Sony Handycam Video8 CCD-TRV30 User manual

S ONY. 3-798-740-21 (1)
®
Video Camera
Recorder Ei
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.
Model No. CCD-TRV Madel No. AC-V26
Serial No. Serial No.
CCD-TRV30
Video8 Handycam
CCD-TRV30/TRV40
© 1995 by Sony Corporation

Welcome to Video HI
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 home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION _|
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
OO NOT OPEN
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
clectric 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
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
a Nickel-Cadmium batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
N i - Cc d unwanted batteries to your nearest
Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center for collection, recycling
or proper disposal.
Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-cadmium
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 Factory Service Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (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 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.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
For the Customers in CANADA
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS
POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE
BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.
BE le)(-Meym@o cae
Before You Begin
Checking Your Model Number 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 12
Shooting with the LCD Screen 13
Hints for Better Shooting 15
Checking the Recorded Picture 17
Playing Back a Tape 18
Searching for the End of the Picture 21
Advanced Operations
Using Alternate Power Sources 22
Using House Current 22
Recording with the Date or Time 24
Shooting with Backlighting 25
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 26
Fade-in and Fade-out 27
Enjoying Picture Effect 28
Releasing the STEADY SHOT Function 30
Changing the Mode Settings 31
Watching ona TV Screen 33
Editing onto Another Tape 34
Recording froma VCRor TV 35
Additional Information
Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 36
Resetting the Date and Time 37
Playback Modes 38
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 38
Maintenance Information and Precautions 41
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 45
Trouble Check 46
Specifications 49
Identifying the Parts 50
Warning Indicators 58
Index 59

Before You Begin
Checking Your Model Number
The instructions in this manual are for the two 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-TRV30 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-TRV40 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.
Types of differences
Model number Steady Shot Picture Effect | Zoom (x)
CCD-TRV30 5 modes | 12
CCD-TRV40 e 7 modes | 24 (Digital)
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. 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). Please check the list on page 45 to see the TV color system of your country.
Note 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 sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or
dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction
and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired. [a]
* 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. [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. [¢]
Please also refer to the precautions starting on p.43 in addition to the above precautuions.
Check
that
the
following
accessories
are
supplied
with
your
camcorder.
Checking
Supplied
Accessories
2
o]
[5]
[a] [a
NI
lo
(o)
Wireless remote commander (1) (P.20, 54)
NP-66 Battery pack (1) (p.6)
\3) AC-V26 AC power adaptor (1) (p.6, 22)
Shoulder strap (1) (p.54)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p.33,35)
Size
AA
(R6)
Battery
for
Remote
Commander
(2)
(p.55)
CR2025 Lithium battery (1) (p.36)
Already installed in the camcorder.
LCD screen cleaner cloth (1) (p.44)
Tripod adaptor (1) (p.16)

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 ona flat place without vibration.
(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to the mains.
(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
the
arrow.
(3)
Set
the
selector
to
CHARGE.
The
CHARGE
lamp
(orange)
lights
up.
Charging
begins.
When
charging
is
completed,
the
CHARGE
lamp
goes
out.
Set
the
selector
to
the
center
position
and
unplug
the
unit
from
the
mains.
Then
remove
the
battery
pack
and
install
it
on
the
camcorder.
To stop charging, set the selector to the center position.
1 ~*~
3
POWER CHARGE——eaa——
eo
Charging Time
Battery
pack
|
NP-66
|
Np.9g/98D
|
NP-80/80D
|
—NP-68
|
NP-C65
|
wp-coo
(supplied)
Charging 95 215 190 125 | 105 90
time*
Approximate
minutes
to
charge
an
empty
battery
pack
using
the
supplied
AC
power
adaptor
(Lower
temperatures
require
a longer
charging
time.)
3attery Life
CCD-TRV40
|
L Battery pack Pua en NP-98/98D| NP-80/80D, NP-68 NP-C65 NP-60D |
While [LCD open? | 35 (65) | 65(125) | 60110) | 40(80) | 30(@0) | 25050) |
recording”
—_|
LCD
close
45
(90)_|
95185)
|
85
(165)
|
60115)
|
45
(90)
|
40
(80)
_
|
While
playing
back
on
LCD?)
70
40
|
120
85
68
' 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 is indicated in parentheses.
Approximate minutes when using both the viewfinder and the LCD screen. When using the LCD sereen
only, the battery life is longer.
» Approximate continuous playback time indoors.
Important!
Use the battery completely before recharging!
Before
you
recharge
the
battery,
make
sure
the
battery
has
been
used
up
(discharged)
completely.
Repeated
charging
while
some
capacity
remains
causes
a
lowering
of
battery
capacity.
However,
the
original
battery
capacity
can
be
recovered
if
you
use
the
battery
completely
and
charge
it
fully
again,
To
use
up
the
battery,
remove
the
cassette
and
turn
the
POWER
switch
to
CAMERA
with
the
battery
attached,
and
leave
the
camcorder
until
the
&0 indicator
and
the
red
lamp
flash
rapidly
in
the
viewfinder.
Removing the Battery Pack
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
<CD-TRV30
NP-66
- -68 | NP-C65 | NP-60D
Battery pack (supplied)| NP-98/98D NP 20/800) NP |
While
[LCD
open
|
35(65)
|
70(130)
|
60115)
|
40(60)
|
30(60)
|
25:50)
recording” —_| LCD close 50 (95) | 105 (200) | 90(170) | 65120) | 50(95) | 45 (85)
While
playing
back
on
LCD?)
77
|
140
|
120
85
|
65
55
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 the center position and disconnect the power
cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again.
* You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.

Charging
and
Installing
the
Battery
Pack
Installing
the
Battery
Pack
1)
Lift
up
the
viewfinder.
2)
Align
the
right
side
of
the
battery
pack
with
white
line
on
the
camcorder,
and
slide
the
battery
pack
to the right.
Zemoving
the
Battery
Pack
1)
Lift
up
the
viewfinder.
2)
While
pressing
BATT,
slide
the
battery
pack
to
the
left.
Inserting a Cassette
Make sure that a power source is installed.
(1) While sliding the lid release knob, lift up the lid. Then open it.
(2)
Press
EJECT.
The
cassette
compartment
automatically
lifts
up
and
opens.
(3) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out.
(4)
Press
the
PUSH
mark
on
the
cassette
compartment
to
close
it.
The
cassette
compartment
automatically
goes
down.
(5) Close the lid until it locks.
To Eject the Cassette
While
sliding
the
lid
release
knob
in
the
direction
of
the
arrow,
lift
up
the
lid
of
the
cassette
holder
and
press EJECT.
To Prevent Accidental Erasure
To
prevent
accidental
erasure,
slide
the
tab
on
the
cassette
to
expose
the
red
mark,
If
you
try
to
record
with
the
red
mark
exposed,
the
&@
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.

Basic Operations
» =
= ™ gi e ® °
To Focus the Viewfinder Lens
If
the
viewfinder
is
not
in
focus
at
all
or
when
you
use
the
camcorder
after
someone
else
has
used
it,
focus
the
viewfinder
lens.
Turn
the
viewfinder
lens
adjustment
ring
so
that
the
indicators
in
the
viewfinder
come
into
sharp
focus.
lake sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted. The date is automatically
ecorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once
day. You can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
efore you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the
amcorder is working correctly. 7 7
1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, turn it to CAMERA.
2) Turn STANDBY up.
3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording and the “REC” indicator appears and the red
lamp lights up in the viewfinder.
STBY
9:00:00
0:00:00
AUTO are 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.
Note on recording
When
you
record
from
the
beginning
of
the
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.
You
can
record
tapes
in
SP
(standard
play)
mode
only.
Note 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
located
‘o
Stop
Recording
Momentarily
[a]
ee
behind
the
LCD
panel.
You
can
know
the
approximate
remaining
tape
by
the
remaining
tape
indicator
‘ress
START/STOP
again,
The
“STBY”
indicator
appears
in
the
viewfinder
(Standby
mode).
(p.57).
‘o
Finish
Recording
[b]
:
;
~
e
Note
on
the
AUTO
DATE
feature
ress
START/STOP
to
stop.
Turn
STANDBY
down,
and
set
the
POWER
switch
to
OFF.
The
lens
cover
The
clock
is
set
to
the
East
Coast
Standard
Time
at
the
factory.
You
can
reset
the
clock
(p.24,
37)
oses.
Then,
eject
the
cassette
(p.9)
and
remove
the
battery
pack
(p.8).
You
can
change
the
AUTO
DATE
setting
by
selecting
ON
or
OFF
in
the
menu
system
(p.32).
the
AUTO
DATE
feature
works
once
a
day.
However,
the
date
may
automatically
appear
more
than
once
a
day
when:
[b]
* vou reset the date and time.
© vou gject and insert the cassette again,
* you stop recording within 10 seconds.
*
vou
set
AUTO
DATE
to
OFF
once
and
set
to
ON
in
the
menu
system,
When
moving
from
indoors
to
outdoors
(or
vice
versa)
Turn
SEANDBY
up
and
point
the
camcorder
at
a
white
paper
for
about
13
seconds
so
that
the
white
balance
is
properly
adjusted.
lote on beep sound
.s indicated by the 2) mark in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when
ou start recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several
eeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder (p.58). Note that the beep
vund is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu
“stem (p.32).

amera recording
sing
the
Zoom
Feature
ming
is
a
recording
technique
that
lets
you
change
the
size
of
the
subject
in
the
scene.
more
professional-looking
recordings,
use
the
zoom
sparingly.
side:
for
telephoto
(subject
appears
closer)
”
side:
for
wide-angle
(subject
appears
farther
away)
»oming
Speed
(Dual
speed
zooming)
ess
the
power
zoom
button
firmly
for
a
high-speed
zoom;
press
it
softly
for
a
relatively
slow
zoom.
hen
you
shoot
a
subject
using
a
telephoto
zoom
vou
cannot
get
a
sharp
focus
while
in
extreme
telephoto
zoom,
press
the
“W”
side
of
the
power
om
button
until
the
focus
is
sharp.
You
can
shoot
a
subject
that
is
at
least
3.3
feet
(about
1
m)
away
‘m
the
lens
surface
in
the
telephoto
position,
or
about
1/2
inches
(about
1
cm)
in
the
wide-angle
sition.
ates
on
Digital
Zoom
(CCD-TRV40
only)
More
than
12x
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.
(p.32)
The
horizontal
bar
in
the
power
zoom
indicator
separates
the
digital
zooming
zone
(above
the
bar
{a])
and
the
optical
zooming
zone
(under
the
bar
[b]).
If
you
set
the
D
ZOOM
function
to
OFF,
the
part
above
the
bar
disappears.
T
[a]
f Shy
[b] i Ta
WwW
Shooting with the LCD Screen
You
can
also
record
the
picture
while
looking
at
the
LCD
screen.
When
using
the
LCD
screen,
the
viewfinder
screen
turns
off
automatically.
You
cannot
monitor
the
sound
from
the
speaker
during
recording.
:
(1)
While
pressing
PUSH
OPEN,
open
the
LCD
panel.
(2) Adjust the angle of the LCD panel.
The
LCD
panel
moves
about
90
degrees
to
this
side
and
about
210
degrees
to
the
other
side.
To
adjust
the
brightness
of
the
LCD
screen,
turn
the
BRIGHT
dial.
There is the recording lamp on the left of the LCD panel.
1- 2x 2
The
battery
life
is
longer
when
the
LCD
panel
is
closed.
Use
the
viewfinder
instead
of
the
LCD
screen
to
save
the
battery
power.
While
recording
in
a
low
position
using
the
LCD
panel,
it
is
convenient
to
use
the
power
zoom
button
located
on
the
front.
Note
that
zooming
speed
does
not
change
even
you
press
the
button
firmly,
You
can
also
use
the
START/STOP
button
located
on
the
right
top.
Araninray mraninn

Camera Recording
Letting the Subject Monitor the Shot
You can turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way.
When the LCD is turned over in CAMERA mode, you can see yourself just as you see yourself in the
mirror (mirror mode).
Turn the LCD panel vertically until it clicks first [a] then turn it over.
The © indicator appears on the LCD screen and the date, remaining battery and remaining tape
incicators disappear. [b]
[a] [b]
Using the mirror mode, you can record yourself while watching yourself on the LCD. {J
While recording in the mirror mode, you can also use the viewfinder so that you can record a person
while letting him/her monitor the shot. [d]
{c] {d]
| eee
Notes on the LCD panel
¢ When the LCD panel is turned over,
- only the POWER switch, the START/STOP button, the power zoom button, the STANDBY switch,
the EDITSEARCH button and EJECT button work.
- the date appears reversely when the AUTO DATE feature is turned on. When recorded it will be
normal.
~ the STBY indicator appears as @H and REC as @.
¢ When closing the LCD panel, turn it vertically until it clicks. [a]
* When turning the LCD panel, turn it always vertically; otherwise, the camcorder body may be
damaged or the LCD panel may not close properly. [b]
* Close the LCD panel completely when not in use.
{b]
Hints for Better Shooting
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.
Place your right elbow against your side.
Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it.
Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.
You can record in a low position to get an interesting recording angle. Lift the viewfinder up for
recording from a low position. (You can turn it up to about 80 degrees.) [a]
¢ You can also record in a low position or even ina high position using the LCD panel. [b]
[a] {b]

Hints for Better Shooting
Checking
the
Recorded
Picture
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. If the camcorder is difficult to balance
on a tripod, use the supplied adaptor.
You can attach a tripod to the adaptor.[c]
Do not leave the tripod adaptor on the camcorder if the camcorder is not mounted on a tripod. When
attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 in. (6.5
mm). Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the camcorder.
You can use the stand on the bottom to place the camcorder on a table when recording in a low
position [d].
[c] {d]
Cautions on the viewfinder and the LCD
* Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder or by the LCD panel. [e]
* Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder or the LCD screen toward the sun. The
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD panel may be deformed. Be careful when placing the camcorder
under sunlight or by the window. [f]
[e] {f]
The
EDITSEARCH
function
is
used
to
view
the
recorded
picture
for
a
moment
during
recording.
Using
EDITSEARCH,
you
can
review
the
last
recorded
scene
or
check
the
recorded
Picture
on
the
LCD
screen.
You
can
also
review
the
picture
in
the
viewfinder,
(1)
While
pressing
the
small
green
button
on
the
POWER
switch,
turn
it
to
CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up.
(3)
Press
the
~
(®)
side
of
EDITSEARCH
momentarily;
the
last
few
seconds
of
thi
plays
back.
You
can
also
monitor
the
sound.
(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)
1
ae)
3
:
e recorded portion
OFF
To Stop Playback
Release EDITSEARCH.
To Begin Re-recording
Press
START/STOP.
Re-recording
begins
from
the
point
you
released
EDITSEARCH.
P
not
eject
the
cassette,
the
transition
between
the
last
scene
you
recorded
and
the
next
sc
will
be
smooth.
:
rovided vou do
ene you record

laying
Back
a
Tape
su
can
monitor
the
playback
picture
on
the
LCD
screen.
1)
While
pressing
the
small
green
button
on
the
POWER
switch,
turn
it
to
VTR.
The
operation
keys
light
on.
2)
Insert
the
recorded
tape
with
the
window
facing
out.
3)
While
press
PUSH
OPEN,
open
the
LCD
panel.
Adjust
the
angle
of
the
LCD
panel
or
the
brightness
of
the
LCD
screen
if
necessary.
(p.13)
4)
Press
[>
to
start
playback.
5)
Adjust
the
volume
using
VOL.
oucan
also
monitor
the
picture
ona
TV
screen,
after
connecting
the
camcorder
to
a
TV
or
VCR
(p.33).
1 Eo
(Gen
(GD
4
STOP
REWS?)
—
PLAY
—
@FF
PAUSE
RECA
ane
0) 9 ° 2 4
| ce]
To Stop Playback
Press O during playback.
To Rewind the Tape
Press <4.
To Fast-forward the Tape
Press PP.
When watching on the LCD screen
Turn
the
LCD
panel
vertically
until
it
clicks,
turn
it
over
and
move
back
to
the
body.
[a]
You can use the stand. [b]
[a]
Note on DISPLAY button
Press
DISPLAY
to
erase
the
screen
indicators
on
the
LCD
screen.
To
display
the
indicators,
press
it
again.
Using an earphone
Connect
an
earphone
(not
supplied)
to
the
©
jack.
You
can
adjust
the
volume
of
the
earphone
using
VOL.
To view the playback picture in the viewfinder
Close
the
LCD
panel.
The
viewfinder
turns
on
automatically.
When
using
the
viewfinder,
you
can
monitor
the
sound
only
by
using
an
earphone.
To
view
on
the
LCD
screen
again,
open
the
LCD
panel.
The
viewfinder
turns
off
automatically.