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Sony DCR-HC21 manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    D i g i t a l V i d e o C a m e r a R e c o r d e r O p e r a t in g G u id e DCR-HC21 2-584-905- 11 (1) Getting Star ted Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Using a Computer T roubleshooting Additional Inf or mation © 2005 Sony Corporation Recording/ Playbac k 31 48 53 63 77 9 18 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1)[...]

  • Page 2

    2 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly , and retain it for future reference. WARNING T o prevent fire or shoc k hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.[...]

  • Page 3

    3 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) CAUTION Y ou are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approv ed in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to P art 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to[...]

  • Page 4

    4 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) On the menu items, the LCD panel, viewfinder , and lens • A menu item that is grayed out is not av ailable under the current recording or playback conditions. • The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high- precision technology , so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for ef fectiv e[...]

  • Page 5

    5 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1)[...]

  • Page 6

    6 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) T able of Contents Getting Started Step 1: Chec king supplied items ...............................................................9 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ........................................................... 10 Step 3: T ur ning the power on and holding y our camcorder firmly ........... 13 Step 4: Adj[...]

  • Page 7

    7 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Remote Commander ............................................................................... 28 Searching quickly for a desir ed scene (Zero set memory) ............................ 28 Searching for a scene by date of r ecording (Date search) ........................... 29 Searching for a still image (Photo sear ch) .[...]

  • Page 8

    8 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Creating a D VD (Direct Access to “Clic k to D VD”) ................................... 60 T roubleshooting T roubleshooting ....................................................................................... 63 W arning indicators and messages .......................................................... 74 Addition[...]

  • Page 9

    9 Getting Started DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you hav e following items supplied with your camcorder . The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) (p . 10) P ower cord (1) (p. 10) Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p . 28) A button-type lithium battery is already i[...]

  • Page 10

    10 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 2: Charging the batter y pack Y ou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 79) after attaching it to your camcorder . POWER s witch DC IN jack DC plug AC Adaptor T o the wall outlet 1 Attach the battery pack b y sliding it in the direction of the arro w until it clic ks. 2 Slide the PO WER switc[...]

  • Page 11

    11 Getting Started DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) PUSH button POWER s witch When storing the battery pack Fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period (p. 79). T o use an outside power source Y ou can operate your camcorder using the power from the w all outlet by making the same connections as you do when charging the battery pac[...]

  • Page 12

    12 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) On the A C Adaptor • Use the nearby w all outlet when using the AC Adaptor . Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder . • Do not use the A C Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture. • Do not short-circuit the DC pl[...]

  • Page 13

    13 Getting Started DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 3: T urning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly T o record or play back, slide the PO WER switch repeatedly to turn on the respectiv e lamp. When using it for the first time, the CLOCK SET screen appears (p. 16). LENS CO VER switch[...]

  • Page 14

    14 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (  ), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (  ).[...]

  • Page 15

    15 Getting Started DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 5: Using the touch panel Y ou can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), or change the settings (p. 31) using the touch panel. Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displa yed on the screen. DISP/BA TT INFO T ouch the button on the LCD screen. • Perf[...]

  • Page 16

    16 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 6: Setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the CLOCK SET screen appears ev ery time you turn on your camcorder . • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months , the built-in rechar geable battery gets discharged and[...]

  • Page 17

    17 Getting Started DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Step 7: Inserting a cassette Y ou can use mini D V cassettes only (p. 78). • The recordable time varies depending on [REC MODE] (p. 45). 1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lev er Lid The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up. 2 Insert a cassette with its window[...]

  • Page 18

    18 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam) W ith this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically adjusted optimally , which frees you from detailed adjustment. Since only basic functions become av ailable and screen font size increases for easy viewing, e ven first time users can enjoy easy[...]

  • Page 19

    19 Recording/Playback DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Playing back with ease 1 Slide the PO WER switch  in the direction of the arro w repeatedly to turn on the PLA Y/EDIT lamp. 2 Press EASY  . The EASY lamp lights up in blue. E a s y Ha n d yc a m o p e r a t i on O N The message appears. 3 Start playing back. T ouch , then touch to start playback.[...]

  • Page 20

    20 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Recording LENS CO VER PHO TO POWER s witch REC ST ART/ ST OP  REC ST ART/ ST OP  1 Slide the PO WER switch in the direction of the arro w to turn on the CAMERA lamp. If the PO WER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it down while pressing the green b utton. 2 Start recording. Movies Press REC ST ART/ST OP  (or [...]

  • Page 21

    21 Recording/Playback DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Playback 1 Slide the PO WER switch in the direction of the arro w repeatedly to turn on the PLA Y/EDIT lamp. 2 Start playing back. T ouch , then touch to start playback. A B C  Stop  Play/P ause toggles as you touch it  Re wind/Fast forward • Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged [...]

  • Page 22

    22 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Functions used for recording/playback, etc. 1 3 5 6 7 2 4 8 9 0 qs qa qd Recording T o use zoom ......................  ,  Move the po wer zoom lever  slightly for a slower zoom. Mo ve it further for a faster zoom. Wide range of view: (W ide angle) Close view: (T elephoto) • Y ou can also use the zoom buttons [...]

  • Page 23

    23 Recording/Playback DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) • A mirror -image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded. T o use a tripod ........................  Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inches)) to the tripod receptacle  using a tripod screw . Play[...]

  • Page 24

    24 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording 1 2 3 4 5 6  Remaining battery (approx.)  Recording mode (  or  ) (45)  Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording))  Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)/T ape counter (hour: minute: second)/T ape photo recording (20)  Rec[...]

  • Page 25

    25 Recording/Playback DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) ( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded. Indicators when you made changes The following indicator is displayed if you change the setting during recording or playing. Upper left Upper right 0 : 00 : 0 0 S TB Y FN + E D I T 6 0 m in 6 0 m in / Bottom Center Upper lef[...]

  • Page 26

    26 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Searching for the starting point Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up. Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) [END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not work once you eject the cassette after you hav e recorded on the tape. T ouch  [P A GE1], then touc h [END SCH]. 0:00:00 S PO T F OC US F OC [...]

  • Page 27

    27 Recording/Playback DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) touch [EXEC]  . 5 T ouch . 0: 0 0 :0 0 ST BY 60 min ED I T F N The last few seconds of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby .[...]

  • Page 28

    28 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander . Insulation sheet 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  PHOT O* (p. 20) The image displayed on the screen when you press this button will be recorded as a still image.  SEARCH M.*    *  V ideo control buttons (Re wind, Playback, Fast-forward, [...]

  • Page 29

    29 Recording/Playback DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) Y ou can locate the point where the recording date changes. 1 Slide the PO WER switch down repeatedly to turn on the PLA Y/ EDIT lamp. 2 Press SEARCH M.  to select [D A TE SEARCH]. 3 Press  (previous)/  (ne xt)  to select a recording [...]

  • Page 30

    30 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Playing the picture on a TV Use any of the connection as sho wn in the following illustration. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied A C Adaptor for this operation (p. 11). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. 1 2 A/V OUT jack (Y ellow) (White) (Red) VCRs[...]

  • Page 31

    31 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Using the menu items Follo w the instructions below to use each of the items listed after this page. 1 Slide the PO WER switch down to turn on the respective lamp. [CAMERA] lamp: settings for recording on a tape [PLA Y/EDIT] lamp: settings for viewing/editing 2 T ouch the LCD screen to select the item. Una[...]

  • Page 32

    32 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Operation button items A vailable operation b uttons vary depending on the position of the lamp and the display (P AGE). The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. The av ailable functions during Easy Handycam operation are marked with *. See page 31 for d[...]

  • Page 33

    33 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) F ADER Y ou can add the following ef fects to currently recording pictures.  Select the desired ef fect.  Press REC ST AR T/STOP . The fader indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fade is complete. T o cancel the operation, touch [ OFF]. Fading out Fading in WHITE F ADER BLACK F ADER MOSAI[...]

  • Page 34

    34 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) OUTDOOR ( ) The white balance is set to be appropriate for shooting outdoors or under daylight fluorescent light. INDOOR (  ) The white balance is set to the brightness of warm white fluorescent lamps. ONE PUSH ( ) The white balance will be adjusted according to the ambient light.  T ouch [ONE PUSH].  Frame a [...]

  • Page 35

    35 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) [P AGE2] DA T A CODE* Displays information recorded automatically (data code) during recording.  OFF Data code is not displayed. DA TE/TIME Displays the date and time. CAM DA TA (below) Displays camera setting data. FN 0: 0 0: 0 0: 00 60 min A WB 10 0 9dB F1 . 8 A UT O 1 2 3 4 5 6  SteadyShot off [...]

  • Page 36

    36 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) • Y ou will not hear the recorded sound. Y ou may see mosaic-like images of the previously played picture. A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) See page 50. REC CTRL (Recording control) See page 50.[...]

  • Page 37

    37 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Using the Menu[...]

  • Page 38

    38 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Menu items Position of lamp: CAMERA PLAY/EDIT MANU AL SET menu (p. 40) PROGRAM AE  × P EFFECT   FLASH MODE  × FLASH L VL  × AUTO SHTR  × CAMERA SET menu (p. 42) D ZOOM  × WIDE SEL  × STEADYSHOT  × EDITSEARCH  × N.S.LIGHT  × VCR SET menu (p. 43) HiFi SOUND ×  AUDIO MIX ×  [...]

  • Page 39

    39 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) A vailable menu items (  ) v ary depending on the position of the lamp. * These functions are av ailable during Easy Handycam operation. Position of lamp: CAMERA PLAY/EDIT O THERS menu (p. 46) WORLD TIME   BEEP*   A.SHUT OFF   COMMANDER   DISP OUT   REC LAMP  ×[...]

  • Page 40

    40 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) MANUAL SET menu – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT , etc. The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 31 for details on selecting menu items. PROGRAM AE Y ou can record pictures effecti vely in various situations with the PR OGRAM AE function.  AUTO Select[...]

  • Page 41

    41 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast. PASTEL Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing. * MOSAIC Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * * A vailable during recording only . • Y ou cannot add effects to e xternally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited with picture effects[...]

  • Page 42

    42 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) CAMERA SET menu – D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT , etc. The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 31 for details on selecting menu items. D ZOOM (Digital zoom) Y ou can select the maximum zoom lev el in case you want to zoom to a le vel greater tha[...]

  • Page 43

    43 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) • The maximum shooting distance using [N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you record subjects in dark places, such as night scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT] to [OFF]. Y ou can make the image color deeper this way . VCR SET menu – HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX The default settings are marked with  .[...]

  • Page 44

    44 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) LCD/VF SET menu – LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc. The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 31 for details on selecting menu items. LCD B.L. (LCD back light) Y ou can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’ s backlight.  BRT NORMAL Stand[...]

  • Page 45

    45 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) T APE SET menu – REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 31 for details on selecting menu items. REC MODE (Recording mode)  SP (  ) Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. LP ( [...]

  • Page 46

    46 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) OTHERS menu – WORLD TIME/BEEP , etc. The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 31 for details on selecting menu items. WORLD TIME When using your camcorder abroad, you can set the time difference by touching / , the clock will be adjusted in ac[...]

  • Page 47

    47 Using the Menu DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) • The setting returns to [ON] when you ha ve the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. DISP OUT (Display output)  LCD Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder . V-OUT/LCD Shows displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD sc[...]

  • Page 48

    48 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Connecting to a VCR or TV Use any of the connection as sho wn in the following illustration. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied A C Adaptor for this operation (p. 11). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.[...]

  • Page 49

    49 Dubbing/Editing DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Dubbing to other recording devices Y ou can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs). 1 Connect y our VCR to your camcorder as a recor ding device. See page 48 for details of connecting. • When using an A/V connecting cable, connect to the input jack of th[...]

  • Page 50

    50 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Recording pictures from a VCR Y ou can record pictures from a VCR on a tape. Insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand. 1 Connect y our VCR to your camcorder . Use an i.LINK cable to connect. See page 48 for details of connecting. • The indicator appears when you connect your camcorder and other devi[...]

  • Page 51

    51 Dubbing/Editing DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) 3 T ouch  [P A GE3]  [A DUB CTRL]  [A UDIO DUB].  appears RET. 0:00:00:00 60m in A UDIO DU B 0:00:00:00 60m in A DU B CT RL 4 T ouch (play) and start playing bac k the audio you want to record at the same time. appears while recording the new sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of the [...]

  • Page 52

    52 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Jacks to connect external devices Camcorder 4 5 1 3 2 Bottom 6  Accessory shoe • Remo ve the shoe cov er when you use an accessory . • The accessory shoe has a safety de vice for fixing the installed accessory securely . T o connect an accessory , press down and push it to the end, and then tighten the screw . T [...]

  • Page 53

    53 Using a Computer DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer When you install the Picture Package software on a W indows computer from the supplied CD-R OM, you can enjoy the following operations by connecting your camcorder to your computer . • Softw are and features av ailable for Macintosh comput[...]

  • Page 54

    54 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) About “First Step Guide” “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer . This “First Step Guide” describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software stored on the CD- R OM [...]

  • Page 55

    55 Using a Computer DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Display: Minimum 1 024 × 768 dots, 32 000 colors (This product will not operate correctly at less than 1 024 × 768 dots or 256 colors.) Application: QuickT ime 4 or later (QuickT ime 5 recommended) Other: Disc driv e • When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you can[...]

  • Page 56

    56 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) * Dri ve names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer . 4 Click [Install]. Depending on the OS on the computer , a message appears notifying you that “First Step Guide” cannot be installed automatically with the InstallShield W izard. In such a case, manually copy “First Step Guide” to your computer ac[...]

  • Page 57

    57 Using a Computer DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) 11 Click [Next] to install the “First Step Guide. ” 12 Click [Next], then follow the on-screen instructions to install ImageMixer VCD2. 13 If the [Installing Microsoft (R) DirectX(R)] screen is displayed, follo w the steps below to install DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step 14.  Read [License Agre[...]

  • Page 58

    58 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) 1 Confirm that y our camcorder is not connected to the computer . 2 T urn on the computer . Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software. 3 Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer . 4 Double-c lick CD-R OM icon. 5 Copy [Fir stStepGuide.pdf], stored in the desired language in [...]

  • Page 59

    59 Using a Computer DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Viewing “First Step Guide” Displaying “First Step Guide” Starting up on a Windows computer V iewing with Microsoft Internet Explorer V er .6.0 or later is recommended. Double-click the icon on the desktop. Y ou can also start by selecting [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for W indows XP), [Pic[...]

  • Page 60

    60 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) Y ou can create D VDs when you connect your camcorder to a Sony V AIO series computer* that supports “Click to D VD” via an i.LINK cable (optional). The picture is automatically copied and written to a D VD. The following procedures describe ho w to create a D VD f[...]

  • Page 61

    61 Using a Computer DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) to create a D VD. 3 Insert a recorded cassette into your camcor der. 4 Connect y our camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable (optional) (p. 52, 60). • When you connect your camcorder to a computer , make sure you insert the connector in the correct direction. If you insert the connector forcibly , [...]

  • Page 62

    62 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) D VD Automatic Mode Launcher” for details. – When there is a blank portion of 10 seconds or longer on the tape. – When the data of the tape contains a date before the recording date of the later images. – When normal and wide size pictures are recorded on the same tape. • Y ou cannot operate your camcorder in t[...]

  • Page 63

    63 T roubleshooting DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) T roubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder , use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, remove the po wer source and contact your Sony dealer . Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on. • The battery pack is discharged, runni[...]

  • Page 64

    64 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 10). • No power is supplied from the w all outlet. (p. 10). • The battery charge is completed (p. 10). The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being c harged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly . If the problem persists, d[...]

  • Page 65

    65 T roubleshooting DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) An unknown indicator appears on the screen. • Refer to the indicator list (p. 74). The picture remains on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you disconnect the A C Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery pack without turning off the po wer first. This is not a malfunction. The buttons do no[...]

  • Page 66

    66 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Recording Refer also to “ Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 66). The tape does not start when you press REC ST ART/ST OP . • Slide the PO WER switch down to turn on the CAMERA lamp (p. 18, 20). • The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a ne w cassette. • Set the write-protect tab to REC or in[...]

  • Page 67

    67 T roubleshooting DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) [STEAD YSHO T] does not function. • Set [STEAD YSHOT] to [ON] (p. 42). The BA CK LIGHT function does not function. • The B ACK LIGHT function is canceled when you set [EXPOSURE] to [MANU AL] (p. 33) or select [SPO T METER] (p. 32). • The B ACK LIGHT function does not w ork during Easy Handycam oper[...]

  • Page 68

    68 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) No sound or only a low sound is hear d. • Set [HiFi SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 43). • T urn up the volume (p. 21). • Adjust [A UDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 51). • When you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting [...]

  • Page 69

    69[...]

  • Page 70

    70 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Connecting to a computer The computer does not recognize your camcor der . • Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder , then connect it again securely . • Disconnect USB devices other than the k eyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer . • Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcor[...]

  • Page 71

    71 T roubleshooting DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) – [USB Device] in the [Other de vices] folder – [USB Composite Device] in the [Uni versal Serial Bus Controller] folder 5 When the [Confirm De vice Removal] screen appears, click [OK]. 6 T urn off the power of your camcorder , disconnect the USB cable, then restart the computer . 7 Place the supplie[...]

  • Page 72

    72 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1)  For Windows XP Log on as Administrator . 1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer . 2 Click [Start]. 3 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. The [System Properties] screen appears. 4 Click and choose the [Hardware] tab  [De vice Manager]  [V iew]  [Devices by type]. 5 If the de vi[...]

  • Page 73

    73 T roubleshooting DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) 2 Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video quality]. 3 Follo w the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done]. Picture Pac kage does not function correctly . • Close Picture Package, then restart the computer . An error message appear s while operating Picture Pac kage. • [...]

  • Page 74

    74 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) W arning indicators and messages Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder , check the following. Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If the problem persists ev en after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony ser[...]

  • Page 75

    75 T roubleshooting DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) * Y ou hear a melody when the warning indicators appear on the screen (p. 46). Description of warning messages If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions.  Battery Use the “ InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 79) Battery level is low . • Change the battery (p. 10, 79) Old battery . Us[...]

  • Page 76

    76 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) • Y ou cannot start the Easy Handycam settings while the USB cable is connected. Disconnect the USB cable from your camcorder first. USB in valid during Easy Handycam • Y ou cannot connect the USB cable during Easy Handycam. T ouch . HD V recorded tape. Cannot playbac k. • Y our camcorder cannot play back this for[...]

  • Page 77

    77 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Using your camcorder abroad Power supply Y ou can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the A C Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the A C 100 V to 240 V , 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially av ailable AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary , depending on the design of the wall outl[...]

  • Page 78

    78 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Usable cassette tapes Y ou can use mini D V format cassettes only . Use a cassette with the mark. is a trademark. Y our camcorder is not compatible with cassettes with Cassette Memory . T o prevent a blank section from being made on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p. 26) before you begin [...]

  • Page 79

    79 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack This unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series). Y our camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs hav e the mark. What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? An “InfoLIT[...]

  • Page 80

    80 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) About battery life • The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and more, and as time passes. When the av ailable battery time is shortened considerably , a probable cause is that the battery pack has reached the end of its life. Please buy a ne w battery pack. • The batte[...]

  • Page 81

    81 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some devices. The maximum baud rate for a device that does not hav e any indication (such as this unit) is “S100. ” The baud rate may d[...]

  • Page 82

    82 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) battery out of children's reach. If the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor immediately . • If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked, – consult your local authorized Sony service facility . – wash off an y liquid that may have contacted your skin – if any liquid gets in your eyes, w ash [...]

  • Page 83

    83 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) LCD screen • Do not exert e xcessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. • If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. • While using your camcorder, the back of the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a m[...]

  • Page 84

    84 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) be affected as long as you are not recording the date.  Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using the supplied A C Adaptor , and leave it with the PO WER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more than 24 hours. T o change the battery of the Remote Commander  While pressing on the tab, inset your fingernail i[...]

  • Page 85

    85 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Attaching the Shoulder Strap Y ou can attach the Shoulder Strap to the hook for the Shoulder Strap.[...]

  • Page 86

    86 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Input/Output connectors Audio/V ideo output 10-pin connector V ideo signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance more than 47 k Ω (kilohms)), Output impedance with less th[...]

  • Page 87

    87 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) Index A A/V connecting cable .................................. 30, 48, 52 Accessory shoe ..................... 52 A C Adaptor ............................ 9 A UDIO MIX ........................ 50 A UDIO MODE .................... 45 A UTO SHTR (Auto shutter) ....................... 41 A DUB CTRL (A[...]

  • Page 88

    88 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) LCD BR T (LCD bright) ....... 34 LCD COLOR ....................... 44 LCD panel ............................ 14 LCD B.L. (LCD back light) ........... 44 LCD BR T (LCD bright) ...................................... 34 LCD COLOR ................ 44 LCD screen .......................... 15 LCD screen back light ... 14, 34 L[...]

  • Page 89

    89 Additional Information DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) SPO TLIGHT ........................ 40 SPO T FOCUS ................ 32, 69 SPO T METER (Flexible spot meter) ...... 32, 69 Starting point ........................ 26 STEAD YSHOT .............. 42, 67 STEREO .............................. 43 Strap Belt ............................. 84 Sub sound ....[...]

  • Page 90

    90 DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1) On trademarks • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • is a trademark. • Microsoft, Windo ws, and Windo ws Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the U.[...]

  • Page 91

    DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1)[...]

  • Page 92

    Printed in Japan Printed on 100% recycled paper using V OC (V olatile Organic Compound)-free vegetab le oil based ink. DCR-HC21 2-584-905-11(1)[...]