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1-8

Press C on the Remote Commander in the playback pause mode. For frame-by-frame
playback in the reverse direction, press c. To resume normal playback, press N.

Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last five seconds of the recorded portion
plays back and stops.

In the various playback modes
•Sound is muted.
•The previous picture may remain as a mosaic image during playback.

When the playback pause mode lasts for five minutes
Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.

Slow playback
The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder: however, this
function does not work for an output signal through the   DV IN/OUT jack.

When you play back a tape in reverse
Horizontal noise may appear at the center, or the top and bottom of the screen. This is
not a malfunction.

Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your
camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the video
control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the screen.
When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you
power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 17). Refer to
the operating instructions of your TV.

Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable
supplied with your camcorder. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to 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.

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the
white or the red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the
white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R
(right) signal.

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack
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 the S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder and
the TV or the VCR.
This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.

S VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

IN

AUDIO/VIDEO

S VIDEO

: Signal flow

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

White

Yellow

Red

Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (optional) to your TV or VCR, you can
easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the
AV cordless IR receiver.

Before operation
Attach the power supply such as the AC power adaptor to your camcorder, and insert
the recorded tape.

(1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch

on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.

(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR.
(3) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
(4) Press SUPER LASER LINK. The lamp of SUPER LASER LINK lights up.
(5) Press N on your camcorder to start playback.
(6) Point the super laser link emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver. Adjust the

position of your camcorder and the AV cordless IR receiver to obtain clear
playback pictures.

Press SUPER LASER LINK again. The lamp on the SUPER LASER LINK button goes
out.

If you turn the power off
The super laser link function turns off automatically.

If you use a Sony TV
•You can turn on the TV automatically when you press SUPER LASER LINK. To do so,

make sure you:
– Turn the TV’s main switch on.
– Set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu settings.
– Point the super laser link emitter at the TV’s remote sensor.

•You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV

cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to
the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu settings. With some models, however, the
picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is switched.

•The above feature may not work on some TV models.

When the super laser link function is activated (the SUPER LASER LINK button is lit)
Your camcorder consumes power. Press SUPER LASER LINK to turn off the laser link
function when it is not needed.

 is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

1-9

You can record a still picture like a photograph. This mode is useful when you want to
print a picture using a video printer (optional).
You can record about 510 pictures in the SP mode and about 765 pictures in the LP
mode on a 60-minute tape.
Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still pictures on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 112) (DCR-TRV17 only).

(1) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture

appears.
The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet.
To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select a still picture again, and then
press and hold PHOTO lightly.

(2) Press PHOTO deeper.

The still picture on the screen is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound
during those seven seconds is also recorded.
The still image is displayed on the screen until recording is completed.

Notes
• During tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting.
• When recording a still picture, do not shake your camcorder. The picture may

fluctuate.

• The PHOTO button does not work:

– while the fader function is set or in use
– while the digital effect function is set or in use

If you record a moving subject with the tape photo recording function
When you play back the still picture on other equipment, the picture may fluctuate.

To use the tape photo recording function using the Remote Commander
Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records a picture on the
screen immediately.

To use the tape photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording
Press PHOTO deeper. The still picture is then recorded for about seven seconds and
your camcorder returns to the standby mode. You cannot select another still picture.

To record clear and less fluctuated still pictures
We recommend that you record on “Memory Stick”s. (DCR-TRV17 only)

•••••••

CAPTURE

PHO

TO

PHO

TO

You can record still images on tapes with the self-timer. You can also use the Remote
Commander for this operation.

(1) In the standby mode, press MENU to display the menu settings.
(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select 

, then press the dial.

(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select SELFTIMER, then press the dial.
(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select ON, then press the dial.
(5) Press MENU to make the menu settings disappear.
(6) Press PHOTO deeper.

Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two
seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts
automatically.

Set SELFTIMER to OFF in the menu settings in the standby mode.
You cannot cancel the self-timer recording using the Remote Commander.

Note
The self-timer recording mode is automatically cancelled when:
– Self-timer recording is finished.
– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

PHOTO

C AME R A S E T

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ON

S E L F T I ME R
D Z OOM
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S T E A D Y S HO T
N . S . L I GH T
F R AME R E C

I N T . R E C

R E T U R N

[ ME NU ]  :  E ND

You can print a still picture by using the video printer (optional). Connect the video
printer using the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder.
Connect it to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack and connect the yellow plug of the cable to the
video input of the video printer. Refer to the operating instructions of the video printer
as well.

If the video printer is equipped with S video input
Use the S video connecting cable (optional).  Connect it to the S VIDEO jack and the S
video input of the video printer.

LINE IN

VIDEO S VIDEO

AUDIO/VIDEO

S VIDEO

: Signal flow

Video printer

You can manually adjust and set the white balance. This adjustment makes white
subjects look white and allows more natural color balance. Normally white balance is
automatically adjusted.

(1) In CAMERA or MEMORY (DCR-TRV17 only) mode, select WHT BAL in 

in the menu settings (p. 97).

(2) Select the desired white balance mode in the menu settings.

n (INDOOR) :
•Lighting condition changes quickly
•Too bright place such as photography studios
•Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps

 (OUTDOOR) :

•Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise, neon signs, or

fireworks

•Under a color matching fluorescent lamp

HOLD :
Recording a single-colored subject or background

Set WHT BAL to AUTO in the menu settings.

If the picture is being taken in a studio lit by TV lighting
We recommend that you record in the 

n indoor mode.

When you record under fluorescent lighting
Use the automatic white balance or hold mode.
Your camcorder may not adjust the white balance correctly in the 

n indoor mode.

In the automatic white balance mode
Point your camcorder at a white subject for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER
switch to CAMERA to get a better adjustment when:
•You detach the battery for replacement.
•You bring your camcorder to the outdoors from the interior of a house holding the

exposure, or vice versa.

In the hold white balance mode
Set the white balance to AUTO and reset to HOLD after a few seconds when:
•You change the PROGRAM AE mode.
•You bring your camcorder to the outdoors from the interior of a house, or vice versa.

MA N U A L S E T

A U T O

P ROGR AM A E
P E F F E C T
D E F F E C T

WH T

B A L

OU T DOOR

HO L D

I N DOOR

A U T O S H T R

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1-10

You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE).
Black bands appear on the screen during recording in 16:9WIDE mode [a]. The picture
during a playback on a normal TV [b] or on a wide-screen TV [c] is compressed in the
widthwise direction. If you set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to the full mode,
you can watch pictures of normal images [d].

In the standby mode, set 16:9WIDE to ON in 

 in the menu settings (p. 97).

Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.

In the wide mode, you cannot select the following functions:
– OLD MOVIE
– BOUNCE

During recording
You cannot select 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.

Connection for a TV
Pictures recorded in the 16:9WIDE mode automatically appear on the TV screen at full
size when:
– You connect your camcorder to a TV that is compatible with the video ID (ID-1/ID-2)

system.

– You connect your camcorder to the S video jack on the TV.

ID-1 system
The ID-1 system sends aspect ratio information (16:9, 4:3, or letter box) with video
signals. If you connect a TV compatible with the ID-1 system, the screen size is
automatically selected.

ID-2 system
The ID-2 system sends a copyright protection signal with ID-1 signals inserted between
video signals when you connect your camcorder to other equipment using the A/V
connecting cable.

16:9WIDE

You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.

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.

* Fade in only

REC

STBY

REC

STBY

In the standby mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.
When fading out [b]
In the recording mode, press FADER until the desired fader indicator flashes.
The indicator changes as follows:
FADER 

t M.FADER t BOUNCE t MONOTONE t OVERLAP t WIPE

t DOT t no indicator

The last selected fader mode is indicated first of all.

(2) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing.

After the fader in/out is carried out, your camcorder automatically returns to
the normal mode.

Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER until the indicator disappears.

Note
You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, you cannot
use the fader function while using the following functions:
– Digital effect
– Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE (Overlap, Wipe, or Dot function only)(The low lux

indicator flashes.)

– Super NightShot
– Tape Photo recording

When the OVERLAP, WIPE, or DOT indicator appear in the standby mode
Your camcorder automatically stores the image recorded on a tape. As the image is
being stored, the indicators flash fast, and the playback picture disappears. At this
stage, the picture may not be recorded clearly, depending on the tape condition.

While using the bounce function, you cannot use the following functions:
– Exposure
– Focus
– Zoom
– Picture effect

Note on the bounce function
The BOUNCE indicator does not appear in the following mode or functions:
– D ZOOM is activated in the menu settings
– 16:9 wide
– Picture effect
– PROGRAM AE

While in MEMORY mode (DCR-TRV17 only)
You cannot use the fader function.

FADER

FADER

You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on TV.

NEG. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the picture are reversed.
SEPIA :

The picture gets sepia.

B&W :

The picture appears in monochrome (black-and-white).

SOLARIZE [b] : The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.
SLIM [c] :

The picture expands vertically.

STRETCH [d] : The picture expands horizontally.
PASTEL [e] :

The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an
animated cartoon.

MOSAIC [f] :

The picture gets mosaic-patterned.

(1) In CAMERA mode, select P EFFECT in 

 in the menu settings. (p. 97).

(2) Select the desired picture effect mode in the menu settings.

Set P EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings.

While using the picture effect function, you cannot select the following functions:
– OLD MOVIE
– BOUNCE

When you turn the power off
Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode.

MANUAL  SET

PROGRAM  AE
P  EFFECT    
D  EFFECT
WHT  BAL
AUTO  SHTR
  RETURN

 [MENU] : END

OFF
NEG. ART
SEP I A
B&W
SOLAR I ZE
SL I M
STRETCH
PASTEL
MOSA I C

1-11

You can add special effects to recorded pictures using the various digital functions. The
sound is recorded normally.

STILL
You can record a still picture so that it is superimposed on a moving picture.

FLASH (FLASH MOTION)
You can record still pictures successively at constant intervals.

LUMI. (LUMINANCEKEY)
You can swap a brighter area in a still picture with a moving picture.

TRAIL
You can record the picture so that an incidental image like a trail is left.

SLOW SHTR (SLOW SHUTTER)
You can slow down the shutter speed. The slow shutter mode is good for recording
dark pictures more brightly.

OLD MOVIE
You can add an old movie type atmosphere to pictures. Your camcorder automatically
sets the wide mode to ON and picture effect to SEPIA, and the appropriate shutter
speed.

Still picture

Moving picture

Still picture

Moving picture

(1) In CAMERA mode, select D EFFECT in 

 in the menu settings (p. 97).

(2) Select the desired digital effect mode in the menu settings, then press the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.
The bars appear, in the STILL and LUMI. modes. The still image is stored in
memory.

(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the effect, then press the dial.

STILL

The rate of the still picture you want to superimpose on the moving
picture

FLASH

The interval of flash motion

LUMI.

The color scheme of the area in the still picture which is to be
swapped with a moving picture

TRAIL

The time until the incidental image vanishes

SLOW SHTR

Shutter speed. The larger the shutter speed number, the slower the
shutter speed.

OLD MOVIE

No adjustment necessary

The more bars there are on the screen, the stronger the digital effect. The bars
appear in the following modes: STILL, FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL.

Set D EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings.

MA N U A L S E T

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L UM I .

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R E T U R N

MA N U A L S E T

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F L A S H

T R A I L

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[ ME NU ]  :  E ND

L UM I .

MA N U A L S E T

D E F F E C T

[ ME NU ]  :  E ND

L UM I .

P E F F E C T
D E F F E C T

S L OW S H T R
O L D MO V I E

P ROGR AM A E

L UM I .

A U T O S H T R

R

T

H

S

W

O

L

S

E

I

V

O

M

D

L

O

WH T B A L

Notes
•The following functions do not work during digital effect:

– Fader
– Low lux mode of PROGRAM AE (The low lux indicator flashes.)
– Tape photo recording
– Super NightShot

•The PROGRAM AE function does not work in the slow shutter mode.
•The following functions do not work in the old movie mode:

– Wide mode
– Picture effect
– PROGRAM AE

When you turn the power off
The digital effect will be automatically canceled.

When recording in the slow shutter mode
Auto focus may not be effective. Focus manually using a tripod.

Shutter speed number

Shutter speed

SLOW SHTR 1

1/30

SLOW SHTR 2

1/15

SLOW SHTR 3

1/8

SLOW SHTR 4

1/4

You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting
requirements.

This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white
when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater.

This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as
people or flowers.

This mode minimizes shake on fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.

This mode prevents people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light,
such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.

This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general
night views, fireworks displays and neon signs.

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.

This mode makes subjects brighter in insufficient light.