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3-072-653-32 (3)
Digital
Video Camera
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain
it for future reference.
Gebruiksaanwijzing
Lees, alvorens het apparaat in gebruik te nemen, de gebruiksaanwijzing
aandachtig door en bewaar deze voor eventuele naslag.
TM
SERIES
DCR-TRV738E
DCR-TRV238E/TRV239E/TRV340E/
TRV738E
©2002 Sony Corporation
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Sony Digital 8 DCR-TRV738E
Summarization of Contents
Welcome!
WARNING
Safety warnings regarding fire and shock hazards.
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC POWER ADAPTOR FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Information about the AC power adaptor for UK customers.
ATTENTION
Notes on electromagnetic fields affecting the camcorder.
Main features
Recording moving or still images, and playing them back
Covers recording and playback of images on tape and Memory Stick.
Capturing images on your computer
Describes transferring images from tape or Memory Stick to a computer.
Other uses
Lists additional functions for adjusting settings and enhancing recordings.
Checking supplied accessories
Wireless Remote Commander
Identification of the wireless remote commander accessory.
AC power adaptor
Identification of the supplied AC power adaptor.
NP-FM30 battery pack
Identification of the supplied NP-FM30 battery pack.
Quick Start Guide
Connecting the mains lead
Step-by-step guide to connecting the power supply.
Inserting a cassette
Instructions for loading a video cassette into the camcorder.
Using this manual
Differences by camcorder model
Highlights operational differences between various camcorder models.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
Guide on how to attach and remove the battery pack.
Step 2 Setting the date and time
“CLOCK SET” will be displayed each time that you set the POWER switch to CAMERA/MEMORY...
Explains the importance of setting the date and time for recording data.
Step 3 Inserting a cassette
To eject a cassette
Instructions for removing a cassette from the camcorder.
Recording a picture (Recording – Basics)
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
Information on the camcorder's autofocus feature.
Shooting backlit subjects – BACK LIGHT
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function.
Explains how to use the backlight compensation feature.
Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot/Colour Slow Shutter
The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place.
Details on using NightShot for low-light shooting.
Using Super NightShot
How to utilize the enhanced Super NightShot infrared function.
Self-timer recording (DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only)
Recording with the self-timer starts in 10 seconds automatically.
Explains the automatic 10-second delay for self-timer recordings.
Checking recordings – END SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec Review
END SEARCH
Function to quickly find the end of the last recorded section.
EDITSEARCH
Feature for finding the next recording start point for editing.
Playing back a tape (Playback – Basics)
You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen.
Describes how to view playback on the LCD screen or viewfinder.
To stop playback
How to halt tape playback.
To display the screen indicators – Display function
Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander.
How to show or hide screen indicators for playback monitoring.
About date/time and various settings
Your camcorder automatically records not only pictures on the tape but also the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code).
Explains how the camcorder records and displays recording data (date/time, settings).
Various playback modes
To playback pause (view a still image)
How to pause playback to view a still image.
To advance the tape
Instructions for fast-forwarding the tape.
To rewind the tape
Instructions for rewinding the tape.
To change the playback direction
How to reverse the playback direction.
To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search)
Feature to search for specific scenes using visual cues.
To monitor high-speed pictures while advancing or rewinding the tape (skip scan)
How to preview scenes at high speed during fast-forward or rewind.
To view pictures at slow speed (slow playback)
Instructions for playing back images at slow speed.
Viewing recordings on TV
Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch playback pictures on the TV screen.
Guide to connecting the camcorder to a TV for playback.
If your TV is already connected to a VCR
Instructions for connecting when a VCR is already linked to the TV.
Connections for video playback on TV
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
How to connect to mono audio TVs/VCRs.
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector (EUROCONNECTOR)
Using the included 21-pin adapter for connection.
If your TV has an S video jack
How to use an S-video cable for improved video quality.
To display the screen indicators on TV
Setting to show indicators on the TV screen during playback.
Recording still images on a tape – Tape Photo recording (Advanced Recording Operations)
You can record still images such as photographs.
Explains recording still images like photos onto tape.
Before operation
Steps to take before starting tape photo recording.
Using the wide mode
You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE).
How to record in 16:9 widescreen format for wide-screen TVs.
Using the fader function
You can fade in or out to give your recording a more professional appearance.
Using fade effects to enhance recordings professionally.
Using special effects – Picture effect (Advanced Recording Operations)
You can digitally process pictures to obtain special effects like those in films or on the TV.
Describes applying digital special effects to video footage.
Using special effects – Digital effect
You can add special effects to recorded picture using the various digital functions.
Details on adding various digital effects to recorded video.
Using the PROGRAM AE function
You can select the PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting requirements.
Guide to selecting automatic exposure modes for optimal shooting.
Adjusting the exposure manually
You can manually adjust and set the exposure.
Instructions for manually setting the camcorder's exposure.
Focusing manually
You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases.
Explains when and how to manually adjust focus for better results.
Interval recording
You can make a time-lapse recording by setting your camcorder to automatically record and standby sequentially.
How to create time-lapse recordings with automatic record/standby sequences.
Frame by frame recording – Frame recording
You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using frame recording.
Creating stop-motion animation effects using frame-by-frame recording.
Superimposing a title
You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 79).
How to add preset or custom titles to video recordings.
Making your own titles
You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder.
Guide to creating and saving custom titles on the camcorder.
Inserting a scene
You can insert a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the start and end points.
How to insert new footage into an existing tape by defining start/end points.
Playing back tapes with picture effects (Advanced Playback Operations)
During playback, you can process a scene using the following picture effect functions: NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE.
How to apply picture effects (NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W, SOLARIZE) during playback.
Playing back tapes with digital effects
During playback, you can process a scene using the following digital effect functions: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL.
How to apply digital effects (STILL, FLASH, LUMI., TRAIL) during playback.
Enlarging recorded images – Tape PB ZOOM
You can enlarge moving and still images recorded on tapes.
Explains how to enlarge recorded images from tape using PB ZOOM.
Quickly locating a scene – ZERO SET MEMORY
Your camcorder goes forward or backward to automatically stop at a desired scene having a tape counter value of “0:00:00”.
How to mark and return to specific points on a tape using ZERO SET MEMORY.
Searching a recording by date – DATE SEARCH
You can automatically search for the point where the recording date changes and start playback from that point (date search).
Instructions for searching recordings by date to find specific footage.
Searching for a photo – PHOTO SEARCH/PHOTO SCAN
You can search for the recorded still image recorded on tape (photo search).
How to search for and play back still images recorded on tape.
You can also search for still images one after another and display each image for five seconds automatically (photo scan).
How to search for and play back still images recorded on tape.
Dubbing a tape (Editing)
Using the A/V connecting cable
Guide to dubbing tapes using the A/V connecting cable.
You can dub or edit on the VCR connected to your camcorder using your camcorder as a player.
Explains using the camcorder as a player for dubbing onto a VCR.
Dubbing only desired scenes – Digital program editing (on tapes)
You can duplicate selected scenes (programmes) for editing onto a tape without operating the VCR.
How to duplicate selected scenes for editing onto tape without VCR control.
Viewing images recorded on a tape on your computer (Windows users only) (Editing)
Connecting with USB cable and viewing images on your computer
Steps to connect the camcorder via USB and view images on a PC.
Recommended computer environment
Lists the minimum and recommended computer system requirements.
Installing the USB driver
Before connecting your camcorder to your computer, install the USB driver on the computer.
Instructions for installing the necessary USB driver for computer connection.
Capturing images with “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony” program
Viewing images
Steps for viewing images on the computer using the PIXELA ImageMixer software.
Viewing images recorded on a tape
Steps for viewing images recorded on tape on the computer.
Changing the menu settings (Customizing Your Camcorder)
To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
Guide to customizing camcorder settings via the menu system.
Selecting the mode setting of each item
Menu items differ depending on the position of the POWER switch.
Explains how menu items change based on the POWER switch position.
Changing the menu settings (Detailed list)
Notes on the SteadyShot function
Important notes regarding the SteadyShot function's behavior and limitations.
Overview of menu settings
For optimal camera settings for the type of recording and the circumstances (see p. 66)
Provides an overview of menu settings for optimal camera adjustments.
Using “Memory Stick” – Introduction (“Memory Stick” operations)
You can record and play back images on a “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder.
Introduction to using the “Memory Stick” for recording and playback.
On file format
Details on file formats used for still images (JPEG) and moving pictures (MPEG).
Inserting “Memory Stick”
Ejecting the “Memory Stick”
Instructions on how to safely remove the “Memory Stick” from the camcorder.
Selecting the still image quality mode
You can select the image quality mode in still image recording.
How to choose image quality settings for still photo recording.
Image size settings/Beeldformaat-instellingen
Differences in image quality mode
Explains how image quality modes affect memory capacity.
Selecting the image size
How to select image sizes for still and moving pictures.
Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s – Memory Photo recording
You can record still images on “Memory Stick”s.
Guide to recording still images directly onto a “Memory Stick”.
Before operation
Steps to prepare the camcorder and insert a “Memory Stick” for photo recording.
Recording images continuously
NORMAL [a] (DCR-TRV738E only)
How to record still images continuously in NORMAL mode.
EXP BRKTG (DCR-TRV738E only)
Using EXP BRKTG for bracketing exposure with continuous shooting.
MULTI SCRN (Recording image size is 640 × 480) [b]
How to record nine images in a grid format using MULTI SCRN mode.
Self-timer memory photo recording
You can record images on “Memory Stick”s with the self-timer.
Using the self-timer to record still images on a “Memory Stick”.
Self-timer memory photo recording
You can record images on “Memory Stick”s with the self-timer.
How to record still images on a Memory Stick using the self-timer.
Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on an image – MEMORY MIX
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
Explains MEMORY MIX for DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E models.
M.CHROM (memory chroma key)
Using memory chroma key to swap blue areas with moving pictures.
Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on an image – MEMORY MIX
M.CHROM – The colour (blue) scheme of the area in the still image which is to be swapped with a moving picture
Details on adjusting the blue color for swapping in MEMORY MIX.
Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on an image – MEMORY MIX
Recording superimposed images on a “Memory Stick” as a still image
How to record the combined image as a still image onto a Memory Stick.
Recording images from a tape as still images
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
How to read moving images from tape and record as still images on a Memory Stick.
Before operation
Steps to take before transferring tape images to a Memory Stick.
Copying still images from a tape – PHOTO SAVE
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
How to automatically capture still images from Digital8 tapes onto a Memory Stick.
Before operation
Preparation steps for copying still images from tape to Memory Stick.
Recording moving pictures on “Memory Stick”s – MPEG movie recording
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
How to record moving pictures with sound onto a Memory Stick.
Note
Important note about monaural sound recording.
Recording pictures from a tape as moving pictures
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
Instructions for transferring moving images from tape to a Memory Stick.
Before operation
Preparation steps before transferring tape images to a Memory Stick.
Recording edited pictures as a moving picture – Digital program editing (on “Memory Stick”s)
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
How to duplicate selected scenes to edit and assemble on a Memory Stick.
Making the programme
Steps for creating a video program by selecting scenes for editing.
Recording edited pictures as a moving picture – Digital program editing (on “Memory Stick”s)
Erasing the programme you have set
How to remove a programmed sequence from the Memory Stick.
Performing the programme (Dubbing a “Memory Stick”)
(1) Select VIDEO EDIT in the menu settings. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select MEMORY, then press the dial.
Steps to select VIDEO EDIT and MEMORY modes for dubbing a Memory Stick.
Viewing still images – Memory Photo playback
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
How to play back still images stored on a Memory Stick.
Before operation
Preparation steps before playing back Memory Stick images.
Screen indicators during still image playback
Recording data
Explains how to view recording data like date and time.
Playing back six recorded images at a time (index screen)
How to view six images simultaneously using the index screen.
Viewing still images – Memory Photo playback
To return to the normal playback screen (single screen)
How to exit the index screen and return to single image playback.
Viewing moving pictures – MPEG movie playback
– DCR-TRV340E/TRV738E only
How to play back moving pictures recorded on a Memory Stick.
To stop MPEG movie playback
How to stop MPEG movie playback.
Screen indicators during moving picture playback
Recording date/time
How to view recording date and time for moving pictures.
Viewing images recorded on “Memory Stick”s on your computer
Viewing images using computer
Guide to viewing Memory Stick images on a computer.
Notes on using your computer
Important notes about computer compatibility and operations.
Installing the USB driver
Before connecting your camcorder to your computer, install the USB driver on the computer.
Instructions for installing the necessary USB driver for computer connection.
Viewing images on Windows
The application software screen appears.
Steps for launching the PIXELA ImageMixer application.
If you cannot install the USB driver
Step 1: Uninstall the incorrect USB driver
Procedure to remove an improperly installed USB driver.
Viewing images on Windows
Beelden bekijken met Windows
Steps for viewing images on the computer using the camcorder.
For Macintosh users
Recommended Macintosh environment
System requirements for using Macintosh computers.
Installing the USB driver
For Mac OS 8.5.1/8.6/9.0 users
USB driver installation steps for older Mac OS versions.
Unplug the USB cable or eject the “Memory Stick”
For Mac OS X (v10.0) users
Instructions for safely disconnecting USB or ejecting Memory Stick on Mac OS X.
Notes on using your computer
“Memory Stick” bediening
Notes on compatibility and operation of Memory Sticks with computers.
Programmatuur en bijgewerkte gegevens
Information on software behavior with image files and modifications.
Image file storage destinations and image files
Image files recorded with your camcorder are grouped in folders by recording mode.
Explains how image files are organized into folders based on recording mode.
Enlarging still images recorded on “Memory Stick”s – Memory PB ZOOM
You can enlarge still images recorded on a “Memory Stick”.
How to enlarge still images from a Memory Stick using PB ZOOM.
Before operation
Preparation steps for using Memory PB ZOOM.
Playing back images in a continuous loop – SLIDE SHOW
You can automatically play back images in sequence.
How to set up and play back images in a continuous slideshow sequence.
Before operation
Preparation steps before using the slide show function.
Preventing accidental erasure – Image protection
You can protect selected images, to prevent accidental erasure of important images.
How to protect selected images from accidental deletion.
Before operation
Preparation steps before protecting images.
To cancel image protection
Formatting erases all information on the “Memory Stick”.
Notes on formatting Memory Sticks and its consequences.
Deleting images – DELETE
You can delete images stored in a “Memory Stick”.
How to delete images stored on a Memory Stick.
Deleting selected images
Steps to delete specific images from the Memory Stick.
Deleting images – DELETE
You can delete all unprotected images in the “Memory Stick.”
How to delete all unprotected images from the Memory Stick at once.
Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK
You can specify a recorded still image to print out by writing a print mark.
How to mark still images for printing using the DPOF standard.
Using the optional printer
You can use the printer (optional) on your camcorder to print images on print paper.
Guide to printing still images using an optional printer.
Troubleshooting – Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
In the recording mode
Common problems and solutions encountered during recording.
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
An unknown picture is displayed on the screen.
Troubleshooting steps for when an unexpected image appears on screen.
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
In the playback mode
Common problems and solutions encountered during playback.
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
In the recording and playback modes
General troubleshooting for recording and playback issues.
When operating using the “Memory Stick”
The “Memory Stick” does not function.
Troubleshooting steps for when the Memory Stick is not recognized or working.
Self-diagnosis display
Five-digit display
Explains the camcorder's self-diagnosis codes and their meanings.
Warning indicators and messages
Warning indicators
Explains various warning indicators and their meanings.
Warning indicators and messages
Warning messages
Lists and explains warning messages displayed by the camcorder.
Digital8 system, recording and playback
What is the “Digital8 system”?
Explains the Digital8 video system and its capabilities.
Usable cassette tapes
Recommendations for compatible cassette tapes.
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?
Explains the features and technology of the InfoLITHIUM battery.
Charging the battery pack
Steps for charging the InfoLITHIUM battery pack correctly.
About i.LINK
What is “i.LINK”?
Explanation of the i.LINK digital interface standard.
Using your camcorder abroad
PAL system
Lists countries using the PAL TV color system.
Simple setting of clock by time difference
How to adjust the camcorder's clock for different time zones.
Maintenance information and precautions
Moisture condensation
Precautions to prevent moisture condensation inside the camcorder.
How to prevent moisture condensation
Methods to avoid moisture condensation when moving between environments.
Maintenance information and precautions
Cleaning the video heads
Instructions for cleaning the camcorder's video heads.
Cleaning the LCD screen
How to clean the camcorder's LCD screen.
Maintenance information and precautions
Camcorder operation
General precautions for camcorder operation and handling.
On handling tapes
Guidelines for handling video cassettes safely.
Maintenance information and precautions
Regular maintenance of the camcorder
Recommendations for regular camcorder upkeep.
Connecting to your computer
How to connect the camcorder to a computer, especially for Hi8/standard 8 system transfer.
Maintenance information and precautions
AC power adaptor
Precautions related to the AC power adapter's use and care.
About care and storage of the lens
Guidelines for cleaning and storing the camcorder lens.
Maintenance information and precautions
Battery pack
Important information and precautions for using and handling battery packs.
Notes on dry batteries
Notes regarding the use and handling of dry cell batteries.
Specifications
Video camera recorder
Detailed technical specifications for the camcorder.
System
System details including recording format, audio, and video signals.
Identifying parts and controls (Quick Reference)
Camcorder
Identification of camcorder parts and their functions.
Identifying parts and controls
Operation indicators
Explains the various indicators on the LCD screen and viewfinder.
LCD screen and Viewfinder/LCD scherm en beeldzoeker
Identification of LCD screen and viewfinder components.
Identifying parts and controls
rs Grip strap
Information on attaching and using the grip strap.
rd MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack
Details on the microphone input jack and its capabilities.
Identifying parts and controls
rh Eyecup
Identification of the camcorder's eyecup.
rk Cassettedeksel/uitwerpknop (OPEN/EJECT) (p. 26)
Location and function of the cassette compartment cover and eject button.
Identifying parts and controls
ta S VIDEO OUT aansluiting (p. 50, 94)
Description of the S VIDEO OUT connection port.
tf (USB) aansluiting (p. 117, 195)
Details on the USB connection port for computer transfer.
Remote Commander
1 PHOTO button (p. 52, 160)
Function of the PHOTO button on the remote commander.
6 Transmitter
How to use the remote commander's infrared transmitter.
To prepare the Remote Commander
Notes on the Remote Commander
Important notes regarding the remote commander's operation and environment.
Operation indicators (Quick Reference)
1 Recording mode (p. 28)/Mirror mode (p. 34)
Indicators for recording mode and mirror mode on the LCD screen.
3 Remaining battery time (p. 35, 47)
Indicator showing the remaining battery time.
Identifying parts and controls
qf STBY/REC (p. 28)/Video control mode (p. 48)
Indicators for standby/record mode and video control functions.
wg Tape counter (p. 35)/Time code (p. 35)/Self-diagnosis display (p. 226)/Remaining battery time (p. 18)
Indicators for tape status, time code, self-diagnosis, and battery life.
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