Sony PMW-500 Operation Manual page 184

"stuck", either always off (black), always on (red,
green, or blue), or flashing. In addition, over a
long period of use, because of the physical
characteristics of the liquid crystal display, such
"stuck" pixels may appear spontaneously. These
problems are not a malfunction. Note that any
such problems have no effect on recorded data.
Phenomena specific to CCD image
sensors
The following phenomena that may appear in
images are specific to CCD (Charge Coupled
Device) image sensors. They do not indicate
malfunctions.
White flecks
Although the CCD image sensors are produced
with high-precision technologies, fine white
flecks may be generated on the screen in rare
cases, caused by cosmic rays, etc.
This is related to the principle of CCD image
sensors and is not a malfunction.
The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the
following cases:
• When operating at a high environmental
temperature
• When you have raised the master gain
(sensitivity)
In SLS mode, white flecks are more prominent
when you set the shutter speed (number of
frames) to higher values.
The problem may be alleviated by executing the
APR (automatic pixel noise reduction) function
with MAINTENANCE >APR in the setup menu
(see page 145). Pixel noise is reduced to some
extent by automatic black balance adjustment
(see page 52), but the detection capabilities of
that function are limited. For the most effective
correction, execute the APR function.
Vertical smear
When an extremely bright object, such as a strong
spotlight or flashlight, is being shot, vertical tails
may be produced on the screen, or the image may
be distorted.
184 Important Notes on Operation
1 Monitor screen
2 Vertical tails shown on the image
3 Bright object (e.g. strong spotlight,
strong reflected light, flashlight, the sun)
Aliasing
When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they
may appear jagged or flicker.
Fragmentation
If pictures cannot be recorded/reproduced
properly, try formatting the recording medium.
While repeating picture recording/playback with
a certain recording medium for an extended
period, files in the medium may be fragmented,
disabling proper recording/storage. In such a
case, make a backup of clips in the medium then
perform formatting of the medium using
OPERATION >Format Media (see page 111) in
the setup menu.