Sony TRV20 User Manual

3-059-592-11 (1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

Owner’s Record

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

Model No. DCR-TRV Model No. AC-

Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-TRV6/TRV11/TRV20

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital

Welcome!

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

WARNING

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

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

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

Never expose the battery pack to temperatures above 140°F (60°C) such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center.

Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion

batteries in household or business trash may

be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only). For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only).

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium

ion battery.

For the 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) or write to : Sony Customer Information Center 1 Sony Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ, 07656.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV6,

DCR-TRV11 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park

Ridge, NJ, 07656 USA Telephone No.: 201-930-6972 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions.: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-TRV20 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park

“Memory Stick”

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION

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

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: — Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. — Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/

TV technician for help.

For customers in CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

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

Table of contents

Checking supplied accessories .................... 5

Quick Start Guide............................. 6

Getting started

Using this manual ................................... 8

Step 1 Preparing the power supply ..........

Installing the battery pack............. 10

Charging the battery pack............. 11

Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 14

Step 2 Inserting a cassette ................... 15

Recording – Basics

Recording a picture............................... 16

Shooting backlit subjects (BACK

LIGHT) ........................................ 21

Shooting in the dark

(NightShot/Super NightShot) ... 22

Self-timer recording ....................... 23

Checking the recording – END

SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec

Review ......................................... 24

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape ............................... 25

Viewing the recording on TV .............. 28

Advanced Recording Operations

Recording a still image on a tape

– Tape Photo recording ................. 30

Adjusting the white balance manually ...

Using the wide mode ........................... 34

Using the fader function ...................... 35

Using special effects – Picture effect ... Using special effects – Digital effect ... 38

Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 41

Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 43

Focusing manually................................ 44

Advanced Playback Operations

Playing back a tape with picture effects ... Playing back a tape with digital effects... Enlarging images recorded on tapes

– PB ZOOM ..................................... 47

Quickly locating a scene using the zero

set memory function ...................... 48

Searching the boundaries of recorded

tape by title – Title search ............. 49

Searching a recording by date

– Date search ................................... 50

Searching for a photo – Photo search/

Photo scan ....................................... 52

Editing

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 54

Dubbing only desired scenes

– Digital program editing.............. 56

Using with analog video unit and PC

– Signal convert function............... 66

Recording video or TV programs ....... 67

Inserting a scene from a VCR

– Insert editing ................................ 71

Audio dubbing ...................................... 73

Superimposing a title ........................... 77

Making your own titles ........................ 81

Labeling a cassette ................................ 83

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings................ 85

Resetting the date and time ................. 92

“Memory Stick” Operations

(DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)

Using a “Memory Stick”

– introduction.................................. 93

Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s

– Memory photo recording .............

Superimposing a still picture in a

“Memory Stick” on a moving

picture – MEMORY MIX ............. 105

Recording an image from a mini DV

tape as a still image ...................... 108

Copying still images from a mini DV

tape – Photo save .......................... 111

Viewing a still picture – Memory photo

playback......................................... 113

45 46

Copying the image recorded on “Memory

Stick”s to mini DV tapes ................

Enlarging still images recorded on

“Memory Stick”s

– Memory PB ZOOM ................... 118

Playing back images in a continuous

loop

– SLIDE SHOW............................. 119

Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection........................ 120

Deleting images................................... 121

Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK ...

Additional Information

Usable cassettes ................................... 124

About i.LINK ....................................... 126

Troubleshooting .................................. 128

Self-diagnosis display......................... 134

Warning indicators and messages.... 135

Using your camcorder abroad .......... 137

Maintenance information and

precautions .................................... 138

Specifications ....................................... 142

100

116

123

Quick RefereTjaË˘üﬁüÖË 457.13 lSBTyayback Operations

Checking supplied accessories

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

RMT-808

Getting started

RMT-811

8 9

Quick Start Guide

Connecting the power cord (p. 14)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10).

Quick Start Guide

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

Open the DC IN jack cover.

Connect the plug with its v mark facing lens side.

AC power adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a cassette (p. 15)

1Slide OPEN/EJECT in

the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

EJECT

2Push the middle

portion of the back of the cassette to insert.

3Close the cassette

compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment.

4After the cassette

compartment going down completely, close the lid until it clicks.

Quick Start Guide

— Getting started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV20 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “DCR-TRV20 only”.

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the operation is being carried out.

Types of differences

DCRMEMORY mark*

(on the POWER switch)

z Provided — Not provided

* The model with MEMORY marked on the POWER switch is provided with memory functions.

See page 93 for details.

TRV6

—

Note on Cassette Memory

TRV11

TRV20

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

The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has the cassette memory or not are:

•End search (p. 24, 27)

•Searching a recording by date – date search (p. 50)

•Photo search (p. 52).

The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:

•Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title – title search (p. 49)

•Superimposing a title (p. 77)

•Making your own titles (p. 81)

•Labeling a cassette (p. 83).

For details, see page 124.

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

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

Using this manual

Note on TV color systems

TV color systems differ from country to country. 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 provision of the copyright laws.

Precautions on camcorder care

•The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using high-precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue, green, or white) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. These points occur normally in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Effective ratio of pixels and/or screen are 99.99% or more.

•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

•Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].

•Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder or LCD screen may be damaged [c].

[a] [b] [c]

Getting started

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

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.

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

To remove the battery pack

(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT

down.

BATT release

BATT

lever

After installing the battery pack

Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder.

If you use the large capacity battery pack

If you install the NP-FM70/FM90/FM91 battery pack on your camcorder, extend its viewfinder. Take care not to pinch your finger when lifting the viewfinder up and down.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Charging the battery pack

Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series).

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, pulling the cover out a little and rotating. Connect

the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing the lens side.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to the wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Charging begins. The remaining battery

time is indicated in minutes on the display window.

When the remaining battery indicator changes to , normal charge is completed. To fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about one hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Fully charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.

Getting started

POWER

VCR

CAMERA

MEMORY

OFF (

CHG )

After charging the battery pack

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

Notes

•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power adaptor.

•Keep the battery pack dry.

•When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once fully and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool place.

Remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battery time you record with the viewfinder is displayed. The remaining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the recording time with the viewfinder.

Battery pack

The battery pack is charged a little before it leaves the factory.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time

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

While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in the display window in the following cases:

– The battery pack is not installed correctly. – The AC power adaptor is disconnected. – Something is wrong with the battery pack.

Charging time

Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge)

NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 (90) NP-FM70 240 (180) NP-FM90 330 (270) NP-FM91 360 (300)

Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack

Recording time

DCR-TRV6

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

NP-FM50 (supplied) 200 (180) 110 (95) 145 (130) 75 (70) NP-FM70 415 (375) 225 (205) 305 (270) 165 (145) NP-FM90 630 (565) 345 (310) 460 (410) 250 (225) NP-FM91 725 (655) 395 (360) 535 (480) 290 (260)

Recording with Recording with

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

DCR-TRV11

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

NP-FM50 (supplied) 195 (175) 105 (95) 140 (125) 75 (65) NP-FM70 400 (360) 220 (195) 295 (265) 160 (145) NP-FM90 600 (540) 330 (295) 450 (400) 245 (220) NP-FM91 695 (625) 380 (340) 520 (465) 285 (255)

DCR-TRV20

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

NP-FM50 (supplied) 135 (120) 80 (70) 105 (95) 60 (55) NP-FM70 275 (250) 165 (150) 225 (205) 135 (120) NP-FM90 425 (380) 255 (225) 345 (310) 205 (185) NP-FM91 490 (440) 290 (260) 400 (360) 240 (215)

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. * Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C). The battery life will be

shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

**Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/

stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

Playing time

DCR-TRV6

Battery pack

NP-FM50 (supplied) 145 (130) 200 (180) NP-FM70 305 (270) 415 (375) NP-FM90 460 (410) 630 (565) NP-FM91 535 (480) 725 (655)

DCR-TRV11

Battery pack

NP-FM50 (supplied) 140 (125) 195 (175) NP-FM70 295 (265) 400 (360) NP-FM90 450 (400) 600 (540) NP-FM91 520 (465) 695 (625)

DCR-TRV20

Battery pack

NP-FM50 (supplied) 125 (110) 160 (145) NP-FM70 265 (235) 335 (300) NP-FM90 400 (360) 505 (455) NP-FM91 465 (415) 585 (525)

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Getting started

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the

mark.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

SERIES

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Connecting to a wall outlet

When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, pulling the cover out a little and rotating it.

Connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing the lens side.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Notes

•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your camcorder.

•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.

Using a car battery

Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).

2, 3

Step 2 Inserting a cassette

(1) Install the power source.

(2) Slide OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette

compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

(3) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert.

Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with the window facing out.

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the

compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

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

clicks.

Getting started

mark on the cassette

OPEN/EJECT

To eject a cassette

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

Notes

•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.

•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the mark.

When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory

Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 124).

To prevent accidental erasure

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

3, 4

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.

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

cap to the grip strap.

(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” and “Step 2” for

more information (p. 10 to p. 15).

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

Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.

(4) To open the LCD panel, press OPEN. The viewfinder automatically turns off. (5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator

appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

POWER

VCR

CAMERA

MEMORY

OFF (

CHG )

Camera recording lamp

Note

Fasten the grip strap firmly.

Note on Recording mode

Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP (long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings. In the LP mode, you can record

1.5 times as long as in the SP mode. When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the tape on your camcorder.

Recording a picture

Note on the LOCK switch (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)

When you slide the LOCK switch to the right, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. LOCK switch is set to the left before your comcorder leaves the factory.

To enable smooth transition

Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. However, check the following:

•Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and ones in the LP mode on one tape.

•When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the END SEARCH function (p. 24).

If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for five minutes while the cassette is inserted

Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and to CAMERA again.

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

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

Adjusting the LCD screen

The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to the lens side. If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the indicator appears on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode).

180°

Recording – Basics

90°

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

Note

When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically turns off.

Recording a picture

When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight

The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the viewfinder.

Picture in the mirror mode

The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal when recorded.

During recording in the mirror mode

ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work.

Indicators in the mirror mode

The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of the other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen

To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press either of the two buttons on LCD BRIGHT.

LCD screen backlight

You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings (p. 85).

Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight or brightness of the LCD screen

The recorded picture will not be affected.

After recording

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

Recording a picture

Adjusting the viewfinder

If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.

Viewfinder backlight

You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select VF B.L. in the menu settings. (p.85)

Recording – Basics

Attaching the supplied lens hood (DCR-TRV20 only)

To record fine pictures under strong light, we recommend attaching the lens hood. Also the lens cap can be attached even with the lens hood on.

Notes

•When you use the Remote Commander and the lens hood, the Remote Commander may not function properly because the lens hood blocks the infrared rays from the Remote Commander. In such case, remove the lens hood from your camcorder.

•You cannot attach filters or other objects onto the lens hood.

When you use the filter (not supplied)

The shadow of the lens hood may appear in the corners of LCD screen or viewfinder.

Recording a picture

Using the zoom feature

Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

To use zoom greater than 10×

Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to 20× or 120× in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF at the factory. (p. 85)

When you shoot close to a subject

If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 feet 5/8 inch (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) away in the wide-angle position.

Notes on digital zoom

•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 10×.

•The picture quality deteriorates as you move the power zoom lever toward the “T” side.

•You cannot use the digital zoom when the POWER switch is set to MEMORY (DCRTRV11/TRV20 only).

Recording a picture

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on tapes.

Remaining battery time indicator

Cassette memory indicator

This appears when using a tape with cassette memory.

Recording mode indicator

STBY/REC indicator

Recording – Basics

min

REC

0:00:01 45min

Time code/Tape counter

Remaining tape indicator

Time indicator

JUL 4 2000

12:05:56 AM

The time is displayed about five seconds after the power is turned on.

Date indicator

The date is displayed about five seconds after the power is turned on.

Time code

The time code indicates the recording or playback time, “0:00:00” (hours : minutes : seconds) in CAMERA mode and “0:00:00:00” (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in VCR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.

Remaining tape indicator

The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.

Recording date and time

The recording date and time are not displayed while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display the recording date and time, press DATE CODE during playback.

Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT)

When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function.

In the standby, recording or memory mode, press BACK LIGHT. The . indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.

BACK LIGHT

If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects

The backlight function will be canceled.

Recording a picture

Shooting in the dark (NightShot/Super NightShot)

The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you use this function.

In the standby, recording or memory mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To

cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

NIGHTSHOT

OFF

SUPER

NIGHTSHOT

NightShot Light emitter

Using Super NightShot

The Super NightShot mode makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode

(1) In the standby or recording mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. indicator

appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT. The

appear. To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.

indicator and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT“

Using the NightShot Light

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable NightShot Light, set N.S. LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 85).

Notes

•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. the outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

•When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.

•If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function, focus manually.

While using the NightShot function, you cannot use the following functions:

– Exposure – PROGRAM AE – White balance

While using the Super NightShot function

The shutter speed is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness. At that time, the moving picture may be slow down.

Recording a picture

While using the Super NightShot function, you cannot use the following functions:

– Exposure – PROGRAM AE – Fader – Digital effect – Memory mode (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)

NightShot Light

NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance using the NightShot Light is about 10 feet (3 m).

Self-timer recording

You can make a recording with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself.

(1) Press SELFTIMER in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears

on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

(2) Press START/STOP.

Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically.

Recording – Basics

START/STOP

SELFTIMER

To stop the self-timer before recording

Press START/STOP again. Use the Remote Commander for convenience.

To record still pictures on tapes using the self-timer

Press PHOTO in step 2 (p. 31).

To record still pictures on “Memory Stick”s

Press SELFTIMER, then press PHOTO in MEMORY mode (p. 104).

To cancel self-timer recording

Press SELFTIMER so that the indicator disappears from on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder while your camcorder is in the standby mode.

Note

The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when: – Self-timer recording is finished. – The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

Checking the recording

Rec Review

You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth.

END SEARCH

You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record.

Press END SEARCH in the standby mode. The last five seconds of the recorded section are played back and playback stops. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.

EDITSEARCH

– END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH /

EDITSEARCH

END SEARCH

You can search for the next recording start point.

Hold down the +/– 7 side of EDITSEARCH in the standby mode. The recorded section is played back.

+ : to go forward – 7: to go backward

Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/STOP, re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. You cannot monitor the sound.

Rec Review

You can check the last recorded section.

Press the – 7 side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in the standby mode. The last few seconds of the selected section are played back. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.

End search function

When you use a tape without cassette memory, the end search function does not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. If you use a tape with cassette memory, the end search function works even once you eject the cassette. If there is a blank portion in the recorded portion, the end search function may not work correctly (p. 124).

— Playback – Basics —

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.

(1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button. The

video control buttons light up.

(3) To open the LCD panel, press OPEN. (4) Press m to rewind the tape. (5) Press N to start playback. (6) To adjust the volume, press either of the two buttons on VOLUME. The

speaker on your camcorder is silent when the LCD panel is closed.

Playback – Basics

POWER

VCR

CAMERA

MEMORY

OFF (

CHG )

REW

VOLUME

To stop playback

Press x.

When monitoring on the LCD screen

You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out.

PLAY

Playing back a tape

To display the screen indicators – Display function

Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators appear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again.

DATA CODE

DISPLAY

Using the data code function

Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code).

Press DATA CODE on your camcorder or the Remote Commander in the playback mode.

The display changes as follows: date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, white balance, gain, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure mode) t no indicator

Date/time Various settings

SteadyShot OFF indicator Exposure mode indicator

JUL 4 2000 12:05:56 AM

AUTO 60 AWB F1.8 9dB

White balance indicator Gain indicator

Shutter speed indicator Aperture value

Not to display various settings

Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 85). The display changes as follows: date/time y no indicator

Recording data

Recording data is your camcorder’s information when you have recorded. In the recording mode, the recording data will not be displayed.

When you use the data code function, bars (-- -- --) appear if:

•A blank portion of the tape is being played back.

•The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise.

•The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set.

Data code

The data code is displayed on the TV screen if you connect your camcorder to the TV (p. 28).

Playing back a tape

Various playback modes

To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR.

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press X during playback. To resume normal playback, press N or X.

To advance the tape

Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.

To rewind the tape

Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.

To change the playback direction

Press on the Remote Commander during playback to reverse the playback direction. To resume normal playback, press N.

To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search)

Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.

To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing or rewinding the tape (skip scan)

Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume rewinding or advancing, release the button.

To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback)

Press y on the Remote Commander during playback. For slow playback in the reverse direction, press , then press y on the Remote Commander. To resume normal playback, press N.

To view the picture at double speed

Press ×2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press , then press ×2 on the Remote Commander. To resume normal playback, press N.

To view the picture frame-by-frame

Press C on the Remote Commander in the playback pause mode. For frame-by-frame playback in the reverse direction, press c. To resume normal playback, press N.

To search the last scene recorded (END SEARCH)

Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last five seconds of the recorded portion plays back and stops.

Playback – Basics

End Search

When you use a tape without cassette memory, the end search function does not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. When you use a tape with cassette memory, the end search function works even once you eject the cassette.

In the various playback modes

•Sound is muted.

•The previous picture may remain as a mosaic image during playback.

When the playback pause mode lasts for five minutes

Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.

Slow playback

The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder: however, this function does not work for an output signal through the DV IN/OUT jack.

When you play back a tape in reverse

Horizontal noise may appear at the center, or the top and bottom of the screen. This is not a malfunction.

Viewing the recording on TV

Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the video control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 14). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR.

Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

: Signal flow

If your TV is already connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

If your TV or VCR is a monaural type

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the white or the red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R (right) signal.

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack

Connect using an S video cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality pictures. With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect the S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and the TV or the VCR. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.

Viewing the recording on TV

Using the AV cordless IR receiver

Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the AV cordless IR receiver.

Insert a tape into your camcorder.

(1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch

on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.

(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR. (3) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR. (4) Press SUPER LASER LINK. The lamp of SUPER LASER LINK lights up. (5) Press N on your camcorder to start playback. (6) Point the super laser link emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver. Adjust the

position of your camcorder and the AV cordless IR receiver to obtain clear playback pictures.

Playback – Basics

To cancel the super laser link function

Press SUPER LASER LINK again. The lamp on the SUPER LASER LINK button goes out.

If you turn the power off

The super laser link function turns off automatically.

If you use a Sony TV

•You can turn on the TV automatically when you press SUPER LASER LINK. To do so, make sure you: – Turn the TV’s main switch on. – Set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu settings. – Point the super laser link emitter at the TV’s remote sensor.

•You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu settings. With some models, however, the picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is switched.

•The above feature may not work on some TV models.

When the super laser link is activated (the SUPER LASER LINK button is lit)

Your camcorder consumes power. Press SUPER LASER LINK to turn off the laser link function when it is not needed.

is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

— Advanced Recording Operations —

•••••••

Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording

You can record a still picture, for example, a photograph or drawing. This mode is useful when you want to print a picture using a video printer (not supplied). You can record about 510 pictures in the SP mode and about 765 pictures in the LP mode on a 60-minute tape. Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still pictures on “Memory Stick”s (p. 100) (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only).

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture

appears. The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet. To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select a still picture again, and then press and hold PHOTO lightly.

(3) Press PHOTO deeper.

The still picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded. The still image is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder until recording is completed.

Notes

•During tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting.

•When recording a still picture, do not shake your camcorder. The picture may fluctuate.

•The PHOTO button does not work: – while the fader function is set or in use – while the digital effect function is set or in use

If you record a moving subject with tape photo recording function

When you play back the still picture on other equipment, the picture may fluctuate.

To use the tape photo recording function using the Remote Commander

Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records a picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder immediately.

To use the tape photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording

Press PHOTO deeper. The still picture is then recorded for about seven seconds and your camcorder returns to the standby mode. You cannot select another still picture.

To record clear and less fluctuated still pictures

We recommend that you record on “Memory Stick”s. (DCR-TRV11/TRV20 only)

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