4-170-539-11(1)
Table of contents
Getting started
Recording/Playback
camcorder
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
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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
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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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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.
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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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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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.
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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
removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor
from the camcorder, or applying mechanical
shock or vibration to the camcorder when the
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).
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Operation flow
Getting started (p. 12)
Prepare the power source and memory card.
Recording movies and photos (p. 21)
Changing the recording mode
Expected recording time(MEDIA INFO)
Playing movies and photos
Saving images
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.
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Table of contents
Read this first. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Operation flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 1: Charging the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Charging the battery pack abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Changing the language setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Step 3: Preparing the recording media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
To check the recording media settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
to memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adjusting for shooting conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Playback on the camcorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Playing images on a TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Deleting movies and photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Preparing a computer (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
When using a Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Starting PMB (Picture Motion Browser). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Creating a disc with one touch (One Touch Disc Burn) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Importing movies and photos to a computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Creating an AVCHD disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Playing an AVCHD disc on a computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Creating a Blu-ray disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ordinary DVD players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Copying a disc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Editing movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Capturing photos from a movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
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Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Getting detailed information from the “Handycam”Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Screen indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Parts and controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
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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)
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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
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 ().
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To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Fasten the grip belt.
1
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
2
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
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
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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.
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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.
The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing
Tips
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.
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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
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.
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Tips
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)
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
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.
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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
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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
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
1
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
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]).
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/
/
: 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.
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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.
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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
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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)
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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 Sony’s 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]
(p. 59).
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.
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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].
[
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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]
.
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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.
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*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.
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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
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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
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.”
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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)
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.
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Discs you can use with “PMB”
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.
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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
image quality (STD) disc (p. 44).
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.
use.
If any other software than “PMB” starts
automatically, shut it down.
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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].
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
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.
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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.
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
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)].
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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
(p. 42).
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
(p. 42).
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.
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
are the same as that for creating an
AVCHD disc.
2
3
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.
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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
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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Creating a disc with a
DVD writer, recorder
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
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.
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, etc., other than DVDirect
Express (p. 52)
Disc type
AVCHD disc (high definition image quality
(HD))
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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, other than DVDirect Express
(p. 52)
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)
(p. 14).
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).
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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.
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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.”
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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)
(p. 14).
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.
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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.
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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]
.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT........ Emits infrared light when using NightShot.
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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
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.
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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
(p. 30).
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
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.
HDD*3 ................................ Repairs the image database file on the internal hard disk (p. 65).
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(GENERAL SET) category
SOUND/DISP SET
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
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
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.
POWER SETTINGS
OTHER SETTINGS
DEMO MODE................... Sets whether the demonstration appears or not.
CALIBRATION.................. Calibrates the touch panel.
CTRL FOR HDMI ............. Sets whether or not the TV’s Remote Commander is to be used when
the camcorder is connected to a “BRAVIA” Sync 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
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Getting detailed
information from the
“Handycam”Handbook
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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
Turn on the power again.
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
details on the symptoms of your camcorder,
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).
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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:
”PMB”cannot 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::
”PMB”does 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:
When the indicator flashes, there is not
enough free space for recording images. Delete
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).
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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).
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)
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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]
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Specifications
System
(See “Getting detailed information from the
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.)
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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
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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
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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].
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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.
“BRAVIA” is 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.
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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
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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.
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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)
MANUAL dial (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)
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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)
Battery pack (12)
A/V Remote Connector (30)
PHOTO button (24)
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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
B
L
Battery pack.................................12
Blu-ray disc..................................44
M
S
C
Maintenance................................65
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
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
CLOCK SET................................15
Computer.....................................35
Computer system........................35
Copying a disc.............................45
Creating a disc ......................39, 48
T
Tripod.....................................26, 75
Troubleshooting..........................63
TV.................................................30
Creating a standard definition
D
DATA CODE ..............................16
DATE/TIME................................16
DELETE.......................................33
Disc recorder...............................53
DVDirect Express.......................49
DVD writer............................49, 52
N
U
NightShot.....................................26
USB cable...............................49, 52
USB CONNECT...................42, 52
O
Operation flow..............................9
OPTION MENU ........................57
V
VISUAL INDEX .........................27
E
P
W
Editing movies ............................45
External media............................46
Parts and controls.......................73
PHOTO MEDIA SET ................18
Photos ....................................24, 29
Playing..........................................27
Warning indicators.....................64
Windows......................................35
F
Fully charged...............................12
G
PMB (Picture Motion
Browser).................................35, 38
GPS...............................................25
You will find the menu lists
H
“Handycam” Handbook.............62
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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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