Sony CCD-TRV107, CCD-TRV108, CCD-TRV308, CCD-TRV408, CCD-TRV608 Operating Instruction

©2002 Sony Corporation

Model No. -TRV Model No. AC-

Serial No. Serial No.

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.

3-072-317-14 (1)

Digital

Video Camera Recorder

Video Camera Recorder

DCR-TRV140

DCR-TRV140

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/

TRV608

2

Welcome!

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder/Handycam

Vision

TM

. With your Digital Handycam/Handycam Vision

TM

, you can capture life’s precious

moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital Handycam/Handycam

Vision

TM

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.

For the customers in the

U.S.A. and Canada

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are

recyclable.

You can help preserve our

environment by returning

your used rechargeable

batteries to the collection and

recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of

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.

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 60°C (140°F) such as in a car parked in

the sun or under direct sunlight.

3

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.

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 CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH

WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,

FULLY INSERT.

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)

The number below is for the FCC related matters

only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.: DCR-TRV140

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics lnc.

Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,

Oradell, NJ, 07649 U.S.A.

Telephone No.: 201-930-6972

This device complies with Part15 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.: CCD-TRV608

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics lnc.

Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,

Oradell, NJ, 07649 U.S.A.

Telephone No.: 201-930-6972

This device complies with Part15 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.

4

Main Features

Taking moving images, and

playing them back

•Recording a picture (p. 23)

•Recording a still image on a tape (p. 40)*

1)

•Playing back a tape (p. 33)

Capturing images on your

computer (CCD-TRV608, DCR-

TRV140 only)

•Viewing images recorded on a tape (p. 97)

•Viewing images live from your camcorder

(p. 97)

Others

Functions to adjust exposure in the

recording mode

•NightShot (p. 29)/

Super NightShot (p. 29)*

1)

/

Color Slow Shutter (p. 29)*

1)

•BACK LIGHT (p. 29)

•PROGRAM AE (p. 50)

•Built-in light (p. 61)*

3)

•Manual exposure (p. 52)

Functions to give images more impact

•Digital zoom (p. 26)

The default settings is set to OFF. (To zoom

greater than 20×, select the digital zoom

power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

•FADER (p. 43)

•Tape photo recording (p. 40)*

1)

•Picture effect (p. 64)

•Digital effect (p. 65)*

1)

•TITLE (p. 57)

Function to give a natural appearance to

your recordings

•Manual focus (p. 53)

Functions to use in editing in the recording

mode

•Wide mode (p. 41)

•Date and time (p. 19)*

4)

•ORC [MENU] (p. 109)*

4)

Functions to use after recording

•Data code (p. 35)*

1)

•Zero set memory (p. 67, 96)*

1)

•Digital program editing (p. 83)*

1)

•Easy Dubbing (p. 75)*

4)

•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 66)*

1)

Function to make transition smooth

•END SEARCH (p. 32)

*

1)

DCR-TRV140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only

*

3)

CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608,

DCR-TRV140 only

*

4)

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/

TRV608 only

5

Checking supplied accessories

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

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)

(p. 141)*

1)

RMT-708: CCD-TRV107/TRV408

RMT-814: DCR-TRV140

2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power

adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 14)

3 NP-FM30 battery pack (1) (p. 15, 16, 17)

4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 141)*

1)

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not

made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 72, 73)

Stereo: DCR-TRV140

Monaural: CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/TRV608

6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 136)

7 Lens cap (1) (p. 23)

8 USB Cable (1) (p. 97)*

2)

9 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1)

(p. 98)*

2)

1

2

3

45

6

78

RMT-814 RMT-708

or

Monaural Stereo

*

1)

CCD-TRV107/TRV408, DCR-TRV140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only

9

or

6

Table of contents

Main Features .......................................... 4

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

Quick Start Guide ............................. 8

Getting started

Using this manual ................................. 10

Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 13

Installing the battery pack............. 13

Charging the battery pack............. 14

Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 18

Step 2 Setting the date and time ........ 19

Step 3 Inserting a cassette ................... 21

Recording – Basics

Recording a picture............................... 23

Shooting backlit subjects

– BACK LIGHT ........................ 29

Shooting in the dark

– NightShot/

Super NightShot

(DCR-TRV140 only)/

Color Slow Shutter

(DCR-TRV140 only)................. 29

Superimposing the date and time on

pictures

(CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/

TRV608 only) ............................ 31

Checking the recording

– END SEARCH ............................. 32

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape ............................... 33

Viewing the recording on TV .............. 38

Advanced Recording Operations

Recording a still image on a tape

– Tape Photo recording

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 40

Using the wide mode ........................... 41

Using the fader function ...................... 43

Using special effects

– Picture effect................................. 46

Using special effects

– Digital effect

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 47

Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 50

Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 52

Focusing manually................................ 53

Interval recording

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 54

Frame by frame recording

– Cut recording

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 56

Superimposing a title ........................... 57

Making your own titles ........................ 59

Using the built-in light

(CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/

TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)......... 61

Advanced Playback Operations

(DCR-TRV140 only)

Playing back a tape with picture

effects ............................................... 64

Playing back a tape with digital

effects ............................................... 65

Enlarging images recorded on tapes

– Tape PB ZOOM ........................... 66

Quickly locating a scene using the zero

set memory function ...................... 67

Searching a recording by date

– Date search ................................... 68

Searching for a photo

– Photo search/Photo scan ........... 70

7

Editing

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 72

Dubbing a tape easily

– Easy Dubbing

(CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/

TRV408/TRV608 only) .................. 75

Dubbing only desired scenes

– Digital program editing

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 83

Recording from video

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 93

Inserting a scene from a VCR

– Insert Editing

(DCR-TRV140 only) ....................... 95

PC Connection

(CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)

Viewing images using your computer

– USB Streaming

(Windows users only) .................... 97

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings.............. 105

Troubleshooting

Types of trouble and their

solutions......................................... 113

Self-diagnosis display......................... 118

Warning indicators and messages.... 119

Additional Information

About video cassettes ......................... 121

About the “InfoLITHIUM”

battery pack ................................... 124

About i.LINK ....................................... 126

Using your camcorder abroad .......... 128

Maintenance information and

precautions .................................... 129

Specifications ....................................... 134

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls .... 136

Index ..................................................... 144

Table of contents

Quick Start Guide

8

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 up.

Inserting a cassette (p. 21)

Connecting the power cord (p. 18)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 13).

3Close the cassette

compartment by

pressing the

mark

on the cassette

compartment. The

cassette compartment

automatically goes

down.

Close the lid of the

cassette compartment.

1Open the lid of the

cassette compartment,

and press ZEJECT.

The cassette

compartment opens

automatically.

2Insert a cassette

into the cassette

compartment

with its window

facing out and the

write-protect tab

on the cassette up.

AC power adaptor (supplied)

EJECT

Quick Start Guide

9

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD

screen (p. 33)

2Press m to rewind

the tape.

3Press N to start

playback.

Note

Do not pick up your camcorder by

the viewfinder, the LCD panel, or the

battery pack.

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.

4Press START/STOP.

Your camcorder

starts recording. To

stop recording, press

START/STOP again.

1Remove the lens cap.

Viewfinder

When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder placing your

eye against its eyecup.

The picture in the viewfinder is black and white.

Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 27).

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record the

date and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 19).

C

A

M

E

R

A

V

C

R

O

F

F

(

C

H

G

)

POW

ER

C

A

M

E

R

A

V

C

R

O

F

F

(

C

H

G

)

PO

W

ER

REW

C

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M

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R

A

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C

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F

F

(

C

H

G

)

P

O

W

E

R

1Set the POWER

switch to VCR*

1)

/

PLAYER*

2)

while

pressing the small

green button.

Recording a picture (p. 23)

PLAY

*

1)

DCR-TRV140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

10

— Getting started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the six models listed in the table below (p. 11).

Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model

number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV140 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-TRV140 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.

Before using your camcorder (DCR-TRV140 only)

With your digital camcorder, we recommend using Hi8 /Digital8 video

cassettes. Your camcorder records and plays back pictures only in the Digital8

system. You cannot play back tapes recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8 (analog)

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 (DCR-TRV140 only)

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.

Getting started

11

Using this manual

Types of differences

Model name

CCD- DCR-

TRV107 TRV108 TRV308 TRV408 TRV608 TRV140

System Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Digital8

Playback Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Digital8

Digital Zoom 450× 460× 460× 560× 560× 560×

LCD screen

6.2 cm 6.2 cm 6.2 cm 6.2 cm 7.5 cm 6.2 cm

(2.5 type) (2.5 type) (2.5 type) (2.5 type) (3 type) (2.5 type)

Buit–in light z — zzzz

Remote sensor z —— z — z

SteadyShot — — zzzz

USB Streaming — — — — zz

VF B.L.

(Viewfinder backlight)

z — zzzz

Date and time zz z zz —

DNR

(Digital Noise

zz z zz —

Reduction)

Easy Dubbing zz z zz —

ORC

(Optimizing the zz z zz —

Recording Condition)

TBC

(Time Base Corrector)

zz z zz —

Data Code — — — — — z

Digital effect — — — — — z

Digital program editing

—— — —— z

DV IN/OUT jack — — — — — z

Frame recording — — — — — z

Hifi SOUND — — — — — z

Interval recording — — — — — z

Super NightShot/

Color Slow Shutter

—— — —— z

Tape Photo recording — — — — — z

Zero set memory — — — — — z

z Provided

— Not provided

12

[a] [b]

[c] [d]

Using this manual

Precautions on camcorder care

Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)

•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 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 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].

13

Getting started

Installing the battery pack

Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.

To remove the battery pack

Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing V BATT down.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

V BATT release lever

14

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 124 for details of the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with

your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(3) Connect the power cord to a 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.

4

2,3

1

C

A

M

E

R

A

V

C

R

O

F

F

(

C

H

G

)

POWER

FULL

The number in the illustration of the display window may differ from that on your

camcorder.

After charging the battery pack

Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Note

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.

15

Getting started

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

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.

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 AC power adapter is disconnected.

– The battery pack is not installed properly.

– Something is wrong with the battery pack.

We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between

10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F.)

If the power goes off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that the

battery pack has enough power to operate

Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining

indicator is correct.

Charging time

Battery pack Full charge (normal charge)

NP-FM30 (supplied) 145 (85)

NP-FM50 150 (90)

NP-FM70 240 (180)

NP-QM71 260 (200)

NP-FM90 330 (270)

NP-FM91/QM91 360 (300)

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

Recording time

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

NP-FM30 (supplied) 165 90 120 65

NP-FM50 265 145 195 105

NP-FM70 540 295 400 220

NP-QM71 640 350 465 255

NP-FM90 820 450 600 330

NP-FM91/QM91 955 525 695 380

16

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

CCD-TRV608

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

NP-FM30 (supplied) 165 90 100 55

NP-FM50 265 145 160 90

NP-FM70 540 295 335 185

NP-QM71 640 350 390 215

NP-FM90 820 450 505 275

NP-FM91/QM91 955 525 585 320

DCR-TRV140

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

NP-FM30 (supplied) 110 60 85 45

NP-FM50 180 100 140 75

NP-FM70 370 205 295 160

NP-QM71 430 235 340 185

NP-FM90 560 310 450 245

NP-FM91/QM91 645 355 520 285

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack

* Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C (77°F). 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

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408

Battery pack

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

NP-FM30 (supplied) 120 175

NP-FM50 195 280

NP-FM70 400 570

NP-QM71 465 675

NP-FM90 600 865

NP-FM91/QM91 695 1010

CCD-TRV608

Battery pack

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

NP-FM30 (supplied) 100 175

NP-FM50 160 280

NP-FM70 335 570

NP-QM71 390 675

NP-FM90 505 865

NP-FM91/QM91 585 1010

17

Getting started

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

DCR-TRV140

Battery pack

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

NP-FM30 (supplied) 85 115

NP-FM50 140 185

NP-FM70 295 385

NP-QM71 340 445

NP-FM90 450 580

NP-FM91/QM91 520 670

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack

Approximate cotinuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if

you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

The recording and playing time of a normally charged battery are about 90% of those of

a fully charged battery.

What is the ”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 pack. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the

mark.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

18

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, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN

jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

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

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (wall outlet) 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.

•Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet.

While using the AC power 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 DC Adaptor/Charger (optional). Refer to the operating instructions of the DC

Adaptor/Charger for further information.

1

2,3

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

19

Getting started

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time.

“CLOCK SET” will be displayed each time when you set the power switch to CAMERA

unless you set the date and time settings.

If you do not use your camcorder for about 6 months, the date and time settings may be

released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery in your camcorder

will have been discharged.

First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.

(1) While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, press MENU to display the menu.

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select

, then press the dial.

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

(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial.

(5) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and

pressing the dial.

(6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by

the time signal. The clock starts to operate.

(7) Press MENU to make the menu disappear. The time indicator appears.

2

4

1,7

3

6

MENU

CLOCK SET

[

MENU

]

:

END

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET

USB STRE AM USB STRE AM USB STREAM

USB STRE AMUSB STRE AM

LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE

DEMO MOD E

SETUP MENU

––

:

––

:

––

RETURN

[

MENU

]

:

END

SETUP MENU

12 00

AM

[

MENU

]

:

END

RETURN

SETUP MENU

[

MENU

]

:

END

RETURN

CLOCK SET

SETUP MENU

[

MENU

]

:

END

RETURN

CLOCK SET

LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE

DEMO MODE

CLOCK SET

LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE

DEMO MODE

JAN

12002

JUL

4 2002

1

2:05:00

PM

JUL

42002

1205

PM

JAN

12002

12 00

AM

LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE

DEMO MOD E

LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE

DEMO MOD E

JAN

12002

12 00

AM

t 1995 T

. . . .

t 2002 T

. . . .

t 2079 T

The year changes as follows:

20

To check the preset date and time (CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only)

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. 19). The date is automatically recorded for

10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function). This function works only

once a day.

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

(CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only)

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.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

21

Getting started

EJECT

We recommend using Hi8 /Digital8 video cassettes.*

1)

When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassettes.*

2)

(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 13).

(2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press Z EJECT. The cassette

compartment opens automatically.

(3) Insert a cassette into the cassette compartment with its window facing out and

the write-protect tab on the cassette up.

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the

mark on the cassette

compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

(5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment.

To eject a cassette

Follow the procedure above, and eject the cassette in step 3.

Notes

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

•Your camcorder records pictures in the Digital8 system.*

1)

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

/Digital8 tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, the recording

time is the 3/4 of the indicated time on Hi8 /Digital8 tape.*

1)

•If you use standard 8 mm tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder.

Mosaic noise may appear when you play back standard 8 mm tape on other

camcorders (including other DCR-TRV140.)*

1)

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

compartment other than the mark.

•Do not pick up your camcorder by the lid of the cassette compartment.

*

1)

DCR-TRV140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

2

3

4

22

To prevent accidental erasure

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

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

23

Recording

– Basics

5

3

1

2

40min

REC

0:00:01

4

C

A

M

E

R

A

V

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O

F

F

(

C

H

G

)

P

O

W

E

R

C

A

M

E

R

A

V

C

R

O

F

F

(

C

H

G

)

P

O

W

E

R

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.

(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides 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. 13 to 22).

(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

Your camcorder is set 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. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder

lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

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

the viewfinder.

Microphone (R)*

1)

Notes

•Fasten the grip strap firmly.

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

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 (p. 109). In the LP mode, you can

record 1.5 times*

1)

/twice*

2)

as long as in the SP mode. When you record a tape in the LP

mode on your camcorder, we recommend that you play back the tape on your camcorder.

Microphone (L)

Camera

recording lamp

24

To enable smooth transition

You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene

smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.

When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 3 minutes*

1)

/5 minutes*

2)

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 for recording, set the POWER

switch to OFF (CHG) once, then turn it to CAMERA, or press START/STOP without

changing the POWER switch again to start recording. If your camcorder is in the

standby mode, with no cassette inserted, it does not turn off automatically.

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.

The time code may not be written properly between scenes.*

1)

Recording date and time (DCR-TRV140 only)

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

DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.

To set the counter to 0:00:00 (CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only)

Press COUNTER RESET (p. 139).

*

1)

DCR-TRV140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

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 screen (Mirror mode).

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.

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 record

with the viewfinder.

Recording a picture

180°

90°

25

Recording

– Basics

Recording a picture

When you adjust angles of the LCD panel

Be sure to open the LCD panel up to 90 degrees.

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

•You cannot operate the ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander.*

1)

•DATE and TIME on your camcorder do not work.*

2)

Indicators in the mirror mode

•The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of other indicators appear

mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.

•The date appears mirror-reversed when the auto date function is working. However,

the date will be normal when recorded.*

2)

*

1)

DCR-TRV140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen

(1) In CAMERA mode, select LCD BRIGHT in in the menu settings (p. 109).

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

LCD screen backlight

You can adjust the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings

(p. 109).

Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight

The recorded picture will not be affected.

MENU

1

[

MENU

]

:

END

LCD/VF SET

LCD BRI G HT

LCD B. L.

LCD COLOR

VF B.L.

RETURN

26

After recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

(2) Close the LCD panel.

(3) Eject the cassette.

(4) Attach the lens cap.

After using your camcorder (CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)

Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light

accidentally.

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 grater than 20×

Zoom greater than 20× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital

zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF

as a default setting (p. 106).

The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally.

Recording a picture

The right side of the bar shows the digital

zooming zone.

The digital zooming zone appears when you

select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in

the menu settings.

T

W

T

W

WT

T

W

27

Recording

– Basics

Notes on digital zoom

•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 20×.

•The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side.

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 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 in.)

away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) away

in the wide-angle position.

To record pictures with the viewfinder

– 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 (CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)

You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select VF B.L. in the menu settings

(p. 109).

Recording a picture

28

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on tape.

[a] : Remaining battery time indicator

[b] :Format indicator

[c] : Recording mode indicator/

Mirror mode indicator

[d] :STBY/REC indicator

[e] : Time code indicator/

Tape photo recording indicator

[f] : Remaining tape indicator

This appears after you start to record for a while.*

1)

This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play back for a while.*

2)

[g] :Date indicator

This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA.

[h] :Time indicator

This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA.

[i] : Hi8 format indicator

This appears while playing back or recording in Hi8 format.

[j] : Tape counter indicator

Remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battery time indicator indicates the approximate recording time. The

indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording.

When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for the correct

remaining battery time in minutes to be displayed.

Time code (DCR-TRV140 only)

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.

You cannot reset the time code.

*

1)

DCR-TR140 only

*

2)

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

SP

0:00:01

40

min

REC

SP

0:00:01

12:05:56

AM

JUL 4 2002

40

min

REC

[a][i]

[d][c][j]

[f]

[a][b]

[d][c][e]

[f]

[g]

[h]

Recording a picture

DCR-TRV140 CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/

TRV608

29

Recording

– Basics

NIGHTSHOT

OFF

ON

COLOR SLOW SHUTTER

SUPER NIGHTSHOT

NIGHTSHOT

OFF

ON

Recording a picture

Infrared rays

emitter

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.

Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA mode.

The . indicator appears on the screen.

To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.

If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects

The backlight function will be canceled.

Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot (DCR-TRV140

only)/Color Slow Shutter (DCR-TRV140 only)

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.

While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen.

To cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

BACK LIGHT

DCR-TRV140 CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/TRV608

30

Recording a picture

Using the Super NightShot (DCR-TRV140 only)

The Super NightShot mode makes subjects up to 16 times brighter than those recorded

in the NightShot mode.

(1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in CAMERA mode. and “NIGHTSHOT”

indicators flash on the screen.

(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.

and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash

on the screen.

To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again.

Using the Color Slow Shutter (DCR-TRV140 only)

The Color Slow Shutter enables you to record color images in a dark place.

(1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF in CAMERA mode.

(2) Press COLOR SLOW SHUTTER.

and ” COLOR SLOW SHUTTER” indicators flash on the screen.

To cancel the Color Slow Shutter, press COLOR SLOW SHUTTER again.

Using the NightShot Light

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable the NightShot Light,

set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 107).

Notes

•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This

may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

•Color Slow Shutter cannot be used in places of absolute (0 lux) darkness.

•When you keep NIGHTSHOT setting 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

While using the Super NightShot function or the Color Slow Shutter function, you

cannot use the following functions

(DCR-TRV140 only):

– Fader

– Digital effect

– Exposure

– PROGRAM AE

Shutter speed in the Super NightShot or Color Slow Shutter function

(DCR-TRV140 only)

The shutter speed will be automatically changed depending on the brightness of the

background. The motion of the picture will be slow.

NightShot Light

NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance

using the NightShot Light is about 3 m (10 feet).