Sony TRV318, TRV351, TRV418, TRV350, TRV250 User Manual

3-079-467-14 (1)

Digital
Video Camera Recorder

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. -TRV Model No. AC-

Serial No. Serial No.

TM

SERIES

DCR-TRV350

DCR-TRV150/TRV250/TRV350/TRV351

CCD-TRV118/TRV318/TRV418

©2003 Sony Corporation

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you can

Welcome!

capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your 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.

For the customers in the U.S.A.

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.

If you have any questions about this product,
you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222­SONY (7669)
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-TRV150,

DCR-TRV250
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack

Road, Oradell,

NJ07649 U.S.A.
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-TRV350
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack

Road, Oradell,

NJ07649 U.S.A.
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.

CAUTION

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

2

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.

The supplied interface cable must be used with
the equipment in order to comply with the
limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart
B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

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

CAUTION

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

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning
your used rechargeable
batteries to the collection and
recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822­8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.

3

Main Features

On the model name indication

In this manual, camcorder-shape icons are used to indicate model names.

CCD-TRV118 : DCR-TRV150 :
CCD-TRV318 : DCR-TRV250 :
CCD-TRV418 : DCR-TRV350 :

Instructions with no icons are for all models.
Instructions with icons are for the indicated models only.
Before you start reading this manual, check the model name of your camcorder.

DCR-TRV351 :

Main Features

Recording moving or still
images, and playing them
back

b

•Viewing pictures recorded on a tape or live
from your camcorder on your computer
– USB Streaming (p. 183)

•Capturing images on your computer from
your camcorder using the USB cable (p. 197)

•Viewing images recorded on a “Memory
Stick” using the USB cable
(p. 185)

•Converting an analog signal into digital to
capture images onto your computer

(p. 208)

On the tape

•Recording moving pictures (p. 30)

•Recording still images
(p. 56)

•Playing back a tape (p. 45)

On the “Memory Stick”

•Recording still images (p. 132)

•Recording moving pictures (p. 146)

•Viewing still images (p. 163)

•Viewing moving pictures (p. 166)

Capturing images on your
computer

4

4

Main Features

Other uses

Functions for adjusting exposure in the recording mode

•BACK LIGHT (p. 38)

•NightShot (p. 39)

•Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter (p. 39, 40)

•PROGRAM AE (p. 68)

•Adjusting the exposure manually (p. 70)

•Built-in light (p. 79)

Functions for giving images more impact

•Digital zoom (p. 34) The default setting is OFF. (To zoom greater than 20×,

select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

•Fader (p. 61)

•Picture effect (In recording mode) (p. 64)

•Digital effect (In recording mode) (p. 65)

•Title (p. 75, 77)

•MEMORY MIX (p. 140)

Functions for giving a natural appearance to your recordings

•SPORTS (p. 68)

•LANDSCAPE (p. 68)

•Manual focus (p. 71)

Functions for use on recorded tapes

•END SEARCH (p. 43)

•EDITSEARCH/Rec Review (p. 43)

•DATA CODE (p. 47)

•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 87)

•ZERO SET MEMORY (p. 89)

•Easy Dubbing (p. 98)

•Digital program editing (p. 106)

Getting Started

Main Features

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

5

5

Table of contents

Main Features .......................................... 4

Checking supplied accessories.............. 9

Quick Start Guide

– Recording on a tape ........................... 10

– Recording on a “Memory Stick”

...................................... 12

Getting Started

Using this manual ................................. 14

Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 18

Installing the battery pack............. 18

Charging the battery pack............. 19

Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 24

Step 2 Setting the date and time ........ 26

Step 3 Inserting a cassette ................... 28

Recording – Basics

Recording a picture............................... 30

Shooting a backlit subject

– BACK LIGHT ........................ 38

Shooting in the dark

– NightShot
– Super NightShot
– Color Slow Shutter

............................ 39

Self-timer recording

............................... 41

Superimposing the date and time

on pictures

.................... 42

Checking recordings

– END SEARCH

– EDITSEARCH

– Rec Review ............. 43

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape ............................... 45

To display the screen indicators

– Display function ................... 47

Viewing recordings on TV................... 51

Advanced Recording
Operations

Recording still images on a “Memory

Stick” while recording on a tape

...................................... 53

Recording still images on a tape

– Tape Photo recording

...................................... 56

Using the wide mode ........................... 58

Using the fader function ...................... 61

Using special effects

– Picture effect................................. 64

Using special effects

– Digital effect

Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 68

Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 70

Focusing manually................................ 71

Interval recording

................ 72

Frame by frame recording

– Frame recording

................ 74

Superimposing a title ........................... 75

Making your own titles ........................ 77

Using the built-in light ......................... 79

Inserting a scene

........... 65

.............. 82

Advanced Playback
Operations

Playing back a tape with picture

effects

Playing back a tape with digital

effects

Enlarging recorded images

– Tape PB ZOOM

Quickly locating a scene

– ZERO SET MEMORY

Searching for a recording by date

– DATE SEARCH

Searching for a photo

– PHOTO SEARCH/
PHOTO SCAN

.... 83

..........................85

...... 87

........................... 89

........................... 90

..................... 92

6

Table of contents

Editing

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 94

Dubbing a tape easily – Easy Dubbing

........................... 98

Dubbing only desired scenes

– Digital program editing (on tapes)

.............. 106

Recording video or TV programs

.............. 119

Inserting a scene from a VCR

– Insert Editing

......................... 123

“Memory Stick” Operations
– Recording

Using a “Memory Stick”

– Introduction ............................... 126

Recording still images on a “Memory

Stick”

– Memory Photo recording ......... 132

Recording images from a tape as still

images ............................................ 136

Superimposing a still image in the

“Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX .......................... 140

Recording moving pictures on a

“Memory Stick”

– MPEG movie recording ............ 146

Recording pictures from a tape as a

moving picture ............................. 150

Interval Photo recording .................... 154

Recording edited pictures as a moving

picture – Digital program editing

(on a “Memory Stick”)................. 156

Setting up a folder............................... 160

– Playback

Viewing still images

– Memory Photo playback .......... 163

Viewing moving pictures

– MPEG movie playback ............. 166

Selecting a folder to view................... 169

Copying images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” to a tape............ 170

Enlarging still images recorded on a

“Memory Stick”

– Memory PB ZOOM ................... 172

Playing back images continuously

– SLIDE SHOW............................. 174

Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection........................ 176

Deleting images – DELETE ............... 177

Writing a print mark

– PRINT MARK ............................ 180

Viewing Images on Your
Computer

Viewing images on your computer

– Introduction

.............. 182

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

Viewing pictures recorded on a tape

or live from your camcorder on

your computer – USB Streaming

Viewing images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” on your computer

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

Viewing images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” on your computer

Capturing images from an analog video

unit on your computer – Signal

convert function

......... 187

......... 197

.................... 202

................... 205

................... 207

...... 208

7

Table of contents

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings.............. 210

Troubleshooting

Types of trouble and how to correct

trouble ............................................ 224

Self-diagnosis display......................... 232

Warning indicators and messages.... 233

Additional Information

About video cassette........................... 237

About the “Memory Stick” ................ 240

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack ................................................ 242

About i.LINK ....................................... 244

Using your camcorder abroad .......... 246

Maintenance information and

precautions .................................... 247

Specifications ....................................... 253

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls........... 256

Index ..................................................... 267

• , and are trademarks.

• i.LINK and are trademarks.

• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.

• “Memory Stick,” and “MagicGate
Memory Stick” are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.

• “Memory Stick Duo” and
are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•“Memory Stick PRO” and
are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•Windows and Windows Media are
trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.

•Pentium is trademark or registered
trademark of Intel Corporation.

•Macintosh and Mac OS, QuickTime are
trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.

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

8

Checking supplied accessories

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

1

or

RMT-814 RMT-708

3

89

4

Monaural

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)

(p. 264)
RMT-814:
RMT-708:

2 AC-L15A/L15B AC Adaptor (1), Power

cord (1) (p. 19)

3 NP-FM30 Rechargeable Battery Pack

(1) (p. 18, 19)

4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2)

(p. 264)

2

7

Stereo

or

q;

65

Memory Stick media is only supplied with
DCR-TRV351.
There is no Memory Stick media supplied
with DCR-TRV350.

5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 51, 94, 95)

Stereo:
Monaural:

6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 256)
7 Lens cap (1) (p. 30)
8 USB cable (1)

(p. 182)

9 CD-ROM (SPVD-010 USB Driver) (1)

(p. 189)

0 “Memory Stick” (1)

(p. 240)

9

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape

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

Connecting the power cord (p. 24)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 18).

Open the DC IN
jack cover.

Quick Start Guide

Power cord

AC Adaptor (supplied)

Inserting a cassette (p. 28)

1Slide OPEN/

EJECT in the direction
of the arrow and open
the lid.

2Push the center of the

cassette back and
insert the cassette
properly with the
cassette window
facing up.

Connect the plug with
its v mark facing up.

3Close the cassette

compartment by
pressing on the
cassette compartment.
After the cassette
compartment goes
down completely,
close the lid.

10

Recording a picture (p. 30)

1Remove the lens cap.

The cap is not attached when you
purchase your camcorder.

3Open the LCD

panel while
pressing OPEN.
The picture appears
on the LCD screen.

2Set the POWER switch

to CAMERA while
pressing the small
green button.

V

O

C

F

R

F

(

C

H

G

P

O

W

E

R

)

M

C

E

A

M

M

O

R

E

Y

R

A

4Press START/STOP. Your

Viewfinder

View a picture placing your eye against this part
when the LCD panel is closed (p. 32).
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 35).
The picture in the viewfinder is black and white.

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock is not set up yet. If you want to record the date and
time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 26).

camcorder starts
recording. To stop
recording, press START/
STOP again.

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 45)

2Press m to rewind the tape.

REW

Quick Start Guide

3Press N to start playback.

1Set the POWER switch to VCR/PLAYER

while pressing the small green button.*

Note

Do not pick up your camcorder by
the viewfinder, the LCD panel, or the
battery pack.

* Modes on the POWER switch vary depending on models (p. 16).

E

W

O

P

PLAY

V

O

C

F

R

F

(

C

H

G

R

)

M

C

E

A

M

M

O

R

E

Y

R

A

11

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a “Memory Stick”

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

Connecting the power cord (p. 24)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 18).

Open the DC IN
jack cover.

Quick Start Guide

12

Power cord

AC Adaptor (supplied)

Connect the plug with its v
mark facing up.

Inserting a “Memory Stick” (p. 127)

Insert a “Memory Stick” in the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go with the b mark
facing the LCD panel as illustrated.

“Memory Stick” slot

b mark

When ejecting the “Memory
Stick,” press the “Memory Stick”
once lightly.

Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick”

(p. 132)

1Remove the lens cap.

The cap is not attached when you
purchase your camcorder.

2Set the POWER switch to

MEMORY while pressing the
small green button. Make sure
that the LOCK switch is set to
the left (unlock) position.

3Open the

LCD panel
while
pressing
OPEN. The
picture

LOCK switch

V

O

C

F

R

F

(

C

POWER

M

C

E

A

M

M

O

R

E

Y

R

A

H

G

)

appears on
the screen.

Viewfinder

4Press PHOTO

lightly.

5Press PHOTO

deeper.
View a picture placing your eye against this
part when the LCD panel is closed (p. 32).
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight
(p. 35).
The picture in the viewfinder is black and
white.

PHOTO

PHOTO

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock is not set up yet. If you want to record the date and
time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 26).

Monitoring the playback still images on the LCD
screen (p. 163)

Quick Start Guide

Note

Do not pick up your camcorder by
the viewfinder, the LCD panel or
the battery pack.

1Set the POWER switch to

MEMORY or VCR while
pressing the small green
button.

POWER

V

O

R

Y

2Press MEMORY PLAY. The last recorded image is

displayed.

PLAY

Press MEMORY +/– to select the desired image.

O

C

F

R

F

(

C

H

G

)

M

C

E

A

M

M

E

R

A

13

— Getting Started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the seven 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-TRV350 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,
“ .”
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 to indicate that the operation is
being carried out.

Types of differences

Model

Recording system Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Digital8 Digital8 Digital8
Playback system Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Digital8 Digital8 Digital8/Hi8/8
AUDIO/VIDEO jack OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT IN/OUT
S VIDEO jack OUT OUT OUT OUT OUT IN/OUT
DV jack ———IN/OUT IN/OUT IN/OUT
USB jack ————zz
“Memory Stick” slot ————— z
LANC jack ————— z
SteadyShot — zzzz z
Remote sensor ——z — zz
RFU jack zzz—— —
MIC jack ————— z

z Provided
— Not provided

14

Using this manual

Before using your camcorder

With your camcorder, you can use the tapes and record/playback on the systems
below. To enable smooth transition, we recommend that you do not mix pictures
recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm with the Digital8 system on a tape.

Usable cassette tapes Hi8 /Digital8 (recommended) Standard 8 mm *
Recording system Digital8

Playback system *

Usable cassette tapes Hi8 /Digital8 (recommended) Standard 8 mm *
Recording system Digital8
Playback system Digital8

Usable cassette tapes Hi8 Standard 8 mm
Recording system Hi8 *
Playback system *

*1)If you use standard 8 mm tape, be sure to play back the tape on your camcorder.

Mosaic noise may appear when you play back standard 8 mm tape on other VCRs
(including another DCR-TRV150/TRV250/TRV350/TRV351).

*2)When you play back a tape, the Hi8 system or standard 8 mm system is

automatically detected and the playback system automatically switches to.

*3)If you record on a Hi8 video cassette in the LP mode, recording is carried out in

the standard 8 mm system.

2)

2)

Digital8

Hi8 Standard 8 mm

3)

Standard 8 mm

Hi8 Standard 8 mm

Getting Started

1)

1)

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.

Copyright precautions

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.

15

Using this manual

Note on connecting other equipment

When you connect your camcorder to other video equipment or a computer using the
USB cable or i.LINK cable, observe the shape of the jack.
If you forcibly insert the plug, the jack may be damaged and they may result in a
malfunction of your camcorder.

On the model name indication

In this manual, camcorder-shape icons are used to indicate model names.

CCD-TRV118 : DCR-TRV150 :
CCD-TRV318 : DCR-TRV250 :
CCD-TRV418 : DCR-TRV350 :

DCR-TRV351 :

Instructions with no icons are for all models.
Instructions with icons are for the indicated models only.
Before you start reading this manual, check the model name of your camcorder.

On the POWER switch

Modes on the POWER switch vary depending on models.
Consider this when following the operating instructions.

16

POWER

VCR :

e.g. Set the POWER switch to VCR.
or
PLAYER :

O

V

F

C

F

R

(

C

H

G

)

OFF (CHG) : Common to all models

C

M

A

E

M

M

O

R

E

Y

R

A

e.g. Set the POWER switch to PLAYER.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

CAMERA : Common to all models

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

MEMORY :

e.g. Set the POWER switch to MEMORY.

Using this manual

Precautions on camcorder care

Lens and LCD screen/finder

• The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red,
blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.

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

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

•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD
screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].

•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].

[a] [b]

Getting Started

[c]

[d]

17

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

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

1

2

To remove the battery pack

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

BATT (battery) release lever down.

BATT (battery)
release lever

18

If you install the large-capacity battery pack

If you install the NP-FM70/QM71/QM71D/FM90/FM91/QM91/QM91D battery pack
on your camcorder, extend the viewfinder.

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).
See page 242 for details of “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC Adaptor supplied with your

camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The charge lamp lights up when charging begins.

Getting Started

BATT INFO

2

4

1

POW

V

O

C

F

R

F

(

C

H

G

ER

)

M

C

E

A

M

M

O

R

E

Y

R

A

19

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

To check the state of the battery (BATTERY INFO)

Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN, then press BATT INFO.
The BATTERY INFO is displayed for about seven seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0% 50% 100%

REC TIME AVAILABLE

LCD SCREEN: 56 min
VIEWFINDER: 73 min

The battery charge level is displayed as percentage and recordable
time with the LCD screen/viewfinder.
The battery charge level is displayed in 10% increments.

Charging

j

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0% 50% 100%

REC TIME AVAILABLE

LCD SCREEN: 80 min
VIEWFINDER: 105 min

When the battery is fully charged, the battery charge level
indicator shows 100% and the charge lamp goes out.

Full charge

After charging the battery pack

Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Until the remaining battery charge is calculated

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0% 50% 100%

CALCULATING

BATTERY INFO...

Note

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

The battery charge level indicator moves flashing and
“CALCULATING BATTERY INFO...” is displayed.

20

When you use the AC Adaptor

Place the AC Adaptor near a wall outlet. If any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect
the plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

The numeric value displayed in the BATTERY INFO

Refer to the value displayed in the BATTERY INFO as a rough standard.

To display the BATTERY INFO longer

Press BATT INFO again while the BATTERY INFO is still displayed. The information is
displayed for another seven seconds.
If you keep pressing BATT INFO, the BATTERY INFO is displayed for up to about 20
seconds.

The BATTERY INFO is not displayed in the following cases:

– The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHG).
– The battery pack is not installed properly.
– The battery pack is fully discharged.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

If the power goes off although the remaining battery time indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate

Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication is correct.

What is “InfoLITHIUM”?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack that 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 (p. 242).

TM

SERIES

Charging time

Battery pack Full charge

NP-FM30 (supplied) 145
NP-FM50 150
NP-FM70 240
NP-QM71/QM71D 260
NP-FM90 330
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 360

Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low
because of the ambient temperature.

Getting Started

21

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Recording time

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

NP-FM30 (supplied) 105 50 80 40
NP-FM50 170 85 130 70
NP-FM70 355 175 270 145
NP-QM71/QM71D 415 205 315 165
NP-FM90 540 270 410 215
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 625 310 475 250

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

NP-FM30 (supplied) 115 55 85 40
NP-FM50 185 90 140 70
NP-FM70 385 190 295 145
NP-QM71/QM71D 445 220 340 165
NP-FM90 580 285 450 220
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 670 330 520 255

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

NP-FM30 (supplied) 165 80 120 60
NP-FM50 265 130 195 100
NP-FM70 540 265 400 205
NP-QM71/QM71D 640 315 465 235
NP-FM90 820 400 600 305
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 955 465 695 355

Recording with Recording with

Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*

Recording with Recording with

Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*

Recording with Recording with

Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*

22

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

* Approximate recording time.

The actual battery life may be shorter in the following cases:
– When you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off.
– When the battery is used repeatedly or self-discharged after charging (p. 242).

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Playing time

Battery pack

NP-FM30 (supplied) 80 120
NP-FM50 135 195
NP-FM70 285 400
NP-QM71/QM71D 335 465
NP-FM90 435 600
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 505 695

Battery pack

NP-FM30 (supplied) 90 130
NP-FM50 150 210
NP-FM70 310 430
NP-QM71/QM71D 365 505
NP-FM90 475 655
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 550 755

Battery pack

NP-FM30 (supplied) 120 175
NP-FM50 195 280
NP-FM70 400 570
NP-QM71/QM71D 465 675
NP-FM90 600 865
NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D 695 1010

Playing on Playing with

the LCD screen the LCD closed

Playing on Playing with

the LCD screen the LCD closed

Playing on Playing with

the LCD screen the LCD closed

Getting Started

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

23

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Note

Approximate continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if
you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

Playback time

The table shows the playing time for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system.
The playing time of tapes recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8 mm system is reduced
by about 20%.

You can charge the battery in other countries

For details, see page 246.

Recommended charging temperature

We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10°C
to 30°C (50°F to 86°F).

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 Adaptor.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on

your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.

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

24

1

2, 3

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

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 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.

•Place the AC Adaptor near a wall outlet.
While using the AC Adaptor, if any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug
from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

Using a car battery

Use Sony Car Battery Adaptor (optional). Refer to the operating instructions of the Car
Battery Adaptor for further information.

Getting Started

25

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time.
“CLOCK SET” will be displayed each time when you set the POWER switch to
CAMERA or MEMORY unless you set the date and time settings.*

If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings
may be cleared from memory (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable
battery will have been discharged (p. 249).
Set the date and time after charging the built-in battery fully.

Set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY, and then press MENU to

display the menu settings.*

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET in

dial.

(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired year, then press the dial.
(4) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and

pressing the dial.

(5) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by

the time signal. The clock starts.

(6) Press MENU to make the menu settings disappear.

1,6

, then press the

26

MENU

2

3

5

SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN

[MENU] : END

2003 JAN 1

SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN

[MENU] : END

– –:– –:– –

12 00 AM

2003 JUL 4

5 30 PM

* Modes on the POWER switch vary depending on models (p. 16).

SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN

[MENU] : END

2003 JAN 1

12 00 AM

SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN

[MENU] : END

2003 JAN 1

12 00 AM

JUL 4 2003
5:30:00 PM

Step 2 Setting the date and time

The year changes as follows:

2000 2003 2079

To check the preset date and time

Press DATE to display the date indicator.
Press TIME to display the time indicator.
Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the
date and time indicator.
Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears.

Auto date function

When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and set the date and time to
your local time before you start recording (p. 26). The date is automatically recorded for
10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function). This function works only
once a day.

If you do not set the date and time

“--- -- ----” “--:--:--” is recorded on the tape or the “Memory Stick”

.

Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.

•12:00 AM stands for midnight.

•12:00 PM stands for noon.

Getting Started

Note on the auto date function

You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu settings.
The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day.
However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day if:

– you set the date and time.
– you eject and insert the tape again.
– you stop recording within 10 seconds.
– you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it back to ON in the menu settings.

27

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

See page 15 for details about the usable cassettes types.

(1) Prepare the power source (p. 18).
(2) Slide

The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

(3) Push the center of the cassette back and insert the cassette properly with the

cassette window facing up.

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing

The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

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

clicks.

OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

on the cassette compartment.

2

To eject the cassette

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

3,4

5

28

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

Notes

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

•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the cassette

compartment other than the mark.

•Your camcorder records pictures in the Digital8 system.

• The recording time when you use your camcorder is half of the indicated time on Hi8

tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, the recording time is 3/4 of

the indicated time on Hi8 tape.

•If you use standard 8 mm tape, be sure to play back the tape on your camcorder.
Mosaic noise may appear when you play back standard 8 mm tape on other
camcorders (including another DCR-TRV150/TRV250/TRV350/TRV351).

To prevent accidental erasure

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

Getting Started

29

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses.

(1) Remove the lens cap and attach the lens cap to the grip strap.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more

information (p. 18 to 29).

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

This sets your camcorder to the standby mode.

(4) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The viewfinder automatically

turns off.

(5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator

appears on the screen. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your
camcorder lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
The recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder when you record with the
viewfinder.

1

3

5

4

2

Camera
recording lamp

Microphone

Notes

•The data code (date/time when recorded) are not displayed during recording.
However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display the data code
(date/time), press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.

•Fasten the grip strap firmly.

•Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.

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