Sony DCR-TRV900 User Manual

3-865-177-64 (2)©1998 by Sony CorporationDCR-TRV900Digital VideoCamera RecorderOperating InstructionsBefore operating the unit, please read this manua

10Installing and charging the battery packNotes on remaining battery time indication during recording•Remaining battery time is displayed on the LCD s

100Copying still images from a mini DV tape – photo saveUsing the search function, you can automatically take in only the still images from mini DVtap

101Memory card slot operationsWhen the access lamp is flashingNever shake or strike the unit. As well do not turn the power off, eject a PC card/flopp

102Recording still images on PC cards (notsupplied) – memory photo recordingYou can record still images with all the pixels (progressive) on an option

103Memory card slot operationsRecording images continuouslyYou can shoot continuously by selecting one of two modes described below.Continuous mode [a

104Settings of continuous shootingSetting Meaning (indicator on the screen)OFF The unit shoots one image at a time. (no indicator)ON The unit shoots 2

105Memory card slot operationsViewing a still picture – memory photoplaybackYou can play back still images recorded on a floppy disk or PC card. You c

106Screen indicators during still image playbackPlaying back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen)You can play back 6 recorded images at a time.

107Memory card slot operationsViewing a still picture – memory photo playbackNoteWhen displaying the index screen, the number appears above each image

108Preventing accidental erasure – PROTECTTo prevent accidental erasure of important images, you can protect selected images.Before operationConnect t

109Memory card slot operationsDeleting selected imageBefore operationConnect the floppy disk adapter (with a disk inside) or insert a PC card into the

11Getting startedInserting a cassetteYou can use mini DV cassette with logo* only.Make sure that the power source is installed.(1) While pressing th

110Erasing all the imagesYou can delete all the unprotected images in a floppy disk or PC card.Before operationConnect the floppy disk adapter (with a

111Memory card slot operationsTo cancel deleting all the images on the diskSelect RETURN in step 4, then press the control dial.While “DELETING” app

112Copying the image recorded with thememory card slot to mini DV tapesYou can copy still images or titles recorded with the memory card slot and reco

113Memory card slot operationsNote on the index screenYou cannot record the index screen.If you press the EDITSEARCH buttons during pause modeMemory p

114Playing back images in a continuous loop– SLIDE SHOWYou can automatically play back images in sequence. This function is useful especially whenchec

115Memory card slot operationsNote on the slide showYou cannot make copy of the slide show on a mini DV tape.If you change the floppy disk during oper

116Additional informationUsable cassettes and playback modesSelecting cassette typesYou can use the mini DV cassette only. You cannot use any other

117Additional informationCharging the vanadium-lithium battery in thecamcorderYour camcorder is supplied with a vanadium-lithium battery installed so

118Resetting the date and timeThe date and time are set at the factory. Set the time according to the local time in yourcountry. If you do not use the

119Additional informationTo correct the date and time settingRepeat steps 2 to 5.If you do not set the date and time“--.--.--” is recorded on the tape

12Basic operationsCamera recordingMake sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE selector inside

120Tips for using the battery packThis section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack.Preparing the battery packAlways carry addi

121Additional informationTips for using the battery packThe life of the battery packIf the battery indicator flashes rapidly just after turning on the

122Tips for using the battery packWhy the remaining battery indication does not match thecontinuous recording time in the operating instructionThe rec

123Additional informationMoisture condensationIf the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture maycondense inside the

124Maintenance information and precautionsNoteIf the DVM12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied) is not available in your area, consult yournearest Sony

125Additional informationAC power adaptorCharging•Use only an “InfoLITHIUM” type battery pack.•Place the battery pack on a flat surface without vibrat

126Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorderabroad, check the following points.Power sourcesYou can

127Additional informationCause and/or corrective actions• The tape is stuck to the drum.m Eject the cassette. (p. 11)• The tape has run out.m Rewind t

128Cause and/or corrective actions• The tape has a blank portion in the middle.• The POWER switch is not set to VTR.m Set it to VTR. (p. 22)• The tape

129Additional informationCause and/or corrective actions• The tape has no cassette memory.m Use a tape with cassette memory. (p. 76)• CM SEARCH is set

13Basic operationsTo focus the viewfinder lensIf you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used thecamcorder,

130Cause and/or corrective actions• PROG. SCAN is set to ON in the menu system, or thePOWER switch is set to MEMORY. This is caused byprogressive scan

131Additional informationCause and/or corrective actions• Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor orremove the battery pack, then reconnect

132Cause and/or corrective actions• The battery other than “InfoLITHIUM” is used.m Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery.(p. 119)• Moisture condensation has o

133Additional informationSpecificationsVideo camerarecorderSystemVideo recording systemTwo rotary heads, Helical scanningsystemAudio recording systemR

134Identifying the parts8 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 13)9 PHOTO button (p. 33)0 BATT (battery) RELEASE button (p. 10)!¡ SHUTTER SPEED butto

135Additional informationIdentifying the parts!§ Tape transport buttons (p. 22)π STOP (stop)0 REW (rewind)· PLAY (playback)) FF (fast-forward)P PAUSE

136Identifying the parts@§ LCD Screen (p. 16)@¶ LCD BRIGHT buttons (p. 16, 22)@• VOLUME buttons (p. 22)@ª RESET button (p. 131)#º DATA CODE button (p.

137Additional information$§$¶$•%™%¡%º$ª%¢%£Note on the intelligent accessory shoeSupplies power to optional accessories such as a video light or micro

1381 Memory slot connector (p. 93)2 Floppy disk eject button (p. 94)%∞ LANC l control jackl stands for Local Application Control BusSystem. The l cont

139Additional information1 PHOTO button (p. 33)2 DISPLAY button (p. 22)3 Memory control buttons (p. 105)4 SEARCH MODE button (p. 74, 76, 77)5 Tape tra

14Note on the beep soundNote that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beepsound, select OFF in the menu system.

140123Identifying the partsNote on battery lifeThe batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation.When the batteries be

141Additional informationIdentifying the partsOperation indicators!§ Recording mode indicator (p. 30)!¶ Standby/Recording indicator (p. 12) /Tapetrans

1421 Remaining time in minutes indicator (p. 8) /Tape counter (p. 80) /Memory counter (p. 106) /Time code indicator (p. 12)Identifying the parts1 32Di

143Additional informationIf indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder or warning messages appear onthe screen, check the following: : Yo

144Warning indicators!£!¢!º!¡!™MVC00010 The battery is not the “InfoLITHIUM” type.!¡ The tape has no cassette memory. (p. 4)!™ The file cannot be read

145Additional informationM, NManual adjustment ...44Manual focus ...57Memory card ...

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan

15Basic operationsCamera recordingZooming of more than 12x – digital zoom• If you set the D ZOOM function to ON in the menu system, you can perform zo

16Shooting with the LCD screenYou can also record the picture while looking at the LCD screen.When using the LCD screen, the viewfinder turns off auto

17Basic operationsCamera recordingLetting the subject monitor the shotYou can turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way and you can let t

18Self-timer recordingYou can make a recording with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to recordyourself.(1) Press (self-timer) to di

19Basic operationsHints for better shootingFor hand-held shots, you will get better results by holding the camcorder according to thefollowing suggest

2Welcome !!Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam VisionΤΜ camcorder. With your HandycamVision, you can capture life’s precious moment

20Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripodTry placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If youha

21Basic operationsUsing the EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recordedpicture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.(1)

22Playing back a tapeYou can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.(1) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing o

23Basic operationsPlaying back a tapeTo view the playback picture in the viewfinderClose the LCD panel. The viewfinder turns on automatically.When usi

24Searching for the end of the pictureYou can go to the end of the recorded portion after you record and play back the tape. Thetape starts rewinding

25Advanced operationsAdvanced operationsUsing alternative power sourcesYou can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery p

26Using a car batteryUse a DC adaptor/charger such as Sony DC-V700 (not supplied). Connect the car batterycord to the cigarette lighter socket of a ca

27Advanced operationsYou can change some of the mode settings programed at the factory to further enjoy thefeatures and functions of the camcorder. Ju

28Changing the mode settingsSelecting the mode setting of each itemMenu items that can be modified differ depending on the setting of the POWER switch

29Advanced operationsChanging the mode settingsAUDIO MIX*Select this item to adjust the balance between the stereo 1 and stereo 2 by turning the contr

3Before you beginTable of contentsBefore you beginUsing this manual... 4Checking supplied accessories ...

30Changing the mode settingsPHOTO SAVESelect this item to duplicate still pictures. See page 100 for details.Items for the CM SET menuCM SEARCH <

31Advanced operationsChanging the mode settingsTV INPUT <VIDEO1/VIDEO2/VIDEO3/OFF>Select 1, 2 or 3 of the video input on the TV which the AV cor

32Changing the mode settings* These settings return to the default 5 minutes or more after the power source isdisconnected or battery is removed. As f

33Advanced operationsYou can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This photorecording is useful when you want to enjoy a

34LINE INVIDEO S VIDEOPrinting the still pictureYou can print a still picture by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the videoprinter usin

35Advanced operationsShooting with all the pixels – PROG. SCANWhen modifying the digital images on your personal computer, set PROG. SCAN to ONbefore

36You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.When fading in, the picture gradually fades in while the sound increases. Wh

37Advanced operationsTo cancel the fader functionBefore pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the fade indicator disappears.You cannot use the fader

38When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a lightbackground, use the BACK LIGHT function.Press BACK LIGHT.

39Advanced operationsYou can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE).The picture with black bands at the top and the

4Before you beginUsing this manualAs you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown incapital letters.e.g., Set the POW

40Enjoying picture effectSelecting picture effectYou can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function.NEG. ART [a]The color

41Advanced operationsUsing picture effect function(1)While in Standby mode, press PICTURE EFFECT.(2)Turn the control dial to select the desired pictur

42Recording with various effects – digital effectWith the following functions of Digital Effect, you can add various visual effects to thepicture. The

43Advanced operationsTo cancel digital effectsPress DIGITAL EFFECT so that the indicator disappears.Notes on digital effect•You cannot use the followi

44Shooting with manual adjustmentUnder normal conditions, this unit automatically makes various adjustments as it shoots.However, you can adjust manua

45Advanced operationsShooting with manual adjustmentTo return to automatic exposure modeSet AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press EXPOSURE to turn

46Shooting with manual adjustmentAdjusting the white balanceWhite balance adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural colorbala

47Advanced operationsIf you have selected ∑ in step 3When you set the white balance to one-push white balance mode, the setting is locked andmaintaine

48Shooting with manual adjustmentAdjusting recording levelYou can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones to monitor the sound when youadjust

49Advanced operationsShooting with manual adjustmentUsing the ND filterUsing the ND filter (corresponds to 16% of the quantity of light), you can reco

5Before you beginPrecautions on camcorder care•The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using high-precisiontechnology. However, th

50Shooting with the zebra patternYou can set the camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) in the portion of thepicture on the LCD scree

51Advanced operationsReleasing the Steady Shot functionWhen the Steady Shot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camera-shake.You can re

52Adjusting AE shift(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.(2) Press MENU to display the menu.(3) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial.(4

53Advanced operationsShooting with manual adjustmentAdjusting gain shift(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.(2) Press MENU to display the menu.(3) Turn

54Using the PROGRAM AE functionYou can select from five PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shootingsituation, referring to the following.Se

55Advanced operationsUsing the PROGRAM AE functionUsing the PROGRAM AE function(1) Set AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position w

56About the depth of fieldThe depth of field is the in-focus range, measured from the distance behind a subject to thedistance in front. The depth of

57Advanced operationsFocusing manuallyWhen to use manual focusIn the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually.

58Focusing manuallyAdjusting focus manuallyWhen focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shotlength.(1)Slide F

59Advanced operationsYou can make a time-lapse recording by setting the camcorder to automatically record andstandby sequentially. You can achieve an

6Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.Checking supplied accessories1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 139)2 AC-L10A/

60To cancel the interval recording•Set INT.REC to OFF in the menu system.•Set the POWER switch to OFF, VTR or MEMORY.To stop the interval recording mo

61Advanced operationsYou can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. To createthis effect, alternately move the subje

62To cancel the cut recording•Set FRAME REC to OFF in the menu system.•Set the POWER switch to OFF, VTR, or MEMORY.Notes on cut recording•The last rec

63Advanced operationsSuperimposing a titleIf you use a tape with cassette memory, you can superimpose the titles while recording orafter recording. Wh

64Superimposing a titleNotes on superimposing a title•If you have not given any custom title, “– – – – ...” appears on the display.•The FADER function

65Advanced operationsErasing a title(1) Press MENU to display the menu.(2) Turn the control dial to select , then press the dial.(3) Turn the control

66If you use a tape with cassette memory, you can make up to two titles and store them in thecamcorder. We recommend you to set the POWER switch to VT

67Advanced operationsMaking a custom titleTo edit a title you have storedIn step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to ed

68Labeling a cassetteIf you use a tape with cassette memory, you can label a cassette. The label can consist of upto 10 characters and is stored in ca

69Advanced operationsLabeling a cassetteTo erase a characterIn step 6 turn the control dial to select [ M ], then press the dial. The last character i

7Getting startedGetting startedInstalling and charging the battery packBefore using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery p

70Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen.When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcor

71Advanced operationsUsing the AV cordless IR receiver  LASER LINKOnce you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the LASER LINKm

72Viewing the picture with the picture effectYou can play back recorded images with the picture effect. The available picture effects areNEG. ART, SEP

73Advanced operationsViewing the picture with the digital effectYou can play back recorded images with the digital effect.The available digital effect

74Searching the boundaries of recorded tape withdate – date searchYou can search for the boundaries of recorded tape with date – Date Search function.

75Advanced operationsSearching the boundaries of recorded tape with date – date searchSearching for the date without using cassette memoryIf you use t

76Searching the boundaries of recorded tapewith title – title searchYou can search for the boundaries of recorded tape with title – Title Search funct

77Advanced operationsSearching for a photo – photo search/photo scanYou can search for the recorded still picture – Photo Search function. There are t

78Searching for a photo – photo search/photo scanTo stop searchingPress p.NoteWhen you play back a tape which has a blank portion in the between of th

79Advanced operationsScanning photo – photo scanYou can use this function whether the tape has cassette memory or not.(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR.

8Notes•“– – – min” appears on the display window until the camcorder calculates remainingbattery time.•Remaining battery time indication on the displa

80Using the Remote Commander, you can easily go back to the desired point on a tape afterplayback.(1) During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY at the po

81Advanced operationsYou can display recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) on the LCDscreen or in the viewfinder during playbac

82Editing onto another tapeYou can create your own video program by editing with any other DV, mini DV,h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-

83Advanced operationsUsing the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable)Simply connect the VMC-IL4415/IL4435/2DV/4DV i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (nots

84Editing partially on a mini DV tape – DVsynchro-editingBy simply selecting the scenes to edit, you can duplicate the desired portion on a tape, usin

85Advanced operationsNotes•If you use other than Sony DV equipment, you cannot perform DV synchro-editing.•You cannot set DV EDITING IN or OUT on a bl

86S VIDEOVIDEOAUDIOOUT[a][b]1 2POWEROFFCAMERAMEMORYVTRRECYou can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has audio/videooutputs.

87Advanced operationsYou can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifyingstarting and ending points. After inserting

88You can record an audio sound to add to the original sound on a tape by connecting audioequipment or a microphone. If you connect the audio equipmen

89Advanced operationsLINE OUTLRAUDIO LAUDIO RÇ : Signal flowAudio equipmentA/V connecting cableAUDIO/VIDEODo not connect thevideo (yellow)plug.Audio d

9Getting startedBattery lifeWhile using with viewfinderBattery pack Continuous recording time * Typical recording time **NP-F330 (supplied) 75 (70) 40

90VTR SETH i F i SOUNDAUD I O MI XRETURN[MENU] :ENDST1 ST2Audio dubbingTo play back the new recorded soundAdjust the balance between the original soun

91Memory card slot operationsMemory card slot operationsUsing the memory card slot – introductionImageRecord the still image on floppy diskwith the fl

92Floppy disks you can use with this unit•Size : 3.5 inch•Type : 2HD•Capacity : 1.44 MB•Format : MS-DOS format (512 bytes x 18 sector)When using a 3.5

93Memory card slot operationsUsing the memory card slot – introductionAbout the remaining battery indicatorThis camcorder displays remaining recording

94Using the memory card slot – introductionInserting a floppy diskInsert a floppy disk until it clicks.Before inserting, check that the write protect

95Memory card slot operationsSelecting the image quality modeYou can select one of three image quality modes in still picture recording. If you do not

96Using the memory card slot – introductionThe difference in image quality modeA recorded image is compressed in JPEG format before stored into memory

97Memory card slot operations23POWEROFFCAMERAMEMORYVTRMENU214576MEMORY SETCONT I NUOUSQUA L I TYPROTECTSL IDE SHOWDELETE AL LFORMAT[MENU] :ENDMEMORY S

98Recording an image from a mini DV tape as astill imageThis camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a mini DV tape and record it as astill

99Memory card slot operationsRecording a still image from a mini DV tape right after turning on the powerSaving the data may take a little more time t