Sony CCD-TR78 Operation Manual (primary manual) manual

CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E V ideo Camera Recorder h CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98  1996 by Sony Corporation 3-810-917- 13 (1) Model No. CCD- Serial No. CCD-TR98 Model No. AC- Serial No. Operation Manual Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are[...]

2 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Welcome to video h 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 ho[...]

3 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Before You Begin Using This Manual 4 Checking Supplied Accessories 5 Getting Started Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 6 Inserting a Cassette 9 Basic Operations Camera Recording 10 Using the Zoom Feature 13 Hints for Better Shooting 14 Checking the Recorded Picture 15 Connections for Playback 16 Playing Ba[...]

4 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR98 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrati[...]

5 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Checking Supplied Accessories 1 2 3 45 67 8 1 NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6) 2 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 16) 3 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 51) 4 AC-V15/V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1) (p. 6, 19) 5 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 31) Already installed in the camcorder. 6 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 17, 51) 7 Size [...]

6 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E POWER CHARGE Getting Started Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 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. Charging the Battery Pack Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration. (1) Connect [...]

7 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Battery Life Recording time with the built-in light on is indicated in parentheses. CCD-TR78 Charging and Installing the Battery Pack CCD-TR98 * Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter. ** Approximate co[...]

8 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Installing the Battery Pack (1) Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface. (2) Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly. To Remove the Battery Pack Slide BATT, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack. Charging and Installing the Battery Pack[...]

9 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Inserting a Cassette 1 2 3 To Eject the Cassette While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. To Prevent Accidental Erasure Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed and close the cassette compartment, the beeps s[...]

10 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Basic Operations Camera Recording Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time (p. 33) before you start recording. When you reset the date and time, the date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds a[...]

11 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Note on Standby mode If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the camcorder goes off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. To start recording, press STA[...]

12 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Note on recording When you record from the beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before actual recording. This prevents the camcorder from missing any start-up scenes when you play back the tape. Notes on recording mode • This camcorder records and plays back in SP (standard play) mode and i[...]

13 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E 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 sparingly. T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zooming Speed Turn the power zo[...]

14 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions: [a] [b] • 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. • Place your l[...]

15 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.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, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the Р( Π) side momentarily, the last few seconds of the recorded porti[...]

16 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Connections for Playback You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. It is recommended to use the house current as the power source (p. 19). If a VCR is connected to a TV Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to LINE IN on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cab[...]

17 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Playing Back a T ape Connections for Playback/Playing Back a Tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor on the TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to the TV/VCR (p. 16). You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. (1) While pressing the small green b[...]

18 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E 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 during fastforward or rewind (Skip [...]

19 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Advanced Operations Using Alternative Power Sources You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack (p.6), 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. Place Indoors Outdoor [...]

20 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E WARNING AC power cord must only be changed at qualified service shop. PRECAUTIONS The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off. Notes on the POWER lamp • The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if [...]

21 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Before you start recording or during recording, press DATE(+) or TIME(NEXT). You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder with the picture. You cannot record the date and time at the same time. Except for the date or time indicator, no indicator in the viewfinder is recorded. The clock is set to E[...]

22 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E To Turn On the Built-in Light Automatically Slide LIGHT to AUTO. The built-in light automatically turns on and off according to the ambient brightness. However, if the built-in light turns on for more than about 5 minutes, it automatically turns off. In this case, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. Not[...]

23 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Replacing the Bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (not supplied). Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) While pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire, remove the unit. (2) Turn the bulb housing counterclockwise and detach from the built-in light unit. (3) Replace the bulb us[...]

24 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E You can select from three PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation. When you use PROGRAM AE, you can capture high-speed action or night views. Selecting the Best Mode Select the best mode by using the following examples. Using the PROGRAM AE Function å Sports mode • Outdoor sports scen[...]

25 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears inside the viewfinder. [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation. After Shooting Press B[...]

26 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Selecting the ST AR T/STOP Mode Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mod[...]

27 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E You can select from nine preset titles to superimpose it on the picture during recording. Each time you press TITLE, the preset titles appear one by one. To Superimpose from the Beginning (1) Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears. The ti[...]

28 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E — CCD-TR88/TR98 only You can use the Steady Shot to compensate for camera-shake. Do not use the Steady Shot when shooting a stationary object with a tripod. Using the STEADY SHOT Function Slide STEADY SHOT to ON. To Release the Steady Shot Slide STEADY SHOT to OFF. Notes on the Steady Shot • The Steady Shot [...]

29 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E You can change the mode settings to further enjoy the features and functions. (1) Slide the cover to the left. You will find the mode switches. (2) Set the mode switches to the desired mode. (3) Close the cover. Changing the Mode Settings Selecting the Mode Setting of Each Item ZOOM <x24/x12> • Set to x2[...]

30 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E 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. After connecting the camcorder to the VCR, (1) Slide the POWER switch to PLAYER. (2) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record ov[...]

31 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Additional Information Changing the Lithium Batter y 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 [...]

32 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Changing the Lithium Battery When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date and time. (1) Slide the cover and align the mark of the cover to that of the body. Press down the cover. (2) Push the battery in once and pull it out f[...]

33 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Reset the date and time using the DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT) buttons. (1) Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT) simultaneously until the year indicator flashes in the viewfinder. (4) Set year, month, day, time, minute by pressing DATE(+) and TIME(NEXT). Note that whe[...]

34 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E The playback mode is selected automatically according to the recording system (SP/LP mode) in which the tape was recorded. Note on AFM HiFi stereo When you play back a tape, the sound will be in monaural if: • You record the tape using this camcorder, then play it back on an AFM HiFi monaural video recoeder/pl[...]

35 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Tips for Using the Battery Pack Playback Modes/Tips for Using the Battery Pack When the remaining battery indicator reaches the lowest point, the i indicator appears and starts flashing in the viewfinder. When the i indicator in the viewfinder disappears and the battery lamp flashes rapidly, turn the POWER switc[...]

36 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Tips for Using the Battery Pack Notes on Charging A Brand-new Battery A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it completely. After Long Storage Recharge the battery pack after a long period of storage. If the battery pack is charged fully but not used for a long time (about[...]

37 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Tips for Using the Battery Pack Notes on the Battery Case • Use only with alkaline batteries. You cannot use the battery case with manganese batteries or size AA rechargeable NiCd batteries. • Battery life is remarkably shorter in a cold environment (lower than 50°F/10°C). • Keep the metal part clean. If[...]

38 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Maintenance Information and Precautions Moisture Condensation If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the 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 the unit may not o[...]

39 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Maintenance Information and Precautions [a] [b] Video Head Cleaning To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads. When v appears in the viewfinder in CAMERA mode or playback pictures are “noisy” or hardly visible, the video heads may be contaminated. [a] Slightly contaminated [b] Crit[...]

40 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Maintenance Information and Precautions Removing Dust from inside the Viewfinder — CCD-TR78/TR88 only (1) Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). Then, while sliding the RELEASE knob, turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and pull it out. (2) Clean the surface with a commercially available [...]

41 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Precautions Camcorder Operation • Operate the camcorder using 6.0 V (battery pack), or 7.5 V (AC power adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use only the recommended accessories. • Should any solid object or liquid fall into the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by your nearest Sony dealer bef[...]

42 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Each country has its own electricity and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points: Power Sources You can use your camcorder in any country with the supplied AC power adaptor within 110 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a] , if necessary[...]

43 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E 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 Cause and/or Corrective Actions • The battery pack is [...]

44 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions • You pressed DATE and TIME together for more than 2 seconds. m The camcorder is not malfunctioning. You may start recording.Flashing will stop soon. m Reset the date and time. (p.33) • START/STOP MODE is set to or 5 SEC. m Set it to . (p.26) • LIGHT is set to AUTO. [...]

45 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E AC Power Adaptor When the CHARGE Lamp Flashes Check through the following chart. ∗ If you use a battery pack which you have just bought or which has been left unused for a long time, the CHARGE lamp may flash at the first charging. This does not indicate a problem. Repeat again to charge with the same battery [...]

46 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Specifications Input and Output connectors Video output Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω , unbalanced Audio output Phono jack, 327 mV, (at load impedance 47 k Ω ), impedance less than 2.2 k Ω RFU DC OUT Special minijack, DC 5 V LANC jack Stereo-mini-mini-jack (ø 2.5 mm) MIC jack Stereo minijack 0.388 mV, low impe[...]

47 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Specifications AC power adaptor Power requirements 110 – 240 V AC, 50/60Hz Power consumption AC-V15 : 18W AC-V16: 20 W AC-V16A: 22 W Output voltage DC OUT in operation mode AC-V15 : 7.5V, 1.6A AC-V16/V16A: 7.5 V, 1.8 A Battery charge terminal 10 V, 1.1 A in charge mode Applicable battery Sony battery pack Ni-C[...]

48 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Identifying the Parts 1 POWER switch (p. 10, 17) 2 TIME(NEXT) button (p. 21, 33) 3 DATE(+) button (p. 21, 33) 4 COUNTER RESET button (p. 12) 5 TITLE button (p. 27) 6 STEADY SHOT mode switch (p. 28) CCD-TR88/TR98 only 7 Eyecup (p. 14) 8 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 11) CCD-TR98 only 9 Battery mounting sur[...]

49 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E !£ Power zoom lever (p. 13) !¢ EJECT knob (p. 9) !∞ Viewfinder adjustment ring (p. 11) CCD-TR78/TR88 only !§ Eyecup release knob (p. 40) CCD-TR78/TR88 only !¶ Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 51) !• START/STOP button (p. 10) !ª STANDBY switch (p. 10) @º Grip strap (p. 14) Identifying the Parts CCD-TR88 @¡[...]

50 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E @ª Tape transport buttons (p. 17, 18) p STOP 0 REW (rewind) ( PLAY (playback) ) FF (fast forward) P PAUSE These buttons will function in PLAYER mode. #º EDITSEARCH button (p. 15) #¡ Built-in light (p. 22) #™ Lens cover #£ Built-in microphone #¢ Remote sensor (p. 53) #∞ Camera recording/battery lamp Iden[...]

51 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap ( !¶ on page 49). 3 12 Identifying the Parts Remote Commander The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander and on the camcorder function identically. 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to[...]

52 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Identifying the Parts Preparing the Remote Commander To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the supplied size AA (R6) batteries. (1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity. (3) Put the battery c[...]

53 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Remote Control Direction Aim the Remote Commander to the remote sensor within the range as shown below. 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[...]

54 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Operation Indicators The indicators appear in CAMERA mode only. 1 Power zoom indicator (p. 13) 2 Backlight indicator (p. 25) 3 Warning indicator (p. 55) 4 Lithium battery indicator (p. 31) 5 Recording lamp/battery lamp (p. 10) 6 Recording in LP mode (p. 10) Identifying the Parts 7 Tape transport mode (p. 10) 8 T[...]

55 CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E W arning Indicators 12 3 45 6 78 9 All indicators appear only when you use the camcorder in CAMERA mode. If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the camcorder flashes, check the following: ≥ : You can hear the beep sound when BEEP is set to ON (p. 29). 1 Battery Remaining Slow flashing: The[...]

CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98 3-810-917-13.E Sony Corporation Printed in Japan A Adjusting viewfinder ........... 11 AFM HiFi stereo .................... 34 AUTO DATE .......................... 10 B BACK LIGHT ......................... 25 Battery pack ............................. 6 BEEP .................................. 12, 29 Built-in light ...............[...]