Sony HVR-M25E User Manual

Digital HD
Videocassette

Recorder

2-678-737-11(1)

Operating Instructions

HVR-M25U/M25N/M25E/M25P

 2006 Sony Corporation

WARNING

Important Safety Instructions

To reduce 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.

This unit must be connected to an earthed
MAINS socket-outlet.

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.

• Read these instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near water.

• Clean only with dry cloth.

• Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

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

Owner’s record

The model number and the serial number are located at the
name plate on the left of the unit. Record the serial number in
the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. HVR- Serial No. ______________________

2

Notes on installation

• This unit is not designed as a portable. Make sure to install
the unit properly on a flat surface. If you install the unit so
that it is inclined 30 degrees or more (i.e., if you stand the
unit on its side), malfunctions may occur.

• Do not place materials around the unit that may block the
ventilation holes. Otherwise, heat builds up inside the unit
and malfunctions may occur.

• Install the unit nearby the wall socket, disconnect the mains
plug from the wall socket immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using this unit.

For customers in the U.S.A.

HVR-M25U only

If you have any questions about this product, you may

call: Sony’s Business Information Center (BIC) at 1-800­686-SONY (7669)

or Write to: Sony Customer Information Services Center

6900-29 Daniels Parkway, PMB 330 Fort
Myers, Florida 33912

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model: HVR-M25U
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.

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 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.

3

Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment for business use (Applicable in the
European Union and other European countries
with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its
packaging indicates that this product shall not
be treated as household waste. Instead it
shall be handed over to the applicable take­back scheme for the recycling of electrical
and electronic equipment. By ensuring this
product is disposed of correctly, you will help
prevent potential negative consequences for
the environment and human health, which could otherwise
be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product.
The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Sony office or visit
Sony Europe’s web site for business customers:
http://www.sonybiz.net/environment

For the customers in Europe

HVR-M25E only

This product with the CE marking complies with both the
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive
(73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the European
Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the
following European standards:

• EN60065 :Product Safety

• 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).

For the customers in the Nederland
Voor de klanten in Nederland

Dit apparaat bevat een vast ingebouwde batterij die niet
vervanden hoeft te worden tijdens de levensduur van het
apparaat.

Raadpleeg uw leverancier indien de batterij toch vervangen
moet worden.
De batterij mag alleen vervangen worden door vakbekwaam
servicepersoneel.

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

Lever het apparaat aan het einde van de levensduur in voor
recycling, de batterij zal dan op correcte wijze verwerkt
worden.

Caution

Television programs, films, video tapes and other materials
may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such material
may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws. Also,
use of this recorder with cable television transmission may
require authorization from the cable television transmission
and/or program owner.

English

ATTENTION

The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may
influence the picture and sound of this unit.

4

Table of Contents

Chapter1

Overview

Chapter2

Playback and
Recording

Features ............................................................................. 7

Location and Function of Parts ....................................... 9

Front Panel .......................................................................... 9

Rear Panel ......................................................................... 18

Supplied Remote Commander .......................................... 23

Displaying Various Data..................................................25

Notes on Power Supply and Video Cassettes .............. 30

Preparing the Power Supply .............................................. 31

Inserting/Ejecting Cassettes .............................................. 31

Notes on Playback/Recording ........................................... 31

Playback........................................................................... 33

Connections for Playback.................................................. 33

Settings for Playback ......................................................... 35

Playback Procedures ......................................................... 35

Playback Functions ........................................................... 36

AUTO REPEAT (CUSTOM REPEAT) ............................ 39

EDGE CROP MARKER ................................................... 41

MARKER BURN .............................................................. 42

Using the Unit as a Videocassette Recorder ................ 43

Connections for Recording................................................ 43

Settings for Recording ....................................................... 45

Recording Procedures ....................................................... 47

Recording Functions ......................................................... 47

Chapter3

Setting the Time
Code

Chapter4

Dubbing to
another equipment
using i.LINK jack,
Duplication,
Audio Dubbing,
and Connecting
with a Computer

Setting the Time Code and User Bits ............................ 49

Using the Internal Time Code Generator .......................... 49

Dubbing to another equipment using i.LINK jack ........ 54

Connections for Dubbing .................................................. 54

Dubbing procedures .......................................................... 55

Duplication (generating a work tape with the same

time code) ............................................................... 56

Audio Dubbing ................................................................ 60

Editing (Connecting with a Computer).......................... 62

Connecting the Unit to a Computer................................... 62

Preparations ....................................................................... 63

Table of Contents 5

Table of Contents

Chapter5

Adjusting and
Setting Through
Menus

Chapter6

Maintenance

Appendix

Operating the Menus ...................................................... 65

Menu Organization ............................................................ 66

Menu Contents .................................................................. 67

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 80

Warning indicators and messages ................................87

Notes on Use ................................................................... 89

Notes on the Videocassette Recorder ................................ 89

Cleaning of the Video Heads ............................................. 89

Notes on the Video Cassettes ............................................ 90

Notes on LCD Screen ........................................................ 91

About Moisture Condensation .......................................... 91

Digital Hours Meter .......................................................... 92

About the Built-in Rechargeable Battery .......................... 92

Notes on the License ......................................................... 92

Compatibility of HDV, DVCAM, and DV Formats........... 93

About i.LINK .................................................................... 98

Specifications .................................................................. 99

Index ............................................................................... 102

Submenu Index ............................................................. 103

6 Table of Contents

Features

Chapter1

Chapter 1 Overview

Overview

The HVR-M25U/M25N/M25E/M25P is a digital HD
videocassette recorder supporting HDV format and
DVCAM/DV format. The unit produces stable,
superior picture quality by digital processing and
separating image signals into color difference signals
and a luminance signal (component video). The unit
provides i.LINK (
COMPONENT OUT jacks, S VIDEO IN/OUT jacks,
composite IN/OUT jacks, and AUDIO IN/OUT jacks.
These jacks allow you to connect other equipment like
non-linear editors. Additionally, it comes with a 2.7
(16:9)-type color LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor,
you can easily check your recorded images, menus,
and the audio level meters. The main features of the
unit are described below.

HDV/DV) jack, HDMI OUT jack,

HDV format

The unit can perform HDV (High-Definition Digital
Video) recording and playback on a DVCAM format
video cassette or a DV format video cassette.
The compression system of HDV format is the
MPEG2 system adopted in the high-definition
broadcasting and the Blu-ray Disk System.
The unit adopts the 1080 scanning lines (interlace
(HDV 1080/60i and HDV 1080/50i)/1440 × 1080
pixels) format of the HDV specifications. The
recording bit rate is approximately 25 Mbps. The unit
is equipped with an i.LINK digital interface and can be
digitally connected with HDV-compatible televisions
or computers.

DVCAM/DV format

DVCAM is based on the consumer DV format, which
uses the 4:1:1 component digital format (60i) or the
4:2:0 format (50i), and provides a
recording format for professional use. The unit
provides both DVCAM format recording/playback and
DV format in SP mode recording/playback.

For details, see “Compatibility of HDV, DVCAM, and DV
Formats” on page 93.

1

/4-inch digital

Compatible with both 1080/60i (NTSC) and
1080/50i (PAL) systems

The unit is compatible with 60i and 50i systems. You
can switch these input signals using the menu setting
(page 79). This compatibility allows you to record
(download) or play back (upload) both 50i and 60i
signals with your VCR, computer, or other equipment.
However, the unit cannot convert the color system of
the signals.
The unit set in 60i system has a field frequency of

59.94 Hz.

Chapter 1 Overview 7

Features

High definition down convert function

When you want to playback a tape recorded in HDV
format, you can down convert images to output them.
This function allows you to preview recorded-images

Chapter 1 Overview

on a monitor which is not compatible with High­Definition (HD) format. Also, you can select an aspect
ratio from SQUEEZE, LETTER BOX (except
DV jack output), or EDGE CROP.

16:9 Built-in color LCD monitor

The unit has a 2.7-type 16:9 color LCD (liquid crystal
display) monitor that lets you verify images on the
spot. You can see the setup menus, audio levels, and
system statuses. Menus and data can be superimposed
over the picture being displayed.

Multiple input/output interfaces

HDMI OUT jack, HDV/DV jack, COMPONENT
OUT jacks, S VIDEO jacks, VIDEO jacks and AUDIO
jacks are equipped on the unit and enable the
connection with various devices.

About HDMI (High Definition Multimedia
Interface)

HDMI is an interface for connecting directly to a TV
with digital pictures and digital audio signals. By
connecting HDMI OUT jack to a HDMI compatible
TV using a single HDMI cable, you can enjoy a high
quality picture and digital sounds.

HDV/

JOG AUDIO function

If you use the optional remote control unit DSRM-10
(not supplied), audio can be monitored at various
playback speeds when in jog/shuttle mode.

Screen Language Setting

You can select the language.
The default language setting is English.

See page 77 to change the screen language.

Easy maintenance functions

• Self-diagnostics/alarm functions: The system

automatically detects an invalid operation, bad
connection or a malfunction, and displays a
description, a cause and a recovery method on LCD
monitor and outputs to HDMI OUT jack,
COMPONENT OUT jacks, S VIDEO jack, and
VIDEO jack.

• Digital hours meter: A digital hours meter counts

four types of time data—operating time, drum
rotation time, tape running time, and tape threading/
unthreading. The digital hours data are indicated on
the menu.

..............................................................................................

, , and are trademarks of Sony

Corporation.

is a trademark of Sony Corporation and

Victor Company of Japan Ltd.

A variety of buttons and switches for VCR
operations

The unit provides a variety of buttons for VCR
operations, such as INPUT SELECT switch, AUDIO
REC LEVEL, PHONE LEVEL control knob, and
STATUS CHECK button.

Time code and user bits

On the unit, you can use time code and user bits. Using
the menu, these can be set easily.

8 Chapter 1 Overview

HDMI,
Interface is a trademark or a registered trademark of
HDMI Licensing Interface LLC.

All other product names mentioned here may be the
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies. “™” and “®” are not mentioned in each
case in this manual.

, and High Definition Multimedia

Location and Function of Parts

Front Panel

1 q (cassette) indicator

2 KEY INH (key inhibit)

switch

3 Remote sensor

4 ON/STANDBY switch

and lamp

5 TIMER switch

6 AUDIO OUTPUT

SELECT switch

7 PHONE LEVEL

control knob

8 PHONES jack

9 INPUT SELECT

switch

q; INDEX/(A1) button

qd Cassette

compartment

4 Indicator section

(see page 17)

qs EJECT (cassette

eject) button

3 Audio control section

(see page 16)

2 Tape transport control

section

(see page 14)

1 Monitor display

section

(see page 12)

qa DISPLAY OUTPUT

switch

Chapter 1 Overview

1 q (cassette) indicator

Lights when a digital video cassette is loaded.
Does not light up while the unit is not loading a
cassette.
This indicator blinks while a cassette is being ejected.

For details, see “Inserting/Ejecting Cassettes” on page 31.

2 KEY INH (key inhibit) switch

Turning on this switch disables all buttons to prevent
accidental button operations.

Notes

• Even when this switch is set to ON, the switches 5,

6, 9, and 3-1, the switch 4 on the rear panel,

and the knobs 7 and 3-2 can be controlled.

• Even when you set this switch to ON, you can
operate the unit with Remote Commander, LANC
jack, CONTROL S jack, and

HDV/DV jack.

3 Remote sensor

Note

In addition to Remote Commander supplied with the
unit, the unit accepts signals from any Sony Remote
Commander whose command mode is set to VTR4. To
disable the control from Remote Commander, set
[COMMANDER] in [OTHERS] menu to [CONTROL
S].

4 ON/STANDBY switch and lamp

Press this switch to turn the unit on, and ON/
STANDBY lamp lights up green. When you press this
switch again, the unit goes into STANDBY mode and
the lamp lights up red.

Note

When KEY INH switch 2 is set to ON, ON/
STANDBY switch does not work. Set KEY INH
switch to OFF to enable ON/STANDBY switch.

(Continued)

Chapter 1 Overview 9

Location and Function of Parts

5 TIMER switch

Use to select Auto Repeat or recording using an
external AC timer (not supplied).

REPEAT: When the power is supplied to the unit,

Chapter 1 Overview

the tape rewinds to its beginning automatically
and playback starts. When the following items on
the tape are searched, AUTO REPEAT playback
starts automatically.

–Index signals
– A portion unrecorded
– A portion recorded in the format set by other

than [AUTO] in [HDV/DV SEL] in [IN/OUT
REC] menu

– Tape end
Auto Repeat also functions if you set this switch to
REPEAT during playback or rewind.

For details on Auto Repeat, see “AUTO REPEAT
(CUSTOM REPEAT)” on page 39 and “CUSTOM
REPEAT” in “VTR SET” menu on page 74.

OFF: Auto Repeat or timer recording is released.
REC: Recording begins the moment the power is

connected to the unit.

Note

The setting of this switch still activates even when
KEY INH switch 2 is set to ON.

6 AUDIO OUTPUT SELECT switch

When the audio mode is 32 kHz (4-channel), use this
switch to select the audio channel to be output via
HDMI OUT jack, AUDIO jacks in OUTPUT as well
as PHONES jack 8.

CH-1/2: channels 1/2 only
MIX: channels 1/2 and channels 3/4
CH-3/4: channels 3/4 only

Notes

•During audio dubbing, if you want to listen to the
sound recorded on the tape, set this switch to CH-1/2;
if you want to listen to the sound being dubbed, set
the switch to CH-3/4. (Only channels 3 and 4 can be
used to dub.) To check the sound to be dubbed before
dubbing, set this switch to CH-3/4, then press
AUDIO DUB button while the unit is in the stop
mode. Then you can listen to the sound of the
channels used to dub (channels 3 and 4) at a moment.

For details on the audio dubbing, see page 60. Also refer
to the instructions of “AUDIO DUB / (A3) 1” button on
page 14.

•When the audio mode is 48 kHz (2-channel), sounds
of channel 1 and 2 are output via HDMI OUT jack,
AUDIO jacks in OUTPUT, and PHONES jack 8
regardless of the position of this switch.

•When this switch is set to MIX, the sound of the
mixed level of the pair of channel 1 and 3 and that of
channels 2 and 4 is output. The audio output level
becomes 50 % (–6 dB) of the original audio levels on
each channel.

7 PHONE LEVEL control knob

Controls the volume of the headphones connected to
PHONES jack 8.

8 PHONES jack

Connect stereo headphones for monitoring sounds
during recording or playback. The audio signals you
want to monitor can be selected with AUDIO
OUTPUT SELECT switch 6. By changing the setting
of [AUDIO MONI] in [AUDIO SET] (page 73), you
can monitor the sound of a particular channel.

9 INPUT SELECT switch

Switch the signal input jack from

HDV/DV jack, S

VIDEO jack, and VIDEO jack.

HDV/DV : Inputs a signal from

HDV/DV jack.

S VIDEO : Inputs a signal from S VIDEO jack.
VIDEO : Inputs a signal from VIDEO jack.

Notes

•Do not change the setting of this switch while
recording in progress, or it causes noise added to
images and sounds. Also, a part of the tape where the
change of setting applied will not be recorded
properly. The time code may be recorded
discontinuously.

• If you change the setting of this switch while
recording in progress, the output signal via

HDV/
DV jack may be interrupted. Also, the unit may
detect signals such as a copyright information signal
incorrectly.

•When a signal is input via

HDV/DV jack, the
settings of the menu listed below are unavailable.
– 60i/50i SEL
– AUDIO MODE
– AUDIO LOCK
– AUDIO INPUT LEVEL (–10/–2/+4) switch
– AUDIO REC LEVEL control knob
– AUDIO INPUT (AUTO/MANU) switch

10 Chapter 1 Overview

q; INDEX/(A1) button

Press this button to write an index mark while
recording. Index is useful when you search for scenes
on a tape. Also, this button can be used as ASSIGN
(A1) button.

For detail on Index, see “Recording Functions” on page 47.

When you change ASSIGN buttons setting with
[ASSIGN (A1)] of [ASSIGN BTN] in [OTHERS]
menu, this button executes the function you have set.

For details on ASSIGN buttons, see “ASSIGN BTN” on
page 77.

qa DISPLAY OUTPUT switch

Selects the destination for the text data to be
superimposed via output jacks.

OFF : Does not superimpose text data to output
S VIDEO/VIDEO : Superimposes text data to S

VIDEO OUT jack and VIDEO jack.

ALL : Superimposes text data to HDMI OUT jack,

COMPONENT OUT jacks, S VIDEO OUT jack,
and VIDEO OUT jack.

qs EJECT button

Press this button to eject a cassette. If you press this
button while a cassette is inside the unit, the cassette is
ejected.

Chapter 1 Overview

qd Cassette compartment

Insert a standard-size or mini-size cassette.

For details on cassettes that can be used, see “Notes on
Power Supply and Video Cassettes” on page 30.

Chapter 1 Overview 11

Location and Function of Parts

1 Monitor display section

Chapter 1 Overview

1 DISPLAY button

2 COUNTER

SELECT button

3 RESET/(A2)

(Counter reset)
button

1 DISPLAY button

Change the text data displayed on LCD monitor or the
text data output from video jacks on the rear panel of
the unit. By pressing this button, the unit displays the
picture only, picture and data, or picture and time
counter.

For details on various data, see “Displaying Various Data”
on page 25.

4 Indicator section

(see page 17)

4 MENU button

5 J/j/K/k

buttons

6 EXEC (execute)

button

7 STATUS

CHECK button

8 LCD (Liquid Crystal

Display) monitor

•A tape recorded using 50i system is being used in the
unit when [60i/50i SEL] in [OTHERS] menu is set to
[60i].

•A tape recorded using 60i system is being used in the
unit when [60i/50i SEL] in [OTHERS] menu is set to
[50i].

• [TC RUN] in [TC/UB SET] menu is set to [FREE
RUN].

2 COUNTER SELECT button

While displaying the data or time counter, press this
button to change the time counter display in the order
of time code, user bits, and tape counter.
Count value of the tape counter (seven digits) is
displayed on a ±12-hour cycle.

Note

The count value of the counter of the unit is
determined by calculation based on the time code, that
is, simple approximation. Therefore, in cases such as
the following, the value may be inaccurate.

• There is a portion where the time code is not
continuous on the tape you are using.

• The time code in both the drop frame mode and the
non-drop frame mode are recorded on the tape you
are using (for 60i only).

• There is a blank portion between recorded portions
on the tape you are using.

3 RESET (Counter reset)/(A2) button

Press this button, when the count value of the counter
is displayed. The count value is reset to 0:00:00:00.
Also, this button can be used as ASSIGN (A2) button.
When you change ASSIGN button setting with
[ASSIGN (A2)] of [ASSIGN BTN] in [OTHERS]
menu, this button executes the function you have set.

For details on ASSIGN buttons, see “ASSIGN BTN” on
page 77.

Notes

• This button does not reset the value of the time code
or user bits.

• To reset the value of the time code or user bits, use
[TC PRESET] or [UB PRESET] in [TC/UB SET]
menu.

12 Chapter 1 Overview

4 MENU button

Press this button to display the menu on screen.

For details on the menu, see “Operating the Menus” on
page 65.

5 J/j/K/k buttons

Use these buttons in menu settings and other settings.
You can adjust the brightness of images by pressing
J/j buttons, while the data (format, the tape running
mode) is displayed on the LCD screen.
The display of the brightness level adjustment
disappears in a second after the adjustment completes.
While the time counter is displayed, the position of the
time counter moves up and down by pressing J/j
buttons. When the small size time counter is displayed,
the position of the time counter moves not only to the
up and down, but also to the right and left by pressing
K/k buttons.
While STATUS CHECK screen is displayed, you can
switch the screen by pressing J/j buttons.

6 EXEC (execute) button

Use this button in menu settings.

7 STATUS CHECK button

Press this button to check the audio level and menu
settings. To display STATUS CHECK screen, press
STATUS CHECK button.
Every time you press J/j buttons, STATUS CHECK
screen switches in the order of AUDIO, OUTPUT,
ASSIGN, and CUSTOM REPEAT. To hide STATUS
CHECK screen, press STATUS CHECK button again.

Chapter 1 Overview

Note

Audio level meter display varies depending on the
settings of [AUDIO MODE] in [AUDIO SET] menu,
AUDIO OUTPUT SELECT switch, and the audio
mode on the tape played back.

8 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor

Display the playback or EE

1)

pictures. Also,
superimposed time data, status information, menus,
audio level meters, etc. are displayed.

........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1) “EE” stands for “Electric to Electric.” In EE mode, the video and audio signals input to the VCR’s recording circuitry do
not pass through any magnetic conversion circuits but output via electric circuits only. This mode is used to check the input
signals and adjust input levels. The pictures output in EE mode are referred to as EE pictures.

Chapter 1 Overview 13

Location and Function of Parts

2 Tape transport control section

Chapter 1 Overview

1 AUDIO DUB (audio dubbing)/

(A3) button / indicator

2 DUPLICATE PLUS button

/ indicator

3 REC (record) button / indicator

4 FF (fast forward) button / indicator

5 PLAY button / indicator

6 REW (rewind) button / indicator

7 STOP button

8 PAUSE button / indicator

1 AUDIO DUB (audio dubbing)/ (A3) button /

indicator

Use this button to dub sounds. The indicator lights
while sounds are being dubbed. Also, this button can
be used as ASSIGN (A3) button.

For details on audio dubbing, see “Audio Dubbing” on
page 60.

When the unit is in the stop mode and INPUT
SELECT switch is set to other than HDV/DV, you can
check EE signals of the sound (channels 3 and 4) to be
dubbed by pressing this button. While the operation is
in progress, the indicator lights. To stop the operation,
press STOP button.

For details, see “EE/PB SEL” in “IN/OUT REC” menu on
page 71.

When you change ASSIGN buttons setting with
[ASSIGN (A3)] of [ASSIGN BTN] in [OTHERS]
menu, this button executes the function you have set.

For details on ASSIGN buttons, see “ASSIGN BTN” on
page 77.

2 DUPLICATE PLUS button/indicator

Use to duplicate a tape, including the time code. While
duplication is in progress, the indicator lights.

For details on the duplicate function, see “Duplication
(generating a work tape with the same time code)” on page

56.

When the unit is in the stop mode and HDV/DV
signals is selected and input, you can check EE signals
for an image, sound and time code by pressing this
button. While you are checking EE signals, the
indicator lights. To stop this operation, press STOP
button.

For details, see “EE/PB SEL” in “IN/OUT REC” menu on
page 71.
For details on time codes, see “HVR-M25U/M25N/M25E/
M25P time codes” on page 53.

3 REC (record) button / indicator

When you press and hold this button, then press PLAY
button, the each indicator lights and recording starts. If
you press this button while the tape is stopped, you can
check EE picture and audio signals for a moment.
When HDV/DV is selected, if [HDV/DV IN TC] in
[TC/UB SET] menu is set to [EXTERNAL], you can
also check the EE time code signals. Press STOP
button to end the check.

For details, see “EE/PB SEL” in “IN/OUT REC” menu on
page 71.
For details on time code, see “TC/UB SET” on page 75.

14 Chapter 1 Overview

Notes

• The unit does not have an LP recording mode of the
consumer DV format. Only SP recording mode is
available.

• To set the unit to recording pause mode with the
remote control unit DSRM-10 (not supplied), press
PAUSE button while holding down PLAY button to
set the unit to the playback pause mode, then press
REC button on the DSRM-10.

• When the recording mode is set in HDV format, it
may take a few seconds to start recording. During this
time, REC indicator blinks.

4 FF (fast forward) button / indicator

When you press this button, the indicator lights and the
tape is fast forwarded. During fast forward, the picture
does not appear on the monitor. (you can see the
picture as it is seen in EE mode during fast forward.)
To locate a scene while monitoring the picture, keep
pressing this button during fast forward, playback or in
playback pause mode (picture search).

For details on [VTR SET] menu, see “VTR SET” on page

74.

6 REW (rewind) button / indicator

When you press this button, the indicator lights and the
tape starts rewinding. During rewind, the picture does
not appear on the monitor. (you can see the picture as
it is seen in EE mode during rewind.) To locate a scene
while monitoring the picture, hold this button down
during rewind, playback or in the playback pause
mode.
If you press PLAY button while holding down this
button during stop, the tape is rewound to its beginning
and starts playing automatically (during rewind, REW
indicator lights and PLAY indicator blinks).

For details on [VTR SET] menu, see “VTR SET” on page

74.

Notes

• If you set [EE/PB SEL] in [IN/OUT REC] menu to
[PB], EE picture and EE audio signals are not output.

• If you set [FF/REW SPEED] in [VTR SET] menu to
[SHUTTLEMAX], the picture is played back during
fast forward.

For details on running speed with [SHUTTLEMAX], see
“FF/REW SPEED” in “VTR SET” menu on page 74.

Chapter 1 Overview

Notes

• If you set [EE/PB SEL] in [IN/OUT REC] menu to
[PB], EE picture and EE audio signals are not output.

• If you set [FF/REW SPEED] in [VTR SET] menu to
[SHUTTLEMAX], the picture is played back during
fast forward.

For details on running speed with [SHUTTLEMAX], see
“FF/REW SPEED” in “VTR SET” menu on page 74.

5 PLAY button / indicator

When you press this button, the indicator lights and
playback begins.
If you press this button while holding down REW
button during stop, the tape is rewound to its beginning
and starts playing automatically (during rewind, REW
indicator lights and PLAY indicator blinks).

Notes

• When the unit is playing back a part of the tape
where the recording format has been changed among
HDV format, DVCAM format, and DV format, or
between 60i format and 50i format, the picture and
sound may be distorted.

• The unit cannot play back a tape recorded in the LP
recording mode of the consumer DV format.

7 STOP button

Press this button to stop the tape transport operation
completely.

8 PAUSE button / indicator

Press this button to set the unit to pause mode. The
indicator lights while recording, playing, or audio
dubbing. Press this button again to resume the
operation.

Chapter 1 Overview 15

Location and Function of Parts

3 Audio control section

During normal recording, sounds are recorded onto
channels 1 and 2; they cannot be recorded

Chapter 1 Overview

onto channels 3 and 4. During audio dubbing, sounds
are dubbed onto channels 3 and 4.

1 AUDIO INPUT (AUTO/MANU) switch

2 AUDIO REC LEVEL control knob

1 AUDIO INPUT (AUTO/MANU) switch

Switches the audio recording level adjustment mode.

AUTO : Adjusts AUDIO REC LEVEL

automatically. (Adjustment of AUDIO REC
LEVEL control knobs 2 is disabled.)
For acceptable recording level, see the table
below.

AUDIO INPUT LEVEL Acceptable level

switch (max.)

–10 +18 dBu

–2 +24 dBu

+4 +30 dBu

MANU : Enables AUDIO REC LEVEL control

knobs 2.

Notes

•When i.LINK signals are input to the unit, the sound
recorded retains the signal level input, regardless of
the setting of this switch.

• Even this switch is set to AUTO, the setting is not
effective against the volume which exceeds the
dynamic range of the input amplifier.

• If you input a sound whose level exceeds the
acceptable range, the recorded sound is distorted.

2 AUDIO REC LEVEL control knobs

(CH-1 (DUB CH-3), CH-2 (DUB CH-4) )

To perform normal recording using these knobs, adjust
the levels of the analog audio signals input to the unit
(channel 1 and 2). To perform audio dubbing using
these knobs, adjust the levels of channel 3 and 4.
These knobs are enabled only when AUDIO INPUT
(AUTO/MANU) switch 1 is set to MANU.
To display the audio level meters on LCD monitor,
press STATUS CHECK button.

For details on the audio level meter, see “STATUS CHECK
screen” on page 27.

Note

You cannot adjust the audio level using these knobs
while i.LINK signals is input.

16 Chapter 1 Overview

4 Indicator section

1 HDV indicator

2 DVCAM indicator

3 60 indicator

4 50 indicator

1 HDV indicator

Lights when the unit is in the following operating
status.

•When a tape recorded in HDV format is being played
back.

•When HDV signals are input through the i.LINK
interface.

•When [HDV/DV SEL] in [IN/OUT REC] menu is set
to [HDV].*

* Even when [HDV/DV SEL] in [IN/OUT REC] menu is

set to [AUTO] with no signal input, while the last signal
input was HDV format or the last tape played was HDV
format, this indicator lights.

2 DVCAM indicator

Lights when the unit is in the following operating
status.

• When a tape recorded in DVCAM format is being
played back.

• When [HDV/DV SEL] in [IN/OUT REC] menu is
set to [DV] and [

REC MODE] in [IN/OUT REC]

menu is set to [DVCAM] (during recording or in EE
mode).*

* Neither HDV indicator nor DVCAM indicator lights

during recording in DV (SP) format or a playback of a
tape recorded in DV (SP) format.

5 HDV-i.LINK indicator

6 DVCAM-i.LINK indicator

7 DV-i.LINK indicator

3 60 indicator

Lights when the unit is in the following operating
status.

•During recording or in EE mode when [60i/50i SEL]
in [OTHERS] menu is set to [60i].

•During HDV1080/60i or NTSC signals are input
from

HDV/DV jack.

•A tape that has HDV1080/60i or NTSC signals is
being played back.

4 50 indicator

Lights when the unit is in the following operating
status.

•During recording or in EE mode when [60i/50i SEL]
in [OTHERS] menu is set to [50i].

•During HDV1080/50i, or PAL signals are input from

HDV/DV jack.

•A tape that has HDV1080/50i or PAL signals is being
played back.

5 HDV-i.LINK indicator

Lights when HDV signals are input/output through the
i.LINK interface.

6 DVCAM-i.LINK indicator

Lights when DVCAM signals are input/output through
the i.LINK interface.

Chapter 1 Overview

7 DV-i.LINK indicator

Lights when DV signals are input/output through the
i.LINK interface.

Chapter 1 Overview 17

Location and Function of Parts

Rear Panel

1 S VIDEO jacks

Chapter 1 Overview

2 VIDEO jacks

3 AUDIO jacks

4 AUDIO INPUT

LEVEL switch

5 COMPONENT OUT jacks

6 HDMI OUT jack

1 S VIDEO jacks

To connect a device equipped with S video jack, use S
VIDEO jacks on the unit.
If you use S VIDEO jacks, you can input/output high­quality video with less signals deterioration in quality
than the one connected to the standard VIDEO jack.
When DISPLAY OUTPUT switch is set to S VIDEO/
VIDEO or ALL, text data such as the time code,
menus, and alarm messages are superimposed on an
external monitor connected to S VIDEO jack (page

25).

For details on the output of S VIDEO jack, see “Notes on all
video output jacks” (page 22).

7 RESET button

8 AC IN connector

9 HDV/DV jack

q; LANC jack

qa CONTROL S jack

Notes

• In the audio dubbing mode, CH1/3 and CH2/4 jacks
function as the channel 3 and channel 4 input jacks,
respectively.

• To input balanced audio signals via AUDIO jacks,
use a conversion cable as shown below. (The COLD
side is open.)

For details on conversion cables, refer to the instruction
manual of the devices you use.

GND

HOT

2 VIDEO jacks

Use to input and output analog video signals.
Text data is superimposed on a monitor in the same
way as S VIDEO jack connection (page 25).

For details on the output of VIDEO jack, see “Notes on all
video output jacks” (page 22).

3 AUDIO jacks

Use to input and output analog audio signals.
During normal recording, sounds are recorded onto
channels 1 and 2. During audio dubbing, sounds are
dubbed onto channels 3 and 4. When AUDIO OUPUT
SELECT switch on the front panel of the unit is set to
MIX, the audio output level becomes 50% (–6 dB) of
the original audio levels on each channel.

18 Chapter 1 Overview

COLD

×

4 AUDIO INPUT LEVEL (–10/–2/+4) switch

Select one from –10 dB, –2 dB, or +4 dB according to
the audio level of the signal input via AUDIO IN
jacks.

Note

If this switch setting is not appropriate, clipping
distortion or noise may occur.

For more information on the setting of this switch, see
“When you set AUDIO INPUT LEVEL switch” on page 86.

5 COMPONENT OUT jacks

Use to output component signals.
To connect a device equipped the component video
input connector, use COMPONENT OUT jacks on the
unit. If you use COMPONENT OUT jacks, you can
output high-quality video with less signal deterioration
in quality than S VIDEO jack.
You can set the output video format by using [HDMI/
CMPNT] of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu.

When DISPLAY OUTPUT switch is set to ALL, text
data such as time code, menu, and alarm message are
superimposed on a monitor connected using
COMPONENT OUT jacks (page 25).

Notes

•When images are output in 720p format, some of the
text image data (outer frame: underscan portion) on
the monitor may appear cut out. In this case, check
the text image data on LCD monitor of the unit or on
a monitor using S VIDEO OUT jack or the VIDEO
OUT jack. Also, when your monitor has an underscan
function, you can check all the text data on the
monitor during underscan.

•When you change the video format setting of [HDMI/
CMPNT] of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu,
the video signal output from S VIDEO jack, VIDEO
jack, or

HDV/DV jack may be distorted for a

moment.

•When you play back an HDV-formatted tape with
copyright protected signals or input HDV signals
with copyright protection to

HDV/DV jack, pictures
may be output in either 480i (NTSC) or 576i (PAL)
format, regardless of the setting of [HDMI/CMPNT]
of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu.

•When you play back a tape in DVCAM/DV format
and while an EE picture in NTSC/PAL is displayed,
the 480i resolution or the 576i resolution is output,
regardless of the setting of [HDMI/CMPNT] of
[VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu.

• The output level of COMPONENT OUT jacks is as
follows:
Output at 480i NTSC
With [BETACAM] selected in [IN/OUT REC] menu

Y: 1.0 Vp-p
(with 0.286 Vp-p sync negative,
output impedance 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced)
Pb/Cb/B-Y, Pr/Cr/R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p
(output impedance 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced)
(75% color bars with 7.5 IRE setup)

With [SMPTE] selected in [IN/OUT REC] menu

Y: 1.0 Vp-p
(with 0.3 Vp-p sync negative,
output impedance 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced)
Pb/Cb/B-Y, Pr/Cr/R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p
(output impedance 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced)
(100% color bars with no setup)

Output with other settings

Y: 1.0 Vp-p
(output impedance 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced)
Pb/Cb/B-Y, Pr/Cr/R-Y: 0.7 Vp-p
(output impedance 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced)
(100% color bars with no setup)
480i/480p:
Y: with 0.3 Vp-p sync negative
1080i/720p:
Y/Pb/Pr: with 0.6 Vp-p 3-level sync

Chapter 1 Overview

(Continued)

Chapter 1 Overview 19

Location and Function of Parts

6 HDMI OUT jack

Use to output HDMI signals. HDMI OUT jack outputs
both pictures and audio.
To connect a device which equipped HDMI input
connector, use HDMI OUT jack on the unit.

Chapter 1 Overview

HDMI OUT jack outputs high-quality video with even
less signal deterioration in quality than COMPONENT
OUT jacks.
You can set the output video format by using [HDMI/
CMPNT] of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu.
Text data is superimposed on a monitor in the same
way as COMPONENT OUT jacks connection (page

25).

Notes

Use an HDMI cable with HDMI logo.
When you connect the unit with other device, some of
the devices do not display pictures or sounds. Also,
when you connect the unit in the way described below,
the unit or the device connected to the unit may be
damaged.
–When HDMI OUT jack on the unit is connected to

the HDMI OUT jack on the device.

–When HDMI OUT jack on the unit is connected to

the HDMI OUT jack of the same unit.
There are following restrictions on the output of HDMI
OUT jack.

•When you play back an HDV-formatted tape with

copyright protected signals or input HDV signals,
including copyright protected signals via
jack, pictures and audio cannot be output from HDMI
OUT jack. (Copy-protected signals and programs
such as digital broadcasts are also included.)

•You cannot output EE picture of analog video

(NTSC, PAL) that are input from VIDEO IN jack, S
VIDEO IN jack to HDMI OUT jack. In this case, text
data and menus cannot be displayed either. When you
play back a DVCAM or DV (SP)-formatted tape
recorded in either NTSC or PAL format, pictures are
output to HDMI OUT jack.

•You cannot output EE picture and sound of DVCAM/

DV signals (NTSC, PAL) that are input from
DV jack to HDMI OUT jack.

• Sounds output via HDMI OUT jack of the unit is 2-

channel (stereo). In case of playing back a tape
recorded in 4-channel (32 kHz), audio recording, or
pausing audio recording, to output the sound of CH3
and CH4 during post recording, select CH-3/4 with
AUDIO OUTPUT SELECT switch. By selecting
MIX with this switch, mixed sounds can be output to
HDMI OUT jack as well.

HDV/DV

HDV/

• Sounds output via HDMI OUT jack are output with
16 bit of 48 kHz, 2-channel linear PCM mode
regardless of the tape played back, the setting of the
menus, or the signal format input to

HDV/DV jack.

•When images are output in 720p format, some of the
text image data (outer frame: underscan portion) on
the monitor may appear cut out. In this case, check
the text image data on LCD monitor of the unit or on
a monitor using S VIDEO OUT jack or VIDEO OUT
jack. Also, when your monitor has an underscan
function, you can check all the text data on the
monitor during full screen underscan.

•When you change the video format setting of [HDMI/
CMPNT] of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu,
the video signal output from S VIDEO jack, VIDEO
jack, or

HDV/DV jack may be distorted.

• If a monitor or other device connected to the unit
does not have a resolution display mode selected with
[HDMI/CMPNT] of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT
REC], noise may occur on the picture of the monitor,
or a humming noise may be output from the speakers.
Also, the picture may not be displayed or the sound
may not be output. Be sure to check the displayable
resolutions of the monitor by referring the operational
instructions of your monitor, and select the
appropriate menu for the unit.

•Depending on the monitor you have, the picture and
sound on the monitor may be distorted when you
change the resolution of the picture. This is not a
malfunction.

7 RESET button

If you press this button with the tip of a ballpoint pen
or similar tool, the following settings are initialized.
–[CLOCK SET] (page 78) and [60i/50i SEL] (page

79) in [OTHERS] menu.

– The setting on the unit except the menu settings.

8 AC IN connector

Connects to an AC outlet using the supplied power
cord.
Even if the unit is in the standby mode, it consumes
power. To turn the unit off completely, pull the plug
out from the AC outlet.

20 Chapter 1 Overview

9 HDV/DV jack (4-pin)

Use this jack to input/output the digital signals that
complies with the i.LINK standard. Use when a device
connected to the unit has an i.LINK jack. If you
connect the unit and another device using

HDV/DV
jack, you can minimize deterioration of picture quality
during recording, dubbing, or capturing still pictures,
all by means of digital signals processing.

For details, refer to the instruction manual of the external
device.

Notes

•When you connect with the i.LINK cable to a

computer and the unit, check the direction of the jack.
If you forcibly insert the jack, the terminal may be
damaged or cause the unit to malfunction. Align v
mark of the i.LINK cable with V mark on the unit
and insert the i.LINK cable.

• This jack is only compatible with HDV (1080i)/

DVCAM/DV signals.

For details, see “About i.LINK” on page 98.

• If video signals have been input to HDV/DV jack

and you output these video signals to the S VIDEO or
VIDEO connectors, the sync and burst of the
corresponding EE picture is not synchronized.

• If the unit is connected to a device equipped with a

6-pin i.LINK jack, when you intend to disconnect or
reconnect the i.LINK cable, turn off the device and
pull out the plug of its power cord from the AC outlet
beforehand. If you connect or disconnect the i.LINK
cable while the device is connected to the AC outlet,
high-voltage current (8 to 40 V) is output from
i.LINK jack of the device to the unit. This may cause
a malfunction.

•When connecting a device that has a 6-pin i.LINK

jack to the unit, connect the plug of the cable to the 6­pin i.LINK jack first.

For details on each setting when HDV/DV signals are
input, see “HDV/DV SEL” (page 67).

• Video signal which is input from HDV/DV jack

will be output directly to COMPONENT OUT jacks,
S VIDEO jack, and VIDEO jack with the jitter of
i.LINK signal. This jitter may be displayed on the
connected monitor. Be aware of this jitter when you
connect other recording device to for these jacks.
This jitter will not appear on a recording with the
unit.

•When you change the video format setting of [HDMI/
CMPNT] in [VIDEO OUT] of [IN/OUT REC] menu,
the video signal output from S VIDEO OUT jack,
VIDEO OUT jack, or

HDV/DV jack may be

distorted.

For details on the output of HDV/DV jack, see “Notes on
all video output jacks” (page 22).

q; LANC jack

Use this jack when controlling the tape transport
operation of the unit using a device that has a LANC

1)

jack.

Notes

• LANC jack on the unit has only LANC-S functions.
The unit has no LANC-M functions. A device that is
set to LANC-S mode cannot be connected to the unit.
Either this, the unit or the other device may not
operate properly.

•When using the unit as a player, set LANC mode on
the recorder to M. A VCR that does not have M/S
switching function cannot be used to control the unit.

• When the device for connecting to the unit has
[LANC-M] function to switch between SHUTTLE A/
B, select SHUTTLE A for HDV-formatted tape, and
SHUTTLE B for the DVCAM/DV (SP)-formatted
tape.

• LANC connection transmits command signals for
playback, stop, pause playback, as well as the time
code, tape counter, and data status of the unit.

• Jacks labeled CONTROL L have the same function
as LANC jacks.

• There are some limitations when you edit an HDV­formatted tape.

Refer to the “Notes” in “Editing (Connecting with a
Computer)” on page 62.

qa CONTROL S jack

Connect to a remote control unit DSRM-10 (not
supplied) for controlling the unit.
You can use DSRM-20 (no longer manufactured: not
supplied).

Note

When you use a CONTROL S device, set
[COMMANDER] in [OTHERS] menu to [CONTROL
S].

Chapter 1 Overview

(Continued)

........................................................................................................................................................................................................

1) LANC (Local Application Control bus system):
Bidirectional interface used to control a consumer VCR

Chapter 1 Overview 21

Location and Function of Parts

Notes on all video output jacks

• When you change the video format setting of

[HDMI/CMPNT] and [DOWN COVERT] of
[VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT REC] menu, [ALLSCAN

Chapter 1 Overview

MODE] in [DISPLAY SET] menu, or [HDV t DV
CONV] and [DOWN CONVERT] in [i.LINK SET],
the image may be distorted for a moment. Also, the
above settings may cause the restrictions on the video
output of the unit.

For details, refer to the table on page 85 and the
instructions of each menu setting.

• When you change the video format setting of

[HDMI/CMPNT] of [VIDEO OUT] in [IN/OUT
REC] menu, the video signals output from S VIDEO
OUT jack, VIDEO OUT jack, or

HDV/DV jack

may be distorted.

• The unit is only compatible with standard video

signals. If you input the types of video signals shown
below, recorded picture and sound may be distorted.
– Signals from some home game machines
–Blue background screen or gray background screen

from a consumer VCR

– Pictures played at a speed other than normal by a

VCR that does not have the TBC (Time Base
Corrector)

–Video signals in which the sync signals are

distorted

– Signals from a defective cassette (tape or recording

condition is bad) played by an analog VCR that
does not have TBC

• To absorb the jitter of input video signals, the

distortion of video signals are processed in the
underscan portion. You may see this procedure on an
underscan monitor, yet this is not a malfunction.
Also, the picture recorded on the tape will not be
affected.

•During recording or in EE mode, the subcarrier of the

color signal to be output from the unit is not
synchronized with the horizontal sync signal. The
color of the picture or the horizontal position of the
picture may be distorted depending on the type of
monitor connected to the unit.

• To output video signals to VIDEO, S VIDEO, or

COMPONENT OUT jacks without text data, set
DISPLAY OUTPUT switch to OFF, or press DATA
CODE or SEARCH SELECT button on the remote
commander.

22 Chapter 1 Overview

Supplied Remote Commander

Chapter 1 Overview

1 EJECT button

2 SEARCH SELECT

buttons

3 Buttons for playing

at various speeds

4 PAUSE button

5 REW button

6 PLAY button

EJECT

××××

VTR RMT-DS5

qs 1 switch

qa DATA CODE button

0 INDEX WRITE button

9 REC buttons

8 STOP button

7 FF button

1 EJECT button

2 SEARCH SELECT buttons

Press these buttons to search for scenes using the
search function.

For details on the search function, see “Searching using the
search function” on page 38.

3 Buttons for playing at various speeds

You can play back a tape at normal speed or at a speed
other than normal with these buttons.

For details, see “Playing at various speeds” on page 37.

4 PAUSE button

5 REW (rewind) button

6 PLAY button

7 FF (fast forward) button

8 STOP button

9 REC (record) buttons

When you press both these buttons at the same time,
REC indicator and PLAY indicator on the front panel
light and recording begins.

0 INDEX WRITE button

Press this button during recording to mark an index.

For details on an index, see “Marking an index” on page

47.

qa DATA CODE button

Press this button to display the data codes (recording
date/time, camera data).

For details on data codes, see “Displaying information
(data codes) recorded on a tape” on page 36.

qs 1 (on/standby) switch

(Continued)

Chapter 1 Overview 23

Location and Function of Parts

Notes

• The command mode of the supplied Remote

Commander is set to VTR4. You cannot change
command mode setting.

• Set [COMMANDER] in [OTHERS] menu to

Chapter 1 Overview

[WIRELESS] to enable Remote Commander to
control the unit.

• In addition to Remote Commander supplied with the

unit, the unit accepts signals from any Sony Remote
Commander whose command mode is set to VTR4.
To disable the control from Remote Commander, set
[COMMANDER] in [OTHERS] menu to
[CONTROL S].

Battery installation

1 Push and slide the lid to open.

Notes on batteries

• Make sure that the battery orientation is correct when
inserting batteries.

• Do not mix an old battery with a new one, or mix
different types of batteries.

• If you do not intend to use Remote Commander for a
long time, remove the batteries to avoid damage from
battery leakage. If the batteries have leaked, remove
them, wipe the battery compartment dry and replace
the batteries with new ones.

To remove the batteries
Remove the lid as step 1 and take out the batteries.

WARNING

Battery may explode or leak if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.
Check the valid date (month-year) displayed on
the batteries.

2 Install two size AA (R6) batteries (supplied) with

the correct polarity.

Be sure to install the
battery from the # side.

3 Put the lid back.

24 Chapter 1 Overview

Displaying Various Data

The unit can display various superimposed text data on
the built-in LCD monitor and also an external monitor
connected to the unit.
To display text data on an external monitor, set
DISPLAY OUTPUT switch to ALL or S VIDEO/
VIDEO. You can turn ON/OFF various text data
display by pressing DISPLAY button.

In this operation manual, the menu screen etc. is
displayed in English. You can change the desired
language with the screen language setting.

For details, see page 77.

Note

When images are output in 720p format, some of the
text image data (outer frame: underscan portion) may
appear cut out, depending on the displayable range of
the monitor. In this case, check the text image data on
LCD monitor of the unit or on a monitor using S
VIDEO OUT jack or VIIDEO OUT jack. Also, when
your monitor has an underscan function, you can check
all the text data on the monitor during the underscan.

Data display

You can confirm important information for normal
recording or playback, such as time code or remaining
tape time, on the screen.

1

2
3

4
5

sc

AUTO

A3A2A1

TC

00:12:34:12

60min

HDV/DV

INDEX 00

SEARCH

18018

dB

F1.4 ATW

6
7

8

IN

9
0,qa

qs

qd

1 Format indicator

[HDV1080i], [DVCAM], or [DV SP] are displayed.

2 Repeat indicator

Displays an repeat indicator when TIMER switch is set
to REPEAT. When [START TIME] of [CUSTOM

REPEAT] is set to [ON] in [VTR SET] menu,

c

is

also displayed (page 10).

3 60i/50i indicator

Chapter 1 Overview

Menu screen

Press MENU button to display the menu screen.

For details on the menu, see “Chapter 5 Adjusting and
Setting Through Menus” on page 65.

IN/OUT REC
HDV/DV SEL
REC MODE
VIDEO OUT
i.LINK. SET
CROP ADJUST
CROP MARKER
COLOR BAR

[

MENU] : END

Data display screen

You can display the picture, picture and data, or
picture and the time counter on the data screen by
pressing DISPLAY button when the unit is turned on.

4 Alarm indicator

Displays an alarm indicator.

For details on alarm indicators, see “Warning indicators
and messages” on page 87.

5 ASSIGN buttons indicator

Displays ASSIGN button indicator when each
ASSIGN button is set other than default functions.

For details on “ASSIGN buttons”, see page 77.

6 Tape transport mode indicator

Displays the tape transport mode.

(Continued)

Chapter 1 Overview 25

Displaying Various Data

7 Time counter (time code/user bits/count value of

the counter) indicator

Displays the count value of the counter, time code, or
user bits. By pressing the COUNTER SELECT button
on the front panel, you can select the item to be

Chapter 1 Overview

displayed.
When the time code is displayed,

TC

appears to its left.
In the drop frame mode, a period is displayed between
the minutes and seconds (i.e., 00:12.58:00).
When the user bits are displayed,

UB

appears to their
left.
When the count value of the counter is negative, “–”
appears as the first digit (leftmost digit). When that
value is positive, the first digit is blank.
The count value of the counter consists of seven digits.
If the self-diagnostic function is enabled, diagnostics
code numbers are displayed.

Note

When you playback a tape without a time code or with
a time code recorded in different formats, the time
code cannot be displayed correctly.

8 Remaining tape time indicator

Displays the remaining tape time.

For details, see “ REMAINING” on page 72.

qs Audio mode indicator

In the recording mode, displays

when you select
[FS32K] for [AUDIO MODE] in [AUDIO SET]
menu. When you select [FS48K],

is displayed.
During playback or audio dubbing, displays the audio
mode recorded on the tape. During i.LINK input,
displays the audio mode of the signal input to

HDV/

DV jack.

Notes

• The audio mode will not be displayed when [HDV/

DV SEL] in [IN/OUT REC] menu is set to [HDV].

• Signals other than HDV/DVCAM lock mode will

become non-standard audio and

/ is
displayed during playback or when the signal is input
from

HDV/DV jack.

qd Date/time and camera data indicator

When you press DATA CODE button of Remote
Commander or set [DATA CODE] in [DISPLAY
SET] menu to [DATE] or [CAMERA DATA], you can
switch the display between recording date/time and
camera data.

For details on the date/time and camera data indicator, see
“Displaying information (data codes) recorded on a tape”
on page 36.

Note

When you insert a cassette in which the tape has been
rewound to the beginning, this indicator does not show
the remaining tape time. The remaining tape time is
displayed after the tape runs for a while.

9 INPUT SELECT indicator

Changes according to the position of INPUT SELECT
switch. ([HDV/DV IN], [S VIDEO IN] or [VIDEO
IN])

0

(Index) indicator

Displays

when an index has been marked.

qa Search indicator

Displays the search mode when you search for scenes
using Remote Commander.

For details on the search function, see “Searching using the
search function” on page 38.

Time counter screen

To display the time counter on LCD panel, press
DISPLAY button. On the time counter screen, it
displays the time data (count value of the counter/time
code/user bits).
While the time counter is displayed, the position of the
time counter moves up and down by pressing J/j
buttons. When the small size time counter is displayed,
the position of the time counter moves not only to the
up and down, but also to the left and right by pressing
K/k buttons.

00:10:26:12

26 Chapter 1 Overview

When the count value of the counter is negative, “–”
appears as the first digit (leftmost digit). When that
value is positive, the first digit is blank. When the
format of the displayed time code is the drop frame
mode, the drop frame indicator is displayed as a
period between the minutes and seconds (i.e.,
00:12.58:00).
When user bits are displayed, the space between hour,
minute, and second becomes blanked.

Notes

• In the playback mode, if the tape has a portion where
recorded signals are not continuous:
– The count value of the counter may not advance

correctly from that portion.

– The displayed value of the time code or user bits

may be temporarily inaccurate.

•When the unit plays back a part of the tape where the
recorded system has been changed between 50i and
60i, the displayed value may be inaccurate.

•When the unit plays back a part of the tape where the
recording format has been changed among HDV,
DVCAM and DV, the displayed value may be
inaccurate.

• The counter operates on a ±12-hour cycle. You
cannot make the counter operate on a 24-hour cycle.

• The count value of the counter consists of seven
digits. The tens place of the “hour” is not displayed.
(i.e., If the actual count value is “11:22:11:22”, the
displayed value will be “1:22:11:22.”) However, the
unit recognizes that the hours value is “11”.

Audio Level Meter and Audio setting screen

Audio Level Meter and Audio setting screen is
displayed when STATUS CHECK screen is set to
[AUDIO].
This screen displays the audio level meter and the
setting values of [AUDIO MONI] in [AUDIO SET]
menu.

For details, see “AUDIO SET” on page 73.

Audio Level Meter

Audio Level Meter can be used to confirm and adjust
the audio level. Audio Level Meter is displayed in
different patterns, depending on the settings of
[AUDIO MODE] and AUDIO OUTPUT switch.

The unit detects the audio mode as follows:

In the playback mode: Detects the audio mode

recorded on the tape.

In the recording/EE mode: Detects the selected

audio mode in [AUDIO MODE] in [AUDIO SET]
menu.

When INPUT SELECT switch is set to HDV/DV

and HDV or DV signals is being input: Detects

the audio mode of the signals being input. (The
setting of [AUDIO MODE] in [AUDIO SET] menu
becomes invalid.)

Audio mode: 48 kHz (2-channel, 16 bits)

AUDIO

1/4

Chapter 1 Overview

Setting the time counter

You can adjust the settings of the time counter display
in [COUNTER SET] in [DISPLAY SET] menu.

DISPLAY : Selects whether to display the time

counter or not.

SIZE : Selects the size of the time counter.
COLOR : Selects the color of the time counter.

For details on [COUNTER SET], see page 71.

STATUS CHECK screen

To display STATUS CHECK screen, press STATUS
CHECK button.
Each time you press J/j button, STATUS CHECK
screen switches in the order of AUDIO, OUTPUT,
ASSIGN, and CUSTOM REPEAT.
To hide STATUS CHECK screen, press STATUS
CHECK button again.

AUDIO MONI:

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

CH1 , CH2

(The levels of two channels, channels 1 and 2, are
displayed.)

Audio mode: 32 kHz (4-channel, 12 bits)

(a) When AUDIO OUTPUT SELECT switch is set to

CH-1/2 or CH-3/4

AUDIO

AUDIO MONI:

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

CH1 , CH2

(The levels of four channels, channels 1 to 4, are
displayed. During playback, if the sounds are recorded
onto channels 3 and 4, their levels meters fluctuate.
However, during normal recording, you cannot record
sounds onto the channels 3 and 4.)

1/4

(Continued)

Chapter 1 Overview 27

Displaying Various Data

(b) When AUDIO OUTPUT SELECT switch is set to

MIX

Chapter 1 Overview

(The mixed level of channels 1 and 3 is displayed on
CH1/3; that of channels 2 and 4 is displayed on CH2/4.
The audio output level becomes 50% (–6 dB) of the
original audio levels.)

AUDI O

AUDIO MONI:

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

CH1 , CH2

1/4

(c) When the unit is in the audio dubbing mode and

AUDIO OUTPUT SELECT switch is set to CH-1/2
or CH-3/4

AUDIO

AUDIO MONI:

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

CH1 , CH2

(The levels of playback sound are displayed on CH1 and
CH2. The levels of input sound to be dubbed are
displayed on CH3 and CH4. When AUDIO OUTPUT
SELECT switch is set to MIX, the mixed level of the
pair of channels 1 and 3 and that of channels 2 and 4 is
displayed. The audio output level becomes 50% (–6 dB)
of the original audio levels on each channel. In this case,
the meters are as illustrated in (b) on this page. To check
only the sound to be dubbed before dubbing, press
AUDIO DUB button while the unit is in the stop mode.
The level meters fluctuate only when the channels
(channel 3 and 4) are selected for audio dubbing.)

Note

1/4

In EE, recording, or audio dubbing (only the channels
used to dub) mode, if the input levels exceed 0 dB, the
portions of the meters turn red. (However, when the
audio mode is set to 32 kHz (4-channel,12 bits),
whereas AUDIO OUPUT SELECT switch is set to
MIX, the mixed audio levels that exceed 0 dB do not
turn red.) During playback or while HDV/DV signals
are input, the levels meters do not turn red.

OUTPUT screen

OUPUT screen is displayed when STATUS CHECK is
set to [OUTPUT].
You can confirm the setting values of [HDV/DV SEL]
in [IN/OUT REC] menu, [HDMI/CMPNT] and
[DOWN CONVERT] of [VIDEO OUT], and [HDV
t DV CONV] and [DOWN CONVERT] of [i.LINK
SET] in [IN/OUT REC] menu.

For details on OUTPUT settings, see “IN/OUT REC” menu
on page 67.

OUTPUT 2/4

HDV/DV SEL : AUTO
VIDEO OUT
HDMI/CMPNT : 1080i / 480i
DOWN CONVERT : SQUEEZE
i.LINK SET
HDVpDV CONV : OFF
DOWN CONVERT : SQUEEZE

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

ASSIGN screen

ASSIGN screen is displayed when STATUS CHECK
is set to ASSIGN.
You can confirm the setting values of [ASSIGN BTN]
in [OTHERS] menu.

For details on ASSIGN buttons, see “ASSIGN BTN” on
page 77.

ASSIGN 3/4

[A1]

ASSIGN

: INDEX MARK

[A2]

: COUNT. RESET

ASSIGN

[A3]

: AUDIO DUB

ASSIGN

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

CUSTOM REPEAT screen

CUSTOM REPEAT screen is displayed when
STATUS CHEK screen is set to [CUSTOM
REPEAT].
The settings of [CUSTOM REPEAT] in [VTR SET]
menu are displayed. While CUSTOM REPEAT is in
progress, you can also confirm the current status of
CUSTOM REPEAT.

CUSTOM REPEAT 4/4

2
3

4

1

REMAINING : 5h20min
REPEAT TIMES : 07/99
REPEAT CYCLE : 23min/60min
START TIME : 12 : 34

[

STATUS CHECK] : END

2006 5 1 12 : 00 : 00

sc

5

28 Chapter 1 Overview

1 REMAININNG : displays the estimated remaining
time of CUSTOM REPEAT.

2 REPEAT TIMES : displays the times that tape
has played, and the total repeat times you have set in
[REPEAT TIMES].

3 REPEAT CYCLE : displays the playback time
and the interval time of the tape which you have set in
[REPEAT CYCLE].

4 START TIME : displays the time CUSTOM
REPEAT starts which you have set in [START TIME].

5 Date and time : displays the date and time set by
[CLOCK SET] in [OTHERS] menu is displayed, when
[START TIME] is set to [ON].

Note

Items that have not been set up are displayed as [OFF].

For details on CUSTOM REPEAT, see “CUSTOM
REPEAT” menu on page 74.

Chapter 1 Overview

Chapter 1 Overview 29

Chapter 2 Playback and Recording

Notes on Power Supply and Video Cassettes

Chapter2

Playback and
Recording

Usable cassettes

We recommend you to use a DigitalMasterTM cassette
of standard HDV/DVCAM/DV cassette (such as
PHDV-276DM), or mini HDV/DVCAM/DV cassette
(PHDVM-63DM) for recording in HDV/DV format.
We recommend you to use a standard DVCAM
cassette, Mini-DVCAM cassette, or DigitalMaster
shown above for recording in DVCAM format.

Mini cassette

Standard cassette

TM

Cassette memory

Some mini cassettes and standard cassettes have the
cassette memory (
not support cassette memory.
However, if you use the DSR-25/45/50 as a recorder,
the unit accesses cassette memory only if the recorder
is set to [AUTO q

mark). The unit, however, does

].

To save a recording

To prevent accidental erasure of a recording, set REC/
SAVE switch on the cassette to SAVE. To record or
dub audio on a tape, set the switch to REC.

Set to SAVE.

REC/SAVE switch

Checking the tape for slack

Using a paper clip or a similar object, turn the reel
gently in the direction shown by the arrow. If the reel
does not move, there is no slack.

Paper clip, etc.

Reel

30 Chapter 2 Playback and Recording