Sony DVW-970, DVW-970P User Manual

DIGITAL CAMCORDER

DVW-970/970P

TM

OPERATION MANUAL [English]
1st Edition (Revised 1)

WARNING

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

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

For the customers in USA

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 the customers in the USA 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.

For the customers in Europe

This product with the CE marking complies with the EMC
Directive (89/336/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the
following European standards:

• EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)

• EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for use in the following
Electromagnetic Environment(s):
E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3
(urban outdoors) and E4 (controlled EMC environment, ex. TV
studio).

Voor de Klanten in Nederland

Gooi de batterij niet weg maar lever deze in als
klein chemisch afval (KCA).

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

The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual
must be used with this 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 Taiwan only

2

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

1-1 Features............................................................................8

1-1-1 Camera Features................................................................8

1-1-2 VTR Features ....................................................................9

1-1-3 Other Features ...................................................................9

1-2 Example of System Configuration ...............................11

1-3 Precautions ....................................................................12

1-4 Using the CD-ROM Manual ...........................................12

1-4-1 Preparations.....................................................................12

1-4-2 Reading the CD-ROM Manual .......................................12

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

2-1 Power Supply .................................................................14

2-2 Accessory Attachments................................................15

2-3 Audio Functions ............................................................16

2-4 Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions ............19

2-5 Menu Operating Section ...............................................24

2-6 Time Code System.........................................................26

2-7 Warnings and Indications .............................................28

2-8 Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel.........29

2-9 Indicators in the Viewfinder..........................................31

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

3-1 About Cassette ..............................................................32

3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette..................................32

3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure........................................33

3-2 Recording .......................................................................34

3-2-1 Basic Procedures .............................................................34

3-2-2 Continuous Recording.....................................................35

3-2-3 Recording Essence Marks...............................................36

3-2-4 Starting a Shoot with a Few Seconds of Pre-Stored Picture

Data (Picture Cache Function: with CBK-MB01)..........39

3-2-5 Shooting Picture at Intervals (Interval Rec Function: with

CBK-MB01) ...................................................................41

3-2-6 Continuous Recording on Previous Cut ..........................48

Table of Contents

3

3-2-7 Searching for the Last Recorded Portion and Turning in

Recording Pause Mode (End Search Function)..............49

3-3 Checking Recording and Playback ............................. 50

3-3-1 Checking the Last Two Seconds of the Recording —

Recording Review ..........................................................50

3-3-2 Checking the Recording on the Color Video Monitor —

Playback in Color ...........................................................50

3-4 Freezing a Picture During Playback............................ 51

3-5 Setting the Stand-by off Timer During Rec-Pause..... 52

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance 53

4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance...........................................53

4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance ..........................................54

4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter ..................................... 56

4-2-1 Shutter Modes ................................................................. 56

4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Shutter Speed............... 57

4-3 Changing the Reference Value for Automatic Iris Ad-

justment......................................................................... 60

4-4 Adjusting the Audio Level............................................ 62

4-4-1 Manually Adjusting the Audio Input Level of the AUDIO

IN CH1/CH2 Connectors................................................62

4-4-2 Manually Adjusting the Audio Level of the Front

Microphone..................................................................... 63

4-4-3 Input level of audio channels CH-3 and CH-4 ...............64

4-5 Setting the Time Data ................................................... 64

4-5-1 Setting the Time Code ....................................................64

4-5-2 Saving the Actual Time in the Time Code .....................65

4-5-3 Setting the User Bits ....................................................... 65

4-5-4 Synchronizing the Time Code ........................................66

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

5-1 Menu Organization and Operation .............................. 68

5-1-1 Menu Organization .........................................................68

5-1-2 Basic Menu Operations...................................................69

5-1-3 Editing the USER Menu ................................................. 71

5-2 Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen ................... 75

5-2-1 Layout of the Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen.75

5-2-2 Selecting the Display Items ............................................77

Table of Contents

4

5-2-3 Display Modes and Setting Change Confirmation/

Adjustment Progress Messages.......................................78

5-2-4 Setting the Marker Display .............................................79

5-2-5 Setting the Viewfinder ....................................................79

5-2-6 Recording Shot Data Superimposed on the Color Bars..80

5-2-7 Setting the Shot ID..........................................................81

5-2-8 Displaying the Status Confirmation Windows................82

5-2-9 Confirming the Image of the Return Video Signal in the

Viewfinder ......................................................................84

5-3 Adjustments and Settings from Menus .......................85

5-3-1 Setting Gain Values for the GAIN Selector Positions ....85

5-3-2 Selecting the Output Signals...........................................86

5-3-3 Setting the Color Temperature Manually........................86

5-3-4 Specifying an Offset for the Auto White Balance

Setting .............................................................................87

5-3-5 Assigning Functions to Assignable Switches .................88

5-3-6 Setting the Date/Time of the Internal Clock ...................90

5-3-7 Selecting the Lens File....................................................91

5-3-8 Selecting the Aspect Ratio ..............................................91

5-3-9 Setting the CCD Scan Mode ...........................................92

5-3-10 Using UMID Data.........................................................94

5-4 Resetting USER Menu Settings to the Standard Set-

tings ................................................................................97

Chapter 6 Saving and Loading User Setting Data

6-1 Saving and Loading User Files ....................................98

6-1-1 Handling the “Memory Stick” ........................................98

6-1-2 Saving USER Menu Data (User File) to the “Memory

Stick”...............................................................................99

6-1-3 Loading Saved Data from a “Memory Stick”...............101

6-2 Saving and Loading Scene Files................................102

6-2-1 Saving a Scene File .......................................................102

6-2-2 Loading a Scene File.....................................................104

6-2-3 Resetting the Settings of the Camcorder to the Standard

Settings Saved in the Reference File ............................106

6-3 Jumping to a File-Related Menu Page When Inserting a

“Memory Stick”............................................................106

Chapter 7 Setting Up the Camcorder

7-1 Power Supply ...............................................................108

Table of Contents

5

7-1-1 Using a Battery Pack.....................................................108

7-1-2 Avoiding Breaks in Operation Due to an Exhausted

Battery ..........................................................................108

7-1-3 Using an AC Adaptor ...................................................109

7-1-4 Using the Anton Bauer Ultralight System ....................109

7-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder............................................ 110

7-2-1 Adjusting the Viewfinder Position ...............................110

7-2-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder Focus and Screen ................110

7-2-3 Detaching the Viewfinder .............................................111

7-2-4 Detaching the Eyepiece ................................................111

7-3 Mounting the Lens...................................................... 112

7-4 Adjusting the Flange Focal Length ........................... 113

7-5 Audio Input System .................................................... 113

7-5-1 Using the Supplied Microphone ................................... 113

7-5-2 Using an External Microphone ..................................... 114

7-5-3 Attaching a UHF Portable Tuner (for a UHF Wireless

Microphone System).....................................................115

7-5-4 Connecting Line Input Audio Equipment..................... 117

7-6 Tripod Mounting.......................................................... 117

7-7 Attaching/Detaching the Shoulder Strap.................. 118

7-8 Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position........................ 119

7-9 Putting on the Rain Cover (Not Supplied) ................ 119

7-10 Connecting the Remote Control Unit ...................... 120

Chapter 8 Maintenance

Appendixes

8-1 Testing the Camcorder Before Shooting .................. 122

8-1-1 Preparations for Testing................................................122

8-1-2 Testing the Camera .......................................................122

8-1-3 Testing the VTR............................................................124

8-2 Maintenance ................................................................ 126

8-2-1 Cleaning the Video Heads ............................................126

8-2-2 Cleaning the Viewfinder ...............................................126

8-3 Operation Warnings.................................................... 127

Specifications..................................................................... 129

General ....................................................................................129

Video Camera Section .............................................................129

VTR Section ............................................................................130

Recommended Additional Equipment ....................................130

Table of Contents

6

Menu List .............................................................................132

OPERATION Menu ................................................................132

PAINT Menu ...........................................................................138

MAINTENANCE Menu..........................................................143

FILE Menu...............................................................................152

DIAGNOSIS Menu..................................................................154

About a “Memory Stick” ....................................................155

Index ....................................................................................157

Table of Contents

7

Chapter 1 Overview

Overview

1-1 Features

The DVW-970/970P1) is a camcorder, in which a color
video camera using
16:9 aspect ratio and a recorder of the Digital BETACAM
format are combined integrally. The camera’s CCDs have
approximately 1,000,000 picture elements (pixels) (the
number of effective pixels: approximately 500,000).
Its high imaging quality is established by the combination
of Power HAD
processing technologies. In addition to resistance to
vibration, dust, and moisture of the Betacam-series
camcorders, this unit has various functions that make it
ideal as a tool for ENG

1) The DVW-970 is for the NTSC broadcast system. The DVW-970P is for
the PAL broadcast system. The description given in this manual applies to
both models, any differences being clearly noted in the text.

2) Abbreviation of “Power Hole-Accumulated Diode.” “Power HAD” is a
registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

3) ENG: Electronic News Gathering

4) EFP: Electronic Field Production

1-1-1 Camera Features

2

/3-inch Power HAD EX CCDs

The high sensitivity, low smear 2/3-inch Power HAD EX
CCDs provide high image quality which is at the top of its
class.

• The unit is switchable between a 16:9 aspect ratio wide
image and 4:3 standard aspect ratio.

• You can select an interlaced scan mode or progressive
scan mode (30 fps (frames
970, 25 fps for the DVW-970P).

• With the optional CBK-FC01 Pull Down Board
installed, a 24 fps
recorded subjected to pull-down (24P mode), providing
imaging quality close to that of film (DVW-970 only).

1) More precisely, 29.97 fps

2) More precisely, 23.98 fps

2

/3-inch high-definition CCDs of a

2)

EX CCDs and advanced digital signal

3)

and EFP4).

per second)1) for the DVW-

2)

progressive scan video can be

Chapter

1

Camera signal processing for high quality
video

• The 14-bit A/D converter provides stable high-quality
images and reliability.

• The high-performance electronic shutter allows you to
select extended clear scan mode (ECS
vertical resolution mode (EVS
quality video.

1) ECS: Extended Clear Scan

2) EVS: Super Enhanced Vertical Definition System

2)

1)

) and high

), to obtain clear, high-

Shooting functions to cope with different
shooting conditions

• A slow shutter function (up to 1/2 second) is provided as
a standard feature. This allows noiseless shooting under
very poor lighting conditions and a variety of expressive
possibilities, such as shots of moving subjects which are
smoothed out by afterimages.

• Owing to the scene file function, you can easily recall
sets of adjustment values from the built-in memory, to
match the particular lighting conditions.

•The ATW
adjustment in response to changing lighting conditions.

• The TruEye
even with high intensity colors.

• The TURBO GAIN button enables an instantaneous
boost of the video gain to the maximum 48 dB.

1) ATW: Auto Tracing White balance

2) TruEye: “TruEye” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

1)

function provides automatic white balance

TM 2)

process yields distortion-free video,

Wide range of menu settings

The menus provide the following operations, among
others:

• Status display, message, and marker display settings

• Camera adjustment settings

• Switch function assignment

• “Memory Stick” operations

You can also assign any settings to the USER menu, to
create customized menus.

8

Features

Saving and recalling settings in a “Memory
Stick”

Using an optional “Memory Stick” 1), you can save menu
settings for particular shooting conditions, for recall as
required.

1) “Memory Stick” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

High-functionality viewfinder

The 2-inch monochrome viewfinder allows accurate
focusing.
The switch settings, automatic black balance and white
balance items, status, warnings and so on appear on the
viewfinder screen.

1) LTC: Longitudinal Time Code

2) VITC: Vertical Interval Time Code

Audio functions

• A slot-in UHF portable tuner WRR-855A/855B (not
supplied) can be attached.

• Four channels of 20-bit digital audio can be recorded, as
well as four channels of 16-bit digital audio.

• When an audio cable is connected to the AUDIO IN CH­1/CH-2 connectors (XLR 3-pin), the audio signals input
to the XLR 3-pin connectors are recorded regardless of
the AUDIO IN switch setting. This function is called the
XLR connection automatic detection function.

• The AUDIO OUT connector (XLR 5-pin) allows the
camcorder to output signals as stereo audio.

Chapter 1 Overview

Remote control connectors

By connecting an optional RM-B150/B750 or similar
remote control unit, you can control the camera settings of
this unit externally.

1-1-2 VTR Features

Digital BETACAM format

• Use of the Digital BETACAM format provides superior
S/N, frequency range, waveform characteristics, and
reproducibility of details for high quality video and
audio.

• A long recording time of approximately 40 minutes for
the DVW-970 and 48 minutes for the DVW-970P is
achieved.

Metadata for easier and more comfortable
operation

It is possible to record recording-start markers and good­shot markers on the tape while shooting, and search
automatically for required cuts when editing.

Other VTR functions

• Recording continuity from the very next frame is
ensured.

• It is possible to automatically rewind and review the last
2 seconds of the recording on the tape for a quick check
immediately after shooting.

• A 4-times-normal speed search function provides quick
positioning of the tape.

• The camcorder searches for the most recently recorded
cut and records the new cut over it. This function is
called the RE-TAKE function.

• The camcorder searches for the point most recently
recorded on the tape and automatically switches to
paused recording mode (REC pause). This function is
called the End Search function.

1-1-3 Other Features

Proper balancing design

A new shoulder-pad system that enables position
adjustment in the front-to-rear direction with no need to
use a tool ensures proper balance when using the unit.

Time Code operations inevitable in
broadcasting

•LTC1) and VITC2) recording and LTC playback can be
performed.

• The built-in time code generator can be synchronized
with an external generator.

• A lithium battery is the back-up power supply for the
built-in time code generator enabling the time code to be
held for approximately 5 years without being charged
(with the camcorder power supply).

• The time code can be displayed in the LCD window
screen even when the power is off. The automatic power
shut-off function allows you to set the time when the
time code display disappears.

Instant operation assignable switches

Function-assignable switches are provided on the side
panel. Assigning the functions most useful to you, by
selecting them on the menu pages, will create a smooth
shooting environment.

Function extension interface and optional
boards

• An extension connector can be attached to the battery
attachment on the rear panel, to allow various camera
adapters to be fitted.

• Use of the following optional boards permits you to
expand the functions.

Features

9

CBK-MB01 Picture Cache Board:

Installing the board allows the camcorder to record up to
several seconds of the picture before the REC button is
pressed (Picture Cache Function) and to shoot pictures at
intervals (Interval Rec).

Chapter 1 Overview

CBK-FC01 Pull Down (24P) Board (for the DVW­970 only):

With the board installed, a 24 fps progressive scan video
can be recorded subjected to 2-3 pull-down.

CBK-SD01 SDI Output Board:

Installing the board enables SDI signal output from the
VIDEO OUT connectors.

10

Features

1-2 Example of System Configuration

The diagram below shows a typical configuration of the
camcorder for ENG and EFP.

Viewfinder-related equipment

Name / Purpose Magnification Part No.

Fog-proof filter — 1-547-341-11

Lens assembly –2.8 D to +2.0 D A-8262-537-A

Lens assembly –3.6 D to –0.8 D A-8262-538-A

Lens assembly –3.6 D to +0.4 D A-8267-737-A

Lens assembly
(3 × magnification)

BKW-401 Viewfinder Rotation Bracket

–2.4 D to +0.5 D A-8314-798-A

For more information about the fittings, connections, or
use of additional equipment and accessories, see “Chapter
7 Setting Up the Camcorder” as well as the operation
manuals for the connected equipment.

AC power supply

Product Model name

AC Adaptor AC-550/550CE

AC Adaptor AC-DN10

Battery

Product Model name

Battery Charger BC-M150/M50

Battery Pack BP-GL65/GL95/L60S

Wireless video/audio transmission

Wireless Camera
Transmitter

WLL-CA50

Chapter 1 Overview

Audio input signals

External microphone ECM-672 or similar microphone

CAC-12 Microphone Holder

Analog audio equipment

CCXA-53 audio cable

WRR-860/862 UHF Portable Tuner

WRR-855-series UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit

Control signals

RM-B150/B750 Remote Control Unit

“Memory Stick” (see page 155)

Extension board

Product Model name

Pull Down (24P) Board CBK-FC01

SDI Output Board CBK-SD01

Picture Cache Board CBK-MB01

1) For the DVW-970 only

Audio output

XLR 5-pin connector for stereo microphone
(service part)

Video output

Video monitor for color image check during
shooting

1)

Example of System Configuration

11

1-3 Precautions

Use and Storage

Chapter 1 Overview

Do not subject the unit to severe shocks

The internal mechanism may be damaged or the body
warped.

After use

Always turn off the power.

Before storing the unit for a long period

Remove the battery pack.

Use and storage locations

Store in a level, ventilated place. Avoid using or storing the
unit in the following places.

• Places subject to temperature extremes

• Very damp places

• Places subject to severe vibration

• Near strong magnetic fields

• In direct sunlight or close to heaters for extended periods

To prevent electromagnetic interference from
portable communications devices

The use of portable telephones and other communications
devices near this unit can result in malfunctions and
interference with audio and video signals.
It is recommended that the portable communications
devices near this unit be powered off.

Note on laser beams

Laser beams may damage the CCDs. If you shoot a scene
that includes a laser beam, be careful not to let the laser
beam be directed into the lens of the camera.

1-4 Using the CD-ROM Manual

The supplied CD-ROM includes versions of the Operation
Manual for the DVW-970/970P in English, Japanese,
French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese in PDF
format.

1-4-1 Preparations

The following program must be installed on your computer
in order to read the operation manuals contained on the
CD-ROM.

• Adobe Reader Version 6.0 or higher

Memo

If Adobe Reader is not instal led, you can download it from
the following URL:

http://www.adobe.com/

Adobe and Adobe Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in
the United States and/or other countries.

1-4-2 Reading the CD-ROM Manual

To read the operation manual contained on the CD-ROM,
do the following:

1

Insert the CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive.

A cover page appears automatically in your browser.
If it does not appear automatically in the browser,
double-click on the index.htm file on the CD-ROM.

Use at a high temperature

If the unit is used at a high temperature, white flecks may
appear on the screen.

Precautions / Using the CD-ROM Manual

12

2

Select and click on the operation manual that you want
to read.

This opens the PDF file of the operation manual.

Memo

The files may not be displayed properly, depending on the
version of Adobe Reader. In such a case, install the latest
version you can download from the URL mentioned in “1-
4-1 Preparations” above.

Notes

• If you have lost or damaged the CD-ROM, you can
purchase a new one to replace it. Contact your Sony
service representative.

• You can purchase a printed version of the operation
manual (English version). Contact your Sony service
representative.

When ordering, be sure to specify the part number of the
manual you want.

Part No. Models covered

3-869-913-0X DVW-970/970P

Chapter 1 Overview

Using the CD-ROM Manual

13

Locations and Functions
of Parts and Controls

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

2-1 Power Supply

Chapter

a Battery attachment

b DC IN connector

2

c POWER switch

d LIGHT switch

a Battery attachment

Attach a battery pack, BP-GL65, BP-GL95, or BP-L60S.
Furthermore, by attaching an AC-DN10 AC Adaptor, you
can operate the camcorder from AC power.

b DC IN connector (XLR type, 4-pin, male)

To operate the camcorder using an AC power supply,
connect an AC-550/550CE AC Adaptor with the DC
output cable supplied with the adaptor.
To use an external battery, connect its DC output cable to
the DC IN connector.

c POWER switch

This switch turns the main power supply on and off.

d LIGHT switch

This determines how a video light connected to the LIGHT
connector is turned on and off.
AUTO: When the switch on the video light is in the on

position, putting the camcorder in recording mode
turns the video light on automatically. When using the

auto interval recording mode, the video light is
automatically turned on immediately before recording
starts.

MANUAL: You can turn the video light on or off

manually, using its own switch.

14

Power Supply

2-2 Accessory Attachments

a Shoulder strap posts

b Light shoe

h Tripod mounti Shoulder pad

Lens cable clamp

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

c LIGHT connector

d Lens mount

e Lens locking lever

f Lens mount cap

g LENS connector

a Shoulder strap posts

Attach the supplied shoulder strap to these posts.

For details, see “7-7 Attaching/Detaching the Shoulder
Strap” on page 118.

b Light shoe

Attach an optional accessory such as a video light to this
shoe.

c LIGHT connector (2-pin, female)

Connect the cable of an Anton Bauer Ultralight System
attached to the light shoe. The system operates with lights
powered by 12 V, with a maximum power consumption of
50 W.

d Lens mount (special bayonet mount)

Use this for mounting the lens.

e Lens locking lever

After inserting the lens in the lens mount, rotate the lens
mount ring with this lever to lock the lens in position.

f Lens mount cap

Remove this cap by pushing up the lens locking lever.
When no lens is mounted, keep this cap fitted for
protection from dust.

h Tripod mount

When using the camcorder on a tripod, attach the tripod
adaptor (optional).

i Shoulder pad

You can move the shoulder pad forwards or backwards by
raising up the shoulder pad locking lever. Do this to ensure
the best balance when shooting with the camcorder on
your shoulder.

For details, see “7-8 Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position”
on page 119.

g LENS connector (12-pin)

Fit the lens cable to this connector. Contact your Sony
representative for more information about the lens you can
use.

Accessory Attachments

15

2-3 Audio Functions

h Built-in speaker

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

a Microphone

b MIC IN connector

c MIC LEVEL control

a Microphone

This is a super-cardioid directional monaural microphone
with an external power supply (+48 V) system.

b MIC IN (microphone input) connector (XLR type,
3-pin, female)

Connect the supplied microphone to this connector. A
microphone other than the supplied one may also be
connected as long as it can operate with the power (+48 V)
supplied from this connector.
By fitting a 5-pin connector (service part number: A-1053­453-A), you can also use a stereo microphone.

c MIC (microphone) LEVEL control

This control adjusts the audio level of the microphone
connected to the MIC IN connector.

d EARPHONE jacks (minijacks)

You can monitor the E-E sound

1)

during recording and
playback sound during playback. Plugging an earphone
into the jack automatically cuts off the built-in speaker.
When an alarm is indicated, you can hear the alarm sound
through the earphone.

1) E-E: Abbreviation of “Electric-to-Electric.” In E-E mode, video and audio

signals input to the camcorder are output after passing through internal
electric circuits only. This can be used to check input signals.

d EARPHONE jack (rear)

g ALARM volume control

f MONITOR volume control

e MONITOR switch and CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch

d EARPHONE jack (front)

Audio functions (1)

MONITOR switch

CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch

MONITOR switch and CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch

CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch:

This determines the pair of audio channels selected with
the MONITOR switch.

CH-1/2 position: channels 1 and 2
CH-3/4 position: channels 3 and 4

The signals output from the AUDIO OUT connector and
EARPHONE jacks and the audio level meter in the display
window also depend on the setting of this switch.

MONITOR switch:

This selects the audio monitor channels output to the
earphone or speaker, depending on the setting of the CH­1/2 / CH-3/4 switch.

e MONITOR switch and CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch

These switches together determine the channel selection
for audio monitor output.

Audio Functions

16

CH-1/2/CH-3/4
switch
position

CH-1/2 CH-1 Audio channel 1

CH-3/4 CH-3 Audio channel 3

MONITOR
switch
position

MIX Mix sound of channels 1 and 2

CH-2 Audio channel 2

MIX Mix sound of channels 3 and 4

CH-4 Audio channel 4

Audio output

f MONITOR volume control

This control adjusts the speaker or earphone volume for
sounds other than the alarm sound. At the minimum
position, no sound can be heard.

g ALARM volume control

This control adjusts the speaker or earphone alarm volume.
At the minimum position, no sound can be heard.

Minimum Maximum

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

ALARM volume control

h Built-in speaker

The speaker can be used to monitor E-E sound during
recording, and playback sound during playback. The
speaker also sounds alarms to reinforce visual warnings.
If you connect an earphone to the EARPHONE jack, the
speaker is automatically muted.

See “8-3 Operation Warnings” on page 127 for
information about alarms.

i LEVEL (CH-1/CH-2) controls

j AUDIO SELECT CH-1/CH-2 switches

CUE IN

CH-1

MIX

CH-2

k AUDIO IN CH-1/CH-2/CH-3/CH-4 switches

l CUE IN switch

m AUDIO OUT connector

n AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors

and LINE/MIC/+48V ON switches

o DC OUT 12V connector

Audio functions (2)

i LEVEL (CH-1/CH-2) (audio channel-1 and
channel-2 recording level) controls

These controls adjust the audio levels of channels 1 and 2
when the AUDIO SELECT switches are set to MANUAL.

j AUDIO SELECT CH-1/CH-2 (audio channel-1 and
channel-2 adjustment method selection) switches

These switches select the audio level adjustment method
for each of audio channels 1 and 2.

AUTO: Select this setting for automatic adjustment.
MANUAL: Select this setting for manual adjustment.

Audio Functions

17

k AUDIO IN CH-1/CH-2/CH-3/CH-4 (audio input
selection) switches

CH-1/CH-2 switches

These switches select the audio input signals to be
recorded on audio channels 1 and 2.
FRONT: The input signal source is the microphone

connected to the MIC IN connector.

REAR: The input signal source is the audio equipment

connected to the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors.

WIRELESS: The input signal source is a WRR-855A/

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

855B UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit (option).

CH-3/CH-4 switches

These switches select the audio input signals to be
recorded on audio channels 3 and 4.
F (front): The input signal source is the microphone

connected to the MIC IN connector.

R (rear): The input signal source is the audio equipment

connected to the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors.

W (wireless): The input signal source is a WRR-855A/

855B UHF Synthesized Tuner Unit (not supplied).

l CUE IN (cue track input) switch

This switch selects the input signal to be recorded on the
cue track.

CH-1: Signal selected by the AUDIO IN CH-1 switch
MIX: Mixed signals selected by the AUDIO IN CH-1 and

CH-2 switches

CH-2: Signal selected by the AUDIO IN CH-2 switch

m AUDIO OUT (audio output) connector (XLR type,
5-pin, male)

This connector outputs the audio signals recorded on audio
channels 1 and 2 or audio channels 3 and 4.
The MONITOR CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switches allow you to
select the audio signal to be monitored.

n AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 (audio channel-1 and
channel-2 input) connectors (XLR type, 3-pin, female)
and LINE/MIC/+48 V ON (line input/microphone
input/external power supply +48V ON) switches

These are audio input connectors for channels 1 and 2 to
which you can connect audio equipment or a microphone.
The LINE/MIC/+48V ON switches select the audio source
of the audio input signals connected to each of these
connectors.

LINE: Line input audio equipment
MIC: Microphone with an internal power supply
+48V ON: Microphone with an external power supply

system

o DC OUT 12 V (DC power output) connector (4-pin,
female)

This connector supplies power for a WRR-860A/862A/
862B UHF Portable Tuner (option). Do not connect any
equipment other than the UHF portable tuner.

18

Audio Functions

2-4 Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions

g Viewfinder

h Diopter adjustment ring

a TALLY indicator

b BRIGHT control
c CONTRAST control

d PEAKING control

e ZEBRA switch

f TALLY switch

i Viewfinder front-rear

positioning lever

Eyecup

j Viewfinder left-right positioning ring

k Camera operator tally indicator

l Viewfinder stopper

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

Shooting and recording/playback functions (1)

a TALLY in d icato r

Setting the TALLY switch to HIGH or LOW enables this
indicator. The indicator lights during recording on the
VTR. Like the REC indicator in the viewfinder, it flashes
to indicate a problem. You can set the indicator brightness
with the TALLY switch.

b BRIGHT (brightness) control

This control adjusts the picture brightness on the
viewfinder screen. It has no effect on the camera output
signal.

c CONTRAST control

This control adjusts the picture contrast on the viewfinder
screen. It has no effect on the camera output signal.

d PEAKING control

This control adjusts the sharpness of the picture on the
viewfinder screen to make focusing easier. It has no effect
on the camera output signal.

e ZEBRA switch

This switch controls the zebra pattern

1)

on the viewfinder

screen.

m LOCK knob

ON: The zebra pattern

is displayed and stays.

OFF: No zebra pattern is displayed.
MOMENT: The zebra pattern is displayed and stays for 5

to 6 seconds.
The zebra pattern is factory set to indicate picture areas
where the video level is approximately 70%.You can use
the setup menu to change the setting so that areas where
the video level is 100% and above are also displayed at the
same time.

1) The zebra pattern aids in manual iris adjustment by indicating areas of the

picture where the video level is approximately 70% and 100% and above.

For information about how to change the zebra pattern
setting in the setup menu, see “5-2-5 Setting the
Viewfinder” on page 79.

f TA L LY switch

This switch controls the TALLY indicator, setting its
brightness (HIGH or LOW) or turning it off.

HIGH: The TALLY indicator brightness is high.
OFF: The TALLY indicator is disabled.
LOW: The TALLY indicator brightness is low.

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions

19

g Viewfinder

The viewfinder lets you view the image in black and white
while shooting, recording or playing back. It also displays
various warnings and messages related to the settings or
operating conditions of the camcorder, a zebra pattern,
safety zone marker

1) The safety zone marker is a rectangle indicating the effective picture area.

2) The center marker indicates the center of the picture with a crosshair.

1)

, and center marker 2).

j Viewfinder left-right positioning ring

Loosen this ring to move the viewfinder sideways.

k Camera operator tally indicator

This indicator lights while the camcorder is recording.
Slide the window open when you shoot with your eye away
from the viewfinder. This indicator flashes when the
battery level is running low or the disc is almost full.

For details, see “5-2-4 Setting the Marker Display” on
page 79.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

h Diopter adjustment ring

Use this ring to adjust the viewfinder image for your
vision.

i Viewfinder front-rear positioning lever

To adjust the viewfinder position in the front-rear
direction, loosen this lever and the LOCK knob. After
adjustment, retighten this lever and the LOCK knob.

n FILTER selector

o ASSIGN 1/2 switches

l Viewfinder stopper

Pull up this stopper to detach the viewfinder from the
camera.

m LOCK knob

To adjust the viewfinder position in the front-rear
direction, loosen this knob and the viewfinder front-rear
positioning lever. After adjustment, retighten this knob and
the viewfinder front-rear positioning lever.

u TURBO GAIN button

t WHITE BAL switch

p SHUTTER selector

q AUTO W/B BAL switch

Shooting and recording/playback functions (2)

n FILTER selector

Use this selector to select the most appropriate filter to
match the light source illuminating the subject.
When this selector is used with the display mode set to 3,
the new setting appears on the viewfinder screen for about
3 seconds. (e.g.: ND: 1, CC: B)
The relationships between the selector settings and filter
selections as well as examples of filters for different
shooting conditions are as follows:

s OUTPUT/DCC selector

r GAIN selector

FILTER selector (outer knob) setting CC filter selection

A

B 3200K

C 4300K

D 6300K

1) A type of special effect filter, which generates a cross of light on a
highlighted portion.

FILTER selector (inner knob) setting ND filter selection

1 Clear

2

3

4

Cross filter

1

/4 ND

1

/16 ND

1

/64 ND

1)

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions

20

Shooting condition CC filter ND filter

Sunrise and sunset; inside
studio

Clear skies C (4300K) or

Cloudy or raining D (6300K) 1 (clear) or

Very bright conditions such
as snow, at high altitudes,
or at the seashore

B (3200K) 1 (clear)

1

/4 ND) or

D (6300K)

C (4300K) or
D (6300K)

2 (

1

/16 ND)

3 (

2 (1/4 ND)

1

/16 ND) or

3 (

1

4 (

/64 ND)

o ASSIGN 1/2 switches

You can assign the desired functions to each of the
ASSIGN 1 switch (push button) and ASSIGN 2 switch
(sliding) on the FUNCTION 1 page of the USER menu.

s OUTPUT/DCC (output signal/dynamic contrast
control) selector

This selector switches the video signal that is output to the
VTR, viewfinder, and video monitor, between the
following two.

BARS: Outputs the color bar signal.
CAM: Outputs the video signal from the camera. When

this is selected, you can switch DCC

1)

on and off with

this selector.

1) DCC (Dynamic Contrast Control)
Against a very bright background with the iris opening adjusted to the
subject, objects in the background will be lost in the glare. The DCC
function will suppress the high intensity and restore much of the lost detail
and is particularly effective in the following cases.

•Shooting people in the shade on a sunny day

•Shooting a subject indoors, against a background through a window

•Any high contrast scene

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

For details, see “5-3-5 Assigning Functions to Assignable
Switches” on page 88.

p SHUTTER selector

Set this selector to ON to use the electronic shutter. Push it
down to SELECT to switch the shutter speed or mode
setting within the range previously set with the setup
menu.
When this selector is operated, the new setting appears on
the setting change/adjustment progress message display
area for about 3 seconds.

For details about the shutter speed and mode settings, see
“4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter” on page 56.

q AUTO W/B BAL (automatic white/black balance
adjustment) switch

This switch activates the white balance and black balance
automatic adjustment functions.
WHT: Automatic adjustment of the white balance. If the

WHITE BAL switch is set to A or B, the white balance
setting is stored in the corresponding memory. The
memory stores a separate white balance setting for each
filter setting.

BLK: Automatic adjustment of the black set and black

balance.

r GAIN selector

This selector switches the gain of the video amplifier to
match the lighting conditions during shooting. The gains
corresponding to the L, M, and H settings can be selected
from the setup menu. The factory settings are L = 0 dB, M
= 9 dB, and H = 18 dB.
When this selector is adjusted, the new setting appears on
the setting change/adjustment progress message display
area of the viewfinder screen for about 3 seconds.

For details about setting the gain values, see “5-3-1
Setting Gain Values for the GAIN Selector Positions” on
page 85.

BARS, DCC OFF

A color bar signal is output and the
DCC circuit does not operate. For
example, use the setting for the
following purposes.

• Adjusting the video monitor

• Recording the color bar signal

CAM, DCC OFF

The video signal from the camera is
output, and the DCC circuit does not
operate.

CAM, DCC ON

The video signal from the camera is
output, and the DCC circuit operates.

OUTPUT/DCC selector

t WHITE BAL (white balance memory) switch

This switch controls the white balance setting.
PRST (preset): Adjusts the color temperature

corresponding to the position of the FILTER selector.
Use the PRST setting when you have no time to adjust
the white balance.

A or B: When the AUTO W/B BAL switch is pushed to

WHT, the white balance is automatically adjusted
according to the current position of the FILTER
selector, and the adjusted value is stored in either
memory A or memory B. (There are two memories for
each filter, allowing a total of eight adjustments to be
stored.) When this switch is set to A or B, the
camcorder automatically adjusts itself to the stored
value corresponding to the current settings of this
switch and the FILTER selector.
You can use the AUTO W/B BAL switch even when

1)

AT W

is in use.

1) ATW (Auto Tracing White Balance)
The white balance of the picture being shot is adjusted automatically for
varying lighting conditions.

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions

21

B (ATW): When this switch is set to B and on the

FUNCTION 2 page of the OPERATION menu,
“WHITE B CH” is set to “ATW”, ATW is activated.

When this switch is adjusted, the new setting appears on
the setting change/adjustment progress message display
area of the viewfinder screen for about 3 seconds.
You can assign the ATW ON/OFF function to the ASSIGN
1 switch (push button) on the FUNCTION 1 page of the
USER menu.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

For details, see “5-3-5 Assigning Functions to Assignable
Switches” on page 88.

u TURBO GAIN button

When shooting under extremely poor lighting conditions,
press the button once to boost the video gain to the value
preset on the GAIN SW page of the USER menu (up to 48
dB). To stop boosting the gain, press the button once more.

v VIDEO OUT connector w TEST OUT connector

Shooting and recording/playback functions (3)

v VIDEO OUT connector (BNC type)

This connector outputs a composite video signal (standard
level, 75-ohm terminated) for a video monitor. With a
video monitor connected to this connector, you can
monitor the picture being shot by the camera or the picture
played back by the VTR. To choose between the composite
video signal output and SDI signal output, use the menu.
When synchronizing the time code of an external VTR
with that of the camcorder, connect this connector to the
GENLOCK IN connector of the external VTR.
By installing the CBK-SD01 extension board (not
supplied), you can output an SDI signal (supporting
embedded audio and the EDH function) from this
connector.

For details on how to select the output signal, see “5-3-2
Selecting the Output Signals” on page 86.

w TEST OUT connector (BNC type)

This connector outputs the video signal (standard level, 75­ohm terminated) for a video monitor. The output signal can
be selected from composite or RGB. The factory setting is

x REMOTE connector

composite, and the setting returns to composite whenever
the unit is powered on.
Depending on menu settings, menus, time code, and shot
data can be superimposed on the image on the monitor.

For details on how to select the test output signal, refer to
the Maintenance Manual.

x REMOTE connector (8-pin)

Connect the RM-B150/B750 Remote Control Unit, which
makes it possible to control the VTR and camera remotely.

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions

22

y VTR START button

z VTR SAVE/STBY connector

Shooting and recording/playback functions (4)

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

wj EJECT button
wk REW button and indicator

wl F FWD button and indicator

e; PLAY button and indicator

ea STOP button

y VTR START button

Press this button to start recording. Press it again to stop
recording. The effect is exactly the same as that of the VTR
button on the lens.
When the REC SWITCH function is assigned to the
ASSIGN 1 switch (push button), you can use the switch as
the REC START button.

z VTR SAVE/STBY (standby) switch

This switch controls the VTR power mode during pauses
in recording.
SAVE: Power saving mode. When you press the VTR

START button, there is a short delay before recording
starts, but power consumption in this mode is less than
in standby mode, so that battery life is extended. When
the switch is set to SAVE, the SAVE indicator in the
viewfinder lights.

STBY: Standby mode. Recording starts as soon as you

press the REC START button.

Notes

• Avoid allowing the camcorder to remain in STBY
(standby) mode for a long time.

• Even if the switch is set to the STBY position, the
camcorder can automatically turn to power saving mode
if the tape does not run for a certain period. In such a
case, the VTR SAVE indicator in the viewfinder lights.
This function is effective when a setting other than OFF
is selected for the STBY OFF TIMER item on the VTR

MODE page of the MAINTENANCE menu. The STBY
OFF TIMER item also allows you to select the length of
time until the camcorder turns to power saving mode.

For detailed information, see “3-5 Setting the Stand-by off
Timer During Rec-Pause” on page 52.

wj EJECT button

Press this button to eject or load a cassette.

wk REW (rewind) button and indicator

Press this button to rewind the tape. The indicator lights
during rewinding.

wl F FWD (fast forward) button and indicator

Press this button to fast forward the tape. The indicator
lights during fast forward.

e; PLAY button and indicator

Press this button to view the recorded picture in the
viewfinder or on the color video monitor. The indicator
lights during playback.
The 4 times normal speed search function is provided to
make it far quicker to find a desired location of the tape.
Press the REW button or F FWD button during playback
to view the 4 times normal speed search picture.

ea STOP button

Press this button to stop the tape.

Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions

23

2-5 Menu Operating Section

a “Memory Stick” compartment

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

b MENU knob

a “Memory Stick” compartment

ACCESS indicator

MEMORY STICK OPEN button

f

“Memory Stick”

Eject button

Open the cover of the “Memory Stick” compartment by
pressing the MEMORY STICK OPEN button and insert
the “Memory Stick.”
To remove, press the eject button.
During data writing/loading to/from the “Memory Stick,”
the ACCESS indicator lights or flashes.

For details, see “6-1-1 Handling the “Memory Stick”” on
page 98.

Menu operation section

b MENU knob

Use this knob to change the page selection or a setting
within the menu.
Press: If you press this knob when the arrow (

at the page title on the menu, the arrow changes to a
question mark (?) and you can change the page by
turning this knob.
When the arrow mark is placed at a position other than
the page title, you can change the setting of the current
item by pressing and turning this knob.

Tu rn : Turn this knob to change the page or change item

settings.

c STATUS ON/SEL / OFF (menu display on/page
selection/display off) switch

To enable this switch, set the MENU ON/OFF switch to
OFF.
Closing the cover automatically sets the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.
ON/SEL: Each time this switch is pushed upward, a

window to confirm the menu settings and status of the
camcorder appears on the viewfinder screen. The
window consists of three pages, which are switched
each time the switch is pushed upward. Each page is
displayed for about 10 seconds.

OFF: To clear the page immediately after display, push

this switch down to the OFF position.

You can select the pages to be displayed on the menu.

For details, see “5-2-8 Displaying the Status Confirmation
Windows” on page 82.

d MENU ON/OFF switch

To use this switch, open the cover.

c STATUS ON/SEL / OFF switch

d MENU ON/OFF switch

e CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch

Cover

b) is placed

Menu Operating Section

24

This switch is used to display the menu on the viewfinder
screen or the test signal screen.
Closing the cover automatically sets this switch to OFF.
ON: Displays the menu on the viewfinder screen or the test

signal screen, at the last accessed page. When the menu
is used for the first time, the first page is displayed.

OFF: Removes the menu from the viewfinder screen or the

test signal screen.

e CANCEL/PRST (preset) / ESCAPE switch

To enable this switch, set the MENU ON/OFF switch to
ON.
Closing the cover automatically sets the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.
CANCEL/PRST: Pushing this switch up to this position

displays the message to confirm whether the previous
settings are cancelled or settings are reset to their initial
values, depending on the menu operating condition.
Pushing this switch up to this position again cancels the
previous settings or resets the settings to their initial
values.

ESCAPE: Use this switch when the menu page, which has

a hierarchical structure, is opened. Each time the switch
is pushed to this position, the page returns to one stage
higher in the hierarchy.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

Menu Operating Section

25

2-6 Time Code System

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

a GENLOCK IN connector

b TC IN connector

c TC OUT connector

Time code functions (1)

a GENLOCK IN connector (BNC type)

• This connector accepts a reference signal when the
camera is to be genlocked or when the time code is to be
synchronized with external equipment. Use the items GL
H PHASE, GL SC PHASE and GL SC 0/180 SEL on the
GENLOCK page of the MAINTENANCE menu to
adjust the genlock H-phase (phase of horizontal sync
signal) and the sub-carrier phase.

• This connector also accepts a return video signal.
You can display the return video signal in the viewfinder
screen while holding the RET button down with
“RETURN VIDEO” set to “ON” on the GENLOCK
page of the OPERATION menu.

b TC IN (time code input) connector (BNC type)

To synchronize the time code of this unit to an external
time code, input the reference time code to this connector.

c TC OUT (time code output) connector (BNC type)

To synchronize the time code of an external VTR to that of
the camcorder, connect this connector to the reference time
code input connector of the external VTR.

26

Time Code System

d HOLD button

e RESET button

f DISPLAY switch

g ADVANCE button

h SHIFT button

i PRESET/REGEN/CLOCK switch
j F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch

k DATA DISPLAY switch

CUE IN

CH-1

MIX

CH-2

Time code functions (2)

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

d HOLD (display hold) button

Pressing this button instantly freezes the time data
displayed in the counter display section. (The time code
generator continues running.) Pressing this button again
releases the hold. You can use this button, for example, to
determine the exact time of a particular shot.
When the HOLD button is activated, the time data is
displayed in the following format:

For details of the counter display, see “2-8 Warnings and
Indications on the Display Panel” on page 29.

e RESET button

Pressing this button resets the time data displayed on the
counter display section to “00:00:00:00” or the user bit
data to “00000000.”

f DISPLAY (LCD display) switch
CTL: Control signal
TC: Time code
DATA: The item selected by the DATA DISPLAY switch.

For details, see “Time code display” on page 30.

g ADVANCE button

For setting the time code, user bits, or real time, each press
of this button increments the flashing digit selected by the
SHIFT button.

h SHIFT button

For setting the time code, user bits, or real time, this button
selects the digit to be changed. The selected digit flashes.

i PRESET/REGEN (regeneration)/CLOCK switch

This switch selects whether to set a new time code or to
follow the already recorded time code.

PRESET: Records time code with a preset initial value.
REGEN: Records time code continuous with the existing

time code recorded on the tape. Regardless of the
setting of the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch, the
camcorder operates in R-RUN mode.

CLOCK: Records time code synchronized to the internal

clock. Regardless of the setting of the F-RUN/SET/R­RUN switch, the camcorder operates in F-RUN mode.

For more information, see “To make the time code
consecutive” on page 65.

j F-RUN/SET/R-RUN (free run/set/recording run)
switch

This switch selects the operating mode for the internal time
code generator.
F-RUN: Time code keeps advancing, regardless of the

operating state of the VTR. Use this setting when
aligning the time code with real time or when
synchronizing the time code with an external time
code.

SET: Set the switch to this position to set the time code or

user bits.

R-RUN: The time code value advances only during

recording. Use this setting to have a consecutive time
code on the tape.

For details, see “4-5-1 Setting the Time Code” on page 64
and “4-5-3 Setting the User Bits” on page 65.

k DATA DISPLAY switch
U-BIT: To display the user bit value
SHOT-TIME: To display the date and time from the shot

data

SHOT-NO: Not used

Time Code System

27

2-7 Warnings and Indications

Besides the viewfinder, speaker and earphones, the
indicators and displays described in this section also
provide you with information such as the operating state of
the camcorder and warnings.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

a TALLY indicator

b DISPLAY switch

c TALLY switch

d BACK TALLY indicator

e BACK TALLY switch
f LIGHT switch

g WARNING indicator

h Display panel

Warning and indication functions

a TALLY in d icato r

Setting the TALLY switch on the viewfinder to HIGH or
LOW enables this indicator. It lights when the VTR starts
recording. Like the REC indicator in the viewfinder, it also
flashes to provide warnings. The brightness of this
indicator when it is lit can be switched with the TALLY
switch.

b DISPLAY switch

This switches the indications on the viewfinder screen on
or off.

ON: The indications appear on the viewfinder screen.
OFF: The indications do not appear on the viewfinder

screen.

Note

Setting the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON displays the
menu on the viewfinder screen even if the DISPLAY
switch is set to OFF.

i REAR TALLY indicator

c TA L LY s w i t ch

This switch controls the TALLY indicator as follows:

HIGH: The TALLY indicator brightness is high.
OFF: The TALLY indicator is disabled.
LOW: The TALLY indicator brightness is low.

d BACK TALLY indicator

When the BACK TALLY switch is set to ON, this indicator
has the same function as the TALLY indicator.

e BACK TALLY switch

This switch enables or disables the BACK TALLY and
REAR TALLY indicators.
ON: The BACK TALLY and REAR TALLY indicators are

enabled.

OFF: The BACK TALLY and REAR TALLY indicators

are disabled.

f LIGHT switch

This switch turns on/off the display panel light.

Warnings and Indications

28

g WARNING indicator

This indicator lights up or flashes when there is a fault in
the VTR.

For details, see “8-3 Operation Warnings” on page 127.

2-8 Warnings and
Indications on the Display

h Display panel

This displays VTR-related warnings, battery status, tape
status, audio levels, time data, and so on.

For details, see “2-8 Warnings and Indications on the
Display Panel” on page 29.

i REAR TALLY indicator

When the BACK TALLY switch is set to ON, this indicator
has the same function as the TALLY indicator.

Panel

Tape status, battery status and audio level

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

Audio channel level meter:
When the CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch is set
to CH-1/2, the audio channel level 1 is
displayed.
When the CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch is set
to CH-3/4, the audio channel level 3 is
displayed.

Audio channel level meter:
When the CH-1/2 / CH-3/4
switch is set to CH-1/2, the
audio channel level 2 is
displayed.
When the CH-1/2 / CH-3/4
switch is set to CH-3/4, the
audio channel level 4 is
displayed.

Battery status indicator

Fully charged

Nearly dead: “BATT” flashes.
Dead battery (battery must be charged):
“BATT” and “E” flash.

Tape status indicator

Full (at beginning)

Close to end: “TAPE” flashes.
End (tape must be replaced): “TAPE”
and “E” flash.

Tape status, battery status, and level indicators

Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel

29

VTR operation status and status indicators

Lights during playback

Relationships between the DISPLAY switch and
DATA DISPLAY switch settings and the time
counter displays

Except during setting of the time code, the time counter
display is determined by the position of the DISPLAY
switch and DATA DISPLAY switch.

For details of setting the time code menu operation, see “4­5-1 Setting the Time Code” on page 64.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

Warning indication
RF: Lights if the recording heads are clogged.
SERVO: Lights if the servo motor fails.
HUMID: Lights if condensation is on the drum.

SLACK: Lights if the tape is not winding properly.

For details, see “8-3 Operation Warnings” on page 127.

Time code display

Lights in playback mode.

Lights when VITC is selected for the time code.

VTR operation and status indicators

Lights in non-drop frame mode. (DVW-970 only)

Lights when the camcorder is synchronized
with an external time code.

Lights when the time code generator
is on hold.

Switch settings related to time code and displayed

DISPLAY
switch position

information

DATA DISPLAY
switch position

Displayed information

CTL Any position CTL

TC Any position Time code

DATA U-BIT User bits

SHOT-TIME Data and time from shot

data

SHOT-NO Not used (currently zero

is displayed.)

Lights when the time code, CTL or
real time is displayed.

Lights when the HOLD button is pressed.

Time counter display: Shows the time code,
CTL, user bit data, and real time.

1) When the HOLD button is pressed to hold the time code value,
the time code is displayed in the format shown below. When the
HOLD button is pressed again to release the hold, the time code
is displayed in the normal format.

Time code display

Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel

30

1)

2-9 Indicators in the Viewfinder

Several indicators are provided above and below the
viewfinder screen to indicate the current state and
adjustments of the camera.

a TALLY indicator

b REC indicator

c BATT indicator

Viewfinder screen

d indicator

e Spare indicator

f SAVE indicator

Indicators on the viewfinder

• The FILTER selector is set to other than ND:1/CC:B.

• The reference value of auto iris override is not the
standard value.

e Spare indicator

This is a spare indicator. Setting the REC TALLY item to
“BOTH” on the FUNCTION 3 page of the
MAINTENANCE menu makes it possible to use this as a
REC indicator.

f SAVE indicator

This indicator lights when the VTR SAVE/STBY switch is
set to SAVE, putting the VTR into power save mode.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls

a TALLY (green tally) indicator

This indicator lights when the camcorder is in Picture
Cache mode. Also, this indicator lights when a green tally
signal is received from the camera control unit.
It flashes in Interval Rec mode.

b REC (recording, red tally) indicator

This indicator lights red when recording starts and remains
lit during recording. It also lights when a red tally signal is
received from the camera control unit and flashes to give a
warning.

For details, see “8-3 Operation Warnings” on page 127.

c BATT (battery) indicator

This indicator starts flashing when the battery connected to
the camcorder is nearly exhausted, and stays lit when the
battery is completely exhausted.
The battery power level at which the indicator starts
flashing can be set on the BATTERY page of the
MAINTENANCE menu.

For details, refer to the Maintenance Manual.

d (warning) indicator

This indicator lights when any of the following conditions
occurs with the corresponding item set to ON on the “!”
LED page of the USER menu.

• The gain is set to other than 0 dB.

• The SHUTTER selector is set to ON.

• The WHITE BAL switch is set to PRST.

• ATW is enabled.

• The lens extender is used.

Indicators in the Viewfinder

31

Recording and Playback

3-1 About Cassette

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Chapter

3

This section describes the procedure for loading and
unloading a cassette.

See Specifications “VTR Section” on page 130 for
information about the cassettes you can use in the
camcorder.

3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette

Loading a cassette

1

Turn on the POWER switch.

POWER switch

Cassette

compartment lid

3

Check that there is no slack in the tape. Then slide in
the cassette until it clicks into position and close the
cassette lid completely by pressing near the engraved
PUSH.

Insert the cassette.

Window outwards

Cassette
holder

Push and close the lid.

32

HUMID indicator

Note

If the interior of the VTR section is damp, the HUMID
indicator will light. If this happens, wait until the
indicator goes off before going on to step 2.

2

Press the EJECT button.

The cassette compartment lid will open.

About Cassette

Notes

• To insert the tape correctly, make sure to stand the grip
of the camcorder.

• When inserting the tape, be careful that you don’t hit the
tape against the tape holder.

Checking the tape for slack

Pressing in the reels lightly, turn them gently with your
fingers in the directions shown below. If the reels will not
move, there is no slack.

3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure

The following procedure prevents cassettes from being
recorded inadvertently.

Push the plug in.
To reuse the cassette,
return the plug to its
original position.

Checking the tape for slack

Unloading a cassette

With the power supply on, press the EJECT button to open
the cassette compartment lid. Then take out the cassette. If
you are not going to insert another cassette, close the
cassette lid.
It is possible to take out the cassette and close the cassette
compartment lid unless the battery voltage drops below
about 10.5 V. Do not repeat this unloading operation.

Unloading a cassette manually

If the battery voltage drops below about 10.5 V, take out
the cassette manually as illustrated below.

Cassette

compartment lid

1Turn the power off.
2Open this rubber cover.
3Pushing on the screw

inside with a screwdriver,
turn the screw clockwise
until the cassette lid
opens.

Preventing accidental erasure

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Unloading a cassette manually

You need not return the screw to its original position after
taking out the cassette. Although the cassette compartment
lid is not locked, turning on the power makes the cassette
lid operable again.

About Cassette

33

3-2 Recording

3-2-1 Basic Procedures

From adjusting the black balance and
white balance to stopping recording

After turning on the power and loading a cassette, set the
switches and selectors as shown below and begin
operation.

This section describes the basic procedures for shooting
and recording.
Before a shooting session, ensure that the camcorder is
functioning properly.

For details, see “8-1 Testing the Camcorder Before
Shooting” on page 122.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

From turning on the camcorder to loading
a cassette

Proceed as follows:

2

Basic procedure for shooting: from power supply

to cassette loading

3
4
1
2

DISPLAY: ON

Iris: AUTO

Zoom: AUTO

OUTPUT/DCC: CAM, DCC ON

Switch and selector settings before shooting

Shooting

Proceed as follows:

3,5

AUDIO SELECT
CH-1/CH-2: AUTO

F-RUN/SET/R-RUN:
F-RUN or R-RUN
(set as needed)

1,2

1

Attach a fully charged battery pack.

For details, see “7-1 Power Supply” on page 108.

2

Set the POWER switch to ON. Check that the HUMID
indicator does not appear and that the battery power
level is sufficient.

If HUMID indicator appears, wait until it disappears.

Note

After turning off the power, check whether the drum is
dry (even if the HUMID indicator is off) when the
turning on the power again.

3

Check that there are no obstructions near the cassette
lid. Then press the EJECT button to open the cassette
lid.

4

After checking the points below, load the cassette and
close the cassette lid.

• The cassette is not write-protected.

• There is no slack in the tape.

2

4
5,6

Basic procedure for shooting: from adjusting the black

balance and white balance to stopping recording

1

Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to BLK to adjust the
black balance.

For details of black balance adjustment, see “4-1-1
Adjusting the Black Balance” on page 53.

2

Select the CC filter and ND filter to match the lighting
conditions, and adjust the white balance.

When the white balance settings are already in
memory

Set the WHITE BAL switch to A or B.

When the white balance setting is not in memory
and you do not have enough time to adjust the white
balance

Set the WHITE BAL switch to PRST.

34

Recording

This automatically adjusts the white balance as
follows, depending on the setting of the FILTER knob.
B: 3200K
C: 4300K
D: 6300K

For details, see “4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance”
on page 54.

3

Aim the camera at the subject and adjust the focus and
zoom.

4

If necessary, set the electronic shutter for an
appropriate mode and speed.

For details, see “4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter” on
page 56.

5

To start recording, press the VTR START button or the
VTR button on the lens.

If the recording start/stop function is assigned to the
ASSIGN 1 switch, this switch functions as VTR
START button.

For details, see “5-3-5 Assigning Functions to
Assignable Switches” on page 88.

During recording, the REC indicator lights in the
viewfinder. Perform zooming and focus control, if
necessary.

3-2-2 Continuous Recording

If the camcorder is in the recording pause mode, simply
pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens continues recording exactly from
the next frame.
In other cases, you first need to position the tape at an
appropriate point.

When the camcorder is in Recording
Pause mode

Pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens continues recording at exactly the
next frame. However, the time taken before recording
starts depends on the setting of the VTR SAVE/STBY
switch.

• If the VTR SAVE/STBY switch is in the SAVE position,
it takes about 4 seconds before recording starts.

• If the VTR SAVE/STBY switch is in the STBY position,
recording starts immediately. However, just after the
switch position is changed from SAVE to STBY, it takes
about 4 seconds before recording starts.

If you turn off the power during a recording
pause

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

6

To stop recording, press the VTR START button or the
VTR button on the lens again.

The REC indicator in the viewfinder goes off.

Cassette control buttons

During recording, the cassette control buttons (EJECT,
REW, F FWD, PLAY, STOP) have no effect.

Note

When crash-recording without doing continuous recording
on a recorded tape, or when recording with the RE-TAKE
function, the timecode recorded previously may be
displayed for a few seconds when playing back the first
part of the cut.

2

Continuous recording after turning off the power

1

Turn on the power again.

2

Press the RET button on the lens.

If an analog composite signal is input to the
GENLOCK IN connector, make sure that RETURN
VIDEO is set to OFF on the GENLOCK page of the
MAINTENANCE menu.

The camcorder positions the tape at the appropriate
point. Note, however, that this function works only for
continuously recorded material or consecutively
joined segments totaling at least 3 seconds in length.

during a recording pause

1
3

3

Press the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens to start recording.

Recording

35

Continuous recording in other cases

After rewinding or fast forward, after removing the
cassette, or on a tape that has been partially recorded, you
can obtain a continuous recording by following the
procedure below.
The End Search function also allows you to continue
recording on the partially recorded tape.

Note

For good shot marks (shot mark 1 and shot mark 2) and
recording start mark among available essence marks, you
can select recording in the LTC-UBIT area and/or
recording in the system area as required to maintain
compatibility with conventional systems.

For details, see “3-2-7 Searching for the Last Recorded
Portion and Turning in Recording Pause Mode (End
Search Function)” on page 49.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

3

Continuous recording after rewinding or fast forward,

1

Looking in the viewfinder, press the PLAY button to
start playback.

2

Press the STOP button at the desired point to begin
recording. To continue from the end of recording
already on the tape, press the STOP button
immediately after the end of the previous recording
(within 0.5 seconds).

after removing the cassette,

or on a tape that has been partly recorded

1,2

4

Settings for recording essence marks to
the system area

Settings on the ESSENCE MARK and ESSENCE
MARK2 pages of the MAINTENANCE menu determine
which essence marks are to be recorded on the system area
of tape.

Follow the procedures below:

Cover

MENU knob

MENU ON/OFF switch

3

Press the RET button.

The tape will rewind and will be positioned at the
desired point to continue recording.

4

Press the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens to start recording.

3-2-3 Recording Essence Marks

Various essence marks, such as shot marks, can be
recorded on tape. Recording essence marks for scenes
containing important images and sounds enables quick
access to the marked points. This increases editing
efficiency.
There are essence marks that are automatically recorded by
starting recording or firing the flash and those you can
manually record when necessary.

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON while pushing
the MENU knob.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
MAINTENANCE.

3

Push the MENU knob.

When the MAINTENANCE menu is first used, the
CONTENTS page appears.
Or if you have used the MAINTENANCE menu
already, the page that was on the screen when the last
menu operation ended appears.

36

Recording

4

When the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the
MENU knob to move the

b mark to ESSENCE

MARK then push the MENU knob.

When any page of the MAINTENANCE menu is
displayed, turn the MENU knob until the ESSENCE
MARK or ESSENCE MARK2 page appears, then
push the MENU knob.

ESSENCE MARK page

?M10 ESSENCE MARK

LTC UB-MARKER : SET
REC START MARK : OFF
SHOTMARK 1 : OFF
SHOTMARK 2 : OFF

SHOT TIME DISP : MD:HM

ESSENCE MARK2 page

?M11 ESSENCE MARK2

OVER AUDIO LIMIT: ON
GAIN CHG MARK : ON
FILTER CHG MARK : ON
SHUTTER CHG MARK: ON
WHITE CHG MARK : ON
FLASH MARK : ON
FLASH MARK LEVEL: 10

E.MARK SD LINE : 17

The following items on these pages are for setting the
corresponding essence marks:

Mark Condition

REC START MARK To be recorded when recording

SHOT MARK 1/2 To be recorded when the RET

OVER AUDIO
LIMIT

GAIN CHG MARK To be recorded when the gain

FILTER CHG
MARK

SHUTTER CHG
MARK

WHITE CHG
MARK

FLASH MARK To be recorded when the

starts.

button on the lens is manually
operated.

To be recorded when the audio
level exceeds 0 dBFS.

value changes.

To be recorded when the filter is
changed.

To be recorded when the shutter
speed changes.

To be recorded when the white
balance changes.

luminance suddenly changes,
such as when the flash is
exposed or the unit is moved
indoors from outdoors.

For details on the display setting, see “5-2 Status
Display on the Viewfinder Screen” (page 75).

5

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
to be set.

M10 ESSENCE MARK

LTC UB-MARKER : SET
REC START MARK : OFF
SHOTMARK 1 : OFF
SHOTMARK 2 : OFF

SHOT TIME DISP : MD:HM

6

Push the MENU knob.

The

b mark to the left of the item changes to the z

mark, and the z mark to the left of the setting changes
to the ? mark.

7

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counter clockwise
until the desired setting appears.
To record the mark on tape, select ON.
To not record the mark, select OFF.

Note

Whether or not to record good shot marks (shot mark
1 and shot mark 2) and recording start mark in the
system area is determined by the ON/OFF settings of
the corresponding items regardless of the LTC UB­MARKER setting on the ESSENCE MARK page.

8

Push the MENU knob.

9

Perform settings for the remaining marks, repeating
steps 5 to 8.

10

When you set FLASH MARK to ON, select the
threshold value (1 to 20) of the luminance level change
for recording the mark.

11

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF to end the
menu operation.

Settings for recording good shot marks
and recording start mark to the LTC-UBIT
area

Good shot marks (shot mark 1 and shot mark 2) and
recording start mark can also be recorded to the LTC-UBIT
area of tape.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

You can check whether any of the essence marks that
are automatically recorded (OVER AUDIO LIMIT,
GAIN CHG MARK, FILTER CHG MARK,
SHUTTER CHG MARK, WHITE CHG MARK,
FLASH MARK) has been recorded, by setting the
display for recorded essence marks ON.

Follow the procedures below:

Recording

37

5

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to LTC UB­MARKER.

M10 ESSENCE MARK

LTC UB-MARKER : SET
REC START MARK : OFF
SHOTMARK 1 : OFF
SHOTMARK 2 : OFF

SHOT TIME DISP : MD:HM

6

Push the MENU knob.

The

b mark to the left of LTC UB-MARKER changes

Cover

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

MENU knob

MENU ON/OFF switch

to the z mark, and the z mark to the left of the setting
changes to the ? mark.

7

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counterclockwise
until the desired setting appears.

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON while pushing
the MENU knob.

The setting changes in the order of SET y ALL y
OFF.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
MAINTENANCE.

3

Push the MENU knob.

When the MAINTENANCE menu is first used, the
CONTENTS page appears.
Or if you have used the MAINTENANCE menu
already, the page that was on the screen when the last
menu operation ended appears.

4

When the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the
MENU knob to move the

b mark to ESSENCE

MARK then push the MENU knob.

When any page of the MAINTENANCE menu is
displayed, turn the MENU knob until the ESSENCE
MARK page appears, then push the MENU knob.

ESSENCE MARK page

?M10 ESSENCE MARK

LTC UB-MARKER : SET
REC START MARK : OFF
SHOTMARK 1 : OFF
SHOTMARK 2 : OFF

SHOT TIME DISP : MD:HM

M10 ESSENCE MARK

LTC UB-MARKER :? SET
REC START MARK : OFF
SHOTMARK 1 : OFF
SHOTMARK 2 : OFF

SHOT TIME DISP : MD:HM

Item Contents

SET Determines whether to record REC

START MARK, SHOT MARK 1, and
SHOT MARK 2 in accordance with the
ON/OFF setting fot that item.

ALL Records all of REC START MARK, SHOT

MARK 1, and SHOT MARK 2.

OFF Does not record any marks.

If you select SET, go to step 8.
If you select ALL or OFF, go to step 9.

8

Set the mark(s) to be recorded to ON.

1 Turn the MENU knob to move the

b mark to the

mark to be set.

2 Turn the MENU knob clockwise or

counterclockwise until the desired setting appears.
To record the mark on the tape, select ON.
To not record the mark, select OFF.

3 Perform settings for the remaining marks,

repeating steps 1 and 2.

9

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF to end the
menu operation.

38

Recording

Shot mark recording

When SHOT MARK 1 and SHOT MARK 2 are set to ON
on the ESSENCE MARK page, good shot marks (shot
mark 1 and shot mark 2) are recorded when you press the
RET button of the lens. (If LTC UP-MARKER is set to
OFF, the marks are recorded only in the system area. If
LTC UP-MARKER is set to ALL, the marks are recorded
in the LTC UBIT area even when SHOT MARK 1 and
SHOT MARK 2 are set to OFF.)

To record a shot mark 1: Press the RET button on the lens

once.
On the viewfinder screen, z and the time code of the
marked point are displayed for about 3 seconds.

To record a shot mark 2: Press the RET button on the lens

twice.
On the viewfinder screen, X and the time code of the
marked point are displayed for about 3 seconds.

For detailed information on shot mark operations, refer to
the manual supplied with your VTR.

Note

When you perform the setting to confirm the image of the
return video signal in the viewfinder (see page 84), shot
mark 1 and shot mark 2 cannot be recorded by operating
the RET button of the lens.

Recording start mark recording

When REC START MARK set to ON on the ESSENCE
MARK page, a recording start mark is recorded at the
beginning of recording. (If LTC UP-MARKER is set to
OFF, the mark is recorded only in the system area. If LTC
UP-MARKER is set to ALL, the mark is recorded in the
LTC UBIT area even when REC START MARK is set to
OFF.)

Setting the Picture Cache time/Picture
Cache mode

To record in Picture Cache mode, you need to turn on
Picture Cache mode and set the picture data storage time
(Picture Cache time) using the USER menu.
The Picture Cache time and VTR SAVE/STBY switch
settings determine the number of seconds of picture data
that will be stored in memory and recorded when you press
the VTR START button or VTR button on the lens.
The following table shows the approximate number of
seconds worth of picture data (counting back from the time
you begin recording) that will be recorded from memory.
However, when changing from SAVE to STBY, or under
the special situations explained in the notes on this page,
the actual amount of data recorded may be shorter.

Picture Cache time setting and recording start point

Picture Cache
time

8 (seconds) About 8 seconds

6 (seconds) About 6 seconds

5 (seconds) About 5 seconds

4 (seconds) About 4 seconds

3 (seconds) About 3 seconds

2 (seconds) About 2 seconds

1 (seconds) About 1 seconds

0 (seconds) About 0 seconds

VTR STBY mode VTR SAVE mode

before

before

before

before

before

before

before

before

Recording start point

About 4 seconds
before

About 4 seconds
before

About 4 seconds
before

About 4 seconds
before

About 3 seconds
before

About 2 seconds
before

About 1 seconds
before

About 0 seconds
before

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

For detailed information on recording start mark
operations, refer to the manual supplied with your VTR.

3-2-4 Starting a Shoot with a Few
Seconds of Pre-Stored Picture Data
(Picture Cache Function: with CBK­MB01)

By installing the optional CBK-MB01 extension board in
the camcorder, the camcorder is able to constantly store a
few seconds (up to 8 seconds) worth of the most current
picture and sound data in the boards memory.
Thus, when you press the VTR START button or the VTR
button on the lens, the recording starts with the data stored
a few seconds before.

Notes

• After selecting the Picture Cache mode, immediately
changing the Picture Cache time or performing playback
or recording review, the picture data stored in memory
before this operation are made to be unrecordable. This
means that when you press the VTR START button or
VTR button on the lens, the previously stored picture
data will not be recorded.

• During playback or recording review, the picture data is
not stored in the MSDW-903s memory. Picture data
corresponding to the duration of playback or recording
review will not be in memory and will not be recorded to
tape.

Setting procedure

To turn Picture Cache mode on, proceed as follows:

Recording

39

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC

6

Turn the MENU knob until “CACHE” appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the setting changes in
the following sequence: OFF y CACHE y A. INT
y M. INT.
When “CACHE” appears, the camcorder is in Picture

Cover

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

MENU knob

MENU ON/OFF switch

Cache mode, where picture, sound, and time code are
constantly saved in memory. The TALLY indicator
(green) in the viewfinder is on while picture data is
being stored in memory.

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

U03 FUNCTION1

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the FUNCTION 1 page
appears.

When the question mark
appears at the left corner of
the title page, you can
switch the pages.
Turn the MENU knob
clockwise or
counterclockwise to display
the desired page. The DF/
NDF item on the
FUNCTION 1 page appears
only for the DVW-970.

3

Press the MENU knob.

A

b mark appears on the left of the currently selected

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC

item and a z mark appears on the left of the setting.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“CACHE/INTVAL REC.”

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC
CACHE REC TIME

7

Press the MENU knob.

CACHE

The z mark on the left of “CACHE/INTVAL REC”
changes to a

b mark and the ? mark on the left of the

setting changes to a z mark. In this case, you can
select another item.

8

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “CACHE
REC TIME.”

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC
CACHE REC TIME

9

Press the MENU knob.

CACHE

40

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC

5

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “CACHE/INTVAL REC”

changes to a z mark and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

Recording

The

b mark on the left of “CACHE REC TIME”

changes to a z mark and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

10

Turn the MENU knob until the desired Picture Cache
time appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the Picture Cache time
changes in the following sequence: 0SEC y 1SEC
y 2SEC y 3SEC y 4SEC y 5SECy
6SECy 8SEC.

11

Press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of “CACHE REC TIME”
changes to a
mark.

12

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

The menu disappears, and the display indicating the
current status of the camcorder appears along the top
and bottom of the viewfinder screen.

Settings made in Picture Cache mode are maintained until
changed.
You can turn Picture Cache mode on and off by assigning
the Picture Cache ON/OFF function to one of the
assignable switches (ASSIGN 1/2 and TURBO GAIN),
and pressing the switch.

For detailed information on the assignable switches, see
“5-3-5 Assigning Functions to Assignable Switches” on
page 88.

Camcorder operations in Picture Cache mode

The recording procedure in Picture Cache time is basically
the same as that for normal recording. However, note the
following differences.

• When you record in Picture Cache mode, the picture you
shoot is recorded to tape after the Picture Cache time
elapses. For this reason, the tape does not stop
immediately when you press the VTR START button.
After the VTR START button is pressed, all tape
operation buttons (EJECT, REW, F FWD, PLAY, and
STOP) stop functioning until the Picture Cache time has
elapsed. During this time, if you press the VTR START
button or the VTR button on the lens, recording starts
again as if there were no pause in recording.

• The time the tape stops after the VTR START button is
pressed equals the Picture Cache time set. However, if
you start recording within the set Picture Cache time
immediately after selecting the Picture Cache mode,
changing the Picture Cache time or performing playback
or recording review, the picture data for the duration of
the Picture Cache time will not be stored in memory.
Thus, the time the tape stops after the STOP button is
pressed becomes shorter than the Picture Cache time.

• The time code stops advancing while time data is being
set (when the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch is set to SET).
For this reason, if you start recording immediately after
switching to F-RUN or R-RUN (i.e., to a position other
than SET), you may overwrite a portion of the previously
recorded time code.

• Positions of essence marks, such as shot marks, may be
shifted depending on the Picture Cache time setting.

• Menu operation for the Picture Cache time setting is
disabled during recording. To change the setting, once

b mark and the ? mark changes to a z

stop the recording by pressing the VTR START button or
the VTR button on the lens.

When power is lost during recording

• When the power is turned off during recording, the
camera will switch off by itself after the tape has run for
a few seconds.

• If you remove the battery, pull out the DC cable, or cut
power to the AC adaptor during recording, actual
recording of picture data ends the instant the tape is
stopped. However, a certain amount of recorded picture
data, equal to that recorded during the Picture Cache
time, will be lost, because it has not yet been recorded on
the tape before the tape stops. For this reason, make sure
you do not change the battery while recording.

When the tape runs out during recording

Please note that if the tape runs out and the camcorder
stops during recording, a certain amount of recorded
picture data, equal to that recorded during the Picture
Cache time, will be lost, because it has not yet been
recorded on the tape.

3-2-5 Shooting Picture at Intervals
(Interval Rec Function: with CBK­MB01)

Inserting an optional CBK-MB01 extension board in the
camcorder enables the camcorder to record pictures at
various intervals. There are two kinds of Interval Rec
mode:

Auto Interval Rec

In Auto Interval Rec mode, pictures are automatically shot
a frame at a time at the specified interval and stored in
memory. To use this function you must set the total time
for shooting (TAKE TOTAL TIME) and the length of time
for recording on the tape (REC TIME).

Manual Interval Rec

There are two modes of Manual Interval Rec:

• Single Trigger mode

Setting the number of frames to be recorded at one
shooting (NUMBER OF FRAME) enables the
camcorder to record the number of frames preset each
time the VTR START button or the VTR button on the
lens is pressed.

• Continuous Trigger mode

Pictures are automatically shot by preset frames at preset
intervals by pressing the VTR START button or the VTR
button on the lens.

In Auto Interval Rec and Continuous Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec, by setting the PRE-LIGHTING
function to ON, the light connected to the LIGHT

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Recording

41

connector automatically turns on before recording starts.
This allows you to record pictures under stable light and
color temperature conditions.

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

Auto Interval Rec mode settings

To make settings before shooting

To record in Auto Interval Rec mode, you need to turn on
Auto Interval Rec and set the total time from start to finish
of shooting (TAKE TOTAL TIME) and the length of time
for recording on the tape (REC TIME), using the USER
menu.

Notes

• To make settings for Auto Interval Rec mode, set “TAKE

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

TOTAL TIME” first, then “REC TIME.”

• To turn on the light automatically before recording starts,
set the LIGHT switch to AUTO.

To turn on Auto Interval Rec mode, proceed as follows:

MENU knob MENU ON/OFF switch

CACHE/INTVAL REC

5

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “CACHE/INTVAL REC”

changes to a z mark and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC

6

Turn the MENU knob until A. INT appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the setting changes in
the following sequence: OFF y CACHE y A. INT
y M. INT.
When A. INT appears, the camcorder is in Auto
Interval Rec mode. The TALLY indicator (green) in
the viewfinder flashes (one flash/second) while the
camcorder is in this mode. Also, TAKE TOTAL
TIME, REC TIME and PRE-LIGHTING appear.

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the FUNCTION 1 page
appears.

When the question mark
appears at the left corner of
the title page, you can
switch the pages.
Turn the MENU knob
clockwise or
counterclockwise to display
the desired page. The DF/
NDF item on the
FUNCTION 1 page appears
only for the DVW-970.

3

Press the MENU knob.

A

b mark appears on the left of the currently selected

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC

item and a z mark appears on the left of the setting.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“CACHE/INTVAL REC.”

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC
TAKE TOTAL TIME
REC TIME
PRE-LIGHTING

7

Press the MENU knob.

A.INT
5M
5SEC
OFF

The z mark on the left of “CACHE/INTVAL REC”
changes to a

b mark and the ? mark of the setting

changes to a z mark.

8

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “TAKE
TOTAL TIME.”

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC
TAKE TOTAL TIME
REC TIME
PRE-LIGHTING

9

Press the MENU knob.

A.INT
5M
5SEC
OFF

42

Recording

The b mark on the left of “TAKE TOTAL TIME”
changes to a z mark and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

10

Turn the MENU knob until the desired setting of
“TAKE TOTAL TIME” appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the setting of TAKE
TOTAL TIME changes in the following sequence:

5M y 10M y 15M y 20M y 30M y 40M
y 50M y 1H y 2H y 3H y 4H y 5H y
7H y 10H y 15H y 20H y 30H y 40H y
50H y 70H y 100H.

Here M means minutes (5M is 5 minutes) and H means
hours (1H is one hour).

11

Press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of “TAKE TOTAL TIME”
changes to a

b mark and the ? mark changes to a z

mark.

12

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “REC
TIME.”

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC
TAKE TOTAL TIME
REC TIME
PRE-LIGHTING

13

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “REC TIME” returns to a z

A.INT
5M
5SEC
OFF

mark and the z mark of the setting returns to a ? mark.

14

Turn the MENU knob until the desired time to be
recorded on the tape appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the setting of REC
TIME changes in the following sequence:

5SEC y 10SEC y 15SEC y 20SEC y 30SEC
y 40SEC y 50SEC y 1MIN y 2MIN y

.......38MIN y 39MIN y 40MIN.

Here SEC means seconds (5SEC is 5 seconds) and
MIN means minutes (1MIN is one minute).

You cannot set a REC TIME that is more than one
thirtieth of TAKE TOTAL TIME.
For example: When TAKE TOTAL TIME is set to 1H,
the maximum value of REC TIME is 2 MIN. (60
minutes divided by 30 gives 2 minutes.)
The time setting displayed when you turn the MENU
knob changes within the available setting times.
Be sure to set REC TIME after setting TAKE TOTAL
TIME.

15

Press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of “REC TIME” returns to a

b

mark and the ? mark returns to a z mark.

16

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “PRE­LIGHTING.”

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC
TAKE TOTAL TIME
REC TIME
PRE-LIGHTING

17

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “PRE-LIGHTING” changes

A.INT
5M
5SEC
OFF

to a z mark and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

18

Turn the MENU knob until the desired time to turn on
the light before starting to record appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the PRE-LIGHTING
time changes in the following sequence: OFF y
2SEC y 5SEC y 10SEC.

Notes

• Set the LIGHT switch on the camcorder to AUTO to
turn on the light before recording.
The light switch must also be set to ON. With these
settings, the light turns on and off automatically.
(However, the light remains on continuously if the
off time is less than 5 seconds.)

• When the LIGHT switch is set to MANUAL and the
light switch is set to ON, the light remains on
continuously.

19

Press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of “PRE-LIGHTING” returns
to a

b mark and the ? mark returns to a z mark.

20

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and the
message AUTO INTERVAL **M**S indicating Auto
Interval Rec mode appears along the bottom of the
viewfinder.
**M**S indicates the shooting interval. For example,
when TAKE TOTAL TIME is set to 1H and REC TIME is
set to 30 SEC, the message AUTO INTERVAL 00M04S
appears. The shooting interval is 4 seconds.
The display indicating the current status of the camcorder
appears along the top and bottom of the viewfinder.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Recording

43

Note

The settings for Auto Interval Rec mode are maintained
until changed. However, if you switch off the camcorder
power, Auto Interval Rec mode is cleared except for the
TAKE TOTAL TIME, REC TIME and PRE-LIGHTING
settings. To use the Auto Interval Rec function again after
switching on the power, perform steps 1 to 6.

Recording in Auto Interval Rec mode

Proceed as follows:

Note

When you use cassettes on which nothing is recorded, such
as brand new cassettes, be sure to record color bars for

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

more than 2 seconds at the beginning of a cassette.

1

After performing the basic procedures for shooting
and recording, following the instructions in “3-2-1
Basic Procedures” (page 34), secure the camcorder so
that it will not move.

2

Press the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens.

• Set CACHE/INTVAL REC to OFF on the FUNCTION
1 page.

Time required for shooting and time required for
recording on the tape

Auto Interval Rec mode is effective for shooting objects
that move very slowly. To use this function, you need to set
the total time for shooting (TAKE TOTAL TIME) and the
length of time for recording on the tape (REC TIME).
The time required for shooting is the time required to
capture the very slowly moving subject, and the camcorder
must be arranged so that during this time the subject is
always in the frame.
The tape recording time indicates the running time of the
completed recording. The camcorder calculates the time­lapse interval from these two times.

Total time for shooting (TAKE TOTAL TIME)

Shooting interval

The camcorder starts recording in Auto Interval Rec
mode. When you use the PRE-LIGHTING function,
recording starts after the light is switched on.
The actual recording to disc begins when the
camcorder has saved about five seconds of video in
memory, so disc access is intermittent.
While recording in Auto Interval Rec mode, the
TALLY indicator (green) in the viewfinder flashes (4
flashes/second) and the message “AUTO INTERVAL
**M**S” flashes on the viewfinder screen.
When the camcorder is capturing the picture in
memory, the REC indicator in the viewfinder lights.
After the length of time for recording on the tape (REC
TIME) has elapsed, the camcorder automatically stops
recording.

To continue auto interval recording

Press the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens again.
The camcorder starts recording in Auto Interval Rec mode
again.

To interrupt auto interval recording

Press the VTR START button or the VTR button on the
lens. The camcorder stops recording.
However, the tape may run for recording picture data
already stored in memory.

To end auto interval recording

You can exit Auto Interval Rec mode using the following
two methods:

• Set the POWER switch to OFF.

Time for recording on the tape (REC TIME)

Notes on Auto Interval Rec operation

Note the following points.

Time code

In Auto Interval Rec mode, the internal time code
generator runs in R-RUN mode regardless of how the F­RUN/SET/R-RUN switch is set.
The actual time of the shooting is saved in the user bits.
When you need to set the internal clock, use the TIME
DATE page of the DIAGNOSIS menu.

For details, see “5-3-6 Setting the Date/Time of the
Internal Clock” on page 90.

Audio

Audio signals are not recorded in Auto Interval Rec mode.

Cassette control buttons

While recording in Auto Interval Rec mode, you cannot
use the cassette control buttons (EJECT, REW, F FWD,
PLAY and STOP). To use these buttons, stop recording by
pressing the VTR START button or the VTR button on the
lens.

Menu operation

While recording in Auto Interval Rec mode, you cannot
change the settings of CACHE/INTVAL REC, TAKE

44

Recording

TOTAL TIME and REC TIME. To change the settings,
stop recording by pressing the VTR START button or the
VTR button on the lens.

When the camcorder power is switched off during
recording in Auto Interval Rec mode

• When you set the POWER switch to OFF, the camcorder
will switch off by itself after the tape has run for a few
seconds to record the picture data stored in memory.

• If you remove the battery, unplug the DC cable, or cut
power to the AC adaptor during auto interval recording,
picture data stored before recording stops (a maximum
of 5 seconds) may be lost. Take care when changing the
battery.

When tape runs out during auto interval recording

Note that picture data (a maximum of 5 seconds) shot and
stored before the tape stops is not recorded if the tape runs
out and the camcorder stops.

Manual Interval Rec mode

Manual Interval Rec has the following two modes.
Single Trigger mode: Each time the VTR START button

or VTR button on the lens is pressed, the camcorder
captures to memory a single shot consisting of the
specified number of video frames.

Continuous Trigger mode: Once the VTR START button

or VTR button on the lens is pressed, the camcorder
captures consecutive shots to memory at the specified
interval, with each shot consisting of the specified
number of video frames.

“TRIGGER INTERVAL” and “PRE-LIGHTING”
appear.

3

Press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of “CACHE/INTVAL REC”
changes to a

b mark and the ? mark on the left of the

setting changes to a z mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“NUMBER OF FRAME.”

U03 FUNCTION1

ASSIGN SW <1> : ATW
ASSIGN SW <2> : OFF
TURBO SW : TURBO
DF/NDF : DF
END SEARCH : OFF

CACHE/INTVAL REC: M.INT
NUMBER OF FRAME : 1
TRIGGER INTERVAL: 5MIN
PRE-LIGHTING : OFF

5

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “NUMBER OF FRAME”

changes to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

6

Turn the MENU knob until the desired number of
frames to be recorded in each shot appears.

As you turn the MENU knob, the number changes in
the following sequence: 1 y 2 y 4 y 8.

7

Press the MENU knob.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Setting Single Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec

Proceed as follows:

1

Carry out steps 1 to 5 of the procedure “To make
settings before shooting” (page 42), to select CACHE/

INTVAL REC on the FUNCTION 1 page.

2

Turn the MENU knob until “M. INT” appears.

U03 FUNCTION1

ASSIGN SW <1> : ATW
ASSIGN SW <2> : OFF
TURBO SW : TURBO
DF/NDF : DF
END SEARCH : OFF

CACHE/INTVAL REC:? M.INT
NUMBER OF FRAME : 1
TRIGGER INTERVAL: 5MIN
PRE-LIGHTING : OFF

As you turn the MENU knob, the setting changes in
the following sequence: OFF y CACHE y A. INT
y M. INT.
When M. INT appears, the camcorder is in Manual
Interval Rec mode and the TALLY indicator (green) in
the viewfinder flashes. “NUMBER OF FRAME,”

The z mark on the left of “NUMBER OF FRAME”
returns to a

b mark and the ? mark on the left of the

setting returns to a z mark.

8

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“TRIGGER INTERVAL.”

U03 FUNCTION1

ASSIGN SW <1> : ATW
ASSIGN SW <2> : OFF
TURBO SW : TURBO
DF/NDF : DF
END SEARCH : OFF

CACHE/INTVAL REC: M.INT
NUMBER OF FRAME : 1
TRIGGER INTERVAL: 5MIN
PRE-LIGHTING : OFF

9

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “TRIGGER INTERVAL”

changes to a z mark and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

10

Turn the MENU knob to display M.

Recording

45

2

U03 FUNCTION1

ASSIGN SW <1> : ATW
ASSIGN SW <2> : OFF
TURBO SW : TURBO
DF/NDF : DF
END SEARCH : OFF

CACHE/INTVAL REC: M.INT
NUMBER OF FRAME : 1
TRIGGER INTERVAL:? M
PRE-LIGHTING : OFF

Push the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens.

The camcorder starts recording in Single Trigger mode
of Manual Interval Rec. The TALLY indicator (green)
in the viewfinder flashes (2 flashes/second) and the
message MANU INTERVAL *FRAME flashes on the
viewfinder screen.

If you turn the MENU knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, the number changes in the

following sequence: M y 1SEC y 2SEC........12H

y 24H.
When M appears, the TALLY indicator (green) flashes
(2 flashes/second) and PRE-LIGHTING disappears.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

11

Press the MENU knob.

Each time you press the VTR START button or the
VTR button, the camcorder captures and stores the
picture data of the preset number of frames. The REC
indicator in the viewfinder is on while the camcorder
is capturing the picture in the memory. The camcorder
stores picture data (about 5 seconds worth) in memory,
and then actually records the stored picture data on the
tape. The tape runs intermittently.

The z mark on the left of “TRIGGER INTERVAL”
returns to a

b mark and the ? mark on the left of the

setting returns to a z mark.

12

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and
the message MANU INTERVAL *FRAME, indicating
the single trigger mode of the Manual Interval Rec
mode, appears along the bottom of the viewfinder.
*FRAME indicates the number of frames set in step 6.
The display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
viewfinder.

Note

The settings for Single Trigger mode of Manual Interval
Rec are maintained until changed. However, if you switch
the camcorder power off, all Manual Interval Rec mode
settings are cleared except for the NUMBER OF FRAME
setting and the single trigger mode selection. To use Single
Trigger mode of the Manual Interval Rec function again
after switching on the power, perform steps 1 and 2.

To stop recording in Single Trigger mode

You can stop recording in Single Trigger mode of Manual
Rec Interval using the following two methods. However,
the tape may continue to run to record the picture data
stored in the memory at the instant the tape stopped.

• Press the EJECT button.

• Set the POWER switch to OFF.

Setting Continuous Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec

1

Follow the procedure in steps 1 to 9 in “Setting Single
Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec” on page 45.

2

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to display the desired trigger interval.

U03 FUNCTION1

ASSIGN SW <1> : ATW
ASSIGN SW <2> : OFF
TURBO SW : TURBO
DF/NDF : DF
END SEARCH : OFF

CACHE/INTVAL REC: M.INT
NUMBER OF FRAME : 1
TRIGGER INTERVAL:? 1SEC
PRE-LIGHTING : OFF

Recording in Single Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec

Follow the procedure below to shoot a picture in Single
Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec.

Note

When you use cassettes on which nothing is recorded, such
as brand new cassettes, be sure to record color bars for
more than 2 seconds at the beginning of a cassette.

1

After performing the basic procedure for shooting and
recording following the instructions in “3-2-1 Basic
Procedures” on page 34, secure the camcorder so that
it will not move.

Recording

46

If you turn the MENU knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, the number changes in the
following sequence: M y 1SEC y 2SEC y
3SEC y 4SEC y 5SEC y 6SEC y 7SEC y
8SEC y 9SEC y 10SEC y 15SEC y 20SEC
y 30SEC y 40SEC y 50SEC y 1MIN y
2MIN y 3MIN y 4MIN y 5MIN y 6MIN y
7MIN y 8MIN y 9MIN y 10MIN y 15MIN
y 20MIN y 30MIN y 40MIN y 50MIN y
1H y 2H y 3H y 4H y 6H y 12H y 24H.

When a trigger interval time other than M is displayed,
the camcorder is in Continuous Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec. The TALLY indicator (green)
flashes (1 flash/second).

3

Push the MENU knob.

The ? mark on the left of setting returns to a z mark,
and the z mark on the left of “TRIGGER
INTERVAL” returns to an

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to PRE­LIGHTING.

U03 FUNCTION1

ASSIGN SW <1> : ATW
ASSIGN SW <2> : OFF
TURBO SW : TURBO
DF/NDF : DF
END SEARCH : OFF

CACHE/INTVAL REC: M.INT
NUMBER OF FRAME : 1
TRIGGER INTERVAL: 1SEC
PRE-LIGHTING : OFF

5

Push the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “PRE-LIGHTING” changes

to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

6

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counterclockwise
until the desired time interval at which to turn on the
light before recording starts appears.

If you turn the MENU knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, the PRE-LIGHTING time changes
in the following sequence: OFF y 2SEC y 5SEC
y 10SEC.

Notes

• To turn on the light automatically before recording
starts by setting the PRE-LIGHTING item to ON, be
sure to set the LIGHT switch to AUTO. Also, set the
switch of the light connected to the LIGHT
connector to ON.
The light automatically turns on and off in
Continuous Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec.
However, if the duration the light should be off is
less than 5 seconds, the light is on continuously.

• When the LIGHT switch is set to MANUAL and the
switch of the light is set to ON, the light is always on.

7

Push the MENU knob.

The ? mark on the left of setting returns to a z mark
and the z mark on the left of PRE-LIGHTING returns
to an

b mark.

8

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and
the message INTERVAL *SEC *FRAME, indicating
Continuous Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec,
appears along the bottom of the viewfinder.

b mark.

*SEC indicates the trigger interval preset and
*FRAME indicates the number of frames preset.
The display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
viewfinder.

Note

The settings for Continuous Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec are maintained until changed. However, if you
switch the camcorder power off, all Manual Interval Rec
mode settings are cleared except for the NUMBER OF
FRAME, TRIGGER INTERVAL, and PRE-LIGHTING
settings. To use Continuous Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec again after switching on the power, perform
steps 1 and 2 in “Setting Single Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec” on page 45.

Recording in Continuous Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec

Follow the procedure below to shoot pictures in
Continuous Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec.

Note

When you use cassettes on which nothing is recorded, such
as brand new cassettes, be sure to record color bars for
more than 2 seconds at the beginning of a cassette.

1

After performing the basic procedures for shooting
and recording following the instructions in “3-2-1
Basic Procedures” on page 34, secure the camcorder
so that it will not move.

2

Push the VTR START button on the camcorder or the
VTR button on the lens.

The camcorder starts recording in Continuous Trigger
mode of Manual Interval Rec, and the flashing cycle of
the TALLY indicator (green) changes from 1 flash/
second to 4 flashes/second, and the message
INTERVAL *SEC *FRAME flashes on the viewfinder
screen.
When you use the PRE-LIGHTING function, the light
turns on when you press the VTR START button. After
the preset PRE-LIGHTING time has elapsed, the
camcorder captures the picture in the memory. The
camcorder stores picture data (about 5 seconds worth)
in memory, and then actually records the stored picture
data on the tape. Thus, the tape runs intermittently. The
REC indicator in the viewfinder is on while the
camcorder is capturing the picture in the memory.

To stop recording in Continuous Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec

You can stop recording in Continuous Trigger mode of
Manual Interval Rec using the following two methods.
However, the tape may continue to run to record the picture
data stored in the memory at the instant the tape stopped.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Recording

47

• Press the VTR START button or the VTR button on the
lens.

• Set the POWER switch to OFF.

Notes on Manual Interval Rec operation

Take note of the following points which are common to
Single Trigger mode and Continuous Trigger mode.
Differences are clearly noted, if any.

Time code

In Manual Interval Rec mode, the internal time code
generator runs in R-RUN mode regardless of how the F­RUN/SET/R-RUN switch is set. Also, in Continuous
Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec, the actual time of
the shooting is saved in the user bits.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Audio

Audio signals are not recorded in Manual Interval Rec
mode.

Cassette control buttons

While recording in Single Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec (the green TALLY indicator in the viewfinder
flashes (2 flashes/second)), you cannot use the cassette
control buttons (REW, F FWD, PLAY and STOP). Note
that the camcorder stops recording in the single trigger
mode of the Manual Interval Rec mode if you press the
EJECT button.
While recording in Continuous Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec (the TALLY indicator (green) flashes (4
flashes/second)), you cannot use the cassette control
buttons (EJECT, REW, F FWD, PLAY and STOP). To stop
recording, press the VTR START button or the VTR button
on the lens. However, the tape may run to record the
picture data stored in the memory before stopping the
manual interval recording.

Menu operation

In Single Trigger mode of Manual Interval Rec, you cannot
change the settings of “CACHE/INTVAL REC” and
“NUMBER OF FRAME” on the FUNCTION 1 page after
the camcorder starts recording. To change the settings, stop
recording by pressing the EJECT button or setting the
POWER switch to OFF.
While recording in Continuous Trigger mode of Manual
Interval Rec, you cannot change the settings of CACHE/
INTVAL REC, NUMBER OF FRAME and TRIGGER
INTERVAL on the FUNCTION 1 page. To change these
settings, stop recording by pressing the VTR START
button or the VTR button on the lens or by setting the
POWER switch to OFF.

When the camcorder power is switched off during
recording in Manual Interval Rec mode

• When you set the POWER switch to OFF, the camcorder
will switch off by itself after disc access has continued
for a few seconds to record the picture data stored in
memory.

• If you remove the battery, unplug the DC cable, or cut the
power to the AC adaptor during manual interval
recording, picture data stored before recording stops (a
maximum of 10 seconds) may be lost. Take care when
changing the battery.

When tape runs out during recording in Manual
Interval Rec mode

Note that picture data (a maximum of 5 seconds) at the
instant the tape stopped is not recorded if the tape runs out
and the camcorder stops.

3-2-6 Continuous Recording on Previous Cut

By assigning the RE-TAKE function to the ASSIGN 1
switch, you can use the ASSIGN 1 switch to position the
tape at the most recent cut, clear it and record the new cut.

For detailed information, see “5-3-5 Assigning Functions
to Assignable Switches” on page 88.

Tape running direction

Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3

Cut 4

Example: After recording cut 3, clearing cut 3

and recording cut 4 after cut 2

Continuous recording the new cut after the
cut before the most recent cut

In the above example, with the camcorder in the recording
pause mode after recording the cut 3, press the RET switch
on the lens while holding the ASSIGN 1 switch down.
The camcorder automatically positions the tape at the end
point of cut 2 and turns in the recording pause mode.
Record cut 4.
Cut 4 is recorded after cut 2.

Notes

• When pictures consisting of cuts recorded using the RE­TAKE function are played back on a VTR for
professional use, the CHANNEL CONDITION
indicator, which indicates the condition of the played
back signal of the VTR, may be lit in yellow, noise may
be added to the cue audio for the first 2 or 3 seconds, or
the previously recorded timecode may be displayed for a
few seconds. To avoid this, it is recommended that you
make the first part of the cut (in the above example, cut

4) about 3 seconds longer.

48

Recording

• In the following cases, the RE-TAKE function is not
accepted. The message “INVALID OPERATION!” is
displayed on the viewfinder screen for three seconds.

1.When only one cut has been recorded

2.When the length of the recorded cuts is less than three

seconds

3.When Picture Cache is ON

The RE-TAKE function is also not accepted after
recording stops until the recording pause operation is
completed (about 1 second). The message “INVALID
OPERATION!” is displayed. In this case, the RE­TAKE function will be accepted when you perform the
RE-TAKE operation again after the message
disappears.

3-2-7 Searching for the Last Recorded Portion and Turning in Recording Pause Mode (End Search Function)

The End Search function allows the camcorder to search
for the end of the recording on the tape after the recorded
portion is rewound and played back.
To use this function, set the END SEARCH function to ON
on the FUNCTION 1 page of the USER menu.

the STOP button again to stop the camcorder and then
press the RET button on the lens.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

For detailed information on menu operation, see “5-1-2
Basic Menu Operations” on page 69.

Tape running direction

Recorded portion

The current tape position

Searching for the end of the
recorded portion and turning
in recording pause mode

END SEARCH function

Blank portion

Searching for the end of the recording and
turning in recording pause mode

To start the recording again after rewinding the recorded
tape, playing it back and stopping the camcorder, follow
the procedure.
Press the RET button on the lens.
The tape automatically runs and stops at the end of the
recording. The camcorder is in recording pause mode.

Note

When the STOP KEY FREEZE function is set to become
active on the VTR MODE page of the MAINTENANCE
menu, the picture is frozen once you push the STOP button
during playback. To activate the end search function, push

Recording

49

3-3 Checking Recording and Playback

By pressing the PLAY button, you can review any length
of recording in the viewfinder in black and white. There
are two other ways to review the recording.

• Recording review: You can view the last 2 seconds of

the recording in the viewfinder in black and white.

• Color playback: You can see the recording in color on

a color video monitor without the need for any external
adaptor.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

You may also view the picture during searching by
rewinding or fast forwarding by pressing the PLAY +
REW button or PLAY + F FWD button.

See “2-3 Audio Functions” on page 16 for information
about the switches and controls used to select the audio
output signal and to adjust the audio level.

3-3-1 Checking the Last Two
Seconds of the Recording —
Recording Review

If you press the RET button on the lens while recording is
paused, the last two seconds of the recording is played
back on the viewfinder screen and the color LCD. Use this
function to check whether recording went smoothly. If you
hold the RET button down longer, at most 10 seconds of
the tape is rewound and played back. After playback, the
camcorder is ready to start recording again.
By assigning the LENS RET function to the ASSIGN 1
switch, you can use the ASSIGN 1 switch in the same way
as the RET button on the lens.

3-3-2 Checking the Recording on
the Color Video Monitor — Playback
in Color

Connect a color video monitor to the VIDEO OUT
connector of the camcorder. By pressing the PLAY button,
you can view the recorded picture.
When the optional CBK-SD01 SDI Output Board is
installed, you can connect a color video monitor provided
with an SDI IN connector.

DVW-970/970PColor Video monitor

VIDEO IN
connector

SDI IN connector

1) When VBS is selected as the output signal of the VIDEO
OUT connector.

2) When SDI is selected as the output signal of the VIDEO
OUT connector (only when the CBK-SD01 is installed).

Notes

• You can select either VBS or SDI as the output signal of
the VIDEO OUT connector when the CBK-SD01 is
installed.

• When the CBK-SD01 is not installed, the OUTPUT
page is not displayed. The output is fixed to VBS.

For details, see “5-3-2 Selecting the Output Signals” on
page 86.

1)

2)

VIDEO OUT connector

Color playback

For details, see “5-3-5 Assigning Functions to Assignable
Switches” on page 88.

Note

The recording review functions only works if the recording
you have made is at least 3 seconds long.

Checking Recording and Playback

50

4

Push the MENU knob.

3-4 Freezing a Picture During Playback

Pressing the STOP button during playback stops playback
and freezes the picture.
The VTR MODE page of the MAINTENANCE menu
allows you to set the freeze-frame mode where you can
view the frozen picture during playback.

Performing the settings required for
freezing the picture

1

Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Settings for recording essence
marks to the system area” (page 36) to display the

VTR MODE page of the MAINTENANCE menu.

?M08 VTR MODE

REC TALLY BLINK : ON
REC START BEEP : OFF
LCD DISPLAY HOLD: TIMER
LCD HOLD TIMER : 1H
REC VIDEO RATE : 50M
STBY OFF TIMER : 60MIN
STOP KEY FREEZE : OFF

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to STOP
KEY FREEZE, then push the MENU knob.

M08 VTR MODE

REC TALLY BLINK : ON
REC START BEEP : OFF
LCD DISPLAY HOLD: TIMER
LCD HOLD TIMER : 1H
REC VIDEO RATE : 50M
STBY OFF TIMER : 60MIN
STOP KEY FREEZE : OFF

The

b mark on the left of STOP KEY FREEZE

changes to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

3

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counterclockwise
until the desired freeze mode appears.

The freeze mode changes in the following sequence:
OFF y FRAME y FIELD

The ? mark on the left of the setting returns to a z
mark, and the z mark on the left of STOP KEY
FREEZE returns to an

5

To end menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF

b mark.

switch to OFF.

Viewing frozen pictures

1

Push the PLAY button to start playback.

2

Push the STOP button at the instant when you want to
freeze the picture.

The tape stops running and the picture is frozen.
The time code is displayed in the counter display and
the PLAY indicator flashes (one flash/second).

Changing to another mode

To cancel the freeze-frame mode for viewing the frozen
picture and change to another mode, proceed as follows:

To resta r t p l a y b ack: Push the PLAY button.
To view the pictures shot by the camcorder: Push the

STOP button.

To rewind the tape: Push the REW button.
To fast forward the tape: Push the F FWD button.
To eject the tape: Push the EJECT button.

Notes

• In the freeze-frame mode, you cannot start recording
pictures on the tape. To start recording the shot pictures
again, push the STOP button to finish playback and then
push the VTR START button.

• When changing to the recording pause mode from the
freeze-frame mode by using the end-search function or
positioning function for continuous recording, push the
STOP button first, and then push the RET button.

When remotely controlling the camcorder from
an RM-B150/B750 remote control unit (not
supplied)

You can perform the same operation from an RM-B150/
B750.

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

Setting Contents

OFF Deactivates the freeze function.

FRAME Freezes pictures in frame mode. This

mode is effective for freezing pictures of
objects that are not moving.

FIELD Freezes pictures in field mode. This

mode is effective for freezing moving
pictures.

Freezing a Picture During Playback

51

3-5 Setting the Stand-by
off Timer During Rec­Pause

The VTR SAVE/STBY switch allows you to control the
VTR power mode during pauses in recording (rec-pause)
or when stopped.
However, even in the standby mode (with the VTR SAVE/
STBY switch set to STBY), you can set the VTR in such a
way that the mode is automatically switched from the
standby mode to save mode when the tape does not run for

Chapter 3 Recording and Playback

a preset time, using the VTR MODE page of the
MAINTENANCE menu.

1

Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Settings for recording essence
marks to the system area” (page 36) to display the

VTR MODE page of the MAINTENANCE menu.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to STBY
OFF TIMER, then push the MENU knob.

M08 VTR MODE

REC TALLY BLINK : ON
REC START BEEP : OFF
LCD DISPLAY HOLD: TIMER
LCD HOLD TIMER : 1H
REC VIDEO RATE : 50M
STBY OFF TIMER : 60MIN
STOP KEY FREEZE : OFF

The

b mark on the left of “STBY OFF TIMER”

changes to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

3

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counterclockwise
until the desired STBY OFF TIMER appears.

If you turn the MENU knob clockwise or
counterclockwise, STBY OFF TIMER changes in the
following sequence: 60MIN y 30MIN y 10MIN
y 5MIN y OFF.

In order not to enter in the VTR SAVE mode, select
OFF.
To enter the VTR SAVE mode, select the desired time.

4

Press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of “STBY OFF TIMER”
returns to an
setting returns to the z mark.

5

To end menu operations, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

b mark, and the ? mark to the left of the

Setting the Stand-by off Timer During Rec-Pause

52

Adjustments and
Settings for Recording

4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance

To ensure excellent image quality when using this
camcorder, conditions may require that both the black
balance and the white balance be adjusted.

Black balance adjustment

The black balance will require adjustment in the following
cases.

• When the camcorder is used for the first time

• When the camcorder has not been used for a long time

• When the camcorder is used under conditions in which
the surrounding temperature has changed greatly

• When the GAIN selector (L/M/H) values have been
changed by using the USER menu

It is not usually necessary to adjust the black balance when
using the camcorder after it has been off.

Chapter

4

4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance

To automatically adjust the black balance

In automatic black balance mode, adjustments are
performed in the following order: clamp level, black set,
and black balance. Manual black balance adjustment can
be selected from the setup menu.

Note that the automatic black balance adjustment includes
a function to correct for white flecks caused in the CCDs
by cosmic rays, in addition to the normal black balance
operation.

To adjust the black balance, proceed as follows:

OUTPUT/DCC switch

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

White balance adjustment

Always readjust the white balance when the lighting
conditions change.

Viewfinder screen displays

If the black balance or white balance adjustment is started,
messages that report on the progress and results are
displayed on the viewfinder screen when the VF DISP
MODE item is set to “2” or “3” on the VF DISP 1 page of
the USER menu.

Note

Black balance and white balance adjustment values that
are automatically set by the camcorder and the various
settings are stored in the camcorder memory and retained
even when the power is turned off.

AUTO W/B BAL switch

1

Set the OUTPUT/DCC switch to CAM.

2

Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to BLK and release
the switch.

The switch returns to the center position, and the
adjustment is executed.
During adjustment, the following message is displayed
on the viewfinder screen.

The messages change
in the following
sequence:

-BLACK SET- t

ABB:EXECUTING

-BLACK SET-

Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance

-BLACK BALANCE-

53

The black balance adjustment ends in a few seconds
with the message “ABB:OK” and the adjustment value
is automatically stored in memory.

1

Set the switches and selectors as shown in the figure
below.

Notes

• During the black balance adjustment, the iris is
automatically closed.

• During the black balance adjustment, the gain selection
circuit is automatically activated so you may see
flickering on the viewfinder screen, but this is not a fault.

If automatic black balance adjustment
cannot be made

If the black balance adjustment cannot be completed
normally, an error message will appear for about 3 seconds
on the viewfinder screen (in display mode 2 or 3).
Possible messages are listed below.

Black balance adjustment error messages

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Error message Meaning

ABB : NG
IRIS NOT
CLOSED

ABB : NG
TIME LIMIT

ABB : NG
R (or G or B) :
OVERFLOW

If any of the above error messages is displayed, retry the
black balance adjustment.
Keep pushing the AUTO W/B BAL to BLK until
“-BLACK SET-” appears after “-BLACK BALANCE-”
appears. If the error message occurs again, contact your
Sony service representative.

The lens iris did not close; adjustment
was impossible.

Adjustment could not be completed
within the standard number of attempts.

The difference between the reference
value and the current value is so great
that it exceeds the range. Adjustment
was impossible.

FILTER selector (step 2)

OUTPUT/DCC switch:
CAM

WHITE BAL switch:

1)

A or B

GAIN selector: Set as low as
possible.

1) White balance setting values are stored in memory B only
when the WHITE SWITCH <B> item is set to “MEM” on
the FUNCTION 2 page of the OPERATION menu.

If the setting of the GAIN selector or WHITE BAL
switch is changed, a message reporting the new setting
position appears for about 3 seconds in the setting
change and adjustment progress message display area
of the viewfinder screen.

2

Set the FILTER selector to suit the lighting conditions
as follows:

Note

If the lens cable is not firmly connected to the LENS
connector, it may not be possible to adjust the lens iris. If
this happens, the black balance will be incorrect.

Black balance memory

Values stored in memory are held until the black balance is
next adjusted.

4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance

To automatically adjust the white balance

When you make automatic white balance adjustment, the
adjustment value obtained is saved in memory.

Proceed as follows:

Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance

54

FILTER selector (outer knob) setting and CC-filter

FILTER selector (outer
knob) setting

A Cross filter

B 3200K

C 4300K

D 6300K

FILTER selector (inner knob) setting and ND-filter

FILTER selector
(inner knob) setting

1Clear

2

3

4

selection

CC filter

selection

ND filter

1

/4 ND

1

/16 ND

1

/64 ND

If the setting of the FILTER selector is changed, a
message reporting the setting appears for about 3
seconds in the setting change and adjustment progress
message display area of the viewfinder screen (in
display mode 3).

3

Place a white test card under the same lighting
conditions as for the subject to be shot and zoom up to
it.

Alternatively, any white object such as a cloth or a wall
can be used.
The absolute minimum white area is as follows:

figure, and the adjustment setting is automatically
stored in the memory (A or B) that was selected in step

1.

AWB:OK
. K

Approximate color
temperature of the
subject

Rectangle centered on
the screen. The lengths of
the sides are 70% of the
length and width of the
screen.

The white object must be
within the rectangle and
have an area of at least
10% of the screen.

Note

Make sure there are not bright spots in the rectangle.

4

Adjust the lens iris.

Manually adjusted lens: set the iris to an appropriate

setting.

Lens with automatic iris: set the automatic/manual

switch on the lens to automatic.

5

Push the AUTO W/B BAL switch to WHT and then
release the switch.

AUTO W/B BAL switch

The switch returns to the center position, and the
adjustment is executed.

During adjustment, the message “AWB :
EXECUTING” is displayed on the viewfinder screen
(in display mode 2 or 3).

Note

If the camera has a zoom lens with an automatic iris,
the iris may hunt

1)

during the adjustment. To prevent
this, adjust the iris gain knob (indicated as IG, IS, or S)
on the lens.

1)Hunting

Repeated brightening and darkening of the image, resulting from
repeated response to automatic iris control.

For details, refer to the lens operation manual.

If the automatic white balance adjustment
cannot be made

If the white balance adjustment cannot be completed
normally, an error message will appear for about 3 seconds
on the viewfinder screen (in display mode 2 or 3).
Possible messages are listed below.

White balance adjustment error messages

Error message Meaning

AWB : NG
LOW LEVEL

AWB : NG
COLOR TEMP HIGH

AWB : NG
COLOR TEMP LOW

AWB : NG
TIME LIMIT

AWB : NG
POOR WHITE AREA

AWB : NG
OVER LEVEL

If any of the above error messages is displayed, retry the
white balance adjustment. If the error message occurs
again, contact your Sony service representative.

The white video level is too low.
Either open the lens iris or increase
the gain.

The color temperature is too high.
Select a suitable filter setting.

The color temperature is too low.
Select a suitable filter setting.

Adjustment could not be completed
within the standard number of
attempts.

The white area could not be
checked.

The white video level is too high.
Either stop down the lens iris or
change the ND filter.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

The white balance adjustment ends in about one
second with the message shown in the following

Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance

55

If you have no time to adjust the white
balance

Set the WHITE BAL switch to PRST.
The white balance is automatically set as follows,
depending on the FILTER selector setting.
B: 3200K
C: 4300K
D: 6300K

For details about setting the white balance manually, see
“To automatically adjust the white balance” on page 54.

4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter

This section describes the shutter modes that can be used
with the electronic shutter of the camcorder, and describes
the procedure for selecting the shutter speed and shutter
mode.

White balance memory

Values stored in memory are held until the white balance is
next adjusted.
There are two sets of white balance memories, A and B,
and adjustments for each of the filters can be automatically
stored in the memory corresponding to the setting (A or B)
of the WHITE BAL switch. The camcorder has four built-

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

in filters, so a total of eight (4 × 2) adjustments can be
stored. The number of memories allocated to each of A and
B can be limited to one by setting the WHT FILTER INH.
item to “ON” on the FUNCTION 3 page of the
MAINTENANCE menu. In this case, the memory contents
are not linked to the filter settings.
If the WHITE BAL switch is set to B, and on the
FUNCTION 2 page of the OPERATION menu, the
WHITE SWITCH <B> item is set to “ATW,” the ATW
(Auto Tracing White) function is activated to
automatically adjust the white balance of the picture being
shot for varying lighting conditions.

4-2-1 Shutter Modes

The shutter modes that can be used with the electronic
shutter and the shutter speeds that can be selected are
shown below.

Standard mode

Use this mode for shooting fast-moving subjects with little
blurring.

CCD scan mode Shutter speed (sec.)

I DVW-970 1/100, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000,

1/2000

DVW-970P 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000,

1/2000

PsF DVW-970 1/40, 1/60, 1/120, 1/125, 1/250,

1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000

DVW-970P 1/33, 1/50, 1/100, 1/125, 1/250,

1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000

24P (DVW-970 only) 1/32, 1/48, 1/96, 1/125, 1/250,

1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000

ECS (Extended Clear Scan) mode

Use this mode for obtaining images with no horizontal
bands of noise when shooting subjects such as monitor
screens.

Setting the Electronic Shutter

56

CCD scan mode Shutter speed

I DVW-970 60.00 to 6000 Hz

DVW-970P 50.00 to 6000 Hz

PsF DVW-970 30.00 to 7000 Hz

DVW-970P 25.00 to 6000 Hz

24P (DVW-970 only) 24.00 to 5000 Hz

SLS (slow speed shutter) mode

The SLS mode can only be selected when the CCD scan
mode is set to “I (interlace scan).”
Use this mode For shooting subjects in low level lighting
conditions.
You can select the shutter speed from among 1 (1/30 sec
for the DVW-970, 1/25 sec for the DVW-970P) to 8, 16

frames (1/2 sec for the DVW-970, 2/3 sec for the DVW­970P).

EVS (Enhanced Vertical definition System) mode

This mode is used to improved vertical resolution.
However, the sensitivity and dynamic range are reduced.
The shutter speed is set to the same value as that currently
selected in Standard or ECS mode.

Notes

• Whatever the operating mode of the electronic shutter,
the sensitivity of the CCD decreases with increasing
shutter speed.

• When the automatic iris is used, the iris opens wider as
the shutter speed increases, thus reducing the depth of
field.

• Under artificial light, particularly fluorescent or mercury
lamps, the light intensity may appear to be constant, but
the red, green, and blue intensities are actually changing
in synchronization with the frequency of the power
supply causing flicker. Using an electronic shutter under
such lighting could make the flicker even worse. Color
flicker is particularly likely to happen when the power
supply frequency is 60 Hz (with the DVW-970) or 50 Hz
(with the DVW-970P). However, if the power frequency
is 50 Hz (with the DVW-970) or 60 Hz (with the DVW­970P), setting the shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/60 can
reduce this flicker.

• When a bright object is shot in EVS mode or ECS mode
in such a manner that it fills the screen, the upper edge of
the picture may have poor quality because of an inherent
characteristic of CCDs. Before using EVS mode or ECS
mode, check the shooting conditions.

1

Follow the procedure described in “5-2-2 Selecting the
Display Items” (page 77) to set the VF DISPLAY

MODE item to “2” or “3” on the VF DISP 1 page of
the USER menu.

2

Push the SHUTTER selector from ON to SEL.

SHUTTER selector

The current shutter setting indication appears for about
3 seconds in the setting change and adjustment
progress message display area of the viewfinder
screen.
Examples: “: SS : 1/250,” “: ECS : 60.00 Hz”

3

Before the shutter setting indication disappears, push
the SHUTTER selector down to SELECT again and
repeat this until the desired mode or speed appears.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

You can turn on or off the EVS mode on the SW STATUS
page of the PAINT menu.

4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Shutter Speed

Use the SHUTTER selector to select a shutter mode or a
standard-mode shutter speed. To set the shutter speed in
ECS or SLS mode, with the SHUTTER selector set to ON
and the ECS or SLS mode selected, use the MENU knob
for adjustment.
You can use the SHT ENABLE page of the OPERATION
menu to narrow the range of choice in advance, or to select
in advance whether or not you use ECS/SLS.

Setting the shutter mode and the shutter
speed in standard mode

Once the shutter speed is selected, it is retained even when
the camcorder power is turned off.

Pushing the SHUTTER selector down to SELECT
repeatedly allows you to cycle through the settings of
mode and speed preselected on the SHT ENABLE
page of the OPERATION menu.
Note that all modes and all standard-mode speeds
listed in the table on the previous page are preselected
using the SHT ENABLE page of the OPERATION
menu.
By factory default, all available shutter modes and
shutter speeds are displayed in the sequence shown in
the following figure. (You can use the SHT ENABLE
page of the OPERATION menu to make a setting so
that only the desired (or most frequently used) modes
and speeds are displayed.)

Standard mode

SLS mode

1/100: for the DVW-970
1/60: for the DVW-970P

ECS mode

Setting the Electronic Shutter

57

Setting the shutter speed in ECS mode

Proceed as follows:

12

1

Set the shutter speed mode to ECS.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Example of view finder screen display

2

Turn the MENU knob counterclockwise as seen from
the front of the camera to increase the value, or
clockwise to decrease the value, until the desired
frequency appears.

The frequency range can be changed between 60.1 and
7000 Hz (DVW-970) or between 50.2 and 9000 Hz
(DVW-970P).

ECS:60.00Hz

for ECS setting operation

SLS: 1/30 : 1FRAME

Example of view finder screen display

for SLS setting operation

2

Turn the MENU knob until the desired number of
frames appears.

The number of frames can be set to values in the range
1 to 8, and 16 (1 frame nearly equals to 1/30 second
(DVW-970) or 1/25 second (DVW-970P)).

Changing the range of choice of shutter
mode and speed settings

You can reduce the time required to select the shutter mode
and speed by narrowing the choice of settings in advance.
This can be done by using the SHT ENABLE page of the
OPERATION menu.

Proceed as follows:

Note

The settings selected on the SHT ENABLE page of the
OPERATION menu become invalid when the RM-B150/
B750 Remote Control Unit is connected to the camcorder.

When the RM-B150/B750 Remote Control Unit is
connected

You can set the shutter speed of ECS with the rotary
encoder of the RM-B150/B750.

Setting the shutter speed in SLS mode

Proceed as follows:

12

1

Set the shutter speed mode to SLS.

MENU knob

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON while holding
down the MENU knob.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
OPERATION.

MENU ON/OFF switch

Setting the Electronic Shutter

58

3

Press the MENU knob.

If this is the first time the OPERATION menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page of the OPERATION
menu appears.
If the menu has been used before, the last accessed
page appears.

4

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “SHT ENABLE,” then

press the MENU knob to display the SHT ENABLE
page.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the SHT ENABLE page appears, then press the
MENU knob to select the page.

SHT ENABLE page

17 SHT ENABLE

SHUTTER SLS : ON
SHUTTER ECS : ON
SHUTTER 1/100 : ON
SHUTTER 1/125 : ON
SHUTTER 1/250 : ON
SHUTTER 1/500 : ON
SHUTTER 1/1000 : ON
SHUTTER 1/2000 : ON

seconds (e.g. 1/100) can be changed to degrees (360 is
equivalent to shutter OFF).

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

(This menu display is for the DVW-970. For the DVW­970P, “SHUTTER 1/60” is displayed instead of
“SHUTTER 1/100.”)

5

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the
shutter mode or shutter speed you want, then press the
MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

6

Turn the MENU knob until “ON” appears, then press
the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of the selected item returns to
a

b mark and the ? mark on the left of the setting

returns to a z mark.
To set another mode or speed, return to step 5.

Note that only the shutter speeds set to “ON” can be
selected with the SHUTTER selector.

7

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and
the display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
viewfinder screen.

Note

When you set “SHT DISP MODE” to “DEG” on the
FUNCTION 4 page, the shutter speed indications in

Setting the Electronic Shutter

59

4-3 Changing the Reference Value for Automatic Iris Adjustment

The z mark on the left of the selected item returns to
a

b mark and the ? mark on the left of the setting

returns to a z mark.
The IRIS OVERRIDE item is set to “ON” (factory
setting: OFF).

5

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF.

The AUTO IRIS page disappears from the viewfinder
screen.

The reference value for automatic iris adjustment can be
changed to aid the shooting of clear pictures of back-lit
subjects, or to prevent blown-out highlights. The reference
value for the lens iris can be set within the following range
with respect to the standard value.

• 0.5: about 0.5 stop further open

• 1: about 1 stop further open

• –0.5: about 0.5 stop further closed

• –1: about 1 stop further closed

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Changing the reference value

Proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

If this is the first time the USER menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page of the USER menu
appears. If the menu has been used before, the last
accessed page appears.

2

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the
the MENU knob to display the AUTO IRIS page.

If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the AUTO IRIS page appears, then press the
MENU knob to select the page.

b mark to AUTO IRIS, then press

AUTO IRIS page

U10 AUTO IRIS

6

Turn the MENU knob to change the reference value.

The changed reference value is retained until the
power of the camcorder is turned off.
Even if the reference value is changed, it reverts to the
standard value every time the power is turned on.

To open the iris by 0.5 stop:

Turn the MENU knob counterclockwise as seen from
the front of the camera.
One bar (s) appears in the upper part to the left of the
F number in the iris indication.

To open the iris by 1 stop:

Turn the MENU knob counterclockwise as seen from
the front of the camera.
Two bars (ss) appear in the upper part to the left of
the F number in the iris indication.

To stop down the iris by 0.5 stop:

Turn the MENU knob clockwise as seen from the front
of the camera.
One bar (s) appears in the lower part to the left of the
F number in the iris indication.

To stop down the iris by 1 stop:

Turn the MENU knob further clockwise as seen from
the front of the camera.
Two bars (ss) appear in the lower part to the left of
the F number in the iris indication.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “IRIS
OVERRIDE,” then press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob until “ON” appears, then press
the MENU knob.

Changing the Reference Value for Automatic Iris Adjustment

60

Opening the lens iris

Stopping down the lens iris

Iris opened by 1 stop
(two bars)

Iris opened by 0.5 stop
(one bar)

Iris stopped down by 1 stop
(two bars)

Iris stopped down by 0.5 stop
(one bar)

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “IRIS
WINDOW,” then press the MENU knob.

The

b mark changes to a z mark, and the z mark

changes to a ? mark.

5

Turn the MENU knob until the desired auto iris
window appears, then press the MENU knob.

The shaded parts indicate the area
where light detection occurs.

Auto iris window

The z mark on returns to a b mark and the ? mark
returns to a z mark.

If you select “VARIABLE,” the following items
become effective and you can set the window of the
desired size. Set each item to the desired size.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Adjusting the reference value for automatic iris adjustment

When the RM-B150/B750 Remote Control Unit is
connected

The IRIS control knob of the RM-B150/B750 can be used
for lens iris setting. In this case, the bar display (s) does
not appear.

Selecting the automatic iris window

Proceed as follows:

1

Follow the procedure of steps 1 and 2 described in the
previous item “Changing the reference value” (page

60) to display the AUTO IRIS page.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “IRIS
WINDOW IND,” then press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “IRIS WINDOW IND”

changes to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

3

Turn the MENU knob until “ON” appears, then press
the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a
returns to a z mark.
The currently selected auto iris window appears on the
screen.
If it is not necessary to display the auto iris window on
the screen, set to “OFF.”

b mark, and the ? mark

Item Setting

IRIS VAR WIDTH The width of the window

IRIS VAR HEIGHT The height of the window

IRIS VAR H POS. The position of the window in the

IRIS VAR V POS. The position of the window in the

6

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF or close the

horizontal direction

vertical direction.

cover of the menu operating section.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen and
the display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
screen.

To counter problems with very bright
highlights

If the subject is too bright, the iris may close too much,
leaving the overall image dark, or the highlights may be
blown out. In such cases, setting the highlight clip function
on reduces the luminance range, avoiding problems from
the automatic iris correction.
In the AUTO IRIS page of the USER menu, set the CLIP
HIGH LIGHT item to “ON.”

Changing the Reference Value for Automatic Iris Adjustment

61

4-4 Adjusting the Audio Level

Setting the AUDIO SELECT CH-1/CH-2 switches to
AUTO automatically adjusts the input levels of the audio
signal to be recorded in audio channels 1 and 2. You can
also adjust the audio level manually.

For the audio level of the signal to be recorded in
audio channels 3 and 4

The input levels of audio channels CH-3 and CH-4 are
automatically adjusted or fixed.
When the CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch is set to CH-3/4, the
audio channel level meters display the level of the audio
signals recorded in audio channels CH-3 and CH-4. You
can select the audio input signals to be recorded for audio

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

channel CH-3 and 4 by using the AUDIO IN CH-3/CH-4
switches.

4-4-1 Manually Adjusting the Audio Input Level of the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 Connectors

Follow the procedure described below to adjust the audio
levels of the audio input from the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2
connectors, which are to be recorded in audio channels
CH-1 and CH-2.

Note

When

1 and 2 are not displayed under the audio channel

level meters, the CH-1/2/ CH-3/4 switch is set to the CH­3/4 position. Set this switch to CH-1/2.

MIC LEVEL control

Manual adjustment of the audio levels

1

To adjust the signal input to the AUDIO IN CH1 or
AUDIO IN CH2 connector, set the AUDIO IN CH-1 or
AUDIO IN CH-2 switch to REAR.
To adjust both input signals, set both switches to
REAR.

2

Set the AUDIO SELECT switch(es) corresponding to
the channel(s) selected in step 1 to MANUAL.

3

With the LEVEL control for the channel selected in
step 1, adjust so that the audio level meter shows up to
–20 dB for a normal input volume.

The second bar from the top may turn on occasionally,
but do not allow the top bar (0 dB) to go on. If it goes
on, the audio level is too high.

of AUDIO IN CH1/CH2

3
2

1

At the factory setting, the XLR connection automatic
detection mode of the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors is
set to OFF. If the setting has been changed to ON, start the
operation from step 2.
Start the operation from step 1 with the XLR connection
automatic detection mode set to OFF.
You can set the XLR connection automatic detection mode
on the AUDIO-1 page of the MAINTENANCE menu.

Adjusting the Audio Level

62

All bars go on.

These bars go on.

Normal input level Excessive input level

Using the LEVEL controls

You can select the audio level controls to be used to adjust
the level of the audio signals input to the AUDIO IN CH1/
CH2 connectors on the AUDIO-3 page of the
MAINTENANCE menu.

Audio
level to
CH-1

Audio
level to
CH-2

At the factory
setting

LEVEL (CH-1)
control

LEVEL (CH-2)
control

Example 1 Example 2

MIC LEVEL
control

MIC LEVEL
control

The MIC LEVEL
control is linked
with LEVEL (CH-1)
control.

The MIC LEVEL
control is linked
with LEVEL (CH-2)
control.

Note

When you have operation of the LEVEL (CH-1/CH-2)
controls and MIC LEVEL control linked together, if the
MIC LEVEL control is set to 0, the audio signals on
channels 1 and 2 cannot be recorded. Check the position of
the MIC LEVEL control before adjusting the LEVEL
(CH-1/CH-2) controls.

4-4-2 Manually Adjusting the Audio Level of the Front Microphone

You can adjust the audio level input from the front
microphone connected to the MIC IN connector, which is
to be recorded on audio channels 1 and 2.

Notes

•When [1] and [2] are not displayed under the audio
channel level meters, the CH-1/2 / CH-3/4 switch is set
to the CH-3/4 position. Set this switch to CH-1/2.

• If the XLR connection automatic detection mode is on,
when the cables are connected to the AUDIO IN CH1/
CH2 connectors, the camcorder detects the connection to
the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors. Thus, the AUDIO
IN switches are internally reset to REAR and the audio
signals input to the AUDIO IN CH1/CH2 connectors are
automatically selected.
Before adjusting the audio level of the front microphone,
confirm that no cables are connected to the AUDIO IN
CH1/CH2 connectors. Alternatively, set the REAR XLR
AUTO item to “OFF” on the AUDIO-1 page of the
MAINTENANCE menu.

To adjust the audio level of the front microphone, proceed
as follows:

2

1

3

Manual adjustment of the audio levels

of the front microphone

1

Set either or both of the AUDIO IN switch(es) to
FRONT as follows:

When using the front microphone input for both

channels 1 and 2: Set both AUDIO IN switches to

FRONT.

When using the front microphone input for either

channel 1 or 2: Set the AUDIO IN switch for the

desired channel to FRONT.

2

Set the AUDIO SELECT switch(es) for the desired
channel(s) selected in step 1 to MANUAL.

3

Turn the MIC LEVEL control, and adjust so that the
audio level meter shows up to –20 dB for a normal
input volume.

• The 9 bars from the bottom among 17 bars go on
with the normal input volume.

• The second top bar may turn on occasionally, but do
not allow the top bar to go on. If it goes on, the audio
level is too high.

Using the LEVEL controls

You can select the audio level controls to be used to adjust
the level of the front microphone on the AUDIO-3 page of
the MAINTENANCE menu.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Audio
level to
CH-1

Audio
level to
CH-2

At the factory
setting

MIC LEVEL
control

MIC LEVEL
control

Example 1 Example 2

LEVEL (CH-1)
control

LEVEL (CH-2)
control

The MIC LEVEL
control is linked
with LEVEL
(CH-1) control.

The MIC LEVEL
control is linked
with LEVEL
(CH-2) control.

Adjusting the Audio Level

63

Note

When you have operation of the MIC LEVEL control and
LEVEL (CH-1/CH-2) controls linked together, if the
LEVEL (CH-1/CH-2) controls are set to 0, the audio
signals on channels 1 and 2 cannot be recorded. Check the
position of the LEVEL (CH-1/CH-2) controls before
adjusting the MIC LEVEL control.

4-4-3 Input level of audio channels CH-3 and CH-4

The levels of the audio signals recorded in audio channels
CH-3 and CH-4 are automatically adjusted or fixed. You
cannot adjust them manually.
You can select the audio signal to be recorded in audio
channels CH-3 and CH-4 using the AUDIO IN CH-3 and
CH-4 switches.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

To adjust the audio recording level

Set AU CH34 AGC MODE on the AUDIO-2 page of the
MAINTENANCE menu as follows:

For automatic adjustment: Set to STREO or MONO.
To fix t h e l e vel: Set to OFF.

Note

The XLR connector automatic detection function does not
affect audio signals recorded on audio channels CH-3 and
CH-4.

F: The audio signal from the front

microphone is recorded.

4-5 Setting the Time Data

4-5-1 Setting the Time Code

The time code setting range is from 00 : 00 : 00 : 00 to 23
: 59 : 59 : 29 (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) for the
DVW-970, and from 00 : 00 : 00 : 00 to 23 : 59 : 59 : 24 for
the DVW-970P.

To set the time code, proceed as follows:

HOLD button

RESET button

1
4
2

3,5

CUE IN

CH-1

MIX

CH-2

R: The audio signal input to the AUDIO

IN CH1 connector is recorded.

W: The audio signal of the wireless

microphone is recorded.

F: Same as with the CH-3 switch.

R: The audio signal input to the AUDIO

IN CH2 connector is recorded.

W: Same as with the CH-3 switch.

Audio signals to be recorded on audio channels 3 and 4

Setting the time code

1

Set the DISPLAY switch to TC.

2

Set the PRESET/REGEN/CLOCK switch to PRESET.

3

Set the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch to SET.

The first (leftmost) digit of time code flashes.

4

Using the SHIFT and ADVANCE buttons, set the time
code.

SHIFT: Selects a digit to set. Each time you press the

button, the flashing digit moves one column to the
right.
Pressing this button while holding down the HOLD
button moves the flashing digit one to the left.

ADVANCE: Increments the value of the flashing

digit.
Pressing this button while holding down the HOLD
button decrements the flashing digit.

Setting the Time Data

64

To reset the time code value to 00:00:00:00

Press the RESET button.

5

Set the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch to F-RUN or R­RUN.

F-RUN: Free run. The time code generator keeps

running.

R-RUN: Recording run. The time code generator runs

only while recording.

To set the drop frame mode/non-drop frame mode
(only for the DVW-970)

You can select the drop frame (DF) mode or non-drop
frame (NDF) mode on the FUNCTION 1 page of the
USER menu or OPERATION menu or on the TIMECODE
page of the MAINTENANCE menu.

To make the time code consecutive

When the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch is set to R-RUN,
recording a number of scenes on the tape normally
produces consecutive time code. However, once you
remove the tape and record on another tape, the time code
will no longer be contiguous when you use again the
original tape for recording. In this case, to make the time
code consecutive, proceed as follows:

4-5-3 Setting the User Bits

By setting the user bits (up to 8 hexadecimal digits), you
can record user information such as the date, time, or scene
number on the time code track.

To set the user bits, proceed as follows:

HOLD button

RESET button

1
4

2,5

CUE IN

CH-1

MIX

3

CH-2

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

1

Set the PRESET/REGEN/CLOCK switch to REGEN.

2

Use the PLAY buttons to play back.

3

Watching the playback, find the point of the previous
recording on the tape from which you wish to continue
recording, and press the STOP button.

4

Press the RET button on the lens.

This reads the previous recording and synchronizes the
internal time code generator, thus allowing the new
time code recorded to follow on consecutively.

4-5-2 Saving the Actual Time in the Time Code

Setting the PRESET/REGEN/CLOCK switch to CLOCK
saves the actual time in the time code.
When it is necessary to set the actual time, use the TIME/
DATE page of the DIAGNOSIS menu.

For details, see “5-3-6 Setting the Date/Time of the
Internal Clock” on page 90.

Setting the user bits

1

Set the DISPLAY switch to DATA.

2

Set the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch to SET.

3

Set the DATA DISPLAY switch to U-BIT.

4

Set the user bits by using the SHIFT and ADVANCE
buttons.

SHIFT: Selects a digit to set. Each time you press the

button, the flashing digit moves one column to the
right. Pressing this button while holding down the
HOLD button moves the flashing digit one to the
left.

ADVANCE: Increments the value of the flashing

digit. Pressing this button while holding down the
HOLD button decrements the flashing digit.

Hexadecimal digits A to F are displayed as follows:

Hexadecimal A B C D E F

Display AbCdEF

To reset the user bit data to 00:00:00:00

Press the RESET button.

Setting the Time Data

65

5

Set the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch to F-RUN or R­RUN, corresponding to the desired operating mode for
the time code generator.

The set user bit data will be recorded for both LTC and
VITC.

To store the user bit setting in memory

The user bit setting (apart from the real time) is
automatically retained in memory even when the power is
turned off.

4-5-4 Synchronizing the Time Code

Example 2: Interconnecting a number of camcorders
for time code synchronization

TEST OUT

TC OUT

Reference camcorder

TC IN

GENLOCK IN

TEST OUT

1)

TC OUT

You can synchronize the internal time code generator of
this camcorder with an external generator for the
regeneration of an external time code. You can also
synchronize the time code generators of other camcorders/
VTRs with the internal generator of this camcorder.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

Connections for time code
synchronization

Connect both the reference video signal and the external
time code as illustrated below.

Example 1: Synchronizing with an external time code

GENLOCK IN

1)

Reference video signal

GENLOCK IN

TEST OUT

To another camcorder to be synchronized

1) Set GENLOCK to ON on the GENLOCK page of the
MAINTENANCE menu, if GENLOCK is set to OFF.

1)

TC IN

TC OUT

Procedure for time code synchronization

To synchronize the time code, proceed as follows:

4

1

3

2

Setting the Time Data

66

TC IN

1) Set GENLOCK to ON on the GENLOCK page of the
MAINTENANCE menu, if GENLOCK is set to OFF.

External time code

Synchronizing the time code

1

Turn on the POWER switch.

2

Set the PRESET/REGEN/CLOCK switch to PRESET.

3

Set the F-RUN/SET/R-RUN switch to F-RUN.

4

Set the DISPLAY switch to TC.

5

Supply a time code signal and a reference video signal
complying with the SMPTE (for the DVW-970) or
EBU (for the DVW-970P) standard and in proper
phase relationship, to the TC IN connector and to the
GENLOCK IN connector, respectively.

This operation synchronizes the internal time code
generator with the external time code. After about 10
seconds, you can disconnect the external time code
without losing the synchronization. However, there
will be noise on the recorded image if you connect or
disconnect the time code signal during recording.

Notes

• When you finish the above procedure, the internal time
code is immediately synchronized with the external time
code and the counter display will show the value of the
external time code. However, wait for a few seconds
until the sync generator stabilizes before recording.

• If the frequency of the reference video signal is not the
same as the frame frequency of the camcorder, the
camera cannot be correctly genlocked. In such a case, the
internal time code is not correctly synchronized with the
external time code.

• When the GENLOCK ON/OFF item is set to “OFF” on
the GENLOCK page of the MAINTENANCE menu, the
time code cannot be synchronized with the reference
video signal. In this case, set the GENLOCK item to
“ON” on the GENLOCK page of the MAINTENANCE
menu.

Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for Recording

User bit settings during time code
synchronization

When the time code is synchronized, only the time data is
synchronized with the external time code value. Therefore,
the user bits can have their own settings for each
camcorder.
To synchronize the user bits with external user bit data, set
the EXT-LK UBIT item on the TIME CODE page of the
MAINTENANCE menu to “EXT.”

To release the time code synchronization

First disconnect the external time code, then set the F­RUN/SET/R-RUN switch to R-RUN.

To change the power supply from the battery
pack to an external power supply during time
code synchronization

To maintain a continuous power supply, connect the
external power supply to the DC IN connector before
removing the battery pack. You may lose time code
synchronization if you remove the battery pack first.

Camera synchronization during time code
synchronization

During time code synchronization, the camera is
genlocked to the reference video signal input from the
GENLOCK IN connector.

Setting the Time Data

67

Menu Displays and
Detailed Settings

5-1 Menu Organization and Operation

5-1-1 Menu Organization

The following shows the organization of menus that you
can use to make various settings and adjustments.

TOP menu

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

USER submenu

USER MENU CUSTOMIZE submenu

ALL submenu

• OPERATION submenu

• PAINT submenu

• MAINTENANCE submenu

• FILE submenu

• DIAGNOSIS submenu

1) In this manual, the USER menu consisting of items and pages registered at
the factory is used. You use the USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu to add
or delete pages according to how the camcorder is being used.

2) This menu appears only when the CBK-SD01 is installed.

For details, see “5-1-3 Editing the USER Menu” on page

71.

TOP menu

The menus of the camcorder are composed of submenus
classified into categories according to the frequency of use,

1)

OUTPUT page
TEST OUT page
FUNCTION 1 page
VF DISP 1 page
VF DISP 2 page
! LED page
MARKER 1 page
GAIN SW page
VF SETTING page
AUTO IRIS page
SHOT ID page
SHOT DISP page
SET STATUS page
LENS FILE page
USER FILE page

Just as with the USER
submenu, each submenu
is composed of pages. On
these pages you can
make various settings
and adjustments. Some
pages have a window for
more settings. This
manual refers to these
submenus as the menu.

2)

Chapter

purpose of use and so on. The TOP menu allows you to
select the desired submenus.

To display the TOP menu screen

While holding down the MENU knob, set the MENU ON/
OFF switch from the OFF position to the ON position.

<TOP MENU>

USER
USER MENU CUSTOMIZE
ALL
OPERATION
PAINT
MAINTENANCE
FILE
DIAGNOSIS

Note

Depending on the internal switch settings, display of the
TOP menu may be disabled.

For details, ask your Sony service representative.

5

Submenus selected in the TOP menu

These are the following menus.

• USER menu

This menu includes monitor output settings, viewfinder
settings, and commonly used functions. This menu is
normally displayed when the MENU ON/OFF switch is
changed to ON.

• USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu

This menu allows you to add pages to or delete pages from
the USER menu to suit your needs.

• ALL menu

This menu contains all items of the OPERATION menu,
PAINT menu, MAINTENANCE menu, FILE menu and
DIAGNOSIS menu.

• OPERATION menu

This menu contains items for changing settings according
to conditions related to the subject when the camcorder is
being operated.

Menu Organization and Operation

68

• PAINT menu

This menu contains items for making detailed image
adjustments while using a waveform monitor to monitor
the waveforms output by the camera. Support of a video
engineer is usually required to use this menu. Although
you can also use an external remote control panel or master
setup unit to set the items on this menu, this menu is
effective when using the camcorder by itself outdoors.

• MAINTENANCE menu

This menu contains items for performing camera
maintenance operations, such as changing the system or
using infrequently used “paint” items.

• FILE menu

This menu is for performing file operations, such as
writing the reference file.

• DIAGNOSIS menu

This menu enables you to confirm the VTR status or
identify a failed circuit board.

Returning to the TOP menu from other
menus

There are two methods.

• Align the
menu page, and press the MENU knob.

• Push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch down to the
ESCAPE position repeatedly until the TOP menu
appears.

b mark with “TOP” at the top right of the

CANCEL/PRST/
ESCAPE switch

MENU knob

Controls used for the basic use of the menu operations

MENU ON/OFF switch

Cover of the menu
operating section

This section explains operations on the USER menu. But
the operations are the same as those on menus other than
the USER menu. Also, if the optional extension boards are
not installed in your camcorder, some items on the USER
menu pages are not displayed.

Proceed as follows:

1

Switch the MENU ON/OFF switch from OFF to ON.

A USER menu page normally appears.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

5-1-2 Basic Menu Operations

When you open the cover of the menu operating section,
the MENU ON/OFF switch appears. If the MENU ON/
OFF switch is set to ON, the menu is displayed on the
viewfinder screen. Closing the cover automatically sets the
MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF.

Example:

(For the DVW-970P, the DF/NDF item is not included.)

U03 FUNCTION1

TURBO SW TURBO

CACHE/INTVAL REC

If the USER menu has been used before, the last
accessed page appears. In this case, go to step 2.
If this is the first time the USER menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page of the USER menu
appears. In this case, follow the procedure below.

1 Turn the MENU knob to move the

b mark to the

desired page number.

Menu Organization and Operation

69

This indicates that the
menu screen can be
scrolled downwards.

This indicates that the
menu screen can be
scrolled upwards.

b mark

01.OUTPUT

02.TEST OUT

03.FUNCTION1

04.VF DISP 1

05.VF DISP 2

06.`!'LED

07.MARKER

08.GAIN SW

09.VF SETTING

10.AUTO IRIS

Turn the MENU knob clockwise as seen from the front
of the camera.
As turning the MENU knob, the setting increases or
decreases one step by one step.
If you turn the knob quickly, the numeric value
changes rapidly. If you turn it slowly, you can make
minute adjustments.

To toggle a setting on or off

To decrease a setting value

2 Press the MENU knob.

Turn the MENU knob clockwise or counterclockwise.
Each turning operation of the knob toggles the ON and

The selected page is displayed.

OFF settings.

Go to step 4.

To cancel the setting/to reset the setting to the initial

2

Turn the MENU knob until the desired page appears.

setting

You can cancel the setting and reset it to its initial value

3

Press the MENU knob.

(one set at the factory, or preset value) by pushing the
CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch to CANCEL/

b mark appears on the left of the item currently

A
selected on the page.

PRST before pushing the MENU knob in step 7.
When the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch is set to
CANCEL/PRST, the message CANCEL? appears. To
cancel the previous setting, push the CANCEL/PRST/
ESCAPE switch to CANCEL/PRST again.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

To reset the setting to the initial value, push the
CANCEL/PRST/ESCAPE switch to CANCEL/PRST
a third time. The message PRESET? appears. To reset
to the initial setting, push the CANCEL/PRST/
ESCAPE switch to CANCEL/PRST once more.

4

Turn the move MENU knob to move the b mark to the
desired item.

The action of the CANCEL/PRST function differs for
some setting items. Some items are only affected by

• Turning the MENU knob counterclockwise as seen
from the front of the camera moves the

b mark up

PRST. Check the setting procedure for each item for
more information.

continuously.

• Turning the MENU knob clockwise as seen from the
front of the camera moves the

b mark down

continuously.

To interrupt changing the settings

By setting the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF, the
menu disappears from the screen. By setting the
MENU ON/OFF switch to ON again, the values that

5

Press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

were displayed when you interrupted the setting
operations will reappear so you can continue making
settings.

7

Press the MENU knob.

6

Turn the MENU knob to change the setting.

To increase a setting value

Turn the MENU knob counterclockwise as seen from
the front of the camera.

Menu Organization and Operation

70

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark. The setting is confirmed.

8

To continue setting other items in the same page,
repeat steps from 4 to 7.

To move to another page

Proceed as follows:

1

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the page
number, then press the MENU knob.
If the

b mark is placed at a position other than the page

number, push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch
to ESCAPE.

A ? mark appears in front of the page number. The
camcorder is now in page selecting mode.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the desired page appears.

3

Press the MENU knob when the desired page appears.

To end menu operations

You can end menu operations using the following two
methods:

• Turn the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF.

• Close the cover of the menu operating section. When you
close the cover, the MENU ON/OFF switch is set to OFF
automatically.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen, and the
display indicating the current status of the camcorder
appears along the top and bottom of the screen (when the
viewfinder DISPLAY switch is set to ON or the VF DISP
item on the VF DISP 1 page of the USER menu is set to
“ON”).

E00 CONTENTS

01.EDIT PAGE

02.USER 1 EDIT

03.USER 2 EDIT

04.USER 3 EDIT

05.USER 4 EDIT

06.USER 5 EDIT

07.USER 6 EDIT

08.USER 7 EDIT

09.USER 8 EDIT

10.USER 9 EDIT

TOP

If the USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu has been
used before, the last accessed page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to one of USER 1 EDIT to

USER 19 EDIT and ASSIGN SEL EDIT, then press
the MENU knob to display the page.

If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the desired page appears, then press the MENU
knob to select the page.

Example: When you select the USER 2 EDIT page

E02 USER 2 EDIT

TOP

For details of the viewfinder display, see “5-2-2 Selecting
the Display Items” on page 77.

5-1-3 Editing the USER Menu

The USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu allows you to
configure a USER menu that consists only of pages and
items that you need by adding, deleting or replacing the
pages.

Adding a new page

The USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu allows you to add
a new page to the USER menu.
While the EDIT page contains factory-preset items, the
USER 1 EDIT to USER 19 EDIT pages and the ASSIGN
SEL EDIT page are all blank in their initial state. You can
register up to 10 items, including blank lines, on each of
these pages.

To add a new page, proceed as follows:

1

While holding down the MENU knob, move the
MENU ON/OFF switch from the OFF position to the
ON position.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “USER
MENU CUSTOMIZE,” then press the MENU knob.

If this is the first time the USER MENU CUSTOMIZE
menu has been displayed, the CONTENTS page of the
menu appears.

4

Move the b mark to the item to be added (this
operation is unnecessary, if no item exists on the page
as shown in the figure for step 3), then press the
MENU knob.

The EDIT FUNCTION display appears.

EDIT FUNCTION

INSERT
MOVE
DELETE
BLANK

5

Move the b mark to “INSERT,” and press the MENU

ESC

knob.

The page for the last added item appears.

6

Add the items.

P25 BLACK/FLARE

MASTER BLACK : 0
R BLACK : 0
B BLACK : 0
MASTER FLARE : 0
R FLARE : 0
G FLARE : 0
B FLARE : 0
FLARE : ON

TEST OUT SELECT : ENC

ESC

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Menu Organization and Operation

71

1 Turn the MENU knob until the page that has the

desired items appears, then press the MENU knob.

2 Turn the MENU knob to move the

desired item, then press the MENU knob.

b mark to the

The previously displayed page appears again.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the
position where you want to move the item, then press
the MENU knob.

The USER 2 EDIT page appears again, displaying the
newly added item.

7

Add the remaining items by repeating steps 4 to 6.

You can add up to 10 items on one page.

To delete items from a page by using the
CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch

You can delete items from any of the USER 1 EDIT to
USER 19 EDIT pages.
Proceed as follows:

1

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
to be deleted.

2

Push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch to
CANCEL/PRST.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

The message “PRESET DATA OK?” appears.

3

Push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch to
CANCEL/PRST again.

The item is deleted.

To delete items from a page by using the menu

Proceed as follows:

1

Move the b mark to the item to be deleted, and press
the MENU knob.

The EDIT FUNCTION page appears.

2

Select “DELETE,” and press the MENU knob.

The previously displayed page appears again, and the
message “DELETE OK? YES
upper right.

b NO” appears at the

E02 USER 1 EDIT

WHITE<B>CH : AWB

TEST OUT MENU : OFF

OFFSET WHITE <A>: OFF
WARM COOL <A>: 3200
COLOR FINE <A>: 0
MASTER BLACK : 0

The item selected in step 1 moves to the position that
you selected in step 3.
In the above example, “MASTER BLACK” is moved
to the top and the other items are moved down one line.

To insert a blank line

You can insert a blank line above the selected item.
Proceed as follows:

1

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
above which you want to insert a blank line.

The EDIT FUNCTION page appears.

2

Select “BLANK,” and press the MENU knob.

The previously displayed page appears again, and a
blank line is inserted above the specified item.

Note

You cannot insert a blank line on a page where 10 items
have already been registered.

TOP

Adding/deleting/replacing pages

You can add a new page to the USER menu, delete a page
from the USER menu or replace pages, using the EDIT
PAGE of the USER MENU CUSTOMIZE menu.

To add a page

Proceed as follows:

3

To delete, turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“YES,” and press the MENU knob.

To change the order of the items on a page

Proceed as follows:

1

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
to be replaced, then press the MENU knob.

The EDIT FUNCTION page appears.

2

Select MOVE, then press the MENU knob.

Menu Organization and Operation

72

1

While holding down the MENU knob, move the
MENU ON/OFF switch from the OFF position to the
ON position.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “USER
MENU CUSTOMIZE,” then press the MENU knob.

If this is the first time the USER MENU CUSTOMIZE
menu has been displayed, the CONTENTS page of the
menu appears. If the menu has been used before, the
last accessed page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “EDIT PAGE,” then press

the MENU knob to display the EDIT PAGE screen.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the EDIT PAGE screen appears, then press the
MENU knob to select the page.

EDIT PAGE

E01 EDIT PAGE

01.OUTPUT

02.TEST OUT

03.FUNCTION 1

04.VF DISP 1

05.VF DISP 2

06.'!'LED

07.MARKER 1

08.GAIN SW

09.VF SETTING

10.AUTO IRIS

TOP

2

Push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch to
CANCEL/PRST.

The message “DELETE PAGE OK?” appears.

E01 EDIT PAGE
DELETE PAGE OK ?

01.OUTPUT

02.TEST OUT

03.FUNCTION 1

04.VF DISP 1

05.VF DISP 2

06.'!'LED

07.MARKER 1

08.GAIN SW

09.VF SETTING

10.AUTO IRIS

3

Push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch to
CANCEL/PRST again.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to where
you want to add the page, then press the MENU knob.

The EDIT FUNCTION display appears.

EDIT FUNCTION

INSERT
MOVE
DELETE
BLANK

5

Select INSERT, and press the MENU knob.

ESC

The selection screen appears.

CONTENTS

01.USER PAGE 1

02.USER PAGE 2

03.USER PAGE 3

04.USER PAGE 4

05.USER PAGE 5

06.USER PAGE 6

07.USER PAGE 7

08.USER PAGE 8

09.USER PAGE 9

6

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the

ESC

desired page, then press the MENU knob.

In the above example, the VF DISP 1 page is deleted.

To delete a page by using the menu

Proceed as follows:

1

On the EDIT PAGE screen of the USER MENU
CUSTOMIZE menu, move the

b mark to the page to

be deleted, and press the MENU knob.

The EDIT FUNCTION page appears.

2

Select DELETE, and press the MENU knob.

The previously displayed page appears again, and the
message “DELETE OK?” appears at the upper right.

3

To delete, turn the menu knob to move the b mark to
“YES,” and press the MENU knob.

To change the order of pages

Proceed as follows:

1

Display the EDIT PAGE screen of the USER MENU
CUSTOMIZE menu. Turn the MENU knob to move
the

b mark to the page that you want to move.

The EDIT FUNCTION page appears.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

This adds the number and name of the selected page
above the item selected in step 4.

To cancel adding a page

Before pressing the MENU knob in step 6, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “ESC” at the top right of the

screen, then press the MENU knob.
The EDIT PAGE screen appears again.

To delete a page by using the CANCEL/PRST /
ESCAPE switch

Proceed as follows:

1

Open the EDIT PAGE and turn the MENU knob to
move the

b mark to the page to be deleted.

2

Select MOVE, then press the MENU knob.

The EDIT PAGE screen appears again.

3

Turn MENU knob to move the b mark to the position
to where you want to move the page selected in step 1.

E01 EDIT PAGE
PUSH TO PAGE INSERT

01.OUTPUT

02.TEST OUT

03.FUNCTION 1

04.VF DISP 1

05.'!'LED

06.MARKER 1

07.GAIN SW

08.VF SETTING

09.AUTO IRIS

4

Press the MENU knob.

Menu Organization and Operation

73

The page selected in step 1 is moved to the position
selected in step 3.
In the above example, “AUTO IRIS” moves to the “04”
position and the “VF DISP 1” and following items
move down one line.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Menu Organization and Operation

74

5-2 Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

The viewfinder screen displays not only the video picture
but also characters and messages indicating the camcorder
settings and operating status, a center marker, a safety zone
marker, etc.
When the MENU ON/OFF switch is set to OFF and the
DISPLAY switch is set to ON, the items for which an
“ON” setting was made in the VF DISP1 page of the USER
menu or with related switches are displayed at the top and

For information about the display item selection, see “5-2­2 Selecting the Display Items” on page 77.
For information about setting change and adjustment
progress messages, see “5-2-3 Display Modes and Setting
Change Confirmation/Adjustment Progress Messages” on
page 78.
For information about marker display, see “5-2-4 Setting
the Marker Display” on page 79.

bottom of the screen. The messages that give details of the
settings and adjustment progress and results can also be
made to appear for about 3 seconds while settings are
being changed, during adjustment, and after adjustment.

5-2-1 Layout of the Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

All items that can be displayed on the viewfinder screen
are shown below.

a Extender

b Zoom position

c Color temperature

d UHF wireless microphone reception level

e DC IN / battery voltage or remaining capacity

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

w 16:9 mode

v Model name and serial number

u Date and time

t ID number
s Time code

r D5600 indication

7, 8, w;, wa and ws appear only when color bars are displayed.

16:9

DVW-9 70

D5600

p White balance memory

q Filter

Status display on the viewfinder

a Extender

“EX” is displayed when a lens extender is used.

AWB

1
2

n Shutter speed

o Gain

EM

f Essence mark indication
g * indicator
h 16:9 mode recording indicator

i Setting change and adjustment progress

message display area

j Operation/error message display area

k Iris setting/auto iris override

l Remaining tape

m Audio level

b Zoom position

This indicator appears only when you use a lens that has a
zoom position display function. It indicates the
approximate position of the variator

1)

of the zoom lens,

between wide angle and telephoto.

1) Variator
A group of lenses that are moved to adjust the focal length.

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

75

c Color temperature

This indicates the currently selected color temperature.

d UHF wireless microphone reception level

This indicates reception level of the wireless microphone
when the UHF wireless microphone is attached, using four
x which appear at the right of “W.” When four x are lit,
the receiving condition is good.

e DC IN / battery voltage or remaining capacity

This shows the battery voltage or remaining capacity of an
internal battery pack.
When the power is supplied from an AC adaptor connected
to the DC IN connector, “DC IN” appears.
When the DISP BATT REMAIN item is set to “INT” on
the VF DISP 2 page of the USER menu, the battery voltage
is not indicated. However, when the Anton Bauer
intelligent battery system or the BP-GL65/GL95/L60S
battery pack is used, the remaining battery capacity is
automatically detected and indicated as a percentage even
when the DISP BATT REMAIN item is set to “OFF.” The
indicated value changes in steps of 10%.

• Until the remaining battery capacity is reduced to 40%,
the indications MAX, 90%, 80%...40% are displayed for

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

3 seconds in the viewfinder each time the remaining
battery capacity reduces by 10%.

• When the remaining battery capacity is less than 40%,
the indication is displayed all the time.

• When the remaining battery capacity is less than 10%
the indication flashes. When the remaining battery
capacity is reduced further, the LOW indication flashes.

1) This value can be set to either 10% or 20% on the FUNCTION 2 page of
the OPERATION menu.

f Essence mark indication

This appears when an essence mark has been recorded.

Also, the auto iris override is displayed using bars which
appear in the upper and lower parts to the left of the F
number respectively.

For details, see “Changing the Reference Value for
Automatic Iris Adjustment” on page 60.

l Remaining tape

This indicator indicates the remaining tape recording time
(in minutes) of the VTR.

Examples of remaining disc recording time indication

Indication Remaining disc recording time

F – 30 Full to 30 minutes

30 – 25 30 to 25 minutes

25 – 20 25 to 20 minutes

20 – 15 20 to 15 minutes

15 – 10 15 to 10 minutes

10 – 5 10 to 5 minutes

5 – 0 5 to 2 minutes

5 – 0 (flashing) 2 to 0 minute

m Audio level

These indicate the level of audio channel 1 and channel 2.
The peak indication of the VTR level meter is related as

1)

follows to the audio level when an 1-kHz sine wave is

,

input.

Audio channel 1
level indicator

Audio channel 2
level indicator

VTR level meter
indicator

1
2

g * indicator

This flashes when the color bars are displayed and is
recorded together with the color bars.

h 16:9 mode recording indicator

This indicates recording in the 16:9 mode. This indicator is
recorded together with the color bars.

i Setting change and adjustment progress message
display area

For details, see “5-2-3 Display Modes and Setting Change
Confirmation/Adjustment Progress Messages” on page 78.

j Operation/error message display area

For details, see “Operation/error messages” on page 128.

k Iris setting/auto iris override

This indicates the f-stop (iris setting) of the lens.

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

76

n Shutter speed

This indicates the shutter speed or the shutter mode.
However, if the SHUTTER selector is set to OFF, nothing
is displayed.

1/100 (DVW-970) or 1/60 (DVW-970P), 1/125, 1/250,

1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000: Shutter speed (in seconds) in

standard mode

ECS: ECS mode
EVS: EVS mode
1F to 8F, 16F: Number of frames in SLS mode

o Gain

This indicates the gain of the video amplifier, as set by the
GAIN selector.

p White balance memory

This indicates the currently selected white balance
automatic adjustment memory.

A: Displayed when the WHITE BAL switch is set to A.
B: Displayed when the WHITE BAL switch is set to B.

P: Displayed when the WHITE BAL switch is set to PRST

or when the preset button on the RM-B150/B750 has
been pushed.

T: Displayed when ATW is being used.

q Filter

This indicates the currently selected filter types.

r D5600 indication

This appears when the electric 5600K color temperature
filter function has been activated on the FUNCTION 2
page of the MAINTENANCE menu.

s Time code

This indicates the time code, user bits or other information
selected by the DISPLAY switch and DATA DISPLAY
switch settings.

For more information, see “Relationships between the
DISPLAY switch and DATA DISPLAY switch settings and
the time counter displays” on page 30.

t ID number

This indicates the ID number selected from ID 1 to ID 4.
The ID number is recorded together with the color bars.

u Date and time

This indicates the date and time of recording, which are
recorded together with the color bars.

v Model name and serial number

This indicates the model name and serial number of the
camcorder, which are recorded together with the color
bars.

w 16:9 mode

This indicates the 16:9 mode.

5-2-2 Selecting the Display Items

To select the items to be displayed on the viewfinder screen
from the VF DISP 1 and VF DISP 2 pages of the USER
menu, turn on or off the indication next to each item.

To select the items to be displayed on the viewfinder
screen, proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the VF DISP 1 or VF DISP
2 page appears, and press the MENU knob to select the
page.

The current setting is displayed on the right of each
item.

VF DISP 1 page

U04 VF DISP 1

VF DISP : ON
VF DISP MODE : 3
DISP EXTENDER : ON
DISP FILTER : ON
DISP WHITE : ON
DISP GAIN : ON
DISP SHUTTER : ON
DISP AUDIO : ON
DISP TAPE : ON
DISP IRIS : ON

You can select the following items to be displayed on
the screen on the VF DISP 1 or VF DISP 2 page.

VF DISP 1 page

Item Description

VF DISP Turning on or off the viewfinder

VF DISP MODE

DISP EXTENDER Extender indicator

DISP FILTER Types of the ND and CC filters

DISP WHITE White balance memory indicator

DISP GAIN Gain indicator

DISP SHUTTER Shutter speed and ECS mode

DISP AUDIO Audio level indicator

DISP TAPE Remaining tape indicator

DISP IRIS Iris opening indicator

1) The viewfinder display can be also turned on or off by using the
DISPLAY switch on the viewfinder.

2) For detailed information on the display mode, see “5-2-3 Display

Modes and Setting Change Confirmation/Adjustment Progress
Messages” on page 78.

1)

display

Selecting the display mode

indicator

VF DISP 2 page

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

2)

Item Description

DISP ZOOM Zoom position indicator

DISP COLOR
TEMP.

CANCEL/PRST /
ESCAPE switch

MENU ON/OFF switchMENU knob

DISP BATT
REMAIN

1)

Displays the color temperature.

Displays the battery voltage/
remaining capacity of an internal
battery pack or an external battery
connected to the DC IN
connector.

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

77

Item Description

DISP DC IN Displayed when the power is

DISP 16:9/4:3 ID Displays the 16:9/4:3 mode

DISP WRR RF LVL Displays the reception level of the

DISP E. MARK IND Displayed when an essence mark

DISP TIME CODE Displays the time code.

DISP VIDEO RATE Displays the recording video

1) When an Anton Bauer Intelligent Battery System or the BP-GL65/
GL95/L60S battery pack is used, the setting of this item determines
the display as follows:
INT: The remaining battery capacity is shown as a percentage when

there is a change, and when the capacity is low.

AUT O: The remaining battery capacity is shown as a percentage,

except that when this is impossible the battery voltage appears.

VOLT: The battery voltage is shown.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item

supplied from an external battery
connected to the DC IN
connector.

indicator.

wireless microphone.

has been recorded.

signal rate.

you want to set, and press the MENU knob.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to select whether the selected
item should appear in the viewfinder display (the
“ON” setting), or not appear (the “OFF” setting), and
press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

Note that pressing the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE
switch to CANCEL/PRST on this page has no effect.

5

To set another item to “ON” or “OFF,” repeat steps 3
and 4.

6

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen, and

5-2-3 Display Modes and Setting Change Confirmation/Adjustment Progress Messages

You can limit or suppress the messages that give details of
setting changes and adjustment progress and results by
setting a display mode.
The conditions under which messages are displayed and
their correspondence with the display mode are as follows:

Setting change confirmation/adjustment progress messages

Y: Message is displayed.
N: Message is not displayed.

Message
display
condition

When the filter
selection has
been changed

When the gain
setting has been
changed

When the
setting of the
WHITE BAL
switch has been
changed

When the
OUTPUT/DCC
selector has
been set to DCC
ON or OFF

When the
shutter speed
and mode
setting has been

changed

When the black
or white balance
has been

adjusted

1) This is also displayed for about 3 seconds when the SHUTTER selector is
set to ON.

2) For details, see “4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance”
on page 53.

1)

2)

and display modes

Message Display

ND : n, CC : m
(where n = 1, 2, 3, 4,
m = A, B, C, D)

GAIN : n (where n =
–3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB,
9 dB,12 dB, 18 dB, 24 dB,
30 dB, 36 dB, 42 dB,
48 dB)

WHITE : n
(where n = A CH, B CH,
PRESET)
or ATW : RUN

DCC : ON (or OFF) N Y Y

SS : 1/100 (DVW-970) or
1/60 (DVW-970P)
(or 1/125, 1/250, 1/500,
1/1000, 1/2000, ECS,
SLS)

E.g. AWB : OK N Y Y

mode setting

1 2 3

NNY

NNY

NNY

NYY

the display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
screen.

Changing the display mode

The currently set display mode appears on the VF DISP 1
page of the USER menu. To change it, proceed as follows:

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

78

1

Follow steps 1 and 2 in “5-2-2 Selecting the Display
Items” (page 77), until the VF DISP 1 page of the

USER menu appears on the screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “VF
DISPLAY MODE,” and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “VF DISPLAY MODE”

changes to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

3

Turn the MENU knob until the desired display mode
appears, and press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

4

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

5-2-4 Setting the Marker Display

Use the MARKER 1 page of the USER menu to switch the
display of the center and safety zone markers on or off and
to select whether the area indicated by the safety zone
marker is 80%, 90% or 100% of the screen area.

Item Description

MARKER Not to display all markers, set to OFF.

CENTER To display the center marker, set to ON.

SAFETY
ZONE

SAFETY
AREA

ASPECT To display the aspect marker, set to ON.

ASPECT
SELECT

ASPECT

1)

MASK

ASPECT
MASK LVL

100%
MARKER

1) The ASPECT MASK item is for processing the signal to be output to
the viewfinder. When R, G, or B is selected for the TEST OUT
SELECT item from the menu, the same video signal is output to the
viewfinder and the TEST OUT connector. Thus, when the ASPECT
MASK item is set to “ON” with R/G/B selected, the masked video
signal is output to the TEST OUT connector.

3

Perform the settings for each item.

To display the safety zone, set to ON.

To select the safety zone range (80%,
90%, 92.5% or 95%), when SAFETY
ZONE is set to ON.

To select the type (4:3, 13:9, 14:9) of
the aspect marker.

To make the areas out of the selected
aspect marker dimmer, set to ON.

To set the mask level (1/2, 1/4 or 1/8),
when the ASPECT MASK is set to ON.

To display the effective pixel area, set to
ON.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

CANCEL/PRST /
ESCAPE switch

MENU knob MENU ON/OFF switch

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the MARKER 1 page
appears, and press the MENU knob to select the page.

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

MARKER 1 page

U07 MARKER 1

MARKER : OFF

CENTER : OFF
SAFETY ZONE : OFF
SAFETY AREA : 90%
ASPECT : OFF
ASPECT SELECT : 4:3
ASPECT MASK : OFF
ASPECT MASK LVL : 1/4
100% MARKER : OFF

TOP

1 Turn the MENU knob to move the

b mark to the

item you want to set, and press MENU knob.

b mark on the left of the selected item changes

The
to the z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

2 Turn the MENU knob to change the setting, and

press the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of the selected item returns

b mark, and the ? mark on the left of the setting

to a
returns to a z mark.

4

To continue setting other items, repeat step 3.

5

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen, and
the display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
screen.

5-2-5 Setting the Viewfinder

You can set the following items on the MARKER 1
page.

Use the VF SETTING page of the USER menu to select
items related to the viewfinder.

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

79

Proceed as follows:

CANCEL/PRST /
ESCAPE switch

MENU knob MENU ON/OFF switch

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the VF SETTING page
appears, and press the MENU knob to select the page

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to change the setting, and press
the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

5

To continue setting other items, repeat steps 3 and 4.

6

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

The menu disappears from the screen, and the display
indicating the current status of the camcorder appears
along the top and bottom of the screen.

VF SETTING page

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Item Description

ZEBRA

ZEBRA SELECT Selects ZEBRA 1, ZEBRA 2 or

ZEBRA 1 DET. LVL Adjusts the level of the zebra 1

ZEBRA 1 APT. LVL Adjusts the aperture level of the

ZEBRA 2 DET. LVL Adjusts the level of the zebra 2

VF DETAIL LEVEL Adjusts the sharpness of the

VF ASPECT Selects the viewfinder aspect ratio

1) When you use the viewfinder which is not equipped with the ZEBRA
switch, turns the display on or off using this item. When you use the
viewfinder with the ZEBRA switch, the most recent operation of the
ZEBRA switch and this menu operation is effective.

2) The sharpness setting at the viewfinder does not affect the recorded
image.

3) When the VF ASPECT item is set to “AUTO,” this is linked to the
16:9/4:3 selection on the FORMAT page.

U09 VF SETTING

ZEBRA : OFF
ZEBRA SELECT : 1

ZEBRA1 DET.LEVEL: 70%
ZEBRA1 APT.LEVEL: 10%
ZEBRA2 DET.LEVEL: 100%

VF DETAIL LEVEL : OFF

VF ASPECT : AUTO

Turns the zebra display on or off.

BOTH.

(factory setting: 70%) display.

zebra 1 display (1 to 10 to 20).

(factory setting: 100%) display.

viewfinder.
Turns the VF detail function on or
off and adjusts the level.

(AUTO/16:9).

2)

3)

1)

5-2-6 Recording Shot Data Superimposed on the Color Bars

In the SHOT DISP page of the USER menu, you can select
which shot data is recorded superimposed on the color
bars. You can also select which of the shot IDs (1 to 4) set
in the SHOT DATA page is recorded superimposed on the
picture.

Proceed as follows:

CANCEL/PRST/
ESCAPE switch

MENU knob MENU ON/OFF switch

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the SHOT DISP page
appears, and press the MENU knob to select the page.

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

80

SHOT DISP page

U12 SHOT DISP

SHOT DATE : OFF
SHOT TIME : OFF
SHOT MODEL NAME : OFF
SHOT SERIAL NO : OFF
SHOT ID SEL : OFF
SHOT 16:9 ID : OFF
SHOT BLINK CHARA: OFF

Item Description

SHOT DATE Selects whether or not the shot date is

superimposed (ON or OFF).

SHOT TIME Selects whether or not shot time is

SHOT MODEL
NAME

SHOT SERIAL NOSelects whether or not the serial

SHOT ID SEL Selects whether or not the shot ID set

SHOT 16:9 ID Selects whether or not the 16:9 mode

SHOT BLINK
CHARA

1) To carry out superimposed recording, select the SHOT ID number (1
to 4). Not to carry out superimposed recording, select “OFF.”

superimposed (ON or OFF).

Selects whether or not the model name
is superimposed (ON or OFF).

number is superimposed (ON or OFF).

1)

on the SHOT ID
superimposed (1 to 4 or OFF).

indicator is superimposed (ON or OFF).

Selects whether or not the blinking * is
superimposed (ON or OFF).

page is

5-2-7 Setting the Shot ID

On the SHOT ID page of the USER menu, you can set a
shot ID of up to 12 alphanumeric characters, spaces, and
symbols.
When the OUTPUT/DCC switch is set to BARS, DCC
OFF, this shot ID is output with the color bar signal. The
shot ID comprises ID1 to ID4, and the setting can be
changed using the SHOT DISP page of the USER menu.
You can select the SHOT ID to be recorded superimposed
on the color bars on the SHOT DISP page.

Note

When the menu is displayed, the shot ID is not displayed
even if the color bar signal is output.

To set the shot ID, proceed as follows:

CANCEL/PRST /
ESCAPE switch

MENU knob

MENU ON/OFF switch

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to select whether or not to
record the selected item superimposed on the color
bars, and press the MENU knob.

The z mark on returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

5

To continue setting other items, repeat steps 3 and 4.

6

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

Carrying out superimposed recording

To actually record the items selected for superimposed
recording on the SHOT DISP page, set the OUTPUT/DCC
switch to BARS, DCC OFF.
The items selected for superimposed recording appear on
the screen and are recorded superimposed on the color
bars.

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the SHOT ID page
appears, and press the MENU knob to select the page.

SHOT ID page

U11 SHOT ID

ID-1 :
ID-2 :
ID-3 :
ID-4 :

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the ID

ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss

TOP

(one of ID-1 to ID-4) you want to set, and press the
MENU knob.

A x mark appears over the first character position in
the string, and characters can now be input.

U11 SHOT ID

ID-1 :?
ID-2 :
ID-3 :
ID-4 :

!#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
QRSTUVWXYZ[Y]abcdefghijk
lmnopqrstuvwxyz~
INS DEL RET ESC END

x
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss

TOP

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

81

4

Enter or change the shot ID.

When you are entering the whole shot ID, go to step

2.

1 Turn the MENU knob to move the x mark to the

2 Turn the MENU knob until the x mark moves to

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

5

Repeat step 4 for each of the remaining characters.

6

When the input is complete, turn the MENU knob to
move the x mark over “END,” then press the MENU
knob.

This ends the input, and returns to the original SHOT
ID page.

To insert a space

Proceed as follows:

1

In step 4 above, move the x mark over “INS,” and
press the MENU knob.

character which you want to change, then press the
MENU knob.

A character table appears.

U11 SHOT ID

ID-1 :?
ID-2 :
ID-3 :
ID-4 :

!#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
QRSTUVWXYZ[Y]abcdefghijk
lmnopqrstuvwxyz~
INS DEL RET ESC END

x
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss

TOP

the character position that you want to select, then
press the MENU knob.

Example: To input “+”

U11 SHOT ID

ID-1 :? +
ID-2 :
ID-3 :
ID-4 :

!#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
QRSTUVWXYZ[Y]abcdefghijk
lmnopqrstuvwxyz~
INS DEL RET ESC END

ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss

TOP

Space inserted

U11 SHOT ID

ID-1 : CM 015
ID-2 :
ID-3 :
ID-4 :

!#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
QRSTUVWXYZ[Y]abcdefghijk
lmnopqrstuvwxyz~

INS DEL RET ESC END

ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss

TOP

To delete a character
In step 4 of the procedure for setting the shot ID, move the

x mark over “DEL,” and press the MENU knob.
This deletes the character under the x mark in the shot ID
row.
To cancel deleting the character, move the x mark over
“RET,” and press the MENU knob.

To cancel entering or changing shot ID

Before executing step 6 of the procedure for setting the
shot ID, move the

b mark to “ESC” at the top right of the

screen, then press the MENU knob or push the CANCEL/
PRST / ESCAPE switch down to ESCAPE.
This cancels all changes, and returns to the SHOT ID page.

5-2-8 Displaying the Status Confirmation Windows

You can confirm the settings or status of the camcorder on
the screen by displaying the following three windows.

• ABNORMAL <!> window

• FUNCTION window

• AUDIO STATUS window

Indications on the windows

ABNORMAL <!> window

ABNORMAL<!>

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

!GAIN : ON 3dB
!SHUTTER : ON OFF
WHT PRESET : ON WB
ATW RUN : ON OFF
EXTENDER : ON OFF
!FILTER : OFF 1B
OVERRIDE : ON O

Move the x mark
over “INS.”

2

Move the x mark over “RET,” then press the MENU
knob.

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

82

U11 SHOT ID

ID-1 : CM015
ID-2 :
ID-3 :
ID-4 :

!#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
9:;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP
QRSTUVWXYZ[Y]abcdefghijk
lmnopqrstuvwxyz~

INS DEL RET ESC END

ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss
ssssssssssss

TOP

This window allows you to confirm why the (warning)
indicator lights.
You can use the '!' LED page of the USER menu to set
whether or not the (warning) indicator lights.

FUNCTION window

FUNCTION

FORMAT: I
ASSIGN<1> ATW <2> OFF
<T>TURBO

ZEBRA :OFF SELECT: 1
DET 70% APT: 10%
DET2 100%
P.CACHE : OFF: 0SEC

- Actual State --------­ REAR BNC:OFF

This window allows you to confirm the assigned function
of the ASSIGN 1/2 switches, ON/OFF of the Picture
Cache function, and ON/OFF of the output of the VIDEO
OUT connector.

AUDIO STATUS window

AUDIO STATUS

DF

CH1:FRONT CH3:WIRELES
CH2:REAR CH4:WIRELES

CH1:
CH2:
CH3:
CH4:

By pushing the STATUS ON/SEL / OFF
switch up to ON/SEL, the confirmation
window appears.
Each time you push this switch up to
ON/SEL, the window switches. After 10
seconds, the window disappears
automatically.

To make the window disappear
promptly after displaying the window,
push this switch down to OFF.

This window allows you to confirm the following items
related to audio.

• DF/NDF setting (only for the DVW-970)

• Type of input signal to audio channels 1 to 4

• Input level of audio channels 1 to 4
You can use the SET STATUS page of the USER menu to
set whether or not the status confirmation windows are
displayed.

Displaying the status confirmation
windows

You can use the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch as the
STATUS ON/SEL / OFF switch when the MENU ON/OFF
switch is set to OFF (when the cover of the menu operating
section is closed, OFF is automatically selected).

Disabling display of the status
confirmation windows

Proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the SET STATUS page
appears, and press the MENU knob to select the page.

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

SET STATUS page

U13 SET STATUS

STATUS ABNORMAL : ON
STATUS FUNCTION : ON
STATUS AUDIO : ON

Item Description

STATUS
ABNORMAL

STATUS
FUNCTION

STATUS
AUDIO

Selects whether or not the ABNORMAL
window is displayed (ON or OFF).

Selects whether or not the FUNCTION
window is displayed (ON or OFF).

Selects whether or not the STATUS
AUDIO window is displayed (ON or
OFF).

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

83

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to select whether or not to
display the selected window, then press the MENU
knob.

The z mark returns to a
returns to a z mark.

5

To continue setting other windows, repeat steps 3 and

4.

6

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

b mark, and the ? mark

GENLOCK page

M16 GENLOCK

GENLOCK : ON
RETURN VIDEO : OFF

GL H PHASE : 0
GL SC PHASE : 0
GL SC 0/180 SEL : 180

4

Carry out setting operations as follows:

1 Turn the MENU knob to move the

“GENLOCK,” and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “GENLOCK” changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
GENLOCK setting changes to a ? mark.

2 Turn the MENU knob until “OFF” appears, then

press the MENU knob.

b mark to

5-2-9 Confirming the Image of the
Return Video Signal in the

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Viewfinder

You can set whether or not to see the image of the return
video signal in the viewfinder, using the GENLOCK page
of the MAINTENANCE menu.

Proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON while holding
down the MENU knob.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“MAINTENANCE,” then press the MENU knob.

If this is the first time the MAINTENANCE menu has
been displayed, the CONTENTS page of the
MAINTENANCE menu appears.
If the menu has been used before, the last accessed
page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the
the MENU knob to display the GENLOCK page.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the GENLOCK page appears, then press the
MENU knob to select the page.

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

b mark to “GENLOCK,” then press

The z mark returns to a
returns to a z mark, and the setting is executed.

3 Turn the MENU knob to move the

“RETURN VIDEO,” and press the MENU knob.

b mark changes to a z mark, and the z mark

The
changes to a ? mark.

4 Turn the MENU knob until “ON” appears, then

press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a
returns to a z mark, and the setting is executed.

5

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

To see the image of the return video signal on the
viewfinder screen

Hold down the RET switch on the lens. The image of the
return video signal input to the GENLOCK IN connector
is displayed on the viewfinder screen while you are
holding down the RET switch.

When the return video function is assigned to the ASSIGN
1 switch, you can see the image of the return video signal
on the viewfinder screen while you are holding down the
ASSIGN 1 switch even if the RETURN VIDEO item is set
to “OFF” on the GENLOCK page of the
MAINTENANCE menu.

Note

When no signal is input to the GENLOCK IN connector,
the image is not changed even if you hold down the RET
switch on the lens.

b mark, and the ? mark

b mark to

b mark, and the ? mark

Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen

84

However, the image is switched while you are holding
down the ASSIGN 1 switch to which the return video
function is assigned, even if no signal is input to the
GENLOCK IN connector.

5-3 Adjustments and Settings from Menus

The camcorder provides menus for adjustments and
settings.

5-3-1 Setting Gain Values for the GAIN Selector Positions

Before using the camcorder, use the GAIN SW page of the
USER menu to set the gains corresponding to the L, M,
and H positions of the GAIN selector, which switches the
gain of the video amplifier.

To set the gain values, proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

2

Turn the MENU knob until the GAIN SW page
appears, then press the MENU knob to select the page.

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

GAIN SW page

U08 GAIN SW

GAIN LOW : 0db
GAIN MID : 9db
GAIN HIGH : 18db
GAIN TURBO : 42db

TURBO SW IND : OFF

Item Description

GAIN LOW Sets the gain value corresponding to

GAIN MID Sets the gain value corresponding to

GAIN HIGH Sets the gain value corresponding to

GAIN TURBO Sets the gain value corresponding to

the L position of the GAIN selector.

the M position of the GAIN selector.

the H position of the GAIN selector.

TURBO GAIN button selection.

TOP

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

85

2

Item Description

TURBO SW IND OFF: When you operate the GAIN

selector after pressing the TURBO
GAIN button once, the video gain is
changed according to the GAIN
selector operation.

ON: When the video gain is boosted

to the video gain to the value preset
by pressing the TURBO GAIN
button once, the video gain is not
changed even if you operate the
GAIN selector, until you press the
TURBO GAIN button once more.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to change the setting, and press
the MENU knob.

The z mark on the left of the selected item returns to
a

b mark, and the ? mark on the left of the setting

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

returns to a z mark.

Any of –3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 or 48 dB
can be set for each of the L, M, and H positions, in any
sequence.

For TURBO, any of –3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36,
42 or 48 dB can be selected.

To change the gain corresponding to another switch
position, return to step 3.

Turn the MENU knob until the OUTPUT page
appears, then press the MENU knob to select the page.

OUTPUT page

U01 OUTPUT

REAR BNC OUT SEL: VBS

Item Description

REAR BNC OUT
SEL

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “REAR
BNC OUT SEL,” and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “REAR BNC OUT SEL”

changes to a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the
setting changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob to change the desired setting,
and press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a
left of the setting returns to a z mark.

Selects the type of the video signal to
be output from the VIDEO OUT
connector.
SDI: Outputs the SDI signal. When SDI

is selected, connect the VIDEO OUT
connector to the SDI IN connector of
the video monitor.

VBS: Outputs the analog composite

video signal. When VBS is selected,
connector the VIDEO OUT connector
to the VIDEO IN connector of the
video monitor.

b mark, and the ? mark on the

5

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

The menu display disappears, and the current status of
the camcorder is shown along the top and bottom of
the viewfinder screen.

5-3-2 Selecting the Output Signals

When the optional CBK-SD01 extension board is
installed, you can select the type of video signals (VBS/
SDI) from the VIDEO OUT SEL connector on the
OUTPUT page of the USER menu.

Proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

5

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

5-3-3 Setting the Color Temperature Manually

You can adjust the value of the white balance manually by
setting the color temperature.

Proceed as follows:

1

Holding down the MENU knob, move the MENU ON/
OFF switch to ON.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “PA INT,”
and press the MENU knob.

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

86

If this is the first time the PAINT menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page appears.
If the menu has been used before, the last accessed
page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “WHITE,” and press the

MENU knob to display the WHITE page.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the WHITE page appears, and press the MENU
knob to select the page.

The current setting of each item appears on the right of
the item.

WHITE page

P02 WHITE

COLOR TEMP <A>: 3200
COLOR FINE <A>: 0
R GAIN <A>: 0
B GAIN <A>: 0
D5600K <A>: OFF
COLOR TEMP <B>: 3200
COLOR FINE <B>: 0
R GAIN <B>: 0
B GAIN <B>: 0
D5600K : OFF

6

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

5-3-4 Specifying an Offset for the Auto White Balance Setting

By setting an offset for the value of auto white balance, you
can make the picture warmer or colder.
The OFFSET WHT page of the OPERATION menu
allows you to do this setting.

Proceed as follows:

1

Holding down the MENU knob, move the MENU ON/
OFF switch from OFF to ON.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“OPERATION,” and press the MENU knob.

Item Description

COLOR
TEMP <A>

COLOR FINE
<A>

R GAIN <A> Only the value of R GAIN is changed.

B GAIN <A> Only the value of B GAIN is changed.

D5600K Sets the color temperature to

Sets the color temperature for the
desired value. Adjust the value while
looking at the real image because
error tends to be bigger for
adjustment of high color temperature.

Adjusts the value more precisely
when the color temperature
adjustment through COLOR TEMP is
not satisfactory.

approximately 5600K.

The above table shows the adjustment of the white
balance of channel A.
Items followed by “<B>” are used to adjust the white
balance of channel B.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

5

Turn the MENU knob to change the setting, and press
the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.
To set other items, go back to step 3.

If this is the first time the OPERATION menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page appears. If the menu
has been used before, the last accessed page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “OFFSET WHITE,” and

press the MENU knob to display the OFFSET WHT
page.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the OFFSET WHT page appears, and press the
MENU knob to select the page.

The current settings of each item appears on the right
of the item.

OFFSET WHT page

16 OFFSET WHT

OFFSET WHITE <A>: OFF
WARM COOL <A>: 3200
COLOR FINE <A>: 0

OFFSET WHITE <B>: OFF
WARM COOL <B>: 3200
COLOR FINE <B>: 0

Item Description

OFFSET
WHITE <A>

WARM-COOL
<A>

Turns the setting of the offset for
channel A ON or OFF. ON: Adds the
offset adjusted on this page to the
white balance.

When OFFSET WHITE <A> is ON,
sets the offset for the white balance of
channel A, using the color
temperature. Adjust the value while
looking at the real image because
error tends to be bigger for
adjustment of high color temperature.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

87

Item Description

COLOR FINE
<A>

OFFSET
WHITE <B>

WARM-COOL
<B>

COLOR FINE
<B>

Adjusts the value more precisely if the
adjustment by WARM-COOL <A> is
not satisfactory.

Turns the setting of the offset for
channel B ON or OFF. ON: Adds the
offset adjusted on this page to the
white balance.

Sets the offset for the white balance
of channel B, using the color
temperature. Adjust the value while
looking at the real image because
error tends to be bigger for
adjustment of high color temperature.

Adjusts the value more precisely if the
adjustment by WARM-COOL <B> is
not satisfactory.

5-3-5 Assigning Functions to Assignable Switches

You can assign the desired function to the ASSIGN 1/2
switches and the TURBO GAIN button.

Proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the FUNCTION 1 page
appears, then press the MENU knob to select to page.

The current settings of each item appears on the right

4

Set the WHITE BAL switch to the position
corresponding to the desired channel (A or B).

Note

If the WHITE BAL switch is not set to A or B when

of the item.

FUNCTION 1 page

U03

TURBO SW TURBO

you operate the camcorder, the adjustment value will

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

not be reflected in the output signal.

CACHE/INTVAL REC

5

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

6

Turn the MENU knob to change the setting, and press
the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

To set other items, go back to step 3.
To set the other white balance channel, go back to step

2.

7

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

Note

When using the OFFSET WHITE function, “+” is
displayed as the WARM color temperature indication and
“-” is displayed as the COOL temperature indication in the
viewfinder.

Item Description

ASSIGN SW <1> Assigns the function to ASSIGN 1

(push-type) switch.

ASSIGN SW <2> Assigns the function to ASSIGN 2

TURBO SW Assigns the function to the TURBO

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item

(slide-type) switch.

GAIN button.

corresponding to the switch to which you want to
assign the function, and press the MENU knob.

The corresponding ASSIGN SEL window appears.

ASSIGN <1> SEL window

ASSIGN <1> SEL ESC

OFF
PICTURE CACHE ON/OFF
TEST OUT CHARACTER
MARKER
RE-TAKE
ATW
RETURN VIDEO
LENS RET
REC SWITCH
TURBO SWITCH

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

88

ASSIGN <2> SEL window

ASSIGN <2> SEL ESC

OFF
PICTURE CACHE ON/OFF
TEST OUT CHARACTER
MARKER
ZEBRA
D5600
EXT REC CONTROL

TURBO SW SEL window

TURBO SW SEL ESC

OFF
PICTURE CACHE ON/OFF
TEST OUT CHARACTER
MARKER
RE-TAKE
ATW
RETURN VIDEO
LENS RET
REC SWITCH
TURBO SWITCH

Functions to be assigned to the ASSIGN 1 (push-type)

Function Description

OFF Disables the switch.

PICTURE
CACHE

ON/OFF

TEST OUT
CHARACTER

MARKER Assigns the ON/OFF function to display

RE-TAKE Assigns the RE-TAKE function.

ATW Assigns the ON/OFF function of auto-

RETURN
VIDEO

LENS RET Assigns the same function as that of

REC SWITCH Assigns the VTR S/S (start/stop)

TURBO
SWITCH

ZEBRA Assigns the zebra pattern display

D5600 Applies an electrical 5600K filter.

UA01 to
UA10

1) This does not appear if the CBK-MB01 is not installed.

2) Even when the MARKER item is set to “OFF” on the MARKER
page of the USER menu, the ASSIGN 1 switch (or TURBO GAIN
button) allows you to display or not to display all markers.

3) Even if the RETURN VIDEO item is set to “OFF” on the GENLOCK
page of the MAINTENANCE menu, you can use this switch to
display the image of the return video signal on the viewfinder.

4) This does not appear if nothing is assigned in the Assign menu.

switch and TURBO GAIN button

Assigns Picture Cache mode ON/OFF
function.

1)

Assigns the function to switch whether
or not text is superimposed on the
video signal to be output from the TEST
OUT connector.

all markers.

2)

tracing white balance.

Assigns the ON/OFF function to display
the image of the return video signal on

the viewfinder.

3)

the RET switch on the lens.

function.

Assigns the TURBO GAIN function.

function.

Assigns the items assigned in the

4)

ASSIGN SEL menu.

Functions to be assigned to

the ASSIGN 2 (slide-type) switch

Function Content

OFF Disables the switch.

PICTURE
CACHE

ON/OFF

TEST OUT
CHARACTER

Assigns Picture Cache mode ON/OFF
function.

1)

Assigns the function to switch whether
or not the characters are mixed to the
video signal to be output from the TEST
OUT connector.

MARKER Assigns the ON/OFF function to display

all markers.

2)

ZEBRA Assigns the zebra pattern display

function.

D5600 Applies an electrical 5600K filter.

EXT REC
CONTROL

Selects whether or not recording
control of external devices connected
through the CCZ connector (26-pin) of
a CA-702 is possible.

UA01 to

3)

UA10

1) This does not appear if the CBK-MB01 is not installed.

2) Even when the MARKER item is set to “OFF” on the MARKER
page of the USER menu, the ASSIGN 2 switch allows you to display
or not to display all markers.

3) This does not appear if nothing is assigned in the Assign menu.

Assigns the items assigned in the
ASSIGN SEL menu.

Note

For functions that are assigned to the ASSIGN 2
(slide-type) switch, you cannot change those settings
using other menus. The function assigned to ASSIGN
2 switch takes precedence over the menu setting.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark changes to a z mark, and the z mark by

the setting changes to a ? mark.

5

Turn the MENU knob to switch to the desired setting,
and press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark, confirming the setting.

6

To continue with other settings, repeat steps 3 and 4.

To return to the previous page

Turn the MENU knob to move the

b mark to “ESC” at the

right top of the window and press the MENU knob.
Alternatively, push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch
down to the ESCAPE side.

To end the menu operation

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to OFF or close the cover
of the menu operating section.

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

89

Operation of the assignable switches when UA01
to UA10 are assigned

When an on/off switchable function (or menu item) is
assigned to one of the assignable switches, each time the
switch is pressed toggles the function on or off.
When another type of menu item is assigned, pressing the
switch displays the item and its setting value on the
viewfinder screen.
You can then change the setting by pressing and turning the
MENU knob.
The viewfinder screen display disappears approximately 3
seconds after the last operation.

5-3-6 Setting the Date/Time of the Internal Clock

TIME ADJUST ESC

HOUR : 12
MIN : 55
SEC : 58

YEAR : 00
MONTH : 07
DAY : 31

OK

Item Description

HOUR Sets the hour value.

MIN Sets the minutes value.

SEC Sets the seconds value.

YEAR Sets the year.

MONTH Sets the month.

DAY Sets the day.

You can set or change the date and time of the internal
clock. The date and time set are reflected in the time code.

Proceed as follows:

1

Holding down the MENU knob, move the MENU ON/

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

OFF switch to ON.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“DIAGNOSIS,” and press the MENU knob.

If this is the first time the DIAGNOSIS menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page appears. If the menu
has been used before, the last accessed page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “TIME/DATE,” and press

the MENU knob to display the TIME/DATE page.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the TIME/DATE page appears, then press the
MENU knob to select the page.

The

b mark is displayed at “ADJUST.”

TIME/DATE page

D02 TIME/DATE

ADJUST : EXEC

HOUR : 12
MIN : 55
SEC : 58

YEAR : 00
MONTH : 07
DAY : 31

5

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

6

Turn the MENU knob to display the desired value, and
press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

7

To continue the remaining settings, repeat steps 5 and

6.

8

When you finish settings, turn the MENU knob to
move the

b mark to “OK,” then press the MENU knob.

The internal clock is set with the date and time set in
steps 5 to 7. The TIME/DATE page of the
DIAGNOSIS menu appears again. The time set on the
TIME ADJUST setting window is displayed.

To cancel the setting
Before executing step 8, move the

b mark to “ESC” at the

top right of the window and press the MENU knob.
Alternatively, push the CANCEL/PRST / ESCAPE switch
down to the ESCAPE side.
All settings or changes are discarded and the TIME/DATE
page of the DIAGNOSIS menu appears.

4

Press the MENU knob.

The TIME ADJUST setting window appears.

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

90

5-3-7 Selecting the Lens File

The LENS FILE page of the USER menu allows you to
change the lens file according to the lens in use.

Proceed as follows:

19 FORMAT

16:9/4:3 SELECT : 16:9

SCAN MODE : I

UC/J SELECT : UC

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the LENS FILE page
appears, then press the MENU knob to select the page.

The LENS FILE page shows the lens name and the f­stop (iris setting) of the lens file currently selected.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to LENS
FILE SELECT, and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark changes to a z mark, and the z mark

changes to a ? mark.

4

Turn the MENU knob until the lens file No. in use
appears, then press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a
returns to a z mark.

5

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

b mark, and the ? mark

5-3-8 Selecting the Aspect Ratio

(“UC/J SELECT” is displayed only for the DVW-970.)

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “16:9/4:3
SELECT,” and press MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

3

Turn the MENU knob to display the desired aspect
ratio, and press the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a
returns to a z mark.

4

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

To display the aspect ratio of 16:9/4:3 on the
viewfinder screen

By setting the “DISP 16:9/4:3 ID” item on the VF DISP 2
page of the USER menu to “ON,” “16:9” or “4:3” appears
on the viewfinder screen according to the setting on the
FORMAT page.

For details, see “5-2-2 Selecting the Display Items” on
page 77.

To display “16:9” in color bars

By setting the “SHOT 16:9 ID” on the SHOT DISP page
of the USER menu to ON, you can record a “16:9” mode
indicator superimposed on the color bars.

For details, see “5-2-6 Recording Shot Data Superimposed
on the Color Bars” on page 80.

b mark, and the ? mark

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

The FORMAT page of the OPERATION menu allows you
to select the aspect ratio of the video output signal.

Proceed as follows:

1

Follow the procedure of steps 1 to 3 described in

“5-3-4 Specifying an Offset for the Auto White
Balance Setting” on page 87 to display the FORMAT

page of the OPERATION menu.

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

91

Color bars (SMPTE type)

5-3-9 Setting the CCD Scan Mode

Since the camcorder has CCDs that use an “all pixels read­out method,” a progressive scan mode is also available in
addition to the conventional interlace scan mode.
You can select either of the following modes using the
FORMAT page of the OPERATION menu.

• I (interlace scan) mode

• PsF (progressive scan) mode
Installing the CBK-FC01 allows you to select the 24P
mode (DVW-970 only).

Each mode is described below using timing charts.

I (interlace scan) mode

Color bars (EBU type)

16:9 mode indicator on the color bar display

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

CCD output

Video output signal

O: Odd
E: Even

Interlace scan mode timing chart

The video signal of an odd scanning line and that of an
even scanning line are output from the CCD alternately.
Thus, the timing of the odd-field video signal and even­field video signal are different.

PsF (progressive scan) mode

CCD output

Video output signal

O: Odd
E: Even

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

92

Progressive scan mode timing chart

The video signal of an odd scanning line and that of an
even scanning line are output from the CCD at the same
time. Then they are sent to the memory and separated into
odd-field and even-field scanning lines. Thus the timing of
an odd-field video signal and an even-field video signal are
the same.

24P (pull-down) mode (DVW-970 with CBK-FC01 only)

23.98 frames per second

CCD output

Video output signal

O: Odd
E: Even

A(O+E) B(O+E) C(O+E) D(O+E) A(O+E)

AO

29.97 frames per second

AE BO BE BO CE CO DE DO DE AO AE

24P mode timing chart

After reading from the CCDs in 24P mode (23.98 frames
per second), a pull-down conversion is carried out to the 30
frames (29.97 frames per second) of the normal
progressive scan mode.

Setting the CCD scan mode to the progressive scan mode

The scan mode of the camcorder has been set to the
interlace scan mode at the factory. The FORMAT page of
the OPERATION menu allows you to change the CCD
scan mode to the progressive scan mode or 24P mode
(DVW-970 with CBK-FC01 only).

1

Follow the procedures given in steps 1 to 3 described
in “5-3-4 Specifying an Offset for the Auto White
Balance Setting” on page 87, to display the FORMAT
page of the OPERATION menu.

4

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

19 FORMAT

16:9/4:3 SELECT : 16:9

SCAN MODE : PsF

UC/J SELECT : UC

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “SCAN
MODE,” and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark on the left of “SCAN MODE” changes to

a z mark, and the z mark on the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

19 FORMAT

16:9/4:3 SELECT : 16:9

SCAN MODE :? I

UC/J SELECT : UC

(“UC/J SELECT” is displayed only for the DVW-970.)

3

Turn the MENU knob to display “PsF” or “24P,” and
press the MENU knob.

The z mark changes to a

b mark, and the ? mark

changes to a z mark.

Note

When the CBK-FC01 is connected, “V LPF (24P/30P)
OFF/ON” is displayed under “SCAN MODE” on the
menu. With this function set to “ON,” flicker in the vertical
direction of horizontal/slanted lines in PsF/24P mode will
be decreased (default is “ON”).

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

93

5-3-10 Using UMID Data

To perform operations from interviewing to editing
effectively and to detect audio-visual materials easily
when reusing them, metadata that provides additional
information is recorded along with audio-visual data on a
tape. As one of application of metadata, the UMID
(Unique Material Identifier) is internationally
standardized.

Basic UMID (32 bytes) Source Pack (32 bytes)

Universal label L Inst. No. Material Number Time/Date

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

12 bytes 1 3 bytes 16 bytes 8 bytes 12 bytes 4 bytes 4 bytes 4 bytes

What is a UMID?

The UMID (Unique Material Identifier) is a unique
identifier for audio-visual material defined by the
SMPTE330M-2003 standard.
The UMID may be used either as the 32-byte Basic UMID
or as the Extended UMID, which includes an additional 32
bytes of Source Pack to make a total 64 bytes.

For details, refer to SMPTE 330M.

Extended UMID (64 bytes)

Spatial

Co-ordinates

Country Org User

Globally unique ID is automatically recorded every
shooting.
The Extended UMID is metadata that provides additional
information such as location, time/date, company and so
on.

Instance No.

Original material: 00 00 00
Copied material:
generation number (1 byte) +
random number (2 bytes)

M

Distinguishing between the
original material and copied
material

Material No.
ID generated when shooting
Same as the above

Material source ID/detecting
material

Using the Extended UMID

You have to enter a country code, organization code and
user code. Set the country code referring to the ISO-3166
table, and set the organization code and user code
independently.

For details, see “UMID menu setup” on page 95.

The UMID is applied as follows:

Source Pack
Shooting information (when,
where and who)
Same as the above

M

Metadata pack that identifies the
source of material unit by
defining the when, where and
who of the material unit with
which it is associated.

M

Functions of UMID data

The UMID data enables the following:

• Add a globally unique ID to every shot of audio-visual
material. The unique ID is used to detect the material
source and to link it with the original source material.

• Distinguishing between original material and copied
material. 00 is added to the Instance Number for original
material.

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

94

• Recording based on the UTC. The UTC is used when
recording the UMID. This enables uniform control of
source material recorded all over the world based on the
universal time code.

• Calculating the date difference among source materials.
The source material is recorded based on the MJD
(Modified Julian Date), which enables easy calculation
of date difference among source materials.

UMID menu setup

The UMID SET page of the OPERATION menu allows
you to make settings for UMID data.
Proceed as follows:

1

Holding down the MENU knob, set the MENU ON/
OFF switch from OFF to ON.

The TOP menu appears.

2

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to
“OPERATION,” and press the MENU knob.

Item Contents

TIME ZONE Sets the time difference from UTC.

MACHINE Displays the machine-specific

number.

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the item
you want to set, and press the MENU knob.

The

b mark to the left of the selected item changes to

a z mark, and the z mark to the left of the setting
changes to a ? mark.

5

Turn the MENU knob to change the setting of the
selected item or to display the desired value, and press
the MENU knob.

The z mark returns to a

b mark, and the ? mark

returns to a z mark.

6

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF.

If this is the first time the OPERATION menu has been
displayed, the CONTENTS page appears.
If the menu has been used before, the last accessed
page appears.

3

If the CONTENTS page is displayed, turn the MENU
knob to move the

b mark to “UMID SET,” and press

the MENU knob.
If a different page is displayed, turn the MENU knob
until the UMID SET page appears, then press the
MENU knob.

The current settings appear on the right side of each
item.

UMID SET page

?20 UMID SET

EX-OWNERSHIP REC: OFF

COUNTRY CODE :
ORGANIZATION :
USER CODE :
INSTANCE NO : RND

TIME ZONE : 00 : +00:00

MACHINE :

sssssssssssss

sss
sssss
sssss

Proceed as follows:

Item Contents

EX-OWNERSHIP
REC

COUNTRY CODE Sets the country code.

ORGANIZATION Sets the organization code.

USER CODE Sets the user code.

INSTANCE NO. Specifies how to generate the

Specifies whether to record the
user data.

instance number.

Additional information on the UMID SET
menu items

EX-OWNERSHIP REC

Specify whether to record the user data.
ON: The user data (COUNTRY CODE,

ORGANIZATION, and USER CODE) are recorded on
the tape.

OFF: The user data are not recorded.

COUNTRY CODE

When you select this item, the character table appears.

20 UMID SET TOP

EX-OWNERSHIP REC: OFF

COUNTRY CODE :
ORGANIZATION :
USER CODE :
INSTANCE NO : RND

-0123456789ABCDEFGHIJKL
MNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghij
klmnopqrstuvwxyz
INS DEL RET ESC END

Enter an abbreviated alphanumeric string (4-byte
alphanumeric strings) according to the values defined in
ISO 3166-1.
There are about 240 country codes.
Find your own country code on the following home page.

Refer to ISO-3166-1:
http://www.din.de/gremien/nas/nabd/iso3166ma/codlstp1/
en_listp1.html

When the country code is less than 4 bytes, the active part
of the code will occupy the first part of the 4-bytes and the
remainder must be filled with the space character (20h).

sss
sssss
sssss

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

95

Example: In the case of Japan

For Japan, if the country code is JP, it is 2 bytes, if JPN, it
is 3 bytes.
Thus, enter the following:

JP_ _
or
JPN _
where _ represents a space.

ORGANIZATION (organization code)

When you select this item, the character table appears.
(Refer to COUNTRY CODE above.)
Enter an abbreviated 4-byte alphanumeric string for the
organization code.

Note

There are no problems in recording or playing back audio­video signals, if ORGANIZATION is not set.
Organization codes must be acquired by applying to the
SMPTE registration office. When no organization code has
been acquired, it is forbidden to enter an arbitrary string.
As a rule, the code “00” must be entered. Freelance
operators who do not belong to an origination should enter
“~.”

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

USER CODE

When you select this item, the USER CODE window
appears.
(Refer to the COUNTRY CODE window above.)
Enter the 4-byte alphanumeric strings for user
identification.
The user code is registered with each organization locally.
It is usually not centrally registered.
When the user code is less than 4 bytes, enter the user code
from the beginning of the 4 bytes and enter the space
character (20h) in the remaining strings.
This user code is determined by the organization. The
methods used depend on the organization.

TIME ZONE ESC

00.UTC GREENWICH

01.UTC-01:00 AZORES

02.UTC-02:00 M-ATRANTIC

03.UTC-03:00 ARZENTINE

04.UTC-04:00 HALIFAX

05.UTC-05:00 NEW YORK

06.UTC-06:00 CHICAGO

07.UTC-07:00 DENVER

08.UTC-08:00 LOSANGELES

09.UTC-09:00 ALASKA

Set the time difference from UTC. When setting the
summer time or daylight savings time, change the code to
one which will advance the time by 1 hour.

Note

When you change the time zone, adjust the built-in clock
to local time and turn the power of the camcorder off and
then the power on again.

MACHINE

An identification number specific to the machine is
displayed. This number cannot be set or modified by users.

Note

User bits cannot be entered when no organization code has
been entered.

INSTANCE NO.

Select the method for generating the numbers to be used to
identify the original video images.

RND: Random
GEN: Generation (number of times of copy)

Ask the system administrator for selection.

TIME ZONE

When you select this item, the TIME ZONE window
appears.
The UTC is calculated based on the local time, using the
time zone. If the time zone is not set, the UTC is not
recorded correctly.

Adjustments and Settings from Menus

96

5-4 Resetting USER Menu Settings to the Standard Settings

You can return all settings in the USER menu to the
standard settings.

Proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu appears on the screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the USER FILE page
appears, and press the MENU knob.

USER FILE page

F01 USER FILE

USER FILE LOAD : EXEC
USER FILE SAVE : EXEC

F.ID :

USER PRESET : EXEC

sssssssssssssssss

Chapter 5 Menu Displays and Detailed Settings

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “USER
PRESET,” and press the MENU knob.

The message “PRESET OK? YES

F01 USER FILE
PRESET OK? YES NO
USER FILE LOAD : EXEC
USER FILE SAVE : EXEC

F.ID :

USER PRESET : EXEC

4

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to “YES,”

sssssssssssssssss

b NO” appears.

and press the MENU knob.

The settings for all items in the USER menu are reset
to the standard settings.

Resetting USER Menu Settings to the Standard Settings

97

Saving and Loading User
Setting Data

6-1 Saving and Loading User Files

The camcorder is equipped with a “Memory Stick” drive,
which enables you to save user files, scene files, lens files,
reference files and “ALL” files. You can load these files
from the “Memory Stick” for immediate recall of a
particular setting configuration.
When a menu page is displayed, you can set up the
camcorder so that inserting a “Memory Stick”
automatically jumps to the appropriate file-related menu
page.

For details about scene files, see “6-2 Saving and Loading

Chapter 6 Saving and Loading User Setting Data

Scene Files” on page 102.
For details of the function for jumping to the appropriate
file-related menu page, see “6-3 Jumping to a File-Related
Menu Page When Inserting a “Memory Stick”” on page

106.

Chapter

MEMORY STICK OPEN button

2

Hold the “Memory Stick” with the notch facing
downward and the label side facing toward you, and
insert the “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick”
insertion slot until it clicks into place. Then, close the
cover.

6

“Memory Sticks” usable with this camcorder

With this camcorder, you can use “Memory Sticks” whose
capacity does not exceed 128 MB.

For details, see “Memory Stick” in “Specifications” on
page 131.

6-1-1 Handling the “Memory Stick”

The “Memory Stick” can be inserted to or removed from
the camcorder with the power turned on or off.

Inserting the “Memory Stick”

Proceed as follows:

1

Push the MEMORY STICK OPEN button.

The cover of the “Memory Stick” compartment opens.

Label side of “Memory Stick”

Note

If it does not fit into the slot properly or if there is some
resistance when you insert it, the “Memory Stick” may be
turned around or upside down. Do not force the “Memory
Stick” into the slot. Confirm the direction of the notch and
arrow on the “Memory Stick” before inserting the
“Memory Stick,” and then try inserting it again.

Removing the “Memory Stick”

Press the MEMORY STICK OPEN button to open the
cover of the “Memory Stick” compartment.
Push the eject button after confirming that the ACCESS
indicator is not lit. The “Memory Stick” pops out.

Saving and Loading User Files

98

Check that the ACCESS
indicator is not lit.

MEMORY STICK OPEN button

Eject button

Note

Do not remove the “Memory Stick” while the ACCESS
indicator is lit. You may lose data, or damage the “Memory
Stick.”

Protecting saved data

To prevent accidental erasure of important setup data, use
the LOCK switch on the “Memory Stick.”
Slide the switch right to the write protect position. The
message “MEMORY STICK LOCKED” is displayed. It is
now impossible to write or delete data on the “Memory
Stick.”

• Avoid getting liquids on the “Memory Stick.”

• Avoid using or storing the “Memory Stick” in a location
subject to:
—extremely high temperature such as the hot inside of a

car or the outdoors exposed to a burning sun, or a

place near a heater
—direct sunlight
—high humidity
—excessive dust

• When storing and carrying the “Memory Stick,” keep it
in its original case to ensure protection of important data.

• When carrying the camcorder with the “Memory Stick”
inserted, close the cover of the menu operating section.

• Avoid removing the “Memory Stick” from the insertion
slot while the access indicator is lit.

• Do not format the “Memory Stick” using a PC.

• Formatting of “Memory Sticks” can be performed on the
MEMORY STICK page of the FILE menu.

6-1-2 Saving USER Menu Data (User File) to the “Memory Stick”

You can save USER menu settings held in the camcorder
as user files in the “Memory Stick.”
You can save up to 100 user files in the “Memory Stick.”
Insert the “Memory Stick,” then proceed as follows:

1

Set the MENU ON/OFF switch to ON.

The last accessed menu page appears on the
viewfinder screen.

2

Turn the MENU knob until the USER FILE page
appears, then press the MENU knob to select the page.
Alternately, select “USER FILE” on the CONTENTS
page.

USER FILE page

F01 USER FILE

USER FILE LOAD : EXEC
USER FILE SAVE : EXEC

F.ID :

USER PRESET : EXEC

sssssssssssssssss

Chapter 6 Saving and Loading User Setting Data

LOCK switch on the “Memory Stick”

Notes on using and storing the “Memory
Stick”

• Avoid touching the connector of the “Memory Stick” or
contacting it with a metal object.

• When attaching a label to the “Memory Stick,” use only
the label supplied for the “Memory Stick.”

• Do not drop, bend, or submit the “Memory Stick” to
external shock.

• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick.”

If you want to set a file ID for the data to be saved

Set the file ID before going to step 3.

For details on setting the file ID, see “Setting the file
ID” on page 100.

3

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to USER
FILE SAVE, and press the MENU knob.

The P00 USER SAVE page appears.

Saving and Loading User Files

99

?P00 USER SAVE

DISPLAY MODE : ALL

001.NEW FILE

002.NEW FILE

003.NEW FILE

004.NEW FILE

005.NEW FILE

ESC

• To overwrite, move the
the MENU knob.

You can select the information displayed on each
USER SAVE or USER LOAD page by changing the

b mark to “YES” and press

DISPLAY MODE setting.

For details, see “Selecting the display contents” on

When a ? appears on the left of “P00” at the top left of
the page, you can change the page. Up to 20 pages,
from P00 to P19, can be used to save user files in the
“Memory Stick.” Each page can hold up to 5 files.

4

Turn the MENU knob until the page which contains
the desired file number appears, and press the MENU
knob.

P00 USER SAVE

DISPLAY MODE : ALL

001.NEW FILE

002.NEW FILE

003.NEW FILE

004.NEW FILE

005.NEW FILE

ESC

page 101.

7

To end the menu operation, set the MENU ON/OFF
switch to OFF or close the cover of the menu operating
section.

The menu disappears from the viewfinder screen, and
the display indicating the current status of the
camcorder appears along the top and bottom of the
screen.

USER menu settings to be saved in the “Memory
Stick”

Settings for items on all pages of the USER menu are saved
in the “Memory Stick” as a user file. However, you can
select the items which are not to be saved in the “Memory
Stick.”

5

Turn the MENU knob to move the b mark to the
desired file number, and press the MENU knob.

Use the items LOAD CUSTOM DATA, LOAD OUT OF
USER, BEFORE FILE PAGE and USER LOAD WHITE
on the USER FILE2 page of the FILE menu.

The message “SAVE OK? YES

Chapter 6 Saving and Loading User Setting Data

When a file number is
shown as “NEW FILE,”
this means that the file is
empty. When data is
stored in a file number,
the file name appears.

6

To carry out the save, move the b mark to “YES” and

P00 USER SAVE
SAVE OK? YES NO
DISPLAY MODE : ALL

001.NEW FILE

002.NEW FILE

003.NEW FILE

004.NEW FILE

005.NEW FILE

press the MENU knob.
To cancel, press the MENU knob leaving the
pointing to “NO.”

The ACCESS indicator lights.
When the saving is completed, the message
“COMPLETE” appears and the ACCESS indicator

b NO” appears.

b mark

ESC

If data cannot be saved

If one of the following error messages appears during or
after the save operation, then the data was not saved.

Data save error messages

Error message Cause Action

NO MEMORY
STICK (flashing)

MEMORY STICK
LOCKED

MEMORY STICK
ERROR
(flashing)

No “Memory
Stick” is inserted.

The LOCK
switch on the
“Memory Stick”
is set to the write
protect position.

Circuit or
“Memory Stick”
fault.

Insert or reinsert the
“Memory Stick.”

Set the LOCK switch
to the write enable
position.

Check the circuitry, or
replace the “Memory
Stick”.

goes off.

Setting the file ID

If no “Memory Stick” has been inserted, the message
“NO MEMORY STICK” will appear. Insert a
“Memory Stick.”

If you select a file number where data has already
been saved

The message “OVERWRITE OK? YES
appears. In this case, the

b mark appears on the left of

b NO”

“NO,” which is flashing.

• To stop overwriting, press the MENU knob.

Before data is saved to a “Memory Stick,” it is useful to set
a file ID for the “Memory Stick” to identify it.
When data is saved to a “Memory Stick,” the file ID is
saved to the “Memory Stick” together with the data.

Note

Set the file ID before saving data in the “Memory Stick.”
Otherwise, the file ID is not saved with the other data.

Proceed as follows:

100

Saving and Loading User Files