2-548-724-11 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Getting Started 9 Operating Guide Recording/ 20 Playback Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Using a Computer Troubleshooting Additional Information 36 56 66 78 98 DCR-PC55 Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan © 2005 Sony Corporation Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. 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. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. "Memory Stick" 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. 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. 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. 2 For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (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. 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 digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-PC55 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, 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. Note DCR-PC55 is to be used with the Handycam Station Model DCRA-C131 and AC Adaptor Model AC-L200. 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. DCR-PC55 Serial No. Model No. ACSerial No. Continued 3 Read this first (continued) Notes on use Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides. ­ "Operating Guide" (This manual) ­ "First Step Guide" for using the supplied software (stored on the supplied CDROM) · When disconnecting the AC Adaptor from the Handycam Station, hold both the DC plug and the Handycam Station and disconnect the AC Adaptor. · Be sure to turn the power of your camcorder off before inserting it into or removing it from the Handycam Station. On the types of recording media you can use in your camcorder · A mini DV cassette marked with (mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory are incompatible) (p. 99). · "Memory Stick Duo" marked with , (p. 100). On the menu items, LCD panel, and lens · A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. · The LCD screen is 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. · Exposing the LCD screen 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 pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk. On using the camcorder · Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts. LCD panel Battery cover On recording · Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems. · Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc. · TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC 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. Shoe cover · Before connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. 4 On this manual · The images of the LCD screen used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different. · The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 16). About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. * MTF stands for Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens. 5 Table of Contents Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................9 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...........................................................10 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........14 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel .............................................................15 Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................16 Changing the language setting .....................................................................16 Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) ...........................................16 Step 6: Setting the date and time ............................................................17 Step 7: Inserting a tape or a "Memory Stick Duo"....................................18 Recording/Playback Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam) ...................................20 Recording ................................................................................................22 Playback ..................................................................................................23 Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ............................................24 Recording To use zoom To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS) To fix the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter) To record in mirror mode To use a tripod Playback Viewing pictures with motion effects (SLIDE SHOW PLUS) To use PB zoom Recording/playback To check the remaining battery (Battery Info) To turn off the operation confirmation beep (BEEP) To use special effects To initialize the settings (RESET) Other part names and functions Indicators displayed during recording/playback .......................................28 Searching for the starting point ...............................................................31 Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) ..............................................................................................31 Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) .............................................................31 Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) .........................31 6 Remote Commander ...............................................................................32 Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) ............................32 Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................33 Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................34 Using the Menu Using the menu items ............................................................36 Menu items ..............................................................................................38 CAMERA SET menu ..........................................................................40 Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) MEMORY SET menu .........................................................................44 Settings for the "Memory Stick Duo" (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/ NEW FOLDER, etc.) PICT.APPLI. menu ............................................................................46 Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (FADER/PICT. EFFECT, etc.) EDIT/PLAY menu .............................................................................49 Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.) STANDARD SET menu ....................................................................50 Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/ MULTI-SOUND/LCD SET/DISP OUTPUT/USB, etc.) TIME/LANGU. menu .........................................................................53 (CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE) Customizing Personal Menu....................................................................54 Dubbing/Editing Connecting to a VCR or TV .....................................................................56 Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc................57 Recording pictures from a VCR or TV .....................................................58 Dubbing pictures from a tape to a "Memory Stick Duo"...........................59 Dubbing sound to a recorded tape ..........................................................60 Deleting recorded pictures from the "Memory Stick Duo"........................62 Marking images on the "Memory Stick Duo" with specific information (Image protection/Print mark) ........................................................62 Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) .........................63 Jacks to connect external devices ...........................................................65 Continued 7 Using a Computer Before referring to the "First Step Guide" on your computer ...................66 Installing the software and "First Step Guide" on a computer .................68 Viewing "First Step Guide".......................................................................72 Creating a DVD (Direct ...