Sony DCR-TRV940, DCR-TRV950 Operating Instruction

3-075-494-12 (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-TRV950

DCR-TRV940/TRV950

SERIES

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you can

Welcome!

capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.

WARNING

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

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this Handycam is harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. Refer to servicing to qualified personnel only.

NOTICE

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again.

For 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 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 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.

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

DCR-TRV950 only

Countries and areas where you can use network functions are restricted. For details, refer to the separate Network Operating Instructions.

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV950 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.

“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.

DCR-TRV950 only

IMPORTANT NOTE

To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the following antenna installation and device operating configurations must be satisfied: the antenna has been installed by the manufacturer and no changes can be made.

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 customers in CANADA

“Memory Stick”

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

DCR-TRV950 only

The term “IC:” before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifications were met.

Main Features

Recording moving pictures or still images, and playing them back

Main Features

•Recording moving pictures on a tape (p. 26)

•Recording still images on a tape (p. 51)

•Playing back a tape (p. 39)

•Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” (p. 46, 135)

•Recording moving pictures on a “Memory Stick” (p. 153)

•Viewing still images recorded on a “Memory Stick” (p. 165)

•Viewing moving pictures on a “Memory Stick” (p. 168)

•Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick” using the USB cable (p. 199, 203)

•Viewing moving pictures recorded on tapes using the USB cable (p. 194)

•Capturing images on your computer from your camcorder using the USB cable (p. 196)

•Converting an analog signal to digital to capture images onto your computer (p. 204)

Capturing images on your computer

Main Features

Accessing the Internet via a Bluetooth compliant device (DCR-TRV950 only)

Other uses

Functions for adjusting the exposure in the recording mode

•BACK LIGHT (p. 34)

•SPOT LIGHT (p. 35)

•Recording images with the flash (p. 48, 139)

•PROGRAM AE (p. 67)

•Adjusting the exposure manually (p. 74)

•Flexible Spot Meter (p. 75)

Getting Started

Accessing the Internet, sending/ receiving your e-mail. For details, refer to the Network Function Operating Instructions supplied with your camcorder. (DCRTRV950 only) (p. 205)

Main Features

Functions for giving images more impact

•Digital zoom (p. 31)

The default setting is OFF. (To zoom greater than 12×, select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

•Fader (p. 55)

•Picture effect (p. 58)

•Digital effect (p. 59)

•Titles (p. 119)

•MEMORY MIX (p. 148)

Functions for giving a natural appearance to your recordings

•Sports lesson (p. 67)

•Landscape (p. 67)

•Manual focus (p. 76)

•Spot Focus (p. 78)

Functions for use with recorded tapes

•END SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec Review (p. 37)

•DATA CODE (p. 41)

•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 86)

•ZERO SET MEMORY (p. 88)

•TITLE SEARCH (p. 89)

•Digital program editing (p. 98, 160)

Table of contents

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

Quick Start Guide

– Recording on a tape ............................ 8

– Recording on a “Memory Stick” ..... 10

Getting Started

Using this manual ................................. 12

Checking supplied accessories............ 14

Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 15

Installing the battery pack............. 15

Charging the battery pack............. 16

Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 19

Step 2 Setting the date and time ........ 20

Step 3 Inserting a cassette ................... 23

Step 4 Using the touch panel .............. 24

Recording – Basics

Recording a picture............................... 26

Shooting backlit subjects

– BACK LIGHT ........................ 34

Shooting subjects lit by strong light

– SPOT LIGHT ......................... 35

Self-timer recording ....................... 36

Checking recordings

– END SEARCH /

EDITSEARCH / Rec Review ........ 37

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape ............................... 39

To display the screen indicators

– Display function ................... 41

Viewing the recording on TV .............. 45

Advanced Recording Operations

Recording still images on a “Memory

Stick” during tape recording ........ 46

Recording still images on a tape

– Tape Photo recording ................. 51

Using the wide mode ........................... 53

Using the fader ...................................... 55

Using special effects

– Picture effect................................. 58

Using special effects

– Digital effect ................................. 59

Presetting the adjustment for picture

quality

– Custom preset .............................. 62

Using the guide frame .......................... 64

Shooting with the zebra pattern ......... 65

Using the color bar................................ 66

Shooting with manual adjustment ..... 67

Using the PROGRAM AE ............. 67

Adjusting the shutter speed .......... 70

Adjusting the white balance ......... 72

Adjusting the exposure ................. 74

Using the spot light-metering

– Flexible Spot Meter ............... 75

Focusing manually................................ 76

Using the spot focus – Spot Focus ...... 78

Adjusting recording level manually

– Sound recording level ................. 79

Interval recording ................................. 81

Frame by frame recording

– Frame recording .......................... 83

Advanced Playback Operations

Playing back tapes with picture

effect ................................................. 84

Playing back tapes with digital

effect ................................................. 85

Enlarging images recorded on tapes

– Tape PB ZOOM ........................... 86

Quickly locating a scene

– ZERO SET MEMORY ................. 88

Searching the boundaries of a recorded

tape by title – TITLE SEARCH ..... 89

Searching a recording by date

– DATE SEARCH ........................... 90

Searching for a photo – PHOTO

SEARCH/PHOTO SCAN ............. 92

Editing

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 95

Dubbing only desired scenes

– Digital program editing

(on tapes) ......................................... 98

Recording video or TV programs ..... 109

Inserting a scene from a VCR

– Insert Editing ............................. 113

Audio dubbing .................................... 115

Superimposing a title ......................... 119

Making your own titles ...................... 122

Labeling a cassette .............................. 124

Table of contents

“Memory Stick” Operations

Using a “Memory Stick”

– Introduction ............................... 126

Recording still images on a “Memory

Stick”

– Memory Photo recording ......... 135

Recording images from a tape as still

images ............................................ 144

Superimposing a still image in the

“Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX .......................... 148

Recording moving pictures on

a“Memory Stick”

– MPEG movie recording ............ 153

Recording pictures from a tape as a

moving picture ............................. 156

Recording edited pictures from a tape as

a moving picture – Digital program editing

(on a “Memory Stick”) ................. 160

Copying still images from a tape

– PHOTO SAVE ............................ 163

Viewing still images

– Memory photo playback .......... 165

Viewing moving pictures

– MPEG movie playback ............. 168

Copying images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” to a tape ............ 171

Enlarging still images recorded on a

“Memory Stick”

– Memory PB ZOOM ................... 173

Playing back images in a continuous

loop – SLIDE SHOW .................... 175

Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection........................ 176

Deleting images – DELETE ............... 177

Writing a print mark

– PRINT MARK ............................ 180

Using the optional printer ................. 181

Viewing Images Using your Computer

Viewing images on your computer

– Introduction ............................... 183

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users ................... 186

Viewing images recorded on a tape on

your computer

– For Windows users ................... 194

Viewing images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” on your computer

– For Windows users ................... 199

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

– For Macintosh users .................. 201

Viewing images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” on your computer

– For Macintosh users .................. 203

Capturing images from an analog video

unit on your computer

– Signal convert function............. 204

Using the Network function (DCR-TRV950 only)

Accessing the network ....................... 205

For the details, refer to the Network Function Operating Instructions supplied with your camcorder.

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the default settings with the

menu............................................... 207

Troubleshooting

Types of trouble and how to correct

trouble ............................................ 218

Self-diagnosis display......................... 225

Warning indicators and messages .... 226

Additional Information

Usable cassettes ................................... 228

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack ................................................ 231

About i.LINK ....................................... 233

Using your camcorder abroad .......... 235

Maintenance information and

precautions .................................... 236

Specifications ....................................... 242

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls........... 244

Index ..................................................... 254

Getting Started

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape

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

Connecting the power cord (p. 19)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 15).

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Quick Start Guide

AC power adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a cassette (p. 23)

1 Slide OPEN/Z

EJECT in the direction of the arrow to open the lid.

2 Insert the cassette

straight as far as possible into the cassette compartment with the window facing out and the write-protect tab facing upward.

Write-protect tab

Connect the plug with its v

mark facing up.

3 Close the cassette

compartment by pressing cassette compartment. After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it clicks.

on the

Recording a picture (p. 26)

1Remove the lens cap.

2Set the POWER

switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

4Press START/STOP.

Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press

3Press OPEN to open

START/STOP again.

the LCD panel. The picture appears on the screen.

Viewfinder

When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder with your eye against the eyecup. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 30).

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. 20).

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 39)

POWER

1Set the POWER switch

to VCR while pressing the small green button.

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

2Press m to rewind the tape.

REW

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

Quick Start Guide

NOTE

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

3Press N to start playback.

PLAY

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. 19)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 15).

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Quick Start Guide

AC power adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a “Memory Stick” (p. 128)

1 Slide MEMORY

OPEN in the direction of the arrow to open the “Memory Stick” slot.

Connect the plug with its v mark facing up.

2 Insert a “Memory

Stick” in the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go with the B mark facing up as illustrated.

MEMORY EJECT

Press the MEMORY EJECT once lightly to eject it.

“Memory Stick” slot

Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick”

(p. 135)

3Press OPEN to open

1Remove the lens cap.

the LCD panel. The picture appears on the screen.

2Set the POWER switch to

MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only) while pressing the small green button.

4Press PHOTO

5Press PHOTO

lightly. You can start recording when the small green button on the screen stops flashing, and lights

Viewfinder

up.

When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder with your eye against the eyecup. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 30).

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. 20).

Monitoring the playback still images on the LCD screen (p. 165)

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/ NETWORK

deeper. The image while pressing the button deeply is recorded on the “Memory Stick.”

Quick Start Guide

NOTE

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

1Set the POWER switch to

MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only) or VCR while pressing the small green button.

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

2Press PLAY or PB. The last recorded

image is displayed.

PLAY PB

— Getting Started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the two 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-TRV950 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-TRV950 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 to indicate that the operation is being carried out.

Types of differences

DCR- TRV940 TRV950 Mark on the POWER switch MEMORY MEMORY/NETWORK Network function — z

z Provided — Not provided

Note on Cassette Memory

Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can use only mini DV cassettes with your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory .

Functions that require different operations depending on whether or not the tape has a cassette memory are: – END SEARCH (p. 37) – DATE SEARCH (p. 90) – PHOTO SEARCH (p. 92)

Functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are: – TITLE SEARCH (p. 89) – Superimposing a title (p. 119) – Labeling a cassette (p. 124)

For details of cassette types, see page 228.

You see this mark in the introduction of features that are operated only with cassette memory.

Cassettes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).

Using this manual

Note on TV color systems

TV color systems differ depending on the country or region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.

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].

Getting Started

[a][b]

[c][d]

Checking supplied accessories

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

1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power

adaptor (1), power cord (1) (p. 16)

2 NP-FM50 battery pack (1) (p. 15, 16) 3 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 45) 4 Wireless Remote Commander (1)

(p. 250)

5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 251)

6 Shoulder strap (1)

7 Lens cap (1) (p. 26) 8 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 126) 9 USB cable (1) (p. 183) 0 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1)

(p. 188)

qa Cleaning cloth (1) (p. 237) qs Stylus (1) (DCR-TRV950 only) (p. 206)

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

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.

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.

Getting Started

BATT release button

If you use the large capacity battery pack

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

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 231 for details of “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 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.

After charging the battery pack

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

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

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.

Remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battery time indicator in the display window indicates the approximate recording time with the viewfinder.

Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time

“---- min” appears in the display window.

When you use the AC power adaptor

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

Charging time

Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge)

NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 (90) NP-FM70 240 (180) NP-QM71 260 (200) NP-FM90 330 (270) NP-FM91/QM91 360 (300)

Approximate minutes at 25°C (77°F) to charge an empty battery pack The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low because of the ambient temperature.

Getting Started

Recording time

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*

NP-FM50 (supplied) 95 50 75 40 NP-FM70 175 100 135 75 NP-QM71 200 115 155 85 NP-FM90 310 175 240 140 NP-FM91/QM91 360 205 280 160

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

* 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.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Playing time

Battery pack

NP-FM50 (supplied) 180 115 NP-FM70 310 205 NP-QM71 350 235 NP-FM90 550 365 NP-FM91/QM91 635 425

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

Note

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

If the power goes off although remaining battery time 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.

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).

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.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

SERIES

Playing time Playing time

with LCD closed on LCD screen

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. Connect the AC power adaptor supplied with

your camcorder 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.

Getting Started

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power supply (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 Car Battery Adaptor (optional). Refer to the operating instructions of the Car Battery Adaptor for further information.

2,3

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 that you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/ NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only) unless you set the date and time settings. If you do not use your camcorder for about four months, the date and time may be cleared from memory (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in your camcorder will have been discharged (p. 239). Set the area, the daylight saving time, year, month, day, hour and then the minute, in that order.

(1) Press MENU to display the menu settings while the POWER switch is set to

CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only).

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. (4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired area (where you are), then

press the dial.

(5) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select whether or not the time is daylight

saving time, then press the dial. Select OFF if the time is not daylight saving time. Select ON if it is.

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

The year changes as follows:

1995 T · · · · t 2002 T · · · · t 2079

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

pressing the dial.

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

the time signal. The clock starts to move.

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

, then press the dial.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

SETUP MENU CLOCK SET

USB STREAM

LTR SIZE LANGUAGE DEMO MODE

[

MENU] : END

– –:– –:– –

GMT –5.0

STBY

SETUP MENU CLOCK SET

USB STREAM LTR SIZE LANGUAGE DEMO MODE RETURN

[

MENU] : END

CLOCK SET AREA26

NewYork, Bogota DST OFF DATE Y M D

– – – – – – – – – – – : – – – – – – – – – – – – – : – –

[

EXEC] : NEXT ITEM

CLOCK SET AREA26

NewYork, Bogota DST OFF

RRR RRR

DATE Y M D

2002 JAN 1 12 : 00AM

rrr rrr

[

EXEC] : NEXT ITEM

CLOCK SET AREA26

NewYork, Bogota DST OFF

RRR RRR

DATE Y M D

2002 JUL 4 5 : 30PM

rrr rrr

[

EXEC] : END

SETUP MENU CLOCK SET

USB STREAM LTR SIZE LANGUAGE DEMO MODE RETURN

[

MENU] : END

CLOCK SET AREA 1

Lisbon, London DST OFF DATE Y M D

– – – – – – – – – – – : – –

[

EXEC] : NEXT ITEM

CLOCK SET AREA26

NewYork, Bogota

DST OFF

DATE Y M D

[

EXEC] : NEXT ITEM

CLOCK SET AREA26

NewYork, Bogota

DST OFF

RRR RRR

DATE Y M D

2002 JAN 1 12 : 00AM

rrr rrr

[

EXEC] : NEXT ITEM

SETUP MENU CLOCK SET

USB STREAM LTR SIZE LANGUAGE DEMO MODE RETURN

[

MENU] : END

– –:– –:– –

GMT +0.0

GMT –5.0

JUL 4 2002

5:30:00 PM

STBY

Getting Started

STBY

Note

Instead of DST, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the screen for some models.

If you do not set the date and time

“--:--:--” and “--- -- ----” are recorded on the data code of the tape and the “Memory Stick.”

When using your camcorder abroad

Set the clock to the local time (p. 22).

If you use the camcorder in a region where daylight saving time is used

Set DST SET to ON in the menu setting.

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.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Simple setting of clock by a time difference

You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference. Select AREA SET, DST SET* in the menu settings. See page 216 for more information. * Instead of DST, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the screen for some models.

World time differences

192021 2223 2425 2627293031 1 2346810121314161718

AREA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Time difference

GMT +01:00 +02:00 +03:00 +03:30 +04:00 +04:30 +05:00 +05:30 +06:00 +06:30 +07:00 +08:00 +09:00 +09:30 +10:00

To adjust a time difference

Select AREA SET in the menu setting, and select an area or a country you want to adjust to, then press SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

Area or country

Lisbon, London Berlin, Paris Helsinki, Cairo Moscow, Nairobi Tehran Abu Dhabi, Baku Kabul Karachi, Islamabad Calcutta, New Delhi Almaty, Dhaka Rangoon Bangkok, Jakarta Hongkong, Singapore Seoul, Tokyo Adelaide, Darwin Melbourne, Sydney

AREA

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Time difference

+11:00 +12:00 –12:00 –11:00 –10:00 –09:00 –08:00 –07:00 –06:00 –05:00 –04:00 –03:30 –03:00 –02:00 –01:00

Area or country

Solomon Is Fiji, Wellington Eniwetok, Kwajalein Midway Is., Samoa Hawaii Alaska LosAngeles, Tijuana Denver, Arizona Chicago, MexicoCity New York, Bogota Santiago St. John’s Brasilia, Montevideo Fernando de Noronha Azores

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

(1) Prepare the power supply. (2) Slide

(3) Insert the cassette straight as far as possible into the cassette compartment with

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing

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

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

The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

the window facing out and the write-protect tab facing upward.

The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

clicks.

Getting Started

on the cassette compartment.

OPEN/Z EJECT

3 4, 52

To eject a cassette

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

Notes

•Do not press the cassette compartment down forcibly. 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.

When you use a cassette with cassette memory

Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 228).

To prevent accidental erasure

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

Step 4 Using the touch panel

Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD screen directly with your finger or the supplied stylus (DCR-TRV950 only) to operate each function. This section describes how to operate the touch panel during recording or playing back images on a tape.

(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 15 to 19). (2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. (3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR while pressing the small green

button.

(4) Press FN. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. (5) Press PAGE2 to go to PAGE2. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. (6) Press a desired operation item. Refer to relevant pages of this manual for each

function.

5,6

When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA

PAGE1 PAGE2

SPOT

DIG

FOCUS

EFFT

PAGE1 PAGE2

SELF

LCD

TIMER

BRT

MEM M I X

EXIT

END SCH

SPOT

METER

EXIT

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To execute settings

Press OK. The display returns to PAGE1/PAGE2.

To cancel settings

Press OFF to return to PAGE1/PAGE2.

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

Step 4 Using the touch panel

Notes

•When using the touch panel, press operation buttons with your thumb supporting the LCD panel from the back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index finger.

•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp-pointed objects other than the supplied stylus. (DCR-TRV950 only)

•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.

•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.

•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You can control the display with DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder.

•When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is required (CALIBRATION) (p. 238).

•When the LCD screen gets dirty, clean it with the supplied cleaning cloth.

When executing each item

The green bar appears above the item.

If the items are not available

The color of the items changes to gray.

Press FN to display the following buttons:

When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA

PAGE1 END SCH, SPOT FOCUS, DIG EFFT, MEM MIX, SPOT METER PAGE2 LCD BRT, SELFTIMER

When the POWER switch is set to VCR

PAGE1 LCD BRT, PB, INDEX, END SCH PAGE2 PB ZOOM, PB, INDEX, DIG EFFT

Getting Started

See page 129 when the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only).

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.

(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and pull the lens cap

string to fix it.

(2) Prepare the power supply and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for

more information (p. 15 to 23).

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

This sets your camcorder to the standby.

(4) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. 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.

LOCK switch

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

M N

LOCK

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

40min

REC

Microphone

Camera recording lamp

0:00:01

Recording a picture

Notes

•Fasten the grip strap firmly.

•The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed while recording. However, they are recorded automatically on the tape. To display the recording data, press the DATA CODE button during playback you can also use the Remote Commander for this operation (p. 41).

Note on recording

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. 214). 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 back the tape on your camcorder.

Note on the LOCK switch

When you slide the LOCK switch in the direction of the arrow, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only) accidentally. The LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position) as the default setting.

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 in the LP mode on one tape. – When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). – When you use a cassette with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition

smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the END SEARCH (p. 37).

Recording – Basics

If you leave your camcorder in the standby 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 return to the standby, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and then back to CAMERA. To start recording, press the START/STOP button again without switching the POWER switch. However, your camcorder does not turn off automatically while the cassette is not inserted.

When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record in the LP mode

•The transition between scenes may not be smooth.

•The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between scenes.

The battery use time when you record using the LCD screen

The battery time is slightly shorter than the shooting time using the viewfinder.

Recording a picture

After recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). (2) Close the LCD panel. (3) Eject the cassette. (4) Remove the battery pack.

Adjusting the LCD screen

The LCD panel can be opened up to 90 degrees. The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to the lens side.

180°

When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and swing it into the camcorder body.

90°

Note

When the LCD panel is opened, the viewfinder automatically turns off and no image is displayed in the viewfinder. However, in the Mirror Mode, images are displayed in the viewfinder as well (p. 32).

LCD screen

•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.

•When you adjust the angle of the LCD panel, make sure if the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees.

Recording a picture

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen

(1) Press FN and select PAGE2 while the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or

MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). When you set the POWER switch to VCR, press FN to display PAGE1.

(2) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears. (3) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+.

–:to dim +:to brighten

(4) Press OK to return to PAGE1/PAGE2.

Recording – Basics

2,3

LCD BRT

–+

the bar indicator

OPEN

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

LCD screen backlight

You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings when using the battery pack (p. 210).

Even if you adjust LCD BRT

The recorded picture will not be affected.

LCD BRT

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 images 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 when using the battery pack (p. 210).

The viewfinder lens adjustment lever

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