Sony Handycam HDR XR550VE User Manual

4-170-539-11(1)  
Table of contents  
Getting started  
Recording/Playback  
Making good use of your 33  
camcorder  
Saving movies and photos 35  
with a computer  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE/  
XR550E/XR550VE  
Saving images with an  
external device  
Customizing your  
camcorder  
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder  
Operating Guide  
Additional information  
Quick reference  
2010 Sony Corporation  
Disposal of Old Electrical  
& Electronic Equipment  
(Applicable in the European  
Union and other European  
countries with separate  
collection systems)  
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE  
Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares that  
this HDR-CX550VE, HDR-XR550VE  
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder is in  
compliance with the essential requirements  
and other relevant provisions of the  
Directive 1999/5/EC. For details, please  
access the following URL:  
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 Civic Office, your household  
waste disposal service or the shop where  
you purchased the product.  
Notice for the customers in the  
countries applying EU Directives  
The manufacturer of this product is Sony  
Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku  
Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized  
Representative for EMC and product safety  
is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger  
Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For  
any service or guarantee matters please  
refer to the addresses given in separate  
service or guarantee documents.  
Applicable Accessory : Wireless Remote  
Commander  
ATTENTION  
Disposal of waste batteries  
(applicable in the European  
Union and other European  
countries with separate  
collection systems)  
The electromagnetic fields at the specific  
frequencies may influence the picture and  
sound of this unit.  
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).  
This symbol on the battery or on the  
packaging indicates that the battery  
provided with this product shall not be  
treated as household waste.  
On certain batteries this symbol might  
be used in combination with a chemical  
symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury  
(Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery  
contains more than 0.0005% mercury or  
0.004% lead.  
Notice  
If static electricity or electromagnetism  
causes data transfer to discontinue midway  
(fail), restart the application or disconnect  
and connect the communication cable  
(USB, etc.) again.  
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of  
correctly, you will help prevent potentially  
negative consequences for the environment  
and human health which could otherwise  
GB  
3
be caused by inappropriate waste handling  
of the battery. The recycling of the materials  
will help to conserve natural resources.  
In case of products that for safety,  
performance or data integrity reasons  
require a permanent connection with an  
incorporated battery, this battery should  
be replaced by qualified service staff only.  
To ensure that the battery will be treated  
properly, hand over the product at end-of-  
life to the applicable collection point for  
the recycling of electrical and electronic  
equipment.  
For all other batteries, please view the  
section on how to remove the battery from  
the product safely. Hand the battery over  
to the applicable collection point for the  
recycling of waste batteries.  
For more detailed information about  
recycling of this product or battery, please  
contact your local Civic Office, your  
household waste disposal service or the  
shop where you purchased the product.  
Regulatory Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: HDR-CX550E  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego,  
CA 92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) This device  
may not cause harmful interference,  
and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: HDR-XR550E  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego,  
CA 92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) This device  
may not cause harmful interference,  
and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
For customers in the U.S.A.  
If you have any questions about this  
product, you may call:  
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-  
222-SONY (7669).  
The number below is for the FCC related  
matters only.  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in  
this manual could void your authority to  
operate this equipment.  
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4
Supplied items  
Note  
This equipment has been tested and found  
to comply with the limits for a Class B  
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules.  
The numbers in ( ) are the supplied  
quantity.  
AC Adaptor (1)  
Power cord (Mains lead) (1)  
Component A/V cable (1)   
A/V connecting cable (1)   
USB cable (1)   
Wireless Remote Commander (1)  
A button-type lithium battery is already  
installed. Remove the insulation sheet before  
using the Wireless Remote Commander.  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1)  
CD-ROM “Handycam” Application  
Software (1) (p. 36)  
“PMB” (software, including “PMB Help”)  
“Handycam” Handbook (PDF)  
These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful  
interference in a residential installation.  
This equipment generates, uses, and  
can radiate radio frequency energy and,  
if not installed and used in accordance  
with the instructions, may cause harmful  
interference to radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that  
interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by  
turning the equipment off and on, the  
user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
“Operating Guide” (This manual) (1)  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the  
equipment and receiver.  
See page 19 for the memory card you can use  
with this camcorder.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on  
a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/  
TV technician for help.  
Using the camcorder  
Do not hold the camcorder by the following  
parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by  
the jack covers.  
The supplied interface cable must be used  
with the equipment in order to comply with  
the limits for a digital device pursuant to  
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.  
Viewfinder  
Battery pack  
LCD Screen  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) This device  
may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference  
received, including interference that may  
cause undesired operation.  
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5
 
Battery pack  
About language setting  
The on-screen displays in each local language  
are used for illustrating the operating  
procedures. Change the screen language before  
using the camcorder if necessary (p. 17).  
On recording  
The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed  
or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 65).  
Even if the camcorder is turned off, the GPS  
function is working as long as the GPS switch  
is set to ON. Make sure that the GPS switch is  
set to OFF during take off and landing of an  
airplane (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE).  
To ensure stable operation of the memory card,  
it is recommended to initialize the memory  
card with your camcorder before the first  
use. Initializing the memory card will erase  
all the data stored on it and the data will be  
irrecoverable. Save your important data on your  
PC etc.  
Before starting to record, test the recording  
function to make sure the image and sound are  
recorded without any problems.  
Menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder and  
lens  
Compensation for the contents of recordings  
cannot be provided, even if recording or  
playback is not possible due to a malfunction of  
the camcorder, recording media, etc.  
TV color systems differ depending on the  
country/region. To view your recordings on a  
TV, you need a PAL system-based TV.  
Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials may  
be contrary to the copyright laws.  
A menu item that is grayed out is not available  
under the current recording or playback  
conditions.  
The LCD screen and viewfinder are  
manufactured using extremely high-precision  
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are  
operational for effective use. However, there  
may be some tiny black points and/or bright  
points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that  
appear constantly on the LCD screen. These  
points are normal results of the manufacturing  
process and do not affect the recording in any  
way.  
Notes on playing back  
The camcorder is compatible with MPEG-4  
AVC/H.264 High Profile for high definition  
image quality (HD) recording. Therefore, you  
cannot play back images recorded with high  
definition image quality (HD) on the camcorder  
with the following devices;  
Other AVCHD format compatible devices  
which are not compatible with High Profile  
Devices which are not compatible with the  
AVCHD format  
You may not be able to play back normally  
images recorded on your camcorder with other  
devices. Also, you may not be able to play back  
images recorded on other devices with your  
camcorder.  
Black points  
White, red, blue or green points  
Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder or the  
lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time  
may cause malfunctions.  
Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause  
your camcorder to malfunction. Take images  
of the sun only in low light conditions, such as  
at dusk.  
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6
Discs recorded with HD image quality  
(high definition)  
When the camcoder is connected to a  
computer or accessories  
This camcorder captures high definition footage  
in the AVCHD format. DVD media containing  
AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD  
based players or recorders, as the DVD player/  
recorder may fail to eject the media and may  
erase its contents without warning. DVD media  
containing AVCHD footage may be played on  
a compatible Blu-ray Discplayer/recorder or  
other compatible device.  
Do not try to format the recording media of the  
camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your  
camcorder may not operate correctly.  
When connecting the camcorder to another  
device with communication cables, be sure to  
insert the connector plug in the correct way.  
Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal  
will damage the terminal and may result in a  
malfunction of the camcorder.  
Save all your recorded image data  
If you cannot record/play back images,  
perform [MEDIA FORMAT]  
To prevent your image data from being lost,  
save all your recorded images on external media  
periodically. It is recommended that you save  
the image data on a disc such as DVD-R, etc.  
using your computer. Also, you can save your  
image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD  
recorder (p. 48).  
If you repeat recording/deleting images for  
a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on  
the recording media. Images cannot be saved  
or recorded. In such a case, save your images  
on some type of external media first, and then  
perform [MEDIA FORMAT] by touching  
You cannot make a AVCHD disc from the  
(MENU) [Show others]   
[MEDIA FORMAT] (under [MANAGE  
image data recorded with  
(MENU)   
[Show others] [ REC MODE] (under  
MEDIA] category) the desired medium   
[SHOOTING SET] category) set to [HD  
FX]. Save them on a Blu-ray Disc or using an  
external media (p. 44, 46).  
[YES] [YES]   
.
Notes on optional accessories  
We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.  
Genuine Sony accessories may not be available  
in some countries/regions.  
Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor  
Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC  
Adaptor after turning off the camcorder.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the  
DC plug.  
About this manual, illustrations and  
on-screen displays  
The example images used in this manual for  
illustration purposes are captured using a  
digital still camera, and therefore may appear  
different from images and screen indicators that  
actually appear on your camcorder. And, the  
illustrations of your camcorder and its screen  
indication are exaggerated or simplified for  
understandability.  
In this manual, the internal memory (HDR-  
CX550E/CX550VE) and the hard disk (HDR-  
XR550E/XR550VE) of the camcorder and the  
memory card are called “recording media.”  
Note on the camcorder/battery pack  
temperature  
When the temperature of the camcorder  
or battery pack becomes extremely high or  
extremely low, you may not be able to record  
or play back on the camcorder, due to the  
protection features of the camcorder being  
activated in such situations. In this case, an  
indicator appears on the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder.  
GB  
7
In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with  
high definition image quality (HD) is called  
AVCHD disc.  
Design and specifications of your camcorder  
and accessories are subject to change without  
notice.  
On the drop sensor (HDR-XR550E/  
XR550VE)  
To protect the internal hard disk from shock  
by dropping, the camcorder has a drop sensor  
function. When a drop occurs, or under a non-  
gravity condition, the block noise made when  
this function is activated by the camcorder may  
also be recorded. If the drop sensor catches a  
drop repeatedly, recording/playback may be  
stopped.  
Confirm the model name of your  
camcorder  
The model name is shown in this manual when  
there is a difference in specification between  
models. Confirm the model name on the  
bottom of your camcorder.  
Note on using the camcorder at high  
altitudes (HDR-XR550E/XR550VE)  
Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure  
area, where the altitude is more than 5,000  
meters (16,000 feet). Doing so may damage the  
internal hard disk drive of your camcorder.  
The main differences in specification of this  
series are as follows.  
Recording  
media  
Capacity  
of internal  
recording  
media  
USB  
jack  
HDR-  
Internal  
64 GB  
Input/  
output  
CX550E/  
HDR-  
memory +  
memory  
CX550VE* card  
HDR-  
Internal  
240 GB  
XR550E/  
HDR-  
hard disk  
+ memory  
XR550VE* card  
The model with * is equipped with GPS.  
Notes on use  
Do not do any of the following. Otherwise, the  
recording media may be damaged, recorded  
images may be impossible to play back or may  
be lost, or other malfunctions could occur.  
ejecting the memory card when the access  
lamp (p. 20) is lit or flashing  
removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor  
from the camcorder, or applying mechanical  
shock or vibration to the camcorder when the  
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 21) or the  
access lamp (p. 20) are lit or flashing  
When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do  
not crash the camcorder against an object.  
Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas  
(HDR-XR550E/XR550VE).  
GB  
Operation flow  
Getting started (p. 12)  
Prepare the power source and memory card.  
Recording movies and photos (p. 21)  
Recording movies p. 22  
Changing the recording mode  
Expected recording time(MEDIA INFO)  
Shooting photos p. 24  
Playing movies and photos  
Playback on the camcorder p. 27  
Playing images on a TV p. 30  
Saving images  
Saving movies and photos with a computer p. 35  
Saving movies and photos in external media p. 46  
Saving images with a DVD writer/recorder p. 48  
Deleting movies and photos (p. 33)  
If you delete the image data that has been saved on your  
computer or a disc, you can record new images on the free  
media space again.  
GB  
 
Table of contents  
1G0B  
 
GB  
11  
Getting started  
Step 1: Charging the battery pack  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
Battery pack  
/CHG (flash/charge)  
lamp  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
Power cord (Mains lead)  
AC  
Adaptor  
To the wall outlet (wall socket)  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
Battery pack  
/CHG (flash/charge)  
lamp  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
AC  
Power cord (Mains lead)  
Adaptor  
To the wall outlet (wall socket)  
1G2B  
     
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your  
camcorder.  
Notes  
You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder.  
Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen after replacing the  
viewfinder.  
1
2
3
Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it  
clicks.  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your  
camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).  
Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.  
The /CHG (flash/charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The /CHG (flash/charge)  
lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.  
When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN  
jack of your camcorder.  
4
Tips  
See page 69 on recording and playing time.  
When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the  
remaining battery indicator at the upper left on the LCD screen.  
To remove the battery pack  
Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery  
pack ().  
GB  
13  
 
To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source  
Make the same connections as “Step 1: Charging the battery pack.” Even if the battery pack is  
attached, the battery pack is not discharged.  
Notes on the battery pack  
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, replace the viewfinder, close the LCD  
screen and make sure that the  
off.  
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 21), the access lamp (p. 20) are turned  
The /CHG (flash/charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:  
The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
The battery pack is damaged.  
The temperature of the battery pack is low.  
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.  
The temperature of the battery pack is high.  
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place.  
When attaching a video light (sold separately), it is recommended that you use an NP-FV70 or NP-FV100  
battery pack.  
We do not recommend using an NP-FV30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with  
your camcorder.  
In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any  
operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF]).  
Notes on the AC Adaptor  
Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.  
Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.  
Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
Charging the battery pack abroad  
You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.  
Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.  
1G4B  
     
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the  
date and time  
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
1
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.  
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER.  
MODE lamp  
POWER button  
Select the desired geographical area with  
/
, then touch [NEXT].  
2
Touch the button on the  
LCD screen  
To set the date and time again, touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG]  
(under  
/
[GENERAL SET] category) [CLOCK SET]. When an item is not on the screen, touch  
until the item appears.  
Set [SUMMERTIME], date and time, then touch  
.
3
The clock starts.  
If you set [SUMMERTIME] to [ON], the clock advances 1 hour.  
GB  
15  
     
Notes  
The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the  
recording media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under  
CODE] [DATE/TIME]   
You can turn off the operation beeps by touching  
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA  
.
(MENU) [Show others] [SOUND/DISP  
[GENERAL SET] category) [BEEP] [OFF]   
SET] (under  
.
If the button you touch does not react correctly, calibrate the touch panel.  
Once the clock is set, the clock time is automatically adjusted with [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO  
AREA ADJ] set to [ON]. The clock may not be adjusted to the correct time automatically, depending  
on the country/region selected for your camcorder. In this case, set [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO  
AREA ADJ] to [OFF] (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE).  
To turn off the power  
Close the LCD screen. The (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the power is turned  
off.  
Tips  
You can turn off your camcorder also by pressing POWER.  
If the viewfinder is pulled out, retract the viewfinder as shown in the illustration below.  
On turning the camcorder on or off using the LCD screen or the viewfinder  
The power of the camcorder is turned on or off depending on the status of the LCD screen or  
the viewfinder.  
Status  
Viewfinder  
Power of the  
camcorder  
LCD screen  
Open  
Retracted  
Pulled out  
Retracted  
Pulled out  
On  
On  
Off  
On  
Closed  
Notes  
Even if the LCD screen is closed, if the viewfinder is pulled out, the camcorder is not turned off. When  
you turn off the power of the camcorder, make sure that the viewfinder is retracted to the original  
position.  
1G6B  
 
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.  
Touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET]  
category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language   
.
GB  
17  
   
Step 3: Preparing the recording media  
The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following  
icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder.  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
*
Internal  
Memory  
card  
memory  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
*
Internal hard  
disk  
Memory  
card  
* In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform  
recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium.  
Tips  
See page 69 for the recordable time of movies.  
Selecting the recording media for movies  
Touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under  
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MOVIE MEDIA SET].  
The [MOVIE MEDIA SET] screen appears.  
Touch the desired recording media.  
Touch [YES]   
.
The recording medium is changed.  
Selecting the recording media for photos  
Touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under  
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET].  
The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears.  
Touch the desired recording media.  
1GB  
       
Touch [YES]   
.
The recording medium is changed.  
To check the recording media settings  
In either movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the media icon of the selected  
recording media is displayed at the top right corner of the screen.  
Recording media icon  
The icon displayed may vary depending on your model.  
Inserting a memory card  
Notes  
Set the recording medium to [MEMORY CARD] to record movies and/or photos on a memory card.  
Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder  
Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (Mark2) media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory  
cards (Class 4 or faster) and SDHC memory cards (Class 4 or faster) can be used with this camcorder. A  
MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder.  
In this manual, “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (Mark2) media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are  
called “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media.  
Memory cards of up to 32 GB have been verified to operate with your camcorder.  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”media/“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”media  
(This size can be used with your camcorder.)  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” media compatible  
equipment.  
Do not attach a label or the like on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media or “Memory Stick Duo” media  
adaptor.  
GB  
1ꢁ  
     
Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the nothched edge in the  
direction as illustrated until it clicks.  
Close the cover after inserting the memory card.  
Note direction of notched corner.  
Access lamp  
The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory  
card. In that case, touch [YES]. If you record only photos on the memory card, touch  
[NO].  
Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the memory card in the wrong  
direction, the memory card, memory card slot, or image data may be damaged.  
Notes  
If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.]  
is displayed, format the memory card by touching  
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA  
FORMAT] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MEMORY CARD] [YES] [YES]   
.
To eject the memory card  
Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.  
Do not open the cover during recording.  
When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and  
drop.  
Dubbing or copying movies and photos from the internal recording media  
to memory card  
Touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [MOVIE DUB]/[PHOTO COPY] (under  
[EDIT]  
category), then follow the displays on the screen.  
2G0B  
     
Recording/Playback  
Recording  
In the default setting, movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD) on the  
following media.  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: Internal memory  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: Internal hard disk  
Tips  
To change the recording media, see page 18.  
Fasten the grip belt.  
1
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
2
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.  
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 15).  
You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE to light up the desired recording  
mode lamp.  
MODE button  
(Movie): When recording a movie  
(Photo): When recording a photo  
GB  
21  
           
Recording movies  
Press START/STOP to start recording.  
You can start recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.  
START/STOP  
button  
[STBY] [REC]  
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.  
You can stop recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.  
The icons and indicators on the LCD panel will be displayed for about 3 seconds, then disappear after  
turning on your camcorder or switching the recording (movie/photo)/playback modes. To display the  
icons and indicators again, touch anywhere on the screen except the rec & zoom buttons on the LCD.  
Rec & zoom buttons on LCD  
about 3sec  
after  
Notes  
If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording.  
The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.  
When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically.  
It will take several seconds until you can start recording after you turn on the camcorder. You cannot  
operate your camcorder during this time.  
2G2B  
     
The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after recording  
has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or  
AC Adaptor.  
Access lamp (p. 20) is lit or flashing  
The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing  
Tips  
See page 69 on the recordable time of movies.  
You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO fully (Dual Rec).  
When a face is detected, a white frame appears and the image quality around the face is optimized  
automatically ([FACE DETECTION]).  
You can specify the priority face by touching it.  
In the default setting, a photo is recorded automatically when the camcorder detects the smile of a person  
during movie recording (Smile Shutter).  
You can capture photos from recorded movies.  
You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching  
(MENU)   
[Show others] [MEDIA INFO] (under  
[MANAGE MEDIA] category).  
The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel  
display). However, this may cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right and left edges of images when  
played back on a TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [GUIDEFRAME] to  
[ON], and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide.  
To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and  
then adjust the angle ().  
90 degrees (max.)  
90 degrees to the  
180 degrees (max.)  
camcorder  
When you make recording with the viewfinder only, pull out the viewfinder and close the LCD panel.  
If the indicator on the viewfinder appear blurred, adjust the viewfinder lever located on the side of the  
viewfinder.  
[ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ACTIVE] in the default setting.  
GB  
23  
 
Data code during recording  
The recording date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) are  
recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording.  
However, you can check them as [DATA CODE] during playback. To display them, touch  
(MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category)  
.
[DATA CODE] a desired setting   
Shooting photos  
In the default setting, photos are recorded on the following recording media.  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: Internal memory  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: Internal hard disk  
Tips  
To change the recording media, see page 18.  
Press MODE to turn on the (Photo) lamp.  
The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio  
becomes 4:3.  
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully.  
You can record photos also by touching  
on the LCD screen.  
Flashes Lights up  
When  
disappears, the photo is recorded.  
2G4B  
     
Tips  
You can check the recordable number of photos on the LCD (p. 72).  
To change the image size, touch  
[PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting   
(MENU) [Show others] [ IMAGE SIZE] (under  
.
You cannot record photos while  
Your camcorder flashes automatically when there is insufficient ambient light. The flash does not work  
in the movie recording mode. You can change how your camcorder flashes by (MENU) [Show  
others] [FLASH MODE] (under [PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting   
is displayed.  
.
If you record photos using a flash with a conversion lens (sold separately), the shadow may be reflected.  
If white circular spots appear on photos  
This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) floating close to the lens. When they are  
accentuated by the camcorder’s flash, they appear as white circular spots.  
To reduce the white circular spots, light the room and shoot the subject without a flash.  
Subject  
Particles (dust,  
pollen, etc.) in  
the air  
Acquiring location information using the GPS (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE)  
When you set the GPS switch (p. 74) to ON,  
appears on the LCD screen, and your  
camcorder acquires the location information from the GPS satellites. Acquiring the location  
information enables you to use functions such as the Map Index.  
The indicator changes according to the strength of GPS signal reception.  
Make sure that the GPS switch is set to OFF during take off and landing of an airplane.  
Processing time can be shortened when you load the GPS assist data into the camcorder using the  
supplied software “PMB.” Install “PMB” on your computer (p. 36) and connect the computer to the  
internet. Then connect the camcorder to the computer and the GPS assist data will be automatically  
updated.  
The GPS assist data may not function in the following cases:  
When the GPS assist data are not updated for about 30 days or more  
When the date and time of the camcorder are not correctly set  
When the camcorder is moved for a long distance  
Built-in map is powered by companies as follows; Map of Japan by ZENRIN CO., LTD., other areas  
by NAVTEQ.  
GB  
25  
   
Adjusting for shooting  
conditions  
How to use the MANUAL dial  
Recording in dark places  
(NightShot)  
Press MANUAL to switch to manual  
operation mode, and rotate the dial to  
make the adjustment. Pressing MANUAL  
switches the operation mode between  
manual and automatic.  
When you press NIGHTSHOT, appears,  
and you can record images even in total  
darkness.  
Press NIGHTSHOT again to cancel the  
To assign a menu item  
NightShot function.  
Using NightShot in bright places will cause a  
malfunction of your camcorder.  
Press and hold MANUAL for a few seconds  
to display the [DIAL SETTING] screen.  
Rotate the MANUAL dial to assign an item.  
You can assign [FOCUS], [EXPOSURE],  
[IRIS], [SHUTTER SPEED], [AE SHIFT],  
or [WB SHIFT].  
Using a tripod  
Attach the tripod (sold separately) to the  
tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold  
separately, the length of the screw must be  
less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).  
Adjusting focus, etc., manually  
(MANUAL dial)  
It is convenient to make manual  
Tripod  
receptacle  
adjustments using the MANUAL dial, by  
assigning a menu item ([FOCUS] in the  
default setting) to the MANUAL dial.  
MANUAL button  
MANUAL dial  
2G6B  
           
Playback  
on the camcorder  
In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media  
are played.  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: Internal memory  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: Internal hard disk  
Tips  
To change the recording media, see page 18.  
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
1
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.  
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.15).  
Press  
(VIEW IMAGES).  
2
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds.  
You can display the VISUAL INDEX screen also by touching  
screen.  
(VIEW IMAGES) on the LCD  
Touch  
or  
() a desired movie () to playback a movie.  
3
Touch the (Photo) () a desired photo () to view a photo.  
Movies are displayed and sorted by recording date.  
Switches operating button display.  
To MENU screen  
Displays the screen to select the index type ([DATE INDEX]/[ MAP] (HDR-  
CX550VE/XR550VE)/[ FILM ROLL]/[ FACE]).  
GB  
27  
     
/
/
: Displays movies recorded on the previous/next date.*  
: Displays the previous/next movie.  
Returns to the recording screen.  
* is displayed when is touched.  
appears when the standard definition image quality (STD) movie is selected with [  
SET].  
/
You can scroll the display by touching and dragging or .  
appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you touch the  
movie or photo with , you can continue playback from the previous time. (appears on the  
photo recorded on the memory card.)  
Playing movies  
Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie.  
Volume adjustment  
Previous  
Next  
OPTION  
To stop  
To fast-forward  
To pause/play  
To fast-reverse  
Notes  
You may not be able to play back the images with other devices than camcorder.  
Tips  
When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the INDEX screen.  
Touch during pause to play back movies slowly.  
As you repeat touching during playback, movies are played as fast as about 5 times   
/
/
about 10 times about 30 times about 60 times.  
You can also display the VISUAL INDEX by touching  
(MENU) [Show others] [VISUAL  
INDEX] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category).  
The recording date, time, and shooting conditions , and coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) are  
recorded automatically during recording. This information is not displayed during recording, but you can  
display it during playback by touching  
(MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under  
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA CODE] a desired setting   
.
In the default setting, a protected demonstration movie is pre-recorded.  
2GB  
 
To adjust the sound volume of movies  
While playing back movies, touch  
adjust with  
/
.
You can also adjust the sound volume by using  
/
in the OPTION MENU.  
Viewing photos  
Your camcorder displays the selected photo.  
To start/stop slide  
show  
Previous  
Next  
OPTION MENU  
To the VISUAL INDEX  
screen  
Tips  
When viewing photos recorded on the memory card,  
(playback folder) appears on the screen.  
GB  
2ꢁ  
   
Playing images on a TV  
your camcorder.  
Connection methods and the image  
quality (high definition (HD) or standard  
definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen  
differ depending on what type of TV is  
connected, and the connectors used.  
Connecting a TV using [TV  
CONNECT Guide]  
Input connectors  
on the TV  
Connectors on your  
camcorder  
You can connect your camcorder to the TV  
easily following the instructions displayed  
on the LCD screen, [TV CONNECT  
Guide].  
Connect your camcorder to the  
TV.  
HDMI OUT jack  
Switch the input on the TV to the  
connected jack.  
Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV.  
Turn on your camcorder, and  
touch  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [TV CONNECT Guide]  
(under [OTHERS] category) on  
the LCD screen.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power  
source (p. 14).  
A/V Remote  
Connector  
Touch [High Definition TV].  
Touch  
[YES].  
When the A/V connecting cable is used  
to output movies, movies are output with  
standard definition image quality (STD).  
Play back movies and photos on  
your camcorder (p. 27).  
Touch  
/
to select the input  
jack of your TV, then touch  
.
The connection medhod is displayed.  
If you touch [HINT], you can see tips for  
the connection or change the settings of  
3G0B  
       
Types of connection cables between  
your camcorder and TV  
Connecting to a high definition TV  
When connecting to your TV via 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 (VIDEO  
1, VIDEO 2, etc.).  
Component A/V Cable (supplied)  
To set the aspect ratio according to the  
connected TV (16:9/4:3)  
Set [TV TYPE] to [16:9] or [4:3] according to  
your TV.  
(Green) Y  
(Blue)PB/CB  
(Red)PR/CR  
(White)  
(Red)  
When your TV is monaural (When your  
TV has only one audio input jack)  
HDMI Cable (sold separately)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting  
cable to the video input jack and connect the  
white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug  
to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR.  
When you connect with component  
A/V cable  
If you connect only component video plugs,  
audio signals are not output. Connect the white  
and red plugs to output audio signals.  
Connecting to a non-high-definition 16:ꢁ (wide) or 4:3  
TV  
Component A/V Cable (supplied)  
When you connect with HDMI cable  
(Green) Y  
(Blue)PB/CB  
(Red)PR/CR  
Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.  
Use an HDMI mini connector on one end  
(for the camcorder), and a plug suitable for  
connecting your TV on the other end.  
Copyright-protected images are not output  
from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder.  
Some TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no  
sound or image) with this connection.  
Do not connect the camcorder HDMI OUT  
jack to an external device HDMI OUT jack, as  
malfunction may result.  
(White)  
(Red)  
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (sold  
separately)  
(White)  
(Red)  
When the connected device is compatible  
with 5.1ch surround sound, high definition  
image quality (HD) movies are output in  
5.1ch surround sound automatically. Standard  
definition image quality (STD) movies are  
converted to 2ch sound.  
(Yellow)  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
GB  
31  
   
When you connect with A/V  
connecting cable with S VIDEO  
On “PhotoTV HD”  
This camcorder is compatible with the  
“PhotoTV HD” standard. “PhotoTV HD”  
allows for highly-detailed, photo-like  
depiction of subtle textures and colors.  
By connecting Sonys PhotoTV HD-  
compatible devices using an HDMI cable*  
or the component A/V cable**, a whole  
new world of photos can be enjoyed in  
breathtaking full HD quality.  
When the S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel)  
is connected, audio signals are not output. To  
output audio signals, connect the white and red  
plugs to the audio input jack of your TV.  
This connection produces higher resolution  
images compared with the A/V connecting  
cable.  
Notes  
When you play back standard definition image  
quality (STD) movies on a 4:3 TV that is not  
compatible with the 16:9 signal, record movies  
*
The TV will automatically switch to the  
appropriate mode when displaying photos.  
** Setup of the TV will be necessary. Please refer  
to the instructions of your PhotoTV HD-  
compatible TV for details.  
with 4:3 aspect ratio. Touch  
[Show others] [OTHER REC SET]  
(MENU)  
(under  
[SHOOTING SET] category)   
[
WIDE SELECT] [4:3]   
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor  
(EUROCONNECTOR)  
Use a 21-pin adaptor (sold separately) to  
view playback pictures.  
TV/VCR  
Tips  
If you connect your camcorder to the TV using  
more than one type of cable to output images,  
the order of priority of the TV input jacks is as  
follows:  
HDMI component S VIDEO video  
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)  
is an interface to send both video/audio signals.  
The HDMI OUT jack outputs high quality  
images and digital audio.  
3G2B  
Making good use of your camcorder  
Deleting movies and  
photos  
You can free media space by deleting  
3
4
Touch and display the mark  
on the movies or photos to be  
deleted.  
movies and photos from recording media.  
Notes  
You cannot restore images once they are  
deleted. Save important movies and photos in  
advance.  
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  
Adaptor from your camcorder while deleting  
the images. It may damage the recording media.  
Do not eject memory card while deleting  
images from the memory card.  
You cannot delete protected movies and photos.  
Undo the protection of the movies and photos  
to delete them, before you try to delete them.  
The demonstration movie on your camcorder  
is protected.  
If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist,  
the movie added to the Playlist is deleted also  
from the Playlist.  
Press and hold the image down on the  
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch  
to return to the previous screen.  
Touch  
[YES]   
.
To delete all movies/photos at one time  
In step 2, touch [ DELETE]   
[
If the deleted movie is included in the saved  
Highlight Playback scenario, the movie is also  
deleted from the scenario.  
DELETE ALL]/[  
DELETE ALL]  
[YES] [YES]   
.
Tips  
To delete all photos at one time, touch  
DELETE] [ DELETE ALL] [YES]  
[YES]   
You can delete an image on the playback screen  
[
from  
OPTION MENU.  
.
To delete all images recorded in the recording  
media, and recover all the recordable space of  
the media, format the media.  
Reduced-size images which enable you to view  
many images at the same time on an index  
screen are called “thumbnails.”  
To delete all the movies/photos  
recorded on the same day at one time  
Notes  
You cannot delete photos on memory card by  
recording date.  
In step 2, touch [ DELETE]   
1
2
Touch  
(MENU) [Show  
[
DELETE by date]/[  
DELETE  
others] [DELETE] (under  
[EDIT] category).  
by date].  
To delete all photos on the same day at one  
time, touch [ DELETE] [ DELETE  
by date].  
To delete movies, touch  
[
[
DELETE] [  
DELETE].  
DELETE] or  
To delete photos, touch [ DELETE]   
DELETE].  
[
GB  
33  
     
Touch  
date of the desired movies/photos, then  
touch  
/
to select the recording  
.
Touch the image on the LCD screen to  
confirm the image. Touch  
to the previous screen.  
to return  
Touch [YES]   
.
3G4B  
Saving movies and photos with a computer  
Preparing a computer  
(Windows)  
You can perform following operations using  
CPU*4  
Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz or faster, or Intel  
“PMB (Picture Motion Browser).”  
Importing images to a computer  
Viewing and editing imported images  
Creating a disc  
Uploading movies and photos to websites  
To save movies and photos using a  
computer, install “PMB” from the supplied  
CD-ROM beforehand.  
Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz or faster (Intel Core  
2 Duo 2.26 GHz or faster is required when  
processing HD FX/HD FH movies)  
However, Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster is  
sufficient for the following operations:  
Importing the movies and photos to the  
computer  
One Touch Disc Burn  
Creating a Blu-ray disc/AVCHD disc/  
DVD-video (Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz or  
faster is required when creating a DVD  
video by converting high definition image  
quality (HD) to standard definition image  
quality (STD).)  
Notes  
Do not format the media of your camcorder  
from a computer. Your camcorder may not  
operate correctly.  
Copying a disc  
Processing only the movies with standard  
definition image quality (STD)  
This camcorder captures high definition footage  
in the AVCHD format. Using the enclosed  
PC software, high definition footage can be  
copied onto DVD media. However, DVD media  
containing AVCHD footage should not be used  
with DVD based players or recorders, as the  
DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media  
and may erase its contents without warning.  
Application  
DirectX 9.0c or later (This product is based  
on DirectX technology. It is necessary to have  
DirectX installed.)  
Memory  
For Windows XP: 512 MB or more (1 GB or  
more is recommended.)  
However, 256 MB or more is sufficient for  
processing only the movies with standard  
definition image quality (STD).  
For Windows Vista/Windows 7: 1 GB or  
more  
Step 1 Checking the computer  
system  
OS*1  
Microsoft Windows XP SP3*2/Windows Vista  
SP2*3/Windows 7  
Hard disk  
Disk volume required for installation:  
Approximately 500 MB (10 GB or more may  
be necessary when creating AVCHD discs.  
50 GB maximum may be necessary when  
creating Blu-ray discs.)  
Display  
Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots  
Others  
USB port (this must be provided as standard,  
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible)), Blu-  
ray disc/DVD burner (CD-ROM drive is  
necessary for installation) Either NTFS or  
exFAT file system is recommended as the  
hard disk file system.  
GB  
35  
     
*1 Standard installation is required. Operation is  
not assured if the OS has been upgraded or in a  
multi-boot environment.  
Turn on the computer.  
Log on as an Administrator for  
installation.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
*2 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not  
supported. Windows Image Mastering API  
(IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or newer is required to use disc  
creation function, etc.  
*3 Starter (Edition) is not supported.  
*4 Faster processor is recommended.  
Place the supplied CD-ROM in  
the disc drive of your computer.  
Notes  
Operation with all computer environments is  
not assured.  
The installation screen appears.  
If the screen does not appear, click  
[Start] [Computer] (in Windows  
XP, [My Computer]), then double-click  
[SONYPMB (E:)] (CD-ROM)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
When using a Macintosh  
The supplied software “PMB” is not  
supported by Macintosh computers.  
To process photos using a Macintosh  
computer connected to your camcorder,  
see the following website.  
Click [Install].  
ms/us/  
Step 2 Installing the supplied  
software “PMB”  
Install “PMB” before connecting your  
camcorder to a computer.  
Select the country or region.  
Notes  
If a version of “PMB” under 5.0.00 has been  
installed on your computer, you may be unable  
to use some functions of those “PMB” when  
installing the “PMB” from the supplied CD-  
ROM. Also, “PMB Launcher” is installed from  
the supplied CD-ROM and you can start “PMB”  
or other software by using the “PMB Launcher.”  
Double-click the “PMB Launcher” short-cut  
icon on the computer screen to start “PMB  
Launcher.”  
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
proceed to the next screen.  
Read the terms of the license  
agreement carefully. If you agree  
to the terms, change to , and  
then click [Next] [Install].  
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
3G6B  
   
the instructions to install the required  
software.  
Restart the computer if required to  
complete the installation.  
When the installation is completed,  
following icons will appear.  
Remove the CD-ROM from your  
computer.  
Turn on your camcorder, then  
connect the camcorder to the  
computer using the supplied USB  
cable.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
the camcorder screen automatically.  
: Starts “PMB.”  
: Displays “PMB Help.”  
: Displays “PMB Launcher.”  
“PMB Launcher” enables you to start  
“PMB” or other software, or to open  
Touch the one of the media types  
displayed on the camcorder  
screen to make the computer  
recognize your camcorder.  
web sites.  
Other icons may appear.  
No icon may appear depending on the  
installation procedure.  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE : [ USB  
CONNECT] (internal memory)  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: [ USB  
CONNECT] (internal hard disk)  
The displayed recording media differ  
depending on the model.  
Notes  
To create discs or use other functions on  
Windows XP, Image Mastering API v2.0 for  
Windows XP should be installed. If Image  
Mastering API v2.0 for Windows XP has not  
been installed yet, select it from required  
programs on the installation screen and install  
it following the procedures displayed. (The  
computer must be connected to the internet  
for the installation.) You may install Image  
Mastering API v2.0 for Windows XP in  
response to the message displayed when you try  
to start those functions.  
If the [USB SELECT] screen does not  
appear, touch  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [USB CONNECT] (under  
[OTHERS] category).  
Click [Continue] on the computer  
screen.  
Follow the on-screen instructions  
to install the software.  
Connect the camcorder to the computer  
during the installation of “PMB.”  
Depending on the computer, you may  
need to install third party software. If  
the installation screen appears, follow  
GB  
37  
 
Starting PMB (Picture  
Motion Browser)  
Double-click the “PMB” short-cut icon on  
the computer screen.  
To disconnect your camcorder from the  
computer  
Click the  
icon at the bottom right of the  
desktop of the computer [Safely remove  
USB Mass Storage Device].  
Notes  
If the icon is not displayed on the computer  
screen, click [Start] [All Programs] [  
PMB] to start “PMB.”  
Touch [END] [YES] on the camcorder  
screen.  
Disconnect the USB cable.  
You can view, edit, or create discs of movies  
and photos using “PMB.”  
Notes  
Access from the computer using the supplied  
software “PMB.” Do not modify the files or  
folders on the camcorder from the computer.  
The image files may be destroyed or may not be  
played back.  
Operation is not guaranteed, if you perform the  
above operation.  
When you delete image files, follow the steps  
on page 33. Do not delete the image files on the  
camcorder directly from the computer.  
Do not copy the files on the recording  
media from the computer. Operation is not  
guaranteed.  
Reading “PMB Help”  
For details on how to use “PMB,” read the  
“PMB Help.” Double-click the “PMB Help”  
short-cut icon on the computer screen to  
open the “PMB Help.”  
You can create a Blu-ray disc by using a  
computer with a Blu-ray disc burner. Install the  
BD Add-on Software for “PMB”(p. 44).  
Notes  
If the icon is not displayed on the computer  
screen, click [Start] [All Programs]   
[PMB] [PMB Help]. You can also open the  
“PMB Help” from [Help] of “PMB.”  
3GB  
     
Selecting the method for creating a disc  
(computer)  
Several methods for creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc or a standard  
definition image quality (STD) disc from high definition image quality (HD) movies or  
photos recorded on your camcorder are described here. Select the method that suits your  
disc player.  
Player  
Choosing a method and disc type  
Blu-ray disc playback  
Importing movies and photos to a  
computer (p. 42)  
devices (a Blu-ray disc player,  
PlayStation3, etc.)  
Creating a Blu-ray disc* with high  
definition image quality (HD) (p. 44)  
AVCHD format playback devices  
(a Sony Blu-ray disc player,  
PlayStation3, etc.)  
Creating a disc with one touch (One Touch  
Disc Burn) (p. 41)  
Importing movies and photos to a  
computer (p. 42)  
Creating a AVCHD format disc with high  
definition image quality (HD) (p. 43)  
Ordinary DVD playback devices  
(a DVD player, a computer that  
can play DVDs, etc.)  
Importing movies and photos to a  
computer (p. 42)  
Creating a standard definition image  
quality (STD) disc (p. 44)  
* To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on Software for “PMB” must be installed (p. 44).  
Characteristics of each type of disc  
Using a Blu-ray disc enables you to record high definition image quality (HD) movies of a longer  
duration than DVD discs.  
High definition image quality (HD) movie can be recorded on DVD media, such as DVD-R discs,  
and a high definition image quality (HD) disc is created.  
You can play a high definition image quality (HD) disc on AVCHD format playback devices, such as  
a Sony Blu-ray disc player and a PlayStation3. You cannot play the disc on ordinary DVD players.  
Standard definition image quality (STD) movie converted from high definition image quality (HD)  
movie can be recorded on DVD media, such as DVD-R discs, and a standard image quality (STD)  
disc is created.  
GB  
3ꢁ  
   
Discs you can use with “PMB”  
You can use 12 cm discs of following type with “PMB.” For Blu-ray disc, see page 44.  
Disc type  
Features  
DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL  
Unrewritable  
DVD-RW/DVD+RW  
Rewritable  
Notes  
Always maintain your PlayStation3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation3 system software.  
The PlayStation3 may not be available in some countries/regions.  
4G0B  
 
Creating a disc with  
one touch  
(One Touch Disc Burn)  
Movies and photos recorded on your  
camcorder that have not yet been saved  
with One Touch Disc Burn function can  
be saved on a disc automatically. Movies  
and photos are saved on a disc with their  
recorded image quality.  
2
Turn on your camcorder, then  
connect the camcorder to the  
computer using the supplied USB  
cable.  
Notes  
High definition image quality (HD) movies (the  
default setting) will make an AVCHD disc.  
You cannot create AVCHD discs from movies  
recorded with [HD FX] mode of [ REC  
MODE].  
Creating a Blu-ray disc is not available with One  
Touch Disc Burn.  
To create a standard definition image quality  
(STD) disc from high definition image quality  
(HD) movies, import movies to a computer first  
(p. 42), and then create a standard definition  
image quality (STD) disc (p. 44).  
Install “PMB” beforehand (p. 36), however, do  
not start “PMB.”  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the AC Adaptor supplied for this  
operation (p. 14).  
3
4
Press  
(DISC BURN).  
Follow the instructions on the  
computer screen.  
With One Touch Disc Burn function on your  
camcorder, you can save movies and photos  
recorded on the internal recording media only.  
Notes  
Movies and photos are not saved on the  
computer when you perform One Touch Disc  
Burn.  
1
Turn on your computer, and place  
an unused disc on the DVD drive.  
See page 40 for the type of discs you can  
use.  
If any other software than “PMB” starts  
automatically, shut it down.  
GB  
41  
       
Importing movies and  
photos to a computer  
Movies and photos recorded on your  
camcorder can be imported to a computer.  
Turn on the computer beforehand.  
3
Click [Import].  
Refer to “PMB Help” (p. 38) for details.  
Notes  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 14).  
1
Turn on your camcorder, then  
connect the camcorder to the  
computer using the supplied USB  
cable.  
Movies and photos are imported to  
your computer.  
When the operation is completed, the  
“PMB” screen appears.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
the camcorder screen.  
Tips  
You can export high definition image quality  
(HD) movies from your computer to your  
camcorder. See “PMB Help” (p. 38) for details.  
2
Touch the recording media that  
contains the images you want to  
save on the camcorder screen.  
[
USB CONNECT]: Internal  
memory  
[
USB CONNECT]: Internal hard  
disk  
[
USB CONNECT]: Memory card  
The displayed recording media differ  
depending on the model.  
If the [USB SELECT] screen does not  
appear, touch  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [USB CONNECT] (under  
[OTHERS] category).  
The window for import appears on the  
computer screen.  
4G2B  
     
Creating an AVCHD  
disc  
You can create an AVCHD disc by putting  
together high definition image quality  
(HD) movies previously imported to your  
computer (p. 42).  
In this section, the procedure for recording  
a high definition image quality (HD) movie  
on a DVD disc is explained.  
The window used to select movies  
appears.  
To add movies to the previously selected  
ones, select the movies in the main  
window and drag and drop onto the  
window for selecting movies.  
5
Follow the instructions on the  
screen to create a disc.  
It may take a long time to create a disc.  
1
Turn on your computer, and place  
an unused disc on the DVD drive.  
See page 39 for the type of discs you can  
use.  
If any other software than “PMB” starts  
automatically, shut it down.  
Playing an AVCHD disc on a  
computer  
You can play back AVCHD discs using  
“Player for AVCHD” that is installed  
together with “PMB.”  
To start “Player for AVCHD” Click  
[Start] [All Programs] [PMB]   
[PMB Launcher] [View] [Player  
for AVCHD].  
2
3
Start “PMB(p. 38).  
Click [Calendar] or [Index] on  
the left side in the window, and  
select the date or folder, then  
select the high definition image  
quality (HD) movies.  
See the “Player for AVCHD” help on the  
operation.  
Movies may not be played smoothly  
depending on the computer environment.  
High definition image quality (HD)  
movies are marked with  
.
You cannot save photos on a disc.  
To select plural movies, hold the Ctrl key  
down and click thumbnails.  
4
At the top of the window, click  
[Create AVCHD Format  
Discs (HD)].  
GB  
43  
     
Creating a standard  
definition image  
quality (STD) disc  
Creating a Blu-ray disc  
that can be played on  
ordinary DVD players  
You can create a Blu-ray disc with a high  
definition image quality (HD) movie  
previously imported to a computer  
To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on  
Software for “PMB” must be installed.  
Click [BD Add-on Software] on the  
installation screen of “PMB,” and install  
this plug-in according to the on-screen  
You can create a standard definition image  
quality (STD) disc by selecting movies  
previously imported to your computer  
Notes  
You may select high definition image quality  
(HD) movies as sources. However, image  
quality is converted from high definition (HD)  
to standard definition (STD). It will take a  
longer time for converting the image quality of  
the movies than it took to actually record the  
movies.  
instructions.  
Connect your computer to the internet  
when you install [BD Add-on Software].  
1
Turn on your computer, and place  
an unused disc on the DVD drive.  
See page 39 for the type of discs you can  
use.  
Place an unused Blu-ray disc in the disc  
drive, and click  
[Create Blu-ray  
If any other software than “PMB” starts  
automatically, shut it down.  
Disc (HD)] in step 4 of “Creating an  
AVCHD disc” (p. 43). Other procedures  
are the same as that for creating an  
AVCHD disc.  
2
3
Start “PMB(p. 38).  
Your computer must support the creation of  
Blu-ray discs.  
BD-R (unrewritable) and BD-RE  
(rewritable) media are available for creating  
Blu-ray discs. You cannot add contents to  
either type of disc after creating the disc.  
Click [Calendar] or [Index] on  
the left side in the window, and  
select the date or folder, then  
select the movies.  
High definition image quality (HD)  
movies are marked with  
.
To select plural movies, hold the Ctrl key  
down and click thumbnails.  
4G4B  
     
Editing movies  
4
5
At the top of the window, click  
[Create DVD-Video Format  
Discs (STD)].  
You can cut out only necessary parts  
from a movie and save it as another file.  
Double-click the movie to be edited on  
“PMB,” then click [Show Edit Palette]  
on the right side of the screen [Trim  
Video], or select the [Manipulate] menu  
[Edit] [Trim Video]. See “PMB  
Help” (p. 38) for details.  
The window used to select movies  
appears.  
To add movies to the previously selected  
ones, select the movies in the main  
window and drag and drop onto the  
window for selecting movies.  
Capturing photos from a movie  
You can save a frame of a movie as a  
photo file.  
Double-click the movie to be edited on  
“PMB,” then click [Show Edit Palette]  
on the right side of the screen [Save  
Frame]. See “PMB Help” (p. 38) for  
details.  
Follow the instructions on the  
screen to create a disc.  
It may take a long time to create a disc.  
Copying a disc  
You can copy a recorded disc to another  
disc using “Video Disc Copier.”  
Click [Start] [All Programs]   
[PMB] [PMB Launcher] [Disc  
Creation] [Video Disc Copier] to start  
the software. See “Video Disc Copier”  
help on the operation.  
You cannot copy high definition image  
quality (HD) movies by converting them to  
standard definition image quality (STD).  
You cannot copy to a Blu-ray disc.  
GB  
45  
 
Saving images with an external device  
Saving images in  
external media  
(DIRECT COPY)  
2
If the external media has the AC  
power cable, connect it to the  
wall outlet (wall socket).  
You can save movies and photos on external  
media (USB storage device), such as an  
external hard disk drive. You can also play  
back images on the camcorder or another  
playback device.  
3
4
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable  
to the external media.  
Notes  
For this operation, you need the USB Adaptor  
Cable VMC-UAM1 (sold separately).  
The USB Adaptor Cable VMC-UAM1 may not  
be available in some countries/regions.  
You cannot use the following devices as an  
external media.  
media with a capacity exceeding 2 TB  
ordinary disc drive such as CD or DVD drive  
media connected via USB hub  
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable  
to the (USB) jack of your  
camcorder.  
When the [Create a new Image  
Database File.] screen appears, touch  
[YES].  
media with built-in USB hub  
card reader  
You may not be able to use external media with  
a code function.  
FAT file system is available for your camcorder.  
If the external media was formatted to NTFS  
file system, etc., format the external media on  
your camcorder before use. The format screen  
appears when the external media is connected  
to your camcorder.  
USB Adaptor  
Cable (sold  
separately)  
Operation is not assured with every device  
satisfying requirements for operating.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC adaptor (p. 14).  
Refer to the instruction manual supplied with  
the external media.  
5
Touch [Copy.] on the camcorder  
screen.  
For details on available external media, go to the  
Sony support website in your country/region.  
Movies and photos in the internal  
recording media of the camcorder that  
have not yet been saved on to external  
1
Connect the AC Adaptor and the  
power cord (mains lead) to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder and  
the wall outlet (wall socket).  
media can be saved.  
This screen will appear only when there  
are newly recorded images.  
4G6B  
       
Touch [Play without copying.] in step 5  
above.  
6
After the operation is completed,  
touch  
on the camcorder  
The VISUAL INDEX screen of the  
external media is displayed.  
screen.  
Touch  
(MENU) [Show others]  
[MOVIE DUB] (when selecting  
movies)/[PHOTO COPY] (when  
selecting photos).  
Follow the on-screen instructions to  
select the recording media and image  
selection methods.  
Notes  
The number of scenes you can save on the  
external media are as follows. However, even if  
the external media has free space, you cannot  
save scenes exceeding the following number.  
High definition image quality (HD) movies:  
Max. 3,999  
Standard definition image quality (STD)  
movies: 9,999  
Photos: 9,999 frames × 899 folders  
The number of scenes may be smaller  
depending on the type of images recorded.  
When you selected [DUB by select],  
touch the image to be saved.  
appears.  
When you selected [DUB by date], select  
the date of the images to be dubbed with  
/
, then touch  
and go  
to step .  
When connecting an external media  
The images saved in the external media  
are displayed on the LCD screen. The  
movie display and photo display buttons  
on the VISUAL INDEX screen change as  
illustrated below.  
Remaining external media capacity  
Press and hold the image down on the  
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch  
to return to the previous screen.  
By touching date, you can search for  
images by date.  
Touch  
camcorder screen.  
[YES]   
on the  
You can make menu settings of the external  
media such as deleting images. Touch  
(MENU) [Show others] on the VISUAL  
INDEX screen.  
To play back images in the external  
media on the camcorder  
Touch [Play without copying.] in step 5  
above.  
To save desired movies and photos  
The VISUAL INDEX screen of the  
external media is displayed.  
Notes  
You cannot copy or search photos by date which  
are recorded on the memory card.  
GB  
47  
Creating a disc with a  
DVD writer, recorder  
Play back the image (p. 27).  
You can also view images on a TV  
connected to your camcorder (p. 30).  
You can play back the high definition  
image quality (HD) movies on your  
computer using [Player for AVCHD]. Start  
[Player for AVCHD] (p. 43), and select  
the drive where the external media is  
connected with [Settings].  
Selecting the method for creating  
a disc  
Several methods for creating an AVCHD  
disc or a standard definition image quality  
(STD) disc from high definition image  
quality (HD) movies or photos recorded on  
your camcorder are described here. Select  
the method that suits your disc player.  
Notes  
The Date Index and Map Index (HDR-  
CX550VE/XR550VE) of photos cannot be  
displayed.  
If your camcorder does not recognize the  
external media, try the following operations.  
Reconnect the USB Adaptor Cable to your  
camcorder  
Notes  
Prepare a DVD disc such as a DVD-R, for  
creating a disc.  
See page 44 to create a Blu-ray disc.  
See page 46 to save images in the external  
media.  
AVCHD format compatible device  
If the external media has the AC power cable,  
connect it to the wall outlet (wall socket)  
Player  
Sony Blu-ray disc player  
PlayStation3, etc.  
To finish the external media connection  
Touch  
screen of the external media.  
Disconnect the USB Adaptor Cable.  
on the VISUAL INDEX  
Creating device  
DVD writer, DVDirect Express (p. 49)  
DVD writer, etc., other than DVDirect  
Express (p. 52)  
Disc type  
AVCHD disc (high definition image quality  
(HD))  
4GB  
   
Ordinary DVD device  
Creating a disc with the dedicated  
DVD writer, DVDirect Express  
Player  
DVD player  
Computer that can play DVDs, etc.  
You can create a disc or play back the  
images on a created disc by using the  
dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express  
(sold separately).  
Refer also to the instruction manual  
supplied with the DVD writer.  
Notes  
Creating device  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 14).  
Only unused discs of the following types can  
be used:  
12cm DVD-R  
12cm DVD+R  
DVD writer, DVDirect Express (p. 49)  
DVD writer, other than DVDirect Express  
(p. 52)  
Disc recorder, etc. (p. 53)  
Disc type  
Standard definition image quality (STD) disc  
The device does not support two-layered discs.  
DVDirect Express is referred to as “DVD  
writer” in this section.  
Notes  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the  
power cord (mains lead) to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder  
and the wall outlet (wall socket)  
Always maintain your PlayStation3 to use  
the latest version of the PlayStation3 system  
software.  
The PlayStation3 may not be available in some  
countries/regions.  
Delete the demonstration movie when dubbing  
or creating discs. If it is not deleted, the  
camcorder may not operate correctly. However,  
you cannot recover the demonstration movie  
once you delete it.  
The AVCHD disc can be played back only on  
AVCHD format compatible devices.  
The AVCHD disc should not be used in DVD  
players/recorders. Because DVD players/  
recorders are not compatible with the AVCHD  
format, DVD players/recorders may fail to eject  
the disc.  
Turn on your camcorder, and  
connect the DVD writer to the  
(USB) jack of your camcorder  
with the USB cable of the DVD  
writer.  
You cannot create an AVCHD disc from a  
movie recorded with [HD FX] mode of  
[
REC MODE]. Save a movie recorded with  
[HD FX] mode onto Blu-ray discs or external  
storage devices (p. 46).  
GB  
4ꢁ  
     
To customize a disc with DISC BURN  
OPTION  
Perform this operation in the following  
Insert an unused disc into the  
DVD writer, and close the disc  
tray.  
cases:  
When dubbing a desired image  
When creating multiple copies of the same  
disc  
The [DISC BURN] screen appears on  
the camcorder screen.  
When converting high definition (HD)  
movies to standard definition (STD) movies,  
and creating a disc  
Press  
(DISC BURN) on the DVD  
writer.  
When dubbing images in the memory card  
Touch [DISC BURN OPTION] in step 4.  
Select the recording media containing  
the movie(s) you want to save.  
Movies recorded on the internal  
recording media that have not been  
saved on any discs will be recorded  
When you select movies with high  
definition image quality (HD), the  
screen to select the image quality of the  
disc to be created appears on the LCD  
screen. Select the desired image quality,  
onto the disc.  
When there are unsaved high definition  
(HD) and standard definition (STD)  
image quality movies, they will be saved  
on individual discs according to the image  
quality.  
and touch  
.
The image quality of the disc depends on  
the recording time of the selected movies  
when you create a disc converting them  
from high definition image quality (HD)  
to standard definition image quality  
(STD).  
Repeat steps 3 and 4 when the  
total memory size of movies to  
be burnt exceeds that of the disc.  
Touch the movie you want to burn on  
the disc.  
appears.  
Touch  
[END] [EJECT  
DISC] on the camcorder screen.  
Remove the disc after the operation is  
completed.  
Touch  
USB cable.  
, then disconnect the  
Remaining Disc capacity  
Press and hold the image down on the  
LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch  
to return to the previous screen.  
By touching date, you can search for  
images by date.  
5G0B  
To play back a disc on the DVD writer  
Touch  
[YES] on the camcorder  
screen.  
To create another disc of the same  
contents, insert a new disc and touch  
[CREATE SAME DISC].  
After the operation is completed, touch  
[EXIT] [END] on the camcorder  
screen.  
Disconnect the USB cable from your  
camcorder.  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the power  
cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of  
your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall  
socket) (p. 14).  
Turn on your camcorder, and connect  
the DVD writer to the (USB) jack of  
your camcorder with the USB cable of  
Notes  
Do not do any of the following when creating  
a disc.  
Turn off the camcorder  
Disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor  
Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock  
or vibration  
Eject the memory card from the camcorder  
Play the created disc to make sure dubbing was  
performed correctly before deleting the movies  
on your camcorder.  
If [Failed.] or [DISC BURN failed.] appears on  
the screen, insert another disc into the DVD  
writer and perform the DISC BURN operation  
again.  
the DVD writer.  
You can play back movies on the TV  
screen by connecting the camcorder to a  
TV (p. 30).  
Insert a created disc into the DVD  
writer.  
The movies on the disc appear as  
VISUAL INDEX on the camcorder  
screen.  
Tips  
Press the play button on the DVD writer.  
You can also operate by the camcorder  
screen.  
Touch [END] [EJECT DISC] on the  
camcorder screen and remove the disc  
after the operation is completed.  
If the total memory size of movies to be burnt  
by the DISC BURN operation exceeds that of  
the disc, disc creation stops when the limit is  
reached. The last movie on the disc may be  
cut off.  
Disc creation time to dub movies to the limit  
of the disc is about 20 to 60 minutes. It may  
take more time depending on the recording  
mode or the number of scenes. Also, if high  
definition image quality (HD) is converted to  
standard definition image quality (STD), image  
quality conversion takes longer than the actual  
recording.  
Touch  
and disconnect the USB  
cable.  
To play back a disc on the ordinary DVD  
player  
Select the standard image quality (STD) on  
the screen to select the image quality of the  
disc to be created in step 2 of “To customize  
a disc with DISC BURN OPTION.”  
GB  
51  
Tips  
If you cannot play back created standard  
definition (STD) image quality discs on any  
DVD player, connect the camcorder to the  
DVD writer, and then play back.  
Creating a high definition image  
quality (HD) disc with a DVD writer,  
etc., other than DVDirect Express  
Use USB cable to connect your camcorder  
to a disc creation device, which is  
compatible with high definition image  
quality (HD) movies, such as a Sony DVD  
writer. Refer also to the instruction manuals  
supplied with the device to be connected.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
the camcorder screen.  
If the [USB SELECT] screen does not  
appear, touch  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [USB CONNECT] (under  
[OTHERS] category).  
Notes  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 14).  
Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  
countries/regions.  
Touch the recording media that  
contains the images on the  
camcorder screen.  
[
USB CONNECT]: Internal  
Connect the AC Adaptor and the  
power cord (mains lead) to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder  
and the wall outlet (wall socket)  
memory  
[
disk  
[
The displayed recording media differ  
depending on the model.  
USB CONNECT]: Internal hard  
USB CONNECT]: Memory card  
Turn on your camcorder, and  
connect a DVD writer, etc. to the  
(USB) jack of your camcorder  
with the USB cable (supplied).  
Record movies on the connected  
device.  
For details, refer to the instruction  
manuals supplied with the device to be  
connected.  
After the operation is completed,  
touch [END] [YES] on the  
camcorder screen.  
5G2B  
   
A/V Remote Connector  
Disconnect the USB cable.  
Creating a standard definition  
image quality (STD) disc with a  
recorder, etc.  
Input  
You can dub images played back on your  
camcorder on a disc or video cassette,  
by connecting your camcorder to a disc  
recorder, a Sony DVD writer, etc., other  
than DVDirect Express, with the A/V  
connecting cable. Connect the device in  
either way of or . Refer also to the  
instruction manuals supplied with the  
devices to be connected.  
S VIDEO  
VIDEO  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
AUDIO  
(Red)  
Notes  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this  
operation (p. 14).  
(Yellow)  
Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  
countries/regions.  
Signal flow  
High definition image quality (HD) movies  
will be dubbed with standard definition image  
quality (STD).  
Insert the recording media in the  
recording device.  
If your recording device has an input  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Connect the A/V connecting cable to the  
input jack of another device.  
selector, set it to the input mode.  
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO  
(sold separately)  
Connect your camcorder to the  
recording device (a disc recorder,  
etc.) with the A/V connecting  
cable (supplied) or an A/V  
connecting cable with S VIDEO  
(sold separately).  
When connecting to another device  
via the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V  
connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable  
(sold separately), higher quality images can  
be produced than with an A/V connecting  
cable. Connect the white and red plug  
(left/right audio) and the S VIDEO plug  
(S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable. If you  
connect the S VIDEO plug only, you will  
hear no sound. The yellow plug (video)  
connection is not necessary.  
Connect your camcorder to the input jacks  
of the recording device.  
GB  
53  
   
When you connect a monaural device, connect  
the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable  
to the video input jack, and the white (left  
channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the  
audio input jack on the device.  
Start playback on your  
camcorder, and record it on the  
recording device.  
Refer to the instruction manuals supplied  
with your recording device for details.  
When dubbing is finished, stop  
the recording device, and then  
your camcorder.  
Notes  
Since dubbing is performed via analog data  
transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.  
You cannot dub images to recorders connected  
with an HDMI cable.  
To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter,  
etc.) on the screen of the monitor device  
connected, touch  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP  
OUTPUT] [LCD PANEL] (the default  
setting)   
.
To record the date/time, coordinates (HDR-  
CX550VE/XR550VE), or camera settings data,  
touch  
[PLAYBACK SET] (under  
category) [DATA CODE] a desired  
(MENU) [Show others]   
[PLAYBACK]  
setting   
addition, touch  
. In  
(MENU) [Show  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [DISP  
OUTPUT] [V-OUT/PANEL]   
.
When the screen size of display devices (TV,  
etc.) is 4:3, touch (MENU) [Show  
others] [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under  
[GENERAL SET] category) [TV TYPE]   
[4:3]   
.
5G4B  
Customizing your camcorder  
Using menus  
Using the menus, you can perform useful functions and change various settings. If you make  
good use of menu operations, you can enjoy using your camcorder.  
The camcorder has various menu items under each of eight menu categories.  
MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition) p. 58  
SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) p. 58  
PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) p. 59  
PLAYBACK (Items for playback) p. 59  
EDIT (Items for editing) p. 59  
OTHERS (Items for other settings) p. 60  
MANAGE MEDIA (Items for recording media) p. 60  
GENERAL SET (Other setup items) p. 61  
Menu items are described in more details in the “Handycam” Handbook.  
Setting menus  
/
/
: The menu list moves from category to category.  
: The menu list moves through 4 items at once.  
You can touch buttons and drag the screen to scroll the list of the menu.  
The selected category icon is displayed in orange.  
When you touch  
, the screen returns to the MY MENU screen.  
Touch  
(MENU).  
Touch [Show others] on the MY MENU screen.  
See the next page for details on MY MENU.  
Touch the central part in the left side of screen to change the display.  
Touch the menu item to be changed.  
After changing the setting, touch  
.
To finish setting the menu, touch  
.
To return to the previous menu screen, touch  
.
may not be displayed depending on the menu item.  
GB  
55  
   
Notes  
You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions.  
Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.  
Tips  
Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and  
recording mode (movie/photo).  
Using MY MENU  
You can use the menu items more easily by registering the menu items you use most often on  
MY MENU. You can register 6 menu items on each MY MENU of the MOVIE, PHOTO, and  
PLAYBACK.  
Example: deleting [SPOT MTR/FCS] and registering [ FADER]  
Touch  
(MENU).  
Touch [MY MENU SETTING].  
Touch [MOVIE].  
Touch [SPOT MTR/FCS].  
Touch  
Touch [ FADER] (under  
When MY MENU is displayed, touch  
.
[MANUAL SETTINGS] category).  
.
Repeat the same steps above to register menu items on MY MENU, and enjoy using your  
“Handycam.”  
Tips  
When an external storage device is connected, the exclusive MY MENU appears.  
5G6B  
 
Using the OPTION MENU  
The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click  
the mouse on a computer. When  
the OPTION MENU. You touch  
appear.  
is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use  
, and the menu items you can change in the context  
Menu item  
Tab  
Touch  
(OPTION).  
Touch the desired tab the item to change the setting.  
After completing the setting, touch  
.
Notes  
Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.  
When the item you want is not on the screen, touch another tab. (There may be no tab.)  
The tabs and items that appear on the screen depend on the recording/playback status of your camcorder  
at the time.  
GB  
57  
 
Menu lists  
(MANUAL SETTINGS) category  
SCENE SELECTION .................. Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene,  
such as night view or beach.  
FADER.................................... Fades scenes in or out.  
WHITE BAL................................. Adjusts the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment.  
SPOT MTR/FCS......................... Adjusts the brightness and focus for the selected subject simultaneously.  
SPOT METER ............................. Adjusts the brightness of images to a subject you touch on the screen.  
SPOT FOCUS............................. Focuses on a subject you touch on the screen.  
EXPOSURE ................................. Adjusts the brightness of movies and photos.  
FOCUS......................................... Focuses manually.  
TELE MACRO............................. Shoots a subject in focus with, the background out of focus.  
AE SHIFT..................................... Adjusts the exposure.  
WB SHIFT.................................... Adjust the white balance manually.  
GOLF SHOT ............................... Divides two seconds of fast movement into frames which are then  
recorded as a movie and photos.  
SMTH SLW REC......................... Records fast moving subjects in slow-motion.  
(SHOOTING SET) category  
/
SET............................. Sets image quality for recording, playback, or editing movies.  
REC MODE........................... Sets the mode to record movies. When recording fast moving subject, a  
high image quality is recommended.  
GUIDEFRAME............................ Displays the frame to make sure the subject is horizontal or vertical.  
STEADYSHOT...................... Sets the SteadyShot function when recording movies.  
CONVERSION LENS................. Sets the type of an attached conversion lens (sold separately). Optimizes  
the SteadyShot function and focus according to the attached lens.  
LOW LUX .................................... Records bright color images in the dim.  
FACE DETECTION .................... Adjusts the image quality of the face(s) automatically.  
PRIORITY SETTING.................. Select the subject that has priority for the face detection and the smile  
shutter.  
SMILE DETECTION .................. Automatically takes a shot whenever a smile is detected.  
SMILE SENSITIVITY.................. Sets the smile detection sensitivity using the smile shutter function.  
AUDIO REC SET  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC.......... Records movies with vivid sound appropriate to the zoom position.  
MICREF LEVEL................. Sets the microphone level.  
AUDIO MODE.................. Sets the recording sound format (5.1ch surround/2ch stereo).  
OTHER REC SET  
DIGITAL ZOOM......... Sets the maximum zoom level of the digital zoom that exceeds the zoom  
level of the optical zoom.  
AUTO BACK LIGHT......... Adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects automatically.  
DIAL SETTING ................. Assigns a function to the MANUAL dial (p. 26).  
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT........ Emits infrared light when using NightShot.  
5GB  
         
X.V.COLOR.................. Records wider range of colors.  
WIDE SELECT............. Sets the horizontal to vertical ratio when recording movies with standard  
definition image quality (STD).  
(PHOTO SETTINGS) category  
SELF-TIMER.......................... Sets the self-timer when your camcorder is in photo recording mode.  
IMAGE SIZE.......................... Sets the photo size.  
STEADYSHOT...................... Sets the SteadyShot function when recording photos.  
FLASH MODE............................ Sets how the flash is activated.  
FLASH LEVEL............................. Sets the brightness of flash.  
REDEYE REDUC........................ Prevents redeye when shooting with flash.  
FILE NO. ...................................... Sets how to assign the file number.  
(PLAYBACK) category  
VISUAL INDEX........................... Displays recording images as thumbnails (p. 27).  
VIEW IMAGES  
DATE INDEX..................... Enables searching for desired images by date.  
MAP*1 ........................... Displays the Map Index for searching for movies and photos by recording  
location.  
FILM ROLL.................. Displays and plays the scenes by a certain interval.  
FACE.............................. Displays and plays the face scenes.  
PLAYLIST..................................... Displays and plays the playlist of movies.  
HIGHLIGHT........................... Selects a number of short scenes and plays them back together as a digest  
of your movies with music and visual effects.  
SCENARIO............................. Plays the favorite scenario saved in Highlight Playback.  
PLAYBACK SET  
/
SET ................... Sets image quality for recording, playback, or editing movies.  
DATA CODE...................... Displays the detailed recording data during playback.  
(EDIT) category  
DELETE  
DELETE........................ Deletes movies.  
DELETE ........................ Deletes photos.  
SCENARIO ERASE  
ERASE ................................ Erases scenarios saved in Highlight Playback.  
ERASE ALL........................ Erases all scenarios saved in Highlight Playback.  
PROTECT  
PROTECT..................... Protects movies to avoid deleting.  
PROTECT..................... Protects photos to avoid deleting.  
DIVIDE................................... Divides movies.  
PHOTO CAPTURE .................... Captures photos from desired scenes of movies.  
MOVIE DUB  
DUB by select ................. Selects movies and dub.  
DUB by date.................... Dubs all movies of a specified date.  
GB  
5ꢁ  
       
DUB ALL/  
DUB ALL.................... Dubs all saved movies in a playlist.  
PHOTO COPY  
COPY by select ............... Selects photos and copy.  
COPY by date.................. Copies all photos of a specified date.  
PLAYLIST EDIT  
ADD/  
ADD........ Adds movies in a playlist.  
ADD by date/  
ADD by date ........... Adds movies recorded on a same day at one time in a playlist.  
ERASE/  
ERASE .. Erases movies from a playlist.  
ERASE ALL/  
ERASE ALL................ Erases all movies from a playlist.  
MOVE/ MOVE ... Changes the order of movies in a playlist.  
(OTHERS) category  
YOUR LOCATION*1............. Displays the current location on a map.  
USB CONNECT  
USB CONNECT*2 ....... Connects the internal memory via USB.  
USB CONNECT*3....... Connects the internal hard disk via USB.  
USB CONNECT.......... Connects the memory card via USB.  
DISC BURN....................... Allows you to save images onto discs by pressing the  
(DISC BURN)  
button (p. 41).  
TV CONNECT Guide ............... Introduces the connection method depending on the TV type connected  
MUSIC TOOL  
EMPTY MUSIC................. Deletes music files.  
DOWNLOAD MUSIC ..... Download music files that can be played with Highlight Playback.  
BATTERY INFO.......................... Displays the battery information.  
(MANAGE MEDIA) category  
MEDIA SETTINGS  
MOVIE MEDIA SET......... Sets the media for recording movies (p. 18).  
PHOTO MEDIA SET........ Sets the media for recording photos (p. 18).  
MEDIA INFO.............................. Displays information on the recording media, such as free space.  
MEDIA FORMAT  
INT. MEMORY*2............... Deletes all data on the internal memory.  
HDD*3 ................................ Deletes all data on the internal hard disk.  
MEMORY CARD.............. Deletes all data on the memory card.  
REPAIR IMG.DB F.  
INT. MEMORY*2............... Repairs the image database file on the internal memory (p. 65).  
HDD*3 ................................ Repairs the image database file on the internal hard disk (p. 65).  
MEMORY CARD.............. Repairs the image database file on the memory card (p. 65).  
6G0B  
   
(GENERAL SET) category  
SOUND/DISP SET  
VOLUME............................ Adjusts the volume of playback sound (p. 29).  
BEEP ................................... Sets whether the camcorder sounds operation beeps or not.  
LCD BRIGHT..................... Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen.  
LCD BL LEVEL.................. Adjusts the backlight of the LCD screen.  
LCD COLOR...................... Adjusts the color intensity of the LCD screen.  
DISPLAY SET.................... Sets the duration that icons or indicators are displayed on the LCD screen.  
OUTPUT SETTINGS  
TV TYPE............................. Converts the signal depending on the TV connected (p. 30).  
COMPONENT .................. Select this option when you connect your camcorder to a TV with the  
component input jack (p. 31).  
HDMI RESOLUTION....... Selects the output image resolution when connecting your camcorder to a  
TV with an HDMI cable.  
DISP OUTPUT.................. Sets whether the on-screen displays appears on the TV screen or not.  
CLOCK/ LANG  
CLOCK SET ....................... Sets the date and time (p. 15).  
AREA SET.......................... Adjusts for a time difference without stopping the clock (p. 15).  
AUTO CLOCK ADJ*1....... Sets whether the camcorder adjusts the clock automatically by acquiring  
the time from GPS or not.  
AUTO AREA ADJ*1 ......... Sets whether the camcorder compensates for a time differences  
automatically by acquiring the current location information from GPS or  
not.  
SUMMERTIME................. Sets the summertime (p. 15).  
LANGUAGE SET......... Sets the display language (p. 17).  
POWER SETTINGS  
A.SHUT OFF..................... Changes the [A.SHUT OFF] setting (p. 14).  
OTHER SETTINGS  
DEMO MODE................... Sets whether the demonstration appears or not.  
CALIBRATION.................. Calibrates the touch panel.  
CTRL FOR HDMI ............. Sets whether or not the TVs Remote Commander is to be used when  
the camcorder is connected to a “BRAVIASync compatible TV with the  
HDMI cable (sold separately).  
DROP SENSOR*3............. Activates or deactivates the drop sensor.  
REC LAMP......................... Sets REC LAMP to light up or not.  
REMOTE CTRL................. Sets whether the Wireless Remote Commander is to be used or not.  
*1 HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE  
*2 HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
*3 HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
GB  
61  
     
Getting detailed  
information from the  
“HandycamHandbook  
The “Handycam” Handbook is a user guide  
designed to be read on a computer screen.  
The “Handycam” Handbook is intended to  
be read when you want to know more about  
operating your camcorder.  
To view the “Handycam” Handbook,  
double-click the short-cut icon on the  
computer screen.  
1
2
To install the “Handycam”  
Handbook on a Windows  
computer, place the supplied  
CD-ROM in the disc drive of your  
computer.  
When using a Macintosh, open the [Handbook]  
– [GB] folder in the CD-ROM, then copy  
[Handbook.pdf].  
You need Adobe Reader to read “Handycam”  
Handbook. If it is not installed on your  
computer, you can download it from the Adobe  
Systems web page:  
Refer to “PMB Help” for details on the supplied  
software “PMB” (p. 38).  
On the installation screen  
displayed, click [Handycam  
Handbook].  
3
4
Select the desired language  
and the model name of your  
camcorder, then click [Handycam  
Handbook (PDF)].  
The model name of your camcorder is  
printed on its bottom surface.  
Click [Exit] [Exit], then remove  
the CD-ROM from your computer.  
6G2B  
   
Additional information  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your  
camcorder, follow the steps below.  
The camcorder does not operate even  
when the power is set to on.  
Check the list (p. 63 to 65), and  
It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to  
be ready to shoot after the power is turned on.  
This is not a malfunction.  
inspect your camcorder.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery  
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.  
If your camcorder still does not work, press  
RESET (p. 74) using a pointed object. (If you  
press RESET, all settings, including the clock  
setting, are reset.)  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high. Turn off the camcorder and  
leave it for a while in a cool place.  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely low. Leave the camcorder with the  
power turned on. If you still cannot operate  
your camcorder, turn off the camcorder and  
take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder  
there for a while, then turn on the camcorder.  
Remove the power source, attach  
the power source again after about 1  
minute, and turn the camcorder on.  
Press RESET (p. 74) using a pointed  
object, and turn the camcorder on.  
If you press RESET, all settings,  
including the clock setting, are reset.  
Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
Your camcorder may be required to initialize or  
change the current internal recording media of  
your camcorder, depending on the problem. In  
the event of this, the data stored on the internal  
recording media will be deleted. Be sure to  
save the data on the internal recording media  
on other media (backup) before sending your  
camcorder for repair. We will not compensate  
you for any loss of internal recording media  
data.  
During repair, we may check a minimum  
amount of data stored on the internal recording  
media in order to investigate the problem.  
However, your Sony dealer will neither copy  
nor retain your data.  
Your camcorder gets warm.  
Your camcorder may become warm during  
operation. This is not a malfunction.  
The power abruptly turns off.  
Use the AC Adaptor (p. 14).  
Turn on the power again.  
Charge the battery pack (p. 12).  
Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO does not  
record images.  
Press MODE to turn on the  
(Photo) lamp.  
Your camcorder is recording the image you  
have just shot on the recording media. You  
cannot make any new recordings during this  
period.  
(Movie) or  
See the “Handycam” Handbook (p. 62) for  
details on the symptoms of your camcorder,  
and “PMB Help” (p. 38) on connecting your  
camcorder to a computer.  
The recording media is full. Delete  
unnecessary images (p. 33).  
Total number of movie scenes or photos has  
exceeded the recordable capacity of your  
camcorder. Delete unnecessary images (p. 33).  
The power does not turn on.  
Attach a charged battery pack to the  
camcorder (p. 12).  
Connect the plug of the AC Adaptor to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 14).  
GB  
63  
       
The recording stops.  
C:06:  
The temperature of your camcorder is  
extremely high/low. Turn off your camcorder  
and leave it for a while in a cool/warm place.  
The battery pack temperature is high. Change  
the battery pack or place it in a cool place.  
C:13:/ C:32:  
”PMBcannot be installed.  
Remove the power source. Reconnect it and  
operate your camcorder again.  
Check the computer environment or  
installation procedure required to install  
“PMB” (p. 35).  
E::  
Follow the steps from to on page 63.  
”PMBdoes not work correctly.  
Quit “PMB” and restart your computer.  
The internal hard disk of your camcorder is  
full. Delete unnecessary images on the internal  
hard disk (p. 33).  
An error may have occurred with the internal  
hard disk of your camcorder.  
The camcorder is not recognized by the  
computer.  
Disconnect devices from the USB jack of the  
computer other than the keyboard, mouse,  
and your camcorder.  
Disconnect the USB cable from the computer  
and your camcorder, and restart the computer,  
then connect the computer and your  
camcorder again in an orderly manner.  
Battery power is low.  
The battery pack temperature is high. Change  
the battery pack or place it in a cool place.  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or  
viewfinder, check the following.  
The temperature of your camcorder is getting  
high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it in  
a cool place.  
If the problem persists even after you  
have tried to fix a couple of times, contact  
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility. In this case, when you  
contact them, give them all the numbers of  
the error code beginning with C or E.  
The temperature of your camcorder is low.  
Make the camcorder warm.  
C:04:  
No memory card is inserted (p. 19).  
When the indicator flashes, there is not  
enough free space for recording images. Delete  
unnecessary images (p. 33), or format the  
memory card after storing the images on other  
media.  
The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack V series. Use an “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (V series) (p. 12).  
Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to  
your camcorder securely (p. 12).  
6G4B  
 
Precautions  
The Image Database File is damaged. Check  
the data base file by touching (MENU)  
[Show others] [REPAIR IMG.DB F.]  
(under [MANAGE MEDIA] category)   
On use and care  
Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations:  
Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.  
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.  
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.  
Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
the recording medium.  
The memory card is damaged. Format the  
memory card with your camcorder (p. 60).  
Incompatible memory card is inserted (p. 19).  
On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If  
sand or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
Access to the memory card was restricted on  
another device.  
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.  
Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/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.  
There is something wrong with the flash.  
The amount of light is not sufficient. Use the  
flash.  
The camcorder is unsteady. Hold the camcorder  
steady with both hands. However, note that  
the camera-shake warning indicator does not  
disappear.  
If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
The drop sensor function is activated. You  
may not be able to record nor play back  
images.  
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 camcorder turning off when you are  
not using your camcorder.  
The recording media is full. Delete unnecessary  
images (p. 33).  
Photos cannot be recorded during processing.  
Wait for a while, then record.  
Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
When disconnecting the power cord (mains  
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord (lead).  
Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)  
GB  
65  
       
such as by placing anything heavy on it.  
Do not use a deformed or damaged battery  
pack.  
Handling the camcorder with above  
substances on your hands  
Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time  
Keep metal contacts clean.  
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.  
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  
Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above.  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
To keep your camcorder in optimum state for a  
long time, turn it on and let it run by recording  
and playing back images about once a month.  
Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
LCD screen  
Do not exert 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.  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable  
battery to retain the date, time, and other settings  
even when the camcorder is turned off. The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always charged  
while your camcorder is connected to the wall  
outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor or while  
the battery pack is attached. The rechargeable  
battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months  
if you do not use your camcorder at all. Use  
your camcorder after charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery. 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 that you use a soft  
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD  
Cleaning Kit (sold separately), 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 outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave  
it with the LCD screen closed 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, insecticide  
and sunscreen  
Note on disposal/transfer of the  
camcorder  
Even if you delete all movies and still images, or  
perform [MEDIA FORMAT], data on the internal  
recording media may not be completely erased.  
When you transfer the camcorder, it is  
recommended that you perform [EMPTY]  
6G6B  
Specifications  
System  
(See “Getting detailed information from the  
“Handycam” Handbook” on page 62.) to prevent  
the recovery of your data. Also, when you dispose  
of the camcorder, it is recommended that you  
destroy the actual body of the camcorder.  
Signal format: PAL color, CCIR standards  
HDTV 1080/50i specification  
Movie recording format:  
HD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 AVCHD format  
compatible  
STD: MPEG-2 PS  
Note on disposal/transfer of memory  
card  
Audio recording system:  
Dolby Digital 2ch/5.1ch  
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator  
Even if you delete data in the memory card or  
format the memory card on your camcorder or  
a computer, you may not delete data from the  
memory card completely. When you give the  
memory card to somebody, it is recommended  
that you delete data completely using data  
deletion software on a computer. Also, when you  
dispose of the memory card, it is recommended  
that you destroy the actual body of the memory  
card.  
Photo file format  
: DCF Ver.2.0 Compatible  
: Exif Ver.2.21 Compatible  
: MPF Baseline Compatible  
Recording media (Movie/Photo)  
Internal memory  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: 64 GB  
Internal hard disk  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: 240 GB  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media  
SD Memory card, SDHC Memory card (Class  
4, 6, 10)  
To change the battery of the Wireless  
Remote Commander  
When measuring media capacity, 1 GB equals  
1 billion bytes, a portion of which is used for  
system management and/or application files.  
The capacity that a user can use is below.  
HDR-CX550E:  
While pressing on the tab, inset your fingernail  
into the slit to pull out the battery case.  
Place a new battery with the + side facing up.  
Insert the battery case back into the Wireless  
Remote Commander until it clicks.  
approximately 63.6 GB  
HDR-CX550VE:  
approximately 62.8 GB  
HDR-XR550E:  
approximately 239 GB  
HDR-XR550VE:  
Tab  
approximately 238 GB  
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder: color  
Image device: 6.3 mm (1/2.88 type) CMOS sensor  
Recording pixels (photo, 4:3):  
Max. 12.0 mega (4 000 3 000) pixels*1  
Gross: Approx. 6 631 000 pixels  
Effective (movie, 16:9):  
WARNING  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.  
When the lithium battery becomes weak, the  
operating distance of the Wireless Remote  
Commander may shorten, or the Wireless  
Remote Commander may not function  
properly. In this case, replace the battery with  
a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another  
battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.  
Approx. 4 150 000 pixels*2  
Effective (photo, 16:9):  
Approx. 4 500 000 pixels  
Effective (photo, 4:3):  
Approx. 6 000 000 pixels  
Lens: G lens  
10 (Optical)*2, 14 *3, 120 (Digital)  
Filter diameter: 37 mm (1 1/2 in.)  
F1.8 ~ 3.4  
Focal length:  
f=3.8 ~ 38.0 mm (5/32 ~ 1 1/2 in.)  
GB  
67  
 
When converted to a 35 mm still camera  
For movies*2: 29.8 ~ 298 mm (1 3/16 ~ 11 3/4  
in.) (16:9)  
Operating temperature: 0 C to 40 C (32 °F to  
104 °F)  
Storage temperature: –20 C to +60 C (–4 °F to  
For photos: 26.3 ~ 263 mm (1 1/16 ~ 10 3/8  
in.) (4:3)  
+140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.):  
Color temperature: [AUTO], [ONE PUSH],  
[INDOOR] (3 200 K), [OUTDOOR]  
(5 800 K)  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE:  
66 74 143 mm (2 5/8 × 3 × 5 3/4 in.)  
(w/h/d) including the projecting parts  
66 74 143 mm (2 5/8 × 3 × 5 3/4 in.)  
(w/h/d) including the projecting parts,  
and the supplied rechargeable battery pack  
attached  
Minimum illumination  
11 lx (lux) (in default setting, shutter speed 1/50  
second)  
3 lx (lux) (LOW LUX is set to [ON], shutter speed  
1/25 second)  
0 lx (lux) (NIGHTSHOT is set to on)  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE:  
70 74 143 mm (2 7/8 × 3 × 5 3/4 in.)  
(w/h/d) including the projecting parts  
70 74 143 mm (2 7/8 × 3 × 5 3/4 in.)  
(w/h/d) including the projecting parts,  
and the supplied rechargeable battery pack  
attached  
1
*
The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid  
and the image processing system  
(BIONZ) allow still image resolution  
equivalent to the sizes described.  
2
3
*
[
STEADYSHOT] is set to  
[STANDARD] or [OFF].  
STEADYSHOT] is set to [ACTIVE].  
Mass (approx.)  
HDR-CX550E:  
*
[
430 g (15 oz) main unit only  
480 g (1 lb 1 oz) including the supplied  
rechargeable battery pack  
HDR-CX550VE:  
Input/Output connectors  
A/V Remote Connector: Component/video and  
audio output jack  
440 g (15 oz) main unit only  
490 g (1 lb 1 oz) including the supplied  
rechargeable battery pack  
HDR-XR550E:  
500 g (1 lb 1 oz) main unit only  
550 g (1 lb 3 oz) including the supplied  
rechargeable battery pack  
HDR-XR550VE:  
510 g (1 lb 2 oz) main unit only  
570 g (1 lb 4 oz) including the supplied  
rechargeable battery pack  
HDMI OUT jack: HDMI mini connector  
USB jack: mini-AB  
Headphone jack: Stereo minijack (3.5 mm)  
MIC input jack: Stereo minijack (3.5 mm)  
LCD screen  
Picture: 8.8 cm (3.5 type, aspect ratio 16:9)  
Total number of pixels: 921 600 (1 920 480)  
General  
Power requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery  
AC Adaptor AC-L200C/AC-L200D  
pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Power requirements: AC 100 V - 240 V,  
Average power consumption:  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder at normal brightness:  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
HD: 3.2 W STD: 2.4 W  
50 Hz/60 Hz  
Current consumption: 0.35 A - 0.18 A  
Power consumption: 18 W  
Output voltage: DC 8.4 V*  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
HD: 3.5 W STD: 2.7 W  
During camera recording using LCD screen  
at normal brightness:  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
HD: 3.4 W STD: 2.6 W  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
HD: 3.7 W STD: 2.9 W  
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.): 48 29 81 mm (1 15/16  
1 3/16 3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the  
projecting parts  
6GB  
Mass (approx.): 170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the  
power cord (mains lead)  
Recording and playback time is approximate  
time available using a fully charged battery  
pack.  
High definition image quality (HD)/Standard  
definition image quality (STD)  
Recording condition: [ REC MODE] is set  
to [HQ].  
Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other  
specifications.  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50  
Maximum output voltage: DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage: DC 6.8 V  
Maximum charge voltage: DC 8.4 V  
Maximum charge current: 2.1 A  
Capacity  
Typical: 7.0 Wh (1 030 mAh)  
Expected recording time of movies in  
the internal recording media  
To set the recording mode, touch  
Minimum: 6.6 Wh (980 mAh)  
Type: Li-ion  
(MENU) [Show others] [ REC  
Design and specifications of your camcorder and  
accessories are subject to change without notice.  
Manufactured under license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
MODE] (under  
[SHOOTING SET]  
category). In the default setting, the recording  
mode is [HD HQ].  
Internal memory  
Expected charging and running time  
for the supplied battery pack (in  
minute)  
High definition image quality (HD) in h (hour) and m  
(minute)  
Recording time  
Recording mode  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
HDR-CX550E  
6 h 5 m  
7 h 45 m  
15 h 50 m  
25 h 35 m  
HDR-CX550VE  
6 h  
7 h 40 m  
15 h 35 m  
25 h 15 m  
Image quality  
HD  
STD  
[HD FX]  
[HD FH]  
[HD HQ]  
Charging time  
(full charge)  
155  
Continuous  
110  
115  
145  
155  
[HD LP]  
recording time  
(5.1 ch)*  
Typical recording  
time  
55  
55  
70  
75  
[HD LP]  
26 h 55 m  
26 h 35 m  
(2 ch)*  
Playback time  
190  
215  
240  
280  
Standard definition image quality (STD) in h (hour) and  
m (minute)  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
Image quality  
Charging time  
(full charge)  
HD  
STD  
Recording time  
Recording mode  
HDR-CX550E  
HDR-CX550VE  
155  
[STD HQ]  
15 h 50 m  
15 h 35 m  
Continuous  
100  
105  
130  
140  
(5.1 ch)*  
recording time  
[STD HQ]  
16 h 15 m  
16 h 5 m  
Typical recording  
time  
50  
50  
65  
70  
(2 ch)*  
Playback time  
165  
180  
200  
225  
Top: When the LCD screen is opened  
Bottom: When recording with the viewfinder  
without opening the LCD screen  
GB  
6ꢁ  
     
On charging/recording/playback time  
Measured when using the camcorder at 25 C  
(77 °F) (10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended)  
The recording and playback time will be  
shorter in low temperatures, or depending  
on the conditions under which you use your  
camcorder.  
If you want to record up to the maximum  
recording time indicated in the table, you need  
to delete the demonstration movie on your  
camcorder.  
Internal hard disk  
High definition image quality (HD) in h (hour) and m  
(minute)  
Recording time  
Recording mode  
HDR-XR550E  
23 h  
29 h 20 m  
59 h 30 m  
96 h 30 m  
HDR-XR550VE  
22 h 50 m  
29 h 10 m  
59 h 20 m  
96 h 10 m  
[HD FX]  
[HD FH]  
[HD HQ]  
[HD LP]  
(5.1 ch)*  
[HD LP]  
101 h 20 m  
101 h  
(2 ch)*  
Standard definition image quality (STD) in h (hour) and  
m (minute)  
Recording time  
Recording mode  
HDR-XR550E  
HDR-XR550VE  
[STD HQ]  
59 h 40 m  
59 h 20 m  
(5.1 ch)*  
[STD HQ]  
61 h 20 m  
61 h 10 m  
(2 ch)*  
* You can change the recording sound format  
with [AUDIO MODE] (p. 58).  
Example of expected recording time of  
movies in a memory card (in minute)  
For 4 GB capacity  
Recording  
Standard definition  
mode  
High definition (HD)  
(STD)  
[FX]  
[FH]  
[HQ]  
20 (20)  
25 (25)  
55 (40)  
-
-
55 (50)  
[LP]  
90 (70)  
95 (75)  
-
-
(5.1 ch)*  
[LP]  
(2 ch)*  
* You can change the recording sound format  
with [AUDIO MODE] (p. 58).  
The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable  
time.  
The recordable time may vary depending on the  
recording and subject conditions and [ REC  
MODE].  
7G0B  
SDHC logo is a trademark.  
On trademarks  
“Handycam” and  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
AVCHD” and AVCHD” logotype are  
trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony  
Corporation.  
MultiMediaCard is a trademark of  
MultiMediaCard Association.  
“Memory Stick,” “  
,” “Memory Stick Duo,”  
,” “Memory Stick PRO  
,” “Memory  
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.  
Duo,” “  
Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
,” “MagicGate,”  
,” “MagicGate Memory  
Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
“x.v.Colour” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
“BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
“BRAVIAis a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
“DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
“Blu-ray Disc” and the logo are trademarks.  
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks  
of Dolby Laboratories.  
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition  
Multimedia Interface are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of HDMI Licencing LLC.  
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and  
DirectX are either registered trademarks or  
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the  
United States and/or other countries.  
Macintosh and Mac OS are registered  
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks  
or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation  
or its subsidiaries in the United States and other  
countries.  
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony  
Computer Entertainment Inc..  
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.  
NAVTEQ and the NAVTEQ MAPS logo are  
trademarks of NAVTEQ in the US and other  
countries.  
GB  
71  
Quick reference  
Screen indicators  
Upper right  
Upper left  
Center  
Upper right  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Recording image quality  
(HD/STD) and recording  
mode (FX/FH/HQ/LP)  
Recording/playback/  
editing media  
Counter (hour:minute:  
second)  
0:00:00  
Estimated recording  
remaining time  
FADER  
Approximate number of  
recordable photos and  
recording media  
Bottom  
[00min]  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
9999  
9999  
9999  
MENU button  
AUDIO MODE  
Playback folder  
Self-timer recording  
GPS tracking status  
Current playing movie or  
photo/Number of total  
recorded movies or photos  
100/112  
Flash / REDEYE REDUC  
MICREF LEVEL low  
WIDE SELECT  
Bottom  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC  
Remaining battery  
Recording folder  
Return button  
Indicator  
Meaning  
60 min  
[FACE DETECTION] set  
to [OFF]  
SMILE DETECTION  
LOW LUX  
Center  
Indicator  
Manual focus  
Meaning  
[STBY]/[REC]  
Recording status  
SCENE SELECTION  
Photo size  
White balance  
SteadyShot off  
SPOT MTR/FCS / SPOT  
METER / EXPOSURE  
Slide show set  
NightShot  
Warning  
AE SHIFT  
Playback mode  
WB SHIFT  
Drop sensor off  
Drop sensor activated  
TELE MACRO  
X.V.COLOR  
SHUTTER SPEED  
IRIS  
CONVERSION LENS  
7G2B  
     
Parts and controls  
Figures in ( ) are reference pages.  
Indicator  
Meaning  
INTELLIGENT AUTO  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
OPTION button  
VIEW IMAGES button  
Slide show button  
YOUR  
LOCATION button  
Data file name  
Protected image  
Index button  
101-0005  
Indicators and their positions are approximate  
and may differ from what you actually see.  
Some indicators may not appear, depending on  
your camcorder model.  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
Active Interface Shoe  
The Active Interface Shoe supplies power to  
optional accessories such as a video light, a  
flash, or a microphone. The accessory can be  
turned on or off as you operate the POWER  
switch on your camcorder.  
GB  
73  
 
Built-in microphone  
Flash  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
Lens (G lens)  
MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack  
(headphones) jack  
Remote sensor/Infrared port  
Camera recording lamp (61)  
The camera recording lamp lights up in red  
during recording. The lamp flashes when the  
remaining recording media capacity or battery  
power is low.  
MANUAL button (26)  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
(VIEW IMAGES) button (27)  
(DISC BURN) button (41)  
NIGHTSHOT button (26)  
(INTELLIGENT AUTO) button  
POWER button (15)  
LCD screen/Touch panel  
If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you  
can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen  
facing out. This is convenient during playback  
operations.  
RESET button  
Press RESET using a pointed object.  
Press RESET to initialize all the settings  
including the clock setting.  
GPS switch (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE)  
Speaker  
MODE button (21)  
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (21)  
7G4B  
     
Power zoom lever  
/CHG (flash/charge) lamp (12)  
START/STOP button (22)  
HDR-CX550E/CX550VE  
Hook for a shoulder belt  
Tripod receptacle (26)  
Memory card slot (20)  
Memory card Access lamp (20)  
While the lamp is lit or flashing, the  
camcorder is reading or writing data.  
BATT (battery) release lever (13)  
HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  
Eyecup  
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (23)  
A/V Remote Connector (30)  
PHOTO button (24)  
GB  
75  
 
Index  
A
I
R
A/V connecting cable...........31, 53  
AVCHD........................................39  
Image quality...............................58  
Install............................................36  
Recording ....................................21  
Recording and playback time ...69  
Recording media.........................18  
Repair...........................................63  
RESET..........................................74  
B
L
Battery pack.................................12  
Blu-ray disc..................................44  
LANGUAGE SET.......................17  
M
S
C
Macintosh....................................36  
Maintenance................................65  
MANAGE MEDIA.....................18  
MANUAL dial.............................26  
MEDIA SETTINGS....................18  
Memory card...............................19  
“Memory Stick” media...............19  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”  
media............................................19  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
media............................................19  
Menus.....................................55, 58  
MOVIE MEDIA SET .................18  
Movies....................................22, 28  
MY MENU..................................56  
MY MENU SETTING...............56  
Saving images in external  
media............................................46  
Capturing photos from  
a movie.........................................45  
Screen indicators ........................72  
Self-diagnosis display.................64  
Setting the date and time...........15  
Software .......................................36  
Specifications ..............................67  
Supplied items...............................5  
Care ..............................................65  
Charging the battery abroad.....14  
Charging the battery pack.........12  
CLOCK SET................................15  
Computer.....................................35  
Computer system........................35  
Copying a disc.............................45  
Creating a disc ......................39, 48  
T
Thumbnail...................................33  
Tripod.....................................26, 75  
Troubleshooting..........................63  
Turning the power on ................15  
TV.................................................30  
TV CONNECT Guide...............30  
Creating a standard definition  
image quality (STD) disc...........44  
Creating AVCHD disc ...............43  
D
DATA CODE ..............................16  
DATE/TIME................................16  
DELETE.......................................33  
Disc recorder...............................53  
Dubbing.......................................20  
DVDirect Express.......................49  
DVD writer............................49, 52  
N
U
NightShot.....................................26  
USB cable...............................49, 52  
USB CONNECT...................42, 52  
O
One Touch Disc Burn ................41  
Operation flow..............................9  
OPTION MENU ........................57  
V
VISUAL INDEX .........................27  
Volume.........................................29  
E
P
W
Editing movies ............................45  
External media............................46  
Parts and controls.......................73  
PHOTO MEDIA SET ................18  
Photos ....................................24, 29  
Playing..........................................27  
Playing AVCHD disc..................43  
Wall outlet (wall socket)............12  
Warning indicators.....................64  
Windows......................................35  
F
Fully charged...............................12  
G
PMB (Picture Motion  
Browser).................................35, 38  
GPS...............................................25  
You will find the menu lists  
PMB Help....................................38  
Power on......................................15  
Precautions..................................65  
H
“Handycam” Handbook.............62  
7G6B  
 
Additional information on this product and  
answers to frequently asked questions can  
be found at our Customer Support Website.  
Printed on 70% or more recycled  
paper using VOC (Volatile Organic  
Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.  
Printed in Japan  

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