Sony Handycam CCD-TRV238E Operation Manual
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Sony Handycam CCD-TRV238E Operation Manual

Sony video camera recorder/digital video camera recorder operations guide
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Operations Guide
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© 2005 Sony Corporation
Video Camera Recorder/Digital Video Camera Recorder
CCD-TRV238E/TRV438E
DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E
2-515-260-14(1)

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam CCD-TRV238E

  • Page 1 Camera Operations Guide Read this first © 2005 Sony Corporation Video Camera Recorder/Digital Video Camera Recorder CCD-TRV238E/TRV438E DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E 2-515-260-14(1)

  • Page 2: Read This First

    Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE ATTENTION for DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.
  • Page 3 • Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD panel. • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts. Viewfinder LCD panel Battery pack •...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Adjusting the exposure... 27 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ... 27 Adjusting the exposure manually ... 27 Recording in dark places – NightShot plus ... 28 Adjusting the focus manually ... 29 CCD-TRV238E: TRV238E DCR-TRV270E: CCD-TRV438E: TRV438E DCR-TRV285E: TRV238E/438E) ... 24...
  • Page 5 Recording a picture using various effects ... 30 Fading in and out of a scene – FADER ... 30 Superimposing a title... 31 Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH ... 32 Playback Viewing pictures recorded on a tape... 33 Playing back in various modes ...
  • Page 6 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) ( (VCR Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...82 Warning indicators and messages ...92 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...94 Usable cassette tapes ...95 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...96 About i.LINK ...97 Maintenance and precautions ...98 Specification ...101 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ...104...

  • Page 8: Recording Movies

    Quick Start Guide Recording movies Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 12. Lift up the viewfinder. Insert a cassette into the camcorder. Slide the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid until it clicks.

  • Page 9: Start Recording While Checking The Subject On The Lcd Screen

    The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 17. Remove the lens cap. Lens cap is not attached when you purchase your camcorder (p. 104). Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. While pressing the...

  • Page 10: Recording/Playing Back With Ease

    Recording/Playing back with ease By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback. Press EASY when recording/ playing back. EASY lights up in blue (1) and screen font size increases (2) during Easy Handycam operation.

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Getting started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) Mains lead (1) Lens cap (1) See page 104 on how to attach the lens cap.

  • Page 12: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Battery pack DC plug With the v mark on the DC plug facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder. Connect the mains lead to the AC Adaptor. Connect the mains lead to the wall socket.
  • Page 13 Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF. The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. After charging the battery The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack. To remove the battery pack POWER switch BATT (battery)
  • Page 14 at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F) recommended.) Battery pack NP-FM30 (supplied) NP-FM50 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D Recording time when recording with the LCD screen on Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

  • Page 15: Using An Outside Power Source

    • The power will not be supplied from the battery pack when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even if its mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket. • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperature.

  • Page 16: Step 4: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    90 degrees Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. SEL/PUSH EXEC dial Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it to the desired position. To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen Press MENU. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (LCD SET), then press the dial.

  • Page 17: Step 5: Setting The Date And Time

    Note • 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. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery (p.

  • Page 18: Step 6: Inserting A Cassette Tape

    • For TRV270E/285E: The recording time when you use your camcorder is 2/3 of the indicated time on Hi8 select the [LP] mode in the menu settings, the recording time is the indicated time on tape.

  • Page 19: Step 7: Setting The Screen Language

    Step 7: Setting the screen language You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen. SEL/PUSH OPEN EXEC dial Turn on your camcorder. Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. Press MENU. MANUAL SET STBY PROGRAM AE P EFFECT...
  • Page 20 [ MENU ] : END Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired language, then press the dial. Press MENU. z Tip • Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options. Getting started...

  • Page 21: Recording

    Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF. POWER switch z Tip • If you do not use your camcorder for a long time, remove the cassette and store it. Indicators displayed during recording The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.

  • Page 22: Recording For A Longer Time

    (CHG) OFF. • In the default setting, if you do not operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power will automatically turn off to preserve battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 58). To restart recording, slide the POWER switch down to select CAMERA, and then press REC START/STOP.

  • Page 23: Using Zoom

    1/2 inch)* 2 5/8 feet)* * The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus in that position of the lever. Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

  • Page 24: Recording In Mirror Mode

    • The battery pack discharges quickly while the built- in light is turned on. • When you do not use your camcorder, turn the built- in light off and remove the battery pack to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally.

  • Page 25: ( Trv270E/285E)

    Recording still images – Tape photo recording ( TRV270E/285E) You can record still images. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 19). OPEN PHOTO POWER switch Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap string down and attach it to the grip belt.

  • Page 26: Recording With Ease - Easy Handycam

    OPEN REC START/STOP z Tip • Buttons that do not work during Easy Handycam operation have a dot beside them on your camcorder. Also, only menu items that are available during Easy Handycam operation are displayed when MENU is pressed.

  • Page 27: Adjusting The Exposure

    Adjusting the exposure The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, you can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.

  • Page 28: Recording In Dark Places - Nightshot Plus

    Recording in dark places – NightShot plus You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your baby sleeping) with this function. Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. and [”NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear. To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.

  • Page 29: Adjusting The Focus Manually

    Adjusting the focus manually The focus is adjusted automatically in the default setting. You can adjust the focus manually according to the recording conditions. Use this function in the following cases. – To record a subject behind a window covered with raindrops.

  • Page 30: Recording A Picture Using Various Effects

    Recording a picture using various effects FADER REC START/STOP Fading in and out of a scene – FADER You can add the following effects to currently recording pictures. [BLACK FADER] [WHITE FADER] [MOSAIC FADER] Recording [STRIPE FADER] This feature is for [MONOTONE FADER] When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color.

  • Page 31: Superimposing A Title

    Select a desired title from the displayed titles (2 original titles that you have created before and the preset titles that have been stored in your camcorder). You can create original titles (up to 2 types of title of within 20 characters each) in the following procedure.

  • Page 32: Searching For The Last Scene Of The Most Recent Recording

    • When you superimpose a title while you are recording, the beep does not sound. • When you are using your camcorder on the battery pack and do not operate it for 5 minutes, the power automatically goes off as the default setting. If you may take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters, set [A.SHUT OFF] in the...

  • Page 33: Playback

    Playback Viewing pictures recorded on a tape Make sure you have a recorded cassette inserted into your camcorder. When you want to play back the recorded picture on your TV, see page 38. TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E: You can control playback using the Remote Commander.

  • Page 34: Playing Back In Various Modes

    • For TRV270E/285E: If you use a standard 8 mm tape, be sure to play back the tape on your camcorder. Mosaic noise may appear when you play back the standard 8 mm tape on other camcorders (including another DCR- TRV270E/TRV285E).

  • Page 35: Playing Back With Ease - Easy Handycam

    OPEN POWER switch z Tip • Buttons that do not work during Easy Handycam operation have a dot beside them on your camcorder. Also, only menu items that are available during Easy Handycam operation are displayed when MENU is pressed.

  • Page 36: Various Playback Functions

    Various playback functions You can display the recorded date on the screen. DISPLAY/BATT INFO MENU Displaying the screen indicators You can choose to display the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO. The indicators appear/disappear as you press the button.
  • Page 37 To hide the date/time or the camera settings data Follow steps 2 to 4, and select [OFF] in step 5. Camera settings data display In the date/time data display, the date and time is displayed in the same area. If you record the picture without setting the clock, [-- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear.

  • Page 38: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    TRV270E/285E: A/V OUT jack Signal flow Playback Connect your camcorder to a TV using the supplied A/V connecting cable as shown in the following illustration. Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall socket for the power supply (p. 12).

  • Page 39: Locating A Scene On A Tape For Playback ( Trv285E)

    When your TV is connected to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. When your TV is stereo TRV238E/438E: Connect the audio plug of the A/V connecting cable to the left (white) input jack of your TV.

  • Page 40: Searching For A Scene By Date Of Recording - Date Search

    Press STOP on the Remote Commander. b Notes • If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. Playback • The Date search will not function correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.

  • Page 41: Playing Back Still Images In Sequence - Photo Scan

    Playing back still images in sequence – Photo scan You can also locate still images one after another and display each image for 5 seconds automatically. SEARCH M. . / > STOP Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Press SEARCH M.

  • Page 42: Advanced Operations

    Advanced operations Customizing Your Camcorder Changing the menu settings You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen. MENU SEL/PUSH EXEC dial Turn on the power (p. 15). Press MENU. The menu screen appears.

  • Page 43: Using The (Manual Set) Menu

    ( LANDSCAPE** (landscape) ( * Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. The default settings are marked with G. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can operate at the moment.
  • Page 44 **Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects. Note • When you set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON, [PROGRAM AE] does not work. P EFFECT You can add special effects (such as films) to a picture before recording.
  • Page 45 You can copy pictures edited using picture effects to another tape (p. 62). AUTO SHTR Select to automatically activate the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions. Select when recording without using the electronic shutter. Customizing Your Camcorder...

  • Page 46: Using The (Camera Set) Menu

    Customizing Your Camcorder The default settings are marked with G. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can operate at the moment. Unavailable items will be grayed out.
  • Page 47 Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV). The recorded picture will not be wide. Select to record a picture to be played back in CINEMA mode. Select to record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV. ,continued Customizing Your Camcorder...
  • Page 48 ON ( • The SteadyShot does not work. If you set [16:9 WIDE] to [ON] in the menu settings when the SteadyShot is working, Customizing Your Camcorder TRV438E: flashes and the SteadyShot does not function. When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV* When viewed on a standard TV** Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV).
  • Page 49 Select to shoot a stationary subject with a tripod, or when using a conversion lens (optional). Natural pictures are produced. Select to use the NightShot Light. (p. 28) Select to disable the NightShot Light. (p. 28) Customizing Your Camcorder appears.

  • Page 50: Set) Menu - Hifi Sound/Edit, Etc

    GSTEREO Notes • You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot record a dual sound track on this camcorder. • The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

  • Page 51: Audio Mix

    • You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode. • Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. Select to correct jitter (horizontal picture shake during playback).
  • Page 52 GBRT NORMAL BRIGHT Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording. LCD COLOR Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the color on the LCD screen.

  • Page 53: (Tape Set) Menu - Frame Rec/Int.rec, Etc

    • If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or sound may be interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs. • For TRV238E/438E: When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, recording is carried out in the standard 8 mm • For TRV270E/285E: When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

  • Page 54: Frame Rec

    • The last scene will be longer than other scenes. Customizing Your Camcorder Select to display the remaining tape bar: • For about 8 seconds after you turn on your camcorder with the cassette inserted, and your camcorder calculates the remaining amount of tape.
  • Page 55 INT.REC TRV270E/285E: You can achieve excellent recordings of flowers blooming, etc., with this function. Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation. a. [REC TIME] b. [INTERVAL] Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [SET], then press the dial.

  • Page 56: Using The (Setup Menu)

    USB STREAM TRV270E/285E: You can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming). For details, refer to “First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-ROM.

  • Page 57: Demo Mode

    – When a cassette is inserted. – When a mode other than CAMERA is selected. • If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5 min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 58).

  • Page 58: Using The (Others) Menu

    CAM DATA WORLD TIME You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the time difference by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the clock will be adjusted in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time.

  • Page 59: Rec Lamp

    Note • When you connect your camcorder to the wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. COMMANDER TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E: Note • The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

  • Page 60: Dubbing/Editing

    (p. 62). TRV285E, you can also record the picture from a VCR to a tape on your camcorder (p. 67). Connect your camcorder to a VCR as shown in the following illustration. Yellow Black VCRs...
  • Page 61 A/V connecting cable (supplied) Signal flow * For TRV270E: Your camcorder does not accept input data from the connected device. It can only output data from the DV Interface. b Notes • Use the A/V connecting cable to connect your camcorder to other devices.

  • Page 62: Dubbing To Another Tape

    (p. 36). Dubbing/Editing • For TRV270E/285E: When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via DV Interface, you cannot record the title or indicators. • For TRV270E/285E: Pictures edited with Picture effect ([P EFFECT] p.

  • Page 63: Dubbing A Tape Easily - Easy Dubbing ( Trv238E/438E)

    Dubbing a tape easily – Easy Dubbing ( TRV238E/438E) You can control VCR for dubbing with your camcorder easily with the VCR connected to the camcorder. Step 1: Preparing your camcorder and VCR for operation Follow the steps below when you are performing the Easy Dubbing for the first time.
  • Page 64 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [ RETURN], then press the dial. Dubbing/Editing [IR SETUP] code list The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as the default setting.) Manufacturing company Sony Aiwa Akai...
  • Page 65 Manufacturing [IR SETUP] code company Roadstar SABA 21, 76, 91 Salora Samsung 22, 32, 52, 93, 94 Sanyo Schneider 10, 83, 84 Seleco 47, 74 Sharp Siemens 10, 36 Tandberg Telefunken 91, 92 Thomson 76, 100 Thorn 36, 47 Toshiba 40, 93 Universum 47, 70, 84, 92...
  • Page 66 Waiting time (VCR) c. Playback time (camcorder) Dubbing/Editing Step 4: Performing Easy Dubbing Make sure that your camcorder and VCR are connected, and that the VCR is set to recording pause. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [START], then press the dial.

  • Page 67: Recording Pictures From A Vcr ( Trv285E)

    – a VCR that does not support [IR SETUP] codes – a DVD recorder, a DVD recorder equipped with an HDD, etc • When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via DV Interface, you cannot record the title or indicators.
  • Page 68 To set the [IR SETUP] code When you connect with an A/V connecting cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code signal to see if your VCR can be operated by your camcorder (infrared ray emitter). Remote sensor Infrared ray emitter Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [IR SETUP], then press the dial.
  • Page 69 VCR before using the following procedure. You can adjust the synchronization of your camcorder and the VCR to avoid not recording the starting scene. Remove the cassette from your camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper to take notes.
  • Page 70 [ MENU ] : END Search for the beginning of the first scene that you want to record on your camcorder, then pause playback. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [MARK], then press the dial. The starting point of the first program is set, and the upper part of the program mark changes to light blue.
  • Page 71 [ MENU ] : END Repeat steps 5 to 8 and create programs. Set your VCR to the recording pause. Skip this step if your camcorder is connected via an i.LINK cable. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [START], then press the dial.

  • Page 72: Using With Your Computer

    6 of “First Step Guide” on CD-ROM. For “First Step Guide,” see the next section. z Tip • There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to a computer. – USB cable This method is good for copying video and sound recorded on a tape to the computer.

  • Page 73: System Requirements

    URL: http://www.ppackage.com/) For Macintosh users b Note • When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the...

  • Page 74: Installing The Software And "First Step Guide" On A Computer ( Trv270E/285E)

    ( TRV270E/285E) You need to install the software etc., with the supplied CD-ROM on your computer before connecting your camcorder and your computer. Once you install it, the installation is not required thereafter. The software to be used varies depending on the OS system you are using.
  • Page 75 For Windows 2000/Windows XP Log on as Administrators for installation. Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software. Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.
  • Page 76 Click [Install] on the [Ready to Install the Program] screen. The installation of Picture Package starts. Select the language for “First Step Guide” to be installed, then click [Next]. Depending on the computer, this screen may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to step 12.
  • Page 77 If you have any questions about Picture Package Contact information is listed on page 78. Installing on a Macintosh computer Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.

  • Page 78: Using "First Step Guide" ( Trv270E/285E)

    • Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. • Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

  • Page 79: Creating A Dvd (Direct Access To "Click To Dvd") ( Trv270E/285E)

    “Click to DVD” via an i.LINK cable (optional). The picture is automatically copied and written to a DVD. * Note that you need a Sony VAIO computer equipped with a DVD drive that can be used to write DVDs. You also need the computer with “Click to DVD Ver.1.2”...
  • Page 80 The Direct Access to “Click to DVD” function enables you to copy pictures recorded on a tape to a DVD easily if your camcorder is connected to a computer. Before operating the Direct Access to “Click to DVD” function, follow the steps below to start “Click to DVD Automatic...
  • Page 81 – When normal and wide size pictures are recorded on the same tape. • You cannot operate your camcorder in the following situations: – While playing back a tape – When “Click to DVD” is started up from the computer •...

  • Page 82: Troubleshooting

    If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. (p. 12) • The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.

  • Page 83: Cassette Tapes

    (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly. (p. 12) cRemove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again. (p. 12) cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12) cMoisture condensation is starting in your camcorder. (p. 99)
  • Page 84 REC or insert a new cassette. (p. 95) cThe 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. 99) •...
  • Page 85 • There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction. cPress LIGHT repeatedly to select cIf the problem persists, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Cause and/or Corrective Actions cIf the tape has reached the end, rewind the tape.
  • Page 86 VCR correctly, then check the connection between your camcorder and the VCR. (p. 60) cWhen your camcorder is connected to a DV device that is not a Sony product via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1: Preparing your camcorder and VCR for operation.”...

  • Page 87: Connecting To A Computer

    Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the OS.
  • Page 88 Troubleshooting Cause and/or Corrective Actions cThe USB driver has been registered incorrectly as the computer was connected to your camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Follow the procedure below to install the USB driver correctly. For Windows 98*/Windows 98SE/Windows Me * When copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the operation is not guaranteed on Windows 98.
  • Page 89 USB cable. Cause and/or Corrective Actions For Windows 2000 Log on as Administrators. Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer. Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. The [System Properties] screen appears. Click the [Hardware] tab.
  • Page 90 Troubleshooting Cause and/or Corrective Actions For Windows XP Log on as Administrators. Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer. Click [Start]. Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. The [System Properties] screen appears. Click the [Hardware] tab.
  • Page 91 [Done]. cClose Picture Package, then restart the Windows computer. cClose Picture Package on your Windows computer first, then set the POWER switch on your camcorder to another mode. cFor the compatible drive, visit the following URL: http://www.ppackage.com/ cRefer to “First Step Guide” in PDF. For copying the PDF file, see page 78.

  • Page 92: Warning Indicators And Messages

    Troubleshooting Cause and/or Corrective Actions Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:04:ss cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.

  • Page 93: Warning Messages

    Indication Z (Eject cassette warning)* * You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen. Warning messages The following messages will appear to prompt you to correct the situation. Subjects Indications Battery Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Battery level is low.

  • Page 94: Additional Information

    Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/ region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a PAL system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback...

  • Page 95: Usable Cassette Tapes

    Copyright signal When you play back If the cassette you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to a tape in another video camera connected to your camcorder.

  • Page 96: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. • To completely use up the battery pack on your camcorder, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER] in the (OTHERS) menu (p.

  • Page 97: About I.link

    Tips • 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.

  • Page 98: Maintenance And Precautions

    Interface, see page 61, 62. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video device. Before connecting this unit to your computer,...
  • Page 99 • For TRV238E/438E: If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional). – Playback pictures contains noise or the screen is displayed in blue. – Playback pictures are hardly visible.
  • Page 100 • For TRV270E/285E: If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional). – Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.

  • Page 101: Specification

    Specification Video camera recorder System Video recording system TRV238E/438E: 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning FM system TRV270E/285E: 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Audio recording system TRV238E/438E: Rotary heads, FM system TRV270E/285E: Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo) Video signal PAL color, CCIR standards...
  • Page 102 General Power requirements DC 7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor) Average power consumption (when using the battery pack) TRV238E/438E: During camera recording using the viewfinder 1.8 W During camera recording using the LCD 2.7 W TRV270E/285E: During camera recording using viewfinder 2.5 W During camera recording using LCD 3.4 W...
  • Page 103 Types of differences Model TRV238E Recording system Playback system Audio recording Monaural AUDIO/VIDEO jack DV Interface USB jack SteadyShot Remote sensor z Provided — Not provided CCD- TRV438E Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Monaural — — — — — DCR- TRV270E TRV285E Digital8 Digital8 Digital8 Digital8...

  • Page 104: Quick Reference

    H Speaker I Viewfinder (p. 2, 16) If you attach the large capacity battery pack NP-QM71D/QM91D (optional) to the camcorder, extend and lift up the viewfinder and adjust its angle. J Battery pack K LIGHT button (p. 23) Quick Reference L FADER button (p.
  • Page 105 A Built-in light (p. 23) B Lens C Infrared ray emitter (p. 63, 68)/ TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E: Remote sensor D Camera recording lamp (p. 21, 26) A Jack cover B For TRV270E/285E: A/V OUT jack (p. 38, 61) C For TRV285E: DV Interface (p.
  • Page 106 A RESET button (p. 82) B For TRV270E/285E: BURN DVD/VCD You can easily take a picture recorded on the tape and burn it onto a DVD or CD-R. For details on BURN DVD, see “Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) TRV270E/285E)”...
  • Page 107 5.5 mm (7/32 inch). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely, and the screw may damage your camcorder. To attach the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap. Quick Reference ,continued...

  • Page 108: Remote Commander

    Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander. TRV238E/438E: TRV285E: A Transmitter After turning on your camcorder, point towards the remote sensor to control your camcorder. B REC START/STOP button (p. 21) C Power zoom button (p. 23) D Video control buttons (Rewind, Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop, Slow) (p.
  • Page 109 Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly. • When you are operating with the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder, your VCR may also operate. In that case, select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

  • Page 110: Indicators For The Lcd Screen And Viewfinder

    Following indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of your camcorder. Indicators and their on-screen/viewfinder positions vary depending on your camcorder model. Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode Time code (p. 21)/Tape counter (p. 21)/Self- diagnosis (p.

  • Page 111: Index

    Index Numerics 16:9 WIDE mode ...48 21-pin adaptor ...39 A/V connecting cable ...38, 60, 61 AC Adaptor...15 Adjusting the viewfinder ...16 AUDIO MIX...51 AUDIO MODE ...53 AUTO DATE...56 AUTO SHTR ...45 Auto shut off function (A.SHUT OFF) ...58 BACK LIGHT ...27 Battery Battery Info ...13 Battery pack ...12...
  • Page 112 On-line help... 77, 78 Operation confirmation beep See BEEP ORC... 53 PAL ... 94 Photo scan ... 41 Photo search ... 40 Picture effect (P EFFECT)... 44 Picture Package ... 74 Picture search ... 34 Playing time ... 14 Power mode... 15 PROGRAM AE...
  • Page 116 Printed in Japan...

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