Sony HDCAM HDW-730 User manual

HD CAMCORDER
HDW-730
HDW-750
HDW-750P
OPERATION MANUAL [English]
1st Edition (Revised 2)

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit
to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
AVERTISSEMENT
Afin d’éviter tout risque d’incendie ou d’électrocution,
ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
Afin d’écarter tout risque d’électrocution, garder le
coffret fermé. Ne confier l’entretien de l’appareil qu’à
un personnel qualifié.
WARNUNG
Um Feuergefahr und die Gefahr eines elektrischen
Schlages zu vermeiden, darf das Gerät weder Regen
noch Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden.
Um einen elektrischen Schlag zu vermeiden, darf das
Gehäuse nicht geöffnet werden. Überlassen Sie
Wartungsarbeiten stets nur qualifiziertem
Fachpersonal.

For the customers in USA
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.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual
must be used with this equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in Europe
This product with the CE marking complies with the EMC
Directive (89/336/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with this directive implies conformity to the
following European standards:
•EN55103-1: Electromagnetic Interference (Emission)
•EN55103-2: Electromagnetic Susceptibility (Immunity)
This product is intended for use in the following
Electromagnetic Environment(s):
E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3
(urban outdoors) and E4 (controlled EMC environment, ex.
TV studio).
Pour les clients européens
Ce produit portant la marque CE est conforme à la
Directive sur la compatibilité électromagnétique (EMC) (89/
336/CEE) émise par la Commission de la Communauté
européenne.
La conformité à cett directive implique la conformité aux
normes européennes suivantes:
•EN55103-1: Interférences électromagnétiques
(émission)
•EN55103-2: Sensibilité électromagnétique (immunité)
Ce produit est prévu pour être utilisé dans les
environnements électromagnétiques suivants:
E1 (résidentiel), E2 (commercial et industrie légère), E3
(urbain extérieur) et E4 (environnement EMC contrôlé, ex.
studio de télévision).

Für Kunden in Europa
Dieses Produkt besitzt die CE-Kennzeichnung und erfüllt
die EMV-Direktive (89/336/EEC) der EG-Kommission.
Die Erfüllung dieser Direktive bedeutet Konformität für die
folgenden Europäischen Normen:
•EN55103-1: Elektromagnetische Interferenz (Emission)
•EN55103-2: Elektromagnetische Empfindlichkeit
(Immunität)
Dieses Produkt ist für den Einsatz unter folgenden
elektromagnetischen Bedingungen ausgelegt:
E1 (Wohnbereich), E2 (kommerzieller und in
beschränktem Maße industrieller Bereich), E3
(Stadtbereich im Freien) und E4 (kontrollierter EMV-
Bereich, z.B. Fernsehstudio)

Table of Contents 1
(Continued)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
1-1 Features .....................................................................................1-1
1-1-1 Camera Features ...............................................................1-1
1-1-2 VTR Features ....................................................................1-4
1-2 Precautions ................................................................................1-7
1-3 Example of System Configuration ..........................................1-8
Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts
and Controls
2-1 Power Supply ............................................................................2-1
2-2 Accessory Attachments ............................................................2-3
2-3 Audio Functions........................................................................2-5
2-4 Shooting and Recording/Playback Functions ......................2-14
2-5 Menu Operating Section ........................................................2-29
2-6 Time Code System ..................................................................2-33
2-7 Warnings and Indications......................................................2-39
2-8 Warnings and Indications on the Display Panel..................2-42
2-9 Indicators on the Viewfinder .................................................2-46
Chapter 3 Recording and Playback
3-1 About Cassettes.........................................................................3-1
3-1-1 Loading and Unloading a Cassette..................................3-1
3-1-2 Preventing Accidental Erasure ........................................3-5
3-2 Recording ..................................................................................3-6
3-2-1 Basic Procedures .............................................................3-6
3-2-2 Continuous Recording...................................................3-12
3-2-3 Recording Good Shot Markers......................................3-15
3-2-4 Recording a Recording Start Marker ............................3-20
3-2-5 Starting a Shoot with a Few Seconds of Pre-Stored
Picture Data (Loop Rec Function) (When Using an
HKDW-703 Extension Board) ......................................3-20

Table of Contents2
3-2-6 Shooting Pictures at Intervals (Interval Rec Function)
(When Using an HKDW-703) ......................................3-28
3-2-7 Continuous Recording on the Previous Cut ..................3-52
3-2-8 Searching for the Last Recorded Portion and Turning
in the Recording Pause Mode (End Search Function) ..3-53
3-3 Checking the Recording — Playback ...................................3-55
3-3-1 Checking the Last Two Seconds of the Recording
— Recording Review ....................................................3-55
3-3-2 Checking the Recording on the Color Video Monitor
— Playback in Color .....................................................3-56
3-4 Recording the Recording Start Time Code onto
the Memory Label — Tele-File .............................................3-58
3-5 Freezing a Picture during Playback .....................................3-63
3-6 Setting the Stand-by off Timer During Rec-Pause ..............3-66
Chapter 4 Adjustments and Settings for
Recording
4-1 Adjusting the Black Balance and the White Balance............4-1
4-1-1 Adjusting the Black Balance ...........................................4-2
4-1-2 Adjusting the White Balance ..........................................4-6
4-2 Setting the Electronic Shutter ...............................................4-12
4-2-1 Shutter Modes ...............................................................4-12
4-2-2 Selecting the Shutter Mode and Speed..........................4-14
4-3 Changing the Reference Value for Automatic Iris
Adjustment ..............................................................................4-21
4-4 Adjusting the Audio Level .....................................................4-28
4-5 Setting the Time Data.............................................................4-36
4-5-1 Setting the Time Code...................................................4-36
4-5-2 Saving the Real Time in the Time Code .......................4-38
4-5-3 Setting the User Bits......................................................4-39
4-5-4 Synchronizing the Time Code.......................................4-41

Table of Contents 3
(Continued)
4-6 Menu Display on the Viewfinder Screen ..............................4-46
4-6-1 Menu Configuration ......................................................4-46
4-6-2 Basic Use of the Menu ..................................................4-49
4-6-3 Editing the USER Menu................................................4-55
4-7 Status Display on the Viewfinder Screen .............................4-64
4-7-1 Layout of the Status Display on the Viewfinder
Screen ............................................................................4-65
4-7-2 Selecting the Display Items...........................................4-70
4-7-3 Display Mode and Setting Change and Adjustment
Progress Messages ........................................................4-73
4-7-4 Setting the Marker Display ...........................................4-75
4-7-5 Setting the Viewfinder ..................................................4-78
4-7-6 Recording Superimposed Shot Data in Color Bars .......4-81
4-7-7 Setting the Shot ID ........................................................4-84
4-7-8 Displaying the Status Confirmation Windows..............4-90
4-7-9 Confirming the Image of the Return Video Signal
on the Viewfinder..........................................................4-94
4-8 Adjustments and Settings from Menus ................................4-98
4-8-1 Setting the GAIN Selector Values ................................4-98
4-8-2 Selecting the Output Signals .......................................4-101
4-8-3 Setting the Color Temperature Manually....................4-104
4-8-4 Specifying an Offset for the Auto White Balance
Setting .........................................................................4-106
4-8-5 Assigning Functions to ASSIGN 1/2 Switches...........4-109
4-8-6 Setting the Date/Time of the Internal Clock ...............4-114
4-8-7 Selecting the Lens File ................................................4-116
4-9 Saving/Loading User Menu Data to/from
Memory Stick........................................................................4-118
4-9-1 Handling the Memory Stick ........................................4-118
4-9-2 Saving/Loading User Menu Data to/from
Memory Stick .............................................................. 4-122
4-10 Resetting USER Menu Settings to the Standard
Settings...................................................................................4-133

Table of Contents4
4-11 Using the Scene Files ............................................................4-135
4-11-1 Storing Data in the Scene File.....................................4-135
4-11-2 Loading Scene Files ....................................................4-145
4-11-3 Resetting the Settings of the Camcorder to
the Standard Settings Saved in the Reference File......4-150
4-12 Jumping to a File-Related Menu Page When Inserting
a Memory Stick.....................................................................4-151
Chapter 5 Setting Up the Camcorder
5-1 Power Supply ............................................................................5-1
5-1-1 Using a Battery Pack .......................................................5-1
5-1-2 Avoiding Breaks in Operation Due to Dead Batteries ....5-4
5-1-3 Using an AC Adaptor ......................................................5-5
5-1-4 Using the Anton Bauer Ultralight System ......................5-6
5-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder.........................................................5-7
5-2-1 Adjusting the Viewfinder Position ..................................5-7
5-2-2 Adjusting the Viewfinder Focus and Screen...................5-9
5-2-3 Detaching the Viewfinder .............................................5-10
5-2-4 Detaching the Eyepiece .................................................5-12
5-3 Mounting the Lens..................................................................5-14
5-4 Adjusting the Flange Focal Length.......................................5-15
5-5 Audio Input System ................................................................5-17
5-5-1 Using the Supplied Microphone....................................5-17
5-5-2 Using an External Microphone .....................................5-19
5-5-3 Attaching a UHF Portable Tuner (for a UHF Wireless
Microphone System) .....................................................5-24
5-5-4 Connecting Line Input Audio Equipment .....................5-28
5-6 Tripod Mounting ....................................................................5-29
5-7 Attaching the Shoulder Strap................................................5-31
5-8 Adjusting the Shoulder Pad Position ....................................5-33
5-9 Putting On the Rain Cover ....................................................5-34
5-10 Connecting the Remote Control Unit ...................................5-36

Table of Contents 5
Chapter 6 Maintenance
6-1 Testing the Camcorder Before Shooting ................................6-1
6-1-1 Preparations for Testing ..................................................6-1
6-1-2 Testing the Camera .........................................................6-2
6-1-3 Testing the VTR ..............................................................6-5
6-2 Maintenance ............................................................................6-11
6-2-1 Cleaning the Video Heads.............................................6-11
6-2-2 Cleaning the Viewfinder ...............................................6-11
6-3 Operation Warnings...............................................................6-14
Appendix
Specifications .....................................................................................A-1
Video Camera Section ...............................................................A-2
VTR Section ..............................................................................A-3
Supplied Accessories ................................................................. A-6
Recommended Additional Equipment ......................................A-6
Menu List ...........................................................................................A-9
OPERATION Menu List ........................................................... A-9
PAINT Menu List ....................................................................A-19
MAINTENANCE Menu List .................................................. A-31
FILE Menu List ....................................................................... A-46
DIAGNOSIS Menu List ..........................................................A-49
About a “Memory Stick” ................................................................A-50
Index .................................................................................................... I-1

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-1
Overview
1-1 Features
The HDW-730/750/750P1) HD Camcorder combines an HD color video
camera, of which the effective picture elements are 1920(H) ×1080(V)
and which uses 2/3-type Power HAD 2) sensor CCD 3) imagers with
2,000,000 picture elements, with an HDCAM portable videocassette
recorder. Its excellent image quality, sensitivity, portability, and dust-
and water-proof construction make it ideal as a camcorder for ENG 4)
and EFP 5) in the same way as the earlier BVW-400A/400AP. The
introduction of a new integrated circuit technology (LSI) for processing
HD digital signals improves the image quality even further and
simplifies setup (initialization) operations.
1-1-1 Camera Features
The features of the HDW-730/750/750P camera are described below.
•2/3-type Power HAD sensor CCDs with 2,000,000 picture elements
provide a compact and lightweight unit with excellent image quality.
The HDW-750/750P uses FIT 6)-type CCDs and the HDW-730 uses
IT 7)-type CCDs.
•Existing 2/3-inch lenses can be used.
•Anew integrated circuit technology for digital signal processing has
improved picture quality and functionability.
•Asetup menu enables you to control features such as status displays,
messages, and markers; to select various types of settings; to toggle
switches; and to operate a Memory Stick 8).
....................................................................................................................................
1) The HDW-730 can operate with either the 59.94I or the 50I format. The HDW-
750 operates with the 59.94I format. The HDW-750P can operate with either the
50I or the 25PsF format. The descriptions given in this manual apply to all
models, any differences being clearly noted in the text.
2) Power HAD: Power Hole-Accumulated Diode
“Power HAD” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
3) CCD: Charge-Coupled Device
4) ENG: Electronic News Gathering
5) EFP: Electronic Field Production
6) FIT: Frame Interline Transfer
7) IT: Interline Transfer
8) “Memory Stick” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-2
•Blur-free shooting is ensured by a built-in, high-performance electronic
shutter that provides a variety of modes, such as ECS1) mode which
reduces flickering on the monitor screen, and EVS2) mode for the
HDW-730 and S-EVS3) mode for the HDW-750/750P4) which improve
vertical resolution.
•Selectable video gain ensures a noise-free image.
•Asimple switch operation enables automatic adjustment of the black
set, black balance, and white balance. Memory functions make it easy
to replicate the white balance setting appropriate for the lighting
conditions.
•The ATW5) function automatically adjusts the white balance for the
varying lighting conditions during shooting.
•The “TruEye”6) process is used to ensure naturally colored pictures
even when shooting very bright subject.
• The video gain can be boosted to 42 dB instantly using the TURBO
GAIN button.
•Character display functions on the viewfinder indicate switch settings,
automatic black and white balance adjustment, status indications, and
warnings.
•The warning system uses various types of warning indicators and
sounds to inform you of VTR faults, end of tape, low battery, etc.
•The camcorder is equipped with a dual-wheel filter disk for adjusting
the filter setting to the shooting and lighting conditions.
•Override function which makes fine adjustment of the reference value
for brightness of automatic iris control is provided.
....................................................................................................................................
1) ECS: Extended Clear Scan
2) EVS: Enhanced Vertical definition System
3) S-EVS: Super Enhanced Vertical definition System
4) When the HDW-750P operates with the 25PsF format, neither S-EVS mode nor
EVS mode is availabele
5) ATW: Auto Tracing White balance
6) TruEye: “TruEye” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-3
•Abuilt-in circuit produces a color bar signal for easy adjustment of the
color monitor.
•The RM-B150 remote control unit (not supplied) controls camera
functions and VTR functions.
• Setup data made on the USER menu, including the various marker
settings, can be stored on a Memory Stick as a user file. After storage,
it can be recalled.
•Setup data specified by video engineers, including the various detail
settings, can be stored in the camcorder itself and on a Memory Stick
as a reference file. After storage it can be loaded. This makes it
possible to shorten setup time by duplicating the stored reference file to
other cameras through the Memory Stick.
•Setup data specified by video engineers, including the video settings,
can be stored in the camcorder itself and on a Memory Stick as a scene
file. This makes it possible to load setup data appropriate for the scene.
•Correction values for lens extenders and individual lenses can be stored
as a lens file. The values can then be recalled. This makes it possible
to shorten adjustment time when the lens is replaced.
•Ahigh-performance viewfinder is adjustable forward, backward, and
sideways, and has a full range of auxiliary equipment.
•The camcorder is provided with the XLR 5-pin connector, which
allows connection of a stereo microphone. The ASSIGN 1/2 switches
allow microphone mode to be switched between stereo and monaural.
•The HD SDI output (corresponding to Embedded Audio) makes it
possible to monitor the camera image and playback image.
•Attaching an HKDW-702 down converter (not supplied) (converting to
a 525i/625i signal1)) allows the camera image and playback image to
be monitored on an NTSC/PAL monitor. This board makes it possible
to output the SDI signal (corresponding to Embedded Audio).
....................................................................................................................................
1) When an HKDW-702 is attached to an HDW-750 or an HDW-730 which
operates with the 59.94I format, the HD signal is down-converted to a 525i
signal. When an HKDW-702 is attached to an HDW-750P or an HDW-730 with
the 50I format, the HD signal is down-converted to a 625i signal.

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-4
•Three down converter modes are available: SQUEEZE, LETTER BOX
and CROP.
•The camcorder is provided with the LIGHT connector. This feeds
power to the light from a battery or AC adaptor connected to the
camcorder.
•The viewfinder supplied with NTSC/PAL type camcorders, such as the
BVW-400A/400AP, can be attached to HDW-730/750/750P in
emergencies (only when an HKDW-702 (not supplied) is attached).
Some functions are not available with this viewfinder.
•The camcorder has the ASSIGN 1/2 switches, which can be assigned
functions.
1-1-2 VTR Features
The VTR features of this camcorder are described below.
•Use of the HDCAM format allows high performance HD digital
recording and playback while preserving the same ease of use as
conventional camcorder equipment.
•The same cassette size (S size) as Digital BETACAM can be used to
achieve a long recording time of approximately 40 minutes (for 59.94I
format) and 48 minutes (for 50I/25PsF format).
•No playback adaptor is needed to see the color playback image on the
monitor screen.
•The 4 times normal speed search function provides quick positioning
of the tape.
• LTC1) and VITC2) recording and LTC playback can be performed.
•It is possible to record recording start markers and good shot markers
on the tape while shooting, and search automatically for required cuts
when editing.
....................................................................................................................................
1) LTC: Longitudinal Time Code
2) VITC: Vertical Interval Time Code

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-5
•It is possible to automatically rewind and review the last 2 seconds of
the recording on the tape for a quick check immediately after shooting.
•Compatible with the Tele-File1) Memory Label system.
By pressing the RET button on the lens while recording, the timecode
valid when you pressed the button is recorded on a MLB-1M-100
memory label (not supplied) attached to the cassette. This is very
helpful for management of the cassette tapes and to improve the
efficiency of the tape editing.
•The built-in time code generator can be synchronized with an external
generator.
•Alithium battery is the back-up power supply for the built-in time code
generator enabling the time code to be held for approximately 5 years
without charging the camcorder power supply.
•Optional long-life battery packs are available.
•Pressing the VTR START button on the camcorder or the VTR button
on the lens ensures recording continuity from the very next frame.
•The time code is displayed in the LCD window screen even when the
power is off. The automatic power shut-off function has three time
code indication settings.
•The camcorder continuously stores a few seconds of the most recent
picture data. Recording is started with this data when the REC button is
pressed. This prevents the loss of picture data (Loop Rec function).
(This feature is available when an HKDW-703 (not supplied) is
attached.)
•The camcorder can shoot pictures at intervals. (This feature is
available when an HKDW-703 (not supplied) is attached.)
•Aslot-in UHF portable tuner WRR-855A/855B (not supplied) can be
attached.
....................................................................................................................................
1) Tele-File
The Tele-File system is a non-contact data reading/writing system. It allows a
variety of data to be stored on a 1/2-inch tape label with an non-contact IC
memory.

1
Chapter 1 Overview1-6
•Four channels of analog audio can be converted to 20-bit digital
signals. The converted four channels of digital audio can then be
recorded.
•Connecting an HDCA-901 camera adaptor (not supplied) allows the
input of four audio channels. This also makes it possible for the HD-
SDI signal to be output.
•When connecting the audio cable to AUDIO IN CH-1/CH-2 connectors
(XLR 3-pin), the audio signals input to the XLR 3-pin are recorded
regardless of the AUDIO IN switch setting. This function is called the
XLR connection automatic detection function.
•The AUDIO OUT connector (XLR 5-pin) allows the camcorder to
output signals from two channels at the same time (stereo recording).
•The camcorder searches for the most recently recorded cut and records
the new cut over it. (RE-TAKE function)
•The camcorder searches for the point most recently recorded on the
tape and automatically switches to paused recording mode (rec pause).
(End Search function)
• The camcorder can record GPS data with the video data on the tape.
(This feature is available when an HKDW-704 GPS UNIT is attached.)

1
Chapter 1 Overview 1-7
1-2 Precautions
Use and Storage
Do not subject the camcorder to severe shocks
The internal mechanism may be damaged or the body warped.
After use
Always turn off the power.
Before storing the camcorder for a long period
Remove the battery pack.
Use and storage locations
Store in a level, ventilated place. Avoid using or storing the camcorder
in the following places.
•Places subject to temperature extremes
•Very damp places
•Places subject to severe vibration
•Near strong magnetic fields
•In direct sunlight or close to heaters for extended periods
To prevent electromagnetic interference from portable
communications devices
The use of portable telephones and other communications devices near
this unit can result in misoperations and interference with audio and
video signals.
It is recommended that the portable communications devices near this
unit be powered off.
Note on laser beams
Laser beams may damage the CCDs. If you shoot a scene that includes a
laser beam, be careful not to let a laser beam become directed into the
lens of the camera.

1
Chapter 1 Overview
1-8
Audio signal source
External microphone
C-74, etc.
Audio equipment
WRR- 810A/860A/862A/
862B UHF Portable Tuner
Power source
AC power
supply c)
Battery
BP-L60A/
M50/M100
Battery Pack
HDCA-901 for the input of
the audio channels 3 and
4 and the HD-SDI output
Camera adaptor
CAC-12 Microphone
Holder
WRR-855A/855B slot-
in UHF portable tuner
CCXA-53 audio cable
Lens assembly
b)
(−2.8 D to +2.0 D)
(Part No. A-8262-537-A)
Lens assembly
b)
(−3.6 D to −0.8 D)
(Part No. A-8262-538-A)
Lens assembly
b)
(−3.6 D to +0.4 D)
(Part No. A-8267-737-A)
Lens assembly b)
(3 ×magnification)
(−2.4 D to +0.5 D)
(Part No. A-8314-798-A)
AC-DN2B
AC Adaptor
AC-550/
550CE
AC Adaptor
For more information about the fittings, connections, or use of additional
equipment and accessories, see Chapter 5 as well as the operation manuals for
the connected equipment.
BC-L120/M50
Battery
Charger
1-3 Example of System Configuration
Viewfinder-related equipment
Video monitor for
color image check
while shooting
Remote controll
equipment
RM-B150 Remote
Control Unit
Fog-proof filter
(Part No. 1-547-341-11)
BKW-401 Viewfinder
Rotation Bracket
BKDW-701
Servo filter unit
Extension
board
HKDW-703 for
picture cache
HKDW-702 a) for
converting the signal
to 525i/625i signal
HKDW-704 for
recording the GPS
data
Memory Stick
The diagram below shows a typical configuration of the camcorder for
ENG and EFP.
a) Be sure to attach the HKDW-702/1 or higher to the HDW-730/750P.
b) For more information, see “Viewfinder and related equipment” on page A-7.
c) 120 V AC or 220 to 240 V AC

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls 2-1
2
Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls
2-1 Power Supply
Power supply
1Battery attachment
Attach a BP-L60A/M50/M100 battery pack.
Furthermore, by attaching an AC-DN2B AC Adaptor, you can operate
the camcorder from AC power.
2DC IN (external power input) connector (XLR type, 4-pin, male)
To operate the HDW-730/750/750P using an AC power supply, connect
an AC-550/550CE AC Adaptor with the DC output cable supplied with
the adaptor.
To use an external battery, connect its DC output cable to the DC IN
connector.

Chapter 2 Locations and Functions of Parts and Controls2-2
2
3POWER switch
This switch turns the main power supply on and off.
4LIGHT switch
This switch selects the way in which a video light connected to the
LIGHT connector is switched on and off.
AUTO: When the video light switch is turned on, starting recording with
the VTR turns on the light.
MANUAL: The video light switch controls the light, turning it on and
off manually.