Sony CCD-TR930 Operating Instructions (primary manual) manual

3-859-496- 11 (1) ©1997 by Sony Corporation Video Camera Recor der Operating Instructions Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Owner’s record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever y[...]

2 Welcome! Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam  camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to com[...]

3 Before you begin T able of contents Before you begin Using this manual ........................................ 4 Checking supplied accessories ................... 5 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack ..................................... 6 Inserting a cassette ..................................... 10 Basic operations Camera[...]

4 [a] [b] Before you begin Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation. Note on TV color systems TV color systems differ from country to cou[...]

5 Before you begin 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.66) 2 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p.6) 3 AC-V316/V316A AC power adaptor (1) (p.6, 22) 4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.46) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder. Checking supplied accessories 13 456 78 5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p.67) 6 A/V connecting cabl[...]

6 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack 12 Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor. This camcorder operates with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. If you use any other battery to operate your camcorder, the camcorder may not ope[...]

7 Before you begin Battery lifee Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied) NP-F530 NP-F730 NP-F930 Continuous recording 70 (65) 150 (135) 305 (275) 480 (435) time* (min.) Typical recording 40 (35) 85 (75) 170 (155) 270 (245) time* (min.) Numbers before the parentheses indicate the time when you use a fully charged battery. Numbers in the parentheses indicate[...]

8 BATT RELEASE (PUSH) Installing the battery pack Align the grooves of the battery pack with the receptacles of the camcorder and slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely. Charging and installing the battery pack You can look at the demonstration of the f[...]

9 Before you begin Using the camcorder with the finder slid out or lifted up When NP-F730 or NP-F930 is installed When you install NP-F730 or NP-F930, slide out the viewfinder for more comfortable camera recording. Charging and installing the battery pack Note on the battery pack Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack. When you rec[...]

10 Inserting a cassette 12 3 Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H . ( 1 ) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. ( 2 ) Insert a cassette with the window fa[...]

11 Basic operations Basic operations Camera r ecording Make sure that the power source is installed, a cassette is inserted and that the START/ STOP MODE switch is set to . Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, po[...]

12 START/STOP L O C K S T A N D B Y START/STOP L O C K S T A N D B Y To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder ( Standby mode ). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack. T[...]

13 Basic operations Camera recording Notes on the tape counter • The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET. • If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect rec[...]

14 [a] [b] T W T W Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Camera recording Zooming spe[...]

15 Basic operations 40min. REC 40min. REC START/STOP L O C K S T A N D B Y START/STOP L O C K S T A N D B Y 1 2 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING START/STOP MODE To extend the recording time in 5 SEC mode Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about 5 seconds from the moment you pressed START/STOP. To return to normal reco[...]

16 2 3 1 [a] [b] Hints for better shooting [c] [d] For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: • Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb [a] . • Place your right elbow against your side. • Pl[...]

17 Basic operations Checking the r ecorded pictur e Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. ( 1 ) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. ( 2 ) Turn STANDBY up. ( 3 ) Press the Р( Π) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the[...]

18 [a] [b] S VIDEO OUT S VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN VIDEO OUT AUDIO OUT Connections for playback : Signal flow You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house cur[...]

19 Basic operations To cancel the LASER LINK function Press LASER LINK. Using the AV cordless IR receiver – LASER LINK Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) having the LASER LINK mark to your TV or VCR, you can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the instruction manual of the AV cordless IR receiver. LA[...]

20 Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor a picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. ( 1 ) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. The video control buttons light up. ( 2 ) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. ( [...]

21 Basic operations Playing back a tape Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or · . To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button. To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rew[...]

22 Place Indoors Outdoors In the car Advanced operations Using alter native power sour ces 12 You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, the house current, alkaline battery and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder. Power source House curre[...]

23 Advanced Operations 12 3 Using alkaline batteries Use the battery case (supplied) and six size AA (LR6) Sony Alkaline batteries (not supplied). ( 1 ) Remove the battery holder from the battery case. ( 2 ) Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder, following the marking on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the c[...]

24 Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. ( 1 ) Press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, then press the dial. If you want to[...]

25 Advanced Operations Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and VTR modes COMMANDER <ON/OFF> • Select ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. • Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. REC MODE ∗ <SP/LP> • Select SP when recording in SP (standard play) mode. • Select LP wh[...]

26 Changing the mode settings AUTO DATE ∗ <ON/OFF> • Select ON to record the date for 10 seconds after recording has started. • Select OFF not to record the date. CLOCK SET ∗ Select this item to reset the date or time. DEMO MODE ∗ <ON/OFF> • Select ON to make the demonstration appear without cassette. • Select OFF to deact[...]

27 Advanced Operations Fade-in and fade-out You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black or mosaic while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black or mosaic while the sound decreases. When fading in [a] ( 1 ) While the camcorder is[...]

28 Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide. You can also watch the picture without black b[...]

29 Advanced Operations Enjoying pictur e ef fect Using the wide mode function To cancel wide mode Press 16:9 WIDE repeatedly until the wide mode indicator disappears. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode. To watch the tape recorded in 16:9 FULL mode[...]

30 Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function ( 1 ) Press PICTURE EFFECT. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode. To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT. The indicator in the viewfinder goes out. Note on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal m[...]

31 Advanced Operations Focusing manually • Insufficient light [a] • Subjects with little contrast — walls, sky, etc. [b] • Too much brightness behind the subject [c] • Horizontal stripes [d] • Subjects through frosted glass • Subjects beyond nets, etc. • Bright subject or subject reflecting light • Shooting a stationary subject wh[...]

32 Focusing manually To return to autofocus mode Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears. Shooting in relatively dark places Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position. To record a very distant subject Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on the most distant subject while FOCUS is held down. When i[...]

33 Advanced Operations Using the PROGRAM AE function Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theatre or a formal event. a Soft portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen. Creates a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers, and faithfully repr[...]

34 Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function ( 1 ) Press PROGRAM AE. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. To turn off program AE Press PROGRAM AE. Notes on focus setting • In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only [...]

35 Advanced Operations Shooting with backlighting [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. After shooting Be sure to release this adjustment condition by pressing BACK LIGHT again. The c indicator disappears. Otherwise, the picture will be too bright under normal lighting condition. This [...]

36 Adjusting the exposur e [a] • The background is too bright (back lighting) • Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark [b] • Bright subject and dark background • To record the darkness faithfully Adjusting the exposure ( 1 ) Press EXPOSURE. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to adjust the brightness. When to adjust the exposure Adjust the[...]

37 Advanced Operations Shooting in the dark We recommend you to use a video light (not supplied). To get the best color, you must maintain a sufficient light level. When you adjust the exposure manually • BACK LIGHT does not appear. • If you press PROGRAM AE, the camcorder automatically returns to automatic exposure mode. Adjusting the exposure[...]

38 Using titles To add the title from the beginning ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears. Each time a new title appears, it flashes. When the desired title appears, wait for it to stop flashing. ( 2 ) Press START/STOP to start recording. ( 3 ) When you want to stop recording the title,[...]

39 Advanced Operations Superimposing a title To select the color of the title ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select TITLE COL, then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to select the desired color, then press the dial. You can choose from the following 7 colors: WH[...]

40 Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. Eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 22 letters. ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select TITLE1 SET or TITLE2 SET, then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control [...]

41 Advanced Operations Recor ding with the date/time Before you start recording or during recording, press DATE or TIME. You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder with the picture. Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME (or DATE) to display date and time together. The clock is already set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory.[...]

42 Optimizing the r ecor ding condition Use this feature to check the tape condition before recording, so that you can get the best possible picture (ORC). ( 1 ) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select ORC TO SET, then press the dial. “START/STOP KEY” starts flashing. ( 3 ) P[...]

43 Advanced Operations Editing onto another tape : Signal flow You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS,  VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ¬ ED Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs. Before editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector [...]

44 Recor ding fr om a VCR or TV You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has audio/ video outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV. ( 1 ) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to VTR. ( 2 ) Press REC r and the button on the right together at the point where you want to start recordin[...]

45 Advanced Operations Releasing the STEADY SHOT function When you shoot, the indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that the Steady Shot function is working and the camcorder compensates for camera-shake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use the Steady Shot function. Do not use the Steady Shot function [...]

46 Additional Information Changing the lithium battery in the camcor der Your camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 l[...]

47 Additional Information Resetting the date and time You can set the date and time in the menu system. ( 1 ) Press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. ( 2 ) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. ( 3 ) Turn the control dial to adjust the year, and then press the dial. ( 4 ) Set the month, day, hour and minutes by t[...]

48 1997 1998 2029 •••• Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting cassette types This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed for higher-quality pictures. You can use Hi8 video and standard 8 mm cassettes. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, the recording is in the Hi8 system. When you use a standard 8mm [...]

49 Additional Information Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment Battery efficiency[...]

50 Tips for using the battery pack Battery pack care • Remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using it, and keep it in a cool place. When the battery pack is installed to the camcorder, a small amount of current flows to the camcorder even if the POWER switch is set to OFF. This shortens battery life. • The battery pack is always disc[...]

51 Additional Information Tips for using the battery pack How the battery consumption is displayed The power consumption of the camcorder changes depending on its use, such as how the autofocusing is working. While checking the condition of the camcorder, the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack measures the battery consumption and calculates the remaini[...]

52 Notes on the battery case • Use only with alkaline batteries. You cannot use the battery case with manganese batteries or size AA (LR6) rechargeable NiCd batteries. • Using with Sony alkaline batteries is preferable. • Battery life is remarkably shorter in a cold environment (lower than 50°F/10°C). • Keep the metal part clean. If it ge[...]

53 Additional Information Maintenance information and precautions Video head cleaning To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When the v indicator and “ CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another in the viewfinder or playback pictures are “noisy” or hardly visible, the video heads may be dirty. [a] Sli[...]

54 Maintenance information and precautions Camcorder care • When the camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power source and remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes. • Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are finger[...]

55 Additional Information [a] [b] AC-V316/V316A Using your camcor der abr oad Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 110 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a com[...]

56 T r ouble check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power Symptom The power is not on. The power goes off. The battery pack is quickly disch[...]

57 Additional Information Trouble check Symptom Recording stops in a few seconds. The cassette cannot be removed from the holder. { and 6 indicators flash and no function except for cassette ejection works. The counter, date or time indicator is flashing. The tape does not move when a video control button is pressed. The SteadyShot function does no[...]

58 Picture Symptom The image on the viewfinder screen is not clear. A vertical band appears when a subject such as lights or a candle flame is shot against a dark background. A vertical band appears when shooting a very bright subject. The playback picture is not clear. The picture is “noisy”. The picture does not appear in the viewfinder. The [...]

59 Additional Information Trouble check AC power adaptor Symptom The VTR/CAMERA or CHARGE lamp does not light. The CHARGE lamp flashes. When the CHARGE lamp flashes Check through the following chart. When the CHARGE lamp flashes again Install another battery pack. When the CHARGE lamp flashes again The problem is with the AC power adaptor. $ $ $ $ [...]

60 C:21:00 First three digits C21 C22 C23 C31 C32 E61 E62 Cause and/or Corrective Action • Moisture condensation has occurred. m Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least 1 hour. (p. 52) • The video heads are dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25 CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 53) • The camcorder does not ope[...]

61 Additional Information Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system Four rotary heads, Helical scanning FM system (separate SP/LP heads) Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8mm video format cassette (Hi8 or standard 8) Recording / Playback time (using 120 min[...]

62 Identifying the parts 1 BACKLIGHT button (p.35) 2 FADER button (p.27) 3 POWER switch (p.11) 4 NEAR/FAR dial (p.32) 5 FOCUS switch (p.32) 6 STEADY SHOT switch (p.45) 7 PICTURE EFFECT button (p.29) 8 EXPOSURE button (p.35) 9 DATE button (p.41) !º TIME button (p.41) !¡ COUNTER RESET button (p.13) !™ Display window (p.69) !£ TITLE button (p.38)[...]

63 Additional Information Identifying the Parts !¶ Power zoom lever (p.14) !• EJECT switch (p.10) !ª LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it. This jack has the same function as the jack indicated as CON[...]

64 Identifying the Parts @ª Intelligent accessory shoe The intelligent accessory shoe supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light. #º Eyecup (p.16) #¡ Viewfinder (p.12, 16) #™ Battery mounting surface #£ START/STOP MODE switch (p.15) #¢ 16:9 WIDE button (p.28) #∞ Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p.12) #§ BATT (battery) P[...]

65 Additional Information Identifying the parts $º Video control buttons (p.20) π STOP (stop) 0 REW (rewind) · PLAY (playback) ) FF (fastforward) P PAUSE (pause) r REC (recording) $¡ Camera recording/battery lamp (p.11) $™ IR transmitter (p.19) $£ Microphone $¢ Remote sensor (p.68) Aim the Remote Commander here for remote control. $∞ Ligh[...]

66 Identifying the parts 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the camcorder. 2 Tape transport buttons (p.20) Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the camcorder function identically. 3 DISPLAY button (p.20) 4 START/STOP button (p.11) 5 Power zoom button ([...]

67 Additional Information Identifying the parts Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work. To avoid damage from possible battery leakage Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long t[...]

68 12 3 Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap . Identifying the parts Notes on the Remote Commander • Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective. • Be sure that there is no obstacle[...]

69 Additional Information Identifying the parts Operation indicator !£ Video control mode (p.20) !¢ Tape counter (p.13) Self-diagnosis indicator (p.60) !∞ Remaining tape indicator !§ Remaining battery indicator (p.49) !¶ AUTO DATE indicator (p.11) !• Date or Time indicator (p.41) !ª ORC indicator (p.42) @º Date or Time indicator (p.41) / [...]

70 W ar ning indicators If indicators flash in the viewfinder or in the display window, check the following: ≥ : you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON. 1 The battery is weak or dead. Slow flashing: The battery is weak. Fast flashing: The battery is dead. 2 The tape is near the end. The flashing is slow. 3 The tape has run out. Th[...]

71 Additional Information Index A, B Adjusting viewfinder ............. 12 AFM HiFi Sound ..................... 26 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING .......................... 15 AUTO DATE ........................... 11 Auto focus ................................ 32 Backlight .................................. 35 Beep ......................................... 1[...]

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