		O
		C
MEMORY or VCR while					F
						H
						(
	POWER					C
						)
pressing the small green						G
		E	M			C
button.					A
	YR	M	EM
	O
		R
		A

2Press MEMORY PLAY. The last recorded image is displayed.

PLAY

Press MEMORY +/– to select the desired image.

Note

Do not pick up your camcorder by the viewfinder, the LCD panel or the battery pack.

Guide Start Quick

13

— Getting Started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the seven models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV350 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,

“ .”

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep to indicate that the operation is being carried out.

Types of differences

Model

Recording system	Hi8	Hi8	Hi8	Digital8	Digital8	Digital8
Playback system	Hi8/8	Hi8/8	Hi8/8	Digital8	Digital8	Digital8/Hi8/8
AUDIO/VIDEO jack	OUT	OUT	OUT	OUT	OUT	IN/OUT
S VIDEO jack	OUT	OUT	OUT	OUT	OUT	IN/OUT
DV jack	—	—	—	IN/OUT	IN/OUT	IN/OUT
USB jack	—	—	—	—	z	z
“Memory Stick” slot	—	—	—	—	—	z
LANC jack	—	—	—	—	—	z
SteadyShot	—	z	z	z	z	z
Remote sensor	—	—	z	—	z	z
RFU jack	z	z	z	—	—	—
MIC jack	—	—	—	—	—	z

zProvided

— Not provided

14

Using this manual

Before using your camcorder

With your camcorder, you can use the tapes and record/playback on the systems below. To enable smooth transition, we recommend that you do not mix pictures

recorded in the Hi8		/standard 8 mm with the Digital8 system on a tape.
Usable cassette tapes			Hi8		/Digital8	(recommended)	Standard 8 mm *1)
Recording system						Digital8
Playback system *2)						Digital8
					Hi8		Standard 8 mm

Started Getting

Usable cassette tapes	Hi8		/Digital8			(recommended)			Standard 8 mm *1)
Recording system							Digital8
Playback system							Digital8
Usable cassette tapes			Hi8					Standard 8 mm
Recording system			Hi8			*3)		Standard 8 mm
Playback system *2)			Hi8					Standard 8 mm

*1) If you use standard 8 mm tape, be sure to play back the tape on your camcorder. Mosaic noise may appear when you play back standard 8 mm tape on other VCRs (including another DCR-TRV150/TRV250/TRV350/TRV351).

*2) When you play back a tape, the Hi8 system or standard 8 mm system is automatically detected and the playback system automatically switches to.

*3) If you record on a Hi8 video cassette in the LP mode, recording is carried out in the standard 8 mm system.

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.

Copyright precautions

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.

15

Using this manual

Note on connecting other equipment

When you connect your camcorder to other video equipment or a computer using the USB cable or i.LINK cable, observe the shape of the jack.

If you forcibly insert the plug, the jack may be damaged and they may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.

On the model name indication

In this manual, camcorder-shape icons are used to indicate model names.

CCD-TRV118 :	DCR-TRV150 :
CCD-TRV318 :	DCR-TRV250 :
CCD-TRV418 :	DCR-TRV350 :
	DCR-TRV351 :

Instructions with no icons are for all models. Instructions with icons are for the indicated models only.

Before you start reading this manual, check the model name of your camcorder.

On the POWER switch

Modes on the POWER switch vary depending on models.

Consider this when following the operating instructions.

		V	O
			F
		C F
		R			(
					C
					H
POWER					G
					)
		M	M	A	C
		E	M
Y	O
			E
R		R
		A

VCR :

e.g. Set the POWER switch to VCR.

or

PLAYER :

e.g. Set the POWER switch to PLAYER.

OFF (CHG) : Common to all models

e.g. Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

CAMERA : Common to all models

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

MEMORY :

e.g. Set the POWER switch to MEMORY.

16

Using this manual

Precautions on camcorder care

Lens and LCD screen/finder

•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

•Do not let your camcorder become wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder become wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

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

•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions [c].

•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].

Started Getting

[a]

[b]

[c]

[d]

17

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

(1) Lift up the viewfinder.

(2) Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.

1

2

To remove the battery pack

(1) Lift up the viewfinder.

(2) Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing the BATT (battery) release lever down.

BATT (battery) release lever

If you install the large-capacity battery pack

If you install the NP-FM70/QM71/QM71D/FM90/FM91/QM91/QM91D battery pack on your camcorder, extend the viewfinder.

18

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Charging the battery pack

Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.

Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). See page 242 for details of “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s vmark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The charge lamp lights up when charging begins.

Started Getting

BATT INFO

4

		V			O
			C			F
			R			F
							(
							C
POWER							H
							G
							)
			E	M		A	C
R		M			M
Y	O			E
			R
		A

1

2

19

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

To check the state of the battery (BATTERY INFO)

Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN, then press BATT INFO. The BATTERY INFO is displayed for about seven seconds.

		BATTERY INFO
BATTERY				CHARGE				LEVEL
0%				50%				100%

REC TIME AVAILABLE LCD SCREEN: 56 min VIEWFINDER: 73 min

The battery charge level is displayed as percentage and recordable time with the LCD screen/viewfinder.

The battery charge level is displayed in 10% increments.

Charging

j

		BATTERY INFO
BATTERY				CHARGE				LEVEL
0%				50%				100%

REC TIME AVAILABLE LCD SCREEN: 80 min VIEWFINDER: 105 min

Full charge

When the battery is fully charged, the battery charge level indicator shows 100% and the charge lamp goes out.

After charging the battery pack

Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Until the remaining battery charge is calculated

		BATTERY INFO
BATTERY				CHARGE				LEVEL
0%				50%				100%

CALCULATING

BATTERY INFO...

The battery charge level indicator moves flashing and “CALCULATING BATTERY INFO...” is displayed.

Note

Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts on the DC plug of the AC Adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC Adaptor.

When you use the AC Adaptor

Place the AC Adaptor near a wall outlet. If any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

The numeric value displayed in the BATTERY INFO

Refer to the value displayed in the BATTERY INFO as a rough standard.

To display the BATTERY INFO longer

Press BATT INFO again while the BATTERY INFO is still displayed. The information is displayed for another seven seconds.

If you keep pressing BATT INFO, the BATTERY INFO is displayed for up to about 20 seconds.

The BATTERY INFO is not displayed in the following cases:

–The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHG).

–The battery pack is not installed properly.

–The battery pack is fully discharged.

20

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

If the power goes off although the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate

Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication is correct.

What is “InfoLITHIUM”?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack that can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the

mark (p. 242).

TM

SERIES

Charging time

Battery pack	Full charge
NP-FM30 (supplied)	145
NP-FM50	150
NP-FM70	240
NP-QM71/QM71D	260
NP-FM90	330
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D	360

Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low because of the ambient temperature.

Started Getting

21

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Recording time

		Recording with		Recording with
Battery pack		the viewfinder		the LCD screen
		Continuous	Typical*	Continuous	Typical*
NP-FM30 (supplied)		105	50	80	40
NP-FM50		170	85	130	70
NP-FM70		355	175	270	145
NP-QM71/QM71D		415	205	315	165
NP-FM90		540	270	410	215
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D		625	310	475	250
		Recording with		Recording with
Battery pack		the viewfinder		the LCD screen
		Continuous	Typical*	Continuous	Typical*
NP-FM30 (supplied)		115	55	85	40
NP-FM50		185	90	140	70
NP-FM70		385	190	295	145
NP-QM71/QM71D		445	220	340	165
NP-FM90		580	285	450	220
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D		670	330	520	255
		Recording with		Recording with
Battery pack		the viewfinder		the LCD screen
		Continuous	Typical*	Continuous	Typical*
NP-FM30 (supplied)		165	80	120	60
NP-FM50		265	130	195	100
NP-FM70		540	265	400	205
NP-QM71/QM71D		640	315	465	235
NP-FM90		820	400	600	305
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D		955	465	695	355

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

*Approximate recording time.

The actual battery life may be shorter in the following cases:

–When you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off.

–When the battery is used repeatedly or self-discharged after charging (p. 242).

22

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Playing time

	Battery pack	Playing on	Playing with
		the LCD screen	the LCD closed		Getting
	NP-FM50	135	195
	NP-FM30 (supplied)	80	120
					Started
	NP-FM70	285	400
	NP-QM71/QM71D	335	465
	NP-FM90	435	600
	NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D	505	695

	Battery pack	Playing on	Playing with
		the LCD screen	the LCD closed
	NP-FM30 (supplied)	90	130
	NP-FM50	150	210
	NP-FM70	310	430
	NP-QM71/QM71D	365	505
	NP-FM90	475	655
	NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D	550	755

	Battery pack	Playing on	Playing with
		the LCD screen	the LCD closed
	NP-FM30 (supplied)	120	175
	NP-FM50	195	280
	NP-FM70	400	570
	NP-QM71/QM71D	465	675
	NP-FM90	600	865
	NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D	695	1010

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

23

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Note

Approximate continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

Playback time
The table shows the playing time for tapes recorded in the Digital8			system.
The playing time of tapes recorded in the Hi8		/standard 8 mm	system is reduced
by about 20%.

You can charge the battery in other countries

For details, see page 246.

Recommended charging temperature

We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F).

Connecting to a wall outlet

When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC Adaptor.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s vmark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

1

2, 3

24

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

PRECAUTION

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

Notes

•The AC Adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your camcorder.

•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.

•Place the AC Adaptor near a wall outlet.

While using the AC Adaptor, if any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

Using a car battery

Use Sony Car Battery Adaptor (optional). Refer to the operating instructions of the Car Battery Adaptor for further information.

Started Getting

25

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. “CLOCK SET” will be displayed each time when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY unless you set the date and time settings.*

If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings may be cleared from memory (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery will have been discharged (p. 249).

Set the date and time after charging the built-in battery fully.

Set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY, and then press MENU to display the menu settings.*

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET in , then press the dial.

(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired year, then press the dial. (4) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and

pressing the dial.

(5) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by the time signal. The clock starts.

(6) Press MENU to make the menu settings disappear.

1,6

MENU

2

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET – –:– –:– –

USB STREAM

LTR SIZE

LANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

RETURN

[MENU] : END

SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM	2003 JAN 1
LTR SIZE

LANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

RETURN

12 00 AM

[MENU] : END

3

1

2003

1

2003

JAN

JAN

12

00 AM

12

00 AM

5

SETUP MENU

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET

CLOCK SET

JUL

4 2003

USB STREAM

2003

JUL 4

USB STREAM

5:30:00 PM

LTR SIZE

LTR SIZE

LANGUAGE

LANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

DEMO MODE

RETURN

5

30 PM

RETURN

[MENU] : END

[MENU] : END

* Modes on the POWER switch vary depending on models (p. 16).

26

Step 2 Setting the date and time

The year changes as follows:

2000 2003 2079

To check the preset date and time

Press DATE to display the date indicator. Press TIME to display the time indicator.

Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the date and time indicator.

Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears.

Auto date function

When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and set the date and time to your local time before you start recording (p. 26). The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function). This function works only once a day.

If you do not set the date and time
“--- -- ----” “--:--:--” is recorded on the tape	or the “Memory Stick”
.

Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.

•12:00 AM stands for midnight.

•12:00 PM stands for noon.

Note on the auto date function

You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu settings. The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day.

However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day if:

–you set 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 back to ON in the menu settings.

Started Getting

27

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

See page 15 for details about the usable cassettes types.

(1) Prepare the power source (p. 18).

(2) Slide OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

(3) Push the center of the cassette back and insert the cassette properly with the cassette window facing up.

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

(5) After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it clicks.

2

3,4

5

To eject the cassette

Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step (3).

28

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

Notes

•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the cassette

compartment other than the mark.

•Your camcorder records pictures in the Digital8system.

•The recording time when you use your camcorder is half of the indicated time on Hi8

tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, the recording time is 3/4 of the indicated time on Hi8tape.

•If you use standard 8 mmtape, be sure to play back the tape on your camcorder. Mosaic noise may appear when you play back standard 8 mmtape on other camcorders (including another DCR-TRV150/TRV250/TRV350/TRV351).

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

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29

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses.

(1) Remove the lens cap and attach the lens cap to the grip strap.

(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more information (p. 18 to 29).

(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. This sets your camcorder to the standby mode.

(4) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The viewfinder automatically turns off.

(5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator appears on the screen. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

The recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder when you record with the viewfinder.

1

3

POWER

V	O
C	F
R
	F
	(
	C
	H
	G
	)

	E	M
R	M	M
O		E
Y
	R
	A

A

C

5

4

2

50min SP REC 0:00:01

Camera recording lamp

Microphone

Notes

•The data code (date/time when recorded) are not displayed during recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display the data code (date/time), press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.

•Fasten the grip strap firmly.

•Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.

30