3-861-898-14 (1) 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. CCD-TR Model No. AC-L Serial No. Serial No.
Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony HandycamR camcorder. With your Handycam, you can 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.
Table of contents Before you begin Using this manual ................................... 4 Checking supplied accessories .............. 6 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack ............................................................. 7 Inserting a cassette ................................ 11 Adjusting the exposure (CCD-TR97/ TR917/TR940 only) ........................ 42 Superimposing a title ........................... 44 Making your own titles ........................
Before you begin Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the six models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR917/TR940 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, “CCD-TR917/TR940 only.
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. Before you begin Precaution on copyright Precautions on camcorder care •The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using highprecision technology.
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 2 4 5 3 7 6 * or 8 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 76) CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 76) CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 8, 23) 6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 19) *for stereo model 3 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 7, 23) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p.
Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony corporation. Installing the battery pack 1 Getting started (1) While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the lower battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow. (2) Install the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack.
Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plug's 4 mark up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Remaining battery time is indicated by the minutes on the display window.
Installing and charging the battery pack Charging time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F730H/F750 NP-F930 NP-F950 150 (90) 210 (150) 300 (240) 390 (330) Charging time* (min.) Battery life Getting started The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.
Installing and charging the battery pack Note on remaining battery time indication during recording Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances. To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. BATT RELEASE You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 28).
Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H (CCD-TR917/TR940 only). 1 2 3 Getting started (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (2) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. (3) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the “PUSH” mark on the cassette compartment.
Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch is set to . Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording (p. 57).
Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette. CK LO STBY 0:35:20 STA STA STA ND BY START/STOP CK LO CK LO ND BY START/STOP ND BY START/STOP Basic operations [b] [a] Note There is a little wear on the battery pack which is installed with camcorder.
Camera recording Notes on the tape counter •The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET. •If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect recording time. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide, record in same (SP or LP) mode. Note on the beep sound The beep sounds when you operate the camcorder.
Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) T W T W T Basic operations W Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.
Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode). : The camcorder records only while you ANTI GROUND SHOOTING press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes.
Hints for better shooting [a] Basic operations For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: •Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb [a]. •Place your right elbow against your side. •Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the builtin microphone. •Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the recorded portion play back (Rec Review). You can monitor the sound from headphones (CCD-TR917/TR940 only).
Connections for playback Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks Basic operations When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure you connect the plug to jacks of the same color. Open the jack cover.
Connections for playback If your TV or VCR is a monaural type – CCD-TR917/TR940 only Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural even in stereo model. To connect to a TV or VCR without Video/Audio input jacks Use an RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. 1 POWER CAMERA OFF VTR 2 Basic operations (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR (CCD-TR917/TR940) or PLAYER (CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97). The video control buttons light up (CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only). (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press 0 to rewind the tape.
Playing back a tape Using headphones – CCD-TR917/TR940 only Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack. Note on the lens cover The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to VTR/PLAYER. Do not open the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction. Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or (. To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
Advanced operations Using alternative power sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, house current, alkaline batteries (CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR940 only) and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.
Using alternative power sources Using alkaline batteries – CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR940 only Use the battery case (supplied) and six size AA (LR6) Sony Alkaline batteries (not supplied). (1) Remove the battery holder from the battery case. (2) Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder, following the marking on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the correct direction. (3) Insert the battery holder with the alkaline batteries.
Using alternative power sources Using a car battery Use Sony DC-V515A car battery charger (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Refer to the operating instructions of your car battery charger. To remove the car battery charger The car battery charger is removed in the same way as the battery pack. Advanced operations This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products.
Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. (1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired icon in the left side of the menu, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, then press the dial. (4) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial. If you want to change the other modes, repeat steps 3 and 4.
Changing the mode settings Note on changing the mode setting Menu items differ depending on the setting of the POWER switch to VTR/PLAYER or CAMERA. Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and VTR/PLAYER modes Ò REMAIN* •Select AUTO when you want to display the remaining tape bar •for about 8 seconds after the camcorder turns on and calculates the remainder of the tape. •for about 8 seconds after a cassette is inserted and the camcorder calculates the remainder of the tape.
Changing the mode settings Items for CAMERA mode only D ZOOM* • Select ON to activate digital zooming. • Select OFF to not use the digital zoom. The camcorder goes back to 16x (CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87) or 18x (CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940) zoom. 16:9WIDE* • Normally select OFF. • Select CINEMA to record in CINEMA mode. • Select 16:9FULL to record in 16:9FULL mode. STEADYSHOT* (CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only) • Normally select ON. • Select OFF to release the SteadyShot function. N.
Changing the mode settings WORLD TIME* Select this item to set the clock by a time difference. REC LAMP* •Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording/battery lamp at the front of the unit to light up. •Normally select ON. Items for VTR/PLAYER mode only / EDIT •Select ON to minimize picture deterioration when editing. •Normally select OFF. Advanced operations HiFi SOUND (CCD-TR917/TR940 only) •Normally select STEREO.
Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder. [a] [b] BACK LIGHT [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. After shooting Be sure to release this adjustment condition by pressing BACK LIGHT again. The c indicator disappears.
Using the FADER function – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only Selecting the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When the picture fades in, the sound gradually increases. When the picture fades out, the sound gradually decreases. [a] REC STBY Advanced operations FADER M. FADER (mosaic) STRIPE (CCD-TR917/TR940 only) BOUNCE (FADE IN only)* [b] STBY REC MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black and white to color.
Using the FADER function Using the fader function When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing. When fading out [b] (1) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to stop recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, and then recording stops. The fading mode selected last is indicated first of all.
Shooting in the dark (NightShot) – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. You can achieve a satisfactory recording of the ecology of nocturnal animals for observation with this function. This function may record picture nearly in monochrome. OFF ON Advanced operations (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash.
Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). [b] CINEMA [a] CINEMA [c] [e] 16:9 FULL [d] 16:9 FULL [f] CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide. You can also watch the picture without black bands on a wide-screen TV [c].
Using the wide mode function Using the wide mode function You can select the wide mode (OFF, CINEMA, 16:9FULL) in the menu system (p. 26). To cancel wide mode Select OFF in the menu system. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode Notes on wide mode •If wide mode is set to 16:9FULL, the Steady Shot function does not work and the indicator flashes (CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only). •In wide mode, you cannot select the bounce function with FADER (CCD-TR97/ TR917/TR940 only).
Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. a A Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event. a Soft Portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen. Creates a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers, and faithfully reproduces skin color.
Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. A a A Advanced operations a To turn off program AE Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to the r position. Notes on focus setting •In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.
Focusing manually – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. [a] [b] [c] • Insufficient light [a] • Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [b] • Too much brightness behind the subject [c] • Horizontal stripes [d] • Subjects through frosted glass • Subjects beyond nets, etc.
Focusing manually Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the “T” side in the optical zoom zone until the lever reaches the end. (3) Turn the NEAR/FAR dial to achieve a sharp focus. (4) Set the desired shot length using the power zoom lever.
Enjoying picture effect Selecting picture effect You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function. [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] PASTEL [a] The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [b] The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA The picture is sepia. B&W The picture is monochrome (black and white). SOLARIZE [c] The light intensity is more clear, and the picture looks like an illustration.
Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function (1) Press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode. 1 PICTURE EFFECT 2 PASTEL Advanced operations NEG. ART SEPIA B&W SOLARIZE MOSAIC SLIM STRETCH To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT. The indicator in the viewfinder goes out. Note on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal mode.
Adjusting the exposure – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only When to adjust the exposure Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. [a] [b] [a] • The background is too bright (back lighting) • Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark [b] • Bright subject and dark background • To record the darkness faithfully Adjusting the exposure (1) Press EXPOSURE. (2) Turn the control dial to adjust the brightness. 1 EXPOSURE 2 To return to automatic exposure mode Press EXPOSURE again.
Adjusting the exposure Shooting with the sun behind you If the light source is behind your subject, or in the following situations, the subject will be recorded too dark. •The subject is indoors and there is a window behind the subject. •Bright light sources are included in the scene. •When shooting a person wearing white or shiny clothes in front of a white background, the face will be recorded too dark. When you adjust the exposure manually •BACK LIGHT does not work.
Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles. You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. Superimposing titles (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu. , then press the dial. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired title, then press the dial. The titles are displayed in the language you selected. (4) Turn the control dial to select the color, size, or position, then press the dial.
Superimposing a title To superimpose the title from beginning After step 7, press START/STOP to start recording. To superimpose the title while you are recording After pressing START/STOP to start recording, start from step 1. In this case, beep is not heard. To select the language of preset title When you want to select the language, select return to step 2. before step 2. Then select language and When you want to use the custom title, select in step 2.
Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. We recommend to set the POWER switch to VTR/PLAYER or eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 20 characters. (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1) or second line (CUSTOM2), then press the dial.
Making your own titles To edit a title you have stored In step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to edit, then change the title. Note You can not enter over 20 characters title. To delete a title In step 4, turn the control dial to select [M] then press the dial. The last character is erased. Repeat this step until all characters are deleted. Do not erase the title by selecting empty spaces. If you do so, a title full of empty spaces is stored.
Optimizing the recording condition Use this feature to check the tape condition before recording, so that you can get the best possible picture (ORC). (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select Ò, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select ORC TO SET, then press the dial. “START/STOP KEY” flashes. (4) Press START/STOP. The camcorder takes about 5 - 10 seconds to check the tape condition and then returns to Standby mode.
Using the built-in light – CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 5 feet (1.5 m). OFF AUTO ON Advanced operations LIGHT While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide LIGHT to ON. The built-in light turns on. The built-in light turns on/off by turning on/off STANDBY. To stop using the built-in light Slide LIGHT to OFF.
Using the built-in light Replacing the bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp. Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) While pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire, remove the unit. (2) Turn the bulb housing counterclockwise and detach from the built-in light unit. (3) Replace the bulb using a dry cloth.
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function – CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only When the Steady Shot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camerashake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use the Steady Shot function. The indicator lights up when you release the Steady Shot function. Do not use the Steady Shot function when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. You can select ON or OFF in the menu system (p. 26).
Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ¬ ED Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. Before editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available. Set EDIT to ON in the menu system (p. 26).
Recording from a VCR or TV – CCD-TR917/TR940 only You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV using the supplied A/V cable. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. (2) Press r REC and the button on the right together on the camcorder at the point where you want to start recording.
Additional information Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder Your camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder Changing the lithium battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery. (1) Open the lid of the lithium battery compartment. (2) Push the lithium battery down once and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install the lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out. Close the lid.
Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial. Set the month, day, hour and minute by turning the control dial and pressing the dial. (6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
Simple setting of clock by time difference You can easily set the clock for a local time by a time difference in the menu system. (1) (2) (3) (4) While the camcorder is the standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial. Turn the control dial to select WORLD TIME, then press the dial. Turn the control dial to set a time difference, and press the dial. The hour of clock changes in relation to a time difference which you set.
Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting cassette types – CCD-TR917/TR940 only This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed to realize higher picture quality. You can use either Hi8 or standard 8 mm video cassette for this camera. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, the recording is made in the Hi8 system. When you use a standard 8 mm video cassette, the recording is made in the standard 8 mm system.
Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment Battery efficiency is decreased, and the battery will be used up more quickly, if you are recording in a cold environment. Turn STANDBY down when not recording to save battery power.
Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the rechargeable battery pack Caution Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. The battery pack heats up During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up. This is caused by energy that has been generated and a chemical change that has occurred inside the battery pack. This is not cause for concern and is normal.
Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack What is “InfoLITHIUM” The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data with compatible video equipment about its battery consumption. When you use this battery pack with video equipment having the mark, the video equipment will indicate the remaining battery time in minutes*. However, if you use it with video equipment not having this mark, the remaining battery capacity will not be indicated in minutes.
Maintenance information and precautions Notes on the battery case – CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR940 only • Use only with alkaline batteries. You cannot use the battery case with manganese batteries or size AA (LR6) rechargeable NiCd batteries. • Using with Sony alkaline batteries is preferable. • Battery life is remarkably shorter in a cold environment (lower than 50°F/10°C). • Keep the metal part clean. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth. • Do not disassemble or convert the battery case.
Maintenance information and precautions Video head cleaning To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When the CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another or v˚ indicator and “ playback pictures are “noisy” or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty. [b] [a] Slightly dirty [b] Very dirty If this happens, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). After checking the picture, if it is still “noisy,” repeat the cleaning.
Maintenance information and precautions On handling tapes Do not insert anything in the small holes on the rear of the cassette. These holes are used to sense the type of tape, thickness of tape and if the recording tab is in or out. Camcorder care •When the camcorder is not to be used for a long time, remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes. •Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust.
Using your camcorder abroad Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b]. AC-L10A/L10B/L10C [b] Difference in color systems This camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power Symptom The power is not on. The power goes off. The battery pack is quickly discharged. While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in the display window.
Trouble check Operation Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The tape is stuck to the drum. m Eject the tape. (p. 11) • The tape has run out. m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 21) • The POWER switch is set to VTR/PLAYER. m Set it to CAMERA. (p. 12) • The tab on the cassette is out (red). m Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 11) • The START/STOP MODE switch is set to 5SEC or . Recording stops in a few seconds. m Set it to . (p. 16) The cassette cannot be removed from • The battery is dead.
Trouble check Picture Symptom The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. A vertical band appears when a subject such as lights or a candle flame is shot against a dark background. Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The viewfinder lens is not adjusted. m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 13) • The contrast between the subject and background is too high. The camcorder is not malfunctioning. m Change locations. A vertical band appears when shooting a very bright subject.
Self-diagnosis display The camcorder has a self-diagnosis display. This function displays the camcorder‘s condition with five digits (a combination of a letter and figures) in the viewfinder or in the display window. If this occurs, check the following code chart. The five-digit display informs you of the camcorder‘s current condition. The last two digits (indicated by ππ) will differ depending on the state of the camcorder.
Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940: 4 rotary heads (SP/LP independent heads) CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87: 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8mm video format cassette CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97: Standard 8 CCD-TR917/TR940: Hi8 or standard 8 Recording / Playback time (using 120 min.
Specifications General Power requirements 7.2 V (battery pack) 8.4 V (AC power adaptor) Average power consumption (when using the battery pack) During camera recording CCD-TR57/TR67: 2.4 W CCD-TR87/TR97: 2.5 W CCD-TR917/TR940: 2.6 W Operating temperature 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) Dimensions (Approx.) 4 1⁄4 × 4 1⁄4 × 7 5⁄8 in. (107 x 107 x 193 mm) (w/h/d) Mass (Approx.
Identifying the parts 1 8 2 !º 3 4 !¡ !™ 5 !£ 6 !¢ 7 !∞ 1 EDITSEARCH button (p. 18) 9 Power zoom lever (p. 15) 2 LASER LINK button (CCD-TR87/TR97/ TR917/TR940 only) (p. 20) !º Lighting aperture 3 Built-in light (CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/ TR917/TR940 only) (p. 49) 4 Lens cover 5 POWER switch (p. 12) 6 FOCUS switch (CCD-TR97/TR917/ TR940 only) (p. 39) 7 NEAR/FAR dial (CCD-TR97/TR917/ TR940 only) (p. 39) 8 Video control buttons (p.
Identifying the parts !§ !¶ !• @¢ @º @¡ @™ @£ @∞ @§ !§ COUNTER RESET button (p. 14) @™ PROGRAM AE dial (p. 37) !¶ DATE button (p. 47) @£ MENU button (p. 26) !• BACK LIGHT button (p. 30) @¢ PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 41) !ª TIME button (p. 47) @º TITLE button (p. 44) @∞ EXPOSURE button (CCD-TR97/TR917/ TR940 only) (p. 42) @¡ START/STOP MODE switch (p. 16) @§ Control dial (p.
Identifying the Parts @¶ #™ #£ @• #¢ #∞ @ª #§ #º #¡ @¶ Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 13) @• Viewfinder (p. 13) @ª Battery mounting surface #º DC IN jack (p. 8, 23) #¡ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 77) 74 #™ Eyecup #£ BATT RELEASE lever (p. 7, 10) #¢ START/STOP button (p. 12) #∞ STANDBY switch (p. 12) #§ Hook for shoulder strap (p.
Identifying the Parts $¢ $∞ #¶ #• #ª $º $¶ $™ $• $ª %º $£ #¶ EJECT switch (p. 11) #• LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it. This jack has the same function as the jack indicated as CONTROL L or REMOTE. #ª Cassette compartment (p. 11) $º Grip strap (p. 17) $¡ RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output) jack (p. 20) $™ 2 (headphones) jack (CCD-TR917/ TR940 only) (p.
Identifying the Parts Remote Commander – CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. 1 2 4 3 5 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the camcorder. 3 DISPLAY button (p. 21) 4 START/STOP button (p. 12) 5 Power zoom button (p. 15) 2 Video control buttons (p.
Identifying the parts Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work. To avoid damage from possible battery leakage Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long time. Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap .
Identifying the parts Operation indicators Viewfinder 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Display window !£ !ª 2 W 40min H SP STBY 0:00:00 !¢ @¡ T M.FADER CINEMA SEPIA !∞ 3 !§ 1 @º 8 c„ f AUTO DATE 12:00:00AM 9 0 !¡ !¶ !• !ª !™ 1 Recording mode indicator (p. 27) !£ Video control mode (p. 21) 2 Playing back or recording in Hi8 format (CCD-TR917/TR940 only) (p. 58) !¢ Tape counter (p. 14)/Self-diagnosis functions indicator (p. 69)/5SEC mode indicator (p.
Warning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder or in the display window, check the following: ≥≥... : you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. 1 2 3 0min 5min 4 5 6 Additional information C:21:00 7 9 8 CLEANING CASSETTE C:31:10 JUL 4 1998 0 COPY INHIBIT 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. 2 The tape is near the end. The flashing is slow. 3 The tape has run out. The flashing becomes rapid.
Index A, B I, J, K, L S Adjusting viewfinder ............. 13 AFM HiFi Sound .............. 29, 58 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ................................................ 16 Auto focus ................................ 39 Backlight .................................. 30 Beep .......................................... 14 LANC ....................................... 75 LASER LINK ........................... 20 Lithium battery ....................... 54 Self-diagnosis display ............ 69 Shoulder strap ..
