Sony Digital Handycam DCR-TRV8 User manual

Digital
Video Camera
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughK ,
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
vvhenex’er you call upon your Sonv dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DCR-TRV_ Model No, AC-_
Serial No. _____ Serial No. -
DCR-TRV10
ioDi©D Handycam
(|3 InfoLITHIUM o
^ III Cassette ■
VI I Memory R
MemdryStick
DCR-TRV8/TRV10
©1999 by Sony Corporation

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 soimd quality. Your Digital
Handycam is loaded with advatKed features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be
producing home video that you can er^y for years to come.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
I not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
00 NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS B4SI0E.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
This syn^l is intended to alert
A the user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure
diat may be of sufhcient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
A This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
/ ■ \ important operating and
/ ■ \ maintenance (servicing)
/ ^ \ instructions in the literature
* accompanying the appliance.
Never expose the battery pack to temperatures
above 140**F (60**C) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct suiUight.
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries
to your nearest Scmy Service Center or Factory
Service Center.
Note: In some areas die disposal of lithium ion
batteries in household or business trash may
be prohibited.
For die Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800'222-SONY (United States only)
For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium
km battery.
For customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
For customers in the U.S.A.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
Declaration of Cordormity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-TRV8, DCR-TRVIO
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge,
NJ, 07656 USA
Telephone No.: 201-930.6970
This device complies with PartlS of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditiotrs.: (l)This device may not cause
hamdul interference, and (2)this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are desired
to provide reasoiuble protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance wift the ii^tnictions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Memory Stick
For customers in CANADA
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICESW3.
For customers in the U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Table of contents
Quick Start Guide.4
Getting started
Using this manual.6
Checking supplied accessories.8
Step 1 Preparing the power supply.9
Installing the battery pack.9
Charging the battery pack.10
Connecting to a wall outlet.13
St^ 2 Inserting a cassette.14
Recording - Basics
Recording a picture.15
Shooting backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT)... 21
Shooting in the dark (NightShot).21
Checking the recording - END SEARCH
/ EDITSEARCH / Rec Review .... 24
Playback - Basics
Playing back a tape.25
Viewing the recording on TV.28
Advanced Recording Operations
Photo recording.30
Using the wide mode.32
Using the fader function.33 '
Using special effects - Picture effect.. 36
Using special effects - Digital effect... 38
Adjusting the white balance manually... 41
Using the PROGRAM AE function.... 42
Adjusting the exposure manually.44
Focusing manually.45
Advanced Playback Operations
Playing back a tape with picture effects... 46
Playing back a tape with digital effects'... 47
Quickly locating a scene using the zero
set memory function.48
Searching a recording by date - Date search .. 49
Searching the boundaries of recorded
tape by title - Title search.51
Searching for a photo - Photo search/
Photo sccin.52
Editing
Dubbing a tape.54
Editing partially on a DV t^ - DV
synchro-editing (DCR-TRVIO only).. 56
Recording video or TV programs.58
Inserting a scene from a VCR.59
• Audio dubbing.61
Superimposing a title.65
Making your own titles.68
Labeling a cassette.70
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the MENU settings.72
Resetting the date and time.78
Memory Stick operations
(DCR-TRVIO only)
Using a Memory Stick-introduction.. 79
Recording still images on Memory Sticks
- Memory photo recording.85
Recording an image from a mini DV
tape as a still image.89
Copying still images from a mini DV
tape - Photo save.91
Viewing a still picture - Memory photo
playback.93
Superimposing a still picture in a Memory Stick
on a moving picture - M. CHROM/
M.LUMI/C.CHROM.97
Preventing accidental erasure
- Image protection.100
Writing a print mark - PRINT MARK ... 101
Deleting images.102
Copying the image recorded on Memory
Sticks to mini DV tapes.105
Playing back images in a continuous
loop - SLIDE SHOW.107
Additional Information
Usable cassettes.109
Troubleshooting.Ill
Self-diagnosis display.116
Warning indicators and messages.... 117
Using your camcorder abroad.119
Maintenance information and
precautions.120
Spe^cations.124
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls .... 125
Quick Function Guide.135
Index.Back cover
• Windows is registered trademarks licensed to
Microsoft Corporation, registered in tite U.S.A. and
other countries.
• All other product names mentioned herein may be
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Furthermore, " ™ " and "®" are not mentioned in each
case in this manual.

Quick Start Guide
Use the battery pack when using-your camcorder outdoors (p. 9).
Open the DC IN
jack cover.
Connect the plug with
its A mark facing up.
AC power adaptor (supplied)

Recording a picture (p. is)
Remove the lens cap.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing
the small green button.The pictiue appears on the
LCD screen.
o Slide OPEN in the
direction of the ►
mark. Then, open the
LCD panel.
lil
Press START/STOP. Your camcorder
starts recording. To stop recording, press
START/STOP again.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is closed, use the
viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 25)
Set the POWER switch to VTR
while pressing . _
the small green JfT r
button.
© Press to rewind the tape.
REW0
i
© Press ► to start playback.
PLAY

Getting started —
Ising this manual
The instnictions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before
you start reading this manual and op>erating your camcorder, check the model number
by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The E)CR-TRV10 is the model used for
illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model i\ame is indicated in the illustrations. Any
differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, "DCR-TRVIO
only."
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
VN^en you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the
operation is being carried out.
Types of differences
DCR-
TRV8 TRVIO
DV synchro-editing
—
•
MEMORY mark*
(on the POWER switch)
—
•
# Provided
— Not provided
* The model with MEMORY marked on the POWER switch is provided with memory
functions. See page 79 for details.
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend you to use a tape with cassette memory Cl'l-
The functions which depend on whether the tape has the cassette memory or not are:
• End search (p. 24,27)
• Searching a recording by date - date search (p. 49)
• Photo search (p. 52).
The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:
• Searching the boimdaries of recorded tape by title - title search (p. 51)
• Superimposing a title (p. 65)
• Making your own titles (p. 68)
• Labeling a cassette (p. 70).
For details, see page 109.
9 You see this mark in the introduction of the features that operate orUy with
cassette memory.
Tapes with cassette memory are marked by Cl'l (Cassette Memory).

Using this manuai
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you
tveed an NTSC system-based TV.
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the
copyright laws.
• The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using high-
precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black spots and/or
bright spots (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD
screen and/or in the color viewfinder. These spots occur normally in the
manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way.
Effective number of pixels is 99.99% or more.
• Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
• Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a
car parked in the sim or xmder direct sunlight [b],
• Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward
the sun. The inside of the viewfinder or LCD screen may be damaged [c].
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
7
Getting
started

Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the folloWmg accessories ate supplied with your camcorder.
RMT-811 RMT-808
a
m
m
m
M
[l] Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 132)
RMT-«11: IXR-TRVIO
RMT-808; DCR-TRV8
m AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor
(1), Power cord (1) (p. 10)
[3] NP-FM50 battery pack (1) (p. 9,10)
[2 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 132).
[1] Serial port adaptor for Memory Stick
(1), PC serial cable (1), AC power
adaptor for Serial port adaptor (1)
(p.96)
DCR-TRVlOonly
[2 Memory Stick (1) (p. 79)
DCR-TRVlOonly
[Jl AfV connecting cable (1) (p. 28,54)
[8] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 129)
[9] Lens cap (1) (p. 15)
Application software; PictureGear
3.2Ute (CD ROM) (1) (p. 96)
IXR-TRVlOonly

step 1 Preparing the power supply
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
( 1 ) Lift up the viewfinder.
( 2 ) Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.
To remove the battery pack
Lift up the viewfinder.
Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing
I
down.
After installing the battery pack
Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack
may slide off your camcorder uiuntentionally, damaging your camcorder.
|f you use the large capacity battery pack
If you install the NP-FM70/I^90 battery pack on your camcorder, extend its
viewfinder. Take care not to pinch your finger when lifting the viewfinder up and
down.

step 1 Preparing the power supply
I
Use the battery pack after chargmg it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (M series).
"InfoUTHIUM" is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
»- ( 1 ) Open the DC jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with
your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug's A mark facing up.
( 2 ) Connect d\e power cord to the AC power adaptor.
( 3 ) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
( 4 ) Set the POWER switch to OFF. Charging begins. The remaining battery time is
indicated in minutes on the_display window.
When the remaining battery indicator changes to SH, normal charge is completed. To
fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about 1 hour
after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Fully
charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.
10

step 1 Preparing the power supply
Note
Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of
the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.
Remaining battery time indicator
The renraining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the
recording time.
Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time
"-min" appears in the display window.
While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in
the display window in the following cases
- The battery pack is not installed correctly.
- The AC power adaptor is disconnected.
-Something is wrong with the battery pack.
Charging time
Battery pack _
NP-FM50 (supplied)
NP-FM70 _
NP-FM90
Full charge (Normal charge)
_ 150(90) _
_ 240 (180) _
_330 (270)
Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack
Recording time
DCR-TRV8 _
Battery pack
NF-FM50 (supplied)
NP-FM70 _
NP-FM90 _
DCR-TRV10 _
Battery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied)
NP-FM70 _
NP-FM90
Recording with
_ the viewfinder _
Continuous* Typical**
170 (155) _ 90(80)
355 (320) 190 (170)
540(485) ■ ' 290(260)
T Recording with
_ the viewfinder
Continuous* Typical**
170 (155) 90 (8^
355 (320) _ 190 (170)
540(485) _290 (260)
Recording with
_ the LCD screen _
Continuous* Typical**
135 (120) 70 (60)~
285 (255) 150 (135)
435 (390) 230 (210)
Recording with
_ the LCD screen
Continuous* Typical**
130(115) 70(66r~
270(245) 145(130)
410(370) 220(195)
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses "( )" indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
* Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C). The battery life will be
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
** Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/
stop, zooming and tunring the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

Preparing the power supply
Playing time
DCR-TRV8
Battery pack
Playing time
on LCD screen
Playing time
with LCD closed
NP-FM50 (supplied) 140 (125)
180 (160)
NP-FM70 295 (265)
370(330)
NP-FM90 450(400)
560(505)
DCR-TRV10
Battery pack
Playing time
on LCD screen
Playing time
with LCD closed
NP-FM50 (supplied) 135 (120)
180 (160)
NP-FM70
275(250)
370(330)
NP-FM90
425 (380)
560(505)
Approximate number of nainutes when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses "( )" indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
After charging the battery pack
Discoimect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Note on the remaining battery time indicator during recording
The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are
recording. When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for
the correct remaming battery time to be display^.
What is "InfoUTHIUM”?
The "InfoLITHIUM" is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as
battery consumption with compatible video equipment. This unit is compatible with the
"InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with the
"InfoLITHIUM" battery. "InfoLITHIUM" M series battery packs have the CD ‘"W'twoii JJJ
meuk.
"InfoLITHIUM" is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

step 1 Preparing the power supply
When you use your camcorder for a loixg time, we recommend that you power it from a
wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, pulling the cover out a little and rotating it,
Coimect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the
plug's ▲ mark facing up.
( 2 ) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
WARNING
The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Notes
• The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your
camcorder.
• The DC IN jack has "source priority". This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power a>rd is connect^ to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
• Keep the AC power adaptor away from your camcorder if the picture is disturbed.
Using a car battery
Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).
13
Getting
started

step 2 Inserting a cassette
( 1 ) Slide di OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The
cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.
( 2 ) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert.
Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with
the window facing out.
( 3 ) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the fpu^ mark on the cassette
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
( 4 ) After the cassette compartment going down completely, close the lid until it
clicks.
To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above and in step 2, take out the cassette.
Notes
• Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.
• The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other
than the IpushI mark.
When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory
Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 109).
To prevent misoperation of your camcorder
Set the POWER switch to OFF when you insert and eject a cassette.
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

Recording - Basics —
ecording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
( 1 ) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attatch 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. 9 to p. 14).
( 3 ) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. *
Your Ccuncorder is set to the standby mode. jf
( 4 ) Slide OPEN in the direction of the ► mark. Thett, open the LCD panel. The
viewfinder automatically turns off. 5'
(5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts rerording. The "REC" indicator ”
appears. The caniera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder S
lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. C

Recording a picture
Note --
Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.
Note on Recording mode
Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP
(long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the MENU settings. In the LP mode, you can record
1.5 times as long as in the SP mode.
When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the
tape on your camcorder.
Note on the lock (DCR-TRV10 only)
When you slide the lock to the right, the POWER switch can no longer be set to
MEMORY accidentally. The lock is set to the left before your camcorder leaves the
factory.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you change the
battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF. When you use a tape with cassette
memory, however, you can make the transition smooth even after ejecting the cassette if
you use the END SEARCH function (p. 24).
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette
is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF and
to CAMERA again. '
When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record some scenes
in the LP mode
The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes.

tecording a picture
To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press either of the two buttons on LCD
BRIGHT.
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to
the letts side.
If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the O indicator appears
in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen (Mirror mode).
When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically until it clicks, and swing it into the
camcorder body.
Note
When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically
turns off.
When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct suniight
The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the
viewfinder.
LCD screen backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the MENU settings.
Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight or brightness of the LCD screen
The recorded picture will not be affected.
Picture in the mirror mode
The picture on the LCD is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal when
recorded. .
During recording in the mirror mode
ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work.
Indicators in the mirror mode
The STBY indicator appears as and REC as •. Some of the other indicators appear
mlrror-revdrsed and others are not displayed.
( 1 ) Set the POWER switch to OFF.
( 2 ) Close the LCD panel.
( 3 ) Eject the cassette.

Recording a picture
-i"n*<fii!!'r;--'
If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the pichire with the viewfindei
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.

Recording a picture
Ml-' t • Ir‘--i
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.
"T" side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
"W" side; for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zoom greater than lOx is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to ON in the MENU
settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF at the factory, (p. 72)
The right side of the bar shows
the digital zooming zone.
The digital zooitung zone appears
when you set D ZOOM to ON.
When you shoot close to a subject
If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the "W" side until die
focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 feet 5/8 inch (about 80 cm)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 /2 inch (about 1 cm)
away in the wide-angle position.
Notes on digital zoom
• Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds lOx.
• The picture quality deteriorates as you go towjird the "T" side. Set D ZOOM to OFF in
the MENU settings. Otherwise the digital zoom activates without notice (p.^2).
19
Recording
-
Basics

Recording a picture
A: Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it
again (factory setting).
ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ±.;
Your camcorder records only while you press START/STOP. Use this mode to
avoid recording unnecessary scenes.
5SEC: When you press use this mode to START/STOP, your camcorder records for 5
seconds and then stops automatically.
u
£ 1 -
5SEC
START/STOP
MODE
ANTI GROUND
SHOOTING
Notes
• You cannot use the fader function in the 5SEC or J,. mode.
• The time code does not appear in the 5SEC mode.
To extend the recording time in the 5SEC mode
Five dots appear, and then disappear at a rate of one per second. To extend
the recording time, press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording
continues for about 5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP.
The indicators are not recorded on tape.
' Cassette memory indicator
This apf>ears when using a tape with cassette memory.
— Recording mode indicator
STBY/REC indicator
Time code/Tape counter
g IRECI
45mril
Remaining tape indicator
This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play
back for a while.
■ Remaining battery time indicator
Time code
The time code indicates the recording or playback time, "0:00:00" (hours : minutes :
seconds) in CAMERA mode and "0:00:00:00" (hours : minutes: seconds : frames) in
VTR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.
Your camcorder uses the drop frame mode.
Remaining tape indicator
The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.