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Welcome ! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.
Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) 0 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 73) (p. 150) qa Application software: PictureGear 4.1 2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power Lite (CD-ROM) (1) (p. 92) adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p.
Table of contents Checking supplied accessories ....3 Advanced Recording Operations Quick Start Guide ....... 6 Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording ....29 Getting started Using the wide mode ......32 Using the fader function ...... 33 Using this manual ........
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Table of contents Customizing Your Camcorder Additional Information Changing the menu settings ....64 Digital8 system, recording and playback ......... 120 Resetting the date and time ....72 About i.LINK ........122 Changing the lithium battery in your “Memory Stick” operations camcorder ........
Quick Start Guide This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. Connecting the power cord (p. 14) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10). Open the DC IN jack cover.
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Recording a picture (p. 16) Remove the lens cap. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. Press the red button. Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press the red button again. Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN.
— Getting started — Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the 2 models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV820 is the model used for illustration purposes.
Using this manual Precautions on camcorder care •The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using high-precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue, green or white) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. Slide the battery pack down until it clicks. To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE down.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply When the battery pack is charged fully The LCD backlight of the display window is turned off. Remaining battery time indicator The remaining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the recording time with the viewfinder. Battery pack The supplied battery pack is charged a little.
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” battery packs have the mark. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
• The DC IN jack has “source priority”. This means that the battery pack cannot supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power cord is not plugged into a wall outlet. Using a car battery Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).
Mosaic pattern noise may appear when you play back standard 8 tape on other camcorders (including other DCR-TRV720/TRV820). •The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other than the mark.
— Recording – Basics — Recording a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. (1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attach the lens cap to the grip strap. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” and “Step 2” for more information (p.
Recording a picture Note on LOCK When you slide LOCK to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK is released as a default setting. To enable smooth transition You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette if you turn off your camcorder.
Recording a picture After recording (1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). (2) Close the LCD panel. (3) Eject the cassette. Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.
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Recording a picture To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the viewfinder If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Recording a picture 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. Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA or MEMORY mode. The .
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Recording a picture Using SUPER NIGHTSHOT The Super NightShot mode makes subjects up to 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode. (1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in CAMERA mode. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. (2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.
Recording a picture Self-timer recording Recording with the self-timer starts in 10 seconds automatically. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) Press (self-timer) in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Checking the recording – END SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec Review You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth. EDIT SEARCH SEARCH END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record.
— Playback – Basics — Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape.
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Playing back a tape To display the screen indicators – Display function Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators appear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators disappear, press DISPLAY again. DATA CODE DISPLAY Using the data code function...
Playing back a tape Various playback modes To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VTR. To view a still picture (playback pause) Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N. To advance the tape Press M in the stop mode.
Viewing the recording on TV Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the playback control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD screen.
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To cancel the super laser link function Press S.LASER LINK. The lamp on the S.LASER LINK button goes out. If you use a Sony TV • You can turn on the TV automatically when you press S.LASER LINK on your camcorder.
— Advanced Recording Operations — Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording You can record a still image like a photograph. This mode is useful when you want to record an image such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer (not supplied).
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Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording Self-timer tape photo recording You can record still images on tapes with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) In the standby mode, press (self-timer).
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Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording Printing the still image You can print a still image by using the video printer (not supplied). Connect the video printer using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Connect the A/V connecting cable to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack and connect the yellow plug of the cable to the video input of the video printer.
Using the wide mode You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE). Black bands appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder during recording in 16:9WIDE mode [a]. The picture during playing back on a normal TV [b] or a wide- screen TV [c] are compressed in the widthwise direction.
Using the fader function You can fade the picture in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. STBY FADER M.FADER (mosaic) BOUNCE 1) 2) OVERLAP WIPE (random dot) STBY MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white.
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Using the fader function (1) When fading in [a] In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. When fading out [b] In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes. The indicator changes as follows: FADER t M.FADER t BOUNCE t MONOTONE t OVERLAP t WIPE t DOT The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all.
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Using the fader function Notes •The overlap, wipe and dot functions work only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. •You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, you cannot use the fader function while using the following functions: –...
Using special effects – Picture effect You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the NEG. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the image is reversed. SEPIA : The image is sepia. B&W : The image is monochrome (black-and-white).
Using special effects – Digital effect You can add special effects to recorded images using the various digital functions. The sound is recorded normally. STILL You can record a still images so that it is superimposed on a moving image. FLASH (FLASH MOTION) You can record still images successively at constant intervals.
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Using special effects – Digital effect (1) Press DIGITAL EFFECT in CAMERA mode. The digital effect indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired digital effect mode. The indicator changes as follows: STILL y FLASH y LUMI. y TRAIL y SLOW SHTR y OLD MOVIE (3) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
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Using special effects – Digital Effect Notes •The following functions do not work during digital effect: – Fader – Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE – Tape photo recording – Super NightShot •The following functions do not work in the slow shutter mode: –...
Using the PROGRAM AE function You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting requirements. Spotlight mode This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater. Soft portrait mode This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers.
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Using the PROGRAM AE function (1) Press PROGRAM AE in CAMERA or MEMORY mode. The PROGRAM AE indicator appears. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode. The indicator changes as follows: PROGRAM To turn the PROGRAM AE function off Press PROGRAM AE.
Adjusting the exposure manually You can manually adjust and set the exposure. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: – The subject is backlit – Bright subject and dark background – To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully (1) Press EXPOSURE in CAMERA or MEMORY mode.
Focusing manually You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases: •The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting: – subjects through glass coated with water droplets. – horizontal stripes. – subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky. •When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the background.
Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 46). You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. VACATION (1) Press TITLE to display the title menu in the standby mode. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.
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Superimposing a title To superimpose the title while you are recording Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is recorded. To select the language of a preset title If you want to change the language, select before step 2.
Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up to 20 characters. (1) Press TITLE in the standby or VTR mode. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.
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Making your own titles To change a title you have stored In step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to change, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [C], then press the dial to delete the title.
Inserting a scene You can insert a scene in the middle of a recorded tape by setting the start and end points. The previously recorded frames between these start and end points will be erased. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) While your camcorder is in the standby mode, keep pressing EDITSEARCH, and release the button at the insert end point [b].
— Advanced Playback Operations — Playing back a tape with picture effects During playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE. During playback, press PICTURE EFFECT and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired picture effect indicator (NEG.ART, SEPIA, B&W or SOLARIZE) appears.
Playing back a tape with digital effects During playback, you can process a scene using the digital effect functions: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL. (1) During playback, press DIGITAL EFFECT and turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial until the desired digital effect indicator (STILL, FLASH, LUMI. or TRAIL) flashes.
Enlarging recorded images – PB ZOOM You can enlarge moving and still images recorded on tapes. Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can enlarge still images recorded on “Memory Stick”s. (1) Press PB ZOOM on your camcorder while you are playing back. The image is enlarged, and R r appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Quickly locating a scene using the zero set memory function Your camcorder goes forward or backward to automatically stop at a desired scene having a counter value of “0:00:00”. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Use this function, for example, to view a desired scene later on during playback. (1) In the playback mode, press DISPLAY.
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). Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Use this function to check where recording dates change or to edit the tape at each recording date.
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Searching a recording by date – Date search Notes • The date search works only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system. • If one day’s recording is less than two minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes. If a tape has a blank portion in the recorded portions The date search function may not work correctly.
Searching for a photo – Photo search/Photo scan You can search for the still image recorded on tape (photo search). You can also search for still images one after another and display each image for 5 seconds automatically (photo scan). Use the Remote Commander for these operations. Searching for a photo (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR.
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Searching for a photo – Photo search/Photo scan Scanning photo (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the photo scan indicator appears. The indicator changes as follows: DATE SEARCH t PHOTO SEARCH t PHOTO SCAN (3) Press .
— Editing — Dubbing a tape Using the A/V connecting cable Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the recorded tape into your camcorder.
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Dubbing a tape Using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) Simply connect the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied) to DV IN/OUT and to DV IN/OUT of the DV products. With digital-to-digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high-quality editing.
Using with analog video unit and PC – Signal convert function You can capture images and sound from an analog video unit connected to a PC which has the i. LINK (DV) jack to your camcorder. Analog video signals t Digital video signals (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR.
Recording video or TV programs Using the A/V connecting cable You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/ audio outputs. Use your camcorder as a recorder. (1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder. If you are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tape into the VCR.
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Recording video or TV programs Using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) Simply connect the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) (not supplied) to DV IN/OUT and to DV IN/OUT of the DV products. With digital-to-digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high-quality editing.
Inserting a scene from a VCR – Insert Editing You can insert a new scene from a VCR onto your originally recorded tape by specifying the insert start and end points. Use the Remote Commander for this operation. Connections are the same as in “Recording video or TV programs” on page 60, 61. Insert a cassette containing the desired scene to insert into the VCR.
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Inserting a scene from a VCR – Insert Editing (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) On the VCR, locate just before the insert start point [a], then press X to set the VCR to the playback pause mode. (3) On your camcorder, locate the insert end point [c] by pressing m or M.
— Customizing Your Camcorder — Changing the menu settings To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode. (1) In CAMERA, VTR or MEMORY mode, press MENU.
Changing the menu settings Menu items are displayed as the following icons: MANUAL SET CAMERA SET VTR SET LCD/VF SET MEMORY SET PRINT SET (DCR-TRV820 only) TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS Selecting the mode setting of each item z is the default setting. Menu items differ according to the position of the POWER switch.
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Changing the menu settings POWER Icon/item Mode Meaning switch HiFi SOUND z STEREO To play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with main and sub sound (P. 121) To play back a stereo tape with the left sound or a dual sound track tape with main sound To play back a stereo tape with the right sound or a dual sound track tape with sub sound...
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Changing the menu settings POWER Icon/item Mode Meaning switch LCD B. L. z BRT NORMAL To set the brightness on the LCD screen normal CAMERA BRIGHT To brighten the LCD screen MEMORY LCD COLOR ——— To adjust the color on the LCD screen, turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the CAMERA following bar...
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Changing the menu settings POWER Icon/item Mode Meaning switch CONTINUOUS z OFF Not to record continuously MEMORY MULTI SCRN To record 9 images continuously (p. 79) QUALITY z FINE To record still images in the fine image quality mode, using the “Memory Stick” MEMORY STANDARD To record still images in the standard image...
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Changing the menu settings POWER Icon/item Mode Meaning switch 9PIC SAME* ——— To make prints of same split screen MEMORY 9PIC MULTI* ——— To make prints of different split screen MEMORY REC MODE z SP To record in the SP (Standard Play) mode CAMERA To increase the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode...
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To automatically turn on the Sony TV when MEMORY using the super laser link function TV INPUT z VIDEO1 To switch the video input on a Sony TV when VIDEO2 using the super laser link function (p. 28) CAMERA VIDEO3 MEMORY —...
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Changing the menu settings POWER Icon/item Mode Meaning switch WORLD TIME ——— To set the clock to the local time. CAMERA Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to set a time MEMORY difference. The clock changes by the time difference you set here. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time.
Resetting the date and time The default clock setting is set to Tokyo time for the models sold in Japan, and to Hong Kong, New York or Panama time for other models. The date and time are held in memory by the lithium battery. If you replace the lithium battery with the battery pack or other power source connected, you need not reset the date and time.
— “Memory Stick” operations — Using “Memory Stick”–introduction You can record and play back still images on the “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder. You can easily play back, record or delete still images. You can exchange image data with other equipment such as a personal computer etc., using the serial port adaptor for “Memory Stick”...
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• If you cannot use the “Memory Stick” that has been used on other equipment, format the “Memory Stick” on your camcorder following the steps on page 66. Note that all images on the “Memory Stick” will be deleted if you format it. “Memory Stick” and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
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Using “Memory Stick”–introduction Inserting “Memory Stick” (1) Open the lid of the cassette compartment. (2) Insert the “Memory Stick” with the v mark facing toward the “Memory Stick” compartment as illustrated until it clicks. (3) Close the lid of the cassette compartment. “Memory Stick”...
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Using “Memory Stick”–introduction Selecting image quality mode You can select image quality mode in still image recording. Default setting is FINE. (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR or MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press MENU to make the menu display appear.
Using “Memory Stick”–introduction Image quality settings Setting Meaning FINE (FINE) Use this mode when you want to record high quality images. The image is compressed to about 1/6. STANDARD (STD) This is the standard image quality. The image is compressed to about 1/10. Differences in image quality mode Recorded images are compressed in JPEG format before being stored into memory.
Recording still images on “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo recording You can select the FIELD or FRAME mode in still image recording. Your camcorder compensates for camera-shake when recording moving subjects in the FIELD mode. Your camcorder records still images in high quality in the FRAME mode. Select the FIELD or FRAME in the menu settings (p.
Recording still images on “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo recording When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY The following functions do not work: wide mode, digital effect, picture effect, title, low lux mode of PROGRAM AE. When you are recording a still image You can neither turn off the power nor press PHOTO.
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Recording still images on “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo recording (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press MENU to make the menu display appear. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.
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Recording still images on “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo recording Continuous shooting settings Setting Meaning (indicator on the screen) Your camcorder shoots one image at a time. (no indicator) MULTI SCRN Your camcorder shoots 9 still images at about 0.5 sec intervals and displays the images on a single page divided into 9 boxes.
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Recording still images on “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo recording Self-timer memory photo recording You can record still images on “Memory Stick”s with the self-timer. This mode is useful when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation.
Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on a moving image – MEMORY MIX You can superimpose a still image you have recorded on the “Memory Stick” on top of the moving image you are recording. M. CHROM (Memory chroma key) You can swap a blue area of a still image such as an illustration or a frame with a moving image.
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Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on a moving image – MEMORY MIX Before operation Insert a Hi8 /Digital8 tape for recording and a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Press MEMORY MIX in the standby mode. The last recorded still image on “Memory Stick”...
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Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on a moving image – MEMORY MIX To change the still image to superimpose Do either of the following: – Press MEMORY+/– before step 7. – Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial before step 7, and repeat the procedure from step 4. To change the mode setting Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial before step 7, and repeat the procedure from step 4.
Recording an image from a tape as a still image Your camcorder can read moving image data recorded on a tape in the Digital8 system, and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick”. Your camcorder can also take in moving image data through the input connector and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick”.
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Recording an image from a tape as a still image Recording a still image from other equipment (1) Set the POWER switch to VTR and set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu settings. (2) Play back the recorded tape, or turn the TV on to see the desired program. The image from TV or VCR appear on the LCD or in the viewfinder.
Copying still images from a tape – Photo save Using the search function, you can automatically take in only still images from tapes recorded in the Digital8 system and record them on a “Memory Stick” in sequence. Before operation • Insert a tape recorded in the Digital8 system and rewind the tape.
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Copying still images from a tape – Photo save To stop copying Press MENU to stop copying. When the memory of the “Memory Stick” is full MEMORY FULL appears on the LCD screen, and the copying stops. Insert another “Memory Stick” and repeat the procedure from step 2. When the access lamp is lit or flashing Do not shake or strike your camcorder.
Viewing a still image – Memory Photo playback You can play back still images recorded on a “Memory Stick”. You can also play back 6 images at a time by selecting the index screen. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR.
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Viewing a still image – Memory Photo playback Screen indicators during still image playback Image number/Total number of recorded images 21 / 40 1 0 0 - 0 0 2 1 MEMORY PLAY Print mark Protect indicator Data file name Playing back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen) You can play back 6 recorded images at a time.
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Viewing a still image – Memory Photo playback Note When displaying the index screen, the number appears above each image. This indicates the order in which images are recorded on the “Memory Stick”. These numbers are different from the data file names. Files modified with personal computers These files may not be displayed on the index screen.
Copying the image recorded on “Memory Stick” to tapes You can copy still images or titles recorded on “Memory Stick”s and record them to /Digital8 tapes. Before operation Insert a Hi8 /Digital8 tape for recording and a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.
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Copying the image recorded on “Memory Stick” to tapes During copying You cannot operate the following buttons: MEMORY PLAY, MEMORY INDEX, MEMORY DELETE, MEMORY MIX, MEMORY +, and MEMORY –. Note on the index screen You cannot record the index screen. If you press EDITSEARCH during pause mode Memory playback stops.
Enlarging still images recorded on “Memory Stick”s – Memory PB ZOOM You can enlarge still images recorded on a “Memory Stick”. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position.
Playing back images in a continuous loop – SLIDE SHOW You can automatically play back images in sequence. This function is useful especially when checking recorded images or during a presentation. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY.
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Playing back images in a continuous loop – SLIDE SHOW To view the recorded images on TV Connect your camcorder to a TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder before operation. If you change the “Memory Stick” during operation The slide show does not operate.
Preventing accidental erasure – Image protection To prevent accidental erasure of important images, you can protect selected images. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position.
Deleting images You can delete images stored in a “Memory Stick”. Before operation Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. Deleting selected images (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position.
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Deleting images Deleting all the images You can delete all the unprotected images in the “Memory Stick”. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Press MENU to make the menu display appear. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.
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Deleting images While DELETING appears Do not turn the POWER switch or press any buttons. If the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK You cannot delete images.
Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK You can specify the recorded still image to print out. This function is useful for printing out still images later. Your camcorder conforms with the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard for specifying the still images to print out. This function is not for printing out still images on your camcorder.
— Printing operations — Using the printer – Introduction – DCR-TRV820 only You can use the printer on your camcorder to print images on the print paper (supplied). About the print cartridge •Do not touch the ribbon or leave it in a dusty place. Fingerprints or dust on the ribbon sometimes prevent good-looking prints from being made.
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Using the printer – Introduction About lamp indications (p. 130) PRINT CARTRIDGE lamp PRINT lamp PRINT PRINT PAPER lamp PRINT lamp Fast flashing (green): •Printer error •Heat buildup inside printer Slow flashing (orange): •During printing PRINT PAPER lamp (red) Fast flashing: •Print paper error Slow flashing: •Print paper not inserted...
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Using the printer – Introduction Inserting the print cartridge Be sure to use the specified print cartridge. (1) Slide PRINT CARTRIDGE OPEN knob on the bottom of your camcorder in the direction of the arrow, and open the print cartridge lid. (2) Insert the print cartridge as far as possible in the direction of the arrow on the cartridge case until it clicks into the cartridge compartment.
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Using the printer – Introduction Note The inside of your camcorder sometimes heats up. Do not put your hand inside the print cartridge compartment. The ribbon protector The ribbon protector is located between the ribbon and the cartridge case. This protector prevents the ribbon from being tangled when inserting the print cartridge into the cartridge compartment.
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Using the printer – Introduction Removing the print cartridge Slide the removal switch to the end in the direction of the arrow, and remove the print cartridge. Removal switch Notes •Do not remove the print cartridge when print paper is inserted. This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
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Using the printer – Introduction Inserting the print paper Be sure to use the specified print paper. (1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR. Make sure that the LOCK is set to the right (unlock) position. (2) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. (3) Slide the printer cover in the direction of the arrow to open.
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Using the printer – Introduction To remove drawn in print paper Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE), and set again to either MEMORY or VTR. The print paper is automatically ejected. Pull out the print paper in the direction of the arrow. Supplied print paper Your camcorder is provided with the following print paper.
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Using the printer – Introduction Checking the power supply Be sure to use a fully charged battery or the AC power adaptor. Printing is not possible if the battery is low. However, recording may be possible depending on how much the battery power remains. The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the possible printing time.
Making prints – Standard print – DCR-TRV820 only You can print images whenever you want to or print images recorded on “Memory Stick.” Images can also be captured from other equipment and printed. Printing images whenever you want to Before operation Be sure to use a fully charged battery when using the battery to make prints.
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Making prints – Standard print To cancel printing The print paper is automatically ejected by setting the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE) once and then to MEMORY. To resume printing, insert new print paper and repeat the procedure from step 4. Notes •During printing, the print paper is inserted and ejected between the paper dispenser and the printer cover.
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Making prints – Standard print Making prints from other equipment Before operation Be sure to use a fully charged battery when using the battery to make prints. (1) Insert the print cartridge. (p. 105) (2) Set the POWER switch to VTR on your camcorder. (3) Set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu settings.
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Making prints – Standard print Using the i.LINK cable (DV connecting cable) S VIDEO LANC DV OUT DV IN/OUT (not supplied) : Signal flow Note Prints cannot be made when images from other equipment are being recorded on your camcorder. (Print paper is not drawn in even if inserted.) Titles superimposed on the image You cannot print titles superimposed on the image.
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Making prints – Standard print Printing images recorded on “Memory Stick” Before operation • Be sure to use a fully charged battery when using the battery to make prints. • Insert a recorded “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Insert the print cartridge. (p. 105) (2) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY or VTR.
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Making prints – Standard print Notes • During printing, the print paper is inserted and ejected between the paper dispenser and the printer cover. Do not place any objects that may prevent the print paper from being inserted and ejected from the body. •...
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Making prints – Standard print Printing images on which superimposed a still image by using MEMORY MIX function Before operation • Be sure to use a fully charged battery when using the battery to make prints. • Insert a recorded “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Insert the print cartridge.
Making prints of split screens – Split printing – DCR-TRV820 only You can print images recorded on “Memory Stick” to print paper (Sticker type/9 split size). Printing a single image Before operation •Be sure to use a fully charged battery when using the battery to make prints. •Insert a recorded “Memory Stick”...
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Making prints of split screens – Split printing Printing images recorded on “Memory Stick” in recording order Before operation •Be sure to use a fully charged battery when using the battery to make prints. •Insert a recorded “Memory Stick” into your camcorder. (1) Insert the print cartridge.
Mosaic pattern noise may appear when you play back standard 8 tape on other VCRs (including other DCR-TRV720/TRV820). Note Tapes recorded in the Digital8 system cannot be played back on Hi8 /standard 8 (analog) system machine.
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Digital8 system, recording and playback When you playback a dual sound track tape When you use tapes recorded in the Digital8 system When you play back a Digital8 system tape which is dubbed from a dual sound track tape recorded in the DV system, set HiFi SOUND to the desired mode in the menu settings (p.
About the Name “i.LINK” i.LINK is a more familiar term for 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 Electronic Engineers.
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DV jacks, see page 58. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV) compatible equipment made by SONY (e.g. VAIO series) personal computer) other than video equipment. Before connecting this unit to a personal computer, make sure that application software supported by this unit is already installed on the personal computer.
POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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(1) Open the LCD panel and open the lid of the lithium battery compartment. (2) Push the lithium battery in the direction of the arrow and pull it out from the holder. (3) Install a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out. (4) Close the lid.
If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C:ss:ss” appears on the LCD screen, in the viewfinder or the display window, the self-diagnosis display function has worked.
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• The video head may be dirty. There are horizontal lines on the picture or the playback picture is c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning not clear or does not appear. cassette (not supplied). (p. 137) No sound or only a low sound is •...
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Troubleshooting In the recording and playback modes Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead. The power does not turn on. c Install a charged battery pack. (p. 10, 11) •...
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Troubleshooting When operating using the “Memory Stick” Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The “Memory Stick” does not • The POWER switch is set to CAMERA or OFF (CHARGE). function. c Set it to MEMORY. (p. 78) • The “Memory Stick” is not inserted. c Insert a “Memory Stick”.
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• Removal switch is not slid to the end. c Slide it to the end. • The ribbon is jammed in the cartridge compartment. c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. • If you disconnect the power source such as the battery pack during printing, the platen roller may not move back to the original position.
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• The AC power adaptor is disconnected. indicator appears or the indicator c Connect it firmly. (p. 14) flashes in the display window. • Something is wrong with the battery pack. c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony E:62:ss service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code. (example: E:61:10) If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Warning indicators and messages If indicators and messages appear on the LCD screen, in the viewfinder, or in the display window, check the following: See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. Warning indicators The still image is protected* Slow flashing: •The still image is protected.
Warning indicators and messages Warning messages • CLOCK SET Reset the date and time. (p. 72) • FOR “InfoLITHIUM” Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 13) BATTERY ONLY • 8mm TAPE t SP REC Use Hi8 /Digital8 tapes when you record Hi8 TAPE t LP/SP REC in the LP mode.* (p.
Using your camcorder abroad Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Your camcorder is an NTSC system based camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system based TV with VIDEO/AUDIO input jack.
Maintenance information and precautions Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly.
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– playback pictures are hardly visible. – playback pictures do not appear. If the above problem occurs, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (not supplied). Check the picture and if the above problem persists, repeat cleaning.
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Maintenance information and precautions – DCR-TRV820 only About the influence of dirt on the printer Printed images may have red, blue, or white dots or thin lines on their surface due dirt or dust entering the printer. This is not a malfunction. These symptoms may become worse depending on the storage conditions of the print paper or print cartridge.
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•The number of printed image per print cartridge roll will be reduced by one after cleaning the platen roller. On purchasing cleaners Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility and inform them of the following product numbers: •Head cleaner (1-772-863-11)
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Digital8 or DV tape first, and then input it into your PC. When inputting the image recorded by Hi8/standard 8 system into Sony VAIO The Program Capture function of DVgate motion doesn’t work. To use this function, dub the image into a Digital8 or DV tape first, and then input it into your Sony VAIO.
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•If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water. •If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a doctor. If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
(4 1/2 × 4 7/8 × 8 5/8 in.) (w/h/d) Transfer rate: Electric Viewfinder (color) Max 115.2 Kbps Mass (approx.) Image device RS-232C based DCR-TRV720: 1/4 type CCD MIC jack 1.1 kg (2 lb 6 oz) (Charge Coupled Device) Stereo minijack (ø 3.5 mm) DCR-TRV820: Approx.
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AC power adaptor Power requirements 100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz Power consumption 23 W Output voltage DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.5 A in the operating mode Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Storage temperature –20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F) Dimensions (approx.)
7 Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 146) 4 START/STOP button (p. 16) 8 DC IN jack (p. 11) This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”...
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Identifying the parts and controls 9 Video control buttons (p. 24, 26) qg Infrared rays emitter (p. 20, 28) x STOP (stop) qh SUPER NIGHTSHOT button (p. 21) m REW (rewind) N PLAY (playback) qj NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 20) M FF (fastforward) qk Display window (p.
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Identifying the parts and controls ws Eyecup wl MEMORY DELETE button (p. 99) wd MEMORY PLAY button (p. 90) e; FADER button (p. 33) wf MEMORY – button (p. 84, 90) ea BACK LIGHT button (p. 20) wg LCD screen (p. 17) es PROGRAM AE button (p.
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Identifying the parts and controls eg Intelligent accessory shoe rs PHOTO button (p. 29, 78) eh DATA CODE button (p. 25) rd DIGITAL EFFECT button (p. 38, 50) ej DISPLAY button (p. 25) rf END SEARCH button (p. 23) ek PB ZOOM button (p. 51, 95) rg PICTURE EFFECT button (p.
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Identifying the parts and controls rk EJECT button (p. 15) tg S VIDEO ID-2 jack (p. 27) th i (headphones) jack rl Access lamp (p. 75) tj AUDIO/VIDEO ID-2 jack t; “Memory Stick” compartment (p. 75) (p. 27, 31, 57, 87) ta LOCK knob (p.
•Your camcorder works in the Commander mode VTR 2. Commander modes 1, 2 and 3 are used to distinguish your camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in the Commander mode VTR 2, we recommend changing the Commander mode or covering the sensor of the VCR with black paper.
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Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators LCD screen and Viewfinder Display window REC 0:00:00 M.FADER ZERO SET 16:9WIDE MEMORY SEPIA DATE SEARCH A / V DV 1 6 B I T 1 Recording mode indicator (p. 19)/ qg Tape counter indicator (p. 19, 48, 52)/ Mirror mode indicator (p.
Quick Function Guide Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) • In a dark place NIGHTSHOT (p. 20) • In insufficient light Low lux mode (p. 40) • In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, Sunset & moon mode (p. 40) or general night views •...
Index A, B I, J, K, L AC power adaptor ....11 i.LINK ....... 58, 122, 148 Recording time ......12 Adjusting viewfinder ..... 19 Image protection ..... 98 Rec Review ......23 AFM HiFi Sound ....121 Image quality mode ....76 Remaining battery time AUDIO MIX ......