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Sony Handycam DCR-PC53E Operating Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Table of Contents
Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-PC53E/PC55E
© 2005 Sony Corporation
2-548-726-12 (1)
7
Getting Started
Recording/
18
Playback
34
Using the Menu
54
Dubbing/Editing
64
Using a Computer
76
Troubleshooting
96
Additional Information

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Table of Contents
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  Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-PC53E

  • Page 1 Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-PC53E/PC55E © 2005 Sony Corporation 2-548-726-12 (1) Getting Started Recording/ Playback Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Using a Computer...
  • Page 2: Notes On Use

    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 The electromagnetic fields at the specific...
  • Page 3 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.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ...7 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...8 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...12 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel ...13 Step 5: Using the touch panel ...14 Changing the language setting ...14...
  • Page 5 Using the Menu Using the menu items ...34 Menu items...36 CAMERA SET menu ...38 Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) MEMORY SET menu...42 Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/ NEW FOLDER, etc.) PICT.APPLI.
  • Page 6 Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer ...66 Viewing “First Step Guide”...70 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)...71 Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function) (DCR-PC55E) ...74 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...76...
  • Page 7: Step 1: Checking Supplied Items

    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. “Memory Stick Duo” 16MB (1) (p. 16, 98) (DCR-PC55E) Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1) (p. 98) (DCR-PC55E) AC Adaptor (1) (p.
  • Page 8: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series) (p. 100) after attaching it to your camcorder. • Only the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (NP- FA50) can be used. POWER switch Handycam DC plug Station...
  • Page 9 Install the camcorder onto the Handycam Station.  Open the interface connector cover.  Place the camcorder on the Handycam Station properly aligned as shown in the illustration and gently push down at the point indicated by the arrow to fully install.
  • Page 10: Playing Time

    Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued) To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station  Turn the power of your camcorder off and then press the RELEASE button and remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station. RELEASE button  Close the interface connector cover.
  • Page 11 • The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.
  • Page 12: Step 3: Turning The Power On And Holding Your Camcorder Firmly

    • At the time of purchase, the power will be set to turn off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power. ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 51).
  • Page 13: Step 4: Adjusting The Lcd Panel

    Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (). 180 degrees 90 degrees (max.) (max.) DISP/BATT INFO 90 Degrees to the camcorder •...
  • Page 14: Step 5: Using The Touch Panel

    Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), 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.
  • Page 15: Step 6: Setting The Date And Time

    POWER switch position. • If you do not use your camcorder for about 2 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 and then set the date and time again (p.
  • Page 16: Step 7: Inserting A Tape Or A "Memory Stick Duo

    Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” Cassette tape You can use mini DV (p. 97). • The recordable time varies depending on [REC MODE] (p. 48). Slide and hold the EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
  • Page 17 • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be...
  • Page 18: Recording/Playback With Ease (Easy Handycam)

    Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically adjusted optimally, which frees you from detailed adjustment. Since only basic functions become available and screen font size increases for easy viewing, even first time users can enjoy easy operation.
  • Page 19: Playing Back With Ease

    Playing back with ease Slide the POWER switch  in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Press EASY . The EASY lamp lights up in blue. Start playing back. Movies Touch , then touch start playback.
  • Page 20: Recording

    Recording Lens cover Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch. REC START/ STOP Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp to select a recording medium. On a tape, light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. On a “Memory Stick Duo,”...
  • Page 21: Playback

    Playback Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Start playing back. Movies On a Tape: Touch , then touch start playback.  Stop  Play/Pause toggles as you touch it ...
  • Page 22: Functions Used For Recording/Playback, Etc

    Wider range of view: (Wide angle) Close view: (Telephoto) • The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
  • Page 23: To Use Pb Zoom

    • When using SLIDE SHOW PLUS for an extended period of time, connect your camcorder to a wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor. • To protect the LCD screen, we recommend: – Using multiple files for SLIDE SHOW PLUS.
  • Page 24: Recording/Playback

    The REC lamp lights up in red during recording (p. 50). Remote sensor  Point the Remote Commander (p. 30) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder. Internal stereo microphone  When an external microphone is connected, the audio input from the external microphone takes precedence over others.
  • Page 26: Indicators Displayed During Recording/Playback

    Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies On a tape  Remaining battery (approx.) Recording mode ( or ) (48)   Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording))  Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute: second)  Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) (50) ...
  • Page 27  Tape transport indicator  Video operation buttons (21) When there is a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in the camcorder, changes to (“Memory Stick Duo” playback) if a tape is not used for playback. On a “Memory Stick Duo” 0:00:00 ...
  • Page 28 Indicators displayed during recording/playback (continued) Indicators when you made changes You can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. Upper left Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning EXT SUR MIC (48) AUDIO MODE (48) Self-timer recording (41) Interval photo recording...
  • Page 29: Searching For The Starting Point

    You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. Touch  60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby. (to go...
  • Page 30: Remote Commander

    Memory playback) (p. 21) * These buttons do not work during Easy Handycam operation. • Aim the Remote Commander towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 24). • To change the battery, see page 105. Searching quickly for a desired...
  • Page 31: Searching For A Scene By Date Of Recording (Date Search)

    To cancel the operation Press ZERO SET MEMORY  Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) You can locate the point where the recording date changes. Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. ...
  • Page 32: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    Playing the picture on a TV Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V or A/V OUT jack : Signal flow...
  • Page 33 If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR) Use the 21-pin adaptor supplied with your camcorder (For models with the mark printed on their bottom surfaces only). This adaptor is designed for output use only. TV/VCR...
  • Page 34: Using The Menu Items

    Using the menu items Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page. Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the respective lamp. [CAMERA-TAPE] lamp: [CAMERA-MEM] lamp: [PLAY/EDIT] lamp: settings for viewing/editing Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item. Unavailable items will be grayed out.
  • Page 35 After finishing the settings, touch (close) to hide the menu screen.  If you decide not to change the setting, touch to return to the previous screen.
  • Page 36: Menu Items

    Menu items CAMERA SET menu PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE WHITE BAL. AUTO SHUTTER SPOT FOCUS FOCUS TELE MACRO FLASH SET COLOR SLOW S SELF-TIMER DIGITAL ZOOM WIDE SELECT STEADYSHOT MEMORY SET menu STILL SET MOVIE SET ALL ERASE* FORMAT FILE NO.
  • Page 37 Available menu items (  ) vary depending on the position of the lamp. *These functions are available during Easy Handycam operation. EDIT/PLAY menu VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL AUD DUB CTRL REC MOVIE BURN DVD BURN VCD END SEARCH STANDARD SET menu REC MODE AUDIO MODE...
  • Page 38: Camera Set Menu

    CAMERA SET menu Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 39 [AUTO] is selected, or you bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house while using fixed exposure, select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. • Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change...
  • Page 40 W (wide angle), then adjust the focus. • The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
  • Page 41 [OFF]. • Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 40) when it is hard to focus automatically. • The shutter speed of your camcorder changes depending on the brightness. The motion of the picture may slow down at this time. SELF-TIMER The self-timer starts recording after about 10 seconds.
  • Page 42: Memory Set Menu

    CAMERA SET menu (continued) 120 × Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 120 × zoom is performed digitally. WIDE SELECT You can record a picture in a ratio suitable for the screen on which it will be displayed. ...
  • Page 43 • When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording environment. • The image size of a picture is as follows. – When [FINE] is selected, the image size is approx.
  • Page 44: New Folder, Etc.)

    Touch [YES]  • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 43), or delete them using your computer. • The number of recordable pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 45 Adds an old movie effect with a sepia hue to pictures. • You cannot record pictures edited using special effects on the tape in your camcorder. • You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output playback pictures edited with digital effects via the DV Interface.
  • Page 46 10 minutes, after you have removed both a cassette and a “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA- TAPE lamp. • The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below.
  • Page 47: Edit/Play Menu

    See page 57. BURN DVD When your camcorder is connected to a Sony VAIO series personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) using this command. See “Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)”...
  • Page 48: Standard Set Menu

    Plays back with sub sound or the right channel sound. • You can play back, but cannot record a dual sound track cassette on your camcorder. • The setting returns to [STEREO] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
  • Page 49  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 reduced by about 10 percent during recording.
  • Page 50 REMOTE CTRL (Remote control) The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the Remote Commander (p. 30). • Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit. • The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
  • Page 51: Time/Langu. Menu

    5 minutes. NEVER The camcorder is not automatically turned off. • When you connect your camcorder to a wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. CALIBRATION See page 104.
  • Page 52: Customizing Personal Menu

    Customizing Personal Menu You can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu settings for each POWER switch position. This is convenient if you add frequently used menu items to Personal Menu. Adding a menu item You can add up to 28 menu items for each POWER switch position.
  • Page 53 Touch to move the menu item to the desired place. Touch To sort more items, repeat steps 2 to 4. Touch [END]  • You cannot move [P-MENU SET UP]. Initializing the Personal Menu settings (Reset) Touch [P-MENU SET UP] ...
  • Page 54: Connecting To A Vcr Or Tv

    Connecting to a VCR or TV Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V or A/V OUT* jack DV or DV OUT* Interface : Signal flow...
  • Page 55: Dubbing To Another Device Such As A Vcr, Dvd Recorder, Etc

    • When connecting the A/V connecting cable to the A/V jack (DCR-PC55E)/A/V OUT jack (DCR-PC53E) on your camcorder, remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station. Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs or DVD recorders).
  • Page 56: Recording Pictures From A Vcr Or Tv (Dcr-Pc55E)

    – Indicators – [PICT. EFFECT] (p. 46), [D. EFFECT] (p. 45) or PB zoom (p. 23). – Titles that are recorded on other camcorder. • To record the date/time and camera settings data when connected by the A/V connecting cable (supplied), display them on the screen (p.
  • Page 57: Dubbing Pictures From A Tape To A "Memory Stick Duo

    Play the video, or receive the TV program you want to record. The pictures on the VCR or TV appear on the screen of your camcorder. Press PHOTO lightly at the scene you want to record. Check the image and press it fully.
  • Page 58: Dubbing Sound To A Recorded Tape

    AUDIO OUT – When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. – When your camcorder is connected via an i.LINK cable. – On blank sections of the tape. – When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC REC mode on another device.
  • Page 59: To Stop Recording

    Check the sound using a TV or other device. • When connecting the A/V connecting cable to the A/V jack (DCR-PC55E)/A/V OUT jack (DCR-PC53E) on your camcorder, remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station. Recording sound Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder beforehand.
  • Page 60: Deleting Recorded Pictures From The "Memory Stick Duo

    Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch 60min 60min 101–0001 101–0001 MEMORY PLAY MEMORY PLAY Select a picture you want to delete with • To delete all pictures at once, select [ALL ERASE] (p.
  • Page 61: Printing Recorded Images (Pictbridge Compliant Printer)

    • To cancel Print mark, touch the image again to cancel Print mark in step 3. • Do not mark images on your camcorder if the “Memory Stick Duo” already has some images with the Print mark put on using other devices.
  • Page 62: Printing Recorded Images

    – Operating the POWER switch. – Disconnecting the USB cable from your Handycam Station or the printer. – Removing the “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder. • If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB cable and restart the operation from the beginning.
  • Page 63: Jacks To Connect External Devices

    (p. 24).  For DCR-PC55E: A/V (audio/video) jack (p. 32, 54, 74) For DCR-PC53E: A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 32, 54, 74)  DC IN jack (p. 8)  Interface connector (p. 8) ...
  • Page 64: Before Referring To The "First Step Guide" On Your Computer

    Windows computers. For details, refer to chapter 6 of “First Step Guide” on CD-ROM. For “First Step Guide”, see the next section. • 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, copying files from a “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 65: System Requirements

    This “First Step Guide” describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software stored on the CD- ROM (supplied). After installing the CD- ROM, reading “Installing the software and...
  • Page 66: Installing The Software And "First Step Guide" On A Computer

    Others: USB port (This must be provided as standard) • When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer.
  • Page 67  Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive).* * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. Click [Install]. Depending on the OS on the computer, a message appears notifying you that “First Step Guide” cannot be installed automatically with the InstallShield Wizard.
  • Page 68 Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (continued) 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. Click [Next] to install the “First Step Guide”.
  • Page 69 • If you have any questions about Picture Package, contact information is listed on page 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 70: Viewing "First Step Guide

    Music Contents without obtaining authorization or approval of the respective owners thereof. License of Picture Package by Sony Corporation would not be construed as conferring to you by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any license or right to use the Music...
  • Page 71: Creating A Dvd (Direct Access To "Click To Dvd")

    • You can only use an i.LINK cable for this operation. You cannot use a USB cable. * 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...
  • Page 72: Your Camcorder

    Connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable (optional) (p. 71). • When you connect your camcorder to a computer, make sure you insert the connector in the correct direction. If you insert the connector forcibly, it may be damaged, and causes a malfunction of your camcorder.
  • Page 73 • When [CONVERTING] or [WRITING] is displayed on the screen, capturing of pictures has already finished. Even if you disconnect the i.LINK cable or turn off the camcorder at this stage, DVD creation will continue on your computer. • When any of the following occurs, copying of the picture is canceled.
  • Page 74: Connecting An Analog Vcr To The Computer Via Your Camcorder (Signal Convert Function) (Dcr-Pc55E)

    VCR to a digital signal and transfer it to a digital device, such as a computer, via your camcorder. Software that can record the video signal must be installed on your computer beforehand.
  • Page 75: Your Computer

    • When you are using a USB cable or an i.LINK cable to connect your camcorder to a computer, make sure you insert the connectors in the correct direction. If you insert the connectors forcibly, they may be damaged, and cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
  • Page 76: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on.
  • Page 77 The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
  • Page 78: Lcd Screen

    LCD screen An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen. • The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 46). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” to cancel [DEMO MODE]. An unknown indicator appears on the screen.
  • Page 79: Memory Stick Duo

    • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-MEM or PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 12). • Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder (p. 16). • If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it on your camcorder (p. 98).
  • Page 80 • The capacity is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 60). • Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 43). • When [WIDE SELECT] is set to [16:9 WIDE], still images cannot be recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 81: Adjusting The Image During Recording

    The external flash (optional) does not work. • The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly. [END SEARCH] does not work. • The cassette was ejected after recording (p. 29). • The cassette is new and has nothing recorded. [END SEARCH] does not work correctly.
  • Page 82 Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back. • Deactivate the USB streaming function on your camcorder and set the (USB) ON/OFF switch (p. 63) on the Handycam Station to OFF. • Image data cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the data on a computer.
  • Page 83 • 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 (PAL). This is not a malfunction (p. 96). is displayed on the screen.
  • Page 84 Troubleshooting (continued) Remote Commander The supplied Remote Commander does not function. • Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 50). • Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor. • Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting.
  • Page 85 Pictures from connected devices are not displayed on the LCD screen. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 50). • You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISP/BATT INFO while [DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 50).
  • Page 86: Connecting To A Computer

    • Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch on the Handycam Station to ON. • Connect the Handycam Station to the camcorder securely. • Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. • Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect them again correctly.
  • Page 87 Finish any camcorder operations before connecting the camcorder to the computer. The “Memory Stick” icon ([Removable Disk] or [Sony Memory Stick]) does not appear on the computer screen. • Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder.
  • Page 88 – [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” – [? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark in the [Other devices] folder 5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].
  • Page 89 – [Composite USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” – [? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark in the [Other devices] folder 5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].
  • Page 90 2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk (F:)] (For Windows XP, [Sony Memory Stick]). It may take some time until the drive is recognized. If the computer does not recognize it, the USB driver may be installed incorrectly.
  • Page 91 • Close Picture Package, then restart the computer. An error message appears while operating Picture Package. • Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder to turn on another lamp. The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker.
  • Page 92: Warning Indicators And Messages

    If indicators appear on the LCD screen, 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:) : (Self-diagnosis display) C:04:...
  • Page 93  (Eject cassette warning)* Slow flashing: • The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 97). Fast flashing: • Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 103). • The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 92).  (Warning indicator pertaining to image deletion)* •...
  • Page 94 • Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.” Incompatible type of Memory Stick. • A type of “Memory Stick Duo” incompatible with your camcorder is inserted (p. 98). This Memory Stick is not formatted correctly. • Check the format, then format the “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 95 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.
  • Page 96: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a PAL system-based camcorder.
  • Page 97: Usable Cassette Tapes

    Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records. Notes on use  When not using your camcorder for a long time Remove the cassette and store it.  To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set it to SAVE.
  • Page 98: About The "Memory Stick

    *2*3 damaged image data will not be made. • If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn the power off on your camcorder, or remove the battery pack for replacement while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the “Memory Stick Duo” (while the access lamp is lit or flashing).
  • Page 99 JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). • On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other devices (DCR- TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not conform to the universal standard. (These models are not sold in some regions.)
  • Page 100: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    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]...
  • Page 101: About I.link

    • 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 102: Maintenance And Precautions

    DV Interface, see page 54. 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. Before connecting this unit to your computer, make sure that application software supported by this unit is already installed on your computer.
  • Page 103: Moisture Condensation

    • 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.
  • Page 104 If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette, it might be because the video head is worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video head replaced. LCD screen •...
  • Page 105: Rechargeable Battery

    Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 106: Specifications

    Information Technology Industries Association). Files in this format can have additional information such as your camcorder’s setting information at the time of recording. Input/Output connectors For DCR-PC55E: Audio/Video input/output For DCR-PC53E: Audio/Video Output LCD screen Picture Total dot number General Power...
  • Page 107 (kilohms), Output impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ (kilohms) USB jack mini-B DV jack 4-pin connector, S100 Handycam Station DCRA-C132 (DCR-PC53E) Audio/Video 10-pin connector Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω Output (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p,...
  • Page 108: Index

    Index Numeric 21-pin adaptor ... 7, 33 A/V connecting cable ... 32, 54, 74 A/V DV OUT... 49 A/V jack ... 32, 54, 74 Access lamp ... 16 Active Interface Shoe... 63 AC Adaptor ... 7 Adjusting exposure for back light ...
  • Page 109 Handycam Station... 8 Help... 65 Holding the camcorder... 12 Icon ... See Display indicators Image delete button... 27 Image protection ... 60 Image quality (QUALITY) ... 42 Image size (IMAGE SIZE) ... 42 Movie... 43 Still image... 42 Index screen ... 21 Index screen display button ...
  • Page 110 Index (continued) Personal Menu ... 34, 52 Add ... 52 Arrange the order... 52 Customize ... 52 Delete... 52 Reset ... 53 Personal Menu button ... 26 PHOTO button ... 20, 30 PictBridge ... 61 Picture Package... 66 Picture Search ... 21 PICT.APPLI.
  • Page 111 VAR.SPD PB (Various speed playback) ... 47 Video head ... 103 VIDEO INPUT ... 49 Video operation buttons ... 27 Volume ... 21 Wall socket... 8 Warning indicators ... 92 Warning messages... 92 WHITE BAL. (White balance)... 39 WHITE FADER... 44 Wide angle ...
  • Page 115 Sony Corporation. • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • is a trademark. • Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.

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