2-319-496-11(1) Enjoying with your camcorder 12 Digital Video Camera Recorder Getting Started 21 Operating Guide Recording/Playback 31 Editing Utilizing recording media Customizing your camcorder Using a Computer Troubleshooting Additional Information 48 57 62 80 85 98 DCR-DVD108/DVD308/ DVD608/DVD708 US Quick 111 Reference Spanish Quick Guide/ 122 Guía rápida en español Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) -free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in China © 2007 Sony Corporation WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. 2 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them. Cleaning Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set. Installation Water and Moisture Do not use power-line operated sets near water ­ for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc. Use Power Sources This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. For those sets designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions. Power-Cord Protection Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance. Polarization This set may be equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by forcing it in. Accessories Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer. Ventilation The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the set, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered. ­ Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth or other materials. ­ Never block the slots and openings by placing the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. ­ Never place the set in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided. ­ Do not place the set near or over a radiator or heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight. Overloading Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire or electric shock. Object and Liquid Entry Never push objects of any kind into the set through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the set. Attachments Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may cause hazards. Continued , 3 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued) Lightning For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges. Safety Check Upon completion of any service or repairs to the set, ask the service technician to perform routine safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) to determine that the set is in safe operating condition. Service Damage Requiring Service Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: ­ When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. ­ If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the set. ­ If the set has been exposed to rain or water. ­ If the set has been subject to excessive shock by being dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged. ­ If the set does not operate normally when following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are specified in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the set to normal operation. ­ When the set exhibits a distinct change in performance ­ this indicates a need for service. Servicing Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Replacement parts When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards. 4 Read this before operating your camcorder 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. DCRSerial No. Model No. ACNo. CAUTION The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. 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. For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD108 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. Battery pack 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. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Continued , 5 Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued) Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD308 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. digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. This product is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be returned to the manufacturer or to be discarded. For the State of California, USA only Prechlorate Material - special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains perchlorate. CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. Notes on use Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides. ­ "Operating Guide" (This manual) ­ "First Step Guide" for using your camcorder with the computer connected (stored on the supplied CD-ROM) 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, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: ­ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. ­ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. ­ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. ­ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a Types of the disc you can use in your camcorder You can use the following discs only. ­ 8cm DVD-RW ­ 8cm DVD+RW ­ 8cm DVD-R ­ 8cm DVD+R DL Use the discs with marks listed below. See page 14 for details. For reliability durability of recording / playback, we recommend that you use Sony *(for discs or discs with an VIDEO CAMERA) mark for your camcorder. b Note · Using a disc other than above may cause the unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may not be able to remove the disc from your camcorder. 6 * Depending on the place you bought, the disc has mark. Types of "Memory Stick" you can use in your camcorder You can use "Memory Stick Duo" marked with or (p. 101). "Memory Stick Duo" (This size can be used with your camcorder.) Battery Viewfinder LCD screen "Memory Stick" (You cannot use it in your camcorder.) · The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See "About handling of your camcorder" (p. 104). · To prevent discs from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 25) or the access lamps (p. 28, 29) is on: ­ to remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder. ­ to apply mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder. · You cannot use any type of memory card except "Memory Stick Duo." · "Memory Stick PRO" and "Memory Stick PRO Duo" can be used only with "Memory Stick PRO" compatible equipment. · Do not attach a label or the like on a "Memory Stick Duo" or a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor. When using a "Memory Stick Duo" with "Memory Stick" compatible equipment Be sure to insert the "Memory Stick Duo" into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor. Memory Stick Duo Adaptor · When connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB cable, 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 your camcorder. About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens · A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the curren ...