Sony Handycam CCD-TR57 User manual

1
3-861-898-14 (1)
Video Camera
Recorder
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 you
call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
©1998 by Sony Corporation
CCD-TR940/TR917
CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97
CCD-TR940/TR917
Model No. CCD-TR Model No. AC-L
Serial No. Serial No.

2
Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony HandycamRcamcorder. 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 come.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
For the 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.
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 designed
to provide reasonable 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 with the instructions, 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.
For the customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries
to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion
batteries in household or business trash may
be prohibited.
For the 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
ion battery.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

3
Table of contents
Before you begin
Using this manual ................................... 4
Checking supplied accessories.............. 6
Getting started
Installing and charging the battery pack
............................................................. 7
Inserting a cassette ................................ 11
Basic operations
Camera recording ................................. 12
Using the zoom feature ................. 15
Selecting the START/STOP mode
.................................................... 16
Hints for better shooting ...................... 17
Checking the recorded picture............ 18
Connections for playback .................... 19
Playing back a tape ............................... 21
Advanced operations
Using alternative power sources ........ 23
Using the house current ................ 23
Changing the mode settings................ 26
– for camera recording –
Shooting with backlighting ................. 30
Using the FADER function
(CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only) . 31
Shooting in the dark (NightShot)
(CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only) . 33
Using the wide mode function............ 34
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 36
Focusing manually (CCD-TR97/
TR917/TR940 only) ........................ 38
Enjoying picture effect ......................... 40
Adjusting the exposure (CCD-TR97/
TR917/TR940 only) ........................ 42
Superimposing a title ........................... 44
Making your own titles ........................ 46
Recording with the date/time ............ 47
Optimizing the recording condition .. 48
Using the built-in light (CCD-TR67/
TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only). 49
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function
(CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940
only) ................................................. 51
– for playback/editing –
Editing onto another tape .................... 52
Recording from a VCR or TV
(CCD-TR917/TR940 only) ............ 53
Additional information
Changing the lithium battery in the
camcorder ........................................ 54
Resetting the date and time ................. 56
Simple setting of clock by time
difference ......................................... 57
Usable cassettes and playback modes
........................................................... 58
Tips for using the battery pack ........... 59
Maintenance information and
precautions ...................................... 62
Using your camcorder abroad ............ 65
Trouble check ........................................ 66
Self-diagnosis display .......................... 69
Specifications ......................................... 70
Identifying the parts ............................. 72
Warning indicators ............................... 79
Index ........................................ Back cover

4
Before you begin
The instructions in this manual are for the six 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-TR917/TR940 is the model used for illustration
purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences
in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “CCD-TR917/TR940 only.”
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.
You can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
Types of differences
CCD- TR57 TR67 TR87 TR97 TR917/TR940
System hhhh H
VIDEO/AUDIO IN* — — — — r
S VIDEO — — — — r
Optical zoom 16x 16x 16x 18x 18x
Digital zoom 32x 64x 64x 72x 72x
NightShot — — — rr
Steady Shot — — rr r
Remote sensor — rrr r
LASER LINK — — rr r
Fader function — — — rr
Stripe — — — — r
Manual focus — — — rr
Exposure — — — rr
Audio monaural monaural monaural monaural stereo
Built-in light — rrr r
Using this manual
* The models without VIDEO/AUDIO IN have CAMERA, OFF and PLAYER mode on
the POWER switch.

5
Using this manual
[a] [b]
Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you
need an NTSC system-based TV.
Precaution on copyright
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.
Precautions on camcorder care
•The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using high-
precision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or
bright points (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD
screen and/or in the viewfinder. These points are normal in the manufacturing
process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Over 99.99% are
operational for effective use.
•Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water.
Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this
malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•Never leave the camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
Before you begin

6
Checking supplied accessories
123
456
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
1Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 76)
CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940
only
2AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor
(1), Power cord (1) (p. 8, 23)
3NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 7, 23)
4CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 54)
The lithium battery is already installed
in your camcorder.
7
8
*
or
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made
due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
5Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 76)
CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940
only
6A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 19)
*for stereo model
7Shoulder strap (1) (p. 77)
8Battery case (1) (p. 24)
CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR940 only

7
Getting started
Before using your camcorder, you first need to install and charge the battery pack.
This camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony corporation.
Installing the battery pack
(1)While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the lower battery terminal cover in the
direction of the arrow.
(2)Install the battery pack in the direction of the $mark on the battery pack. Slide
the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.
Getting started
Installing and charging the battery pack
Note on the battery pack
Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.
1 2
BATT RELEASE

8
Installing and charging the battery pack
Charging the battery pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged
a little in the factory.
(1)Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the
DC IN jack with the plug's 4mark up.
(2)Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3)Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(4)Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Remaining battery time is indicated by the
minutes on the display window. Charging begins.
When the remaining battery indicator becomes ı, normal charge is completed. For
full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery
pack attached for about 1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in
the display window.
Before using the camcorder with the battery pack, unplug the AC power adaptor from
the DC IN jack of the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is
completely charged.
Notes
•“--- min” appears on the display until the camcorder calculates remaining battery
time.
•Remaining battery time indication in the display window roughly indicates the
recording time. Use it as a guide. It may differ from the actual recording time.
POWER
OFF
VTR
CAMERA

9
Getting started
Charging time
Battery NP-F330 NP-F530 NP-F730 NP-F930
pack (supplied) NP-F550 NP-F730H /F750 NP-F950
Charging 150 210 300 390
time* (min.) (90) (150) (240) (330)
The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses.
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power
adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)
Battery life
CCD-TR57/TR67
Battery NP-F330 NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F730H
NP-F930 NP-F950
pack (supplied) /F750
Continuous
recording 135 (120) 235 (210) 270 (240) 475 (425) 550 (500) 745 (670) 850 (760)
time*
Typical
recording 70 (60) 120 (110) 140 (125) 250 (225) 290 (265) 390 (355) 450 (400)
time**
CCD-TR87/TR97
Battery NP-F330 NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F730H
NP-F930 NP-F950
pack (supplied) /F750
Continuous
recording 130 (115) 225 (200) 260 (230) 450 (405) 530 (480) 710 (640) 815 (730)
time*
Typical
recording 65 (60) 115 (105) 135 (120) 235 (210) 280 (250) 375 (335) 430 (385)
time**
CCD-TR917/TR940
Battery NP-F330 NP-F530 NP-F550 NP-F730 NP-F730H
NP-F930 NP-F950
pack (supplied) /F750
Continuous
recording 125 (110) 215 (190) 250 (220) 430 (385) 510 (460) 680 (610) 780 (700)
time*
Typical
recording 65 (55) 110 (100) 130 (115) 225 (200) 270 (240) 360 (320) 410 (370)
time**
Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery.
Battery life will be shorter if you use the camcorder in a cold environment.
* Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C).
** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,
zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Installing and charging the battery pack

10
Note on remaining battery time indication during recording
Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may
not be displayed properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances.
To remove the battery pack
While pressing BATT RELEASE, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
Installing and charging the battery pack
You can look at the demonstration of the functions available with this camcorder (p. 28).
BATT RELEASE

11
Getting started
Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8
system, use Hi8 video cassette H(CCD-TR917/TR940 only).
(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 facing out.
(3)Close the cassette compartment by pressing the “PUSH” mark on the cassette
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
To eject the cassette
While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it 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 sound for a while. If
you try to record with the red mark exposed, the and 6indicators flash, and you
cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.
Inserting a cassette
1 2 3
PUSH

12
Basic operations
Camera recording
Make sure that the power source is installed and 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, power on it and reset the date and time to
your time before you start recording (p. 57). The date is automatically recorded for 10
seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a
day.
(1)While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA.
(2)Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY.
(3)Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator
appears. The camera recording/battery lamp located on the front of the
camcorder also lights up.
2
3
1
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
POWER
OFF
VTR
CAMERA
40min
SP
H
STBY 0:00:00
40min
SP
H
REC 0:00:01
AUTO DATE
JUL 4 1998

13
Basic operations
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 to LOCK and set the POWER switch
to OFF. Then, eject the cassette.
Note
There is a little wear on the battery pack which is installed with camcorder. However,
for getting remaining battery time indicated correctly, leave the battery pack installed
after use. As an exception, be sure to remove the battery pack from the model having
the built-in light after recording (CCD-TR67/TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only).
To focus the viewfinder lens
If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used
the camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so
that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Note on the lighting aperture
If direct sunlight enters the lighting aperture, the picture in the viewfinder appears
brighter. When this happens, colors in the viewfinder may change.
Note on Standby mode
If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted,
the camcorder turns off automatically for saving battery power as well as for preventing
the battery and tape from wearing down. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY
down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP.
Note on recording
When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before
starting the actual recording. This will ensure that you won’t miss any start-up scenes
when you play back the tape.
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
START/STOP
L
O
C
K
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
STBY 0:35:20
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
Camera recording
[a] [b]

14
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
recording time. When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide,
record in same (SP or LP) mode.
Note on the beep sound
The beep sounds when you operate the camcorder. Several beeps also sound as a
warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder.
Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the
beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu system.
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock in
the menu system. You can change the AUTO DATE settings by selecting ON or OFF in
the menu system. The AUTO DATE feature shows the date automatically once a day.
However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day when:
- you reset the date and time.
- you eject and insert the tape again.
- you stop recording within 10 seconds.
- you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it to ON again in the menu system.

15
Basic operations
T
W
T
W
[a][b]
Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming)
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.
When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom
If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom
lever to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least
about 2 5⁄8 feet (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
•More than 16x (CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87) or 18x (CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940) zoom is
performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T”
side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in
the menu system.
•The right side [a]of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and
the left side [b]shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to
OFF, the [a]zone disappears.
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
T
WT W
WT

16
Selecting the START/STOP mode
Your camcorder has three modes. 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 mode).
ANTI GROUND SHOOTING : The camcorder records only while you
press down START/STOP so that you can avoid recording unnecessary scenes.
5SEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds and
then stops automatically.
(2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY and press START/STOP. Recording starts.
If you selected 5SEC, the tape counter disappears and five dots appear. The dots
disappear at a rate of one per second as illustrated below.
To extend the recording time in 5SEC mode
Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about
5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP.
Note on START/STOP mode
You cannot use FADER in 5SEC or mode (CCD-TR97/TR917/TR940 only).
Camera recording
STBY REC
•••••
•••••
REC
•
12
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
SEC
ANTI GRAUNO SHOOTING
START/STOP MODE
5

17
Basic operations
2
1
3
Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod
Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If
you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder.
When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less
than 9⁄32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw
may damage the camcorder.
Cautions on the viewfinder
•Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [c].
•Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside
of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under
sunlight or by a window [d].
[c] [d]
Hints for better shooting
[a] [b]
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.
•Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the built-
in microphone.
•Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
•Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.
•You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder
up for recording from a low position [b].

18
To stop playback
Release EDITSEARCH.
To begin re-recording
Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH.
Provided you do not eject the cassette, the transition between the last scene you
recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.
Checking the recorded picture
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 to STANDBY.
(3)Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the
recorded portion play back (Rec Review).
You can monitor the sound from headphones (CCD-TR917/TR940 only).
Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the
scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward,
hold down the + side (Edit Search).
EDITSEARCH
EDITSEARCH
2
3
L
O
C
K
START/STOP
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
EDITSEARCH
1
POWER
OFF
VTR
CAMERA

19
Basic operations
Connect the camcorder to your TV or VCR to watch the playback picture on the TV
screen. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV,
we recommend you to use house current for the power source.
Connecting directly to a TV/VCR with Video/Audio input jacks
When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure you connect the plug to jacks of
the same color.
Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting cable, connect the
camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the TV or VCR connected to the TV. Set the TV/
VCR selector on the TV to VCR. When connecting to the VCR, set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE.
Connections for playback
CCD-TR57/TR67/TR87/TR97
VIDEO
AUDIO
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
: Signal flow
CCD-TR917/TR940
[a]
[b]
S VIDEO
S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
: Signal flow
(not supplied)
–CCD-TR917/TR940 only
If your TV or VCR has an S video jack, connect using the S video connecting cable (not
supplied) [a] to obtain a high quality picture . If you are going to connect the camcorder
using the S video connecting cable (not supplied) [a], you do not need to connect the
yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b].

20
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
– CCD-TR917/TR940 only
Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV or the VCR.
With this connection, the sound is monaural even in stereo model.
To connect to a TV or VCR without Video/Audio input jacks
Use an RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).
Using the AV cordless IR receiver
– CCD-TR87/TR97/TR917/TR940 only
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 operating instruction of the AV cordless IR receiver.
LASER LINK is a system which transmits and receives a picture and sound between
video equipment having the mark by using infrared rays.
LASER LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
To play back on a TV
(1)After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch
on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.
(2)Set the POWER switch on the camcorder to VTR/PLAYER.
(3)Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
(4)Press LASER LINK. The lamp of the LASER LINK button lights up.
(5)Press (on the camcorder to start playback.
(6)Point the LASER LINK emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver.
To cancel the LASER LINK function
Press LASER LINK.
If you use a Sony TV
•You can turn on the TV automatically when you press the LASER LINK or (button.
To do so, set the AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu system and turn the TV’s main
switch on, then do either of the following;
•Point the LASER LINK emitter towards the TV’s remote sensor and press LASER
LINK.
•Turn on the LASER LINK button and press (.
•You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV
cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set the AUTO TV ON to ON and the TV
INPUT to the same video input (1,2,3) in the menu system. With some models,
However the picture and sound may be disconnected momentarlly when the video
input is switched.
•The above feature may not work with some TV models.
Note
When LASER LINK is activated (the LASER LINK button is lit), the camcorder
consumes power. Press and turn off the LASER LINK button when it is not needed.
Connections for playback