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WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued) Lightning For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800- 222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information...
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 your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-HC28 Serial No. Model No. AC- Serial No.
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About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
Step 1: Checking supplied items ... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ... 12 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ... 15 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ... 16 Step 5: Using the touch panel ... 17 Changing the language setting ...
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Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) ... 31 Playing the picture on a TV ...32 Using the Menu Using the menu items ...34 Operation button items ...36 Menu items ...41 MANUAL SET menu ...42 – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc. CAMERA SET menu ...43 –...
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Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ... 64 Usable cassette tapes ... 65 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 66 About i.LINK ... 67 Maintenance and precautions ... 68 Specifications ... 71 Index ... 74 Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español...
Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12) Power cord (1) (p. 12) A/V connecting cable (1) (p.
To the wall outlet AC Adaptor Power cord Align the terminals of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2. Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
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Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the...
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. PRECAUTION LCD panel closed • Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor. 1065...
• After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 19), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2). 180 degrees (max.) 90 degrees to the...
Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 25), or change the settings (p. 34) using the touch panel. Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
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Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued) Touch the area including the indicator that you want to check. DISP GUIDE FOCUS: MANUAL PROGRAM AE: SPOTLIGHT P EFFECT: SEPIA PAGE PAGE The meanings of the indicators in the area are listed on the screen. If you cannot find the indicator you want to check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle.
POWER switch position. • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory.
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV (p. 65). • The recordable time varies depending on [REC MODE] (p. 46). Slide and hold the EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lever The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.
Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy viewing. Recording Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
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Playback Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
Lens cap Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
Playback Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Start playing back. Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch playback. A Stop B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it •...
Wider range of view: (Wide angle) Close view: (Telephoto) • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
See [SPOT METER] on page 36. To record in mirror mode ... qa Open the LCD panel qa 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2). • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording A Remaining battery (approx.) B Recording mode (SP or LP) (46) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D Recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second) Playback: Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) (46) F Function button (34) Data code during recording...
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( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded. Indicators when you made changes You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 17) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE].
Touch here again to cancel the operation. The last scene of the most recent recording is played back for about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where the last recording has finished. • [END SCH] will not work correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
Select [EDITSEARCH] with , then touch [EXEC]. Select [ON] with then touch [EXEC] t 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT Touch The last few seconds of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby.
Playing the picture on a TV You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
Using the Menu Using the menu items Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page. Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.
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x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation 60min STBY 0:00:00 1 Touch 2 Select the desired menu. Touch [MENU] then select the desired menu. 3 Change your item setting. After finishing the settings, touch Each touch of [ RET.] takes you to the previous screen.
W (wide angle), then adjust the focus. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp STBY 0:00:00 focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
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To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [ AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to AUTO]. • If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL]. • The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you turn the power off for more than 12 hours. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* See page 17.
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AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE] set (or vice versa), select [ AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa.
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LCD BRT (LCD bright) You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. Adjust the brightness with When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights You can use the video operation buttons ) on every PAGE. [PAGE1] MENU* See page 41.
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Operation button items (Continued) [PAGE3] V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback) You can play back in various modes while viewing movies. 1 Touch the following buttons during playback. Touch change the playback direction* play back [ySLOW] slowly** To reverse direction: [ySLOW] play back 2 times faster...
Menu items • Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 22). MANUAL SET menu PROGRAM AE P EFFECT AUTO SHTR CAMERA SET menu D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH...
LANDSCAPE**( Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows that comes in between the camcorder and the subject.
SEPIA Pictures appear in sepia. B&W Pictures appear in black and white. SOLARIZE Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast. PASTEL* Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during playback. • You can record pictures edited with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.
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16:9 wide TV in full screen mode. • When you record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV connected to your camcorder, select [16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will be played in full mode when you connect to your ID-1/ID-2 compatible TV.
B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.
B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the viewfinder screen. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.
5 minutes. NEVER The camcorder is not automatically turned off. • When you connect your camcorder to a wall outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. DISP OUT (Display output) B LCD Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/ DVD device, etc.). You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
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– Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 42) • When connected using an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is paused on your camcorder while recording to a VCR. • When connected using an i.LINK cable, data...
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. • You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a TV or VCR/DVD device that does not have an i.LINK jack.
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit mode (p. 46). – When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. – When your camcorder is connected via an i.LINK cable. – When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC mode.
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB]. • You can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded on other camcorders (including other DCR-HC28 camcorders).
Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on.
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The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
Troubleshooting (Continued) The picture remains on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug from your camcorder or remove the battery pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction. The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.
• The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 69). You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next.
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Troubleshooting (Continued) A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark. • This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is too high. This is not a malfunction. A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject. •...
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• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read. Noises appear and is displayed on the screen. • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (NTSC). This is not a malfunction (p. 64). is displayed on the screen.
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You cannot view the video your camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the computer.
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If the problem persists even after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis...
Warning indicators and messages (Continued) Description of warning messages If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. x Battery/Power Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 66) Battery level is low. • Change the battery (p. 12, 66). Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 66) Z Re-attach the power source.
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• Your camcorder cannot play back this format. Play back the tape with the equipment that recorded it. HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio. • Your camcorder does not allow you to add audio on a section of a tape recorded in HDV format (p. 51).
Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].
Usable cassette tapes You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function. To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p.
To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. • To discharge the battery pack on your camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to...
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. • IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
DV Interface, see page 48, 50. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video devices. Some i.LINK compatible video devices, such as Digital Televisions, DVD, MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are not compatible with DV devices.
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• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound distortion may be apparent. • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM- 12CLD cleaning cassette (optional). – Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
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(optional), it might be because the video heads are worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video heads replaced. LCD screen •...
The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all without the AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack attached. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery.
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0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Type Lithium ion Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. On trademarks • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. •...
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LCD COLOR...45 LCD panel...16 LCD screen ...16 LCD/VF SET menu ...45 Lens cap ...11, 15, 22 LETTER BOX ...46 Lid...20 LP (Long Play) ...46 Maintenance...68 MANUAL SET menu...42 Menu ...34 CAMERA SET menu...43 LCD/VF SET menu...45 MANUAL SET menu ...42 Menu items ...41 OTHERS menu...47 SETUP MENU menu ...47...
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Index (Continued) V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback) ...40 VCR SET menu...45 VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light) ...46 Video head...69 Video operation buttons ...28 Viewfinder...16 Back light ...46 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever ...16 VOL (Volume) ...25 V-OUT/LCD ...47 Wall outlet ...12 Warning indicators ...61 Warning messages...62 WHITE ...37...
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español Paso 1: Comprobación de los elementos suministrados Asegúrese de que su videocámara contiene los siguientes elementos. El número entre paréntesis indica la cantidad del elemento. Adaptador de alimentación de ca (1) Cable de alimentación (1) Cable de conexión A/V (1) Tapa del objetivo (1) •...
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería Para cargar la batería “InfoLITHIUM” (serie P/serie H), conéctela a la videocámara. Interruptor POWER Toma de entrada de Enchufe de cc Al tomacorriente de pared Cable de alimentación Alinee los terminales de la batería y de su videocámara 1, luego coloque la batería y cálcela en su lugar 2.
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El indicador CHG (carga) se apaga cuando la batería está completamente cargada. Desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada de cc Desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada de cc sujetando a la vez la videocámara y la clavija de cc Para utilizar una fuente de alimentación externa...
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación) • Todo el tiempo calculado en las siguientes condiciones: Parte superior: Grabación con pantalla LCD. Parte inferior: Grabación con el visor mientras el panel LCD se encuentra cerrado. * El tiempo de grabación normal muestra la hora cuando se repite la operación de inicio/ detención de la grabación, al conectar y desconectar la alimentación y al usar la función...
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Paso 3: Encendido y sujeción de la videocámara con firmeza Para grabar o reproducir, deslice varias veces el interruptor POWER hasta que se encienda el indicador respectivo. Al utilizarla por primera vez, aparecerá la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ]. Interruptor POWER Tapa del objetivo Extraer la tapa del objetivo presionando ambas palancas en los laterales de la tapa.
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Paso 4: Ajuste del panel LCD y el visor El panel LCD Abra el panel LCD a 90 grados con respecto a la videocámara (1), luego gírelo hacia el mejor ángulo para grabar o reproducir (2). 180 grados (máx.) 90 grados con respecto 90 grados a la videocámara (máx.)
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Paso 5: Uso del panel sensible al tacto Puede reproducir imágenes grabadas o cambiar los ajustes con el panel sensible al tacto. Coloque la mano en la parte posterior del panel LCD para sostenerlo. A continuación, toque los botones que se muestran en la pantalla.
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Paso 5: Uso del panel sensible al tacto (Continuación) Toque el área que incluye el indicador que desea comprobar. VIST. GUÍA ENFOQUE: MANUAL EXP AUT PR: ESCEN EFECTO IMG: SEPIA PÁG. PÁG. Los significados de los indicadores del área se muestran en la pantalla. Si no puede encontrar el indicador que desea comprobar, toque [PÁG.
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Paso 6: Ajuste de la fecha y la hora Ajuste la fecha y la hora cuando use la videocámara por primera vez. De lo contrario, la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ] aparecerá cada vez que encienda la videocámara o cambie la posición del interruptor POWER.
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Paso 7: Inserción de un videocasete Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes mini • El tiempo disponible para grabación varía en función del [MOD GRB]. Deslice y sostenga la palanca OPEN/EJECT en el sentido de la flecha y abra la tapa. Palanca Tapa El compartimiento del videocasete sale automáticamente y se abre.
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Grabación Tapa del objetivo Extraer la tapa del objetivo presionando ambas palancas en los laterales de la tapa Deslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA. Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición OFF(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón verde.
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Reproducción Deslice el indicador POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias veces para encender el indicador PLAY/EDIT. Inicie la reproducción. Toque para rebobinar la cinta al punto deseado y luego presione para iniciar la reproducción. A Detener B Reproducir/Pausa se alterna cada vez que toca el botón •...
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Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed in Japan...