Sony Handycam CCD-TR99 User manual

soN^y:
3-810-918-13 (1)
C c (4
Video Camera
Recorder □
CCD-TR99/TR514/TR614/TR714/TR814
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 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.
Mode! No. CCD-.
Model No. AC-
Serial No.
Serial No.
Videos Handycam
©1996 by Sony Corporation

Welcome to video Dl
Congriitulations on your purcli.iso of this Sony H.ind\Ctiny“' tyoiicordor. With \-our H.indyc.nn,
you can capture life's precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. \ our
Handycam is loaded with adyanced features, but at the same time it is \'er\- easy to use. You will
soon be producing home \ ideo that you can enjoy for years to come.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
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.
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
Ni-Cd
NiCKEL-CADMiUM BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
unwanted batteries to your nearest
Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center for collection, recycling
or proper disposal.
For the S<^n\' Serx ice Center nearest vou call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only).
For the Factory Service Center neare.st you call
416-499-SC^NY (Canada only).
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking nickel-
cadmium batteries.
For the Customers in the U.S.A.
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and tound 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.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-cadmium
batteries in household or business trash may be
prohibited.
2

Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Using I his Manual 4
Chocking Suppliod Accessories 5
Getting Started
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 6
Inserting a Cassette 10
Basic Operations
Camera Recording 11
Using the Zoom Feature 14
Hints for Better Shooting 15
Checking the Recorded Picture 16
Connections for Playback 17
Plaving Back a Tape 19
Advanced Operations
Using Alternative Power Sources 21
Recording with the Date or Time 23
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 24
Shooting with Backlighting 25
Selecting the START/STOP Mode 26
Superimposing a Title 27
Using the STEADY SHOT Function (CCD-TR99/TR814 only) 28
Changing the Mode Settings 29
Editing onto Another Tape 30
Additional Information
Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 31
Resetting the Date and Time 33
Playback Modes 34
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 34
Maintenance Information and Precautions 38
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 42
Trouble Check 43
Specifications 46
Identifying the Parts 48
Warning Indicators 55
Index Back cover

yiBefore You
Using This Manual
The instructions in this nuiniuil are for the five models listed heknv. Before you start reading this
manual and operating the unit, check your model number b\ looking at the bottom of your camcorder.
The CCD-TRW 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
TR99 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,
As indicated with in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
Types of Differences
Model
Viewfinder
Zoom
Steady
Shot
1 Audio
Lit VTR
button
Display
window
B/W Color
Monaural
Stereo
CCD-TR99
• 12x~24x
•
•
•
•
CCD-TR514
•
12x
•
eCD-TR614
• 12x
•
CCD-TR714
•
12x»»24x
•
CCD-TR814
•
12x—24x
•
•
Note on TV Color Systems
TV color systems are different depending on the countries. If you view the playback picture on a TV,
you need an NTSC system based TV. When you want to use a PAL-M system based TV, you will
need an NTSC/PAL-M transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based camcorder).
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
• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder from rain or sea water. It may cause a
malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired, [a]
• Do not let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or in
a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction,
and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired, [b]
• Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 140° F (60 °C), such as in a car parked in the
sun or under direct sunlight, [c]
4

[U NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 6)
[2] A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 17)
CCD-TR514/TR614/TR714/TR814 : Monaural
CCD-TR99: Stereo
[3] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 51)
g] AC-V15/V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1) (p. 6, 21)
[5] CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 31)
Already installed in the camcorder.
[6] Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 19, 51)
Size AA (Re) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 52)
[U Battery case (1) (p. 22)
CCD-TR99 only
Using
This
Manual/Checking
Supplied
Accessories

Charging and Installing the Battery Pack
Before using your cameoreier, 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 the AC power adaptor to the wall outlet.
(2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the line on the AC power adaptor, then slide the
battery pack in the direction of fhe arrow'.
(3) Sef the selector to CHARGE. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Unplug the unit from fhe mains, and then
remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder.
Charging Time
Battery pack
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-98/98D
NP-80/80D
NP-68/66H
NP-66
NP-C65
NP-60D
Charging
time*
60
215
190
125
95
105
90
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty pack using the supplied AC power adaptor (Lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.)
6

Battery Life
CCD-TR99
Battery pack
NP-33
[supplied)
NP-98/
98D
NP-80/
80D
NP-68/
66H
NP-66
NP-C6S NP-60D
Typical recording time*
40
143
123
83
63
70 60
Continuous recording time**
73
233
220
130
120
130 110
CCD-TR514
Battery pack
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-98/
98D
NP-80/
SOD
NP-68/
66H
NP-66
NP-C65 NP-60D
Typical recording time*
30
173 130
103
80
83
75
Continuous recording time**
90
303 263
180
130
135
133
CCD-TR614
Battery pack
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-98/
98D
NP-80/
SOD
NP-68/
66H
NP-66
NP-C65
NP-60D
Typical recording time*
45 170
145
100
80
85
70
Continuous recording time**
85 300
255
175
145 155 130
CCD-TR714
Battery pack
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-98/
98D
NP-80/
SOD
NP-68/
66H
NP-66
NP-C65 NP-60D
Typical recording time*
45
170 140
95
75
80
70
Continuous recording time**
85
300 250
170
140
150 125
CCD-TR814
Battery pack
NP-33
[supplied)
NP-98/
98D
NP-80/
SOD
NP-68/
66H
NP-66
NP-C65 NP-60D
Typical recording time*
45
_1
155
135 95
75
80
65
Continuous recording time**
80
275 240
165
135
145
120
* 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 continuous recording time indoors.
7
charging
and
Installing
the
Battery
Pack

Charging and Installing the Battery Pack
To Remove the Battery Pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrov\'.
Notes on charging the battery pack
• The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power
cord is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.
• If the POWER lamp does not light, set the selector to VTR (DC OUT) and disconnect the power
cord. After about one minute, reconnect the AC power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again.
• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.
8

Installing the Battery Pack
( 1 ) 1 nsort 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.
Pack

Inserting a Cassette
Make sure that a power source is installed.
( 1 ) While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. The cassette
compartment automatically opens.
( 2 ) Insert a cassette (not supplied) w ith the wTndow facing out.
(3) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment
automatically closes.
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
sound for a while. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the la^ and ± indicators flash in
the viewfinder, and you cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.

I 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 after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only
once a day.
Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that you
are using the camcorder correctly.
( 1 ) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA.
U) Slide START/STOP MODE to A •
(3) Turn STANDBY up. The "STBY" indicator appears in the viewfinder.
(4) Press START/STOP (red button). The camcorder starts recording and the "STBY" indicator
changes to the "REC" indicator.
You can also select Recording mode, SP (standard play) mode or LP (long play) mode. Set REC
MODE (p. 29) according to the length of your planned recording before you start.
To Stop Recording Momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP again. The "REC" indicator in the viewfinder changes to the "STBY" indicator
(Standby mode).
To Finish Recording [b]
Press START/STOP. Turn STANDBY down, and set the POWER switch to OFF.
Then, eject the cassette (p. 10) and remove the battery pack (p. 9).
11
Inserting
a
Cassette/Camera
Recording

Camera ReconJing
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
START/STOP.
To Focus the Viewfinder Lens
If the viewfinder is not in focus af all or when you use the camcorder after someone else has used it,
focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring [a] (CCD-TR514/TR614/TR814)
or move the viewfinder lens adjusfment lever [b] (CCD-TR99/TR714) so that the indicators in the
viewfinder come into sharp focus.
Note on the indicators in the viewfinder
The indicators appear in CAMERA mode only. They do not appear in PLAYER mode.
Recording with the START/STOP button depressed
You can also make recording while pressing down the START/STOP button. To make the START/
STOP button work this way, slide the START/STOP MODE switch to . [c]
Shooting scenery in several short takes
You can automatically make recording for about 5 seconds with the 5 SEC (p. 26). To make the
START/STOP button work this way, slide the START/STOP MODE switch to 5 SEC. [d]

Note on recording
Wht-n vou record from the beginning of fhe 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 in LP (long play) mode.
The playback quality in LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in SP mode.
• When a tape recorded on this camcorder in LP mode is played back on other types of 8mm
camcorders or VCRs, the playback quality may not be as good as that on this camcorder.
Notes on the tape counter
• The tape counter indicates the recording 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, record in same (SP or LP) mode.
Note on beep sound
As indicated with T in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you
start recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several
beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder (p. 55). Note that the beep
sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, set BEEP to "OFF" (p.
29).
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock (p. 33).
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.
When moving from indoors to outdoors (or vice versa)
Turn STANDBY up and point the camcorder at a white object for about 15 seconds so that the white
balance is properly adjusted.
13
Camera
Recording

Camera Recording
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 zoom lever fully for a high-speed zoom. Turn it lightly for a relatively slow zoom.
When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom
If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, turn the power zoom lever towards
the W side until the focus is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 2.6 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the
telephoto position, or 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) in the wide-angle position.
Notes on Digital Zoom (CCD-TR99/TR714/TR814 only)
You can select 12 x or 24 x of zooming.
• More than 12 x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture qualify deteriorates as you go toward
the T side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom set the ZOOM function to xl2 (p. 29).
• The right side [a] in the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left side [b]
shows the optical zooming zone. If you slide the ZOOM switch to xl2, the [a] zone disappears.
W 1 T-
' 1 “t-'
[b] [a]
jwrrriT^^^

Hints for Better Shooting
For hand-held shots, you'll get better results 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. Do not cover the microphone with your fingers.
• Place your eye firmly againsf fhe 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 recording angle. Turn the viewfinder up
for recording from a low position, [b]
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 the tripod screw is shorter than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm).
Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of 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]
X
Note on the color viewfinder (CCD-TR99/TR614/TR714 only)
The color viewfinder is made with high-precision technology. However, black points or bright points
of light (red, blue, or green) may appear on the color viewfinder. These points are not recorded on
the tape. This is not a malfunction. (Effective dots : more than 99.99%).
Camera
Recording/Hints
for
Better
Shooting

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 - (©) side momentarily, the last few seconds of the recorded
portion plays back (Rec Review).
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 (Editsearch).
I-EDITSEARCH-S)
To Begin Re-recording
Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from fhe poinf 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.

Connections for Playback
N oil can use this camcordor as a VCR bv connectinj; it to voiir TV tor playback. It is recommended to
use the house current as the power source (p. 21).
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 cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector to VCR on the
TV.
CCD-TR514/TR614/TR714/TR814
See the next page for further informations.
17
Checking
the
Recorded
Picture/Connections
for
Playback

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. 17).
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander.
( 1 ) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to PLAYER.
Tlie tape transport buttons light up(CCD-TR99 only).
( 2 ) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out.
(3) Press Playback starts.
To stop playback, press ■ .
To rewind the tape, press
To fast-forward the tape, press
To Monitor the Sound while Viewing the Playback Picture in the Viewfinder
(CCD-TR99 only)
Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 0 jack, (p.48)
See the next page for further informations.
19
Lonnections
Tor
KiayoacK/Kiaying
t»acK
a
tape

Playing Back a Tape
Various Playback Modes
To view a still picture (playback pause)
Press 11 during playback. To resume playback, press II or ► .
To locate a scene (Picture Search)
Keep pressing ◄◄ or ►► during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
To monitor the high-speed picture during fastforward or rewind (Skip Scan)
Keep pressing ◄◄ while rewinding or ►► while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback,
press ► .
Notes on playback
• Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.
• When still picture mode lasts for 5 minutes or more, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode.