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. DCR-TRV Serial No.
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital 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.
Changing the lithium battery in your camcorder ... 62 Troubleshooting ... 64 Self-diagnosis display ... 68 Warning indicators and messages ... 69 Using your camcorder abroad ... 70 Maintenance information and precautions ... 71 Specifications ... 75 Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls ... 76 Quick Function 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
Set the POWER switch to VTR while pressing the small green button. POWER CAMERA NOTE Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder or by holding the LCD panel. (p. 14) Turn STANDBY to STANDBY. The picture appears on the LCD screen.
The DCR-TRV315 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, “DCR-TRV315...
Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 81) 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 9) 3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 8, 9) 4 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p.
Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE down. BATT RELEASE After installing the battery pack Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. (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 4 mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. ** Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off.
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. After charging the battery pack Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Connecting to a wall outlet When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s 4 mark facing up.
8 tape is half the recording time when using the conventional Hi8/standard 8 system camcorder. • If you use standard 8 tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder. Mosaic pattern noise may appear when you play back standard 8 tape on other VCRs.
When you exchange the battery pack in the recording mode, set STANDBY to LOCK. If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 3 minutes while the cassette is inserted Your camcorder automatically turns off.
During recording in the mirror mode While recording in the mirror mode, you cannot operate the following buttons: ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander and MENU on your camcorder. Indicators in the mirror mode The STBY indicator appears as Pr and REC as r. Some of the other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
Page 16
Recording a picture To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the viewfinder If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
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”...
: Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (factory setting). ANTI GROUND SHOOTING 5SEC: When you press use this mode to START/STOP, your camcorder records for 5 seconds and then stops automatically. Notes •You cannot use the fader function in the 5SEC or •The time code does not appear in the 5SEC mode.
(1) While your camcorder is in the standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Notes •Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction. •When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.
Checking the recording – END SEARCH / 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. END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record.
When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out [a]. You can adjust the angle of the LCD panel by lifting the LCD panel up by 15 degrees [b].
Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code function). Press DATA CODE on your camcorder or the Remote Commander in the play back mode. The display changes as follows:...
Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last 5 seconds of the recorded section plays back and stops. In the various playback modes •Noise may appear when your camcorder plays back tapes recorded in the Hi8/ standard 8 system. •Sound is muted.
: Signal flow If your TV is already connected to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
Page 26
•The above feature may not work on some TV models. Note When laser link is activated (the LASER LINK button is lit), your camcorder consumes power. Press LASER LINK to turn off the laser link function when it is not needed.
LCD screen. Notes • During photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting. • During photo recording, you cannot turn your camcorder off or press the PHOTO button. • The PHOTO button does not work: – while the digital effect function is set or in use.
You can print a still picture by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the video printer using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Connect the yellow plug of the cable to the VIDEO jack and to the video input of the video printer.
The picture with black bands at the top and the bottom on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder (DCR-TRV315 only) [a] is normal. The picture on a normal TV or in the viewfinder (DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310 only) [b] is horizontally compressed. You can watch the picture of normal images on a wide-screen TV [c].
Using the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. STBY FADER M.FADER (mosaic) BOUNCE* (Fade in only) OVERLAP (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 31
(2) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing. FADER To cancel the fader function After the fade in/out is carried out : Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. Before the fade in/out is carried out : Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears.
Page 32
– Photo recording When the OVERLAP indicator appears The camcorder automatically memorizes the image recorded on a tape. As the image is being memorized, the OVERLAP indicator flashes fast, and the playback picture is displayed. At this stage, the picture may not be recorded clearly, depending on the tape condition.
To turn the picture effect function off Press PICTURE EFFECT. While using the picture effect function You cannot select the old movie mode with DIGITAL EFFECT. When you turn the power off Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. PICTURE EFFECT NEG. ART...
However, the picture may be less clear. OLD MOVIE You can add an old movie type atmosphere to pictures. Your camcorder automatically sets the wide mode to ON, picture effect to SEPIA, and the appropriate shutter speed.
Page 35
Using special effects – Digital effect (1) While your camcorder is in the standby or recording mode, press DIGITAL EFFECT. The digital effect indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired digital effect mode. The indicator changes as follows: STILL ˜...
Page 36
Using special effects – Digital Effect Notes •The following functions do not work during digital effect: – Fader – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE – Photo recording – NightShot +Slow shutter •The following functions do not work in the slow shutter mode: –...
Landscape mode This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains and prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you are recording a subject behind glass or a screen. Low lux mode...
Page 38
•In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. •In the sunset & moon and landscape modes, your camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects.
Adjusting the exposure manually You can manually adjust and set the exposure. When you turn your camcorder on, it will automatically be in the automatic exposure mode. This mode works to record subjects so that they are recorded slightly brighter than they actually are.
When you press FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on and appears. When you release FOCUS, your camcorder returns to the manual focus mode. Use this mode when your camcorder focuses on near objects even though you are trying to shoot a distant object.
The previously recorded frames between these start and end points will be erased. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) While your camcorder is in the standby mode, keep pressing EDITSEARCH, and release the button at the insert end point [b].
Playing back a tape with picture effects During playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE. During playback, press PICTURE EFFECT and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired picture effect indicator (NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W or SOLARIZE) flashes. For details of each picture effect function, see page 33.
Playing back a tape with digital effects During playback, you can process a scene using the digital effect functions: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL. (1) During playback, press DIGITAL EFFECT and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired digital effect indicator (STILL, FLASH, LUMI. or TRAIL) flashes.
Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function Your camcorder goes forward or backward to automatically stop at a desired scene having a tape counter value of “0:00:00”. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Use this function, for example, to view a desired scene later on during playback.
(3) When the current position is [b], press = to search towards [a] or press + to search towards [c]. Your camcorder automatically starts playback at the point where the date changes. Each time you press = or +, the camcorder searches for the previous or next date. SEARCH...
Page 46
•The date search works only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. •If one day’s recording is less than one minute, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. If a tape has a blank portion in the recorded portions...
DATE SEARCH n PHOTO SEARCH n PHOTO SCAN n no indicator (3) Press = or + to select the photo for playback. Each time you press = or +, the camcorder searches for the previous or next photo. Your camcorder automatically starts playback from the photo.
Searching for a photo – Photo search/Photo scan Scanning photo (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the photo scan indicator appears. The indicator changes as follows: DATE SEARCH n PHOTO SEARCH n PHOTO SCAN n no indicator (3) Press = or +.
With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect an S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the VCR. To perform a more precise editing Connect a LANC cable (not supplied) to your camcorder and other video equipment having fine synchro-editing function, using this camcorder as a player.
Page 50
In this case, the DV IN indicator appears in the viewfinder or on screen. The DV IN indicator may appear on both equipment. •When using your camcorder as a recorder, the color balance may be incorrect on the monitor screen. This, however, is not recorded on the tape.
Use your camcorder as a recorder. Turn down the volume of your camcorder. Otherwise, the picture may be distorted. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder. If you are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tape into the VCR.
Inserting a scene from a VCR Replacing recording on a tape – Insert Editing You can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying the insert start and end points. Use the Remote Commander for this operation.
Page 53
REC buttons at same time to set your camcorder to the recording pause mode. (6) First press P on the VCR, and after a few seconds press P on your camcorder to start inserting the new scene. Inserting automatically stops near the zero point on the tape counter. Your camcorder automatically returns to the recording pause mode.
— 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 factory settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode.
Page 55
Menu items are displayed as the following six icons: CAMERA SET VTR SET LCD SET (DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310 only) LCD/VF SET (DCR-TRV315 only) TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS Depending on your camcorder model The MENU display may be different from that in this illustratron.
Page 56
BRT NORMAL LCD COLOR VF B. L. r BRT NORMAL (DCR-TRV315 only) Notes on AUDIO MIX •You can adjust the balance only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 •When playing back a tape recorded in the 16-bit mode, you cannot adjust the balance.
Page 57
— To automatically turn on the Sony TV when using the laser link function To switch the video input on a Sony TV when using the laser link function (p. 26) — To display selected menu items in normal size...
Page 58
If you press DISPLAY with “DISPLAY” set to “V-OUT/LCD” in the MENU settings, the picture from a TV or VCR will not appear on the LCD screen even when your camcorder is connected to outputs on the TV or VCR. Notes on INDICATOR •When you select “BL ON”, battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during...
First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute. (1) While the camcorder is in the standby mode, press MENU to display the MENU settings. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.
Hi8 H/standard 8 h system camcorder. (120 minutes of recording time becomes 60 minutes.) If you use standard 8 h tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder, mosaic pattern noise may appear when you play back standard 8 h tape on other VCRs.
Page 61
STEREO Stereo Monaural Unnatural Sound You cannot record dual sound programs on your camcorder. system tape which is dubbed from a dual sound track Playing back a dual sound track tape Main sound and sub sound Main sound...
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.
Page 63
(1) Open the LCD panel and 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.
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:ππ:ππ” appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis display function has worked.
• The television’s video channel is not adjusted correctly. m Adjust it. (p. 25) • The video head may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 72) • The stereo tape is played back with HiFi SOUND set to 2 in the MENU settings.
Page 66
• The battery is dead. m Use a charged battery pack or the AC power adaptor. (p. 8, 9) • Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 71)
Page 67
Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder. • The AC power adaptor is disconnected. m Connect it firmly. (p. 9) • Something is wrong with the battery pack. m Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
C:32:ππ E:61:ππ E:62:ππ 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 (or LCD screen) Self-diagnosis display •C:ππ:ππ You can service your camcorder yourself.
• The indicators and messages are displayed in yellow. Warning indicators The video heads are dirty Fast flashing: •You need to clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied) (p. 72). The battery is dead or nearly dead Slow flashing: •The battery is nearly dead.
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 [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].
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 72
LCD screen or in the viewfinder. If the above problem, [a] or [b] occurs, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). Check the picture and if the above problem persists, repeat cleaning.
Page 73
•Keep your camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration. •Do not touch the LCD screen with your fingers or a sharp-pointed object. •If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction.
Page 74
• If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water. • If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a doctor. If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
During camera recording using DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV315: 3.9 W DCR-TRV310: 4.2 W Viewfinder DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310: 3.2 W DCR-TRV315: 3.1W Operating temperature 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C) Storage temperature –4 °F to +140 °F (–20 °C to +60 °C) Dimensions (Approx.) DCR-TRV203/TRV210/TRV310: 4 3/8 4 1/4 8 5/8 in.
!™ START/STOP button (p. 14) !£ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 78) !¢ DC IN jack (p. 9) 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 77
@• Tripod receptacle (base) Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage your camcorder. mark by using infrared rays. @¢ @∞ @§...
Page 78
#™ Lithium battery compartment (p. 63) #£ FADER button (p. 31) Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap. #¢ BACK LIGHT button (p. 19) #∞ PROGRAM AE button (p. 38) #§...
Page 79
Identifying the parts and controls #ª $º $¡ $™ #ª Intelligent accessory shoe $º DATA CODE button (p. 23) $¡ DISPLAY button (p. 23) Notes on the intelligent accessory shoe • The intelligent accessory shoe supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light or microphone.
Page 80
DC OUT jack. %¢ DV IN/OUT jack (p. 50) This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of Sony Corporation and indicates that this product is in agreement with IEEE 1394- 1995 specifications and their revisions. The DV IN/OUT jack is i.LINK compatible.
• Your camcorder works in the commander mode VTR 2. Commander modes 1, 2 and 3 are used to distinguish your camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in the Commander mode VTR 2, we recommend changing the commander mode or covering the sensor of the VCR with black paper.
Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators Viewfinder M.FADER 16:9WIDE SEPIA !¡ !™ !£ 1 Tape speed mode indicator This indicator appears while playing back in the Hi8/standard 8 system. /Mirror mode indicator (p. 15) 2 Format indicator (p. 60) , H or h indicator appears.
Quick Function Guide Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) •In a dark place •In insufficient light •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...