Sony CCD TRV438E User Manual

2-515-260-14(1)  
Camera  
Operations Guide  
Read this first  
Video Camera Recorder/Digital Video Camera Recorder  
CCD-TRV238E/TRV438E  
DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E  
© 2005 Sony Corporation  
application or disconnect and connect the  
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.  
Read this first  
Disposal of Old Electrical &  
Before operating the unit, please read this  
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future  
reference.  
Electronic Equipment  
(Applicable in the European  
Union and other European  
countries with separate  
collection systems)  
This symbol on the product or on its packaging  
indicates that this product shall not be treated as  
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the  
applicable collection point for the recycling of  
electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this  
product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent  
potential negative consequences for the environment  
and human health, which could otherwise be caused  
by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The  
recycling of materials will help to conserve natural  
resources. For more detailed information about  
recycling of this product, please contact your local city  
office, your household waste disposal service or the  
shop where you purchased the product.  
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.  
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED  
KINGDOM  
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC  
ADAPTOR  
Applicable Accessories: Remote Commander.  
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to  
this equipment for your safety and convenience.  
Notes on use  
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be  
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one  
and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362  
Note on a cassette tape  
You can use standard 8 mm  
and Hi8  
,
(i.e., marked with  
or  
mark) must be used.  
Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder. See  
page 95 for details.  
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a  
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover  
after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without  
the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please  
contact your nearest Sony service station.  
Notes on recording  
• Before starting to record, test the recording function  
to make sure the picture and sound are recorded  
without any problems.  
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot  
be provided, even if recording or playback is not  
possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, etc.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the country/  
region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need  
a PAL system-based TV.  
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE  
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other  
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized  
recording of such materials may be contrary to the  
copyright laws.  
ATTENTION for DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E  
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies  
may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.  
This product has been tested and found compliant with  
the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using  
connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).  
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and  
lens  
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are  
manufactured using extremely high-precision  
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are  
operational for effective use.  
b Notice for DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E  
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data  
transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the  
However, there may be some tiny black points and/  
2
     
or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)  
that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder.  
Notes on using the camcorder  
• Hold your camcorder correctly.  
These points are normal results of the manufacturing  
process and do not affect the recording in any way.  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens  
to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause  
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera  
near a window or outdoors.  
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your  
camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun  
only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.  
• To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown  
in the following illustration.  
Note on connecting other device  
Before connecting your camcorder to other device  
such as a VCR or a computer with an USB or i.LINK  
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper  
direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in  
the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged.  
This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.  
Notes on using this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder  
used on this manual are captured using a digital still  
camera, and thus may appear different from what  
you see.  
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame  
accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel,  
or when you adjust the angle of the LCD panel.  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.  
• In this instruction manual, each model is indicated as  
follows.  
CCD-TRV238E:  
CCD-TRV438E:  
TRV238E  
TRV438E  
DCR-TRV270E: TRV270E  
DCR-TRV285E: TRV285E  
Instructions with no specific model names are for all  
models.  
Instructions with specific model names are for the  
indicated models only.  
Viewfinder  
LCD panel  
Before you start reading this manual, check the  
model name of your camcorder.  
• The on-screen displays in each local language are  
used in illustrating the operating procedures. Change  
the screen language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 19).  
• The illustrations used on this manual are based on  
the model DCR-TRV285E.  
Battery pack  
• The screens shown in this manual are from a  
Windows XP computer. The screens may vary  
depending on the OS.  
• Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select desired  
item, then press the dial to decide.  
3
   
CCD-TRV238E:  
CCD-TRV438E:  
TRV238E DCR-TRV270E: TRV270E  
TRV438E DCR-TRV285E: TRV285E  
Table of Contents  
Recording still images – Tape photo recording  
4
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording  
Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code  
,continued  
5
Using with your  
Customizing Your  
Installing the software and “First Step  
(
TRV270E/285E) ......................74  
Using the  
(MANUAL SET) menu  
Using “First Step Guide”  
etc. ............................................... 43  
Using the  
(CAMERA SET) menu  
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click  
etc. ............................................... 46  
Using the  
(PLAYER SET)/  
(VCR  
etc. ............................................... 50  
Using the  
(LCD SET) menu  
Using the  
(TAPE SET) menu  
Using the  
(SETUP MENU)  
LANGUAGE, etc. ..................... 56  
About the “InfoLITHIUM”  
Using the  
(OTHERS) menu  
etc. ............................................... 58  
Dubbing a tape easily – Easy Dubbing  
Recording pictures from a VCR  
Dubbing selected scenes from a tape  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Two operating instructions are supplied with  
your camcorder:  
(
TRV270E/285E) ...................... 67  
• Camera Operations Guide (This manual)  
• “First Step Guide” for using the supplied  
applications (included in the supplied CD-ROM)  
6
7
Quick Start Guide  
Recording movies  
1
Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.  
To charge the battery, see page 12.  
a Lift up the viewfinder.  
b Slide the battery pack in the direction  
of the arrow until it clicks.  
2
Insert a cassette into the camcorder.  
a Slide the  
OPEN/ b Insert the cassette with c Press  
.
Close the cassette lid after  
the cassette compartment  
slides back in by itself.  
EJECT lever in the  
its window-side facing  
up, then push the center  
of the back of the  
cassette.  
direction of the arrow  
and open the lid until  
it clicks.  
The cassette compartment  
comes out automatically.  
Window-side  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
Quick Start Guide  
8
   
3
Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.  
The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 17.  
a Remove the lens cap.  
Lens cap is not attached  
when you purchase your  
b Press OPEN and open  
the LCD panel.  
c While pressing the  
green button, slide the  
POWER switch down  
to light up the  
CAMERA lamp.  
The power turns on.  
START/STOP  
d
Press REC START/STOP.  
Recording starts. To change  
to standby mode, press REC  
START/STOP again.  
You can also use REC START/  
STOP of the LCD panel.  
4
View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.  
a Slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly  
until the PLAY/EDIT  
lamp lights up.  
b Press  
(rewind).  
c Press  
(play) to  
start the playback.  
To stop, press  
.
To turn off the power, slide the  
POWER switch up to (CHG)  
OFF.  
Quick Start Guide  
9
Recording/Playing back with ease  
By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation  
becomes even easier.  
Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first  
time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback.  
Press EASY when recording/  
playing back.  
EASY lights up in blue (1) and  
screen font size increases (2) during  
Easy Handycam operation.  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
For details, see instructions for each operation.  
See page 26 for recording, page 35 for playback.  
Quick Start Guide  
10  
 
RMT-830: ( TRV285E)  
Getting started  
Step 1: Checking  
supplied items  
Make sure you have following items supplied  
with your camcorder.  
A/V connecting cable (1)  
Monaural: (  
TRV238E/438E)  
The number in parentheses indicates the number  
of that item supplied.  
AC Adaptor (1)  
Stereo: ( TRV270E/285E)  
USB cable (1)  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
Mains lead (1)  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30 (1)  
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1)  
Lens cap (1)  
See page 104 on how to attach the lens cap.  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
Camera Operations Guide (This manual)  
(1)  
Shoulder strap (1)  
See page 107 on how to attach the shoulder  
strap.  
Wireless Remote Commander (1)  
A button-type lithium battery is already  
installed.  
RMT-833: (  
TRV238E/438E)  
Getting started  
11  
       
1 Lift up the viewfinder.  
Step 2: Charging the  
battery pack  
You can charge the battery by attaching the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series)  
to your camcorder.  
b Notes  
• You cannot use batteries other than the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) (p. 96).  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor  
or battery terminals with any metallic objects. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
• Use a nearby wall socket when using the AC  
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
socket immediately if any malfunction occurs.  
• Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such  
as a bookcase or build-in cabinet.  
2 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in  
the direction of the arrow until it  
clicks.  
Battery pack  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
3 With the v mark on the DC plug  
facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to  
the DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
Mains lead  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall socket  
v mark  
4 Connect the mains lead to the AC  
Adaptor.  
5 Connect the mains lead to the wall  
socket.  
Getting started  
12  
       
To check the remaining battery – Battery  
Info  
6 Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG)  
OFF.  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
DISPLAY/BATT INFO  
After charging the battery  
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the  
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC  
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.  
POWER switch  
OPEN  
You can check the battery’s current charge level  
and its current remaining recording time both  
during charging or when the power is turned off.  
To remove the battery pack  
1
2
3
Set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF.  
Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
POWER switch  
BATT (battery)  
release button  
Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.  
The battery information appears for about 7  
seconds.  
Keep the button pressed to view it for about  
20 seconds.  
BATTERY INFO  
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL  
0%  
50%  
100%  
1
2
3
Lift up the viewfinder.  
REC TIME AVAILABLE  
LCD SCREEN: 81 min  
VIEWFINDER: 112 min  
Set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF.  
Slide the battery pack out in the direction  
of the arrow while pressing the BATT  
(battery) release button down.  
A Battery charge level: Displays  
approximate remaining amount of  
power left in the battery pack.  
b Note  
• If you do not use the battery pack for a long time, use  
up the battery pack completely before storing it. See  
page 96 about storage of the battery pack.  
B Approximate possible recording time  
using the LCD panel.  
C Approximate possible recording time  
using the viewfinder.  
Charging time  
Approximate number of minutes required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack  
,continued  
Getting started  
13  
   
at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)  
recommended.)  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
Battery pack  
NP-FM50  
280  
135  
330  
495  
NP-FM30 (supplied)  
NP-FM50  
145  
150  
260  
360  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
675  
1010  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
Recording time when recording with the  
LCD screen on  
Approximate number of minutes available  
when you use a fully charged battery pack at  
25°C (77°F).  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
NP-FM30  
(supplied)  
125  
65  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
NP-FM50  
200  
485  
725  
105  
255  
385  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
* Approximate number of minutes when recording  
while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the  
POWER switch to change the power mode, and  
zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.  
NP-FM30  
(supplied)  
115  
55  
NP-FM50  
185  
445  
670  
90  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
220  
335  
Playing time  
Approximate number of minutes available  
when you use a fully charged battery pack at  
25°C (77°F).  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
Battery pack LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
NP-FM30  
(supplied)  
90  
50  
NP-FM30  
(supplied)  
115  
185  
NP-FM50  
145  
355  
535  
80  
NP-FM50  
185  
445  
670  
295  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
220  
300  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
715  
1070  
Recording time when recording with the  
viewfinder  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Approximate number of minutes available  
when you use a fully charged battery pack at  
25°C (77°F).  
Battery pack LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
NP-FM30  
(supplied)  
100  
150  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
NP-FM50  
160  
390  
585  
240  
580  
865  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
NP-QM71D  
NP-QM91D  
NP-FM30  
(supplied)  
175  
85  
Getting started  
14  
   
b Notes  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack  
when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack  
of your camcorder, even if its mains lead is  
disconnected from the wall socket.  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
when you use your camcorder in low temperature.  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or  
the battery information will not be correctly  
displayed in following conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery  
information only.)  
Step 3: Turning the  
power on  
You need to slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to select the desired power mode  
to record or play.  
When using this camcorder for the first time,  
the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 17).  
While pressing the green button, slide the  
POWER switch down.  
The power turns on.  
Using an outside power source  
To enter the recording or playing mode, slide  
the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp  
for the desired power mode lights up.  
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power  
source when you do not want the battery to  
run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,  
the battery pack will not lose its charge even  
when it is attached to your camcorder.  
PRECAUTION  
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to  
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.  
• CAMERA mode: To record on a tape.  
• PLAY/EDIT mode: To play or edit pictures on  
a tape.  
Connect your camcorder as shown in  
“Charging the battery pack” (p. 12).  
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.  
Getting started  
15  
         
3
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[LCD BRIGHT], then press the dial  
Step 4: Adjusting the  
LCD panel and  
viewfinder  
4
5
Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then  
press the dial.  
Press MENU.  
Adjusting the LCD panel  
z Tips  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens  
side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD  
screen facing out.  
• If you are using the battery pack for power source,  
you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD  
You can adjust the angle and brightness of  
the LCD panel to meet various recording  
situations.  
Even when there are obstructions between you  
and the subject, you can check the subject on the  
LCD screen during recording by adjusting the  
angle of the LCD panel.  
B.L.] in the  
(LCD SET) menu (p. 52).  
• The recorded picture will not be affected by this  
setting.  
• You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by  
setting [BEEP] in the  
[OFF] (p. 58).  
(OTHERS) menu to  
MENU  
Adjusting the viewfinder  
Maximum  
180 degrees  
You can view images using the viewfinder  
when you close the LCD panel. Use the  
viewfinder when the battery is running out, or  
when the screen is hard to see.  
Maximum  
90 degrees  
Press OPEN and  
open the LCD panel.  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder, then rotate it to the desired  
position.  
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever  
1 Lift up the viewfinder.  
To adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen  
2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment  
1
2
Press MENU.  
lever until the picture is clear.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
(LCD SET), then press the dial.  
Getting started  
16  
             
3 Press MENU.  
Step 5: Setting the  
date and time  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
STBY  
P
EFFECT  
AUTO SHTR  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not set  
the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen  
appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder.  
[
]
MENU : END  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select  
(SETUP MENU), then press  
the dial.  
b Note  
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3  
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets  
discharged and the date and time settings may be  
cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the  
rechargeable battery (p. 100) and then set the date  
and time again.  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
LTR SIZE  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
STBY  
––:––:––  
[
]
MENU : END  
MENU  
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [CLOCK SET], then press the  
dial.  
CLOCK SET  
STBY  
Y
2005  
M
1
D
1
H
M
0 :00  
[
] :  
MENU CANCEL  
OPEN  
SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial  
POWER  
switch  
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to set  
[Y] (year), then press the dial.  
CLOCK SET  
STBY  
1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 15).  
Y
2005  
M
1
D
1
H
M
0 :00  
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
[
] :  
MENU CANCEL  
Proceed to step 6 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
You can set any year up to the year 2079.  
7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), [H] (hour)  
and [M] (minute) in the same way as  
was done in step 6, then press the dial.  
,continued  
Getting started  
17  
     
To check the preset date and time  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Step 6: Inserting a  
cassette tape  
Press DATE to display the date indicator.  
Press TIME to display the time indicator.  
Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME  
(or DATE) to simultaneously display the date  
and time indicator.  
You can use standard 8 mm and Hi8  
,
Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder.  
For details on these cassettes (such as write-  
protection), see page 95.  
To hide the date and/or time indicator, press  
DATE and/or TIME again.  
b Notes  
• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This  
may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
The recording time when you use your camcorder is  
2/3 of the indicated time on Hi8  
tape. If you  
select the [LP] mode in the menu settings, the  
recording time is the indicated time on  
Hi8  
tape.  
1 Slide the  
OPEN/EJECT lever in  
the direction of the arrow and open the  
lid until it clicks.  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
Lid  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
Getting started  
18  
       
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side  
Step 7: Setting the  
screen language  
facing up.  
Window-side  
You can select the language to be used on the  
LCD screen.  
MENU  
Push the center of the  
back of the cassette  
lightly.  
3 Press  
.
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in.  
SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial  
POWER  
switch  
OPEN  
1 Turn on your camcorder.  
2 Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.  
3 Press MENU.  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
STBY  
P
EFFECT  
4 Close the lid.  
AUTO SHTR  
[
]
MENU : END  
To eject the cassette  
1
Slide the  
OPEN/EJECT lever in the  
direction of the arrow and open the lid.  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out.  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select  
(SETUP MENU), then press  
the dial.  
2
3
Take out the cassette, then press  
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in.  
.
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
LTR SIZE  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
STBY  
––:––:––  
Close the lid.  
[
]
MENU : END  
,continued  
Getting started  
19  
   
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [ LANGUAGE], then press  
the dial.  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
LTR SIZE  
STBY  
DEUTSCH  
LANGUAGE ENGLISH  
[
]
DEMO MODE ENG SIMP  
ESPAÑOL  
FRANÇAIS  
I TAL I ANO  
[
]
MENU : END  
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the desired language, then press  
the dial.  
7 Press MENU.  
z Tip  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified  
English) for when you cannot find your native  
tongue among the options.  
Getting started  
20  
Recording  
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
Recording movies  
Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in  
3 Slide the POWER switch until the  
CAMERA lamp lights up.  
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.  
Slide the POWER  
switch while  
pressing the green  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Movies will be recorded along with monaural  
sound.  
button.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Movies will be recorded along with stereo  
sound.  
Camera recording lamp  
4 Press REC START/STOP.  
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the  
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp  
lights up.  
Press REC START/STOP again to stop  
recording.  
To turn the power off  
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.  
OPEN REC START/STOP  
POWER switch  
z Tip  
• If you do not use your camcorder for a long time,  
remove the cassette and store it.  
b Note  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Indicators displayed during recording  
The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds  
after you start recording (Auto date function). This  
function works only once a day. See page 56 for  
details.  
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
z Tip  
1 23  
4
• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first  
time users can record easily. For details, see page 26.  
SP  
REC  
0:00:00  
60min  
5
6
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap  
string down and attach it to the grip  
belt.  
,continued  
Recording  
21  
           
z Tips  
For TRV270E/285E:  
• You can also use REC START/STOP on LCD frame  
to record moving pictures. It is useful when you  
record from a low-angle or record by yourself in the  
mirror mode.  
• To press REC START/STOP on LCD frame,  
support the LCD panel with your hand.  
• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last  
recorded scene to the next, note the following.  
– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be  
recorded continuously without a break even when  
you turn the power off.)  
Date/time and camera settings data (p. 36) will  
not be displayed during recording.  
1 23 7  
SP  
REC  
0:00:00  
60min  
5
– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on  
the same tape.  
– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP  
mode.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
A Remaining battery time  
The recording time, date, and the camera settings  
data are recorded automatically on the tape without  
being displayed on the screen. You can view this  
information during playback by selecting [DATA  
CODE] on the screen (p. 58).  
The indicated time may not be correct  
depending on the environment of use.  
When you opened or closed the LCD panel,  
it takes about 1 minute to display the correct  
remaining battery time.  
B Recording mode (SP or LP)  
Recording for a longer time  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
D Tape counter (hour: minute: second)  
(
TRV238E/438E)  
To record for a longer time  
To set the counter to 0:00:00, press  
COUNTER RESET (p. 106).  
In the  
(TAPE SET) menu, select [REC  
MODE], then [LP] (p. 53).  
In the LP mode, you can record longer than  
when recording in the SP mode (2 times longer  
E Recording capacity  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
This appears after you insert a cassette and  
record for a while.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
for  
TRV238E/438E, 1.5 times longer for  
TRV270E/285E).  
A tape recorded in the LP mode should be  
played back only on this camcorder.  
This appears after a while when you set the  
POWER switch to CAMERA and insert a  
cassette.  
F Hi8 format (  
TRV238E/438E)  
This appears while recording Hi8 format  
tapes.  
G Time code/Tape counter (hour: minute:  
second)/Tape photo recording  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
b Notes  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER  
switch up to (CHG) OFF.  
• In the default setting, if you do not operate the  
camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power  
will automatically turn off to preserve battery power  
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 58). To restart recording, slide  
the POWER switch down to select CAMERA, and  
then press REC START/STOP.  
Recording  
22  
         
To use the zoom buttons on LCD frame  
Keep W pressed to record wider range of view,  
and keep T pressed to record closer view.  
Using zoom  
b Notes  
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom  
buttons on LCD frame.  
• To press the zoom buttons on LCD frame, support  
the LCD panel with your hand.  
When the CAMERA mode is selected, you  
can choose zoom to magnification levels  
greater than 20 times, and from that point  
activate the digital zoom ([D ZOOM], p. 46).  
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but  
use it sparingly for best results.  
Using the built-in light  
You can use the built-in light to suit your  
shooting situation. The recommended  
distance between the subject and camcorder  
is about 1.5 m (5 feet).  
Built-in light  
80 cm  
(approx.  
2 5/8 feet)*  
1 cm (approx.  
1/2 inch)*  
LIGHT  
Press LIGHT repeatedly to select a setting.  
The settings are displayed cyclically in the  
following order.  
* The minimum distance required between your  
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus in  
that position of the lever.  
No indicator displayed: Always records  
without using the built-in light.  
m
: Automatically turns on and off  
according to the ambient brightness.  
m
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a  
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
: Always turns on.  
To record wider range of view  
Move the power zoom lever towards W.  
The subject appears farther away (Wide  
angle).  
To turn off the built-in light  
Press LIGHT repeatedly until no indicator  
appears on the screen.  
To record closer view  
Move the power zoom lever towards T.  
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).  
b Notes  
• The built-in video light emits very bright light,  
which is perfectly safe in normal use. However,  
avoid directly aiming the light at a subject’s eyes  
from very close range.  
,continued  
Recording  
23  
               
• The battery pack discharges quickly while the built-  
in light is turned on.  
b Notes  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
• When you do not use your camcorder, turn the built-  
in light off and remove the battery pack to avoid  
turning on the built-in light accidentally.  
• When flickering occurs while shooting in the  
mode, press LIGHT until  
appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD  
screen. Xz appears in the standby mode, and z  
appears in the recording mode. Some of other  
indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not  
displayed.  
appears.  
• During recording in the mirror mode, DATE and  
TIME on your camcorder do not work.  
• The built-in light may turn on/off when you use the  
[PROGRAM AE] or back light function while  
shooting in the  
mode.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
The built-in light is turned off during the interval  
time of Interval recording.  
Superimposing the date and time  
on pictures (  
TRV238E/438E)  
• When you use the conversion lens (optional), light  
from the built-in light is blocked and may not  
illuminate the subject properly.  
You can record the date and/or time  
displayed on the screen superimposed on the  
picture.  
Recording in mirror mode  
You can turn the LCD panel towards the  
subject so that you and your subject can share  
the image being recorded. You can also  
utilize this function when recording yourself,  
or to keep the attention of small children  
attracted to the camcorder while you record  
them.  
DATE  
CCD-TRV438E  
TIME  
Press DATE to record the date.  
Press TIME to record the time.  
Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME  
(or DATE) to record the date and time.  
To hide the date and time, press DATE and/or  
TIME again.  
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock  
is not set up yet. Set the date and time to your  
local time before using (p. 17).  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees  
towards the subject.  
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
b Note  
• The date and time indicators recorded manually  
cannot be deleted.  
z Tip  
• If you do not record the date and time in the picture,  
record the date and time in the black screen as the  
background for about 10 seconds, then erase the date  
and time indicators before starting actual recording.  
Recording  
24  
       
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
Recording still  
CAMERA mode.  
images  
– Tape photo recording  
Slide the POWER  
switch while pressing  
the green button.  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
You can record still images. Before  
recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting  
OPEN  
PHOTO  
4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.  
You will hear a small beep sound, and the  
picture will become a still image.  
Recording does not start at this point.  
The indicator  
appears.  
CAPTURE  
60min  
POWER switch  
5 Press PHOTO fully.  
A shutter sound is heard, and the image is  
recorded with sound for 7 seconds.  
The still image is displayed on the screen  
until recording is completed.  
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap  
string down and attach it to the grip  
belt.  
To turn the power off  
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.  
b Note  
appears when the tape photo recording does  
not work.  
z Tip  
• You can record about 510 images in the SP mode  
and about 765 images in the LP mode on a tape  
which can record for 60 minutes in the SP mode.  
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
Recording  
25  
     
Recording with ease  
– Easy Handycam  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of  
the camera settings are set to automatic  
mode, only basic functions become available,  
and screen font size increases for easy  
viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy  
recording. Before recording, follow steps 1 to  
7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 19).  
5 Press REC START/STOP.  
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the  
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp  
lights up. Press REC START/STOP again  
to stop recording.  
Camera recording lamp EASY  
POWER switch  
To turn the power off  
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.  
To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY again.  
b Notes  
• You cannot switch from/to Easy Handycam  
operation during recording.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot  
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
You cannot use Easy Handycam operation together  
with USB Streaming.  
• All the settings return to their defaults during Easy  
Handycam operation. Previously made settings are  
restored when you cancel Easy Handycam  
operation.  
OPEN  
REC START/STOP  
z Tip  
• Buttons that do not work during Easy Handycam  
operation have a dot beside them on your camcorder.  
Also, only menu items that are available during Easy  
Handycam operation are displayed when MENU is  
pressed.  
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap  
string down and attach it to the grip  
belt.  
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
You can record movies only.  
4 Press EASY.  
EASY lights up in blue.  
Recording  
26  
     
Adjusting the exposure manually  
Adjusting the  
exposure  
You can fix the brightness of a picture at the  
best exposure. When recording indoors on a  
clear day, for instance, you can avoid  
backlight shadows on people next to the  
window by manually fixing the exposure to  
that of the wall side of the room.  
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the  
default setting.  
Adjusting the exposure for backlit  
subjects  
When your subject has its back to the sun or  
other light, you can adjust the exposure to  
prevent the subject from becoming  
shadowed.  
EXPOSURE SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
1 Press EXPOSURE in CAMERA mode.  
The exposure indicator appears on the  
screen.  
BACK LIGHT  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
adjust the brightness.  
Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA mode.  
. appears.  
To cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
b Note  
While exposure is set to manual mode, is  
displayed in the left-hand corner of the  
screen.  
• The back light function is canceled when you press  
EXPOSURE (p. 27).  
To return the setting to automatic  
exposure  
Press EXPOSURE.  
Recording  
27  
             
z Tip  
• If you record subjects in complete darkness, set  
[N.S. LIGHT] to [ON] in the menu settings. The  
maximum shooting distance using the NightShot  
Light is about 3 meters (10 feet). If you record  
subjects in dark places (such as night scene or in  
moonlight), set [N.S. LIGHT] to [OFF] in the menu  
settings. You can make image color deeper (p. 49).  
Recording in dark  
places  
– NightShot plus  
You can record subjects in dark places (such  
as when capturing the face of your baby  
sleeping) with this function.  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.  
and [”NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.  
To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT  
PLUS switch to OFF.  
b Notes  
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright  
places. This may cause a malfunction.  
• You cannot use the NightShot plus function together  
with:  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
– Manual exposure  
• Adjust the focus manually when it is hard to focus  
automatically.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or  
other objects. Remove the conversion lens (optional)  
if it is attached.  
• Depending on the shooting conditions or  
circumstances, colors may not be reproduced  
properly.  
Recording  
28  
       
Tips for focusing manually  
• It is easier to focus on the subject when  
you use the zoom function. Move the  
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto)  
to adjust the focus, and then, towards W  
(wide angle) to adjust the zoom for  
recording.  
• When you want to record a close-up  
image of a subject, move the power zoom  
lever towards W (wide angle) to fully  
magnify the image, then adjust the focus.  
Adjusting the focus  
manually  
The focus is adjusted automatically in the  
default setting.  
You can adjust the focus manually according  
to the recording conditions.  
Use this function in the following cases.  
– To record a subject behind a window covered  
with raindrops.  
– To record horizontal stripes.  
To adjust the focus automatically  
Press FOCUS again.  
– To record a subject with little contrast  
between the subject and its background.  
– When you want to focus on a subject in the  
background.  
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.  
FOCUS  
SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial  
1 Press FOCUS in CAMERA mode.  
9 appears.  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
sharpen focus.  
9 changes to  
when the focus cannot be  
adjusted any further. 9 changes to  
when the focus cannot be adjusted any  
closer.  
Recording  
29  
   
[STRIPE FADER]  
This feature is for  
TRV238E/438E only.  
Recording a picture  
using various effects  
FADER  
[MONOTONE FADER]  
When fading in, the picture gradually changes  
from black-and-white to color.  
When fading out, the picture gradually changes  
from color to black-and-white.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
POWER switch  
REC START/STOP  
2 Press FADER until the desired fader  
indicator flashes in the standby mode  
(to fade in) or during recording (to  
fade out).  
Fading in and out of a scene  
– FADER  
BLACK  
FADER  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
3 Press REC START/STOP.  
[BLACK FADER]  
[WHITE FADER]  
[MOSAIC FADER]  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
To cancel the operation  
In step 2, press FADER repeatedly until the  
indicator disappears.  
b Notes  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
You cannot use the FADER function together with:  
– Tape photo recording  
– [FRAME REC] (Frame recording)  
– [INT.REC] (Interval recording)  
• Titles do not fade in or fade out. The date and time  
indicator for  
TRV238E/438E also does not  
fade in or fade out.  
Erase them before operating the FADER function if  
they are not needed.  
Recording  
30  
                 
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the desired character, then press the dial.  
Superimposing a title  
TITLE SET  
P1  
STBY  
S_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
You can insert a title when recording.  
You can select one of the 8 preset titles and  
the 2 custom titles.  
ABCDE 12345  
FGHIJ 67890  
KLMNO ÀÈÌÒÙ  
$
¿
[
¥
DM  
£
i ø ” :  
C
]
PQRST ÁÉÍÓÚ [ cP2 ]  
UVWXY ÂÊÔÆŒ [ O K ]  
ç
Z& ? ! ÃÕÑ  
ß
’ . ,  
/
ÄÏÖÜÅ  
[
]
TITLE : END  
TITLE  
To erase a character: Select [C].  
To enter a space: Select [Z& ? !], then  
select the blank part between & and ?.  
To select alphabet and Russian  
characters: Select [  
].  
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the next character, and enter the character  
in the same manner.  
6 When you have finished entering  
characters, turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial to select [O K], then press the dial.  
The title is stored in memory.  
REC START/  
STOP  
SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode, then press TITLE.  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the title you want to insert, then  
press the dial.  
Select a desired title from the displayed  
titles (2 original titles that you have created  
before and the preset titles that have been  
stored in your camcorder). You can create  
original titles (up to 2 types of title of within  
20 characters each) in the following  
procedure.  
To insert an original title, turn the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial to select [CUSTOM1””]  
or [CUSTOM2””], and press the dial, then  
select [OK] and press the dial.  
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[CUSTOM1””] or [CUSTOM2””], then  
press the dial.  
3 Change [COLOR], [SIZE], or  
[POSITION] as necessary.  
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[COLOR], [SIZE], or [POSITION], then  
press the dial. The selected item appears  
on the screen.  
TITLE  
STBY  
CUSTOM1""  
OK  
CREATE/EDIT  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the desired item, then press the dial.  
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the title is laid  
out as desired.  
[
]
TITLE : END  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[CREATE/EDIT], then press the dial.  
3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the column of the desired character, then  
press the dial.  
[COLOR] (color)  
[WHITE] y [YELLOW] y  
[VIOLET] y [RED] y [CYAN] y  
[GREEN] y [BLUE]  
[SIZE] (size)  
[SMALL] y [LARGE]  
(You can only select [SMALL] when  
you are entering more than 13  
characters.)  
,continued  
Recording  
31  
     
[POSITION] (position)  
You can select from 8 to 9 choices.  
Searching for the last  
scene of the most  
recent recording  
– END SEARCH  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [OK], then press the dial.  
The title appears.  
5 Press REC START/STOP.  
This function is handy when you have played  
back the tape, for example, but want to start  
recording right after the most recently  
recorded scene. The END SEARCH function  
will not work once you eject the cassette after  
you have recorded on the tape.  
6 Press TITLE at the scene you want to  
erase the title off.  
To superimpose the title while you are  
recording  
Press TITLE and carry out steps 2 to 4. When  
you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at step 4,  
the title is recorded.  
b Notes  
• If you display the menu while superimposing a title,  
the title is not recorded while the menu is displayed.  
• When you are selecting and setting the title, the title  
displayed on the screen is not recorded.  
• When you superimpose a title while you are  
recording, the beep does not sound.  
• When you are using your camcorder on the battery  
pack and do not operate it for 5 minutes, the power  
automatically goes off as the default setting. If you  
may take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters, set  
END SEARCH  
POWER  
switch  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
[A.SHUT OFF] in the  
(OTHERS) menu to  
CAMERA mode.  
[NEVER] (p. 58). The power will not be turned off.  
Even though the power goes off, the characters you  
have entered remain stored in memory. Turn the  
power back on, then start again from step 1 to  
continue superimposing the title.  
2 Press END SEARCH.  
The last scene of the most recent recording  
is played back for about 5 seconds, and the  
camcorder enters the standby mode at the  
point where the last recording has finished.  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
The date and time, or either of them, may not be  
displayed depending on the size or position of the  
title.  
z Tip  
To cancel the operation  
Press END SEARCH again.  
• To change a created title, select the title in step 1.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [CREATE/  
EDIT] and press the dial, then reselect characters.  
b Note  
• The END SEARCH function will not work correctly  
when there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
z Tip  
• When PLAY/EDIT mode is selected, you can do this  
operation by pressing END SEARCH.  
Recording  
32  
     
Playback  
3 Press  
(rewind) to go to the point  
(play) to start playback.  
you want to view.  
Viewing pictures  
recorded on a tape  
4 Press  
Make sure you have a recorded cassette  
inserted into your camcorder.  
When you want to play back the recorded  
picture on your TV, see page 38.  
To adjust the volume  
Press either of the two buttons on VOLUME.  
When you close the LCD panel, sound is turned  
off.  
For  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E:  
: To turn the volume down  
: To turn the volume up  
You can control playback using the Remote  
Commander.  
To stop playback  
Press  
(stop).  
To pause  
Press  
(pause) during playback. Press  
(pause) or  
(play) to restart the  
playback.  
Playback stops automatically when pause mode  
continues for a few minutes.  
To fast forward or rewind  
Press  
(fast forward) or  
(rewind) in  
stop mode.  
To review movies on the viewfinder  
Close the LCD panel.  
POWER  
switch  
OPEN  
Indicators displayed during playing  
back  
z Tip  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first  
time users can play back easily. For details, see  
60min  
0:00:00  
1 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
Slide the POWER  
switch while  
pressing the green  
button.  
,continued  
Playback  
33  
         
For TRV270E/285E:  
To view pictures at slow speed (slow  
playback)*  
For  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E:  
Press SLOW y on the Remote Commander  
during playback. To resume normal playback,  
press PLAY.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
* For TRV285E:  
Pictures output from the DV Interface cannot be  
played back smoothly in the slow mode.  
b Notes  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
A Remaining battery time  
If slow playback lasts for about 1 minute, the  
camcorder automatically returns to normal speed  
playback.  
B Recording mode (SP or LP)  
C Tape transport indicator  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
When you play back a tape recorded in the LP mode,  
noise may appear on the LCD screen in the  
following cases:  
D Tape counter (hour: minute: second)  
(
TRV238E/438E)  
E Hi8 format ( TRV238E/438E)  
– Slow playback  
This appears while playing back Hi8 format  
tapes.  
– Playback pause  
– Picture search  
F Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)  
or tape counter (hour: minute: second)  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
b Note  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
If you use a standard 8 mm  
tape, be sure to play  
back the tape on your camcorder. Mosaic noise may  
appear when you play back the standard 8 mm  
tape on other camcorders (including another DCR-  
TRV270E/TRV285E).  
Playing back in various modes  
To fast forward or rewind during  
playback – Picture search  
Keep on pressing  
(fast forward) or  
(rewind) during playback.  
To resume normal playback, release the button.  
To view the picture while fast  
forwarding or rewinding – Skip scan  
Keep on pressing  
(fast forward) or  
(rewind) while fast forwarding or rewinding the  
tape.  
To resume fast forwarding or rewinding, release  
the button.  
Playback  
34  
     
4 Play back a tape.  
Playing back with  
ease  
The following buttons can be operated.  
(play)/  
(fast forward)/  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E:  
(stop)/  
(pause)/  
(rewind)  
For  
– Easy Handycam  
You can operate those operations and  
SLOW y on the Remote Commander.  
Easy Handycam operation allows easy  
playback for even first time users by  
providing only the basic functions for  
playback. Also screen font size increases for  
easy viewing. Make sure you have a recorded  
cassette inserted into your camcorder.  
To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY again.  
b Notes  
For TRV270E/285E:  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot  
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.  
• You cannot use Easy Handycam operation together  
with USB Streaming.  
EASY  
OPEN  
POWER switch  
z Tip  
• Buttons that do not work during Easy Handycam  
operation have a dot beside them on your camcorder.  
Also, only menu items that are available during Easy  
Handycam operation are displayed when MENU is  
pressed.  
1 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
3 Press EASY.  
EASY lights up in blue.  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
Playback  
35  
     
Displaying the date/time and  
camera settings data – Data code  
( TRV270E/285E)  
Various playback  
functions  
During playback, you can view the date/time  
data ([DATE/TIME]) and the camera settings  
data ([CAM DATA]) that are automatically  
recorded while recording pictures on a tape.  
You can display the recorded date on the  
screen.  
DISPLAY/BATT INFO POWER switch  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
2 Press MENU during playback or  
playback pause.  
3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
MENU  
SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial  
select  
dial.  
(OTHERS), then press the  
Displaying the screen indicators  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [DATA CODE], then press the  
dial.  
OTHERS  
OFF  
DATE/TIME  
CAM DATA  
DATA CODE  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
You can choose to display the time code, tape  
counter, and other information on the screen.  
A. SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISPLAY  
VIDEO EDIT  
RETURN  
[
] :  
MENU END  
Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.  
The indicators appear/disappear as you press the  
button.  
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the [DATE/TIME] or [CAM  
DATA], then press the dial.  
z Tips  
• For  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E:  
You can display the screen indicators by pressing  
DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.  
• You can display the screen indicators during  
6 Press MENU.  
0:00:00:00  
60min  
playback on a TV. Select the  
(OTHERS) menu,  
[DISPLAY], then [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 59).  
1 1 2005  
12:17:50  
Playback  
36  
             
To hide the date/time or the camera  
settings data  
Follow steps 2 to 4, and select [OFF] in step 5.  
Camera settings data display  
In the date/time data display, the date and time  
is displayed in the same area.  
If you record the picture without setting the  
clock, [-- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear.  
0:00:00:00  
60min  
1
2
3
AUTO  
100  
F1.6  
AWB  
9dB  
4
5
6
A SteadyShot off  
B Exposure  
C White balance  
D Gain  
E Shutter speed  
F Aperture value  
Playback  
37  
Connect your camcorder to a TV using the  
supplied A/V connecting cable as shown in  
the following illustration.  
Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall  
socket for the power supply (p. 12).  
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied  
with the devices to be connected.  
Playing the picture on  
a TV  
To copy to another tape, see page 62.  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
A/V OUT jack  
Yellow  
Black  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Signal flow  
VCRs or TVs  
For TRV270E/285E:  
A/V OUT jack  
Yellow  
White  
Red  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Signal flow  
VCRs or TVs  
Playback  
38  
         
When your TV is connected to a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input  
on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set  
the input selector on the VCR to LINE.  
Locating a scene on a  
tape for playback  
(
TRV285E)  
When your TV is stereo  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Connect the audio plug of the A/V connecting  
cable to the left (white) input jack of your TV.  
Searching quickly for a desired  
scene – Zero set memory  
When your TV is monaural (When your  
TV has only one audio input jack)  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting  
cable to the video input jack and connect the  
white or the red plug to the audio input jack of  
your TV or VCR.  
When you want to play the sound in monaural  
mode, use a connecting cable (optional) for that  
purpose.  
m REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
DISPLAY  
ZERO SET MEMORY  
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector  
(EUROCONNECTOR)  
To play back movies, connect your camcorder  
to the TV/VCR, using the 21-pin adaptor  
(optional).  
1 During playback, press ZERO SET  
MEMORY on the Remote  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Commander at the point you want to  
locate later on.  
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and  
appears on the screen.  
If the tape counter is not displayed, press  
DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.  
TV/VCR  
TV/VCR  
For TRV270E/285E:  
2 Press STOP when you want to stop  
playback.  
3 Press m REW.  
The tape stops automatically when the tape  
counter reaches “0:00:00.”  
4 Press PLAY.  
The playback starts from the point  
designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter.  
To cancel the operation  
Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote  
Commander again.  
,continued  
Playback  
39  
             
b Notes  
• The Date search will not function correctly when  
there is a blank section between recorded sections on  
the tape.  
• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds  
between the time code and the tape counter.  
• Zero set memory will not function correctly if there  
is a blank section between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
Searching for a still image  
– Photo search  
Searching for a scene by date of  
recording – Date search  
You can locate the still image you have  
recorded on a tape.  
You can locate the point where the recording  
date changes.  
SEARCH M.  
. / >  
SEARCH M.  
STOP  
. / >  
STOP  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[PHOTO SEARCH].  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[DATE SEARCH].  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
the Remote Commander to select the  
photo for playback.  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
the Remote Commander to select a  
recording date.  
Playback of the photo starts automatically.  
Each time you press the button, the previous  
or the next photo will be searched for and  
displayed.  
Playback starts automatically from the  
point where the date changes.  
Each time you press the button, the previous  
or the next date will be searched for and  
displayed.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
b Note  
To cancel the operation  
• If a tape has a blank section between recorded  
sections, the Photo search function may not work  
correctly.  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
b Notes  
• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your  
camcorder may not accurately find the point where  
the recording date changes.  
Playback  
40  
           
Playing back still images in  
sequence – Photo scan  
You can also locate still images one after  
another and display each image for 5 seconds  
automatically.  
SEARCH M.  
. / >  
STOP  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[PHOTO SCAN].  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
the Remote Commander.  
Each photo will be played back for about 5  
seconds.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
b Note  
• If a tape has a blank section between recorded  
sections, the Photo scan function may not work  
correctly.  
Playback  
41  
     
OTHERS (p. 58)  
BAdvanced operations  
STBY  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE SP  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
FRAME REC  
INT. REC  
RETURN  
Changing the menu  
settings  
[
]
MENU : END  
You can change various settings or make  
detailed adjustments using the menu items  
displayed on the screen.  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the desired item, then press the  
dial.  
The available menu items vary depending  
on the position of the POWER switch.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
MENU  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
STBY  
AUTO  
FRAME REC ON  
INT. REC  
RETURN  
[
]
MENU : END  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial POWER switch  
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the desired mode, then press the  
dial.  
1 Turn on the power (p. 15).  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
STBY  
ON  
FRAME REC  
INT. REC  
2 Press MENU.  
RETURN  
The menu screen appears.  
[
]
MENU : END  
STBY  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
P
EFFECT  
AUTO SHTR  
6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.  
[
]
MENU : END  
If you want to change other items, select  
[
RETURN] and press the dial, then  
repeat steps from 3 to 5.  
3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the desired menu, then press the  
dial.  
PLAYER SET (p. 50) (  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV270E)  
VCR SET (p. 50) ( TRV285E)  
SETUP MENU (p. 56)  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
42  
         
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(MANUAL SET) menu  
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
P
EFFECT  
You can select items listed below in the  
MANUAL SET menu. To select these items,  
AUTO SHTR  
[
]
MENU : END  
PROGRAM AE  
You can record pictures easily in a situation that requires various techniques by  
selecting the following settings.  
G AUTO  
Select this when not using PROGRAM AE.  
SPOTLIGHT*  
(spotlight) (  
Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing  
excessively white when subjects are lit by strong  
light, such as in a theater or at a wedding.  
)
PORTRAIT (soft Select to bring out the subject such as people or  
portrait) ( flowers while creating a soft background.  
)
SPORTS* (sports Select to minimize shake when shooting fast-  
lesson) (  
)
moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.  
BEACH&SKI*  
Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing  
(beach & ski) ( ) dark in strong light or reflected light, such as at a  
beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.  
SUNSETMOON  
** (sunset &  
Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations  
such as sunsets, general night views, fireworks,  
and neon signs.  
moon) (  
)
LANDSCAPE**  
(landscape) (  
Select when shooting distant subjects such as  
mountains. This setting also prevents your  
camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh  
in windows that comes in between the camcorder  
and the subject.  
)
* Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.  
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
43  
       
**Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects.  
b Note  
• When you set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON, [PROGRAM AE] does not work.  
P EFFECT  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
You can add special effects (such as films) to a picture before recording.  
appears when each effect is selected.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can add special effects (such as films) to a picture before or after recording.  
appears when each effect is selected.  
GOFF  
Select when not using the Picture effect setting.  
NEG.ART  
Select to record/play the picture with the color  
and brightness of the picture reversed.  
SEPIA  
B&W  
Select to record/play the picture appearing in sepia.  
Select to record/play the picture appearing in monochrome (black-  
and-white).  
SOLARIZE  
Select to record/play the picture looking like an  
illustration with strong contrast.  
SLIM  
Select to record the picture appearing vertically  
expanded. (This effect is not available during  
playback.)  
STRETCH  
PASTEL  
MOSAIC  
Select to record the picture appearing  
horizontally expanded. (This effect is not  
available during playback.)  
Select to record the picture looking like a pale  
pastel drawing. (This effect is not available  
during playback.)  
Select to record the picture appearing mosaic-  
patterned. (This effect is not available during  
playback.)  
b Note  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited  
with Picture effects via the  
DV Interface.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
44  
 
z Tip  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
You can copy pictures edited using picture effects to another tape (p. 62).  
AUTO SHTR  
GON  
Select to automatically activate the electronic shutter to adjust the  
shutter speed when recording in bright conditions.  
OFF  
Select when recording without using the electronic shutter.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
45  
 
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(CAMERA SET) menu  
– 16:9 WIDE/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
CAMERA SET  
D
ZOOM  
1 6 : 9W I DE  
STEADYSHOT  
N. S. L I GHT  
You can select items listed below in the  
CAMERA SET menu. To select these items, see  
[
]
MENU : END  
D ZOOM  
You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level  
greater than 20 times while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality  
decreases when you are using the digital zoom. This function is useful when  
recording enlarged pictures of a distant subject, such as a bird.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming zone.  
The zooming zone appears when you select  
the zooming level.  
GOFF  
40 ×  
Select to deactivate the digital zoom. Up to 20 times zoom is  
performed optically.  
Select to activate the digital zoom. 20 times through 40 times zoom is  
performed digitally.  
990 ×  
Select to activate the digital zoom. 20 times through 990 times zoom  
is performed digitally.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
46  
     
16:9 WIDE  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
You can record a cinema-like picture ([CINEMA] mode) or a 16:9 wide picture  
([16:9 FULL] mode) to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV.  
Refer also to the manuals supplied with your TV.  
In [CINEMA] mode  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV*  
When viewed on a standard TV**  
In [16:9 FULL] mode  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV*  
When viewed on a standard TV**  
* Picture appears in full screen when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
**When you play a picture in 4:3 mode, it appears as you have seen on the LCD screen or in  
the viewfinder.  
GOFF  
Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV). The  
recorded picture will not be wide.  
CINEMA (  
)
Select to record a picture to be played back in CINEMA mode.  
Select to record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV.  
16:9 FULL (  
)
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
47  
 
z Tips  
• When you record in the [16:9 FULL], the date or time indicator will be widened on wide-  
screen TVs.  
• For  
TRV438E:  
The SteadyShot does not work. If you set [16:9 FULL] in the menu settings when the  
SteadyShot is working,  
flashes and the SteadyShot does not function.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can record a 16:9 wide picture on the tape to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV  
([16:9 WIDE] mode).  
Refer also to the manuals supplied with your TV.  
When viewed on the LCD screen  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV*  
When viewed on a standard TV**  
* Picture appears in full screen when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
**In 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you have seen on the  
LCD screen.  
GOFF  
Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV). The  
recorded picture will not be wide.  
ON (  
)
Select to record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV.  
z Tip  
• The SteadyShot does not work. If you set [16:9 WIDE] to [ON] in the menu settings when  
the SteadyShot is working, flashes and the SteadyShot does not function.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
48  
 
STEADYSHOT  
For  
TRV438E/ TRV270E/285E:  
You can select this function to compensate for camera-shake.  
GON  
Standard setting (enable the SteadyShot function). If you select a  
function that STEADYSHOT cannot work with,  
appears.  
OFF (  
)
Select to deactivate the SteadyShot function.  
Select to shoot a stationary subject with a tripod, or when using a  
conversion lens (optional). Natural pictures are produced.  
b Note  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
Camera-shake cannot be completely compensated for in the following cases:  
– When recording in a dark place  
– When recording a subject with little contrast to the background  
– When recording horizontal stripes  
– When using the zoom  
– When recording a fast moving subject  
– When the zoom position is set to the W-end side  
N.S. LIGHT  
When using the NightShot plus function to record, you can record clearer pictures  
by using the NightShot Light to emit infrared rays (invisible).  
GON  
Select to use the NightShot Light. (p. 28)  
Select to disable the NightShot Light. (p. 28)  
OFF  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
49  
   
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
SET)/  
(PLAYER  
(VCR SET)  
menu  
– HiFi SOUND/EDIT, etc.  
VCR SET  
H i F i SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
You can select the items listed below in the  
menu (the PLAYER SET menu for  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV270E, the VCR  
SET menu for TRV285E). To select these  
[
]
MENU : END  
HiFi SOUND  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can select how to play back audio recorded on a tape in stereo mode.  
GSTEREO  
Select to play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with main  
and sub sound.  
1
2
Select to play back a stereo tape with the left channel sound or a dual  
sound track tape with main sound.  
Select to play back a stereo tape with the right channel sound or a dual  
sound track tape with sub sound.  
b Notes  
• You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot  
record a dual sound track on this camcorder.  
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
EDIT  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Picture degradation is minimized when you dub or edit a tape using the camcorder  
as the playback device.  
GOFF  
Select this for no compensation.  
ON  
Select to minimize picture degradation.  
b Note  
• The setting returns to [OFF] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder  
for more than 5 minutes.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
50  
                 
TBC  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Select to correct jitter (horizontal picture shake during playback).  
GON  
OFF  
Select to not compensate picture distortion when playing back a tape  
on which you have dubbed repeatedly or recorded TV game signals.  
DNR  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
GON  
Select to eliminate color noise in the picture.  
OFF  
Select to minimize picture artifacts in a picture containing lots of  
movement.  
AUDIO MIX  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can adjust the audio balance between ST1 (the originally recorded sound)  
and ST2.  
b Notes  
• You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode.  
• Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source  
from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
51  
     
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(LCD  
SET) menu  
– LCD B.L./LCD  
COLOR, etc.  
LCD SET  
LCD BR I GHT  
LCD B. L.  
You can select the items listed below in the  
LCD SET menu. To select these items, see  
LCD COLOR  
[
]
MENU : END  
LCD BRIGHT  
See page 16 for details.  
LCD B.L.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this setting.  
GBRT NORMAL Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Select to brighten the LCD screen.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording.  
LCD COLOR  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the color on the LCD screen. The  
recorded picture will not be affected by this setting.  
Low intensity  
High intensity  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
52  
         
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(TAPE  
– FRAME REC/  
SET) menu  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
FRAME REC  
INT. REC  
INT.REC, etc.  
You can select items listed below in the TAPE  
SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the  
[
]
MENU : END  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
REC MODE  
GSP ( SP )  
Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.  
LP ( LP )  
Select to increase the recording time from that of the SP mode (2 times  
longer for  
TRV238E/438E, 1.5 times longer for TRV270E/  
285E) (Long Play). The use of Sony cassettes is recommended to get  
the most out of your camcorder.  
b Notes  
• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or sound may be interrupted  
when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs.  
• For  
When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, recording is carried out in the  
standard 8 mm system.  
TRV238E/438E:  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback  
picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.  
AUDIO MODE  
ORC TO SET  
For TRV270E/285E:  
G12BIT  
Select to record in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).  
16BIT (  
)
Select to record in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
You can automatically adjust the recording condition to get the best possible  
recording.  
When you select [ORC TO SET] in the menu settings, [START/STOP KEY]  
appears. Press REC START/STOP. [ORC] appears on the screen and adjustment  
starts. Your camcorder returns to the standby mode when adjustment is complete.  
It takes about 10 seconds for adjustment.  
b Notes  
• Each time you eject a cassette, this setting will be canceled.  
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
53  
                 
• When you set [ORC TO SET], a non-recorded section of about 0.1 second appears on the  
tape. However, note that this non-recorded section disappears from the tape when you  
continue recording from this section.  
• To check if you have already set this setting, select [ORC TO SET] in the menu settings.  
[ORC ON] is displayed if it is already set.  
REMAIN  
GAUTO  
Select to display the remaining tape bar:  
• For about 8 seconds after you turn on your camcorder with the  
cassette inserted, and your camcorder calculates the remaining  
amount of tape.  
• For about 8 seconds after  
(play) is pressed.  
• For about 8 seconds after DISPLAY/BATT INFO is pressed to  
display the screen indicators.  
• For the period of tape rewinding, forwarding or picture search.  
ON  
Select to always display the remaining tape indicator.  
FRAME REC  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately frame  
recording and then moving the subject a little.  
For TRV285E:  
Operate your camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.  
GOFF  
Select to record in the standard recording mode.  
ON  
Select to record pictures using the frame recording function.  
1
2
3
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [ON], then  
press the dial.  
Press MENU to hide the menu settings.  
lights up.  
Press REC START/STOP.  
A picture (approximately 5 frames) is recorded, and your  
camcorder enters the standby mode.  
4
Move the subject and repeat step 3.  
b Notes  
• When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated  
correctly.  
• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
54  
     
INT.REC  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can achieve excellent recordings of flowers blooming, etc., with this  
function. Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC  
Adaptor during the operation.  
[a]  
[a]  
[a]  
[b]  
[b]  
a. [REC TIME]  
b. [INTERVAL]  
1
2
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [SET], then press the dial.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [INTERVAL], then press the  
dial.  
3
4
5
6
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired interval time  
(30 seconds, 1, 5, 10 minutes), then press the dial.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [REC TIME], then press the  
dial.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired recording time  
(0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 seconds), then press the dial.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [ RETURN], then press the  
dial.  
7
8
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select [ON], then press the dial.  
Press MENU to hide the menu settings.  
flashes.  
9
Press REC START/STOP.  
The interval recording starts.  
lights up during interval recording.  
To cancel recording, set to [OFF] in the menu settings.  
b Note  
• There may be a discrepancy in recording time of up to 5 frames from the selected time.  
z Tips  
• If you adjust the focus manually, you may be able to record clear pictures even if the light  
changes (p. 29).  
• You can silence the beeps during recording (p. 58).  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
55  
 
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(SETUP  
MENU)  
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/  
LANGUAGE, etc.  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
LTR SIZE  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
You can select items listed below in the SETUP  
MENU. To select items, see “Changing the  
[
]
MENU : END  
CLOCK SET  
You can set the date and time (p. 17).  
AUTO DATE  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
You can automatically record the date once a day for 10 seconds after you start  
recording.  
GON  
Select to record the date for 10 seconds after recording has started.  
Select to cancel the auto date function.  
OFF  
z Tip  
• The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day. However, the date may  
automatically appear more than once a day if:  
– you set 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 back to [ON] in the menu settings.  
USB STREAM  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture  
displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming).  
For details, refer to “First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-ROM.  
GOFF  
Select to deactivate the USB Streaming function.  
Select to activate the USB Streaming function.  
ON  
LTR SIZE  
GNORMAL  
Select to display selected menu items in normal size.  
2×  
Select to display selected menu items at twice the normal height.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
56  
             
LANGUAGE  
You can select or change the language used for the on-screen display (p. 19). You  
can select from English, Simplified English, Traditional-Chinese, Simplified-  
Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Italian, Greek, Russian,  
Arabic, or Persian.  
DEMO MODE  
When you remove a cassette from your camcorder, and select the CAMERA  
mode, you can view the demonstration in about 10 minutes.  
GON  
Select to see an overview of the functions available such as when you  
are using this camcorder for the first time.  
OFF  
Select when you do not intend to use the [DEMO MODE].  
b Note  
• You can view the demonstration only when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to OFF.  
z Tips  
• The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below.  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
– When a mode other than CAMERA is selected.  
• If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5 min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the  
power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 58).  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
57  
   
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(OTHERS) menu  
– WORLD  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
TIME/VIDEO EDIT, etc.  
A. SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISPLAY  
REC LAMP  
You can select items listed below in the  
OTHERS menu. To select items, see “Changing  
[
]
MENU : END  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
DATA CODE  
For TRV270E/285E:  
GOFF  
Select not to display date, time and the camera settings data during  
playback.  
DATE/TIME  
CAM DATA  
Select to display the date and time during playback. (p. 36)  
Select to display the camera setting data during playback. (p. 36)  
WORLD TIME  
You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the  
time difference by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the clock will be adjusted  
in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the  
clock returns to the originally set time.  
BEEP  
GMELODY  
Select to play a melody when you start/stop recording, operate your  
camcorder with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, or when an unusual  
condition occurs on your camcorder.  
NORMAL  
OFF  
Select to sound a beep instead of the melody.  
Select to cancel the melody, beep sound, shutter sound and operation  
confirmation beep.  
A.SHUT OFF  
G5 min  
Select to activate the Auto shut off. When approximately 5 minutes  
have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder  
is automatically turned off to prevent the battery from becoming  
consumed.  
NEVER  
Select to deactivate the Auto shut off.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
58  
               
b Note  
• When you connect your camcorder to the wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set  
to [NEVER].  
COMMANDER  
For  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E:  
Select when using the Remote Commander supplied with your  
GON  
camcorder.  
OFF  
Select to deactivate the Remote Commander to prevent your  
camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR  
remote control unit.  
b Note  
• The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
DISPLAY  
GLCD  
Select to show the displays such as the time code on the LCD screen  
and in the viewfinder.  
V-OUT/LCD  
Select to show the displays such as the time code on the TV screen,  
LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.  
REC LAMP  
GON  
Select to turn on the camera recording lamp on the front of your  
camcorder during recording.  
OFF  
Select this setting in the following recording situations. The camera  
recording lamp will not light up during recording.  
• When you do not want the subject to be nervous about being  
recorded.  
• When you are recording close to the subject.  
• When the subject reflects the recording lamp.  
VIDEO EDIT  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You can select up to 20 scenes (programs) and record them in the desired order to  
another recording device such as VCR (p. 67).  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
59  
     
Dubbing/Editing  
You can create a copy of the picture recorded  
on your camcorder on other recording  
devices (p. 62).  
For TRV285E, you can also record the  
picture from a VCR to a tape on your  
Connecting to a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to a VCR as shown  
in the following illustration.  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
A/V OUT jack  
Yellow  
Black  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Signal flow  
VCRs  
Dubbing/Editing  
60  
         
For TRV270E/285E:  
A/V OUT jack  
Connecting with an i.LINK cable  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
i.LINK jack  
DV Interface  
Yellow  
White  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Signal flow  
VCRs  
Red  
* For TRV270E:  
To use an i.LINK cable for connection  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Your camcorder does not accept input data from the  
connected device. It can only output data from the  
DV Interface.  
Use an i.LINK cable (optional) to connect your  
camcorder to other device via the DV Interface.  
The video and sound signals are transmitted  
digitally, producing high quality pictures. Note  
that you cannot record the picture and sound  
separately. For details, see page 97.  
b Notes  
• Use the A/V connecting cable to connect your  
camcorder to other devices. Before connecting,  
make sure the [DISPLAY] setting in the  
(OTHERS) menu is set to [LCD] (the default  
setting) (p. 59).  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
When you are connecting your camcorder to a stereo  
device, connect the audio plug of the A/V  
connecting cable to the left (white) jack on the VCR.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video jack, and the red  
(right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the  
audio jack on the VCR.  
Dubbing/Editing  
61  
       
• For TRV270E/285E:  
When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via  
the DV Interface, you cannot record the title or  
indicators.  
Dubbing to another  
tape  
You can copy and edit the picture played  
back on your camcorder to other recording  
devices (such as VCRs).  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
Pictures edited with Picture effect ([P EFFECT]  
p. 44) cannot be output via the DV Interface.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
When connected using the i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is  
paused on your camcorder while recording to a  
VCR.  
1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder  
z Tip  
• For  
as a recording device (p. 60, 61).  
TRV238E/438E:  
To prevent deterioration of pictures, set [EDIT] to  
[ON] in the  
dubbing (p. 50).  
(PLAYER SET) menu before  
2 Prepare your VCR for recording.  
• Insert a cassette for recording.  
• If your VCR has an input selector, set it to  
the input mode.  
3 Prepare your camcorder for playback.  
• Insert the recorded cassette.  
• Slide the POWER switch to select the  
PLAY/EDIT mode.  
4 Start the playback on your camcorder,  
and record it on the VCR.  
Refer to the operating instructions supplied  
with your VCR for details.  
5 When the dubbing is finished, stop  
your camcorder and the VCR.  
b Notes  
• When dubbing using the A/V connecting cable,  
press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to hide indicators  
such as time code (p. 36). Otherwise, they will be  
recorded on the tape.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
When connected using the A/V connecting cable, to  
record the date/time and camera settings data, have  
it displayed on screen (p. 36).  
Dubbing/Editing  
62  
   
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
Dubbing a tape easily  
select [SETUP], then press the dial.  
– Easy Dubbing (  
TRV238E/438E)  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
S E T U P  
0:00:00  
3
I R SETUP  
PAUSE MODE  
I R TEST  
R E T U R N  
You can control VCR for dubbing with your  
camcorder easily with the VCR connected to  
the camcorder.  
NORMAL  
[
] :  
END  
E A S Y D UB  
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
Step 1: Preparing your camcorder  
and VCR for operation  
select [IR SETUP], then press the dial.  
When you connect with an A/V connecting  
cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP]  
code signal to see if your VCR can be  
operated by your camcorder (infrared ray  
emitter).  
Follow the steps below when you are  
performing the Easy Dubbing for the first  
time. You can skip this setting if you have set  
up the VCR by the following procedure  
before.  
7 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the [IR SETUP] code of your  
VCR, then press the dial.  
b Note  
• You cannot perform the Easy Dubbing on a VCR  
that does not support [IR SETUP] codes.  
For the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR,  
refer to “[IR SETUP] code list” (p. 64).  
When there is more than one code listed for  
the manufacturer of your VCR, try each  
code and find the most appropriate one.  
1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder  
as a recording device (p. 60).  
8 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [PAUSE MODE], then press the  
dial.  
2 Prepare your VCR for recording.  
• Insert a cassette for recording.  
• Set the input selector to input mode, if  
your VCR has one.  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
S E T U P  
0:00:00  
I R SETUP  
PAUSE MODE PAUSE  
I R TEST  
R E T U R N  
REC  
PB  
3 Prepare your camcorder for playback.  
• Insert a cassette for editing.  
NORMAL  
[
] :  
END  
E A S Y D UB  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
9 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the mode to cancel recording  
pause on the VCR, then press the dial.  
4 Press EASY DUB.  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
S T A R T  
0:00:00  
Refer to the operating instructions supplied  
with your VCR for details on operation.  
T
I
T
L E S E L  
M O D E S E L  
SETUP  
NORMAL  
[
] :  
END  
E A S Y D UB  
,continued  
Dubbing/Editing  
63  
         
[IR SETUP] code list  
The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded  
on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as  
the default setting.)  
10Point the infrared ray emitter of your  
camcorder towards the remote sensor  
on your VCR, from about 30 cm (12  
in.) away, with no obstructions.  
Manufacturing  
company  
[IR SETUP] code  
Remote sensor  
VCR  
Infraredray  
emitter  
Sony  
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  
47, 53, 54  
50, 62, 74  
73  
Aiwa  
Akai  
Alba  
Amstrad  
Baird  
73  
30, 36  
11, 83  
74  
Blaupunkt  
Bush  
11Set the VCR to recording pause.  
CGM  
36, 47, 83  
73  
Clatronic  
Daewoo  
Ferguson  
Fisher  
12Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
26  
select [IR TEST], then press the dial.  
76, 83  
73  
13Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [EXECUTE], then press the dial.  
Funai  
80  
Recording starts on your VCR when the  
setting is correct. [COMPLETE] appears  
when the [IR SETUP] code test is finished.  
Go on to the next step.  
When recording fails to start, select another  
[IR SETUP] code and try again.  
Goldstar  
Goodmans  
Grundig  
Hitachi  
ITT/Nokia Instant  
JVC  
47  
26, 84  
9, 83  
42, 56  
36  
11, 12, 15, 21  
47  
14Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [ RETURN], then press the  
dial.  
Kendo  
Loewe  
16, 47, 84  
89  
Luxor  
Mark  
26*  
Matsui  
47, 58*, 60  
28, 29  
36, 89  
89  
Mitsubishi  
Nokia  
Nokia Oceanic  
Nordmende  
Okano  
76  
60, 62, 63  
58*, 70  
16, 78  
83, 84, 86  
83, 84  
Orion  
Panasonic  
Philips  
Phonola  
Dubbing/Editing  
64  
   
Manufacturing  
company  
[IR SETUP] code  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the desired title, then press the  
dial.  
Roadstar  
SABA  
47  
21, 76, 91  
89  
The title flashes.  
Salora  
E A S Y DU B B  
O K  
I
NG  
0:00:00  
C O L O R  
S
I
Z E  
Samsung  
Sanyo  
22, 32, 52, 93, 94  
36  
B A C K C O L  
HELLO!  
Schneider  
SEG  
10, 83, 84  
73  
[
] :  
E A S Y D U B E N D  
Seleco  
47, 74  
89  
3 Change [COLOR] (color), [SIZE]  
(size), or [BACK COL.] (back ground  
color) as necessary.  
Sharp  
Siemens  
Tandberg  
Telefunken  
Thomson  
Thorn  
10, 36  
26  
If you do not need to change them, go to  
Step 3 (p. 66).  
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[COLOR], [SIZE], or [BACK COL.],  
then press the dial. The selected item  
appears on the screen.  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the desired item, then press the dial.  
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the title is laid  
out as desired.  
91, 92  
76, 100  
36, 47  
40, 93  
47, 70, 84, 92  
47  
Toshiba  
Universum  
W.W. House  
Watoson  
58, 83  
* TV/VCR component  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [OK], then press the dial.  
The title lights up.  
Step 2: Selecting the title  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
S T A R T  
0:00:00  
T
I
T
L E S E L  
ON  
M O D E S E L  
SETUP  
HELLO!  
NORMAL  
You can insert a title.  
[
] :  
END  
E A S Y D UB  
You can select one of the 8 preset titles and  
the 2 custom titles. See steps 1 to 4 on  
page 31 to create original titles.  
b Notes  
• You can put a title only into the tape of the VCR.  
• If you set the background color to [FADE], the  
picture may not appear properly, depending on the  
connected VCR.  
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [TITLE SEL], then press the  
dial.  
z Tips  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
L E S E L  
0:00:00  
T
I
T
• The title color changes as follows:  
[WHITE] y [YELLOW] y [VIOLET] y  
[RED] y [CYAN] y [GREEN] y [BLUE]  
• The title size changes as follows:  
[SMALL] y [LARGE]  
O F F  
HE L L O  
HA P P Y  
!
B
I
R T HDA Y  
DA Y S  
HA P P Y HO L  
CONGRA T U L A T I ONS  
OUR E E T B A B Y  
I
!
S
W
[
] :  
E A S Y D U B E N D  
,continued  
Dubbing/Editing  
65  
• The background color changes as follows:  
[FADE] y [WHITE] y [YELLOW] y  
[VIOLET] y [RED] y [CYAN] y [GREEN]  
y [BLUE] y [BLACK]  
Step 4: Performing Easy Dubbing  
Step 3: Selecting the dubbing  
mode  
Make sure that your camcorder and VCR are  
connected, and that the VCR is set to  
recording pause.  
You can choose either normal recording  
([NORMAL]) or interval recording  
([PREVIEW]).  
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [START], then press the dial.  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
START  
TITLE SEL  
MODE SEL  
SETUP  
0:00:00  
RETURN  
EXECUTE  
1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [MODE SEL], then press the  
dial.  
Engage rec pause.  
NORMAL  
[
] :  
E A S Y D U B E N D  
E A S Y D U B B I N G  
START  
0:00:00  
TITLE SEL  
MODE SEL  
SETUP  
NORMAL  
PREVIEW  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [EXECUTE], then press the dial.  
HELLO!  
NORMAL  
When dubbing ends, your camcorder and  
VCR stop automatically.  
[
] :  
E A S Y D U B E N D  
Then the display returns to the Easy  
Dubbing initial screen.  
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [NORMAL] or [PREVIEW],  
then press the dial.  
To stop dubbing during editing  
When you select [NORMAL]  
You can record into the VCR normally.  
Press  
(stop) on your camcorder.  
To quit Easy Dubbing  
When you select [PREVIEW]  
You can make a time-lapse dubbing by  
setting the VCR to automatically repeat 5  
seconds’ recording and 25 seconds’  
standby.  
Press EASY DUB.  
b Note  
• [NOT READY] appears on the screen when  
[START] is not carried out.  
5 s  
5 s  
[a]  
[b]  
[c]  
25 s  
30 s  
25 s  
30 s  
a. Recording time (VCR)  
b. Waiting time (VCR)  
c. Playback time (camcorder)  
Dubbing/Editing  
66  
 
Recording pictures  
Dubbing selected  
(
TRV285E)  
from a VCR  
scenes from a tape  
– Digital program editing  
You can record and edit pictures from a VCR  
on a tape inserted in your camcorder.  
Insert a cassette for recording in your  
camcorder.  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
You can select up to 20 scenes (programs)  
and record them in the desired order to other  
recording device such as VCR.  
1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder  
Delete unwanted scene  
(p. 61).  
Use an i.LINK cable (optional) for  
connection.  
Change the order  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
3 Press  
(rec) and the button on its  
right simultaneously on your  
Results of editing  
camcorder, then immediately press  
(pause) on your camcorder.  
Step 1: Preparing your camcorder  
and VCR for operation  
4 Start playing the cassette on your  
VCR.  
The picture played on the connected device  
appears on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder.  
Follow the steps below when you are  
performing digital program editing for the  
first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip  
this setting if you have set up the VCR by the  
following procedure before.  
5 Press  
(pause) at the point you  
want to start recording.  
b Notes  
• You cannot perform the Digital program editing on  
the following devices:  
– a VCR that does not support [IR SETUP] codes  
– a DVD recorder, a DVD recorder equipped with an  
HDD, etc  
• When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via  
the DV Interface, you cannot record the title or  
indicators.  
6 Press  
(stop) to stop recording.  
z Tip  
appears when you connect your camcorder  
and other devices via an i.LINK cable. (This  
indicator may also appear on your TV.)  
1 Connect your VCR to the camcorder  
as a recording device (p. 61).  
You can use either the A/V connecting  
cable or the i.LINK cable to make the  
connection. The dubbing procedure is  
easier with the i.LINK connection.  
,continued  
Dubbing/Editing  
67  
               
2 Prepare your VCR.  
9 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [i.LINK] or [IR], then press the  
dial.  
• Insert a cassette for recording.  
• Set the input selector to input mode, if  
your VCR has one.  
When connecting with an i.LINK  
cable  
After selecting [i.LINK], go on to “Step 2:  
3 Prepare your camcorder (playing  
device).  
• Insert a cassette for editing.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
When connecting with an A/V  
connecting cable  
After selecting [IR], follow the procedure  
4 Press MENU.  
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
To set the [IR SETUP] code  
select  
dial.  
(OTHERS), then press the  
When you connect with an A/V connecting  
cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code  
signal to see if your VCR can be operated by  
your camcorder (infrared ray emitter).  
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [VIDEO EDIT], then press the  
dial.  
VCR  
Remote sensor  
Infrared ray  
emitter  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
MARK  
0 08 55 06  
1
IN  
UNDO  
ERASE ALL  
START  
EDIT SET  
:
0
:
:
TOTAL 0 00 00 00  
SCENE  
[
] :  
MENU END  
1
2
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[IR SETUP], then press the dial.  
7 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [EDIT SET], then press the dial.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR, then  
press the dial.  
For the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR,  
When there is more than one code listed for  
the manufacturer of your VCR, try each  
code and find the most appropriate one.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
EDIT SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT–IN”  
0 08 55 06  
IR  
”CUT–OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
RETURN  
[
] :  
MENU END  
8 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [CONTROL], then press the  
dial.  
3
4
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[PAUSEMODE], then press the dial.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
the mode to cancel recording pause on  
the VCR, then press the dial.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
EDIT SET  
CONTROL  
0 08 55 06  
IR  
i. LINK  
Refer to the operating instructions supplied  
with your VCR for details on operation.  
[
] :  
MENU END  
Dubbing/Editing  
68  
       
5
Point the infrared ray emitter of your  
camcorder towards the remote sensor on  
your VCR, from about 30 cm (12 in.)  
away, with no obstructions.  
3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [ADJ TEST], then press the dial.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
EDIT SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT–IN”  
0 08 55 06  
6
7
8
Insert a cassette into your VCR, and set  
the VCR to recording pause.  
RETURN  
EXECUTE  
ENGAGE  
”CUT–OUT”  
IR SETUP  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[IR TEST], then press the dial.  
PAUSEMODE REC PAUSE  
IR TEST  
RETURN  
[
] :  
MENU END  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[EXECUTE], then press the dial.  
The recording starts on your VCR when the  
setting is correct. [COMPLETE] appears  
when the [IR SETUP] code test is finished.  
Go on to “Step 2: Adjusting the  
synchronization of the VCR” (p. 69).  
When recording fails to start, select another  
IR code and try again.  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [EXECUTE], then press the dial.  
[EXECUTING] flashes and a picture (about  
50 seconds long) with 5 [IN] and [OUT]  
indicators each for adjusting  
synchronization is recorded. [COMPLETE]  
appears when the recording is finished.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
EDIT SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT–IN”  
0 08 55 06  
Step 2: Adjusting the  
synchronization of the VCR  
COMPLETE  
”CUT–OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
RETURN  
[
] :  
MENU END  
Follow the steps below when you are  
performing digital program editing for the  
first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip  
this setting if you have set up your VCR  
before using the following procedure.  
You can adjust the synchronization of your  
camcorder and the VCR to avoid not  
recording the starting scene.  
5 Rewind the tape on your VCR, then  
play back in slow mode.  
5 opening numbers for each [IN] and  
closing numbers for each [OUT] appear.  
6 Take a note of the opening numerical  
value of each [IN] and the closing  
number value of each [OUT], then  
calculate the average numerical value  
for each [IN] and [OUT].  
1 Remove the cassette from your  
camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper  
to take notes.  
2 Set the VCR to recording pause mode.  
7 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
Skip this step if you have selected [i.LINK]  
in step 9 on p. 68.  
select [”CUT-IN”], then press the dial.  
:
:
:
b Note  
VIDEO EDIT  
EDIT SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT–IN”  
0 08 55 06  
• Run the tape for about 10 seconds before  
pausing. The starting scenes may not get  
recorded when you start recording from  
the beginning of the tape.  
0
”CUT–OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
RETURN  
[
] :  
MENU END  
,continued  
Dubbing/Editing  
69  
   
8 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the average numerical value of  
[IN], then press the dial.  
3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select  
dial.  
(OTHERS), then press the  
The calculated start position for recording  
is set.  
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [VIDEO EDIT], then press the  
dial.  
9 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [”CUT-OUT”], then press the  
dial.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
MARK  
0 08 55 06  
1
IN  
UNDO  
ERASE ALL  
START  
EDIT SET  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
EDIT SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT–IN”  
0 08 55 06  
:
0
:
:
TOTAL 0 00 00 00  
SCENE  
[
] :  
MENU END  
”CUT–OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
0
RETURN  
[
] :  
MENU END  
5 Search for the beginning of the first  
scene that you want to record on your  
camcorder, then pause playback.  
10Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select the average numerical value of  
[OUT], then press the dial.  
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
The calculated stop position for recording is  
set.  
select [MARK], then press the dial.  
The starting point of the first program is set,  
and the upper part of the program mark  
changes to light blue.  
11Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [ RETURN], then press the  
dial.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
MARK  
0 08 55 06  
OUT  
1
UNDO  
ERASE ALL  
START  
EDIT SET  
:
0
:
:
TOTAL 0 00 00 00  
SCENE  
[
] :  
MENU END  
Recording the selected scenes as  
programs  
7 Search for the end of the first scene  
that you want to record on your  
camcorder, then pause playback.  
When you are performing digital program  
editing for the first time to a tape in a VCR,  
go through the procedures described in Steps  
1 and 2 (p. 67 to p. 69) beforehand.  
1 Prepare a cassette.  
Insert a tape to be played back into the  
camcorder.  
Insert a cassette for recording into your  
VCR.  
2 Press MENU.  
Dubbing/Editing  
70  
 
To end Digital program editing  
8 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
Press MENU.  
The ending point of the first program is set,  
and the lower part of the program mark  
changes to light blue.  
To save a program without using it to  
record  
Press MENU in step 11.  
The program is stored in memory until the  
cassette is ejected.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
MARK  
0 09 07 06  
2
IN  
UNDO  
ERASE ALL  
START  
EDIT SET  
:
1
:
:
TOTAL 0 00 12 00  
SCENE  
To erase programs  
[
] :  
MENU END  
1
Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Recording the  
9 Repeat steps 5 to 8 and create  
2
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[UNDO] or [ERASE ALL], then press  
the dial.  
programs.  
When you select [UNDO]  
You can erase the last set program.  
10Set your VCR to the recording pause.  
Skip this step if your camcorder is  
connected via an i.LINK cable.  
When you select [ERASE ALL]  
You can erase all the programs.  
3
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[EXECUTE], then press the dial.  
The programs are deleted. To cancel this  
operation, select [RETURN], and then  
press the dial.  
11Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [START], then press the dial.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
MARK  
0 09 07 06  
ENGAGE  
REC PAUSE  
UNDO  
ERASE ALL  
START  
RETURN  
EXECUTE  
EDIT SET  
b Notes  
:
1
:
:
TOTAL 0 00 12 00  
SCENE  
• You cannot set starting point or ending point on a  
blank section of the tape. If there is a blank section,  
the total time may not appear correctly.  
• When you cannot operate the device correctly using  
an i.LINK cable connection, select [IR] in step 9 on  
p. 68, and set the [IR SETUP] code.  
[
] :  
MENU END  
12Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [EXECUTE], then press the dial.  
A search for the beginning of the first  
program starts, then the recording starts.  
[SEARCH] appears during search and  
[EDITING] appears during editing.  
:
:
:
VIDEO EDIT  
EDITING  
0 00 06 00  
SCENE 1/1  
[
] :  
[
] :  
MENU END  
CANCEL  
When a program is recorded, the program  
mark stops flashing and remains lit. When  
all programs have been recorded, the  
program editing operation stops  
automatically.  
To cancel recording, press  
(stop).  
Dubbing/Editing  
71  
Music Video/Slideshow Producer  
Using with your computer  
You can select your favorite movies and still  
images from pictures saved on your computer  
and easily create a short original video or slide  
show with added music and visual styles.  
Features  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
Automatic Music Video Producer  
You can easily create a short original video with  
added music and visual styles using pictures  
recorded on a tape.  
When you install the Picture Package software  
on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-  
ROM, you can enjoy the following operations  
by connecting your camcorder to your  
computer.  
Copying tape to Video CD  
You can import the entire contents of a tape to  
create a video CD.  
Software and features available for Macintosh  
computers differ from those available for  
Windows computers. For details, refer to  
chapter 6 of “First Step Guide” on CD-ROM.  
For “First Step Guide,” see the next section.  
Save the images on CD-R  
You can save pictures copied onto a computer to  
a CD-R.  
z Tip  
• There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to  
a computer.  
Burning Video CD  
You can compose a video CD with a menu of  
videos and slide shows. ImageMixer VCD2 is  
compatible with high resolution still pictures.  
– USB cable  
This method is good for copying video and sound  
recorded on a tape to the computer.  
– i.LINK cable  
This method is good for copying video and sound  
recorded on a tape. Image data is transferred in  
more clarity than with a USB cable.  
USB Streaming Tool  
You can view the picture your camcorder is  
playing back on tape or is currently seeing on a  
computer.  
For details on connection, see “First Step  
Guide.”  
Video Capturing Tool  
You can import the entire contents of a tape to a  
computer.  
The CD-ROM includes the following  
software.  
• USB Driver  
• Picture Package Ver.1.5  
• ImageMixer VCD2  
• “First Step Guide”  
Viewing video and pictures on a  
computer  
You can view the pictures copied from your  
camcorder by selecting from thumbnails. Still  
images and movies are saved in folders by date.  
Using with your computer  
72  
         
CPU: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or faster  
(800 MHz or faster recommended)  
About “First Step Guide”  
(For using ImageMixer VCD2, Intel Pentium  
III 800 MHz or faster recommended)  
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (this  
product is based on DirectX technology. It is  
necessary to have DirectX installed.)  
Windows Media Player 7.0 or later  
Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or later  
Sound system: 16 bit stereo sound card and  
stereo speakers  
Memory: 64 MB or more  
Hard disk: Available memory required for  
installation: 500 MB or more  
Available free hard disk space recommended:  
6 GB or more (depending on the size of the  
image files edited)  
“First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you  
can refer to on your computer.  
This “First Step Guide” describes basic  
operations, from initial hookup of your  
camcorder and computer and making settings,  
to general operation the first time you use the  
software stored on the CD-ROM (supplied).  
After installing the CD-ROM, reading  
“Installing the software and “First Step Guide”  
on a computer ( TRV270E/285E)” (p. 74),  
start the “First Step Guide,” then follow the  
instructions.  
Display: 4 MB VRAM video card, Minimum  
800 × 600 dots, High color (16 bit color,  
65 000 colors), DirectDraw display driver  
capability (this product will not operate  
correctly at 800 × 600 dots or less, and 256  
colors or less.)  
About the help function of the  
software  
Others: USB port (this must be provided as  
standard), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK)  
(to connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive  
(You need a CD-R drive to create a video CD.  
For the compatible drive, visit the following  
URL: http://www.ppackage.com/)  
The Help guide explains all the functions of all  
the software applications. Refer to the Help  
guide for further detailed operations after  
reading the “First Step Guide” thoroughly.  
To display the Help guide, click the [?] mark on  
the screen.  
For Macintosh users  
System requirements  
b Note  
• When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh  
computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy  
pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy  
recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to  
the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the  
standard software in the OS.  
For Windows users  
When using Picture Package  
OS: Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98SE,  
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows  
Millennium Edition, Windows XP Home  
Edition or Windows XP Professional  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above OS has  
been upgraded.  
In Windows 98, USB Streaming is not  
supported.  
In Windows 98 and Windows 98SE, DV  
capturing is not supported.  
When using ImageMixer VCD2  
OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.5 or later)  
CPU: iMac, eMac, iBook, PowerBook,  
PowerMac G3/G4/G5 series  
Memory: 128 MB or more  
Hard disk: Available memory required for  
installation 250 MB or more  
Available free hard disk space recommended:  
4 GB or more (depending on the size of the  
image files edited)  
,continued  
Using with your computer  
73  
     
Display: Minimum 1 024 × 768 dots, 32 000  
colors (this product will not operate correctly  
at less than 1 024 × 768 dots or 256 colors.)  
Application: QuickTime 4 or later  
(QuickTime 5 recommended)  
Installing the  
software and “First  
Step Guide” on a  
computer  
Other: Disc drive  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
You need to install the software etc., with the  
supplied CD-ROM on your computer before  
connecting your camcorder and your  
computer. Once you install it, the installation is  
not required thereafter.  
The software to be used varies depending on the  
OS system you are using.  
Windows computer: Picture Package (including  
ImageMixer VCD2)  
Macintosh computer: ImageMixer VCD2  
For the details on the software, refer to “First  
Step Guide.”  
Installing on a Windows computer  
z Tips  
• To view “First Step Guide” on a Windows computer,  
Microsoft Internet Explorer Ver.6.0 or later is  
recommended. It may not be displayed correctly  
even in a recommended environment, depending on  
the setting of the browser. In this case, refer to it in  
PDF.  
• When you want to print out “First Step Guide” or  
cannot install it in HTML format automatically in  
the desired language, refer to it in PDF.  
• To view “First Step Guide” in PDF, copy the PDF  
file, stored in the desired language folder in  
[FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM, to your  
computer.  
• When viewing “First Step Guide” in HTML on your  
computer without using automatic installation, copy  
the desired language folder from the  
[FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM, to your  
computer. You can refer to “First Step Guide” by  
double-clicking “index.html.”  
Using with your computer  
74  
           
For Windows 2000/Windows XP  
Log on as Administrators for installation.  
5 Select the language for the application  
to be installed, then click [Next].  
1 Confirm that your camcorder is not  
connected to the computer.  
2 Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
6 Click [Next].  
3 Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of  
your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
7 Read [License Agreement], check [I  
accept the terms of the license  
agreement] when you agree, then click  
[Next].  
If the screen does not appear  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE]  
(Disc drive).*  
*Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending  
on the computer.  
4 Click [Install].  
8 Select where to save the software, then  
click [Next].  
Depending on the operating system on the  
computer, a message appears notifying you  
that “First Step Guide” cannot be installed  
automatically with the InstallShield  
Wizard. In such a case, manually copy  
“First Step Guide” to your computer  
according to the message instructions.  
,continued  
Using with your computer  
75  
9 Click [Install] on the [Ready to Install  
the Program] screen.  
13If the [Installing Microsoft (R)  
DirectX(R)] screen is displayed, follow  
the steps below to install DirectX 9.0c.  
If not, skip to step 14.  
The installation of Picture Package starts.  
1 Read [License Agreement], then click  
[Next].  
10Select the language for “First Step  
Guide” to be installed, then click  
[Next].  
2 Click [Next].  
Depending on the computer, this screen  
may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to  
step 12.  
3 Click [Finish].  
11Click [Next] to install the “First Step  
Guide.”  
14Make sure [Yes, I want to restart my  
computer now.] is checked, then click  
[Finish].  
12Click [Next], then follow the on-screen  
instructions to install ImageMixer  
VCD2.  
The computer turns off once, then starts up  
again automatically (Restart). The short-cut  
icons for [Picture Package Menu] and  
[Picture Package Menu destination Folder]  
Using with your computer  
76  
 
(and “First Step Guide,” if installed by steps  
11-12) appear on the desktop.  
7 Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the  
folder it was copied to.  
8 Double-click the unzipped  
[ImageMixerVCD2_Install].  
9 When the user acceptance screen is  
displayed, enter your name and  
password.  
15Remove the CD-ROM from the disc  
drive of your computer.  
The installation of ImageMixer VCD2  
starts.  
If you have any questions about Picture  
Package  
For details on how to use ImageMixer VCD2,  
refer to the software’s on-line help.  
Contact information is listed on page 78.  
Installing on a Macintosh  
computer  
1 Confirm that your camcorder is not  
connected to the computer.  
2 Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3 Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of  
your computer.  
4 Double-click CD-ROM icon.  
5 Copy “FirstStepGuide.pdf,” stored in  
the desired language in the  
[FirstStepGuide] folder, to your  
computer.  
6 Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC]  
folder of the CD-ROM to a folder of  
your choice.  
Using with your computer  
77  
   
For inquires about this software  
Using “First Step  
Guide”  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
Pixela User Support Center  
Pixela Home Page  
Windows: http://www.ppackage.com/  
Macintosh: http://www.ImageMixer.com/  
– North America (Los Angeles) Telephone:  
+1-213-341-0163  
Viewing “First Step Guide”  
– Europe (U.K.) Telephone:  
+44-1489-564-764  
– Asia (Philippines) Telephone:  
+63-2-438-0090  
Starting up on a Windows computer  
Double-click the  
icon on the desktop.  
• You can also start by selecting [Start],  
[Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows  
XP), [Picture Package], and [First Step  
Guide], then start up [First Step Guide].  
On Copyrights  
Music works, sound recording or other third  
party musical contents you may acquire from  
CDs, the Internet or other sources (the “Music  
Contents”) are the copyrighted work of the  
respective owners thereof and are protected by  
copyright laws and other applicable laws of  
each country/region. Except to the extent  
expressly permitted by applicable laws, you are  
not permitted to use (including, without  
limitation, copying, modifying, reproducing,  
uploading, transmitting or placing to the  
external network accessible to the public,  
transferring, distributing, lending, licensing,  
selling and publishing) any of the Music  
Contents without obtaining authorization or  
approval of the respective owners thereof.  
License of Picture Package by Sony  
Starting up on a Macintosh computer  
Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf.”  
Corporation would not be construed as  
conferring to you by implication, estoppel or  
otherwise, any license or right to use the Music  
Contents.  
z Tip  
• To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed. If it is  
not installed on your computer, you can download it  
from the Adobe Systems web page:  
http://www.adobe.com/  
On trademarks  
• Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat  
are either registered trademarks or trademarks  
of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
• Picture Package is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are  
either registered trademarks or trademarks of  
Microsoft Corporation in the United States  
and/or other countries.  
Using with your computer  
78  
       
• iMac, iBook, Macintosh, Mac OS,  
PowerBook and PowerMac are trademarks of  
Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.  
and other countries.  
• eMac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.  
• QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are  
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.  
• Roxio is a registered trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Toast is a trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Macromedia and Macromedia Flash Player  
are trademarks or registered trademarks of  
Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or  
other countries.  
Creating a DVD  
(Direct Access to  
“Click to DVD”)  
(
TRV270E/285E)  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered  
trademark of Intel Corporation.  
All other product names mentioned herein may  
be the trademarks or registered trademarks of  
their respective companies. Furthermore, “™”  
and “®” are not mentioned in each case in this  
manual.  
to i.LINK (IEEE1394)  
connector  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
to DV  
Interface  
BURN DVD/VCD  
b Note  
• You can only use an i.LINK cable for this operation.  
You cannot use a USB cable.  
You can create DVDs when you connect your  
camcorder to a Sony VAIO series computer*  
that supports “Click to DVD” via an i.LINK  
cable (optional). The picture is automatically  
copied and written to a DVD.  
* Note that you need a Sony VAIO computer  
equipped with a DVD drive that can be used to  
write DVDs. You also need the computer with  
“Click to DVD Ver.1.2” (Sony original software) or  
later installed.  
The following procedures describe how to  
create a DVD from a picture recorded on a tape.  
For system and operation requirements, visit the  
following URL:  
,continued  
Using with your computer  
79  
           
– Europe  
http://www.vaio-link.com/  
– USA  
http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/  
switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/  
EDIT mode.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power  
source since it takes a few hours to create a  
DVD.  
dvimag/  
– Asia Pacific Regional  
http://www.css.ap.sony.com/  
– Korea  
http://scs.sony.co.kr/  
– Taiwan  
3 Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder.  
http://vaio-online.sony.com/tw/vaio/  
– China  
http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/vaio/  
– Thailand  
4 Connect your camcorder to a  
computer via an i.LINK cable  
(optional).  
http://www.sony.co.th/vaio/index.html  
– Latin America  
http://vaio-online.sony.com/  
b Note  
• When you connect your camcorder to a  
computer, make sure you insert the connector in  
the correct direction. If you insert the connector  
forcibly, it may be damaged, and causes a  
malfunction of your camcorder. For details, see  
“First Step Guide.”  
Using the Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD” function for the first time  
The Direct Access to “Click to DVD” function  
enables you to copy pictures recorded on a tape  
to a DVD easily if your camcorder is connected  
to a computer. Before operating the Direct  
Access to “Click to DVD” function, follow the  
steps below to start “Click to DVD Automatic  
Mode Launcher.”  
5 Press BURN DVD/VCD.  
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to  
select [DVD] on the [SELECT DISC],  
then press the dial.  
1
2
Turn on the computer.  
“Click to DVD” starts up and the on-screen  
instructions appear on your computer.  
Click the start menu, then select [All  
Programs].  
3
Select [Click to DVD] from the programs  
displayed, then click [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher].  
[Click to DVD Automatic Mode Launcher]  
starts up.  
7 Place a writable DVD in the disc drive  
of the computer.  
8 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
z Tips  
60min  
BURN DVD  
START  
0:00:00:00  
• After you start up [Click to DVD Automatic Mode  
Launcher] once, from then on it starts up  
automatically when you turn on your computer.  
• [Click to DVD Automatic Mode Launcher] is set up  
for each Windows XP user.  
CREATE DVD?  
[
[
]
EXEC :EXECUTE  
]
BURN DVD/VCD : CANCEL  
The status of the operation on your  
computer is displayed on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
1 Turn on the computer.  
Quit all applications running with an  
i.LINK.  
CAPTURING: The picture recorded on  
the tape is being copied to the computer.  
CONVERTING: The picture is being  
converted to the MPEG2 format.  
2 Prepare the power source for your  
camcorder, then slide the POWER  
Using with your computer  
80  
• You cannot operate your camcorder in the following  
situations:  
– While playing back a tape  
WRITING: The picture is being written  
onto the DVD.  
– When “Click to DVD” is started up from the  
computer  
• You may not be able to create a DVD from an 8mm  
tape if it contains pictures recorded in a format other  
than Digital8 format.  
z Tip  
• If you use a DVD-RW/+RW which has other  
data stored on it, the message [This is a  
recorded disc. Delete and overwrite?] appears  
on the LCD screen of your camcorder. When  
you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the  
existing data is erased and new data is written.  
9 Press BURN DVD/VCD to finish  
creating a DVD.  
The disc tray comes out automatically.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
BURN DVD  
COMPLETED  
C r e a t e a n o t h e r  
c o p y ?  
D i s c t r a y  
o p e n s .  
[
[
]
EXEC :EXECUTE  
]
BURN DVD/VCD : CANCEL  
To create another DVD with the same  
content, press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
The disc tray comes out. Place a new  
writable DVD in the disc drive. Then,  
repeat steps 8 and 9.  
To cancel the operation  
Press BURN DVD/VCD.  
b Notes  
• You cannot cancel the operation after [Finalizing  
DVD.] is displayed on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder.  
• Do not disconnect the i.LINK cable or set the  
POWER switch to another mode on your camcorder  
until the picture is completely copied to the  
computer.  
• The DVD is created even if you disconnect the  
i.LINK cable (optional) or turn off the power of your  
camcorder while [WRITING] or [CONVERTING]  
is displayed.  
• When any of the following occurs, copying of the  
picture is canceled. A DVD containing the data up to  
the point the operation was canceled is created.  
Refer to the help files of “Click to DVD Automatic  
Mode Launcher” for details.  
– When there is a blank portion of 10 seconds or  
longer on the tape.  
– When the data of the tape contains a date before  
the recording date of the later images.  
– When normal and wide size pictures are recorded  
on the same tape.  
Using with your computer  
81  
Troubleshooting  
persists, remove the power source and  
contact your Sony dealer.  
If “C:ss:ss” is displayed on the LCD  
screen or the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis  
display function is activated. See page 92 for  
details.  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problem using your  
camcorder, use the following table to  
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem  
Overall operations  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The power does not turn on.  
• The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the  
camcorder.  
cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12)  
cUse the AC Adaptor to connect to the wall socket. (p. 15)  
The camcorder does not operate even cDisconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery  
when the power is set to on.  
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not  
work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press  
the RESET button, all settings including the clock setting are reset.)  
For  
TRV238E/438E/  
cSet [COMMANDER] in the  
(OTHERS) menu to [ON]. (p. 59)  
TRV285E:  
The supplied Remote Commander  
does not function.  
cInsert a battery into the battery holder with the + – polarities correctly  
matching the + – marks. If this still does not solve the problem, insert a  
new battery since the battery is dead. (p. 108)  
cRemove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the  
remote sensor.  
Batteries/Power sources  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not  
light while the battery pack is being  
charged.  
cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the lamp still does  
not light up, then it indicates that no power is supplied from the wall  
socket.  
• The battery charge is completed. (p. 12)  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem  
the battery pack is being charged.  
persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact  
your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. (p. 12)  
The battery pack is quickly  
discharged.  
• The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has  
not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the  
battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged. (p. 12, 96)  
Troubleshooting  
82  
     
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The remaining battery time indicator • The temperature of the environment is too high or too low, or the battery  
does not indicate the correct time.  
pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the  
battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged. (p. 12, 96)  
The power turns off frequently  
although the remaining battery  
indicator indicates that the battery  
pack has enough power to operate.  
• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the  
battery pack has not been charged enough.  
cFully charge the battery again to correct the indication. (p. 12)  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• [A.SHUT OFF] in the  
(OTHERS) menu is set to [5 min]. (p. 58)  
cWhen approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate  
your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off. Slide the  
POWER switch down to turn the power on again. (p. 15) Or use the AC  
adaptor.  
A problem occurs when the  
camcorder is connected to the AC  
Adaptor.  
cTurn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket.  
Then, connect it again.  
Cassette tapes  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Cassette cannot be ejected from the  
compartment.  
cMake sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected  
correctly. (p. 12)  
cRemove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again. (p. 12)  
cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12)  
Cassette is not ejected even when the cMoisture condensation is starting in your camcorder. (p. 99)  
cassette lid is open.  
The remaining tape indicator is not  
displayed.  
cSet [  
REMAIN] to [ON] in the  
(TAPE SET) menu to always  
display the remaining tape indicator. (p. 54)  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
An unknown language appears on the cSee page 19.  
screen.  
An unknown picture appears on the  
screen.  
cThe camcorder is in [DEMO MODE]. (The [DEMO MODE] is  
automatically displayed when you leave the camcorder for 10 minutes  
after selecting CAMERA without inserting a cassette.) Insert a cassette  
to cancel [DEMO MODE]. You can also set [DEMO MODE] to [OFF]  
in the menu. (p. 57)  
An unknown indicator appears on the cRefer to the indicator list. (p. 110)  
screen.  
,continued  
Troubleshooting  
83  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The picture in the viewfinder is not  
clear.  
cUse the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens. (p. 16)  
The picture in the viewfinder has  
disappeared.  
cClose the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder  
when the LCD panel is open. (p. 16)  
Recording  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The tape does not start when you  
press REC START/STOP.  
cSlide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA lamp. (p. 15)  
cThe tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.  
cSet the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette. (p. 95)  
cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the  
cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the  
cassette. (p. 99)  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• [A.SHUT OFF] in the  
(OTHERS) menu is set to [5 min]. (p. 58)  
cWhen approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate  
your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn the power on again (p. 15). Or  
use the AC Adaptor.  
• The battery pack is discharged. (p. 12)  
For  
285E:  
TRV438E/ TRV270E/  
cSet [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu.  
The SteadyShot does not function.  
cSet [16:9 WIDE] to [OFF] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu. (p. 47)  
The auto focus does not function.  
cPress FOCUS to enable auto focus. (p. 29)  
cThe recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus  
manually. (p. 29)  
A vertical band appears when  
recording candlelight or electric light  
in the dark.  
• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is  
too high. This is not a malfunction.  
A vertical band appears when  
recording a bright subject.  
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.  
The color of the picture is not  
correctly displayed.  
cDeactivate the NightShot plus function. (p. 28)  
Picture appears too bright on the  
screen, and the subject does not  
appear on the screen.  
cDeactivate the NightShot plus function in bright places. (p. 28)  
cCancel the back light function. (p. 27)  
The shutter sound is not heard.  
cSet [BEEP] to [MELODY] or [NORMAL] in the  
(OTHERS) menu.  
For  
TRV438E/ TRV270E/  
cSet [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu.  
285E:  
Black bands appear when you record  
a TV screen or computer screen.  
Troubleshooting  
84  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Flickering or changes in color occurs. cThis occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium  
lamp, or mercury lamp in the soft portrait or sports lesson mode. Cancel  
[PROGRAM AE] in this case. (p. 43)  
END SEARCH does not work.  
• The cassette was ejected after recording.  
• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.  
END SEARCH does not work  
correctly.  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is  
not a malfunction.  
The built-in light does not function.  
cPress LIGHT repeatedly to select  
.
cIf the problem persists, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized  
Sony service facility.  
Playback  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Cannot play back.  
cIf the tape has reached the end, rewind the tape. (p. 33)  
cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 99)  
Horizontal lines appear on the  
picture. The displayed pictures are  
not clear or do not appear.  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
The television’s video channel is not adjusted correctly.  
cAdjust it. (p. 38)  
cFor  
TRV238E/438E:  
Set [EDIT] to [OFF] in the  
(PLAYER SET) menu. (p. 50)  
(PLAYER SET) menu for  
No sound or only a low sound is  
heard.  
cFor TRV270E/285E:  
Set [HiFi SOUND] to [STEREO] in the  
TRV270E, or in the  
cTurn up the volume. (p. 33)  
cFor TRV270E/285E:  
(VCR SET) menu for TRV285E. (p. 50)  
In the  
(PLAYER SET) menu for TRV270E, or in the (VCR  
SET) menu for TRV285E, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] side  
until the sound is heard appropriately. (p. 51)  
cMake sure the black plug for  
TRV238E/438E, or the red and white  
plugs for TRV270E/285E of the A/V connecting cable are connected  
as well. (p. 38)  
The sound breaks off.  
cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 99)  
For TRV285E:  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is  
not a malfunction.  
Cannot perform the Date search with  
the recording date displayed on the  
screen.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.  
• A blank section on the tape is being played.  
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.  
END SEARCH does not work.  
• The cassette was ejected after recording.  
• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.  
END SEARCH does not work  
correctly.  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is  
not a malfunction.  
,continued  
Troubleshooting  
85  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
For TRV270E/285E:  
• The tape is recorded in the Hi8  
/standard 8 mm  
system.  
The picture does not appear on the  
screen when playing back a tape.  
Dubbing/Editing  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Cannot dub correctly using the A/V  
connecting cable.  
cSet [DISPLAY] to [LCD] in the  
(OTHERS) menu. (p. 59)  
For TRV285E:  
• The input signal is not PAL. (p. 67)  
Pictures from connected devices are  
not displayed correctly.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Digital program editing does not  
function.  
cSet the input selector on the VCR correctly, then check the connection  
between your camcorder and the VCR. (p. 60)  
cWhen your camcorder is connected to a DV device that is not a Sony  
product via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1: Preparing  
cAdjust the synchronization of the VCR. (p. 69)  
cEnter a correct [IR SETUP] code. (p. 64)  
cSelect the mode used to cancel recording pause again. (p. 68)  
cSet your camcorder and the VCR more than 30 cm (12 in.) apart. (p. 68)  
• The program may not be set to a blank section on the tape.  
• You cannot perform the Digital program editing on a VCR that does not  
support [IR SETUP] codes, a DVD recorder and a DVD recorder  
equipped with an HDD, etc.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cWhile connecting via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1:  
The VCR is not responding properly  
during Digital program editing when • You cannot perform the Digital program editing on a DVD recorder, a  
it is connected via an i.LINK cable.  
DVD recorder equipped with an HDD, etc.  
For TRV238E/438E:  
Easy Dubbing does not function.  
• Your VCR and/or video camera recorder is not set correctly.  
cMake sure the input selector of the VCR is set to LINE. Also, make  
sure the power switch of the video camera recorder is set to VCR.  
• The [IR SETUP] code or [PAUSE MODE] is not set correctly.  
c Select the correct [IR SETUP] code and [PAUSE MODE], according  
to your VCR. Then confirm VCR operation with the [IR TEST]  
function. (p. 63)  
Troubleshooting  
86  
Connecting to a computer  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
For TRV270E/285E:  
The computer does not recognize  
your camcorder.  
cDisconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it  
again firmly.  
cDisconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the  
camcorder from the computer.  
cDisconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the  
computer, then connect them again correctly.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cSet the computer display as follows:  
An error message appears when you  
place the CD-ROM in your computer.  
– Windows: 800 × 600 dots or more, High Color (16 bits, 65 000 colors  
or more)  
– Macintosh: 1 024 × 768 dots or more, 32 000 colors or more  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cDisconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then  
You cannot view the pictures the  
connect it again.  
camcorder is seeing on the computer. cSlide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA mode, set [USB  
STREAM] to [ON] in the (SETUP MENU). (p. 56) (Only when  
connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable)  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cDisconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then  
You cannot view the pictures  
connect it again.  
recorded on a tape on the computer. cSlide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode, set  
[USB STREAM] to [ON] in the (SETUP MENU). (p. 56) (Only  
when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable)  
For TRV270E/285E:  
You cannot view the pictures  
recorded on a tape on the Macintosh  
computer.  
cWhen you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a  
USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer.  
To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer  
with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the OS.  
,continued  
Troubleshooting  
87  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cThe USB driver has been registered incorrectly as the computer was  
connected to your camcorder before the installation of the USB driver  
was completed. Follow the procedure below to install the USB driver  
correctly.  
The image does not appear on the  
screen of the Windows computer  
when using the USB cable.  
For Windows 98*/Windows 98SE/Windows Me  
* When copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the  
operation is not guaranteed on Windows 98.  
1
2
Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
3
4
Click the [Device Manager] tab.  
If devices below are already installed, right-click them,  
then click [Remove] to delete them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a  
tape  
• [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game  
controllers] folder  
• [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
• [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus  
Controller] folder  
5
6
When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears,  
click [OK].  
Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the  
USB cable, then restart the computer.  
7
8
Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver  
again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
b Note  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Audio Device], [USB Device], and  
[USB Composite Device] may cause malfunction of your computer.  
Troubleshooting  
88  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
For TRV270E/285E:  
For Windows 2000  
The image does not appear on the  
screen of the Windows computer  
when using the USB cable.  
Log on as Administrators.  
1
2
Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
3
4
5
6
Click the [Hardware] tab.  
Click [Device Manager].  
Click [View], then click [Devices by type].  
If devices below are already installed, right-click them,  
then click [Uninstall] to delete them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a  
tape  
• [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus  
Controller] folder  
• [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game  
controller] folder  
• [Composite USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
7
8
9
When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears,  
click [OK].  
Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the  
USB cable, then restart the computer.  
Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
10 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver  
again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
b Note  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio  
Device], and [Composite USB Device] may cause malfunction of your  
computer.  
,continued  
Troubleshooting  
89  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
For TRV270E/285E:  
For Windows XP  
The image does not appear on the  
screen of the Windows computer  
when using the USB cable.  
Log on as Administrators.  
1
2
3
Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
Click [Start].  
Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
4
5
6
7
Click the [Hardware] tab.  
Click [Device Manager].  
Click [View], then click [Devices by type].  
If devices below are already installed, right-click them,  
then click [Uninstall] to delete them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a  
tape  
• [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus  
Controller] folder  
• [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game  
controllers] folder  
• [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
8
9
When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears,  
click [OK].  
Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the  
USB cable, then restart the computer.  
10 Place the CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
11 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver  
again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
b Note  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio  
Device], and [USB Device] may cause malfunction of your computer.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cYou cannot start the simple operation settings while the USB cable is  
[Cannot start Easy Handycam with  
USB connected] appears on the  
screen of your camcorder.  
connected. Disconnect the USB cable from your camcorder first.  
Troubleshooting  
90  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cChange the settings for your computer environment as described in the  
There is no sound when the  
camcorder is connected to the  
Windows computer via a USB cable.  
following procedures:  
1
Select [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows  
XP), [Picture Package], [Handycam Tools], and [USB  
Streaming Tool], then start up [USB Streaming Tool].  
2
3
Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen.  
Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click  
[Done].  
b Note  
• Sound is not supported on Windows 98.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
The movie is not smooth during USB  
streaming.  
cChange the settings as described in the following procedures:  
1
Select [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows  
XP), [Picture Package], [Handycam Tools], and [USB  
Streaming Tool], then start up [USB Streaming Tool].  
2
3
Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video  
quality].  
Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click  
[Done].  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Picture Package does not function  
correctly.  
cClose Picture Package, then restart the Windows computer.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cClose Picture Package on your Windows computer first, then set the  
An error message appears while  
operating Picture Package.  
POWER switch on your camcorder to another mode.  
For TRV270E/285E:  
cFor the compatible drive, visit the following URL:  
The CD-R drive is not recognized or  
data cannot be written on the CD-R in  
Picture Package Auto Video,  
Producer, CD Backup or VCD  
Maker.  
http://www.ppackage.com/  
For TRV270E/285E:  
“First Step Guide” is not displayed  
correctly.  
cRefer to “First Step Guide” in PDF. For copying the PDF file, see  
Troubleshooting  
91  
Warning indicators  
and messages  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators  
If indicators appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.  
Indication  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
C:ss : ss/E:ss : ss (Self-  
diagnosis display)  
Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after  
you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized  
Sony service facility.  
C:04:ss  
cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.  
Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 96)  
C:21:ss  
cMoisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette. (p. 99)  
C:22:ss  
cClean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 99)  
C:31:ss / C:32:ss  
cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and  
insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform  
this procedure if moisture starts to condense. (p. 99)  
cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your  
camcorder again.  
cChange the tape.  
cPress the RESET button and operate your camcorder again.  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.  
Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”  
E (Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, the  
E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)* cEject the cassette, set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF, and leave it for  
about 1 hour with the cassette lid open. (p. 99)  
Q (Warning indicator pertaining to Slow flashing:  
the tape)  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock. (p. 95)*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
Troubleshooting  
92  
         
Indication  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock. (p. 95)  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred. (p. 99)  
• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed. (p. 92)  
* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.  
Warning messages  
The following messages will appear to prompt you to correct the situation.  
Subjects  
Indications  
Corrective Actions/References  
Battery  
Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
Battery level is low.  
cCharge the battery. (p. 12)  
Old battery. Use a new one.  
Z
Re-attach the power source.  
Z
Moisture  
%
Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette  
condensation  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.  
Cassette/tape  
Q Insert a cassette.  
Z
Reinsert the cassette.  
cThe cassette might be damaged, etc.  
Z
Q
The tape is locked - check the tab.  
Q The tape has reached the end.  
Others  
Cannot record due to copyright protection.  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette. cSee page 99.  
Cannot start Easy Handycam  
cSee page 26 and 35.  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam  
cSee page 26 and 35.  
Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected  
Invalid button with Easy Handycam operation  
USB invalid during Easy Handycam  
cSee page 26 and 35.  
cPress SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
Troubleshooting  
93  
 
Additional Information  
Simple setting of clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to the local time by  
setting a time difference when using your  
camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] in  
Using your camcorder  
abroad  
the  
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 58).  
Power supply  
You can use your camcorder in any country/  
region using the AC Adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V,  
50/60 Hz.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is a PAL system-based  
camcorder. If you want to view the playback  
picture on a TV, it must be a PAL system-based  
TV (see following list) with the AUDIO/  
VIDEO input jack.  
System  
Used in  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic, Denmark,  
Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong  
Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait,  
Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway,  
Poland, Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden,  
Switzerland, Thailand, United  
Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M  
PAL - N  
SECAM  
Brazil  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay  
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada,  
Central America, Chile, Colombia,  
Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan,  
Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam,  
Taiwan, the Philippines, the  
U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.  
Additional Information  
94  
           
control signals for copyright protection  
of software.  
[Cannot record due to copyright protection.]  
appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen  
if you try to record such software.  
Usable cassette  
tapes  
Your camcorder does not record copyright  
control signals on the tape when it records.  
You can use standard 8 mm  
and Hi8  
,
Digital8  
video cassettes on your camcorder.  
Notes on use  
To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set  
to SAVE.  
Hi8  
system  
This Hi8  
system is an extension of the  
standard 8 mm system, and was developed to  
produce higher quality pictures.  
You cannot play back a tape recorded in the  
Hi8  
system correctly on video recorders/  
players other than a Hi8 video recorder/player.  
Digital8 system  
This video system has been developed to enable  
digital recording to Hi8  
cassette.  
/Digital8 video  
The recording time when you use your  
Digital8 system camcorder on Hi8  
standard 8 mm  
time when using the conventional Hi8  
standard 8 mm system camcorder. (90  
/
REC: The cassette can be recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-  
protected).  
tape is 2/3 of the recording  
/
minutes of recording time becomes 60 minutes  
in the SP mode.)  
When labeling the cassette  
Be sure to place the label only on the locations  
as shown in the following illustration so as not  
to cause malfunction of your camcorder.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
made on the tape  
Press END SEARCH to go to the end of the  
recorded section before you begin the next  
recording in the case you have played back the  
tape.  
Do not put a label  
along the border.  
If there is a blank section or discontinuous  
signals on your tape, re-record from the  
beginning to the end of the tape as described  
above.  
Labeling position  
After using the cassette  
Copyright signal  
When you play back  
If the cassette you play back on your camcorder  
contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to  
a tape in another video camera connected to  
your camcorder.  
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid  
distortion of the picture or the sound. The  
cassette should then be put in its case, and stored  
in an upright position.  
,
,
,
and are  
trademarks.  
For TRV285E:  
When you record  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright  
Additional Information  
95  
               
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it  
up, and insert it in your camcorder right  
before you start taking shots.  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-  
QM71D/QM91D (optional).  
About the  
“InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack  
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster. We  
recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-QM71D/QM91D (optional).  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to (CHG)  
OFF when not recording or playing back on  
your camcorder. The battery pack is also  
consumed when your camcorder is in  
recording standby or playback pause.  
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or  
three times the expected recording time, and  
make trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
This unit is compatible with the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your  
camcorder operates only with the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
“InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have  
the  
mark.  
What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-  
ion battery pack that has functions for  
communicating information related to operating  
conditions between your camcorder and an  
optional AC Adaptor/charger.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates  
the power consumption according to the  
operating conditions of your camcorder, and  
displays the remaining battery time in minutes.  
With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), the  
remaining battery time and charging time  
appear.  
About remaining battery time indicator  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates that  
the battery pack has enough power to operate,  
charge the battery pack fully again. The  
indication on the remaining battery time will  
be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the  
battery indication will not be restored if it is  
used in high temperatures for a long time, or if  
left in a fully charged state, or when the  
battery pack is frequently used.  
Use the remaining battery time indication as a  
guide to the approximate shooting time.  
• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature and  
environment.  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in  
an ambient temperature of between 10°C to  
30°C (50°F to 86°F) until the CHG (charge)  
lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack  
outside of this temperature range, you may not  
be able to charge it efficiently.  
• After charging is complete, either disconnect  
the cable from the DC IN jack on your  
camcorder or remove the battery pack.  
About storage of the battery pack  
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it on your  
camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function.  
To store the battery pack, remove it from your  
camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place.  
• To completely use up the battery pack on your  
camcorder, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER]  
To use the battery pack effectively  
• Battery pack performance decreases when the  
surrounding temperature is 10°C (50°F) or  
below, and the length of time you can use the  
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do  
one of the following to use the battery pack for  
a longer time.  
in the  
(OTHERS) menu (p. 58) and leave  
Additional Information  
96  
           
your camcorder in tape recording standby  
until the power goes off.  
About i.LINK  
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-  
compliant DV Interface. This section describes  
the i.LINK standard and its features.  
About battery life  
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity  
drops little by little as you use it more and  
more, and as time passes. When the available  
battery time is shortened considerably, a  
probable cause is that the battery pack has  
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new  
battery pack.  
What is i.LINK?  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio, and  
other data to other i.LINK-compatible device.  
You can also control other device using the  
i.LINK.  
• The battery life varies depending on how it is  
stored and the operating conditions and  
environment for each battery pack.  
i.LINK-compatible device can be connected  
using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are  
operations and data transactions with various  
digital AV devices.  
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
When two or more i.LINK-compatible device  
are connected to this unit in a daisy chain,  
operations and data transactions are possible  
with not only the device that this unit is  
connected to but also with other devices via the  
directly connected device.  
Note, however, that the method of operation  
sometimes varies according to the  
characteristics and specifications of the device  
to be connected. Also, operations and data  
transactions may not be possible on some  
connected device.  
b Note  
• Normally, only one device can be connected to this  
unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this  
unit to i.LINK-compatible device having two or  
more DV Interfaces, refer to the operating  
instructions of the device to be connected.  
z Tips  
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394  
data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a  
trademark approved by many corporations.  
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized  
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics  
Engineers.  
About i.LINK Baud rate  
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according  
to the device. There are three types.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in  
the operating instructions of each piece of  
,continued  
Additional Information  
97  
   
device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK  
interface on some device.  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to device with  
a different maximum baud rate.  
Maintenance and  
precautions  
On use and care  
* What is Mbps?  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never  
leave them exposed to temperatures above  
60°C (140°F), such as under direct sunlight,  
near heaters or in a car parked in the sun.  
They may malfunction or become  
deformed.  
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the  
amount of data that can be sent or received in one  
second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps means  
that 100 megabits of data can be sent in one second.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video device having a DV  
Interface, see page 61, 62.  
This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK  
(DV Interface) compatible device made by  
Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as  
well as to video device.  
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The  
camcorder may not be able to record  
properly.  
Before connecting this unit to your computer,  
make sure that application software supported  
by this unit is already installed on your  
computer.  
Some i.LINK compatible video device such as  
Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players,  
and MICROMV recorders/players are not  
compatible with DV device. Before connecting  
to other device, be sure to confirm whether the  
device is compatible with DV device or not.  
For details on precautions and compatible  
application software, refer also to the operating  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
– Sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or  
dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be  
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages  
the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD  
screen.  
– Anywhere very humid.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery  
pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for  
example, from rain or sea water. If your  
camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction.  
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be  
repaired.  
About the required i.LINK cable  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
i.LINK and  
are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
• If any solid object or liquid get inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to (CHG)  
OFF when you are not using your camcorder.  
Additional Information  
98  
 
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
This is not a malfunction. Do not close the  
cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.  
• When disconnecting the mains lead, pull by  
the plug and not the lead.  
• Do not damage the mains lead such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
Notes on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring your  
camcorder from a cold place into a warm place  
(or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder  
in a humid place as shown below.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• When you bring your camcorder from an air-  
conditioned car or room into a hot place  
outside.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or  
a shower.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-  
type battery out of children’s reach. If the  
battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a  
doctor immediately.  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
How to prevent moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a cold  
place into a warm place, put your camcorder in  
a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag  
when the air temperature inside the plastic bag  
has reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about one hour).  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by  
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.  
Otherwise, unplug it from the wall socket.  
Moisture condensation  
If your camcorder is brought directly from a  
cold place to a warm place, moisture may  
condense inside your camcorder, on the surface  
of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape  
may stick to the head drum and be damaged or  
your camcorder may not operate correctly. If  
there is moisture inside your camcorder,  
[%Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette]  
or [% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]  
appears. The indicator will not appear when the  
moisture condenses on the lens.  
Video head  
• When the video head becomes dirty, you  
cannot record pictures normally, or distorted  
picture or sound is played back.  
• The video head suffers from wear after long  
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even  
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be  
because the video head is worn. Please contact  
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility to have the video head  
replaced.  
• For  
TRV238E/438E:  
If moisture condensation has occurred  
None of the functions except cassette ejection  
will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your  
camcorder, and leave it for about one hour with  
the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be  
used again if the % or Z does not appear when  
the power is turned on again.  
If the following problem occurs, clean the  
video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony  
V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
– Playback pictures contains noise or the  
screen is displayed in blue.  
– Playback pictures are hardly visible.  
If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder  
sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this  
happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected  
for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened.  
– Playback pictures do not appear.  
,continued  
Additional Information  
99  
   
– [  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording.  
About care and storage of the lens  
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft  
cloth in the following instances:  
– When there are fingerprints on the lens  
surface.  
– In hot or humid locations  
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside.  
• For TRV270E/285E:  
If the following problem occurs, clean the  
video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony  
V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the  
playback picture or the screen is displayed  
in blue.  
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
• To prevent molds periodically clean the lens  
as described above.  
It is recommended you operate your camcorder  
about once a month to keep it in an optimum  
state for a long time.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the  
sound breaks off.  
– [  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording.  
To charge the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
LCD screen  
• Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause damage.  
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and  
other settings even when the POWER switch is  
set to (CHG) OFF. The pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is always charged while  
you are using your camcorder but it will get  
discharged gradually if you do not use your  
camcorder. The rechargeable battery will be  
fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not  
use your camcorder at all. However, even if the  
pre-installed rechargeable battery is not  
charged, the camcorder operation will not be  
affected as long as you are not recording the  
date.  
To clean the LCD screen  
• If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended you using a soft cloth  
to clean it. When you use the LCD Cleaning  
Kit (optional), do not apply the cleaning liquid  
directly to the LCD screen. Use cleaning paper  
moistened with the liquid.  
Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall socket using  
the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the  
POWER switch set to (CHG) OFF for more  
than 24 hours.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder  
body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with  
water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft  
cloth.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent and  
insecticide.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
Additional Information  
100  
     
For TRV270E/285E:  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled  
Device)  
Gross: Approx. 540 000 pixels  
Effective: Approx. 350 000 pixels  
Specification  
Video camera recorder  
Lens  
Combined power zoom lens  
Filter diameter: 37 mm (1 1/2 in.)  
20 × (Optical), 990 × (Digital)  
F=1.6 - 2.4  
System  
Focal length  
Video recording system  
2.5 - 50 mm (1/8 - 2 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still camera  
42 - 840 mm (1 11/16 - 33 1/8 in.)  
Color temperature  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning FM system  
For TRV270E/285E:  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system  
Audio recording system  
Auto  
Minimum illumination  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Rotary heads, FM system  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Rotary heads, PCM system  
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1,  
stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)  
1 lx (lux) (F 1.6)  
For TRV270E/285E:  
4 lx (lux) (F 1.6)  
1
0 lx (lux) (in the NightShot plus mode)*  
1
* Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can be  
shot with infrared lighting.  
Video signal  
PAL color, CCIR standards  
Usable cassette  
8 mm video format cassette  
Tape speed  
For  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video output  
AV MINIJACK  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced, sync negative  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance  
more than 47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 k(kilohms)  
TRV238E/438E:  
SP: Approx. 20.05 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 10.06 mm/s  
For TRV270E/285E:  
SP: Approx. 28.70 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 19.13 mm/s  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Recording/playback time (using 90 min. Hi8/  
Digital8 video cassette)  
Monaural minijack (ø 3.5 mm)  
For TRV270E/285E:  
Stereo minijack (ø 3.5 mm)  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
SP: 1 h 30 min  
LP: 3 h  
For TRV270E/285E:  
SP: 1 h  
DV input  
For TRV285E:  
4-pin connector, S100  
DV output  
For TRV270E/285E:  
4-pin connector, S100  
USB jack  
LP: 1 h 30 min  
Fast forward/rewind time (using 90 min. Hi8/  
Digital8 video cassette)  
Approx. 5 min  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder (monochrome)  
Image device  
For TRV270E/285E:  
mini-B  
LCD screen  
Picture  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled  
Device)  
Gross: Approx. 380 000 pixels  
Effective: Approx. 230 000 pixels  
Total dot number  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
,continued  
Additional Information  
101  
 
General  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FM30)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Capacity  
Power requirements  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption (when using the  
battery pack)  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
5.0 Wh (700 mAh)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
38.2 × 20.5 × 55.6 mm  
(1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 1/4 in.) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
During camera recording using the viewfinder  
1.8 W  
During camera recording using the LCD  
2.7 W  
For TRV270E/285E:  
65 g (2.3 oz)  
During camera recording using viewfinder  
2.5 W  
During camera recording using LCD  
3.4 W  
Operating temperature  
0°C to 40° C (32°F to 104°F)  
Type  
Lithium ion  
Operating temperature  
0° C to 40°C (32° F to 104° F)  
Storage temperature  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
-20°C to + 60°C (-4° F to + 140° F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
85 × 98 × 151 mm (3 3/8 × 3 7/8 × 6 in.) (w/h/  
d)  
Mass (Approx.)  
780 g (1 lb 11 oz) main unit only  
890 g (1 lb 15 oz) including the  
NP-FM30 rechargeable battery pack, Hi8/  
Digital8 cassette, lens cap, and shoulder strap  
Supplied accessories  
AC Adaptor AC-L15A/L15B  
Power requirements  
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
Power consumption  
18 W  
Output voltage  
2
DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature  
0° C to 40°C (32° F to 104° F)  
Storage temperature  
-20°C to + 60°C (-4° F to + 140° F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/  
d) excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the mains lead  
2
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other  
specifications.  
Additional Information  
102  
Types of differences  
Model  
CCD-  
DCR-  
TRV238E  
Hi8  
TRV438E  
Hi8  
TRV270E  
Digital8  
Digital8  
Stereo  
TRV285E  
Digital8  
Digital8  
Stereo  
OUT  
Recording system  
Playback system  
Audio recording  
AUDIO/VIDEO jack  
DV Interface  
Hi8/8  
Monaural  
OUT  
Hi8/8  
Monaural  
OUT  
OUT  
OUT  
IN/OUT  
z
USB jack  
z
z
SteadyShot  
z
z
Remote sensor  
z
z
z
Provided  
z
— Not provided  
Additional Information  
103  
Quick Reference  
Identifying parts and  
controls  
Camcorder  
A Lens cap (p. 21, 25)  
B LCD screen (p. 2, 16)  
C OPEN button (p. 16)  
L FADER button (p. 30)  
M BACK LIGHT button (p. 27)  
N FOCUS button (p. 29)  
D REC START/STOP button on LCD  
O SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 42)  
* This button has a tactile dot.  
E Zoom buttons on LCD frame (p. 23)  
F VOLUME –/+* button (p. 33)  
G END SEARCH button (p. 32)  
H Speaker  
To attach the lens cap  
I Viewfinder (p. 2, 16)  
If you attach the large capacity battery pack  
NP-QM71D/QM91D (optional) to the  
camcorder, extend and lift up the  
viewfinder and adjust its angle.  
J Battery pack  
K LIGHT button (p. 23)  
Quick Reference  
104  
       
A Built-in light (p. 23)  
B Lens  
E Microphone  
F NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (p. 28)  
G EASY button (p. 26, 35)  
C Infrared ray emitter (p. 63, 68)/  
For  
TRV238E/438E/ TRV285E:  
H DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 13,  
Remote sensor  
36)  
D Camera recording lamp (p. 21, 26)  
A Jack cover  
E For  
TRV238E/438E:  
A/V OUT jack (p. 38, 60)  
B For TRV270E/285E:  
A/V OUT jack (p. 38, 61)  
C For TRV285E:  
DV Interface (p. 61)  
For TRV270E:  
DV OUT Interface (p. 61)  
D For TRV270E/285E:  
(USB) jack  
,continued  
Quick Reference  
105  
   
A RESET button (p. 82)  
H CAMERA mode lamp (p. 15)  
B For TRV270E/285E:  
I PLAY/EDIT mode lamp (p. 15)  
BURN DVD/VCD  
J For TRV285E:  
Rec buttons (p. 67)  
REC (rec)  
You can easily take a picture recorded on  
the tape and burn it onto a DVD or CD-R.  
For details on BURN DVD, see “Creating a  
DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)  
K For  
TRV238E/438E:  
COUNTER RESET button (p. 21)  
(
TRV270E/285E)” (p. 79), and on  
BURN VCD, see “First Step Guide” in the  
supplied CD-ROM.  
L For  
TRV238E/438E:  
TIME button (p. 18, 24)  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
M For  
TRV238E/438E:  
DATE button (p. 18, 24)  
* This button has a tactile dot.  
EASY DUB (Easy Dubbing) button  
C TITLE button (p. 31)  
D EXPOSURE button (p. 27)  
E MENU button* (p. 42)  
F Video control buttons (p. 33)  
STOP (stop)  
REW (rewind)  
PLAY (playback)*  
FF (fast-forward)  
PAUSE (pause)  
G CHG (charge) lamp (p. 12)  
Quick Reference  
106  
     
A Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 16)  
B Eyecup  
E Tripod receptacle  
Make sure that the length of the tripod  
screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).  
Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod  
securely, and the screw may damage your  
camcorder.  
C Cassette lid  
D
OPEN/EJECT lever (p. 18)  
A Power zoom lever (p. 23)  
To attach the shoulder strap  
Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your  
camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap.  
B BATT (battery) release button (p. 12)  
C Hooks for shoulder strap  
D For TRV270E/285E:  
PHOTO button (p. 25)  
E POWER switch (p. 15)  
F Grip belt (p. 3)  
G REC START/STOP button (p. 21)  
H DC IN jack (p. 12)  
,continued  
Quick Reference  
107  
 
Remote Commander  
Remove the insulation sheet before using the  
Remote Commander.  
To remove the insulation sheet  
For  
TRV238E/438E:  
Insulation sheet  
To change the button-type battery  
1
While pressing on the tab, inset your  
fingernail into the slit to pull out the  
battery case.  
For TRV285E:  
Tab  
2
3
Remove the button-type lithium battery.  
A Transmitter  
After turning on your camcorder, point  
towards the remote sensor to control your  
camcorder.  
Place a new button-type lithium battery  
with the + side facing up.  
B REC START/STOP button (p. 21)  
C Power zoom button (p. 23)  
D Video control buttons (Rewind, Playback,  
Fast-forward, Pause, Stop, Slow) (p. 33)  
E DISPLAY button (p. 36, 39)  
F PHOTO button (p. 25)  
4
Insert the battery case back into the  
Remote Commander until it clicks.  
G SEARCH M. button (p. 40, 41)  
H ./> buttons (p. 40, 41)  
I ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 39)  
Quick Reference  
108  
   
CAUTION  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly  
replaced.  
Replace only with the same or equivalent type  
recommended by the manufacturer.  
Discard used batteries according to the  
manufacturer's instructions.  
b Notes on the Remote Commander  
• A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used in  
the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries other  
than CR2025.  
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light  
sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting.  
Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not  
function properly.  
• When you are operating with the Remote  
Commander supplied with your camcorder, your  
VCR may also operate. In that case, select a  
commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR,  
or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.  
,continued  
Quick Reference  
109  
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder  
Following indicators will appear on the LCD  
screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of  
your camcorder.  
Indicators  
Meanings  
Q E Z  
Manual exposure (p. 27)  
Manual focus (p. 29)  
Back light (p. 27)  
PROGRAM AE (p. 43)  
Indicators and their on-screen/viewfinder  
positions vary depending on your camcorder  
model.  
9
.
Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode  
Picture effect (p. 44)  
Time code (p. 21)/Tape counter (p. 21)/Self-  
diagnosis (p. 92)/Tape photo recording (p. 25)  
16:9 WIDE/CINEMA/16:9  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
(
)
SteadyShot off (p. 49)  
Indicators  
Meanings  
y60min  
Remaining battery time  
SP LP  
Recording mode (p. 21)  
STBY REC  
Recording standby/  
recording mode  
Mirror mode (p. 24)  
Tape photo recording  
Format indicator  
Audio mode (p. 53)  
Remaining tape (p. 21)  
Interval recording (p. 55)  
Frame recording (p. 54)  
Zero set memory (p. 39)  
Built-in light (p. 23)  
NightShot plus (p. 28)  
Quick Reference  
110  
 
D
I
“InfoLITHIUM”  
Index  
Numerics  
Digital program editing  
(VIDEO EDIT) ...........67  
Direct Access to  
“Click to DVD” ..........79  
Display  
battery pack ................ 96  
Interval recording  
A
(INT. REC)................. 55  
Auto shut off function  
L
LCD back light  
(LCD B.L.) ................. 52  
LCD brightness  
(LCD BRIGHT) ......... 16  
LP (Long Play)  
(A.SHUT OFF) ...........58  
B
Battery  
E
Button-type battery  
M
Main sound  
F
Frame recording  
Remote Commander  
............................108  
(FRAME REC) ...........54  
C
Camera settings data display  
.....................................36  
Charging the battery  
G
H
Hi8/standard 8 mm system  
....................................95  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
battery.................100  
N
,continued  
111  
 
O
T
Operation confirmation beep  
See BEEP  
Telephoto  
P
Picture effect  
U
(P EFFECT)................ 44  
USB Streaming  
(USB STREAM).........56  
V
R
Recording capacity  
Recording lamp  
(REC LAMP).............. 59  
W
Wide angle  
S
SP (Standard Play)  
Z
Sub sound  
112  

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