Sony Handycam CCD-TR517 Operating Instructions Manual
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Sony Handycam CCD-TR517 Operating Instructions Manual

Video camera recorder video 8 xr
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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-TR517
Serial No.
CCD-TR517
©1999 Sony Corporation
3-868-320-11 (1)
Model No. AC-L
Serial No.

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam CCD-TR517

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    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-TR517 Serial No.
  • Page 2 For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only) For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only) Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion battery.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Quick Start Guide ... 4 Getting started Using this manual ... 6 Checking supplied accessories ... 7 Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 8 Installing the battery pack ... 8 Charging the battery pack ... 9 Connecting to a wall outlet ...

  • Page 4: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Connecting the power cord Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 8). Inserting a cassette Slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow while pressing the small blue button. This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder.

  • Page 5: Recording A Picture

    Recording a picture Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing POWER the small green CAMERA button. (CHARGE) PLAYER Viewfinder Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup. Monitoring the playback picture in the viewfinder (p. 23) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER while pressing POWER the small green...

  • Page 6: Getting Started

    — Getting started — Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the operation is being carried out.

  • Page 7: Checking Supplied Accessories

    Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 9) 2 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 8, 9) 3 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 46) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder.

  • Page 8: Step 1 Preparing The Power Supply

    Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. Slide the battery pack down until it clicks. To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE down.

  • Page 9: Charging The Battery Pack

    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 (L series). (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.
  • Page 10 Step 1 Preparing the power supply Notes •Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power adaptor. •Keep the battery pack dry. •When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once fully and then use it until it fully discharges again.

  • Page 11: Charging Time

    Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530/F550 NP-F730/F730H/F750 NP-F930/F950 NP-F960 Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack Recording time Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F730H/F750 NP-F930 NP-F950 NP-F960 Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses “( )”...
  • Page 12 This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the mark. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

  • Page 13: Connecting To A Wall Outlet

    •The DC IN jack has “source priority”. This means that the battery pack cannot supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power cord is not plugged into a wall outlet. Using a car battery Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied). 2, 3...

  • Page 14: Step 2 Inserting A Cassette

    Step 2 Inserting a cassette (1) Prepare the power supply (p. 8). (2) Slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow while pressing the small blue button. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (3) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the tab on the cassette up. (4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the compartment.

  • Page 15: Recording - Basics

    — Recording – Basics — Recording a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. (1) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” and “Step 2” for more information (p. 8 to 14). (2) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. The lens cover opens.
  • Page 16 Recording a picture After recording (1) Turn STANDBY down to LOCK. (2) Eject the cassette. (3) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the viewfinder Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

  • Page 17: Using The Zoom Feature

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

  • Page 18: Shooting Backlit Subjects (Back Light)

    Recording a picture Indicators displayed in the recording mode The indicators are not recorded on tape. Remaining battery time indicator Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT) When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function.

  • Page 19: Shooting In The Dark (Nightshot)

    Recording a picture Shooting in the dark (NightShot) The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you use this function. While your camcorder is in the standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. and “NIGHTSHOT”...

  • Page 20: Superimposing The Date And Time On Pictures

    Recording a picture Superimposing the date and time on pictures You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder superimposed on the picture. Carry out the following operations in the standby or recording mode. Press DATE to record the date. Press TIME to record the time.

  • Page 21: Checking The Recording

    Checking the recording – EDITSEARCH / Rec Review You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth. EDITSEARCH You can search for the next recording start point. Hold down the +/–...

  • Page 22: Playback - Basics

    — Playback – Basics — Connections for playback Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p.

  • Page 23: Playing Back A Tape

    Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on a TV screen after connecting your camcorder to a TV or VCR. You can also monitor the picture in the viewfinder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER while pressing the small green button.

  • Page 24: Various Playback Modes

    Playing back a tape Various playback modes To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to PLAYER. To view a still picture (playback pause) Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N. To advance the tape Press M in the stop mode.

  • Page 25: Advanced Recording Operations

    — Advanced Recording Operations — Using the wide mode You can record a cinema-like picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV. CINEMA Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the CINEMA mode [a], playing back on a normal TV [b] or a wide-screen TV [c].

  • Page 26: To Cancel The Wide Mode

    Using the wide mode In the standby mode, set 16:9WIDE to CINEMA or 16:9FULL in the menu settings (p. 39). MENU To cancel the wide mode Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings. In the wide mode You cannot select the bounce function with FADER. Date or time indicator When you record in the 16:9FULL mode, the date or time indicator will be widened on wide-screen TVs.

  • Page 27: Using The Fader Function

    Using the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. STBY FADER M.FADER (mosaic) STRIPE BOUNCE * (Fade in only) STBY MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white.
  • Page 28 Using the fader function (1) When fading in [a] In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. When fading out [b] In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. The indicator changes as follows: FADER t M.FADER t STRIPE t BOUNCE t MONOTONE t no indicator The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all.

  • Page 29: Using Special Effects - Picture Effect

    Using special effects – Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the PASTEL [a] : The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG.

  • Page 30: Using The Program Ae Function

    Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting requirements. Spotlight mode This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater. Soft portrait mode This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers.
  • Page 31 Using the PROGRAM AE function (1) Press PROGRAM AE in the standby mode. The PROGRAM AE indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. The indicator changes as follows: To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Press PROGRAM AE.

  • Page 32: Adjusting The Exposure Manually

    Adjusting the exposure manually You can manually adjust and set the exposure. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: •The subject is backlit •Bright subject and dark background •To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully (1) Press EXPOSURE in the standby or recording mode. The exposure indicator appears.

  • Page 33: Focusing Manually

    Focusing manually You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases: •The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting – subjects through glass coated with water droplets – horizontal stripes – subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky •When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the background •Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod...

  • Page 34: Superimposing A Title

    Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 36). You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. (1) Press TITLE in the standby mode. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired title, then press the dial.
  • Page 35 Superimposing a title To superimpose the title while you are recording Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is superimposed. To select the language of a preset title If you want to change the language, select language and return to step 2.

  • Page 36: Making Your Own Titles

    Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up to 20 characters. (1) Press TITLE in the standby or PLAYER mode. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1) or second line (CUSTOM2), then press the dial.

  • Page 37: To Change A Title You Have Stored

    Making your own titles To change a title you have stored In step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to change, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [C], then press the dial to delete the title.

  • Page 38: Editing

    Dubbing a tape Using the A/V connecting cable Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the recorded tape into your camcorder.

  • Page 39: Customizing Your Camcorder

    — Customizing Your Camcorder — Changing the menu settings To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode. (1) In the standby or PLAYER mode, press MENU.
  • Page 40 Changing the menu settings Menu items are displayed as the following icons: CAMERA SET PLAYER SET VF SET TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS Selecting the mode setting of each item Menu items differ according to whether the POWER switch is set to PLAYER or CAMERA.
  • Page 41 Changing the menu settings Icon/item Mode VF B.L. z BRT NORMAL BRIGHT REC MODE z SP ORC TO SET ORC stands for “Optimizing the Recording Condition”. z AUTO qREMAIN Note on VF B.L. When you use power sources other than the battery pack, “BRIGHT” is automatically selected.
  • Page 42 Changing the menu settings Icon/item Mode CLOCK SET AUTO DATE z ON LTR SIZE z NORMAL DEMO MODE z ON Notes on DEMO MODE •You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in your camcorder. •DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a cassette inserted.

  • Page 43: Resetting The Date And Time

    Resetting the date and time The default clock setting is set to East Coast Standard Time. The date and time are held in memory by the lithium battery. If you replace the lithium battery with the battery pack or other power source connected, you need not reset the date and time.

  • Page 44: To Check The Preset Date And Time

    Resetting the date and time 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.

  • Page 45: Additional Information

    — Additional Information — Playback modes What is Video 8 “Video 8 XR” is a function that further enhances the image quality of Video 8. This function allows you to record and playback pictures with clearer details. Video tapes recorded on a camcorder having the “XR” function show excellent picture quality when they are played back on an “XR”...

  • Page 46: Changing The Lithium Battery In Your Camcorder

    W 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.
  • Page 47 (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 a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out.

  • Page 48: Troubleshooting

    If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C: appears in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function has worked. See page 51.
  • Page 49 • EDIT is set to ON in the menu settings. c Set it to OFF. (p. 39) • The video head may be dirty. c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 55) Cause and/or Corrective Actions •...
  • Page 50 Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder. • The AC power adaptor is disconnected. c Connect it firmly. (p. 9) • Something is wrong with the battery pack. c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

  • Page 51: Self-Diagnosis Display

    C:31:ss C:32:ss E:61:ss E:62:ss If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Viewfinder Self-diagnosis display •C:ss:ss You can service your camcorder yourself.

  • Page 52: Warning Indicators And Messages

    * You hear the melody or beep sound. )” for more information. The video heads are dirty Slow flashing: •You need to clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied) (p. 55). C:21:00 Reset the date and time (p. 43).

  • Page 53: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Using your camcorder abroad Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet AC-L10A/L10B/L10C Your camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder.

  • Page 54: Maintenance Information And Precautions

    Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly.
  • Page 55 When the playback pictures are still contain noise even if you have cleaned the video heads with a cleaning cassette, the video heads may have worn down due to long use. If this is the case, they must be replaced with new heads. Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
  • Page 56 • If any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.

  • Page 57: Battery Pack

    •Do not disassemble nor modify the battery pack. •Attach the battery pack to the video equipment securely. •Charging while some capacity remains does not affect the original battery capacity. If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.

  • Page 58: Specifications

    Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8 mm video format cassette Standard 8 Recording/playback time (using cassette P6-120) SP mode: 2 hours LP mode: 4 hours...

  • Page 59: Quick Reference

    5 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 16) 6 Power zoom lever (p. 17) This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”...
  • Page 60 Identifying the parts and controls qs Video control buttons (p. 23, 24) x STOP (stop) m REW (rewind) N PLAY (playback) M FF (fastforward) X PAUSE (pause) qd EDITSEARCH button (p. 21) qf Lens cover (p. 15) qg Camera recording lamp (p. 15) qh Infrared rays emitter (p.
  • Page 61 Identifying the parts and controls wa FADER button (p. 28) ws BACK LIGHT button (p. 18) wd EXPOSURE button (p. 32) Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap. wf MENU button (p.
  • Page 62 Identifying the parts and controls wj DATE button (p. 20) wk TITLE button (p. 34) wl PROGRAM AE button (p. 30) e; TIME button (p. 20) ea COUNTER RESET button (p. 15) es PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 29)
  • Page 63 Identifying the parts and controls ed Viewfinder (p. 16) ef EJECT switch (p. 14) eg LANC control jack LANC stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and other peripherals connected to the video equipment.
  • Page 64 Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators Viewfinder M.FADER CINEMA SEPIA 1Recording mode indicator (p. 41) 2Remaining battery time indicator (p. 18) 3Exposure indicator (p. 32)/Zoom indicator (p. 17) 4Fader indicator (p. 28) 5Wide mode indicator (p. 25) 6Picture effect indicator (p. 29) 7PROGRAM AE indicator (p.

  • Page 65: Quick Function Guide

    Quick Function Guide Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) •In a dark place •In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, or general night views •Shooting backlit subjects •In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event •In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope Functions to give images more impact (in the recording mode)

  • Page 66: Index

    Index A, B AC power adaptor ... 9 Adjusting viewfinder ... 16 A/V connecting cable ... 22, 38 BACK LIGHT ... 18 Battery pack ... 8 Beep ... 42 BOUNCE ... 27 C, D Charging battery ... 9 Clock set ... 43 Connection (viewing on TV) ...
  • Page 68 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan...

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