Sony HVR-A1N User Manual

HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)© 2005 Sony CorporationDigital HD Video Camera RecorderOperating GuideBefore operating the unit, please read this manual th

10HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 2: Charging the battery packYou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) (p. 109) after attaching it to

100HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Warning indicators and messages (Continued) “Memory Stick Duo”Insert a Memory Stick (p. 17).Reinsert the Memory Stick.•

101TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) FlashCharging… Cannot record still images.• You are trying to record a still image while charging the fl

102HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Using your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied

103Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)HDV format and recording/playbackYour camcorder is capable of recording in HDV/DVCAM/DV formats. I

104HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Notes on use When not using your camcorder for a long timeRemove the cassette and store it. To prevent accidental eras

105Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV formatsThe DVCAM format was developed as a more reliable and higher-

106HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Compatibility on editing using DV jacksWhen this camcorder is connected to other digital video equipment using an i.LINK

107Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)About the “Memory Stick”A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable IC recording medium with a data ca

108HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) On a location for useDo not use or keep the “Memory Stick Duo” in the following locations.• Places subject to extreme

109Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery packThis unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M

11Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)4 Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet.The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and chargi

110HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)About battery life• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and more, a

111Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each pie

112HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is accidentally swallowed,

113Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video head repla

114HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)not use your camcorder at all without the AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack attached. However, even if the pre-in

115Additional InformationHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Image device 5.9 mm (1/3 type) CMOS sensorGross: Approx. 2 969 000 pixels Effective (movie, 4:3):

116HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)GeneralPower requirementsDC 7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)Average power consumption(when using the battery p

117Quick ReferenceHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Identifying parts and controls Power zoom lever (24) PHOTO button (22) CAMERA-TAPE, CAMERA-MEMORY, P

118HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) Microphone (19) XLR adaptor (19) Lens cover lever (20) Lens hood with lens cover (9, 20) Zoom buttons (24) R

119Quick ReferenceHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) Internal stereo microphone (27) Zoom ring/focus ring (24, 25) Holes for the lens hood  Lens (Carl

12HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)* Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off. Bottom: Recording time when recording

120HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)IndexNumeric1080i/480i ... 6012-bit ... 10316-bit ...

121Quick ReferenceHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Focus ... 25, 88FOCUS/ZOOM switch ... 24,

122HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)NNEG.ART ... 53NEW FOLDER ... 51NightShot ... 24NOR

123Quick ReferenceHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)TTape playback select button ... 29TC/UB SET ...

HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)

HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)

HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)

HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)On trademarks• “Memory Stick,” , “Memory Stick Duo,” , “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” , “MagicGate,” , “MagicGate Memory Stick

HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Printed in JapanPrinted on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.http://ww

13Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly To record or play back, slide the POWER swit

14HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinderThe LCD panelOpen the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate

15Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 5: Using the touch panelYou can play back recorded pictures (p. 23), or change the settings (p. 38) u

16HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 6: Setting the date and timeSet the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the

17Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”Cassette tapeSee 103 for details of usable cassettes and p

18HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your

19Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 8: Installing the supplied microphone and hood with lens coverInstalling the supplied microphoneInsta

2HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.WARNINGTo

20HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)8 Select the channel with the REC CH SELECT switch. Used channels according to the position of the REC CH SELECT switch

21Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)To open and close the lens coverMove the lens cover lever up and down to open or close the lens cover.Move

22HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)To check the latest recording on a “Memory Stick Duo”Touch . To delete the picture, touch  [YES]. Touch to return to

23HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/PlaybackPlayback1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lam

24HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Functions used for recording/playback, etc.RecordingTo use zoom ... Move the power zoom lever  slightl

25HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/Playback• The NightShot and Super NightShot function use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared

26HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)To record in mirror mode ... Open the LCD panel  90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees t

27HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/PlaybackTo adjust the movie volume ...Move the EXPOSURE/VOL lever  up or down to adjust the volume. Mov

28HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Indicators displayed during recording/playbackRecording moviesIn the CAMERA-TAPE mode213 4 576 Recording format ( or

29HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/Playback( ) is a reference page.The indicators during recording will not be recorded.Viewing movies2 qd 4 57qf1

3HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)For customers in the U.S.A.If you have any questions about this product, you may call:Sony Customer Information Center 1-8

30HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Indicators when you made changesYou can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 62) to check the function of each indicator that appea

31HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/PlaybackSearching for the starting pointMake sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up (p. 22).Searching for the

32HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.Insulation sheet61q;2345789 PHOTO (p. 22)

33HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/PlaybackConnecting to a TV for viewingConnection methods and image quality will differ depending on what TV to

34HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)CamcorderTVMenu Setting : Signal flowCableTypei.LINK cable (optional) (STANDARD SET)[VCR HDV/DV]  [AUTO] (p. 57)[i.LINK C

35HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/PlaybackContinued CamcorderTVMenu Setting : Signal flowCableTypeComponent video cable (supplied)A/V connecting

36HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Notes on ConnectionType Notes• Requires HDV1080i specification connectors. Consult your TV manufacturer for details. See

37HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording/Playback

38HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Using the menu itemsFollow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.1 Slide the POWER

39Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) Select the desired item.• You can also touch the item directly to select it. Customize the item. Aft

4HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)On the types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder There are two sizes of “Memory Stick.” You can use “Memory St

40HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Menu itemsPosition of lamp: TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT CAMERA SET menu (p. 43)PROGRAM AE   –SPOT METER   –EXPOSURE   –WH

41Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) PICT.APPLI. menu (p. 52)FADER  – –SLIDE SHOW – – D. EFFECT  – PICT. EFFECT  – INT.REC-STL –  –SHOT

42HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)DISP OUTPUT   MENU ROTATE   CALIBRATION – – DATE REC  – –QUICK REC  – –ASSIGN BTN    TIME/LANGU. menu (p. 6

43Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)CAMERA SET menuSettings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (SPOT METER/WHITE BAL./STEADYS

44HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)EXPOSUREYou can fix the brightness of a picture manually. When recording indoors on a clear day, for instance, you can avo

45Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued SHUTTR SPEEDYou can manually adjust and fix the shutter speed for your convenience. Depending on

46HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• If you select [CINEFRAME30] or [CINEFRAME24] and set the shutter speed to 1/30 or slower, the shutter speed is automat

47Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued  AUTOTrigger the flash (optional) automatically. AUTO Trigger the flash (optional) automat

48HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)HISTOGRAMWhen you set [HISTOGRAM] to [ON], the [HISTOGRAM] (a graph to display a distribution of tones in your picture) w

49Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) WIDE CONV.( )Select this to use the wide conversion lens (optional). TELE CONV.( )Select this to u

5HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)On the menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens• A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recor

50HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) STANDARD ( )Records still images at the standard image quality level. IMAGE SIZE  1920 × 1440 ( )Records stil

51Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued Approximate image size of a picture (kB)4:3 picture1920 × 1440 1440 × 1080 1080 × 810 640 × 4

52HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)REC FOLDER (Recording folder)Select the folder to be used for recording with / , then touch .• As the default setting,

53Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) Touch [PB FOLDER]. Select [ALL FILES ( )] or [CURRNT FOLDER ( )], then touch . If you select [CURR

54HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) SEPIAPictures appear in sepia. B&WPictures appear in black and white. SOLARIZEPictures appear as an illu

55Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) EXEC Touch [NEXT][EXEC-A] or [EXEC-B] and the recording setting changes to the registered one. Touch [

56HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)EDIT/PLAY menuSettings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.)The default settings are

57Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• When [AUTO] is selected and the signal switches between HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats, the picture and soun

58HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• When you mix recordings in the DVCAM mode and in the DV SP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or

59Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued • Sound is recorded in the [STEREO] setting if the microphone is not connected, even if another

6HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Table of ContentsRead this first ...

60HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• If either the CH1 or CH2 setting is changed to [AUTO] or [MANUAL], the other setting is automatically changed to the s

61Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued   SQUEZEOutput signals to a 16:9 wide TV or a TV compatible with 16:9 wide mode.On a 4:3 TV co

62HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)  MEMORY STICKSelect to view pictures in the “Memory Stick Duo.” PictBridge PRINTSee page 75.DISP GUIDEYou can easil

63Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• The time code and user bits cannot be displayed properly if the tape does not have time code and/or user

64HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) CENTER MARKERSelect to display the marker at the center of the screen. (It is set to [ON] in the default setting.) 4:3

65Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) Aperture value* Appears only during tape playback.• The exposure adjustment value (0EV), a shutter speed

66HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) ONThe time shortens slightly until recording restarts from the state that the drum has stopped rotating, but the tran

67Using the MenuHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Customizing Personal MenuYou can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu setti

68HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Arranging the order of menu items displayed on Personal Menu1 Touch [P-MENU SET UP] [SORT].If the desired menu item is

69Dubbing/EditingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc.Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source

7HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued To initialize the settingsOther part names and functionsIndicators displayed during recording/playback ...

70HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. (Continued)Using an i.LINK cable (optional)The dubbed format

71Dubbing/EditingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• The following cannot be output via the HDV/DV interface (i.LINK) jack:– Indicators– Pictures edited

72HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Recording pictures from a VCR You can record pictures from a VCR on a tape. You can record a scene as a still image on a

73Dubbing/EditingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)7 Touch [REC START] at the point you want to start recording.8 Stop recording.When recording on a tape,

74HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information (Image protection/Print mark)When you are using a “Mem

75Dubbing/EditingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Continued Selecting still images for printing (Print mark)The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard

76HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)beginning.• If you print a still image recorded with a 16:9 ratio, left and right ends of the image may be cut off.• So

77Dubbing/EditingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Jacks to connect external devices ...Open the shoe cover. -  ...Open the jack cover. Active Interface

78HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Connecting to a computerWhen connecting your camcorder to the computer, you can operate the followings:Copy the still ima

79Using a computerHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)to USB jackUSB cable(supplied)to USB jack• Do not connect your camcorder to the computer at this point.•

8HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Jacks to connect external devices ...77Using a computerConnecting

80HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1) Folder containing image files recorded using other camcorders without the folder creation function (for playback only

81Using a computerHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)For Macintosh users Close down all applications running on the computer. Drag and drop the drive icon o

82HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Notes on connecting to the computer • Connect the i.LINK cable (optional) to the computer first, then to your camcorder.

83TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)TroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot

84HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Troubleshooting (Continued)The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.• The temperature of t

85TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• Set [VF POWER] of [LCD/VF SET] to [ON] to display the picture in the viewfinder regardless of whether the

86HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Troubleshooting (Continued)You cannot format the “Memory Stick Duo.”• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “M

87TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 51)• You canno

88HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Troubleshooting (Continued)END SEARCH does not work correctly.• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of th

89TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)The subjects passing by the frame might appear crooked.• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This i

9Getting StartedHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Step 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The num

90HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Troubleshooting (Continued)The pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” are not played back in the actual size or aspect r

91TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)The picture or sound breaks off.• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats. This is not a

92HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Troubleshooting (Continued) appears on the LCD screen.• This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recordin

93TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)You cannot adjust [EXPOSURE] manually.• You cannot adjust the exposure manually with:– NightShot– [COLOR S

94HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Troubleshooting (Continued)You cannot use [COLOR SLOW S].• You cannot use [COLOR SLOW S] together with:– [FADER]– [D. EFF

95TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)– [PROGRAM AE]– When [ WIDE SELECT] of [DV SET] is set to [4:3]You cannot use [PICT. EFFECT].• You cannot

96HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)You cannot add sound to the recorded tape.• You cannot add sound to the recorded tape on this unit.New sound added to a r

97TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)[Removable Disk] does not appear on the computer screen. • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY

98HVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Warning indicators and messagesSelf-diagnosis display/Warning indicatorsIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the

99TroubleshootingHVR-A1U/A1N 2-639-667-11(1)Fast flashing:• The tape has run out.* (Eject cassette warning)*Slow flashing:• The write-protect tab on th