Sony HDR-CX7, HDR-CX7K Operating Guide

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
HDR-CX7/CX7K
3-214-660-11(1)
For details on the advanced operations, please refer to “Handycam Handbook” (PDF).
© 2007 Sony Corporation
WARNING
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. For those sets designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
2
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the set, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set. – If the set has been exposed to rain or water. – If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged. – If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation. – When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the set, ask the service technician to perform routine safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) to determine that the set is in safe operating condition.
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Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our
environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1­800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. HDR-
Serial No.
Model No. AC-
Serial No.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-
222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-CX7 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Notes
HDR-CX7 is to be used with the Handycam
Station Model DCRA-C191 and AC Adaptor
Model AC-L200/L200B.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
4
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with t he equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
For the State of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains perchlorate.

Notes on use

Types of “Memory Stick” you can use with your camcorder
• For recording movies, it is recommended that you use a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of 512 MB or larger marked with:
(“Memory Stick
PRO Duo”)
(“Memory Stick
PRO-HG Duo”)
• A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of up to 8 GB has been confirmed to operate correctly with this camcorder.
• See page 15 for the recordable time of a “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” are both called as “Memory Stick PRO Duo” in this manual.
Using the camcorder
• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 35).
• To prevent the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 12) or the access lamp (p. 13) is on:
– to remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor
from the camcorder.
– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to the
camcorder.
• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” be careful so that the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” does not pop out and drop (p. 13).
• When connecting your camcorder to another device with a cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, recording media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.
On playing back recorded images on other devices
• To view the HD (high definition) images recorded on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” on other devices, the device must comply with the AVCHD format. Otherwise, you cannot view the images.
5
Save all your recorded image data
• To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on other media. It is recommended that you save the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using your computer. Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p. 26).
• It is recommended that you save your image data periodically, after recording.
When the camcorder is connected to a computer
• Do not try to format the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” in the camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your camcorder may not operate correctly.
About language setting
• The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 12).
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different from the actual images of the LCD screen.
• Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.
• The screenshots are from Windows XP. The scenes may vary depending on the operating system of the computer.
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Table of Contents

Read this first ...........................................................................................4
Notes on use .................................................................................................. 5
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items ..............................................................8
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ............................................................9
Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time .................12
Changing the language setting .................................................................... 12
Step 4: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” .........................................13
Recording/Playback
Recording ...............................................................................................14
Playback .................................................................................................16
Playing the image on a TV ........................................................................... 17
Names and functions of parts and controls ............................................18
Indicators displayed during recording/playback .....................................21
Performing various functions - “ HOME” and “ OPTION” .............23
Saving images ........................................................................................26
Deleting images ......................................................................................26
Enjoying with a computer
Viewing “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) ..................................................27
What you can do with a Windows computer ..........................................28
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................32
Additional Information
Precautions ............................................................................................35
Specifications .........................................................................................37
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Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9)
Power cord (1) (p. 9)
Handycam Station (1) (p. 9)
Component video cable (1) (p. 17)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.
Insulation sheet
Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 9) NP-FH60
CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (p. 27)
– Picture Motion Browser (Software) – Picture Motion Browser Guide – Handycam Handbook (PDF)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 17)
USB cable (1) (p. 29)
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“Operating Guide” (This manual) (1)
HDR-CX7K
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” 4 GB (1) (p. 13)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

DC IN jack
Battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) after attaching it to your camcorder.
b Notes
• Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).
AC Adaptor
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on the Handycam Station.
Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug is facing up.
2 Connect the power cord to the AC
Adaptor and the wall outlet.
POWER switch
DC plug
Power cord
To the wall outlet
/CHG lamp
4 Attach the battery pack by sliding
it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
5 Place the camcorder on the
Handycam Station as shown above, and insert it into the Handycam Station securely, all the way to the bottom.
The /CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The /CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged. Remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station.
Getting Started
3 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (the default setting).
9
To remove the battery pack
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery pack.
BATT (battery release) lever
b Notes
• When you remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor, make sure that the (Movie) lamp/
(Still) lamp (p. 12) is turned off.
To charge the battery pack using only the AC Adaptor
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then connect the AC Adaptor directly to the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
POWER switch
DC IN jack
Open the jack cover.
With the v mark on the left
Available running time for the supplied battery pack
Charging time: Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a completely exhausted battery pack.
Recording/Playback time: Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
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DC plug
“HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “SD” stands for standard image quality.
(Unit:min.)
HD SD
Charging time 135
Recording time*
Continuous recording time
Typical recording time*
Playback time*
*1All times are measured under following
conditions. – Recording mode: SP – [ INDEX]: [OFF] – LCD backlight: [ON] (top), [OFF] (bottom)
2
*
Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.
3
When the LCD backlight is on.
*
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and turn off the
(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 12).
• The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured when using the camcorder at 25°C (77°F) (10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) is recommended).
• The available recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.
• The available recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
1
95
110
95
115
45
2
3
160 190
55
45
55
wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
Getting Started
11

Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time

Touch the button on the LCD screen.
POWER switch
When using the camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears on the LCD screen.
z Tips
1 While pressing the green button,
slide the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up.
(Movie): To record movies
(Still): To record still images
• When you turn on (Still) lamp, the screen aspect ratio is changed to 4:3 automatically.
• The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” and can be displayed during playback.
• You can turn off the operation beeps by touching (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [BEEP] t [OFF].
To reset the date and time
Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [CLOCK
SET], and set the date and time.
2 Select the desired geographical
area with v/V, then touch [NEXT].
3 Set [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME],
[Y] (year), [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and minute.
The clock starts.
12

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [ LANGUAGE SET], then select the desired language.
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