Sony DCR HC19E User Manual

2-586-501-13 (1)  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
Getting Started  
8
Recording/  
Playback  
18  
Operating Guide  
Using the Menu  
Dubbing/Editing  
32  
47  
53  
63  
77  
DCR-HC17E/HC19E/  
HC21E/HC22E  
Using a Computer  
Troubleshooting  
Additional Information  
© 2005 Sony Corporation  
appear different.  
On the menu items, the LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
• The on-screen displays in each local  
language are used for illustrating the  
operating procedures. Change the screen  
language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 45).  
• The LCD screen and the 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 and the  
viewfinder. These points are normal  
results of the manufacturing process and  
do not affect the recording in any way.  
• 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 pictures of the sun only in low light  
conditions, such as at dusk.  
• The illustrations used on this manual are  
based on the model DCR-HC22E.  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly  
by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
Corporation, and produces superior images.  
It adopts the MTF* measurement system  
for video cameras and offers a quality  
typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.  
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer  
Function. The number value indicates the  
amount of light from a subject coming into  
the lens.  
On recording  
• Before starting to record, test the  
recording function to make sure the  
picture and sound are recorded without  
any problems.  
• Compensation for the contents of  
recordings cannot be provided, even if  
recording or playback is not possible  
due to a malfunction of the camcorder,  
storage media, etc.  
• TV color systems differ depending on  
the countries/regions. To view your  
recordings on a TV, you need 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.  
On this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen and  
the viewfinder used in this manual for  
illustration purposes are captured using  
a digital still camera, and therefore may  
3
4
Table of Contents  
Getting Started  
Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................8  
Step 2: Charging the battery pack.............................................................9  
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........13  
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder .....................................14  
Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................15  
Changing the language setting .....................................................................15  
Checking the screen indicators (Display Guide)...........................................15  
Step 6: Setting the date and time ............................................................16  
Step 7: Inserting a cassette ....................................................................17  
Recording/Playback  
Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam)...................................18  
Recording................................................................................................20  
Playback..................................................................................................21  
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.............................................22  
Recording  
To use zoom  
To record in dark places (NightShot plus)  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects  
To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS)  
To x the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter)  
To record in mirror mode  
To use a tripod  
Playback  
To play back the images with added special effects  
Recording/Playback  
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)  
To turn off the operation confirmation beep  
To initialize the settings  
Other part names and functions  
Indicators displayed during recording/playback.......................................24  
Searching for the starting point ...............................................................26  
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)  
.............................................................................................................26  
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH).............................................................26  
Continued   
5
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).........................26  
Remote Commander (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)..............................28  
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)............................28  
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................29  
Searching for a still image (Photo search).....................................................29  
Playing back still images in sequence (Photo scan) .....................................29  
Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................30  
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items............................................................32  
Operation button items............................................................................33  
Menu items..............................................................................................38  
MANUAL SET menu........................................................................40  
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
CAMERA SET menu .......................................................................42  
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
PLAYER SET/  
VCR SET menu.................................................43  
– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX  
LCD/VF SET menu..........................................................................44  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc  
TAPE SET menu..............................................................................45  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
SETUP MENU menu .......................................................................45  
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.  
OTHERS menu................................................................................46  
– WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc.  
Dubbing/Editing  
Connecting to a VCR or TV.....................................................................47  
Dubbing to other recording devices.........................................................48  
Recording pictures from a VCR (DCR-HC21E/HC22E) ..........................49  
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape..........................................................50  
Jacks to connect external devices...........................................................52  
Using a Computer  
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ...................53  
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer .................55  
Viewing “First Step Guide”.......................................................................59  
6
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)...................................60  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................63  
Warning indicators and messages ..........................................................74  
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder abroad.................................................................77  
Usable cassette tapes.............................................................................77  
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.....................................................78  
About i.LINK ............................................................................................80  
Maintenance and precautions .................................................................81  
Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap .......................................................84  
Attaching the Shoulder Strap (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E) .................84  
Specifications ..........................................................................................85  
Index........................................................................................................87  
7
Step 1: Checking supplied items  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
USB cable (1) (p. 53)  
(DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
• A USB cable is not supplied with the DCR-  
HC17E model. If necessary, buy a USB 2.0  
cable (Type A to Type B-mini.). A Sony  
product is recommended.  
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9)  
Shoulder Strap (1) (p. 84)  
(DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
Mains lead (1) (p. 9)  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP30 (1)  
(p. 9, 78)  
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1)  
(p. 53)  
Handycam Station (1) (p. 9)  
(DCR-HC22E)  
21-pin adaptor (1) (p. 30)  
(DCR-HC22E)  
For the models with the  
bottom surfaces only.  
mark printed on their  
Shoe cover (1)  
Attached to the camcorder.  
Wireless Remote Commander (1)  
(p. 28)  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
(DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 30, 47)  
8
 
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (P series) (p. 78) after  
attaching it to your camcorder.  
it in the direction of the arrow  
until it clicks.  
For DCR-HC22E:  
POWER  
switch  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch up to  
OFF (CHG). (The default setting.)  
DC plug  
Handycam DC IN jack  
Station  
AC Adaptor  
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on the Handycam  
Station for the DCR-HC22E or on  
your camcorder for the DCR-  
HC17E/HC19E/HC21E.  
To the wall socket  
For DCR-HC17E/HC19E/HC21E:  
POWER switch  
For DCR-HC22E:  
With the   
mark facing up  
DC IN jack  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
For DCR-HC17E/HC19E/HC21E:  
AC Adaptor  
DC IN jack  
To the wall socket  
With the mark  
facing down  
1
Attach the battery pack by sliding  
Continued   
9
 
when the battery is fully charged.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the DC IN jack.  
4
For DCR-HC22E:  
Connect the mains lead to the  
AC Adaptor and the wall socket.  
Insert the camcorder into the  
Handycam Station securely, all  
the way to the bottom.  
For DCR-HC22E:  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
DC IN jack holding both the Handycam  
Station and the DC plug.  
CHG (charge) lamp  
To remove the battery pack  
Turn off the power, then press PUSH button  
and remove the battery pack.  
PUSH button  
POWER switch  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
• When inserting the camcorder into the  
Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack  
cover.  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 79).  
For DCR-HC17E/HC19E/HC21E:  
Connect the mains lead to the AC  
Adaptor and the wall socket.  
For DCR-HC22E:  
To charge the battery pack using only  
the AC Adaptor  
CHG (charge) lamp  
Turn off the power, then connect the  
AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your  
camcorder.  
You can operate your camcorder  
connected to a power source such as a  
wall socket as shown in the illustration.  
The battery pack will not lose its charge  
in this case.  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
5
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
10  
 
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
Battery pack  
NP-FP30 (supplied)  
NP-FP50  
Charging time  
DC IN jack  
115  
125  
155  
220  
With the mark facing  
down  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall socket  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
For DCR-HC22E:  
To remove your camcorder from the  
Handycam Station  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
80  
105  
40  
50  
Turn off the power, then remove the  
camcorder from the Handycam Station  
holding both your camcorder and the  
Handycam Station.  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
115  
150  
55  
75  
240  
310  
120  
155  
435  
550  
215  
275  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder LCD panel  
closed.  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
For DCR-HC17E/HC19E/HC21E:  
To use an outside power source  
You can operate your camcorder using the  
power from the wall socket by making the  
same connections as you do when charging  
the battery pack. The battery pack will not  
lose its charge in this case.  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
95  
120  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
135  
280  
170  
350  
Continued 11  
 
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-FP90  
500  
620  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during  
charging, or the battery information (p. 23) will  
not be correctly displayed under the following  
conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For  
Battery Info only.)  
• The power will not be supplied from the  
battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected  
to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or  
the Handycam Station supplied with the  
DCR-HC22E, even when the mains lead is  
disconnected from the wall socket.  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• The recording and playback time will be  
shorter when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
depending on the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
• Times measured with the camcorder at  
25°C (77°F). (10 - 30 °C (50 - 86°F) is  
recommended.)  
On the AC Adaptor  
• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC  
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
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.  
PRECAUTION  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to  
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.  
12  
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your  
camcorder firmly  
To record or play back, slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
When using it for the first time, the  
CLOCK SET screen appears (p. 16).  
3
Put your wrist through the Strap  
Belt.  
LENS COVER switch  
The length of the Strap Belt is  
adjustable.  
POWER switch  
4
Hold the camcorder as illustrated  
below.  
1
2
Slide the LENS COVER switch to  
OPEN.  
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly in the direction of the  
arrow to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF  
(CHG).  
Set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.  
• At the time of purchase, the power will be  
set to turn off automatically if you leave your  
camcorder without any operation attempted for  
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power.  
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 46).  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF  
(CHG), slide it down while pressing the  
green button.  
Lamps that light up  
CAMERA: To record on a tape.  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
• When you slide the POWER switch to turn on  
the CAMERA lamp, the current date and time  
will be displayed on the screen for about 5  
seconds.  
13  
 
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder  
The viewfinder  
The LCD panel  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play ().  
You can view images using the viewfinder  
when you close the LCD panel to avoid  
wearing down the battery, etc.  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
Viewfinder  
2
1
90 degrees to  
90 degrees (max.)  
the camcorder  
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture is clear.  
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame  
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD  
panel.  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the  
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with  
the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient  
during playback operations. When the POWER  
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting  
- [LCD B.L.] (p. 44).  
(LCD/VF SET)  
switch is set to CAMERA,  
the LCD screen.  
appears on  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to  
the lens side, you can see the image in the  
viewfinder.  
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 35) to adjust the brightness  
of the LCD screen.  
14  
 
Step 5: Using the touch panel  
You can play back recorded pictures (p.  
21), or change the settings (p. 32) using the  
touch panel.  
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.  
1
Touch  
.
Place your hand on the rear side of  
the LCD panel to support it.Then,  
touch the buttons displayed on the  
screen.  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
METER  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
DISP/BATT INFO  
2
Touch [DISP GUIDE].  
Select area for guide.  
END  
DISP GUIDE  
Touch the button on the LCD screen.  
The indicator varies depending on the  
settings.  
• Perform the same actions as explained above  
when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.  
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD  
frame accidentally while using the touch panel.  
3
Touch the area including the  
indicator that you want to check.  
DISP GUIDE  
STBY  
END  
1/3  
To hide the screen indicators  
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the  
screen indicators (such as time code, etc.)  
on or off.  
EXPOSURE:  
MANUAL  
FOCUS:  
(
)
MANUAL NEAR  
BACK LIGHT:  
ON  
PAGE  
PAGE  
RET.  
Changing the language setting  
The meanings of the indicators in the  
area are listed on the screen. If you  
cannot find the indicator you want to  
check, touch [PAGE ]/[PAGE ] to  
toggle.  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Select the screen language in [  
LANGUAGE] on the  
(p. 32, 45).  
(SETUP MENU)  
When you touch [ RET.], the screen  
returns to the area selecting display.  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display Guide)  
To finish the operation  
Touch [END].  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
15  
 
Step 6: Setting the date and time  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
3
Select [CLOCK SET] with  
set the date and time, the CLOCK SET  
screen appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder.  
/
, then touch [EXEC].  
CLOCK SET  
• If you do not use your camcorder for about  
3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery  
gets discharged and the date and time settings  
may be cleared from the memory. In that case,  
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the  
date and time again (p. 83).  
Y
M
1
D
H
M
00  
:
2005  
1
0
OK  
4
Set [Y] (year) with  
then touch  
/
,
.
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
1
D
H
M
00  
:
2005  
1
0
POWER switch  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
OK  
5
Set [M] (month), [D] (day), [H]  
(hour) and [M] (minute), then  
1
Touch  
[MENU].  
touch  
.
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
P
EFFECT  
The clock starts.  
FLASH MODE  
FLASH LVL  
AUTO SHTR  
EXEC  
RET.  
2
Select  
/
(SETUP MENU) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
--  
:
--:--  
USB STREAM  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
EXEC  
RET.  
16  
 
Step 7: Inserting a cassette  
You can use mini DV  
(p. 77).  
cassettes only  
To eject the cassette  
Proceed with the same steps as you would  
when inserting a cassette tape.  
The recordable time varies depending on [REC  
MODE] (p. 45).  
1
Slide the OPEN/EJECT  
and open the lid.  
lever  
OPEN/EJECT  
lever  
Lid  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing up, then press  
.
Window-side  
Push the center of the back of the  
cassette lightly.  
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in. Do not force the cassette  
into the compartment. This may cause a  
malfunction.  
3
Close the lid.  
17  
 
Recording/Playback with ease  
(Easy Handycam)  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of  
Open the lens cover.  
the camera settings are automatically adjusted  
optimally, which frees you from detailed  
adjustment.  
B
Since only basic functions become available and  
screen font size increases for easy viewing, even  
first time users can enjoy easy operation.  
Go through the procedures described in steps 1 to  
7 (p. 8 to 17) before operation.  
A
C
D
Recording with ease  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to turn on the  
CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to  
OFF (CHG), slide it down while  
pressing the green button.  
.
2
3
Press EASY  
The EASY lamp  
lights up in blue.  
The message appears.  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
Start recording.  
Press REC START/STOP (or ).  
The indicator () changes [STBY] to [REC].  
To stop recording, press (or ) again.  
The picture is recorded in the SP mode (p. 45).  
60min  
REC 0:00:00  
A
FN  
18  
 
Playing back with ease  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction  
of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2
3
Press EASY .  
The EASY lamp  
lights up in blue.  
The message appears.  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
Start playing back.  
Touch  
, then touch  
to start playback.  
Stop  
A
C
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
Rewind/Fast forward  
B
To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY again.  
The EASY lamp turns off and all the settings are returned to the previous situation.  
• When you touch  
and MENU during Easy Handycam operation, only the available functions are  
displayed on the screen and the functions which don’t appear go back to the default setting (p. 33, 38).  
You can use the following functions during playback:  
– Playing the picture on a TV (p. 30)  
– Dubbing to other recording devices (p. 48)  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are not available:  
– BACK LIGHT  
– PHOTO  
• [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] appears if operations not available during Easy Handycam are  
attempted.  
19  
Recording  
LENS COVER  
PHOTO  
Slide the LENS COVER  
switch to OPEN.  
POWER switch  
REC START/  
STOP  
REC START/  
STOP  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to turn on the  
CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it  
down while pressing the green button.  
Start recording.  
Movies  
Still images  
Press REC START/STOP  
(or  
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to  
check the image (), then press it  
fully ().  
).  
A
Indicator appears  
CAPTURE  
A
B
The indicator () changes [STBY] to  
[REC].  
A shutter sound is heard, and the image  
is recorded with sound for 7 seconds.  
To stop movie recording  
Press REC START/STOP again.  
appears when the tape photo recording  
does not work.  
20  
 
Playback  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction  
of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the  
PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Start playing back.  
Touch  
, then touch  
to start playback.  
A
C
B
Stop  
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
Rewind/Fast forward  
Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
To adjust the volume  
Touch  
[PAGE1][VOL], then  
/
to adjust the volume.  
To search for a scene during playback  
Touch and hold  
/
during playback (Picture Search), or  
/
while fast  
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).  
You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 36).  
21  
 
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.  
focus is about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
1
You can set the [D ZOOM] in case you want to  
zoom to a level greater than 20 times (p. 42).  
2
3
To record in dark places (NightShot  
plus) ....................................  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch   
to ON. ( and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
appear.)  
5
6
7
4
The NightShot plus uses infrared light.  
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port   
with your fingers or other objects.  
qa  
qs  
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 33)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
Do not use these functions in bright places. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
8
9
To adjust the exposure for backlit  
subjects ................................  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
0
press BACK LIGHT to display . To  
cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
qd  
To adjust the focus for an off center  
subject (SPOT FOCUS) ...............  
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 33.  
Recording  
To fix the exposure for the selected  
subject (Flexible spot meter) .......  
See [SPOT METER] on page 33.  
To use zoom ...................... ,  
Move the power zoom lever slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
To record in mirror mode ............  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees  
towards the subject ().  
Wide range of view: (Wide angle)  
2
Close view: (Telephoto)  
1
You can also use the zoom buttons on the LCD  
panel . You cannot change the zoom speed  
with these buttons.  
• The minimum distance required between  
your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp  
22  
 
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
Other part names and functions  
Speaker  
Sounds come out from the speaker.  
To use a tripod ........................  
For how to adjust the volume, see page 21.  
REC lamp  
The REC lamp lights up in red during  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of  
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32  
inches)) to the tripod receptacle using a  
tripod screw.  
recording (p. 46).  
Remote sensor (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/  
HC22E)  
Point the Remote Commander (p. 28)  
towards the remote sensor to operate  
your camcorder.  
Playback  
To play back the images with added  
special effects.........................  
See [P EFFECT] on page 40.  
Internal stereo microphone  
Recording/Playback  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info) ..........................  
Set the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),  
then press DISP/BATT INFO . The  
battery information appears for about 7  
seconds. Keep the button pressed to view it  
for about 20 seconds.  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
BATTERY INFO  
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL  
0%  
50%  
100%  
REC TIME AVAILABLE  
LCD SCREEN : 64 min  
VIEWFINDER  
:
84 min  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
To turn off the operation confirmation  
beep ....................................  
See [BEEP] on page 46.  
To initialize the settings .............  
Press RESET to initialize all the  
settings, including the setting of the date  
and time.  
23  
 
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
Recording  
Viewing  
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
7
4
5
6
8
6
Remaining battery (approx.)  
Tape transport indicator  
Video operation buttons (19, 21)  
Recording mode (or ) (45)  
Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
Time code (hour: minute: second:  
frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute:  
second)/Tape photo recording (20)  
Recording capacity of the tape  
(approx.) (45)  
Function button (32)  
Data code during playback  
The date/time data and the camera setting  
data will be recorded automatically.  
They do not appear on the LCD panel  
or viewfinder during recording, but you  
can check them as [DATA CODE] during  
playback (p. 36).  
24  
 
( ) is a reference page.  
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
PROGRAM AE (40)  
The following indicator is displayed if  
you change the setting during recording or  
playing.  
Picture effect (40)  
White balance (34)  
Wide select (42)  
SteadyShot off (42)  
Panel off (34)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 15) to check the  
function of each indicator that appears on the  
LCD screen.  
+
FN  
/
E D I T  
Bottom  
Center  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
AUDIO MODE (45)  
FLASH MODE (41)/  
FLASH LVL (41)  
Upper right  
Indicator  
Meaning  
DV input (49)  
Zero set memory (28)  
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Self-timer recording (35)  
NightShot plus (22)  
Warning (74)  
  
Bottom  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Flexible spot meter (33)/  
Manual exposure (34)  
Manual focus (33)  
Backlight (22)  
25  
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights  
up.  
2
3
4
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
Searching for the last scene of the  
most recent recording (END SEARCH)  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not  
work once you eject the cassette after you  
have recorded on the tape.  
Select [ON] with  
touch [EXEC]   
/
, then  
.
Touch  
[PAGE1], then touch  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
[END SCH].  
60min  
0:00:00  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
EDIT  
FN  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
METER  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
5
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
Touch here again to cancel the operation.  
and release it at the point where  
you want the recording to start.  
The last scene of the most recent  
recording is played back for about 5  
seconds, and the camcorder enters the  
standby mode at the point where the last  
recording has finished.  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes (Rec review)  
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when  
there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
You can view a few seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
• When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up, you  
can do this operation.  
1
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
[PAGE1]   
Searching manually (EDIT  
SEARCH)  
You can search for the start point to start  
the next recording while viewing the  
pictures on the screen. The sound is not  
played back during the search.  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
1
Touch  
[MENU].  
[PAGE1]   
Select [ON] with  
/
, then  
26  
 
touch [EXEC]   
Touch  
.
5
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
FN  
The last few seconds of the most recently  
recorded scene are played back. Then, your  
camcorder is set to the standby.  
27  
Remote Commander  
(DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
23).  
Remove the insulation sheet before using  
the Remote Commander.  
• To change the battery, see page 83.  
Insulation sheet  
Searching quickly for a desired  
scene (Zero set memory)  
1
During playback, press ZERO  
6
SET MEMORY  
at a point you  
want to locate later on.  
7
8
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”  
1
and  
appears on the screen.  
60min  
0:00:00  
2
3
4
5
FN  
If the tape counter is not displayed,  
.
press DISPLAY  
9
2
3
Press STOP  
when you want to  
stop playback.  
PHOTO* (p. 20)  
The image displayed on the screen when you  
press this button will be recorded as a still  
image.  
.
Press REW  
The tape stops automatically when the  
tape counter reaches “0:00:00.”  
SEARCH M.*  
  *  
Video control buttons (Rewind,  
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,  
Slow) (p. 19, 21)  
.
4
Press PLAY  
Playback starts from the point  
designated “0:00:00” on the tape  
counter.  
ZERO SET MEMORY*  
Transmitter  
REC START/STOP (p. 18, 20)  
Power zoom (p. 22)  
• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds  
between the time code and the tape counter.  
• Zero set memory will not function correctly  
if there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
DISPLAY (p. 15)  
Press this button to hide the screen indicators.  
* These buttons are not available during Easy  
Handycam operation.  
• Point the Remote Commander towards the  
remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p.  
To cancel the operation  
Press ZERO SET MEMORY again.  
28  
 
Searching for a scene by date of  
recording (Date search)  
EDIT lamp.  
You can locate the point where the  
recording date changes.  
2
3
Press SEARCH M.  
to select  
[PHOTO SEARCH].  
1
Slide the POWER switch down  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
Press (previous)/(next)  
to select a photo.  
Each time you press or , your  
camcorder searches for the still image  
before or after the current point on the  
tape.  
to select  
2
3
Press SEARCH M.  
[DATE SEARCH].  
To cancel the operation  
Press (previous)/(next)  
to select a recording date.  
.
Press STOP  
• The Photo search will not function correctly  
if there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
Each time you press or , your  
camcorder searches for the previous  
or next date from the current point on  
the tape.  
Playing back still images in  
sequence (Photo scan)  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
30min  
DATE  
-01  
SEARCH  
You can locate still images one after  
another and display each image for 5  
seconds automatically.  
1
Slide the POWER switch down  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP  
.
• The Date search will not function correctly  
when there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
to select  
2
3
Press SEARCH M.  
[PHOTO SCAN].  
Searching for a still image  
(Photo search)  
.
Press (previous)/(next)  
Your camcorder can search for the still  
image automatically, regardless of the  
recording date.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP  
.
• The Photo scan will not function correctly  
if there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
1
Slide the POWER switch down  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
29  
 
Playing the picture on a TV  
Use any of the connection as shown in the following illustration. Connect your camcorder  
to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 9). Refer also to the  
instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
A/V OUT jack  
1
(Yellow) (White) (Red)  
IN  
VCRs or TVs  
2
: Signal flow  
the VCR to LINE.  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Connect to the input jack of the other device.  
When your TV is monaural (When  
your TV has only one audio input jack)  
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO  
(optional)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V  
connecting cable to the video input jack  
and connect the white (left channel) or the  
red (right channel) plug to the audio input  
jack of your TV or VCR.  
When connecting to another device via the  
S VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional),  
pictures can be reproduced more faithfully  
than with the supplied A/V cable connection.  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable  
(optional). In this case, the yellow (standard  
video) plug connection is not necessary.  
S VIDEO connection only will not output  
audio.  
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor  
(EUROCONNECTOR)  
You need the 21-pin adaptor to connect  
your camcorder to a TV for viewing  
recorded images. This output only adaptor  
is supplied with the DCR-HC22E model  
When your TV is connected to a VCR  
with the  
label on the bottom panel but  
not with DCR-HC17E/HC19E/HC21E  
models.  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN  
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on  
30  
 
TV/VCR  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
You can also connect the A/V connecting cable  
to the A/V OUT jack of your camcorder (p. 52),  
but do not connect the A/V connecting cables to  
both your camcorder and the Handycam Station  
at the same time. The image might be distorted.  
You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD] (p.  
46).  
31  
Using the menu items  
Follow the instructions below to use each of the items listed after this page.  
1
Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the respective lamp.  
[CAMERA] lamp: settings for recording on a tape  
[PLAY/EDIT] lamp: settings for viewing/editing  
2
Touch the LCD screen to select the item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
To use the operation buttons on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3  
For details of the button items, see page 33.  
Touch  
.
Touch the desired page.  
Touch the desired button.  
Select the desired setting, then touch  
• With some settings, you do not have to touch  
(Close).  
.
To use menu items  
For details of the items, see page 40.  
OTHERS  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
STBY  
OTHERS  
STBY  
OTHERS  
STBY  
STBY  
OFF  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
0
HR  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
P
EFFECT  
FLASH MODE  
FLASH LVL  
AUTO SHTR  
A.SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISP OUT  
A.SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISP OUT  
A.SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISP OUT  
REC LAMP  
REC LAMP  
ON  
OFF  
REC LAMP  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
Touch  
[MENU] on PAGE1.  
The menu index screen appears.  
Select the desired menu.  
Touch  
/
to select the item, then touch [EXEC]. (The process in step and is  
the same as that in step .)  
Select the desired item.  
Customize the item.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(Close) to hide the menu screen.  
Each touch of [ RET.] takes you to the previous screen.  
32  
 
Operation button items  
Available operation buttons vary depending  
on the position of the lamp and the display  
(PAGE).  
The default settings are marked with .  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
Keep touching  
(focusing on close  
subjects)/  
(focusing on distant  
subjects) until correct focus is achieved.  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
any closer, and appears when the focus  
cannot be adjusted farther away.  
The available functions during Easy  
Handycam operation are marked with *.  
See page 32 for details on selecting  
button items.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[
AUTO].  
• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving  
the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to  
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle)  
to adjust the zoom for recording. When you  
want to record a close subject, move the power  
zoom lever towards W (wide angle), then adjust  
the focus.  
When the CAMERA lamp lights  
up  
[PAGE1]  
SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter)  
SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
aim it at a subject not located in the center  
of the screen.  
You can adjust and fix the exposure  
to the subject, so that it is recorded in  
suitable brightness even when there is  
strong contrast between the subject and  
the background, such as subjects in the  
spotlight on stage.  
60min  
SPOT FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch here.  
60min  
SPOT METER  
STBY  
0:00:00  
AUTO  
OK  
Touch here.  
Touch the point where you want to focus  
on in the frame.  
AUTO  
OK  
appears.  
Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
The bar indicator appears.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[
AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [ AUTO].  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [ AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to  
[
AUTO].  
FOCUS  
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
You can adjust the focus manually. Select  
this when you want to focus on a certain  
subject intentionally.  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
See page 15.  
MENU*  
See page 38.  
Touch [MANUAL].  
appears.  
Continued   
33  
 
5 Touch the LCD screen while checking the  
display in the viewfinder.  
FADER  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
[EXPOSURE], etc. are displayed.  
6 Touch the button you want to set.  
[EXPOSURE] : Adjust with  
touch  
[FADER] : Touch it repeatedly to select a  
desired effect.  
/
, and  
Select the desired effect.  
Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
.
: The LCD screen lights up.  
To hide the buttons, touch  
.
To cancel the operation, touch [ OFF].  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
See page 26.  
Fading out  
Fading in  
WHITE FADER  
EXPOSURE  
You can fix the brightness of a picture  
manually. When recording indoors on  
a clear day, for instance, you can avoid  
backlight shadows on people next to the  
window by fixing the exposure to that of  
the wall side of the room.  
BLACK FADER  
60min  
AUTO  
STBY  
0:00:00  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
1
2
MOSAIC FADER  
EXPOSURE  
Touch [MANUAL].  
The bar indicator appears.  
Adjust the exposure by touching  
MONOTONE FADER  
/
.
When fading in, the picture gradually  
changes from black-and-white to color.  
When fading out, it gradually changes from  
color to black-and-white.  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [ AUTO].  
You can adjust [EXPOSURE] and [FADER]  
while using the viewfinder by having the LCD  
panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the  
screen facing out.  
[PAGE2]  
WHT BAL (White balance)  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
1 Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up.  
2 Close the LCD panel with the screen facing  
out.  
AUTO  
appears.  
The white balance is adjusted  
3 Touch  
.
automatically.  
4 Touch  
.
The LCD screen is turned off.  
34  
 
Touch  
appears.  
Touch  
Press REC START/STOP to record  
movies, or PHOTO to record still images.  
To cancel the count down during recording  
movies, press REC START/STOP.  
[PAGE2][SELF TIMER].  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is set to be appropriate  
for shooting outdoors or under daylight  
fluorescent light.  
.
INDOOR ()  
The white balance is set to the brightness  
of warm white fluorescent lamps.  
To cancel the self-timer, redo step  
• For DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E:  
.
ONE PUSH (  
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
)
You can also use the self-timer with the Remote  
Commander (p. 28).  
Touch [ONE PUSH].  
Frame a white object such as a piece of  
paper, to fill the screen under the same  
lighting conditions as you will shoot  
the subject.  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
Touch  
.
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored  
in the memory, the indicator stops  
flashing.  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
Do not shake your camcorder while  
is flashing quickly.  
flashes slowly if white balance  
could not be set.  
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp  
lights up  
You can use the video operation buttons  
) on every PAGE.  
If  
have touched  
AUTO].  
keeps flashing even after you  
(
/
/
/
, set [WHT BAL] to  
[
[PAGE1]  
MENU*  
• When you have changed the battery pack while  
AUTO] is selected, or you bring your  
[
camcorder outdoors from inside the house while  
using fixed exposure, select [ AUTO] and  
aim your camcorder at a nearby white object  
for about 10 seconds for better color balance  
adjustment.  
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change  
the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your  
camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or  
vice versa.  
See page 38.  
VOL* (Volume)  
See page 21.  
[VOLUME] is displayed during Easy  
Handycam operation.  
Set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]  
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
See page 26.  
The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you  
have the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
See page 15.  
SELF TIMER  
The self-timer starts recording after about  
10 seconds.  
Continued   
35  
 
[PAGE2]  
BURN VCD  
When your camcorder is connected to a  
personal computer, you can easily burn  
the picture recorded on the tape to a CD-R  
(Direct Access to Video CD Burn).  
For details, see “First Step Guide” stored  
on the supplied CD-ROM.  
DATA CODE*  
Displays information recorded  
automatically (data code) during recording.  
OFF  
Data code is not displayed.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
[PAGE3]  
CAM DATA (below)  
Displays camera setting data.  
V SPD PLAY  
(Various speed playback)  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
1
2
3
AUTO  
100 AWB  
Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
F1.  
8
9dB  
FN  
To  
Touch  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
6
5
4
(frame)  
SteadyShot off  
Exposure  
play back  
slowly**  
[SLOW]  
To reverse direction :  
(frame)   
White balance  
Gain  
[SLOW]  
Shutter speed  
Aperture value  
play back 2 times  
faster (double  
speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame)   
• In the DATE/TIME data display, the date and  
time are displayed in the same area. If you  
record a picture without setting the clock, [-- --  
----] and [--:--:--] will appear.  
(double speed)  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) during  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
frame playback.  
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,  
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This  
is not a malfunction.  
**Pictures output from the DV Interface  
cannot be played back smoothly in slow  
mode.  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
BURN DVD  
Touch [ RET.]   
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
frame playback).  
.
When your camcorder is connected to a  
Sony VAIO series personal computer, you  
can easily burn the picture recorded on the  
tape to a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD”). (p. 60)  
36  
 
You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
See page 50.  
REC CTRL (Recording control)  
See page 49.  
37  
 
Menu items  
Position of lamp:  
CAMERA  
PLAY/EDIT  
MANUAL SET menu (p. 40)  
×
×
×
×
PROGRAM AE  
P EFFECT  
FLASH MODE  
FLASH LVL  
AUTO SHTR  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 42)  
×
×
×
×
×
D ZOOM  
WIDE SEL  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
N.S.LIGHT  
PLAYER SET (DCR-HC17E/HC19E)/  
VCR SET menu (DCR-HC21E/HC22E) (p. 43)  
×
×
HiFi SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 44)  
LCD B.L.  
LCD COLOR  
VF B.L.  
WIDE DISP  
TAPE SET menu (p. 45)  
×
×
REC MODE (DCR-HC17E/HC19E)  
REC MODE (DCR-HC21E/HC22E)  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
SETUP MENU menu (p. 45)  
×
CLOCK SET*  
USB STREAM  
LANGUAGE*  
DEMO MODE  
38  
 
Available menu items () vary depending on the position of the lamp.  
*These functions are available during Easy Handycam operation.  
Position of lamp:  
CAMERA  
PLAY/EDIT  
OTHERS menu (p. 46)  
×
WORLD TIME  
BEEP*  
A.SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
DISP OUT  
REC LAMP  
39  
MANUAL SET menu  
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
appearing dark in strong light or reflected  
light, such as at a beach in midsummer or  
on a ski slope.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
SUNSETMOON**(  
)
PROGRAM AE  
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the PROGRAM AE  
function.  
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets, general night  
views or fireworks.  
AUTO  
LANDSCAPE**(  
)
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]  
function.  
SPOTLIGHT*(  
)
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.  
This setting also prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or metal mesh  
in windows that comes in between the  
camcorder and the subject.  
Select to prevent people's faces from  
appearing excessively white when subjects  
are lit by strong light.  
• Items with one asterisk (*) can be adjusted  
to focus on subjects only a short distance  
away. Items with two asterisks (**) can be  
adjusted to focus on subjects farther away.  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (  
)
P EFFECT (Picture effect)  
You can add special effects to a picture  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
OFF  
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.  
SPORTS* (Sports lesson) (  
)
NEG.ART  
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
BEACH&SKI*(  
)
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
B&W  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
Select to prevent people's faces from  
40  
 
SOLARIZE  
LOW  
Makes the flash level lower.  
• The setting returns to [NORMAL] when  
you disconnect the power source from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
AUTO SHTR (Auto shutter)  
PASTEL  
Automatically activates the electronic  
shutter to adjust the shutter speed when  
recording in bright conditions if you set it  
to ON (the default setting).  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.*  
MOSAIC  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.*  
* Not available during playback.  
• DCR-HC21E/HC22E:  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures  
edited with picture effects via the DV  
Interface.  
You can record pictures edited using effects on  
another tape (p. 48).  
FLASH MODE  
Note that these settings will not function  
with unsupported flashes.  
ON  
Flashes every time.  
AUTO  
Flashes automatically.  
FLASH LVL (Flash level)  
Note that these settings will not function  
with unsupported flashes.  
HIGH  
Makes the flash level higher.  
NORMAL  
41  
 
CAMERA SET menu  
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
16:9 WIDE (  
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
)
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder  
with [16:9 WIDE (  
)] selected.  
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
You can select the maximum zoom level  
in case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 20 × (the default setting) while  
recording on a tape. Note that the image  
quality decreases when you are using the  
digital zoom.  
When viewed on a standard  
TV**  
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the  
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
**Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture  
in the wide mode, it appears as you have seen  
on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone appears  
when you select the zooming level.  
STEADYSHOT  
OFF  
You can compensate for camera-  
shake (the default setting is [ON]). Set  
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when  
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion  
lens (optional).  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically.  
40 ×  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 40 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
EDITSEARCH  
OFF  
Does not display  
screen.  
640 × (DCR-HC17E)  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 640 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
/ – or + on the LCD  
ON  
Displays  
800 × (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
/ – and + on the LCD  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 800 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH  
function and Rec review (p. 26).  
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
WIDE SEL (Wide select)  
When using the NightShot plus (p. 22)  
function to record, you can record clearer  
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which  
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the  
default setting).  
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable  
for the screen on which it will be displayed.  
4:3  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
42  
 
PLAYER SET/  
VCR SET menu  
– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects.  
The PLAYER SET menu is for the DCR-  
HC17E/HC19E, and the VCR SET menu is  
for the DCR-HC21E/HC22E.  
• The maximum shooting distance using  
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you  
record subjects in dark places, such as night  
scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT] to  
[OFF]. You can make the image color deeper  
this way.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Hifi SOUND  
You can select whether to play back audio  
recorded using other devices with dual  
sound or stereo sound.  
STEREO  
Plays back with main and sub sound (or  
stereo sound).  
1
Plays back with main sound or the left  
channel sound.  
2
Plays back with sub sound or the right  
channel sound.  
You can play back, but cannot record a dual  
sound track cassette on your camcorder.  
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you  
have the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
AUDIO MIX  
See page 51.  
43  
 
LCD/VF SET menu  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
.
WIDE DISP (Wide display)  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder and the  
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to  
[16:9 WIDE ( )].  
LETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight.  
SQUEEZE  
Expands the picture vertically when black  
bands appear at the top and bottom of the  
screen in 16:9 aspect ratio.  
BRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
reduced by about 10 percent during recording.  
LCD COLOR  
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen  
with  
/
. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
Low intensity High intensity  
VF B.L. (Viewfinder brightness)  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder.  
BRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
reduced by about 10 percent during recording.  
44  
 
SETUP MENU  
TAPE SET menu  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
menu  
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE,  
etc.  
The default settings are marked with  
.
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
SP ()  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode  
on a cassette.  
CLOCK SET  
See page 16.  
LP ()  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
USB STREAM  
You can view the pictures displayed on the  
screen of your camcorder on your computer  
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See  
page 59.  
You can record about 510 images in the SP  
mode and about 765 images in the LP mode on  
a 60 minutes tape.  
• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like  
noise may appear or sound may be interrupted  
when you play back the tape on other  
camcorders or VCRs.  
LANGUAGE  
• When you mix recordings in the SP mode  
and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback  
picture may be distorted or the time code may  
not be written properly between the scenes.  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
You can select from English, Simplified  
English, Traditional-Chinese, Simplified-  
Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese,  
German, Dutch, Italian, Greek, Russian,  
Arabic, or Persian.  
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
AUDIO MODE  
12BIT  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
16BIT (  
)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo  
sound with high quality).  
DEMO MODE  
The default setting is [ON], allowing  
you to view the demonstration in about  
10 minutes, after you have removed a  
cassette from your camcorder, and slide  
the POWER switch down to turn on the  
CAMERA lamp.  
REMAIN  
AUTO  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.  
The demonstration will be suspended in  
situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the  
demonstration. (The demonstration starts  
again in about 10 minutes.)  
• When you touch  
(play/pause).  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA  
ON  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
– When NIGHTSHOT PLUS is set to ON.  
45  
 
OTHERS menu  
– WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc.  
the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 32 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
DISP OUT (Display output)  
LCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
WORLD TIME  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
V-OUT/LCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
/
, the clock will be adjusted in  
accordance with the time difference.  
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock  
returns to the originally set time.  
REC LAMP (Recording lamp)  
The camera recording lamp will not light  
up during recording when you set this to  
[OFF]. (The default setting is [ON].)  
BEEP  
ON  
A melody sounds when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
5 min  
The camcorder is automatically turned off  
when you do not operate your camcorder  
for more than approximately 5 minutes.  
NEVER  
The camcorder is not automatically turned  
off.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall  
socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to  
[NEVER].  
COMMANDER  
(DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
use the Remote Commander (p. 28).  
• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from  
responding to a command sent by another VCR  
remote control unit.  
• The setting returns to [ON] when you have  
46  
 
Connecting to a VCR or TV  
Use any of the connection as shown in the following illustration. Connect your camcorder  
to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 9). Refer also to the  
instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
1
A/V OUT jack  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
VCRs or TVs  
2
To i. LINK  
(IEEE1394) jack  
i.LINK compliant  
device  
3
DV Interface  
: Signal flow  
*For DCR-HC21E/HC22E:  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your  
camcorder to another device. The video  
and audio signals are transmitted digitally,  
producing high quality pictures.  
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO  
(optional)  
When connecting to another device via the  
S VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional),  
pictures can be reproduced more faithfully  
than with the supplied A/V cable connection.  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable  
(optional). In this case, the yellow (standard  
video) plug connection is not necessary.  
S VIDEO connection only will not output  
audio.  
Note that you cannot output the picture and  
sound separately.  
• For DCR-HC17E/HC19E:  
The DV Interface of your camcorder  
is designed for output use only. Your  
camcorder does not accept input data from  
the connected device.  
Continued   
47  
 
Dubbing to other recording  
devices  
You can copy the picture played back on  
your camcorder to other recording devices  
(such as VCRs).  
• For DCR-HC21E/HC22E:  
The DV Interface of your camcorder is  
designed for input/output use.  
When your TV is monaural (When  
1
2
Connect your VCR to your  
camcorder as a recording device.  
your TV has only one audio input jack)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V  
connecting cable to the video input jack  
and connect the white (left channel) or the  
red (right channel) plug to the audio input  
jack of your TV or VCR.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable (supplied), set [DISP OUT]  
to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 46) to prevent  
the screen display dubbed with pictures.  
See page 47 for details of connecting.  
• When using an A/V connecting cable,  
connect to the input jack of the other  
device.  
Prepare your VCR for recording.  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
When dubbing to the VCR, insert a  
cassette for recording.  
When dubbing to the DVD recorder,  
insert a DVD for recording.  
You can also connect the A/V connecting cable  
to the A/V OUT jack of your camcorder (p. 52),  
but do not connect the A/V connecting cables to  
both your camcorder and the Handycam Station  
at the same time. The image might be distorted.  
If your recording device has an input  
selector, set it to the input mode.  
3
4
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Start the playback on your  
camcorder, and record it on the  
VCR.  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
5
When the dubbing is finished,  
stop your camcorder and the  
VCR.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable (supplied), set [DISP OUT]  
to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 46) to prevent  
48  
 
Recording pictures from a  
VCR (DCR-HC21E/HC22E)  
the screen display dubbed with pictures.  
You can record pictures from a VCR on a  
tape. Insert a cassette for recording in your  
camcorder beforehand.  
• To record the date/time and camera settings  
data by using the A/V connecting cable, display  
them on the screen (p. 36).  
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
interface:  
– Titles that are recorded on other camcorder.  
– Indicators  
1
Connect your VCR to your  
camcorder.  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect.  
– [P EFFECT]  
See page 47 for details of connecting.  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture  
is paused on your camcorder while recording to  
a VCR.  
• The  
indicator appears when you  
connect your camcorder and other devices  
via an i.LINK cable.  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause mode.  
Touch  
[PAGE3][REC  
CTRL][REC PAUSE].  
4
5
Start playing the cassette on your  
VCR.  
The picture played on the connected  
device appears on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
Touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
6
7
Touch  
(stop).  
Touch [ RET.]  
.
49  
 
Dubbing sound to a  
recorded tape  
You can add sound to a tape already  
recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 45) without  
erasing the original sound.  
at the point where you want to  
start recording the sound.  
Internal microphone  
3
4
Touch  
[PAGE3] [A DUB  
CTRL] [AUDIO DUB].  
appears  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
RET.  
A
DUB CTRL  
AUDIO  
DUB  
You can record audio by using the internal  
microphone.  
You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape is recorded in the 16-bit mode  
(p. 45).  
– When the tape is recorded in the LP mode.  
– When the tape is recorded on another device  
with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC).  
– When the tape is recorded in a TV color  
system other than that of your camcorder.  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
Touch  
(play) and start  
playing back the audio you want  
to record at the same time.  
appears while recording the new  
sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the  
playback of the tape.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is  
set to SAVE.  
• When you add sound, the picture will not be  
output from the A/V OUT jack. Check the  
picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.  
5
6
Touch  
to stop recording.  
(stop) when you want  
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2  
to select scenes, then touch [AUDIO  
DUB].  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
Do not connect the A/V connecting cables to  
both your camcorder and the Handycam Station  
at the same time. The sound might be distorted.  
Touch [ RET.]   
.
Recording sound  
• For DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E:  
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
To set the end point for audio dubbing,  
press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote  
Commander at the scene at which you want  
to stop audio dubbing during playback  
beforehand. After step 2 to 4, the recording  
stops automatically at the selected scene.  
You can only record additional audio over a  
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound  
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a  
tape recorded on other camcorders (including  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Touch  
(play/pause) to play  
back the tape, then touch it again  
50  
 
other (DCR-HC17E/HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
camcorders).  
To check the recorded sound  
Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 21).  
Touch  
[PAGE1] [MENU].  
Select  
(PLAYER SET) for the DCR-  
HC17E/HC19E, or  
(VCR SET) for the  
DCR-HC21E/HC22E, then touch  
/
to select [AUDIO MIX], then touch  
[EXEC].  
VCR SET  
HiFi SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
ST1  
ST2  
EXEC  
RET.  
Touch  
/
to adjust the balance  
between the original sound (ST1) and the  
sound recorded afterwards (ST2), then  
touch [EXEC].  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
• The adjusted audio balance returns to the  
default setting in about 5 minutes after the  
battery pack or other power sources have been  
disconnected.  
51  
Jacks to connect external devices  
it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To  
remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and  
then press down and pull out the accessory.  
Camcorder  
1
(USB) jack (p. 53)  
DCR-HC17E/  
HC19E/HC21E  
For DCR-HC17E/HC19E:  
DV OUT Interface jack (p. 47, 60)  
2
3
For DCR-HC21E/HC22E:  
DV Interface jack (p. 47, 60)  
A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 30, 47)  
LANC jack (blue)  
• The LANC control jack is used for  
controlling the tape transport of video  
devices and peripherals connected to it.  
For DCR-HC22E:  
4
5
Interface connector  
DC IN jack (p. 9)  
(USB) ON/OFF switch  
• Set this to ON to use the USB connection.  
Bottom  
6
7
Handycam Station (DCR-HC22E)  
6
4
7
3
2
8
Accessory shoe  
• Remove the shoe cover when you use an  
accessory.  
• The accessory shoe has a safety device for  
fixing the installed accessory securely. To  
connect an accessory, press down and push  
52  
 
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on  
your computer  
When you install the Picture Package  
software on a Windows computer from  
the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the  
following operations by connecting your  
camcorder to your computer.  
still images from pictures saved on your  
computer and easily create a short original  
video or slide show with added music and  
visual styles.  
Automatic Music Video Producer  
You can easily create a short original video  
with added music and visual styles using  
pictures recorded on a tape.  
• Software and features available for Macintosh  
computers differ from those available for  
Windows computers. For details, refer to  
chapter 6 of “First Step Guide” on CD-ROM.  
For “First Step Guide,” see the next section.  
Copying tape to Video CD  
You can import the entire contents of a tape  
to create a video CD as a backup.  
• There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to  
a computer.  
– USB cable  
This method is good for copying video and  
sound recorded on a tape to the computer.  
A USB cable is not supplied with the DCR-  
HC17E model. If necessary, buy a USB 2.0  
cable (Type A to Type B-mini.). A Sony  
product is recommended.  
Save the images on CD-R  
You can save pictures copied onto a  
computer to a CD-R.  
Burning Video CD  
– i.LINK cable  
This method is good for copying video and  
sound recorded on a tape. Image data is  
transferred in more clarity than with a USB  
cable.  
You can compose a video CD with a menu  
of videos and slide shows. ImageMixer  
VCD2 is compatible with high resolution  
still pictures.  
For details on connection, see “First Step  
Guide.”  
USB Streaming Tool  
You can view the picture your camcorder is  
playing back on tape or is currently seeing  
on a computer.  
Video Capturing Tool  
You can import the entire contents of a tape  
to a computer.  
• The CD-ROM (supplied) includes the following  
software.  
– USB Driver  
– “First Step Guide”  
– ImageMixer VCD2  
– Picture Package Ver.1.5  
Viewing video and pictures on a  
computer  
You can view the pictures copied from your  
camcorder by selecting from thumbnails.  
Still images and movies are saved in  
folders by date.  
Music Video/Slideshow Producer  
You can select your favorite movies and  
Continued   
53  
 
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This  
product is based on DirectX technology.  
It is necessary to have DirectX  
installed.)  
About “First Step Guide”  
“First Step Guide” is an instruction manual  
you can refer to on your computer.  
This “First Step Guide” describes basic  
operations, from initial hookup of your  
camcorder and computer and making  
settings, to general operation the first time  
you use the software stored on the CD-  
ROM (supplied). After installing the CD-  
ROM, reading “Installing the software and  
“First Step Guide” on a computer” (p. 55),  
start the “First Step Guide,” then follow the  
instructions.  
Windows Media Player 7.0 or later  
Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or later  
Sound system: 16 bit stereo sound card  
and stereo speakers  
Memory: 64 MB or more  
Hard disk: Available memory required for  
installation: 500 MB or more  
Available free hard disk space  
recommended: 6 GB or more  
(depending on the size of the image  
files edited)  
About the help function of the  
software  
Display: 4 MB VRAM video card,  
Minimum 800 × 600 dots, High  
color (16 bit color, 65 000 colors),  
DirectDraw display driver capability  
(This product will not operate correctly  
at less than 800 × 600 dots, and less  
than 256 colors.)  
The Help guide explains all the functions  
of all the software applications. Refer to the  
Help guide for further detailed operations  
after reading the “First Step Guide”  
thoroughly. To display the Help guide,  
click the [?] mark on the screen.  
Others: USB port (This must be provided  
as standard), DV Interface (IEEE1394,  
i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK  
cable), disc drive (You need a CD-R  
drive to create a video CD.  
System requirements  
For the compatible drive, visit the  
follog URL:  
http://www.ppackage.com/)  
For Windows users  
When using Picture Package  
OS: Microsoft Windows 98, Windows  
98SE, Windows 2000 Professional,  
Windows Millennium Edition,  
Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
For Macintosh users  
When using ImageMixer VCD2  
OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.5 or later)  
CPU: iMac, eMac, iBook, PowerBook,  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above  
OS has been upgraded.  
In Windows 98, USB Streaming is not  
supported.  
PowerMac G3/G4/G5 series  
Memory: 128 MB or more  
Hard disk: Available memory required for  
installation 250 MB or more  
Available free hard disk space  
recommended: 4 GB or more  
(depending on the size of the image  
files edited)  
In Windows 98 and Windows 98SE, DV  
capturing is not supported.  
CPU: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or faster  
(800 MHz or faster recommended) (For  
using ImageMixer VCD2, Intel Pentium  
III 800 MHz or faster recommended)  
Display: Minimum 1 024 × 768 dots,  
32 000 colors (This product will not  
54  
 
Installing the software and  
“First Step Guide” on a  
computer  
operate correctly at less than 1 024 ×  
768 dots or 256 colors.)  
Application: QuickTime 4 or later  
You need to install the software etc., with  
the supplied CD-ROM on your computer  
before connecting your camcorder  
and your computer. Once you install it, the  
installation is not required thereafter.  
The software to be used varies depending  
on the OS system you are using.  
Windows computer: Picture Package  
(including ImageMixer VCD2)  
Macintosh computer: ImageMixer VCD2  
For the details on the software, refer to  
“First Step Guide.”  
(QuickTime 5 recommended)  
Other: Disc drive  
• When you connect your camcorder to a  
Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you  
cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the  
computer. To copy recordings from a tape,  
connect your camcorder to the computer with  
an i.LINK cable and use the standard software  
in the OS.  
Installing on a Windows  
computer  
Log on as Administrators for installation  
for Windows 2000/Windows XP.  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3
Place the CD-ROM in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
If the screen does not appear  
Double-click [My Computer].  
Continued   
55  
 
Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE]  
agreement] when you agree, then  
click [Next].  
(Disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
4
Click [Install].  
8
9
Select where to save the  
software, then click [Next].  
Depending on the OS on the computer,  
a message appears notifying you that  
“First Step Guide” cannot be installed  
automatically with the InstallShield  
Wizard. In such a case, manually copy  
“First Step Guide” to your computer  
according to the message instructions.  
Click [Install] on the [Ready to  
Install the Program] screen.  
5
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
The installation of Picture Package  
starts.  
10  
Select the language for “First  
Step Guide” to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
6
7
Click [Next].  
Depending on the computer, this screen  
may not be displayed. In such a case,  
skip to step 12.  
Read [License Agreement], check  
[I accept the terms of the license  
56  
Click [Finish].  
11  
Click [Next] to install the “First  
Step Guide.”  
14  
Make sure [Yes, I want to restart  
my computer now.] is checked,  
then click [Finish].  
12  
Click [Next], then follow the  
on-screen instructions to install  
ImageMixer VCD2.  
The computer turns off once, then starts  
up again automatically (Restart). The  
short-cut icons for [Picture Package  
Menu] and [Picture Package Menu  
destination Folder] (and “First Step  
Guide,” if installed by steps 11-12)  
appear on the desktop.  
13  
If the [Installing Microsoft (R)  
DirectX(R)] screen is displayed,  
follow the steps below to install  
DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step  
14.  
Read [License Agreement], then click  
[Next].  
15  
Remove the CD-ROM from the  
disc drive of your computer.  
Click [Next].  
• If you have any questions about Picture  
Continued   
57  
Package, contact information is listed on page  
59.  
screen is displayed, enter your  
name and password.  
The installation of ImageMixer VCD2  
starts.  
Installing on a Macintosh  
computer  
For details on how to use ImageMixer VCD2,  
refer to the software’s on-line help.  
1
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
2
3
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
Place the CD-ROM in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
4
5
Double-click CD-ROM icon.  
Copy [FirstSetupGuide.pdf],  
stored in the desired language  
in the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to  
your computer.  
6
7
Then, install ImageMixer VCD2.  
Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC]  
folder of the CD-ROM to a folder  
of your choice.  
8
9
Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the  
folder it was copied to.  
Double-click the unzipped  
[ImageMixerVCD2_Install].  
10  
When the user acceptance  
58  
 
Viewing “First Step Guide”  
Displaying “First Step Guide”  
Starting up on a Windows computer  
For inquires about this software  
Pixela User Support Center  
Viewing with Microsoft Internet Explorer  
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.  
Pixela Home Page  
North America (Los Angeles) Telephone:  
+1-213-341-0163  
Double-click the  
icon on the desktop.  
Europe (U.K.) Telephone:  
+44-1489-564-764  
Asia (Philippines) Telephone:  
+63-2-438-0090  
On Copyrights  
You can also start by selecting [Start],  
[Programs] ([All Programs] for  
Windows XP), [Picture Package], and  
[First Step Guide], then start up [First  
Step Guide].  
Music works, sound recording or other  
third party musical contents you may  
acquire from CDs, the Internet or other  
sources (the “Music Contents”) are the  
copyrighted work of the respective owners  
thereof and are protected by copyright laws  
and other applicable laws of each country/  
region. Except to the extent expressly  
permitted by applicable laws, you are  
not permitted to use (including,  
without limitation, copying, modifying,  
reproducing, uploading, transmitting or  
placing to the external network accessible  
to the public,transferring, distributing,  
lending, licensing, selling and publishing)  
any of the Music Contents without  
obtaining authorization or approval of  
the respective owners thereof. License  
of Picture Package by Sony Corporation  
would not be construed as conferring to  
you by implication, estoppel or otherwise,  
any license or right to use the Music  
Contents.  
• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without  
using automatic installation, copy the desired  
language folder from the [FirstStepGuide]  
folder on the CD-ROM, and then double-click  
“index.html.”  
• Refer to “FirstStepGuide.pdf” in the following  
cases:  
– When printing “First Step Guide”  
– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed  
correctly due to the browser setting even in  
recommended environment.  
– When the HTML version of “First Step  
Guide” is not installed automatically.  
Starting up on a Macintosh computer  
Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf”.  
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is  
needed. If it is not installed on your  
computer, you can download it from the  
Adobe Systems web page:  
59  
 
Creating a DVD (Direct  
Access to “Click to DVD”)  
operation. You cannot use a USB cable.  
*Note that you need a Sony VAIO  
computer equipped with a DVD drive  
that can be used to write DVDs. You also  
need the computer with “Click to DVD  
Ver.1.2” (Sony original software) or later  
installed.  
You can create DVDs when you connect  
your camcorder to a Sony VAIO series  
computer* that supports “Click to DVD”  
via an i.LINK cable (optional). The picture  
is automatically copied and written to a  
DVD.  
The following procedures describe how  
to create a DVD from a picture recorded  
on a tape. For system and operation  
requirements, visit the following URL:  
Using the Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD” function for the first time  
The Direct Access to “Click to DVD”  
function enables you to copy pictures  
recorded on a tape to a DVD easily if your  
camcorder is connected to a computer.  
Before operating the Direct Access to  
“Click to DVD” function, follow the steps  
below to start “Click to DVD Automatic  
Mode Launcher.”  
Europe  
USA  
dvimag/  
Asia Pacific Regional  
Korea  
Turn on the computer.  
Click the start menu, then select [All  
Programs].  
Taiwan  
Select [Click to DVD] from the programs  
displayed, then click [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher].  
China  
Thailand  
Latin America  
[Click to DVD Automatic Mode  
Launcher] starts up.  
• After you start up [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher] once, from  
then on it starts up automatically when  
you turn on your computer.  
• [Click to DVD Automatic Mode  
Launcher] is set up for each Windows XP  
user.  
to i.LINK (IEEE1394)  
connector  
1
2
Turn on the computer.  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
to DV Interface  
Quit all applications running with an  
i.LINK.  
Prepare the power source for  
your camcorder, then slide the  
POWER switch down to turn on  
the PLAY/ EDIT lamp.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the  
You can only use an i.LINK cable for this  
60  
 
power source since it takes a few hours  
to create a DVD.  
converted to the MPEG2 format.  
WRITING: The picture is being written  
onto the DVD.  
• If you use a DVD-RW/+RW which has  
other data stored on it, the message [This  
is a recorded disc. Delete and overwrite?]  
appears on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder. When you touch [EXEC], the  
existing data is erased and new data is  
written.  
3
4
Insert a recorded cassette into  
your camcorder.  
Connect your camcorder to a  
computer via an i.LINK cable  
(optional) (p. 52, 60).  
8
Touch [ END] to finish creating  
a DVD.  
When you connect your camcorder to  
a computer, make sure you insert the  
connector in the correct direction. If you  
insert the connector forcibly, it may be  
damaged, and causes a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
BURN DVD  
COMPLETED  
C r e a t e a n o t h e r  
c o p y ?  
D i s c t r a y  
o p e n s .  
For details, see “First Step Guide.”  
EXEC  
END  
5
Touch  
DVD]   
[PAGE2] [BURN  
.
The disc tray comes out automatically.  
To create another DVD with the same  
content, touch [EXEC].  
The disc tray comes out. Place a new  
writable DVD in the disc drive. Then,  
repeat step 7 and 8.  
“Click to DVD” starts up and the  
on-screen instructions appear on your  
computer.  
6
7
Place a writable DVD in the disc  
drive of the computer.  
To cancel the operation  
Touch [CANCEL] on the LCD screen on  
your camcorder.  
Touch [EXEC] on the screen of  
your camcorder.  
You cannot cancel the operation after  
[Finalizing DVD.] is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
60min  
BURN DVD  
START  
0:00:00:00  
CREATE DVD?  
• Do not disconnect the i.LINK cable or set  
the POWER switch to another mode on your  
camcorder until the picture is completely copied  
to the computer.  
CAN-  
CEL  
EXEC  
• When [CONVERTING] or [WRITING] is  
displayed on the screen, capturing of pictures  
has already finished. Even if you disconnect  
the i.LINK cable or turn off the camcorder at  
this stage, DVD creation will continue on your  
computer.  
The status of the operation on your  
computer is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
CAPTURING: The picture recorded  
on the tape is being copied to the  
computer.  
CONVERTING: The picture is being  
Continued   
61  
• When any of the following occurs, copying of  
the picture is canceled. A DVD containing the  
data up to the point the operation was canceled  
is created. Refer to the help files of “Click to  
DVD Automatic Mode Launcher” for details.  
– When there is a blank portion of 10 seconds  
or longer on the tape.  
– When the data of the tape contains a date  
before the recording date of the later images.  
– When normal and wide size pictures are  
recorded on the same tape.  
You cannot operate your camcorder in the  
following situations:  
– While playing back a tape  
– When “Click to DVD” is started up from the  
computer  
62  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot  
the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer.  
Overall operations/Easy Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
• The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the camcorder.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder.  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall socket (p. 9).  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 9).  
The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery pack, then reconnect  
it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not work, press the RESET button (p. 23)  
using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button, all settings including the clock  
setting are reset.)  
You cannot turn Easy Handycam operation on.  
• During recording or communicating with another device via USB cable, you cannot turn  
Easy Handycam operation on.  
Settings change during Easy Handycam operation.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the  
screen return to their defaults. Previously made settings are restored when you cancel the  
Easy Handycam operation.  
[DEMO MODE] does not start.  
You cannot view the demonstration when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to ON.  
• Eject the cassette from your camcorder (p. 17).  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not a malfunction.  
Batteries/Power sources  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the  
camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF]  
(p. 46), or turn on the power again, or use the AC adapter.  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 9).  
Continued   
63  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG) (p. 9).  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9).  
• No power is supplied from the wall socket. (p. 9).  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 9).  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 9).  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem persists, disconnect the  
AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be  
damaged.  
The power turns off frequently although the remaining battery time indicator  
indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate.  
• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the battery pack has not  
been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again to correct the indication (p. 9).  
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.  
• The temperature of the environment is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been  
charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new  
one. It may be damaged (p. 9, 78).  
• The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use. When you open  
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.  
The battery pack is quickly discharged.  
• The temperature of the environment is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been  
charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new  
one. It may be damaged (p. 9, 78).  
A problem occurs when the camcorder is connected to the AC Adaptor.  
• Turn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket. Then, connect it  
again.  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
A blurry pattern appears on the LCD screen when you touch it.  
• This is not a malfunction. Do not touch the screen strongly.  
64  
An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.  
• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 45). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette to  
cancel [DEMO MODE].  
An unknown indicator appears on the screen.  
• Refer to the indicator list (p. 74).  
The picture remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery  
pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.  
The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.  
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander  
supplied with the DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E) (p. 15).  
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.  
• Adjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 82).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Use the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens (p. 14).  
The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.  
• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is  
open (p. 14).  
Cassette tapes  
The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 9).  
• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 10).  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 9).  
The cassette is not ejected even when the cassette lid is open.  
• Moisture condensation is starting in your camcorder (p. 81).  
The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a  
cassette with Cassette Memory.  
• This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear.  
Continued   
65  
The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAIN] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 45).  
Recording  
Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 66).  
The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA lamp (p. 18, 20).  
• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.  
• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 77).  
• The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave  
your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 81).  
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene  
to the next.  
• Note the following.  
– Perform END SEARCH (p. 26).  
– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be recorded continuously without a break  
even when you turn the power off.)  
– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.  
– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.  
The shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.  
• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 46).  
The external flash (optional) does not work.  
• The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly.  
• Two or more flashes are attached. Only one external flash can be attached.  
[END SCH] does not work.  
• The cassette was ejected after recording (p. 26).  
• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.  
[END SCH] does not work correctly.  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
Adjusting the image during recording  
Refer also to “Menu” (p. 69).  
66  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [ AUTO] (p. 33).  
• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 33).  
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 42).  
The BACK LIGHT function does not function.  
• The BACK LIGHT function is canceled when you set [EXPOSURE] to [MANUAL] (p. 34)  
or select [SPOT METER] (p. 33).  
• The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation.  
A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark.  
• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is too high. This is  
not a malfunction.  
A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject.  
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.  
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22).  
The picture appears too bright on the screen, and the subject does not appear  
on the screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22).  
• Cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 22).  
Flickering or changes in color occurs.  
• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORTS]. Cancel [PROGRAM AE] in this case (p. 40).  
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 42).  
Playback  
You cannot play back the tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• Rewind the tape (p. 21).  
Continued   
67  
 
Horizontal lines appear on the picture.The displayed pictures are not clear or  
do not appear.  
Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 82).  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
Set [HiFi SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 43).  
Turn up the volume (p. 21).  
Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 51).  
When you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V  
connecting cable are connected as well (p. 30).  
The sound breaks off.  
Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 82).  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.  
A blank section on the tape is being played.  
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.  
Noises appear and  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is  
not a malfunction (p. 77).  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded on another device with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC  
REC). Your camcorder is not compatible with 4ch microphone recording.  
Date Search does not work correctly. (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the  
point where the recording date changes.  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
Remote Commander (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
The supplied Remote Commander does not function.  
• Set [COMMANDER] to [ON] (p. 46).  
• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.  
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead  
lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly.  
• Insert a new battery. Insert a battery into the battery holder with the +/– polarities correctly  
matching the +/– marks. (p. 83).  
68  
 
Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.  
• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR  
with black paper.  
Menu  
Menu items are grayed out.  
You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.  
You cannot use [SPOT METER].  
You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with NightShot plus.  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [ AUTO].  
You cannot use [EXPOSURE].  
You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with NightShot plus.  
You cannot use [WHT BAL].  
You cannot use [WHT BAL] when you use NightShot plus.  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to ON.  
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
The picture, which is outputted from your camcorder, is not displayed on the  
screen of the device connected to the camcorder.  
• Close the DC IN jack cover of your camcorder and insert it into the Handycam Station  
securely, all the way to the bottom when you connect the camcorder to the Handycam station  
(p. 10).  
Time code and other information appears in the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p. 46).  
You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.  
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (p. 46).  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting  
Continued 69  
 
cable is connected to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from your  
camcorder.  
New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard.  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 51).  
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly. (DCR-HC21E/  
HC22E)  
• The input signal is not PAL.  
The picture appears distorted or dark. (DCR-HC22E)  
• A/V connecting cables are connected to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station.  
Disconnect one of the A/V connecting cables.  
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch on the Handycam Station to ON.  
• For DCR-HC22E:  
Connect the Handycam Station to the camcorder securely.  
• Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the  
computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect  
them again correctly.  
An error message appears when you place the supplied CD-ROM in your  
computer.  
• Set the computer display as follows:  
– Windows: 800 × 600 dots or more, High Color (16 bits, 65 000 colors) or more  
– Macintosh: 1 024 × 768 dots or more, 32 000 colors or more  
You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA lamp, set [USB STREAM] to [ON]  
(p. 45). (Only when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable)  
You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp, set [USB STREAM] to  
70  
[ON] (p. 45). (Only when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable)  
The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when  
using the USB cable.  
• The USB driver has been registered incorrectly as the computer was connected to your  
camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Follow the procedure  
below to install the USB driver correctly.  
For Windows 98/Windows 98SE/Windows Me  
When copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the operation is not  
guaranteed on Windows 98.  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
3 Click the [Device Manager] tab.  
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Remove] to delete  
them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape  
– [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controllers] folder  
– [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
– [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder  
5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].  
6 Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable, then restart the  
computer.  
7 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
8 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Audio Device], [USB Device] and [USB  
Composite Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
For Windows 2000  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
3 Click the [Hardware] tab [Device Manager] [View] [Devices by type].  
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
Continued   
71  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape  
– [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder  
– [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controller] folder  
– [Composite USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].  
6 Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable, then restart the  
computer.  
7 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive.  
8 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device] and  
[Composite USB Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
For Windows XP  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Click [Start].  
3 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
4 Click and choose the [Hardware] tab [Device Manager] [View] [Devices by  
type].  
5 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape  
– [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder  
– [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controller] folder  
– [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
6 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].  
7 Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable, then restart the  
computer.  
8 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
9 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
72  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device] and  
[USB Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
There is no sound when the camcorder is connected to the Windows computer  
via a USB cable.  
• Change the settings for your computer environment as described in the following  
procedures:  
1 Select [Start][Programs]([All Programs] for Windows XP)[Picture Package]  
[Handycam Tools][USB Streaming Tool].  
2 Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen.  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].  
Sound is not supported on Windows 98.  
The movie is not smooth during USB streaming.  
• Change the settings as described in the following procedures:  
1 Select [Start][Programs]( [All Programs] for Windows XP)[Picture Package]  
[Handycam Tools][USB Streaming Tool].  
2 Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video quality].  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].  
Picture Package does not function correctly.  
• Close Picture Package, then restart the computer.  
An error message appears while operating Picture Package.  
• Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder to turn on  
another lamp.  
The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in  
Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker.  
• For compatible drives, visit the following URL:  
“First Step Guide” is not displayed correctly.  
• Follow the procedure below and refer to “First Step Guide” (FirstStepGuide.pdf).  
1 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
2 Double-click [My Computer].  
3 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
4 Click [Explorer].  
5 Double-click [FirstStepGuide].  
6 Double-click the desired language folder.  
7 Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf.”  
73  
Warning indicators and messages  
environment, or battery conditions,  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or  
in the viewfinder, check the following.  
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself.  
If the problem persists even after you have  
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony  
dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
(Moisture condensation warning)*  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 81).  
(Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
C:(or E:) :(Self-diagnosis  
display)  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
C:04:  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 78).  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 77).*  
C:21:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 81).  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
(Eject cassette warning)*  
C:22:  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 82).  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 77).  
C:31:/ C:32:  
• Symptoms that are not described above  
have occurred. Remove and insert the  
cassette, then operate your camcorder  
again. Do not perform this procedure if  
moisture starts to condense (p. 81).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect  
it again and operate your camcorder  
again.  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred (p.  
81).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 74).  
(Warning indicator pertaining to the  
external flash)  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET (p.  
23), and operate your camcorder again.  
Slow flashing:  
• Still charging  
E:61:/ E:62:  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
Fast flashing:  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 74).*  
• There is something wrong with the  
flash.  
(Battery level warning)  
The battery pack is nearly used up.  
Depending on the operating,  
74  
 
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 46).  
The tape has reached the end.  
• Rewind or change the tape.  
Description of warning  
messages  
Flash  
If messages appear on the screen, follow  
the instructions.  
Charging… Cannot record still  
images.  
Battery  
You are trying to record a still image  
while charging the flash (optional).  
Use the “ InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
(p. 78)  
Others  
Battery level is low.  
Cannot record due to copyright  
protection. (p. 77)  
• Change the battery (p. 9, 78)  
Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 78)  
Cannot add audio. (p. 50)  
Re-attach the power source. (p. 9)  
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the  
i.LINK cable. (p. 50)  
Moisture condensation  
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 50)  
  
Moisture condensation. Eject the  
cassette. (p. 81)  
Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 50)  
Moisture condensation.Turn off  
for 1H. (p. 81)  
Cannot add audio on the blank  
portion of a tape. (p. 50)  
Cassette/Tape  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
Insert a cassette. (p. 17)  
cassette. (p. 82)  
Reinsert the cassette.  
Cannot start Easy Handycam /  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam. (p.  
63)  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
  
The tape is locked - check the  
tab. (p. 77)  
Cannot start Easy Handycam with  
USB connected  
Continued   
75  
You cannot start the Easy Handycam  
settings while the USB cable is  
connected. Disconnect the USB cable  
from your camcorder first.  
USB invalid during Easy Handycam  
You cannot connect the USB cable  
during Easy Handycam. Touch  
.
HDV recorded tape. Cannot  
playback.  
Your camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Play back the tape with the  
equipment that recorded it.  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add  
audio.  
Your camcorder does not allow you  
to add audio on a section of a tape  
recorded in HDV format.  
Disconnect one AV cable.  
• A/V connecting cables are connected to  
both the camcorder and the Handycam  
Station. Disconnect one of them.  
• When the A/V connecting cable is  
connected only to your camcorder,  
your camcorder is not attached to the  
Handycam Station correctly. Attach the  
Handycam Station correctly.  
76  
Using your camcorder  
abroad  
Usable cassette tapes  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Power supply  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
You can use your camcorder in any  
countries/regions using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.  
is a trademark.  
Your camcorder is not compatible with  
cassettes with Cassette Memory.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is a PAL system-based  
camcorder. If you want to view the  
playback picture on a TV, it must be a PAL  
system based TV (see the following list)  
with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
made on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
END SEARCH (p. 26) before you begin  
the next recording in the following cases:  
You have played back the tape.  
You have used EDIT SEARCH.  
System  
Used in  
Copyright signal  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America,  
Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,  
Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,  
Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
When you play back  
If the cassette you play back on your  
camcorder contains copyright signals, you  
cannot copy it to a tape in another video  
camera connected to your camcorder.  
For DCR-HC21E/HC22E:  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
When you record  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright control  
signals for copyright protection of  
software. [Cannot record due to copyright  
protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or  
on the viewfinder if you try to record such  
software. Your camcorder does not record  
copyright control signals on the tape when  
it records.  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New  
Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore, Slovak  
Republic, Spain, Sweden,  
Switzerland, Thailand, United  
Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M  
PAL - N  
SECAM  
Brazil  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
Notes on use  
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to the local  
time by setting a time difference when  
using your camcorder abroad. Select  
[WORLD TIME] in the  
(OTHERS)  
menu, then set the time difference (p. 46).  
Continued   
77  
 
About the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack  
This unit is compatible with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot  
be recorded (write-  
protected).  
REC  
SAVE  
“InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
When labeling the cassette  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
Be sure to place the label only on  
the locations shown in the following  
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction  
of your camcorder.  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related  
to operating conditions between your  
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/  
charger.  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), the  
remaining battery time and charging time  
appear.  
Labeling position  
After using the cassette  
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid  
distortion of the picture or the sound. The  
cassette should then be put in its case, and  
stored in an upright position.  
When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10°C to 30°C  
(50°F to 86°F) until the CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside  
of this temperature range, you may not be able  
to charge it efficiently.  
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector  
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after  
every 10 times it has been ejected.  
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette  
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape  
indicator may not be indicated correctly.  
• After charging is complete, disconnect the  
cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder,  
remove the battery pack, remove your  
camcorder from the Handycam Station supplied  
with the DCR-HC22E.  
Gold-plated connector  
To use the battery pack effectively  
• Battery pack performance decreases when the  
surrounding temperature is 10°C (50°F) or  
below, and the length of time you can use the  
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do  
one of the following to use the battery pack for  
a longer time.  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,  
78  
 
until the power goes off (p. 46).  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
About battery life  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FP50/  
FP70/FP90 (optional).  
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity  
drops little by little as you use it more and  
more, and as time passes. When the available  
battery time is shortened considerably, a  
probable cause is that the battery pack has  
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new  
battery pack.  
• The battery life varies depending on how it  
is stored and the operating conditions and  
environment for each battery pack.  
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster. We  
recommend using a large capacity battery pack:  
NP-FP50/FP70/FP90 (optional).  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF  
(CHG) when not recording or playing back  
on your camcorder. The battery pack is also  
consumed when your camcorder is in recording  
standby or playback pause.  
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or  
three times the expected recording time, and  
make trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates  
that the battery pack has enough power to  
operate, charge the battery pack fully again.  
The indication on the remaining battery time  
will be indicated correctly. Note, however,  
that the battery indication will not be restored  
if it is used in high temperatures for a long  
time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when  
the battery pack is frequently used. Use the  
remaining battery time indication as a guide to  
the approximate shooting time.  
• The mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature and  
environment.  
About storage of the battery pack  
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on  
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function. To store the battery pack, remove it  
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool  
place.  
• To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to  
[NEVER] on the  
(OTHERS) menu and  
leave your camcorder in tape recording standby  
79  
 
About i.LINK  
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-  
compliant DV Interface. This section  
describes the i.LINK standard and its  
features.  
The baud rate is listed under  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
The maximum baud rate for a device that  
does not have any indication (such as this  
unit) is “S100.”  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a  
device with a different maximum baud rate.  
What is i.LINK?  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio,  
and other data to other i.LINK-compatible  
devices. You can also control other devices  
using the i.LINK.  
i.LINK-compatible devices can be  
connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible  
applications are operations and data  
transactions with various digital AV  
devices.  
When two or more i.LINK-compatible  
devices are connected to this unit in a daisy  
chain, operations and data transactions are  
possible with not only the device that this  
unit is connected to but also with other  
devices via the directly connected device.  
Note, however, that the method of  
operation sometimes varies according to  
the characteristics and specifications of the  
device to be connected. Also, operations  
and data transactions may not be possible  
on some connected devices.  
* What is Mbps?  
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,”  
or the amount of data that can be sent or  
received in one second. For example, a  
baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100  
megabits of data can be sent in one second.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video devices having a  
DV Interface, see page 48.  
This unit can also be connected to other  
i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices  
made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal  
computer) as well as to video devices.  
Before connecting this unit to your  
computer, make sure that application  
software supported by this unit is already  
installed on your computer.  
Normally, only one device can be connected  
to this unit with the i.LINK cable. When  
connecting this unit to an i.LINK-compatible  
device having two or more DV Interfaces, refer  
to the operating instructions of the device to be  
connected.  
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,  
such as Digital Televisions, DVD  
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are  
not compatible with DV devices. Before  
connecting to other devices, be sure to  
confirm whether the device is compatible  
with a DV device or not. For details on  
precautions and compatible application  
software, refer also to the operating  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE  
1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and  
is a trademark approved by many corporations.  
IEEE 1394 is an international standard  
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and  
Electronics Engineers.  
About the i.LINK Baud rate  
i.LINK's maximum baud rate varies  
according to the device. There are three  
types.  
About the required i.LINK cable  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
80  
 
Maintenance and  
precautions  
On use and care  
DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E and button-type  
battery out of children's reach. If the battery  
is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor  
immediately.  
• 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.  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. 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.  
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If  
sand or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
– 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.  
– Anywhere very humid.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 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.  
• 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.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such  
as hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
subject. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by  
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
Moisture condensation  
If your camcorder is brought directly from  
a cold place to a warm place, moisture may  
condense inside your camcorder, on the  
surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this  
state, the tape may stick to the head drum  
and be damaged or your camcorder may  
not operate correctly. If there is moisture  
inside your camcorder, [Moisture  
condensation. Eject the cassette.] or [  
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]  
appears. The indicator will not appear  
when the moisture condenses on the lens.  
If moisture condensation has occurred  
None of the functions except cassette  
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn  
off your camcorder, and leave it for about  
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your  
camcorder can be used again if or   
does not appear when the power is turned  
on again.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF (CHG)  
when you are not using your camcorder.  
If moisture starts to condense, your  
camcorder sometimes cannot detect  
condensation. If this happens, the cassette  
is sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds  
after the cassette lid is opened. This is not  
a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid  
until the cassette is ejected.  
• 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 mains lead, pull it by  
the plug and not the lead.  
• Do not damage the mains lead such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
• Keep the Remote Commander supplied with the  
Continued   
81  
 
service facility to have the video head replaced.  
Note on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring  
your camcorder from a cold place into a  
warm place (or vice versa) or when you use  
your camcorder in a humid place as shown  
below.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• When you bring your camcorder from an  
air conditioned car or room into a hot place  
outside.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or  
a shower.  
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.  
To clean the LCD screen  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft  
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD  
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the  
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.  
Use cleaning paper moistened with the  
liquid.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
How to prevent moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a  
cold place into a warm place, put your  
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it  
tightly. Remove the bag when the air  
temperature inside the plastic bag has  
reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about one hour).  
On adjustment of the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION)  
The buttons on the touch panel may not  
work correctly. If this happens, follow the  
procedure below. It is recommended you  
connect your camcorder to the wall socket  
using the supplied AC Adaptor during the  
operation.  
Video head  
• When the video head becomes dirty, you cannot  
record pictures normally, or distorted picture or  
sound is played back.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-  
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF  
(CHG).  
Eject the cassette from your camcorder,  
then disconnect any connecting cables  
except the AC Adaptor from your  
camcorder or the Handycam Station  
supplied with the DCR-HC22E.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp while pressing  
DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder,  
then press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for  
about 5 seconds.  
Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the  
like.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound  
breaks off.  
– [Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.]  
appears on the screen during recording.  
[Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.]  
appears on the screen during playback.  
• The video head suffers from wear after long  
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even  
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be  
because the video head is worn. Please contact  
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
82  
 
The position of the “×” changes. If you did  
not press the right spot, start from step  
again.  
charged, the camcorder operation will not  
be affected as long as you are not recording  
the date.  
You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall socket  
using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it  
with the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG)  
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 and  
insecticide.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
To change the battery of the Remote  
Commander (DCR-HC19E/HC21E/  
HC22E)  
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  
Remote Commander until it clicks.  
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.  
Tab  
– 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.  
WARNING  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.  
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above. It is recommended that you  
operate your camcorder about once a month to  
keep it in optimum state for a long time.  
Caution  
Danger of explosion if battery is  
incorrectly replaced. Replace only with  
the same or equivalent type recommended  
by the manufacturer.  
To charge the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
Discard used batteries according to the  
manufacturer’s instructions.  
rechargeable battery to retain the date,  
time, and other settings even when the  
POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG).  
The pre-installed rechargeable battery  
is always charged while you are using  
your camcorder but it will get discharged  
gradually if you do not use your camcorder.  
The rechargeable battery will be fully  
discharged in about 3 months if you do not  
use your camcorder at all. However, even if  
the pre-installed rechargeable battery is not  
• A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used  
in the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries  
other than the CR2025.  
• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the  
operating distance of the Remote Commander  
may shorten, or the 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.  
83  
 
Using the Strap Belt  
Attaching the  
Shoulder Strap  
(DCR-HC19E/HC21E/  
HC22E)  
as a wrist strap  
This is useful for carrying your camcorder.  
1
Open the hook and loop fastener  
of the hand pad () and remove  
it from the ring ().  
You can attach the Shoulder Strap to the  
hook for the Shoulder Strap.  
Hand pad  
2
Move the hand pad fully to the  
right (), then close the hook  
and loop fastener again ().  
2
1
3
Use the Strap Belt as a wrist  
strap as illustrated.  
84  
 
Specifications  
Input/Output connectors  
System  
Audio/Video  
output  
10-pin connector  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Video recording 2 rotary heads, Helical  
system  
scanning system  
Audio recording Rotary heads, PCM system  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p,  
75(ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p,  
75(ohms), unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at  
output impedance more than  
47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2  
k(kilohms)  
system  
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32  
kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits  
(Fs 48 kHz, stereo)  
Video signal  
PAL color, CCIR standards  
Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with the  
mark printed  
Tape speed  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
SP: 60 min  
LP: 90 min  
(using a DVM60 cassette)  
Recording/  
playback time  
USB jack  
(DCR-HC17E/  
HC19E/HC21E)  
mini-B  
Fast forward/  
rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s  
(using a DVM60 cassette)  
LANC jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5  
mm)  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder (black and  
white)  
DV input/output 4-pin connector  
(DCR-HC21E)  
DV output  
(DCR-HC17E/  
HC19E)  
4-pin connector  
Image device  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD  
(Charge Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 800 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): Approx.  
400 000 pixels  
LCD screen  
Picture  
Lens  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
Combined power zoom lens  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
20 × (Optical), 640 × (Digital,  
DCR-HC17E), 800 × (Digital,  
DCR-HC19E/HC21E/HC22E)  
F=1.8 - 3.1  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Total dot number 123 200 (560 ×220)  
General  
f=2.3 - 46 mm(3/32 - 1 13/16  
in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm  
still camera  
In CAMERA:  
44 - 880 mm (1 3/4 - 34 1/32  
in.)  
Power  
requirements  
Average power  
consumption  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
During camera recording using  
the viewfinder 1.9 W  
During camera recording using  
the LCD 2.4 W  
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)  
Operating  
temperature  
Storage  
temperature  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
Mass (approx.)  
Color temperature [AUTO], [ONE PUSH],  
[INDOOR] (3 200 K),  
-20°C to + 60°C (-4°F to +  
140°F)  
54.7 × 90.0 × 111.7 mm (2 1/4  
× 3 5/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
400 g (14 oz) main unit only  
460 g (1 lb) including the  
NP-FP30 rechargeable battery  
pack and DVM60 cassette.  
[OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum  
illumination  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.8) 0 lx (lux)  
(during NightShot plus  
function)*1  
*1 Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can  
be shot with infrared lighting.  
Supplied  
See page 8.  
accessories  
Continued   
85  
 
Design and specifications are subject to  
change without notice.  
Handycam Station DCRA-C122 (DCR-  
HC22E)  
Audio/Video  
output  
10-pin connector  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Types of differences  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p,  
75(ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p,  
75(ohms), unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at  
output impedance more than  
47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2  
k(kilohms)  
DCR-HC  
17E  
19E  
OUT  
OUT  
DV Interface  
Remote sensor  
Handycam Station  
DCR-HC  
21E  
IN/OUT  
22E  
IN/OUT  
DV Interface  
Remote sensor  
Handycam Station  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV input /output 4-pin connector  
Provided  
— Not provided  
AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B  
Power  
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
requirements  
Current  
consumption  
Power  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
18W  
consumption  
Output voltage  
DC8.4V*2  
Operating  
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)  
temperature  
Storage  
temperature  
-20°C to + 60°C (-4°F to +  
140°F)  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 ×  
1 1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/d)  
excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the  
mains lead  
*2 See the label on the AC Adaptor for other  
specifications.  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FP30)  
Maximum output DC8.4V  
voltage  
Output voltage  
Capacity  
DC7.2V  
3.6 Wh (500 mAh)  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm  
(1 5/16× 3/4 × 1 13/16 in)  
(w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
40 g (1.5 oz)  
Operating  
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)  
temperature  
Type  
Lithium ion  
86  
Index  
Pre-installed  
rechargeable battery...... 83  
Fixing the exposure.............. 22  
FLASH LVL (Flash level).... 41  
FLASH MODE.................... 41  
FN (Function) button ..... 24, 32  
FOCUS........................... 33, 67  
Frame-by-frame playback.... 36  
Full charge ........................... 10  
Numeric  
21-pin adaptor...................... 30  
Charging time....................... 11  
CHG (charge) lamp.............. 10  
CLOCK SET........................ 16  
COMMANDER................... 46  
Computer.............................. 55  
Connect  
A
A/V connecting cable  
.................................. 30, 47, 52  
Accessory shoe..................... 52  
AC Adaptor............................ 8  
AUDIO MIX........................ 50  
AUDIO MODE.................... 45  
Computer ...................... 53  
TV........................... 30, 47  
G
Getting started............ 8, 55, 59  
AUTO SHTR  
(Auto shutter)....................... 41  
D
H
DATA CODE ....................... 36  
Date search........................... 29  
DATE/TIME......................... 36  
DC IN jack............................. 9  
DC plug.................................. 9  
DEMO MODE..................... 45  
Display indicators ................ 24  
A DUB CTRL  
(Audio dubbing).................. 37  
Handycam Station.................. 9  
Hand pad.............................. 84  
Help...................................... 54  
Hifi SOUND......................... 43  
Holding the camcorder......... 13  
A.SHUT OFF  
(Auto shut off )..................... 46  
B
BACK LIGHT................ 22, 67  
I
Battery  
DISP/BATT INFO button  
........................................ 15, 23  
Icon ...... See Display indicators  
Battery Info................... 23  
Battery pack.................... 9  
Remaining battery......... 23  
BEACH&SKI....................... 40  
BEEP.................................... 46  
BLACK FADER .................. 34  
BURN DVD......................... 36  
BURN VCD......................... 36  
B&W.................................... 40  
INDOOR.............................. 35  
DISP GUIDE  
(Display Guide).................... 15  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack...................................... 78  
DISP OUT  
(Display output) ................... 46  
Infrared port ......................... 22  
Initialize (Reset)................... 23  
Install.................................... 55  
Insulation sheet .................... 28  
Internal microphone............. 23  
i.LINK.................................. 80  
Double speed playback ........ 36  
Dubbing................................ 48  
DV Interface............. 47, 52, 60  
D ZOOM (Digital zoom) ..... 42  
E
C
EASY button........................ 18  
Easy Handycam ................... 18  
EDITSEARCH............... 26, 42  
J
CALIBRATION  
Jack ...................................... 52  
(Calibration)......................... 82  
CAMERA SET menu .......... 42  
CAM DATA ......................... 36  
Cassette .......................... 17, 77  
Insert/Eject.................... 17  
END SCH  
(END SEARCH).................. 26  
L
Label .................................... 78  
LANC jack........................... 52  
LANDSCAPE...................... 40  
LANGUAGE........................ 45  
LCD/VF SET menu ............. 44  
EXPOSURE................... 34, 69  
CD-ROM.............................. 53  
Charging the battery............... 9  
Battery pack.................... 9  
F
FADER................................. 34  
First Step Guide ............. 53, 59  
Continued  
87  
LCD B.L.  
(LCD back light).................. 44  
Movie  
REC MODE  
(Recording mode)......... 45  
POWER switch .................... 13  
PROGRAM AE.............. 40, 69  
PUSH button ........................ 10  
P EFFECT (Picture effect)... 40  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)....... 35  
LCD COLOR....................... 44  
LCD panel............................ 14  
N
LCD B.L. (LCD back  
light).............................. 44  
NEG.ART............................. 40  
R
NightShot plus ..................... 22  
Rechargeable battery............ 83  
Recording............................. 20  
Recording capacity......... 24, 45  
Recording time..................... 11  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
...................................... 35  
NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
.............................................. 22  
LCD COLOR................ 44  
LCD screen .......................... 15  
LCD screen back light ... 14, 35  
LENS COVER ..................... 20  
Lid........................................ 17  
Lithium battery..................... 83  
LP (Long Play)..................... 45  
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
.............................................. 42  
REC CTRL  
(Recording control).............. 49  
NTSC ............................. 68, 77  
REC LAMP  
(Recording lamp) ................. 46  
O
ONE PUSH.......................... 35  
OPEN/EJECT lever.............. 17  
Operation button .................. 32  
REC MODE  
(Recording mode) ................ 45  
Rec review............................ 26  
REC START/STOP.............. 20  
REMAIN.............................. 45  
Remaining battery.......... 24, 79  
Remote Commander ............ 28  
Remote sensor...................... 23  
RESET button ...................... 23  
Reversal Playback................ 36  
M
Operation confirmation beep  
..................................See BEEP  
Macintosh....................... 54, 58  
Mains lead........................ 8, 10  
Maintenance......................... 81  
Main sound........................... 43  
MANUAL SET menu .......... 40  
Menu .................................... 32  
CAMERA SET menu... 42  
LCD/VF SET menu...... 44  
MANUAL SET menu... 40  
Menu items ................... 38  
OTHERS menu............. 46  
PLAYER SET menu..... 43  
SETUP MENU menu ... 45  
TAPE SET menu........... 45  
Using the menu............. 32  
VCR SET menu............ 43  
Mirror mode......................... 22  
Moisture condensation......... 81  
MONOTONE FADER......... 34  
MOSAIC.............................. 41  
MOSAIC FADER ................ 34  
OTHERS menu .................... 46  
OUTDOOR.......................... 35  
P
PAL ...................................... 77  
PASTEL ............................... 41  
PHOTO button ..................... 20  
Photo scan............................ 29  
Photo search......................... 29  
Picture Package.................... 55  
Picture Search ...................... 21  
Pixela user support center .... 59  
Playback............................... 21  
Double speed ................ 36  
S
Searching for the starting  
point ..................................... 26  
Self-diagnosis display.......... 74  
SELF TIMER....................... 35  
SEPIA .................................. 40  
Setting the date and time...... 16  
SETUP MENU menu........... 45  
Shoulder Strap...................... 84  
Skip Scan ............................. 21  
Slow Playback...................... 36  
Software............................... 55  
SOLARIZE .......................... 41  
SP (Standard Play)............... 45  
Speaker................................. 23  
Frame............................ 36  
Reverse ......................... 36  
Slow.............................. 36  
PLAYER SET menu ............ 43  
Playing time ......................... 11  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait)... 40  
88  
Specifications....................... 85  
SPORTS (Sports lesson) ...... 40  
SPOTLIGHT........................ 40  
SPOT FOCUS................ 33, 69  
Viewfinder............................ 14  
Brightness..................... 44  
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
lever...................................... 14  
Volume ................................. 21  
SPOT METER  
(Flexible spot meter)...... 33, 69  
V SPD PLAY  
(Various speed playback)..... 36  
Starting point........................ 26  
STEADYSHOT.............. 42, 67  
STEREO .............................. 43  
Strap Belt ............................. 84  
Sub sound............................. 43  
SUNSETMOON .................. 40  
System requirement ............. 54  
W
Wall socket............................. 9  
Warning indicators............... 74  
Warning messages................ 74  
WHITE FADER................... 34  
WHT BAL  
(White balance).............. 34, 69  
T
Wide angle ........................... 22  
Tape...................... See Cassette  
Tape counter......................... 24  
Tape photo recording ........... 20  
TAPE SET menu.................. 45  
Telephoto.............................. 22  
Time code............................. 24  
Touch panel.......................... 15  
Trademark............................ 90  
Transmitter........................... 28  
Tripod................................... 23  
TV .................................. 30, 47  
TV color systems ................. 77  
WIDE DISP  
(Wide display)...................... 44  
WIDE SEL  
(Wide select) ........................ 42  
Windows ........................ 54, 55  
WORLD TIME.................... 46  
Wrist strap............................ 84  
Write-protect tab.................. 77  
Z
Zero set memory .................. 28  
ZERO SET MEMORY  
button ................................... 28  
Zoom.................................... 22  
Zoom lever ........................... 22  
U
USB jack.............................. 52  
USB STREAM .................... 45  
USB Streaming .................... 45  
Using abroad........................ 77  
V
VCR SET menu ................... 43  
VF B.L.  
(Viewfinder brightness)........ 44  
Video head ........................... 82  
Video operation buttons  
.............................................. 21  
89  
• QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are  
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.  
• Roxio is a registered trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Toast is a trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Windows Media Player is a trademark of  
Microsoft Corporation.  
• Macromedia and Macromedia Flash Player  
are trademarks or registered trademarks of  
Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and other  
countries.  
On trademarks  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Picture Package is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
is a trademark.  
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark  
of Intel Corporation.  
• iMac, iBook, Macintosh, Mac OS, PowerBook  
and PowerMac are trademarks of Apple  
Computer, Inc in the U.S. and other countries.  
All other product names mentioned herein may  
be the trademarks or registered trademarks of  
their respective companies. Furthermore, TM and  
®” are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  
• eMac is trademark of Apple Computer, 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.  
90  
 
Printed on 100% recycled paper using  
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free  
vegetable oil based ink.  
Printed in Japan  

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