Sony AC-L Operating Instructions Manual
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Sony AC-L Operating Instructions Manual

Video camera recorder
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Video Camera
Recorder

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. CCD-TR
Serial No.
CCD-TR818
CCD-TR618/TR818
©2001 Sony Corporation
3-065-645-11 (3)
Model No. AC-L
Serial No.

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Summary of Contents for Sony AC-L

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. CCD-TR Serial No.
  • Page 2 For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only) For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only) Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion battery.
  • Page 3 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. 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,...

  • Page 4: Main Features

    Main Features Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode) •In a dark place •In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, or general night views •Shooting backlit subjects •In spotlight, such as at the theater or a formal event •In strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope Functions to give images more impact (in the recording mode) •Smooth transition between scenes...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Warning indicators and messages ... 56 Additional Information Usable cassettes and playback modes ... 57 About “InfoLITHIUM” battery ... 58 Using your camcorder abroad ... 59 Maintenance information and precautions ... 60 Specifications ... 65 Quick Reference Identifying the parts and controls ... 66...

  • Page 6: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Connecting the power cord Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 11). Inserting a cassette Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The compartment opens automatically. This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder.
  • Page 7 The picture in the viewfinder is black and white. (CCD-TR618 only) When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record the date and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording. (p. 17)

  • Page 8: Getting Started

    The CCD-TR818 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “CCD-TR818...

  • Page 9: Precautions On Camcorder Care

    These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. • Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

  • Page 10: Checking Supplied Accessories

    Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 16) 2 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 11, 12) 3 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 26) Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

  • Page 11: Step 1 Preparing The Power Supply

    Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors. Slide the battery pack down until it clicks. To remove the battery pack Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE down.

  • Page 12: Charging The Battery Pack

    See page 58 for more information about “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
  • Page 13 Do this once a year. Keep the battery pack in a cool place. Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time “– – – – min” appears in the display window.

  • Page 14: Charging Time

    Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack * Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. * *Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/ stop, zooming and turning the power on/off.

  • Page 15: Playing Time

    NP-F960 Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. What is ”InfoLITHIUM”? The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment.

  • Page 16: Connecting To A Wall Outlet

    Step 1 Preparing the power supply Connecting to a wall outlet When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.

  • Page 17: Step 2 Setting The Date And Time

    Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time. If you do not use your camcorder for about 4 months, the date and time settings may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable lithium cell in your camcorder will have been discharged.

  • Page 18: To Check The Preset Date And Time

    1995 T · · · · t 2001 T · · · · t 2079 Auto date function When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and reset the date and time to your local time before you start recording (p. 17). The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function) .

  • Page 19: Step 3 Inserting A Cassette

    •The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the cassette compartment other than the •Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the lid of the cassette compartment. To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

  • Page 20: Recording - Basics

    You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
  • Page 21 (2) Eject the cassette. (3) Attach the lens cap. After using your camcorder (CCD-TR618 only) Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally. To record pictures with the viewfinder – adjusting the viewfinder Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

  • Page 22: Using The Zoom Feature

    Recording a picture Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W”...
  • Page 23 Recording a picture Indicators displayed in the recording mode The indicators are not recorded on tape. 0:00:01 Note on the remaining battery time indicator The remaining battry time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. Hi8 format indicator This appears while playing back or recording in Hi8 format.

  • Page 24: Shooting Backlit Subjects - Back Light

    While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash in the viewfinder. To cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

  • Page 25: Superimposing The Date And Time On Pictures

    Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME (or DATE) to record the date and time. Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears. When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. Set the date and time to your local time before using (p. 17).

  • Page 26: Playback - Basics

    : Signal flow If your TV is already connected to a VCR Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

  • Page 27: Playing Back A Tape

    Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture on a TV screen after connecting your camcorder to a TV or VCR. You can also monitor the picture in the viewfinder. (1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape.

  • Page 28: Various Playback Modes

    Sound is muted. When the playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N. When you play back a tape recorded in the LP mode Noise may appear during playback pause mode or picture search.

  • Page 29: Advanced Recording Operations

    — Advanced Recording Operations — Using the wide mode You can record a cinema-like picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV. CINEMA Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the CINEMA mode [a], playing back on a normal TV [b] or a wide-screen TV [c].

  • Page 30: To Cancel The Wide Mode

    When you record in the 16:9FULL mode, the date or time indicator will be widened on wide-screen TVs. During recording You cannot change or cancel the wide mode. When you cancel the wide mode, set your camcorder to the standby mode and then set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.

  • Page 31: Using The Fader Function

    Using the fader function You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. STBY FADER M.FADER (mosaic) STRIPE BOUNCE (Fade in only) MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color. When fading out, the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white. STBY...
  • Page 32 T MONOTONE T BOUNCE The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all. (2) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing. After the fade in/out is carried out, your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. FADER To cancel the fader function Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears.

  • Page 33: Using Special Effects - Picture Effect

    To cancel the picture effect function Set P EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings. When you turn the power off Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode. in the menu settings. (p. 46). MA N U A L S E T...

  • Page 34: Using The Program Ae Function

    Landscape This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains and prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you are recording a subject behind glass or a screen.
  • Page 35 • In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. • In the sunset & moon and landscape modes, your camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects.

  • Page 36: Adjusting The Exposure Manually

    Press EXPOSURE again. Note When you adjust the exposure manually, the backlight function does not work. Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode: – if you change the PROGRAM AE mode – if you slide NIGHTSHOT to ON...

  • Page 37: Focusing Manually

    Focusing manually You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases: •The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting – subjects through glass coated with water droplets – horizontal stripes – subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky •When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the background •...

  • Page 38: Superimposing A Title

    Superimposing a title You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 40). You can also select the language, color, size and position of titles. (1) In CAMERA mode, press TITLE to display the title menu. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (3) Select the desired title in the menu settings, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
  • Page 39 Superimposing a title To superimpose the title while you are recording Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is superimposed. To select the language of a preset title If you want to change the language, select language and return to step 2.

  • Page 40: Making Your Own Titles

    Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up to 20 characters. (1) In CAMERA or PLAYER mode, press TITLE. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1 SET) or second line (CUSTOM2 SET), then press the dial.

  • Page 41: To Change A Title You Have Stored

    1. We recommend setting the POWER switch to PLAYER or removing the cassette so that your camcorder does not automatically turn off while you are entering title characters. If you select [ The menu for selecting alphabet and Russian characters appears. Select [ ] to return to the previous screen.

  • Page 42: Using The Built-In Light

    – CCD-TR618 only You can use the built-in light to suit your shooting situation. The recommended distance between the subject and camcorder is about 1.5 m (5 feet). Press LIGHT until the camcorder is in CAMERA mode. The built-in light turns on.
  • Page 43 • The battery pack is quickly discharging while the built-in light is turned on. Turn it off when not in use. • When you do not use your camcorder, turn the built-in light off and remove the battery pack to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally.

  • Page 44: Replacing The Bulb

    Using the built-in light Replacing the bulb Use the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp (optional). The supplied halogen lamp is not on the market. Purchase the Sony XB-3D halogen lamp. Remove the power source before replacing the bulb. (1) Remove the built-in light unit while pushing the hole under the built-in light unit using a wire.

  • Page 45: Editing

    Connect using an S video cable (optional) to obtain high-quality pictures With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable. Connect an S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the VCR. S VIDEO OUT...

  • Page 46: Customizing Your Camcorder

    — Customizing Your Camcorder — Changing the menu settings To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item and then the mode.
  • Page 47 VF SET (CCD-TR818 only) TAPE SET SETUP MENU OTHERS Depending on your camcorder model The menu display may be different from that in this illustration. Selecting the mode setting of each item Menu items differ according to the position of the POWER switch.
  • Page 48 Changing the menu settings Icon/item Mode EDIT z OFF z ON TBC stands for “Time Base Corrector”. z ON DNR stands for “Digital Noise Reduction”. VF B.L.* z BRT NORMAL * CCD-TR818 only In more than 5 minutes after removing the power source The “EDIT”...
  • Page 49 • Noise may occur also when you play on your camcorder tapes recorded in the LP mode on other camcorders or VCRs. • When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, recording is carried out in the standard 8 mm system.
  • Page 50 ON Notes on DEMO MODE •You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in your camcorder. •DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a cassette inserted.
  • Page 51 To output the beep sound instead of the melody To cancel the melody and beep sound To light up the camera recording lamp at the front of your camcorder To turn the camera recording lamp off so that the subject is not aware of the recording POWER...

  • Page 52: Troubleshooting

    If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If “C:ss:ss” appears in the viewfinder or the display window, the self-diagnosis display function has worked.
  • Page 53 • EDIT is set to ON in the menu settings. c Set it to OFF. (p. 46) • The video head may be dirty. c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 61) Cause and/or Corrective Actions •...
  • Page 54 • The AC power adaptor is disconnected. c Connect it firmly. (p. 16) • Something is wrong with the battery pack. c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. • The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHARGE).

  • Page 55: Self-Diagnosis Display

    C:31:ss C:32:ss E:61:ss E:62:ss If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Viewfinder Self-diagnosis display •C:ss:ss You can service your camcorder yourself.

  • Page 56: Warning Indicators And Messages

    •Q TAPE END * You hear the melody or beep sound. The video heads are dirty Slow flashing: •You need to clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 61). C:21:00 Set the date and time (p. 17).

  • Page 57: Additional Information

    Usable cassettes and playback modes Selecting the cassette type You can use both Hi8 and standard 8 mm video cassettes on your camcorder. When you use a Hi8 video cassette, recording and playback are carried out in the Hi8 system.

  • Page 58: About "Infolithium" Battery

    •Even if the battery is not used for a long time, store it in a low humidity, cool place after fully charging it once per year and then using the battery up on your camcorder. This is to maintain the battery's functions.

  • Page 59: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Using your camcorder abroad Using your camcorder abroad You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC power adaptor supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

  • Page 60: Maintenance Information And Precautions

    Moisture condensation If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly.

  • Page 61: About Care And Storage Of The Lens

    When the playback pictures still contain noise even if you have cleaned the video heads with a cleaning cassette, the video heads may have worn down due to long use. If this is the case, they must be replaced with new heads. Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
  • Page 62 It will be completely discharged in about 4 months if you do not use your camcorder at all. Even if the rechargeable lithium cell is not charged, it will not affect the camcorder operation.
  • Page 63 Camcorder care •When your camcorder is not to be used for a long time, remove the battery (CCD- TR818 only). •Remove the tape, and periodically turn on the power, operate the CAMERA and PLAYER sections and play back a tape for about 5 minutes when your camcorder is not to be used for a long time.

  • Page 64: Battery Pack

    • If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water. • If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a doctor. If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.

  • Page 65: Specifications

    Specifications Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads, FM system Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards Usable cassette 8 mm video format cassette Hi8 or standard 8 Recording/playback time (using 120 min.

  • Page 66: Quick Reference

    8 START/STOP button (p. 20) 9 Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 68) 0 DC IN jack (p. 12, 16) This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video products. When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”...
  • Page 67 Camera recording lamp (p. 20) qj Tripod receptacle (base) Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 6.5 mm (9/32 inch). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw may damage your camcorder.
  • Page 68 FADER button (p. 31) w; RESET button (p. 54) Attaching the shoulder strap Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap. wa EXPOSURE button (p. 36) ws SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 30, 46)
  • Page 69 Identifying the parts and controls wf DATE button (p. 25) wg TIME button (p. 25) wh TITLE button (p. 40) Attaching the lens cap Attach the lens cap to the grip strap as illustrated. wj LIGHT button (CCD-TR618 only) (p. 42) wk Viewfinder (p.
  • Page 70 Identifying the parts and controls e; EJECT button (p. 19) ea Cassette compartment (p. 19) es Grip strap Fastening the grip strap Fasten the grip strap firmly. ed S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 26) ef A/V OUT jack (p. 26) eg RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output) (p.
  • Page 71 Identifying the parts and controls Operation indicators Viewfinder S T BY M . F ADER C I NEMA S E P I A JUL 4 2001 12:00:00 AM 1 Recording mode indicator (p. 49) 2 Hi8 format indicator 3 Remaining battery time indicator (p.

  • Page 72: Index

    Fade in/out ... 31 FADER ... 31 FOCUS ... 37 Grip strap ... 70 Heads ... 61 Hi8 system ... 57 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan I, J, K, L “InfoLITHIUM” battery ... 58 Infrared rays emitter ... 24 LP mode ... 49 M, N Manual focus ...

This manual is also suitable for:

Ccd-trHandycam ccd-tr618Handycam ccd-tr818

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