Sony DCR-TRV11, DCR-TRV20, DCR-TRV6 Operating Instruction
3-059-592-13 (1)
Digital
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. DCR-TRV Model No. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
DCR-TRV20
DCR-TRV6/TRV11/TRV20
©2000 Sony Corporation
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital
Welcome!
Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital
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.
Never expose the battery pack to temperatures
above 140°F (60°C) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your 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 Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only).
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium
2
ion battery.
For the Customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call :
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY
(7669) or
write to : Sony Customer Information Center 1 Sony
Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ, 07656.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-TRV6,
DCR-TRV11
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park
Ridge, NJ, 07656 USA
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-TRV20
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park
Ridge, NJ, 07656 USA
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.
“Memory Stick”
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.
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.
For customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
3
Table of contents
Checking supplied accessories .................... 5
Quick Start Guide............................. 6
Getting started
Using this manual ................................... 8
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ..........
Installing the battery pack............. 10
Charging the battery pack............. 11
Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 14
Step 2 Inserting a cassette ................... 15
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture............................... 16
Shooting backlit subjects (BACK
LIGHT)......................................... 21
Shooting in the dark
(NightShot/Super NightShot) .... 22
Self-timer recording ....................... 23
Checking the recording – END
SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec
Review ......................................... 24
Playback – Basics
Playing back a tape ............................... 25
Viewing the recording on TV .............. 28
Advanced Recording Operations
Recording a still image on a tape
– Tape Photo recording ................. 30
Adjusting the white balance manually ...
Using the wide mode ........................... 34
Using the fader function ...................... 35
Using special effects – Picture effect .. 37
Using special effects – Digital effect... 38
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 41
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 43
Focusing manually................................ 44
Advanced Playback Operations
Playing back a tape with picture effects ...
Playing back a tape with digital effects...
Enlarging images recorded on tapes
– PB ZOOM ..................................... 47
Quickly locating a scene using the zero
set memory function ...................... 48
Searching the boundaries of recorded
tape by title – Title search ............. 49
Searching a recording by date
– Date search ................................... 50
Searching for a photo – Photo search/
Photo scan ....................................... 52
Editing
Dubbing a tape ...................................... 54
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing.............. 56
4
Using with analog video unit and PC
– Signal convert function............... 66
Recording video or TV programs ....... 67
Inserting a scene from a VCR – Insert
editing .............................................. 71
10
Audio dubbing ...................................... 73
Superimposing a title ........................... 77
Making your own titles ........................ 81
Labeling a cassette ................................ 83
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings................ 85
Resetting the date and time ................. 92
“Memory Stick” Operations
(DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)
Using a “Memory Stick”
– introduction.................................. 93
Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s
– Memory photo recording .............
Superimposing a still picture in a
“Memory Stick” on a moving
picture – MEMORY MIX ............. 105
Recording an image from a mini DV
tape as a still image ...................... 108
Copying still images from a mini DV
tape – Photo save .......................... 111
Viewing a still picture – Memory photo
playback......................................... 113
33
45
46
Copying the image recorded on “Memory
Stick”s to mini DV tapes ................
Enlarging still images recorded on
“Memory Stick”s – Memory PB
ZOOM ............................................ 118
Playing back images in a continuous
loop
– SLIDE SHOW............................. 119
Preventing accidental erasure
– Image protection........................ 120
Deleting images................................... 121
Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK ...
Additional Information
Usable cassettes ................................... 124
About i.LINK ....................................... 126
Troubleshooting .................................. 128
Self-diagnosis display......................... 134
Warning indicators and messages.... 135
Using your camcorder abroad .......... 137
Maintenance information and
precautions .................................... 138
Specifications ....................................... 142
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls .... 144
Quick Function Guide ........................ 151
Index ........................................ Back cover
100
116
123
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
1
RMT-808
3
DCR-TRV20
7
0
or
RMT-811
4
DCR-TRV6/TRV11
or
qa
2
5
8 9
6
Getting started
1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 149)
RMT-808: DCR-TRV6
RMT-811: DCR-TRV11/TRV20
2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor
(1), Power cord (1) (p. 11)
3 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 149)
4 NP-FM50 battery pack (1) (p. 10, 11)
5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 28, 54)
6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 144)
7 Lens cap (1) (p. 16)
8 PC serial cable (1) (p. 115)
DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only
9 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 93)
DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only
0 Application software: PictureGear
4.1Lite (CD ROM) (1) (p. 115)
DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only
qa Lens hood (1) (p. 19)
DCR-TRV20 only
5
Quick Start Guide
Connecting the power cord (p. 14)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10).
Quick Start Guide
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
camcorder. See the page in parentheses “()” for more
information.
Open the DC IN
jack cover.
Connect the plug with its v
mark facing lens side.
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Inserting a cassette (p. 15)
1Slide OPEN/EJECT in
the direction of the
arrow and open the
lid.
EJECT
2Push the middle
portion of the back of
the cassette to insert.
3Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing the
mark on the cassette
compartment.
4After the cassette
compartment going
down completely,
close the lid until it
clicks.
6
Recording a picture (p. 16)
1Remove the lens cap.
3To open the LCD
panel, press OPEN.
The picture appears on
the LCD screen.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder
placing your eye against its eyecup.
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 25)
1Set the POWER switch to VCR
while pressing
the small green
button.
R
E
W
O
P
MEMORY
VCR
OFF
(
CHG
)
CAMERA
2Set the POWER switch to CAMERA
while pressing the small green button.
VCR
OFF
P
O
W
E
R
(
CHG
)
CAMERA
MEMORY
4Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts
recording. To stop recording, press START/
STOP again.
2Press m to rewind the tape.
REW
3Press N to start playback.
PLAY
Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide
NOTE
Do not pick up your camcorder by
holding the viewfinder or the LCD
panel.
7
— Getting started —
Using this manual
The instructions in this manual are for the three 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-TRV20 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, “DCR-TRV20
only”.
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 sound to indicate that the
operation is being carried out.
Types of differences
DCRMEMORY mark*
(on the POWER
switch)
z Provided
— Not provided
* The model with MEMORY marked on the POWER switch is provided with memory functions.
See page 93 for details.
TRV6
—
Note on Cassette Memory
TRV11
z
TRV20
z
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory .
The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has
the cassette memory or not are:
•End search (p. 24, 27)
•Searching a recording by date – date search (p. 50)
•Photo search (p. 52).
The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:
•Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title – title search (p. 49)
•Superimposing a title (p. 77)
•Making your own titles (p. 81)
•Labeling a cassette (p. 83).
For details, see page 124.
You see this mark in the introduction of the features that are operated only with
cassette memory.
Tapes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).
8
Using this manual
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.
Precautions on camcorder care
•The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using high-precision
technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points
(red, blue, green, or white) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and in the
viewfinder. These points occur normally in the manufacturing process and do
not affect the recorded picture in any way. Effective ratio of pixels and/or screen
are 99.99% or more.
•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward
the sun. The inside of the viewfinder or LCD screen may be damaged [c].
[a] [b] [c]
Getting started
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
9
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
(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 BATT
down.
10
1
2
BATT release
lever
2
After installing the battery pack
Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack
may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder.
If you use the large capacity battery pack
If you install the NP-FM70/FM90/FM91 battery pack on your camcorder, extend its
viewfinder. Take care not to pinch your finger when lifting the viewfinder up and down.
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).
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, pulling the cover out a little and rotating. Connect
the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack on
your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing the lens side.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Charging begins. The remaining battery
time is indicated in minutes on the display window.
When the remaining battery indicator changes to , normal charge is completed. To
fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about one hour
after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Fully
charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.
Getting started
1
4
POW
ER
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
OFF
(
CHG
)
2
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Notes
•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug
of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.
•Keep the battery pack dry.
•When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once
fully and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool
place.
Remaining battery time indicator
The remaining battery time you record with the viewfinder is displayed.
The remaining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the
recording time with the viewfinder.
Battery pack
The battery pack is charged a little before it leaves the factory.
11
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time
“– – – min” appears in the display window.
While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in
the display window in the following cases:
– The battery pack is not installed correctly.
– The AC power adaptor is disconnected.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
Charging time
Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge)
NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 (90)
NP-FM70 240 (180)
NP-FM90 330 (270)
NP-FM91 360 (300)
Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack
Recording time
DCR-TRV6
Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen
NP-FM50 (supplied) 200 (180) 110 (95) 145 (130) 75 (70)
NP-FM70 415 (375) 225 (205) 305 (270) 165 (145)
NP-FM90 630 (565) 345 (310) 460 (410) 250 (225)
NP-FM91 725 (655) 395 (360) 535 (480) 290 (260)
Recording with Recording with
Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**
12
DCR-TRV11
Recording with Recording with
Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen
Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**
NP-FM50 (supplied) 195 (175) 105 (95) 140 (125) 75 (65)
NP-FM70 400 (360) 220 (195) 295 (265) 160 (145)
NP-FM90 600 (540) 330 (295) 450 (400) 245 (220)
NP-FM91 695 (625) 380 (340) 520 (465) 285 (255)
DCR-TRV20
Recording with Recording with
Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen
Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**
NP-FM50 (supplied) 135 (120) 80 (70) 105 (95) 60 (55)
NP-FM70 275 (250) 165 (150) 225 (205) 135 (120)
NP-FM90 425 (380) 255 (225) 345 (310) 205 (185)
NP-FM91 490 (440) 290 (260) 400 (360) 240 (215)
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Numbers in parentheses “()” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
* Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C). The battery life will be
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
**Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/
stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Playing time
DCR-TRV6
Battery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied) 145 (130) 200 (180)
NP-FM70 305 (270) 415 (375)
NP-FM90 460 (410) 630 (565)
NP-FM91 535 (480) 725 (655)
DCR-TRV11
Battery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied) 140 (125) 195 (175)
NP-FM70 295 (265) 400 (360)
NP-FM90 450 (400) 600 (540)
NP-FM91 520 (465) 695 (625)
DCR-TRV20
Battery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied) 125 (110) 160 (145)
NP-FM70 265 (235) 335 (300)
NP-FM90 400 (360) 505 (455)
NP-FM91 465 (415) 585 (525)
Playing time Playing time
on LCD screen with LCD closed
Playing time Playing time
on LCD screen with LCD closed
Playing time Playing time
on LCD screen with LCD closed
Getting started
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses “()” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which 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.
TM
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
SERIES
13
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
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 power adaptor.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, pulling the cover out a little and rotating it.
Connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN
jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing the lens side.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
1
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 power 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.
Using a car battery
Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).
2, 3
14
Step 2 Inserting a cassette
(1) Install the power source.
(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 middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert.
Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with
the window facing out.
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
(5) After the cassette compartment going down completely, close the lid until it
clicks.
Getting started
mark on the cassette
2
OPEN/EJECT
To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3.
Notes
•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.
•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other
than the mark.
When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory
Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 124).
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
3, 4
3
5
4
15
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attatch the lens
cap to the grip strap.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” and “Step 2” for
more information (p. 10 to p. 15).
(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
(4) To open the LCD panel, press OPEN. The viewfinder automatically turns off.
(5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator
appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder
lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
1
3
LOCK Switch
4
5
Camera recording
lamp
Microphone
Note
Fasten the grip strap firmly.
Note on Recording mode
Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP
(long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings. In the LP mode, you can record
1.5 times as long as in the SP mode.
When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the
tape on your camcorder.
2
VCR
OFF
POWER
(
CHG
)
CAMERA
MEMORY
0:00:01
REC
40
min
16
Recording a picture
Note on the LOCK switch (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)
When you slide the LOCK switch to the right, the POWER switch can no longer be set
to MEMORY accidentally. LOCK switch is set to the left before your comcorder leaves
the factory.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.
However, check the following:
•Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and ones in the LP mode on one tape.
•When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition
smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the END SEARCH function (p. 24).
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for five minutes while the
cassette is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG), and to CAMERA again.
When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record some scenes
in the LP mode
The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes.
Adjusting the LCD screen
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to
the lens side.
If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the indicator appears
on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode).
180°
Recording
– Basics
90°
When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically until it clicks, and swing it into the
camcorder body.
Note
When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically
turns off.
17
Recording a picture
When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight
The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the
viewfinder.
Picture in the mirror mode
The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal
when recorded.
During recording in the mirror mode
ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work.
Indicators in the mirror mode
The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of the other indicators appear
mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press either of the two buttons on LCD
BRIGHT.
LCD BRIGHT
LCD screen backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings
(p. 85).
Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight or brightness of the LCD screen
The recorded picture will not be affected.
After recording
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
(2) Close the LCD panel.
(3) Eject the cassette.
to dim
to brighten
18
Recording a picture
Adjusting the viewfinder
If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
Viewfinder backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select VF B.L. in the menu settings.
(p.85)
Recording
– Basics
Attaching the supplied lens hood (DCR-TRV20 only)
To record fine pictures under strong light, we recommend attaching the lens hood. Also
the lens cap can be attached even with the lens hood on.
Notes
•When you use the Remote Commander and the lens hood, the Remote Commander
may not function properly because the lens hood blocks the infrared rays from the
Remote Commander. In such case, remove the lens hood from your camcorder.
•You cannot attach filters or other objects onto the lens hood.
When you use the filter (not supplied)
The shadow of the lens hood may appear in the corners of LCD screen or viewfinder.
19
Recording a picture
Using the zoom feature
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
“W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
To use zoom greater than 10×
Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to 20× or 120× in the
menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF at the factory. (p. 85)
T
W
W
T
W
T
20
W
T
The right side of the bar shows
the digital zooming zone.
The digital zooming zone appears
when you set D ZOOM to 20× or
120×.
When you shoot close to a subject
If you cannot get a sharp focus, 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 feet 5/8 inch (about 80 cm)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm)
away in the wide-angle position.
Notes on digital zoom
•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 10×.
•The picture quality deteriorates as you move the power zoom lever toward the “T”
side.
•You cannot use the digital zoom when the POWER switch is set to MEMORY (DCRTRV11/TRV20 only).
Recording a picture
Indicators displayed in the recording mode
The indicators are not recorded on tapes.
Remaining battery time indicator
Cassette memory indicator
This appears when using a tape with cassette memory.
Recording mode indicator
STBY/REC indicator
0:00:01
40
min
JUL 4 2000
REC
45min
12:05:56 AM
Time code
The time code indicates the recording or playback time, “0:00:00” (hours : minutes :
seconds) in CAMERA mode and “0:00:00:00” (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in
VCR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.
Remaining tape indicator
The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.
Recording date and time
The recording date and time are not displayed while recording. However, they are
recorded automatically onto the tape. To display the recording date and time, press
DATE CODE during playback.
Time code/Tape counter
Remaining tape indicator
Time indicator
The time is displayed about five seconds
after the power is turned on.
Date indicator
The date is displayed about five
seconds after the power is turned on.
Recording
– Basics
Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT)
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a
light background, use the backlight function.
In the standby, recording or memory mode, press BACK LIGHT.
The . indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.
If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects
The backlight function will be canceled.
BACK LIGHT
21
Recording a picture
Shooting in the dark (NightShot/Super NightShot)
The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you
can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when
you use this function.
In the standby, recording or memory mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.
and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To
cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.
NIGHTSHOT
OFF
ON
SUPER
NIGHTSHOT
NightShot Light emitter
Using Super NightShot
The Super NightShot mode makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those
recorded in the NightShot mode
(1) In the standby or recording mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. indicator
appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT. The
appear.
To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.
indicator and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT“
22
Using the NightShot Light
The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable NightShot Light, set
N.S. LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 85).
Notes
•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. the outdoors in the daytime).
This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
•When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be
recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.
•If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,
focus manually.
While using the NightShot function, you cannot use the following functions:
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
– White balance
While using the Super NightShot function
The shutter speed is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness. At that time,
the moving picture may be slow down.
Recording a picture
While using the Super NightShot function, you cannot use the following
functions:
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
– Fader
– Digital effect
– Memory mode (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)
NightShot Light
NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance
using the NightShot Light is about 10 feet (3 m).
Self-timer recording
You can make a recording with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to
record yourself.
(1) Press SELFTIMER in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears
on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
(2) Press START/STOP.
Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two
seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts
automatically.
Recording
– Basics
START/STOP
SELFTIMER
To stop the self-timer before recording
Press START/STOP again.
Use the Remote Commander for convenience.
To record still pictures on tapes using the self-timer
Press PHOTO in step 2 (p. 31).
To record still pictures on “Memory Stick”s
Press SELFTIMER, then press PHOTO in MEMORY mode (p. 104).
To cancel self-timer recording
Press SELFTIMER so that the indicator disappears from on the LCD screen or in the
viewfinder while your camcorder is in the standby mode.
Note
The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:
– Self-timer recording is finished.
– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.
23
Checking the recording
Rec Review
You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition
between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth.
END SEARCH
You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record.
Press END SEARCH in the standby mode.
The last five seconds of the recorded section are played back and playback stops. You
can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.
EDITSEARCH
– END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH /
EDITSEARCH
END SEARCH
24
You can search for the next recording start point.
Hold down the +/– 7 side of EDITSEARCH in the standby mode. The recorded section
is played back.
+ : to go forward
– 7: to go backward
Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/STOP, re-recording begins
from the point you released EDITSEARCH. You cannot monitor the sound.
Rec Review
You can check the last recorded section.
Press the – 7 side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in the standby mode.
The last few seconds of the selected section are played back. You can monitor the sound
from the speaker or headphones.
End search function
When you use a tape without cassette memory, the end search function does not work
once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. If you use a tape with
cassette memory, the end search function works even once you eject the cassette.
If there is a blank portion in the recorded portion, the end search function may not work
correctly (p. 124).
— Playback – Basics —
Playing back a tape
You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel,
you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using
the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.
(1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape.
(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. The
video control buttons light up.
(3) To open the LCD panel, press OPEN.
(4) Press m to rewind the tape.
(5) Press N to start playback.
(6) To adjust the volume, press either of the two buttons on VOLUME. The
speaker on your camcorder is silent when the LCD panel is closed.
Playback
– Basics
2
VCR
OFF
R
E
W
(
O
CHG
P
)
CAMERA
MEMORY
4
REW
5
6
3
VOLUME
1
To stop playback
Press x.
When monitoring on the LCD screen
You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD
screen facing out.
PLAY
25
Playing back a tape
To display the screen indicators – Display function
Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander supplied with your
camcorder.
The indicators appear on the LCD screen.
To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again.
DATA CODE
DISPLAY
Using the data code function
Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the
recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code).
Press DATA CODE on your camcorder or the Remote Commander in the playback
mode.
The display changes as follows:
date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, white balance, gain, shutter speed, aperture
value, exposure mode) t no indicator
Date/time Various settings
26
SteadyShot OFF indicator
Exposure mode indicator
JUL 4 2000
12:05:56 AM
AUTO
60 AWB
F1.8 9dB
White balance indicator
Gain indicator
Shutter speed indicator
Aperture value
Not to display various settings
Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 85).
The display changes as follows:
date/time y no indicator
Recording data
Recording data is your camcorder’s information when you have recorded. In the
recording mode, the recording data will not be displayed.
When you use the data code function, bars (-- -- --) appear if:
•A blank portion of the tape is being played back.
•The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise.
•The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set.
Data code
The data code is displayed on the TV screen if you connect your camcorder to the TV
(p. 28).
Playing back a tape
Various playback modes
To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR.
To view a still picture (playback pause)
Press X during playback. To resume normal playback, press N or X.
To advance the tape
Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.
To rewind the tape
Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.
To change the playback direction
Press on the Remote Commander during playback to reverse the playback direction.
To resume normal playback, press N.
To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search)
Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing or
rewinding the tape (skip scan)
Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume
rewinding or advancing, release the button.
To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback)
Press y on the Remote Commander during playback. For slow playback in the reverse
direction, press , then press y on the Remote Commander. To resume normal
playback, press N.
To view the picture at double speed
Press ×2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the
reverse direction, press , then press ×2 on the Remote Commander. To resume
normal playback, press N.
To view the picture frame-by-frame
Press C on the Remote Commander in the playback pause mode. For frame-by-frame
playback in the reverse direction, press c. To resume normal playback, press N.
To search the last scene recorded (END SEARCH)
Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last five seconds of the recorded portion
plays back and stops.
Playback
– Basics
End Search
When you use a tape without cassette memory, the end search function does not work
once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape.
When you use a tape with cassette memory, the end search function works even once
you eject the cassette.
In the various playback modes
•Sound is muted.
•The previous picture may remain as a mosaic image during playback.
When the playback pause mode lasts for five minutes
Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.
Slow playback
The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder: however, this
function does not work for an output signal through the DV IN/OUT jack.
When you play back a tape in reverse
Horizontal noise may appear at the center, or the top and bottom of the screen. This is
not a malfunction.
27
Viewing the recording on TV
Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied
with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate
the video control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on
the LCD screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we
recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power
adaptor (p. 14). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR.
Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable
supplied with your camcorder. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
S VIDEO
AUDIO/VIDEO
: Signal flow
If your TV is already connected to a VCR
IN
S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
28
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting
cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the
white or the red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the
white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R
(right) signal.
If your TV or VCR has an S video jack
Connect using an S video cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality pictures. With this
connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting
cable.
Connect the S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder
and the TV or the VCR.
This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.
Viewing the recording on TV
Using the AV cordless IR receiver
Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) to your TV or VCR, you
can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of
the AV cordless IR receiver.
SUPER LASER LINK
Super laser link emitter
Insert a tape into your camcorder.
(1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch
on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.
(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR.
(3) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
(4) Press SUPER LASER LINK. The lamp of SUPER LASER LINK lights up.
(5) Press N on your camcorder to start playback.
(6) Point the super laser link emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver. Adjust the
position of your camcorder and the AV cordless IR receiver to obtain clear
playback pictures.
Playback
– Basics
To cancel the super laser link function
Press SUPER LASER LINK again. The lamp on the SUPER LASER LINK button goes
out.
If you turn the power off
The super laser link function turns off automatically.
If you use a Sony TV
•You can turn on the TV automatically when you press SUPER LASER LINK. To do so,
make sure you:
– Turn the TV’s main switch on.
– Set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu settings.
– Point the super laser link emitter at the TV’s remote sensor.
•You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV
cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to
the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu settings. With some models, however, the
picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is switched.
•The above feature may not work on some TV models.
When the super laser link is activated (the SUPER LASER LINK button is lit)
Your camcorder consumes power. Press SUPER LASER LINK to turn off the laser link
function when it is not needed.
is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
29
— Advanced Recording Operations —
2
•••••••
3
CAPTURE
1
PHOTO
PHOTO
Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording
You can record a still picture, for example, a photograph or drawing. This mode is
useful when you want to print a picture using a video printer (not supplied).
You can record about 510 pictures in the SP mode and about 765 pictures in the LP
mode on a 60-minute tape.
Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still pictures on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 100) (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only).
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
(2) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture
appears.
The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet.
To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select a still picture again, and then
press and hold PHOTO lightly.
(3) Press PHOTO deeper.
The still picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about
seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded.
The still image is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder until
recording is completed.
30
Notes
•During tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting.
•When recording a still picture, do not shake your camcorder. The picture may
fluctuate.
•The PHOTO button does not work:
– while the fader function is set or in use
– while the digital effect function is set or in use
If you record a moving subject with tape photo recording function
When you play back the still picture on other equipment, the picture may fluctuate.
To use the tape photo recording function using the Remote Commander
Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records a picture on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder immediately.
To use the tape photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording
Press PHOTO deeper. The still picture is then recorded for about seven seconds and
your camcorder returns to the standby mode. You cannot select another still picture.
To record clear and less fluctuated still pictures
We recommend that you record on “Memory Stick”s. (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)
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