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)