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-TR Serial No.
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.
Table of contents Before you begin Using this manual ... 4 Checking supplied accessories ... 6 Getting started Installing and charging the battery pack ... 7 Inserting a cassette ... 11 Basic operations Camera recording ... 12 Using the zoom feature ... 15 Selecting the START/STOP mode ...
Before you begin Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the six models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR917/TR940 is the model used for illustration purposes.
Using this manual Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV. Precaution on copyright Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws.
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 76) CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 8, 23) 3 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 7, 23) 4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.
Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack. This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony corporation. Installing the battery pack (1) While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the lower battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow.
Installing and charging the battery pack Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged a little in the factory. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack with the plug's 4 mark up.
Installing and charging the battery pack Charging time Battery NP-F330 pack (supplied) Charging time* (min.) (90) The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses. * Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power adaptor.
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Installing and charging the battery pack Note on remaining battery time indication during recording Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances. To remove the battery pack While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H (CCD-TR917/TR940 only). (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the START/STOP MODE switch is set to want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording (p.
Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette. START/STOP Note There is a little wear on the battery pack which is installed with camcorder.
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Camera recording Notes on the tape counter •The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET.
Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.
Camera recording Selecting the START/STOP mode Your camcorder has three modes. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode).
When attaching a non-Sony tripod, 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 the camcorder.
Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY. (3) Press the –...
Connections for playback Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source. Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure you connect the plug to jacks of the same color.
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LASER LINK is a system which transmits and receives a picture and sound between video equipment having the LASER LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation. To play back on a TV (1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR (CCD-TR917/TR940) or PLAYER (CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97).
Playing back a tape Using headphones – CCD-TR917/TR940 only Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack. Note on the lens cover The lens cover does not open when the POWER switch is set to VTR/PLAYER. Do not open the lens cover manually. It may cause malfunction. Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback.
Keep the AC power adaptor away from the camcorder if the picture is disturbed. Accessory to be used Supplied AC power adaptor Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied), NP-F530, NP-F550, NP-F730, NP-F730H, NP-F750, NP-F930, NP-F950 Supplied battery case (CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/ TR940 only) Sony car battery charger DC-V515A...
Using alternative power sources Using alkaline batteries – CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR940 only Use the battery case (supplied) and six size AA (LR6) Sony Alkaline batteries (not supplied). (1) Remove the battery holder from the battery case. (2) Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder, following the marking on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the correct direction.
Using alternative power sources Using a car battery Use Sony DC-V515A car battery charger (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Refer to the operating instructions of your car battery charger.
Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. (1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired icon in the left side of the menu, then press the dial.
•Select ON to always display the remaining tape indicator. AUTO TV ON* <ON/OFF> (CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only) You can use this feature only with Sony TVs. •Select ON to turn on the TV automatically when using the LASER LINK function. •Select OFF not to turn on the TV.
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Changing the mode settings Items for CAMERA mode only D ZOOM* <ON/OFF> • Select ON to activate digital zooming. • Select OFF to not use the digital zoom. The camcorder goes back to 16x (CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87) or 18x (CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940) zoom. 16:9WIDE* <OFF/CINEMA/16:9FULL> •...
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Changing the mode settings WORLD TIME* Select this item to set the clock by a time difference. REC LAMP* <ON/OFF> •Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording/battery lamp at the front of the unit to light up. •Normally select ON.
Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder. [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation.
Using the FADER function – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only Selecting the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When the picture fades in, the sound gradually increases. When the picture fades out, the sound gradually decreases. FADER M.
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Using the FADER function Using the fader function When fading in [a] (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes. (2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing. When fading out [b] (1) During recording, press FADER until the desired fade indicator flashes.
Shooting in the dark (NightShot) – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. You can achieve a satisfactory recording of the ecology of nocturnal animals for observation with this function. This function may record picture nearly in monochrome. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.
Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). CINEMA CINEMA 16:9 FULL 16:9 FULL CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide.
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Using the wide mode function Using the wide mode function You can select the wide mode (OFF, CINEMA, 16:9FULL) in the menu system (p. 26). To cancel wide mode Select OFF in the menu system. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode.
Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event. a Soft Portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen.
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Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. To turn off program AE Turn the PROGRAM AE dial to the r position. Notes on focus setting •In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach &...
Focusing manually – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. • Insufficient light [a] • Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [b] • Too much brightness behind the subject [c] •...
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Focusing manually Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the “T” side in the optical zoom zone until the lever reaches the end.
Enjoying picture effect Selecting picture effect You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function. PASTEL [a] The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon. NEG. ART [b] The color and brightness of the picture is reversed. SEPIA The picture is sepia.
Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function (1) Press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode. PICTURE EFFECT PASTEL NEG. ART SEPIA B & W SOLARIZE MOSAIC SLIM STRETCH To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT.
Adjusting the exposure – CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only When to adjust the exposure Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. • The background is too bright (back lighting) • Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark • Bright subject and dark background •...
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Adjusting the exposure Shooting with the sun behind you If the light source is behind your subject, or in the following situations, the subject will be recorded too dark. •The subject is indoors and there is a window behind the subject. •Bright light sources are included in the scene.
Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles. You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. Superimposing titles (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired title, then press the dial.
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Superimposing a title To superimpose the title from beginning After step 7, press START/STOP to start recording. To superimpose the title while you are recording After pressing START/STOP to start recording, start from step 1. In this case, beep is not heard.
Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. We recommend to set the POWER switch to VTR/PLAYER or eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 20 characters. (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu.
Making your own titles To edit a title you have stored In step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to edit, then change the title. Note You can not enter over 20 characters title. If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters while a cassette is in the camcorder The power goes off automatically.
Optimizing the recording condition Use this feature to check the tape condition before recording, so that you can get the best possible picture (ORC). (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select Ò, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select ORC TO SET, then press the dial.
Using the built-in light – CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 5 feet (1.5 m). While the camcorder is in Standby mode, slide LIGHT to ON. The built-in light turns The built-in light turns on/off by turning on/off STANDBY.
Using the built-in light Replacing the bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp. Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) While pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire, remove the unit.
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function – CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only When the Steady Shot function is working, the camcorder compensates for camera- shake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use the Steady Shot function. The indicator lights up when you release the Steady Shot function.
Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VCR that has video/audio inputs. Before editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available.
Recording from a VCR or TV – CCD-TR917/TR940 only You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV using the supplied A/V cable. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR.
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.
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Changing the lithium battery in the camcorder Changing the lithium battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date, time and other items in the menu system retained by the lithium battery.
Resetting the date and time You can reset the date and time in the menu system. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. (4) Turn the control dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial.
Simple setting of clock by time difference You can easily set the clock for a local time by a time difference in the menu system. (1) While the camcorder is the standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select (3) Turn the control dial to select WORLD TIME, then press the dial.
Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting cassette types – CCD-TR917/TR940 only This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed to realize higher picture quality. You can use either Hi8 or standard 8 mm video cassette for this camera. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, the recording is made in the Hi8 system.
Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned.
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Tips for using the battery pack Notes on the rechargeable battery pack Caution Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. The battery pack heats up During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up.
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“InfoLITHIUM“ is a trademark of Sony Corporation. * The indication may not be accurate depending on the condition and environment which the equipment is used under.
• Use only with alkaline batteries. You cannot use the battery case with manganese batteries or size AA (LR6) rechargeable NiCd batteries. • Using with Sony alkaline batteries is preferable. • Battery life is remarkably shorter in a cold environment (lower than 50°F/10°C).
Caution Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette. It may damage the video heads. Note If the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette is not available in your area, consult your nearest Sony dealer. Precautions Camcorder operation •Operate the camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor).
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•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 difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Using your camcorder abroad Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power Symptom The power is not on.
Trouble check Operation Symptom START/STOP does not operate. Recording stops in a few seconds. The cassette cannot be removed from the holder. { and 6 indicators flash and no function except for cassette ejection works. The date or time indicator is flashing. The tape does not move when a video control button is pressed.
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Set it to OFF. (p. 26) • The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLH/V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 63) • If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to...
Five-digit display C:21:ππ C:22:ππ C:23:ππ C:31:ππ C:32:ππ E:61:ππ E:62:ππ If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Viewfinder Self-diagnosis display •C:ππ:ππ You can service the camcorder yourself. •E:ππ:ππ Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony facilitiy.
Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940: 4 rotary heads (SP/LP independent heads) CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87: 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8mm video format cassette CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97: Standard 8 CCD-TR917/TR940:...
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Specifications General Power requirements 7.2 V (battery pack) 8.4 V (AC power adaptor) Average power consumption (when using the battery pack) During camera recording CCD-TR57/TR67: 2.4 W CCD-TR87/TR97: 2.5 W CCD-TR917/TR940: 2.6 W 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.)
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Identifying the parts !§ !¶ !• !ª @º @¡ @™ @£ !§ COUNTER RESET button (p. 14) !¶ DATE button (p. 47) !• BACK LIGHT button (p. 30) !ª TIME button (p. 47) @º TITLE button (p. 44) @¡ START/STOP MODE switch (p. 16) @™...
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Identifying the Parts @¶ @• @ª #º #¡ @¶ Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. @• Viewfinder (p. 13) @ª Battery mounting surface #º DC IN jack (p. 8, 23) #¡ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 77) #™ Eyecup #£ BATT RELEASE lever (p. 7, 10) #¢...
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Identifying the Parts #¶ #• #ª $º $¡ $™ $£ #¶ EJECT switch (p. 11) #• LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it.
•This camcorder works in commander mode VTR 2. The commander modes (1, 2 and 3) are used to distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in commander mode VTR 2, we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.
Identifying the parts Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work. To avoid damage from possible battery leakage Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long time.
8 Some other trouble has occurred. Use the self-diagnosis function (p. 69). If the display does not disappear contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. 9 The lithium battery is weak or is not installed. 0 The source tape has copyright control signal.
Editing ... 52 EDITSEARCH ... 18 Exposure ... 42 F, G, H FADER ... 31 House current ... 23 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan I, J, K, L LANC ... 75 LASER LINK ... 20 Lithium battery ... 54 M, N Manual focus ...
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