Sony Handycam DCR HC46E User Manual

2-659-814-11(1)  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
Getting Started  
8
Recording/  
Operating Guide  
Using the Menu 40  
Dubbing/Editing 67  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E  
Using a Computer 82  
Troubleshooting 95  
Additional Information 118  
© 2006 Sony Corporation  
Read this first  
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8  
feet).  
Before operating the unit, please read this  
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future  
reference.  
Notice  
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes  
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart  
the application or disconnect and connect the  
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.  
WARNING  
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do  
not expose the unit to rain or  
moisture.  
Disposal of Old Electrical  
& Electronic Equipment  
(Applicable in the  
European Union and other  
European countries with  
separate collection  
systems)  
CAUTION  
Replace the battery with the  
specified type only. Otherwise, fire  
or injury may result.  
This symbol on the product or on its packaging  
indicates that this product shall not be treated as  
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over  
to the applicable collection point for the recycling  
of electrical and electronic equipment. By  
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you  
will help prevent potential negative consequences  
for the environment and human health, which  
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste  
handling of this product. The recycling of  
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE  
UNITED KINGDOM  
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC  
ADAPTOR  
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted  
to this equipment for your safety and  
convenience.  
materials will help to conserve natural resources.  
For more detailed information about recycling of  
this product, please contact your local Civic  
Office, your household waste disposal service or  
the shop where you purchased the product.  
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be  
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied  
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362,  
(i.e., marked with  
or  
mark) must be used.  
Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander  
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a  
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse  
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the  
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the  
fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony  
service station.  
Notes on use  
Your camcorder is supplied with two  
kinds of operation guides.  
Operating Guide” (This manual)  
First Step Guide” for connecting the  
camcorder to a computer and using the  
supplied software (stored on the supplied  
CD-ROM)  
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE  
ATTENTION  
The electromagnetic fields at the specific  
frequencies may influence the picture and sound  
of this camcorder.  
This product has been tested and found compliant  
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for  
2
 
Types of cassette you can use in your  
camcorder  
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following parts.  
You can use mini DV cassettes marked  
with  
. Mini DV cassettes with  
Cassette Memory are incompatible (p. 118).  
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use  
in your camcorder  
There are two sizes of “Memory Stick.”  
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked  
Viewfinder  
Battery pack  
with  
or  
(p. 119).  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
(This size can be used with your  
camcorder.)  
LCD panel  
Shoe cover  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
“Memory Stick”  
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof  
or waterproof.  
See “Maintenance and precautions”  
(p. 124).  
• Before connecting your camcorder to  
another device with a USB or i.LINK  
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug  
the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid  
damaging the terminal, or cause a  
malfunction of your camcorder.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
• You cannot use any type of memory card  
except “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick  
PRO Duo” can be used only with  
“Memory Stick PRO” compatible  
equipment.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
Handycam Station holding both the  
Handycam Station and the DC plug.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
Be sure to slide the POWER switch to  
OFF (CHG) when you insert the  
camcorder into the Handycam Station or  
remove the camcorder from it.  
When using a “Memory Stick Duo”  
with “Memory Stick” compatible  
equipment  
Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo”  
into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.  
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor  
Continued ,  
3
 
Read this first (Continued)  
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.  
About menu items, LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
• 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.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
About 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  
appear different.  
• The on-screen displays in each local  
language are used for illustrating the  
operating procedures. Change the screen  
language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 65).  
• The illustrations used on this manual are  
based on the model DCR-HC96E. The  
model name is indicated on the bottom of  
your camcorder.  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
Black point  
White, red, blue  
or green point  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
• 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.  
• 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= 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  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
The lens for your camcorder is T -coated  
to suppress unwanted reflections and  
faithfully reproduce colors.  
4
Table of Contents  
Getting Started  
Changing the language setting .................................................................... 17  
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) .......................................... 17  
Step 6: Setting the date and time ...........................................................19  
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording picture  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E) .........................................22  
To use PB zoom  
Recording/playback  
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)  
To turn off the operation confirmation beep (BEEP)  
To use special effects  
To initialize the settings (RESET)  
Other part names and functions  
Continued ,  
5
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) ........................................................... 35  
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) ....................... 35  
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) .......................... 36  
Using the Menu  
CAMERA SET menu ........................................................................45  
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/  
MEMORY SET menu ......................................................................51  
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/  
PICT.APPLI. menu .........................................................................55  
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback  
EDIT/PLAY menu ........................................................................... 60  
Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/  
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/  
TIME/LANGU. menu .......................................................................65  
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo” .........................73  
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape .........................................................74  
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ......................76  
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information  
(Print mark/Image protection) .......................................................77  
6
Using a Computer  
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer ................85  
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) .................................90  
Troubleshooting  
Additional Information  
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ..................................................121  
About i.LINK .........................................................................................123  
Maintenance and precautions ..............................................................124  
Specifications .......................................................................................127  
Index .....................................................................................................133  
7
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
USB cable (1) (p. 78, 82)  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are  
not supplied. See page 3, 118, 119, for  
compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo”  
for your camcorder.  
Lens cap (1)  
(DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
(p. 14, 24, 26)  
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9)  
• To attach the lens cap  
Attach the lens cap to the metal fittings of the  
Grip belt, as illustrated below, using the strap.  
Mains lead (1) (p. 9)  
Handycam Station (1)  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
(p. 9)  
Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 9, 121)  
NP-FP30 (DCR-HC36E)  
NP-FP50 (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 36)  
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5.1” (1)  
21-pin adaptor (1)  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
(p. 39)  
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.  
For the models with the  
bottom surfaces only.  
mark printed on their  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 70, 93)  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
8
         
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
1
Align the terminals of the battery  
battery pack (P series) (p. 121) after  
attaching it to your camcorder.  
pack and your camcorder (1),  
then attach the battery pack and  
click it into place (2).  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
POWER switch  
2
DC IN jack  
1
Handycam  
Station  
DC plug  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to OFF  
(CHG) (The default setting).  
To the wall socket  
AC Adaptor  
Mains lead  
For DCR-HC36E:  
POWER switch  
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on the Handycam  
Station for the DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E or on your  
camcorder for the DCR-HC36E.  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
DC IN jack  
To the wall socket  
AC Adaptor  
Mains lead  
With the v mark facing up  
Continued ,  
9
                     
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)  
For DCR-HC36E:  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
• When inserting the camcorder into the  
Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack  
cover.  
With the v mark  
facing to the LCD  
screen  
For DCR-HC36E:  
Connect the mains lead to the AC  
Adaptor and the wall socket.  
DC IN jack  
CHG (charge) lamp  
4
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
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.  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
5
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
when the battery is fully charged.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the DC IN jack.  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
DC IN jack holding both the Handycam  
Station and the DC plug.  
/CHG  
(charge) lamp  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
CHG (charge) lamp  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
To charge the battery pack using only  
the AC Adaptor  
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.  
10  
   
To remove the battery pack  
POWER switch  
1 Slide the POWER switch to OFF  
(CHG). Hold down the V BATT  
(battery) release lever with one hand.  
With the v mark  
facing to the LCD  
screen  
2 Remove the battery in the direction of  
the arrow with the other hand.  
POWER switch  
DC IN jack  
AC Adaptor  
DC plug  
1
2
To the wall socket  
Mains lead  
VBATT (battery)  
release lever  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
To remove your camcorder from the  
Handycam Station  
Turn off the power, then remove the  
camcorder from the Handycam Station  
holding both your camcorder and the  
Handycam Station.  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 122).  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
Battery pack  
Charging time  
115  
1
NP-FP30*  
2
NP-FP50*  
125  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
155  
170  
220  
*1 supplied with DCR-HC36E  
*2 supplied with DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E  
For DCR-HC36E:  
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.  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
Continued ,  
11  
       
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)  
DCR-HC36E  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
NP-FP30 (supplied)  
85  
105  
40  
50  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
120  
150  
60  
75  
NP-FP50 (supplied)  
80  
90  
95  
45  
50  
50  
255  
310  
125  
155  
300  
370  
150  
185  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
175  
190  
200  
95  
105  
110  
455  
550  
225  
275  
205  
230  
235  
110  
125  
130  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
310  
345  
355  
170  
190  
195  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
NP-FP50 (supplied)  
100  
115  
115  
55  
65  
65  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
215  
240  
240  
120  
130  
130  
DCR-HC36E  
255  
290  
290  
140  
160  
160  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
385  
435  
435  
210  
240  
240  
NP-FP30 (supplied)  
NP-FP50  
90  
125  
265  
315  
475  
110  
160  
330  
395  
580  
NP-FP70  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
12  
 
DCR-HC44E/HC46E  
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.  
LCD panel  
opened*  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-FP50 (supplied)  
NP-FP70  
120  
255  
300  
455  
150  
310  
370  
550  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
* When the LCD backlight turns on.  
PRECAUTION  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
• 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.  
LCD panel  
Battery pack  
LCD panel  
closed  
opened*  
NP-FP50 (supplied)  
NP-FP70  
115  
240  
290  
435  
140  
295  
350  
525  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
* When the LCD backlight turns on.  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during  
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 31) 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 worn-out (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-HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E, even when the mains lead is  
disconnected from the wall socket.  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25°C  
(77°F). (10 - 30 °C (50 - 86°F) is  
recommended.)  
• 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.  
13  
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. 19).  
Lamps that light up  
CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape.  
CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
• After you have set the date and time  
([CLOCK SET], p. 19), the next time you  
turn on the power of your camcorder, the  
current date and time will be displayed on  
the LCD screen for a few seconds.  
POWER  
switch  
2
3
Hold the camcorder correctly.  
1
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly in the direction of the  
arrow to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
Remove the lens cap by pressing both  
knobs on the sides of the cap.  
Ensure a good grip, then fasten  
the Grip belt.  
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
The lens cover opens automatically  
when the POWER switch is set to  
CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-  
MEMORY.  
4
1
2
3
If the POWER  
switch is set to OFF  
(CHG), slide it while  
pressing the green  
button.  
14  
           
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
Attach the lens cap after turning off the  
power.  
• 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. 64).  
• If warning messages appear on the screen,  
follow the instructions (p. 114).  
15  
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder  
The LCD panel  
The viewfinder  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play (2).  
You can view pictures using the viewfinder  
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when  
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.  
DISP/BATT INFO  
Viewfinder  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
2
1
90 degrees to  
the camcorder  
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
lever  
Move it until the picture is  
90 degrees  
(max.)  
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.  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF  
B.LIGHT] (p. 62).  
• You can adjust the [FADER] and the  
[EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder  
(p. 56).  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
To turn off the LCD backlight to make  
the battery last longer  
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few  
seconds until  
appears.  
This setting is practical when you use your  
camcorder in bright conditions or where  
you want to save battery power. The  
recorded picture will not be affected by the  
setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press  
and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few  
seconds until  
disappears.  
• See [LCD/VF SET] - [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 62) to  
adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.  
16  
               
Step 5: Using the touch panel  
You can play back recorded pictures  
(p. 27), or change the settings (p. 40) using  
the touch panel.  
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Select the screen language in  
Place your hand on the rear side of  
the LCD panel to support it. Then,  
touch the buttons displayed on the  
screen.  
[LANGUAGE] on the  
(TIME/  
LANGU.) menu (p. 40, 65).  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display guide)  
DISP/BATT INFO  
DCR-HC36E/  
HC44E/HC46E  
DCR-HC94E/  
HC96E  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
indicator (p. 34) that appears on the LCD  
screen.  
1
Touch  
.
60min  
–:––:––  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU  
TELE  
MACRO  
EXPO-  
SURE  
1/3  
SPOT  
FOCUS  
FADER  
Touch the button on the LCD screen.  
Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam  
operation (p. 24).  
• 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.  
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work  
correctly, adjust the LCD screen  
2
Touch [DISP GUIDE].  
(CALIBRATION) (p. 125).  
• Dots in lines may appear on the LCD screen, but  
this is not a malfunction. These dots are not  
recorded.  
Select area for guide.  
DISP GUIDE  
END  
The indicators vary depending on the  
settings.  
To hide the screen indicators  
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the  
screen indicators (such as time code) on or  
off.  
Continued ,  
17  
             
Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued)  
3
Touch the area including the  
indicator that you want to check.  
DISP GUIDE  
END  
FOCUS:  
MANUAL  
PROGRAM AE:  
SPOTLIGHT  
STEADYSHOT:  
OFF  
1/2  
The meanings of the indicators in the  
area are listed on the screen. If you  
cannot find the indicator you want to  
check, touch  
/
to toggle.  
When you touch  
, the screen returns  
to the area selecting display.  
To finish the operation  
Touch [END].  
18  
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  
then touch  
/
,
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]  
screen appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder or change the POWER switch  
position.  
.
–:––:––  
CLOCK SET  
DATE  
2006  
• 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. 126).  
Y
1
M
1
D
0: 00  
OK  
4
Set [Y] (year) with  
touch  
/
, then  
.
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
–:––:––  
CLOCK SET  
DATE  
2006Y  
1
M
1
D
0: 00  
OK  
POWER switch  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
5
Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour  
and minute, then touch  
.
The clock starts.  
1
Touch  
t [MENU].  
60min  
–:––:––  
• The date and time are not displayed while  
recording, but they are automatically recorded  
on the tape, and can be displayed during  
playback (see page 63 for [DATA CODE]  
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
only [DATE/TIME])).  
CAMERA SET  
PROGRAM AE  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
OK  
2
Select  
with  
(TIME/LANGU.) menu  
, then touch  
/
.
60min  
–:––:––  
DISP OUTPUT  
MENU ROTATE  
A. SHUT OFF  
CLOCK SET  
––:––:––  
WORLD  
PROGRAM AE  
LANGUAGE  
OK  
19  
           
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick  
Duo”  
Cassette tape  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing outwards, then press  
.
You can use mini DV  
(p. 118).  
cassettes only  
• The recordable time varies depending on  
Push the center of the back  
of the cassette lightly.  
Window  
[
REC MODE] (p. 61).  
1
Slide and hold the  
EJECT lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
Cassette compartment  
The cassette compartment  
automatically slides back in.  
Do not force the cassette  
compartment closed by pressing the  
portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while  
it is sliding in. It may cause a  
malfunction.  
Lid  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
3
Close the lid.  
To eject the cassette  
Open the lid following the same procedure  
as described in Step 1 and remove the  
cassette.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your  
camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
20  
                 
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
Access lamp  
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo”  
marked with  
or  
(p. 119).  
• The number and time of recordable pictures  
varies depending on the image quality or the  
image size. For details, see page 52.  
1
2
Open the LCD panel.  
With the v mark facing to  
the LCD screen  
• If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into  
the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory  
Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot,  
or image data may be damaged.  
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”  
Lightly push in once and slide out the  
“Memory Stick Duo” alongside the  
camcorder body.  
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”  
into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot  
in the right direction until it clicks.  
• Do not remove the “Memory Stick Duo”  
forcibly with the fingers as it may be damaged.  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
Access lamp  
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your  
camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake  
or knock your camcorder, turn the power off,  
eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the  
battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be  
damaged.  
• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick  
Duo,” be careful that the “Memory Stick Duo”  
does not pop out and drop.  
With the v mark facing to  
the LCD screen  
21  
       
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3)  
of the recording picture (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E)  
• When viewing pictures recorded in 16:9 aspect  
ratio with [TV TYPE] set to [4:3], pictures may  
appear rough depending on the subject (p. 39).  
By recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode, you  
can enjoy wide-angle, high-quality pictures.  
• If you intend to view pictures on a wide TV,  
recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode is  
recommended.  
Recording a moving picture or still  
image on the “Memory Stick Duo”  
1 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA-  
MEMORY.  
The aspect ratio of the picture switches  
to 4:3.  
2 Press WIDE SELECT to select the  
desired screen aspect ratio.  
WIDE SELECT button POWER switch  
• If you record movies (MPEG MOVIE EX) in  
the 16:9 (wide) mode, black bands appear at the  
top and bottom of the picture when they are  
played back.  
• For the number of recordable pictures, see page  
52.  
Selecting the aspect ratio for  
recording movies on a tape  
Be sure to set the POWER switch to  
CAMERA-TAPE.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
Still images will be fixed to image size [0.7M]  
(
) in the 16:9 (wide) mode. In the 4:3  
mode, you can select up to [1.0M] (  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
).  
Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to  
select the desired screen aspect  
ratio.  
Still images will be fixed to image size [2.3M]  
) in the 16:9 (wide) mode. In the 4:3  
mode, you can select up to [3.0M] ( ).  
(
16:9*  
4:3*  
* When viewing on the LCD screen. It may be  
different in the viewfinder.  
• Differences in the angle of view between 4:3  
and 16:9 vary depending on the zoom position.  
• If you play back a picture on TV, set [TV  
TYPE] for playback in the aspect ratio of the  
TV (p. 39).  
22  
           
23  
RecordinEg/PalasybyackRecording/Playback (Easy Handycam)  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally  
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy  
viewing.  
A
E
DCR-HC36E/  
HC44E/HC46E  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
Remove the lens cap (p. 14).  
If the POWER switch is set  
to OFF (CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green  
button.  
DCR-HC94E/  
HC96E  
DCR-HC36E:  
D
F
B
C
Movies  
Still images (4:3)  
1
Slide the POWER  
switch E to turn on  
the CAMERA-TAPE  
lamp.  
1
Slide the POWER  
switch E to turn on  
theCAMERA-MEMORY  
lamp.  
2
3
Press EASY A.  
2
3
Press EASY A.  
appears on the screen B.  
appears on the screen B.  
2
Press REC START/STOP F (or  
C) to start recording.*  
Press PHOTO D to record.*  
1
3.0M  
30  
60min  
EASY  
60min EASY  
REC  
MENU  
MENU  
Flashing t Lit  
Press and hold lightly  
to adjust the focus.  
Press fully to record.  
The indicator changes [STBY] to [REC].  
To stop recording, press F again.  
When  
disappears, the image has  
been recorded.  
*1 Movies are recorded in SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.  
*2 Still images are recorded in [FINE] quality on a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
24  
                 
Playing back movies/still images  
Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the  
buttons on the screen B as follows.  
Movies  
Still images  
Touch  
, then touch  
Touch  
t
/
to start playback.  
to select a picture.  
A
C
B
C
A
MENU  
B
A Stop  
B Play/Pause toggles  
C Rewind/Fast forward  
A Tape playback  
B Previous/Next  
C Delete (p. 76)  
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY A again.  
disappears from the screen.  
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation  
Touch [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 41 for details on settings.  
• Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 42).  
is not displayed during Easy Handycam operation.  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Almost all  
the settings are returned to the previous status.  
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are unavailable, since the items  
are set automatically. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation.] may appear if operations  
not available during Easy Handycam are attempted.  
• BACK LIGHT button (p. 29)  
• PHOTO button (in the CAMERA-TAPE mode) (p. 26)  
• REC START/STOP button (in the CAMERA-MEMORY mode) (p. 26).  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Pressing and holding DISP/BATT INFO button (p. 16)  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
WIDE SELECT button (in the CAMERA-MEMORY mode) (p. 22)  
25  
   
Recording  
Lens cap (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap.  
Lens cover (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch.  
PHOTO  
DCR-HC36E:  
POWER switch  
REC START/STOP A  
REC START/STOP B  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the respective lamp to select a recording medium.  
If the POWER  
switch is set to OFF  
(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the  
green button.  
To record on a tape, light up the  
CAMERA-TAPE lamp.  
To record on a “Memory Stick Duo,”  
light up the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp.  
2
Start recording.  
Movies  
Still images  
Press REC START/STOP A (or  
B).  
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to  
adjust the focus (A), then press it  
fully (B).  
60min  
REC  
60min  
A
3.0M  
The indicator (A) changes [STBY]  
(tape only) to [REC].  
Flashing t Lit  
• The sound of a movie (MPEG MOVIE EX)  
recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” will be  
monaural.  
A shutter sound is heard. When  
disappears, the image has been recorded.  
To stop movie recording  
Press REC START/STOP again.  
To check the latest recording on a  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
• While recording movies on a tape, or while in  
standby mode, you can record a still image on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” by pressing PHOTO fully.  
Still images will be fixed to image size [0.2M]  
in 16:9 screen (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E), or [VGA (0.3M)] in 4:3 screen.  
Touch  
. To delete the picture, touch  
t [YES].  
26  
             
Playback  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2
Start playing back.  
Movies  
Still images  
On a Tape:  
Touch  
start playback.  
Touch  
.
, then touch  
to  
The most recently recorded image is  
displayed.  
A
B
C
A
C
P-MENU  
B
A Tape playback  
B Previous/Next  
C Index screen display  
• When a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted,  
touch to display is not  
A Stop  
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
• Playback automatically stops if pause is  
engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
.
C Rewind/Fast forward  
displayed when an inserted “Memory Stick  
Duo” contains no image data.  
On a “Memory Stick Duo”:  
Touch  
select a picture with , then  
touch  
t
/
to  
.
Touch  
. Touch one of the pictures to  
To adjust the volume  
back to the single display mode.  
Touch  
t [VOLUME], then  
/
to adjust the volume.  
• If you cannot find [VOLUME] in  
[MENU] (p. 40).  
, touch  
B
C
A
To search for a scene during playback  
Touch and hold  
playback (Picture Search), or  
while fast forwarding or rewinding the tape  
(Skip Scan).  
• You can play back in various modes ([  
SPD PB], p. 60).  
/
during  
A Previous/Next 6 pictures  
B The picture displayed before switching to  
the index screen.  
C Movie icon  
/
VAR.  
To view pictures in other folders, touch  
t
folder with  
(p. 55).  
t [PB FOLDER], select a  
To display pictures on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” on the Index screen  
/
, then touch  
27  
                 
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.  
2
Recording  
To use zoom ..................... 2 5  
Move the power zoom lever 2 slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
1
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)  
For DCR-HC36E:  
6
3
Close view: (Telephoto)  
5
4
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons 5 on the LCD frame.  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 50) if you  
want to zoom to a level greater than the  
following:  
6
3
– 20 × (DCR-HC36E)  
– 12 × (DCR-HC44E/HC46E)  
– 10 × (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power  
zoom lever may also be recorded.  
5
4
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
To use the flash (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
.......................................... 7  
6
7
8
Press (flash) repeatedly to select an  
appropriate setting.  
No indication (Auto flash):  
Automatically flashes when there is  
insufficient ambient light.  
r
(Forced flash): Always uses the flash  
regardless of the surrounding brightness.  
r
5
4
(No flash): Records without flash.  
28  
               
• The recommended distance to the subject when  
using the built-in flash is 0.3 to 2.5 m (1 to 8  
feet).  
• Remove any dust from the surface of the flash  
lamp before using it. Flash effect may be  
impaired if heat discoloration or dust obscures  
the lamp.  
• The NightShot and Super NightShot function  
use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the  
infrared port 1 with your fingers or other  
objects. Remove the conversion lens (optional)  
if it is attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
• The flash charge lamp flickers when charging  
the flash, and remains lit when the battery  
charge is complete (In the CAMERA-TAPE  
mode, it takes a while to fully charge the flash  
lamp).  
• If you use the flash in bright places such as  
when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may  
not be effective.  
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
To adjust the exposure for backlit  
subjects (BACK LIGHT).............. 6  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
press BACK LIGHT 6 to display .. To  
cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
• Attaching a conversion lens (optional) may  
create a shadow.  
• You can change the brightness of the flash by  
setting [FLASH LEVEL], or you can prevent  
the redeye by setting [REDEYE REDUC], in  
[FLASH SET] (p. 48).  
To adjust the focus for an off center  
subject (SPOT FOCUS) .............. 4  
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 47.  
To record in dark places (NightShot  
plus) (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
......................................... 3  
To fix the exposure for the selected  
subject (Flexible spot meter) ...... 4  
See [SPOT METER] on page 45.  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch 3 to  
ON. (  
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
appear.)  
• To record an image brighter, use Super  
NightShot plus function (p. 48).  
To record an image more faithful to the original  
colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 49).  
• The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus  
function use infrared light. Therefore, do not  
cover the infrared port 1 with your fingers or  
other objects. Remove the conversion lens  
(optional) if it is attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
To record in dark places (NightShot)  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)................ 8  
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch 8 to ON.  
(
and [“NIGHTSHOT”] appear.)  
• To record an image brighter, use Super  
NightShot function (p. 49).  
To record an image brighter in color in dim  
light, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 49).  
Continued ,  
29  
                           
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (Continued)  
To record in mirror mode........... qh  
Open the LCD panel qh 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side (2).  
9
q;  
2
qs  
qa  
1
For DCR-HC36E:  
qd  
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
qh  
2
To use a tripod ....................... qj  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the  
screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.))  
to the tripod receptacle qj using a tripod  
screw.  
5
4
qg qf  
To use a Shoulder belt .............. qs  
Attach the Shoulder belt (optional) to its  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
designated hook qs.  
qd  
qh  
2
Playback  
To play back the images in sequence  
(SLIDE SHOW)........................ 4  
See [SLIDE SHOW] on page 56.  
5
To use PB zoom ................. 2 5  
4
qg qf  
You can magnify pictures from about 1.1 to  
5 times the original size.  
Magnification can be adjusted with the  
power zoom lever 2 or the zoom buttons  
5 on the LCD frame.  
qj  
1 Play back the picture you want to  
magnify.  
2 Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).  
3 Touch the screen at the point you want  
to display in the center of the displayed  
frame.  
4 Adjust the magnification with W (Wide  
angle)/T (Telephoto).  
30  
                     
Other part names and functions  
I Remote sensor  
To cancel, touch [END].  
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons 5 on the LCD frame.  
Point the Remote Commander (p. 36)  
towards the remote sensor to operate  
your camcorder.  
Recording/playback  
J Recording lamp (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
The recording lamp lights up in red  
during recording (p. 64).  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info)......................... qd  
• The recording lamp flashes if the remaining  
tape or battery power is low.  
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then  
press DISP/BATT INFO qd. The battery  
information appears for about 7 seconds.  
You can view the battery information for up  
to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT  
INFO again while the battery information is  
displayed.  
K Internal stereo microphone  
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
An Active Interface Shoe compatible  
microphone will take precedence when  
connected (p. 74).  
O Speaker  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
Playback sound come out from the  
speaker.  
• For how to adjust the volume, see page 27.  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
To turn off the operation confirmation  
beep (BEEP).......................... 4  
See [BEEP] on page 64.  
To use special effects .............. 4  
See  
(PICT.APPLI.) menu on page 55.  
To initialize the settings  
(RESET) ............................... qf  
Press RESET qf to initialize all the  
settings, including the setting of the date  
and time.  
(Menu items customized on Personal Menu  
are not initialized.)  
31  
                               
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
Recording movies  
Recording still images  
In the CAMERA-TAPE mode  
1
2
3
4
5
8
1
90  
qa  
60min  
101  
FINE  
3.0M  
11  
P-MENU  
6
7
qs 7  
A Remaining battery (approx.)  
H Recording folder (55)  
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (61)  
I Image size (22, 52) (DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
J Quality (  
or  
) (52)  
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:  
minute: second)  
K “Memory Stick Duo” indicator and the  
number of images that can be recorded  
(approx.)  
Playback: Tape counter (hour: minute:  
second)/Time code (hour: minute:  
second: frame)  
L Review button (26)  
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)  
Data code during recording  
(64)  
The date/time during recording and the  
camera setting data will be recorded  
automatically. They do not appear on the  
screen during recording, but you can check  
them as [DATA CODE] during playback  
(p. 63).  
F END SEARCH/EDIT SEARCH/Rec  
review display switch button (35)  
G Personal Menu button (40)  
In the CAMERA-MEMORY mode  
B
C
A
D
E
A Recording folder (55)  
B Estimated recordable time  
C Movie size (54)  
D Recording start indicator  
(appears for about 5 seconds)  
E Review button (26)  
32  
                     
( ) is a reference page.  
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.  
Viewing movies  
On a tape  
Viewing still images  
1
2
qd  
4
5
1
qg 9  
qh qj  
3.0M  
MEMORY PLAY  
qk  
ql  
wdwf  
w;  
wa  
ws  
7
qf  
M Tape transport indicator  
7
O Data file name  
N Video operation buttons (27)  
P Picture number/Total number of  
recorded pictures in the current  
playback folder  
On a “Memory Stick Duo”  
Q Playback folder (55)  
D
E
R Previous/Next folder icon  
0:00:00  
A
The following indicators appear when the first  
or last picture of the current folder is  
B
displayed and when there are multiple folders  
on the same “Memory Stick Duo.”  
F
Touch  
folder.  
to move to the previous  
:
C
Touch  
to move to the next folder.  
:
:
A Data file name  
Touch  
/
to move to either  
B Play/Pause button (27)  
C Previous/Next image button (27)  
D Image size (54)  
E Playing time  
F Previous/Next scene button  
A movie file will be divided into a maximum  
of 60 scenes. The number of scenes divided  
depends on the length of the movie. After  
selecting a scene from which to start the  
the previous or the next folder.  
S Image delete button (76)  
T Tape playback select button (27)  
U Previous/Next image button (27)  
V Index screen display button (27)  
W Image protection mark (77)  
X Print mark (77)  
playback, touch  
to play back.  
Continued ,  
33  
         
( ) is a reference page.  
Indicators displayed during  
recording/playback (Continued)  
Center  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Night Shot/NightShot  
plus (29)  
You can use the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 17) to  
check the function of each indicator that  
appears on the LCD screen.  
• Some of the indicators may not appear when  
you use [DISP GUIDE].  
Super NightShot/Super  
NightShot plus (48)  
Color Slow Shutter (49)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
PictBridge connecting  
(78)  
E Z  
Warning (113)  
Bottom  
+
3
Indicator  
Meaning  
Bottom  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Center  
AE SHIFT (47)  
Picture effect (58)  
Digital effect (56)  
Manual focus (47)  
PROGRAM AE (45)  
Meaning  
9
AUDIO MODE (61)  
Continuous photo  
recording (51)  
Sharpness (47)  
Backlight (29)  
Self-timer recording (49)  
WIDE SELECT (22, 50)  
.
Interval photo recording  
(59)  
n
White balance (46)  
FLD/FRAME (52)  
SteadyShot off (51)  
Flash light (48)  
Frame recording (58)  
Progressive recording  
(51)  
Upper right  
Zebra (49)  
Tele macro (48)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Flexible spot meter (45)/  
EXPOSURE (46)  
A/V t DV OUT  
(63, 93)  
Panel off (56)  
DV input (70)  
DV output (67)  
Other indicator  
i.LINK connection  
(67, 70)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Zero set memory (36)  
Slide show (56)  
Information (114)  
LCD backlight off (16)  
34  
 
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE  
lamp lights up (p. 26).  
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.  
Searching for the last scene of  
the most recent recording (END  
SEARCH)  
[END SEARCH] will not work once you  
eject the cassette after you have recorded on  
the tape.  
1
Touch  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch  
t
.
60min  
END SEARCH  
1
0:00:00  
EXECUTING  
EDIT  
CANCEL  
2
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
Touch here 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 SEARCH] will not work correctly when  
there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
• You can also select [END SEARCH] from the  
menu. When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up,  
select the [END SEARCH] short-cut in Personal  
Menu (p. 40).  
Touch  
t
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most  
recently recorded scene are played back.  
Then, your camcorder is set to the  
standby.  
35  
               
Remote Commander  
*2 Not available during Easy Handycam  
operation.  
Remove the insulation sheet before using  
the Remote Commander.  
• Aim the Remote Commander towards the  
remote sensor to operate your camcorder  
(p. 31).  
Insulation sheet  
• To change the battery, see page 126.  
Searching quickly for a desired  
scene (Zero set memory)  
6
7
8
1
q;  
1
During playback, press ZERO  
SET MEMORY 5 at a point you  
want to locate later on.  
2
3
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”  
and  
appears on the screen.  
4
5
60min  
0:00:00  
9
P-MENU  
If the tape counter is not displayed,  
press DISPLAY 9.  
1
A PHOTO* (p. 26)  
The on-screen image when you press this  
button will be recorded onto the “Memory  
Stick Duo” as a still image.  
2
Press STOP 4 when you want to  
stop playback.  
2
B SEARCH M. (p. 37)*  
2
C . >*  
D Video control buttons (Rewind,  
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,  
Slow) (p. 27)  
Press mREW 4.  
The tape stops automatically when the  
tape counter reaches “0:00:00.”  
2
E ZERO SET MEMORY*  
F Transmitter  
The tape counter returns to the time  
code display, and the zero set memory  
display disappears.  
G REC START/STOP (p. 24, 26)  
H Power zoom (p. 28, 30)  
I DISPLAY (p. 17)  
2
J Memory control buttons (Index* , –/+,  
Memory playback) (p. 27)  
*1 Not available during Easy Handycam operation  
with the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-  
TAPE.  
36  
                 
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP 4.  
• The Date search will not function correctly  
when there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
4
Press PLAY 4.  
Playback starts from the point  
designated “0:00:00” on the tape  
counter.  
To cancel the operation  
Press ZERO SET MEMORY 5 again  
before rewinding.  
• 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.  
Searching for a scene by date of  
recording (Date search)  
You can locate the point where the  
recording date changes.  
1
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
2
3
Press SEARCH M. 2.  
Press .(previous)/>(next)  
3 to select a recording date.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
30min  
DATE -01  
SEACH  
P.MENU  
37  
   
Playing the picture on a TV  
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting  
cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). 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.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This may cause a  
malfunction.  
DCR-HC36E:  
A/V OUT jack  
1
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
A/V OUT  
VCR or TV  
To S VIDEO jack  
2
: Signal flow  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
A/V or A/V OUT jack  
1
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
A/V  
VCR or TV  
To S VIDEO jack  
2
: Signal flow  
38  
       
• On some 4:3 TVs, the still image recorded in 4:3  
aspect ratio may not appear in full screen. This  
is not a malfunction.  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
The Handycam Station and your camcorder  
are both equipped with A/V jacks (p. 80).  
Connect the A/V connecting cable either to  
the Handycam Station or to your camcorder,  
depending on your setup.  
B 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, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection.  
• When you play back a picture recorded in 16:9  
aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the  
16:9 signal, set [TV TYPE] to [4:3].  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this  
case, the yellow (standard video) plug  
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO  
connection only will not output audio.  
When your TV is monaural (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.  
• You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUTPUT] to [V-OUT/  
PANEL] (p. 64).  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not connect A/V connecting cable to both  
the Handycam Station and your camcorder at  
the same time, as image disturbance may occur.  
When connecting your camcorder to a  
TV through a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN  
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on  
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2,  
etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.  
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 adaptor is designed  
for output use only.  
This output only adaptor is supplied with  
the DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E  
To set the aspect ratio according to  
the connected TV (16:9/4:3) (DCR-  
HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
models with the  
label on the bottom  
panel but not with the DCR-HC36E model.  
Change the aspect ratio of the image  
according to the screen size of your TV.  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
TV/VCR  
2 Touch  
(STANDARD SET) t [TV TYPE] t  
[16:9] or [4:3] t  
t [MENU] t  
.
• When you set [TV TYPE] to [4:3], or when the  
picture’s aspect ratio switches between 16:9 and  
4:3, the image may jitter.  
39  
             
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items  
Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.  
CAMERA-TAPE lamp:  
settings on a tape  
settings on a “Memory Stick  
CAMERA-MEMORY lamp:  
Duo”  
PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing  
2
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
x To use the short-cuts of Personal Menu  
On Personal Menu, short-cuts for frequently used menu items are added.  
• You can customize Personal Menu as you like (p. 65).  
1 Touch  
.
STBY  
60min  
0:00:00  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU  
TELE  
MACRO  
EXPO-  
SURE  
1/3  
SPOT  
FOCUS  
FADER  
2 Touch the desired item.  
If the desired item is not displayed on the screen, touch  
/
until the item is displayed.  
3 Select the desired setting, then touch  
.
x To use menu items  
You can customize menu items that are not added to Personal Menu.  
1
2
3
4
0:00:00  
0:00:00  
60min  
STBY  
STBY  
ZEBRA  
0:00:00  
60min  
STBY  
STEADYSHOT: ON  
0:00:00  
60min  
STBY  
STEADYSHOT: OFF  
60min  
SELF-TIMER  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
CAMERA SET  
STEADYSHOT  
PROGRES. RECON  
D.EFFECT  
PROGRAM AE  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
FADER  
1 Touch  
t [MENU].  
The menu index screen appears.  
2 Select the desired menu.  
Touch  
/
to select the item, then touch  
. (The process in step 3 is the same as that  
in step 2.)  
3 Select the desired item.  
• You can also touch the item directly to select it.  
4 Customize the item.  
40  
         
After finishing the settings, touch  
If you decide not to change the setting, touch  
t
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
to return to the previous screen.  
x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation  
is not displayed during Easy Handycam operation (p. 24).  
STBY  
60min EASY  
MENU  
1 Touch [MENU].  
The menu index screen appears.  
2 Select the desired menu.  
3 Change your item setting.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
.
If you decide not to change the setting, touch  
to return to the previous screen.  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use menu items normally (p. 25).  
41  
   
Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.  
During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are  
automatically applied (p. 24).  
Menu items  
TAPE  
MEMORY PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 45)  
PROGRAM AE  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
AUTO  
AUTO  
AUTO  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
WHITE BAL.  
SHARPNESS*  
1
AUTO SHUTTER  
ON  
OFF  
1
AE SHIFT*  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
TELE MACRO  
OFF  
1
8
FLASH SET*  
* /OFF  
2
SUPER NSPLUS*  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
1
SUPER NS*  
NS LIGHT  
COLOR SLOW S  
z
OFF  
1
ZEBRA*  
z
z
OFF  
7
SELF-TIMER  
z*  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
WIDE SELECT*  
OFF  
4:3  
3
STEADYSHOT  
PROGRES.REC*  
ON  
OFF  
1
MEMORY SET menu (p. 51)  
5
5
OFF* /FINE/z* /  
STILL SET  
z
z
3
FIELD*  
MOVIE SET  
ALL ERASE  
FORMAT  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
SERIES  
FILE NO.  
NEW FOLDER  
REC FOLDER  
PB FOLDER  
8
–*  
–*  
8
42  
   
TAPE  
MEMORY PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
PICT.APPLI. menu (p. 55)  
FADER  
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
ON  
SLIDE SHOW  
D. EFFECT  
z
z
z
z
PICT. EFFECT  
1
FRAME REC*  
5
SMTH INT.REC*  
INT.REC-STL  
DEMO MODE  
PictBridge PRINT  
USB SELECT  
z
z
z
z
EDIT/PLAY menu (p. 60)  
VAR. SPD PB  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
6
REC CTRL*  
AUD DUB CTRL  
REC MOVIE  
BURN DVD  
BURN VCD  
END SEARCH  
z
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E  
DCR-HC36E  
DCR-HC96E  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E  
DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E  
Cannot be operated in the CAMERA-TAPE mode.  
The setting value before entering Easy Handycam operation will be retained.  
Continued ,  
43  
Menu items (Continued)  
TAPE  
MEMORY PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
STANDARD SET menu (p. 61)  
6
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
VOLUME  
z
z
z*  
z*  
z
SP  
4
12BIT  
z
STEREO  
MULTI-SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
z
z
– /NORMAL/ – /  
NORMAL/ –*  
LCD/VF SET  
z
z
z
8
4
A/V t DV OUT*  
VIDEO INPUT*  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
4
8
–*  
5
8
TV TYPE*  
z
z
z
z
–*  
USB CAMERA  
DISP GUIDE  
OFF  
z
1
GUIDEFRAME*  
OFF  
z
DATA CODE  
REMAINING  
REMOTE CTRL  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
AUTO  
ON  
z
z
z
z
z
z
1
REC LAMP*  
ON  
z
BEEP  
DISP OUTPUT  
MENU ROTATE  
A.SHUT OFF  
CALIBRATION  
LCD PANEL  
5 min  
TIME/LANGU. menu (p. 65)  
CLOCK SET  
WORLD TIME  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
8
–*  
8
LANGUAGE  
–*  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E  
DCR-HC36E  
DCR-HC96E  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E  
DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E  
Cannot be operated in the CAMERA-TAPE mode.  
The setting value before entering Easy Handycam operation will be retained.  
44  
CAMERA SET menu  
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the  
recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE  
BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)  
BEACH&SKI*(  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
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 B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 40 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
PROGRAM AE  
SUNSET&MOON**(  
)
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets, general night  
views or fireworks.  
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the PROGRAM AE  
function.  
BAUTO  
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]  
function.  
LANDSCAPE**(  
)
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.  
SPOTLIGHT*(  
)
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) (  
)
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
SPOT METER (Flexible spot  
meter)  
SPORTS* (Sports lesson) (  
)
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
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.  
1
2
Continued ,  
45  
                           
CAMERA SET menu (Continued)  
1 Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
appears.  
2 Touch [END].  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is adjusted to be  
appropriate for the following recording  
conditions:  
– Outdoors  
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks  
– Sunrise or sunset  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO] t [END].  
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps  
INDOOR (n)  
The white balance is adjusted to be  
appropriate for the following recording  
conditions:  
EXPOSURE  
– Indoors  
– At party scenes or studios where the lighting  
conditions change quickly  
– Under video lamps in a studio, or under  
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color  
lamps  
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.  
ONE PUSH (  
)
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
2
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].  
2 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.  
3
1
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
3 Touch [  
].  
appears.  
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored in  
the memory, the indicator stops  
flashing.  
• Do not shake your camcorder while  
is flashing quickly.  
2 Adjust the exposure by touching  
/
.
3 Touch  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO] t  
.
.
flashes slowly if white balance  
could not be set.  
• 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 (p. 55).  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
• If  
keeps flashing even after you  
have touched  
to [AUTO].  
, set [WHITE BAL.]  
• If you have changed the battery pack while  
[AUTO] is selected, taken your camcorder  
outdoors or brought it indoors after outside use  
while using fixed exposure, select [AUTO] and  
aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for  
about 10 seconds for better color balance  
adjustment.  
WHITE BAL. (White balance)  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change  
the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your  
BAUTO  
The white balance is adjusted  
automatically.  
46  
         
camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or  
vice versa.  
• Set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]  
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.  
2 Touch [END].  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO] t [END] in step 1.  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
SHARPNESS (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
You can adjust the sharpness of the image  
FOCUS  
outline with  
/
.
appears when  
the sharpness is anything other than the  
default setting.  
You can adjust the focus manually. You can  
select this function also when you want to  
focus on a certain subject intentionally.  
Soften  
Sharpen  
AUTO SHUTTER  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
9 appears.  
Automatically activates the electronic  
shutter to adjust the shutter speed when  
recording in bright conditions if you set it to  
[ON] (the default setting).  
2 Touch  
(focusing on close subjects)/  
(focusing on distant subjects) to  
sharpen the focus.  
appears when the  
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
farther away.  
AE SHIFT (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
You can adjust the exposure using  
3 Touch  
.
(dark)/  
(bright).  
and the setting  
value appear when [AE SHIFT] is set.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO] t  
in step 1.  
• Touch if the subject is white or the  
backlight is bright, or touch  
is black or the light is dim.  
• You can adjust the automatic exposure level to  
brighter or darker when [EXPOSURE] is set to  
[AUTO].  
if the subject  
• 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 subject at close range, move the  
power zoom lever to W (Wide angle), then  
adjust the focus.  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
aim it at a subject not located in the center  
of the screen.  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
1
2
1 Touch the subject on the screen.  
9 appears.  
Continued ,  
47  
           
CAMERA SET menu (Continued)  
x REDEYE REDUC  
You can prevent redeye by activating the  
flash before recording.  
Set [REDEYE REDUC] to [ON], then press  
(flash) (p. 28) repeatedly to select a  
setting.  
TELE MACRO  
This is useful to shoot small subjects, such  
as flowers or insects. You can blur out  
backgrounds and the subject stands out  
clearer.  
When you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON]  
(Auto redeye reduction): Pre-flashes to  
reduce redeye before the flash automatically  
flashes when there is insufficient ambient  
light.  
(
), the zoom (p. 28) moves to the top of  
the T (Telephoto) side automatically and  
allows for recording subjects at a close  
distance as follows:  
For DCR-HC36E: down to about 39 cm (15  
3/8 in.).  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E: down to about  
35 cm (13 7/8 in.).  
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E: down to about  
37 cm (14 5/8 in.).  
r
(Forced redeye reduction): Always uses  
the flash and the redeye reducing pre-flash.  
r
(No flash): Records without flash.  
• The redeye reduction may not produce the  
desired effect due to individual differences and  
other conditions.  
SUPER NSPLUS (Super NightShot  
plus) (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wide-  
angle (W side).  
The picture will be recorded at a maximum  
of 16 times the sensitivity of NightShot plus  
recording if you set [SUPER NSPLUS] to  
[ON] while the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
(p. 29) is also set to ON.  
• When recording a distant subject, focusing may  
be difficult and can take some time.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
and [“SUPER NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
appear on the screen.  
FLASH SET (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
To cancel the setting, set [SUPER  
NSPLUS] to [OFF] or set the  
NIGHTSHOT switch to OFF.  
You can set this function when you use the  
built-in flash or an external flash (optional)  
that is compatible with your camcorder.  
• Do not use NightShot plus/[SUPER NSPLUS]  
in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.  
x FLASH LEVEL  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 29).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes  
depending on the brightness. The motion of the  
picture may slow down in this case.  
HIGH(  
)
Makes the flash level higher.  
BNORMAL(  
LOW(  
Makes the flash level lower.  
)
)
48  
             
SUPER NS (Super NightShot)  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
COLOR SLOW S (Color Slow  
Shutter)  
The picture will be recorded at a maximum  
of 16 times the sensitivity of NightShot  
recording if you set [SUPER NS] to [ON]  
while the NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 29) is  
also set to ON.  
When you set [COLOR SLOW S] to [ON],  
you can record an image brighter in color  
even in dark places.  
and [COLOR SLOW SHUTTER]  
appear on the screen.  
and [“SUPER NIGHTSHOT”] appear  
on the screen.  
To cancel [COLOR SLOW S], touch  
[OFF].  
To cancel the setting, set [SUPER NS] to  
[OFF] or set the NIGHTSHOT switch to  
OFF.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes  
depending on the brightness. The motion of the  
picture may slow down at this time.  
• Do not use NightShot/[SUPER NS] in bright  
places. This may cause a malfunction.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 29).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
ZEBRA (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
This is useful as a guide when adjusting the  
brightness. When you change the default  
setting,  
is displayed. The zebra pattern  
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes  
depending on the brightness. The motion of the  
picture may slow down in this case.  
is not recorded.  
BOFF  
The zebra pattern is not displayed.  
NS LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
The zebra pattern appears at a screen  
brightness level of about 70 IRE.  
You can record clearer pictures by setting  
[NS LIGHT], which emits infrared light  
(invisible), to [ON] (the default setting)  
using either of the functions below:  
– For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
NightShot plus or [SUPER NSPLUS] (p. 29).  
100  
The zebra pattern appears at a screen  
brightness level of about 100 IRE or  
higher.  
– For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
NightShot or [SUPER NS] (p. 48).  
• Portions of the screen where brightness is about  
100 IRE or above may appear overexposed.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 29).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached (p. 29).  
• The zebra pattern is diagonal stripes that appear  
in portions of the screen where brightness is at a  
preset level.  
• The maximum shooting distance using [NS  
LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).  
SELF-TIMER  
• For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
If you record subjects in dark places, such as  
night scenes or in moonlight, set [NS LIGHT] to  
[OFF]. You can make the image color deeper  
this way.  
When you set [SELF-TIMER] to [ON]  
(
), the self-timer starts recording in about  
10 seconds after pressing REC START/  
STOP to record the movie, or PHOTO to  
record still images.  
To cancel the count down, touch [RESET].  
Continued ,  
49  
           
CAMERA SET menu (Continued)  
To cancel [SELF-TIMER], touch [OFF].  
800 ×  
Up to 12 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 800 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
• You can also set the self-timer with the REC  
START/STOP button or PHOTO button of the  
Remote Commander (p. 36).  
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
BOFF  
Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically.  
You can select the maximum zoom level in  
case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 20 × (DCR-HC36E)/12 × (DCR-  
HC44E/HC46E)/10 × (DCR-HC94E/  
HC96E) (the default setting) while  
recording on a tape. Note that the image  
quality decreases when you are using the  
digital zoom.  
20 ×  
Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 20 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
120 ×  
Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 120 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
WIDE SELECT (DCR-HC36E)  
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable  
for the screen on which it will be displayed.  
Refer also to the operating instructions  
supplied with your TV for details.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone  
appears when you select the zooming  
level.  
B4:3  
For DCR-HC36E:  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
BOFF  
16:9 WIDE (  
)
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically.  
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
40 ×  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 40 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
When viewed on the LCD screen/  
viewfinder with [16:9 WIDE] selected.  
800 ×  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 800 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
1
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
When viewed on a standard  
TV*  
2
BOFF  
Up to 12 × zoom is performed optically.  
24 ×  
*1 Picture appears in full screen mode when the  
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
Up to 12 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 24 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
50  
       
MEMORY SET menu  
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/  
NEW FOLDER, etc.)  
*2 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 default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
STEADYSHOT  
See page 40 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
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), then the image becomes  
natural.  
STILL SET  
x
BURST (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E)  
You can record several still images one  
after another by pressing PHOTO.  
PROGRES.REC  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
BOFF  
Select this when not recording  
continuously.  
You can reduce image blur when recording  
moving pictures on tapes, intended for  
import to your computer as still images, by  
NORMAL (  
)
setting [PROGRES.REC] to [ON] (  
This is especially useful for analyzing high-  
speed action, such as sports scenes.  
).  
Records still images continuously at about  
0.5 seconds intervals.  
The maximum number of images are  
recorded when you press and hold PHOTO  
fully.  
To cancel [PROGRES.REC], touch [OFF].  
In 4:3 aspect ratio  
Note on the progressive recording mode  
In a normal TV broadcast, the screen is  
divided into 2 finer fields and these are  
displayed in turn, every 1/50 of a second.  
Thus, the actual picture displayed in an  
instant covers only half of the apparent  
picture area. In progressive recording, the  
picture is fully displayed with all the pixels.  
A picture recorded in this mode appears  
clearer, but a moving subject may appear  
awkward.  
DCR-  
3.0M 1.9M 1.0M VGA  
HC44E/  
HC46E  
4
13  
HC94E/  
HC96E  
3
4
21  
In 16:9 aspect ratio  
DCR-  
2.3M  
0.7M  
HC44E/HC46E  
HC94E/HC96E  
3
4
• When recording under fluorescent light or a  
light bulb, the screen may flicker. Touch [OFF]  
to return to the normal recording.  
HIGH SPEED (  
HC96E)  
) (DCR-HC94E/  
Record up to 32 images (VGA image  
sizes) continuously at about 0.07 second  
intervals.  
EXP. BRKTG (  
)
Records 3 images consecutively with  
different exposures at about 0.5 second  
intervals. You can compare the 3 images  
Continued ,  
51  
                 
MEMORY SET menu (Continued)  
and select an image recorded at the best  
exposure.  
VGA (0.3M) (  
Allows for the maximum number of  
images to be recorded.  
)
• [BURST] can be set only when the POWER  
switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY.  
• [BURST] cannot be set during Easy Handycam  
operation.  
• The maximum number of images will be  
recorded in the self-timer mode or when you are  
operating with the Remote Commander.  
• If you set a screen ratio of 16:9 (wide), [IMAGE  
SIZE] is fixed to [0.7M] (DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E)/[2.3M] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
automatically (p. 22).  
• [IMAGE SIZE] can be set only when the  
POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY.  
• [EXP. BRKTG] will not function when there is  
space of less than 3 images remaining on the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
The flash will not function during [BURST].  
x
FLD/FRAME (DCR-HC36E)  
BFIELD  
To record moving subjects correcting jitter  
(p. 26).  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
The images may flicker or discolor when you  
select [HIGH SPEED].  
FRAME (  
To record stationary subjects in high  
quality.  
)
x
QUALITY  
BFINE (  
)
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(MB) and the number of recordable  
pictures  
Records still images at the fine image  
quality level.  
STANDARD (  
)
Records still images at the standard image  
quality level.  
In 4:3 aspect ratio  
1
1
2
3.0M*  
(2016 × (1600 × (1152 × (640 ×  
1512) 1200) 864) 480)  
1.9M*  
1.0M*  
VGA  
• Image quality is automatically fixed to [FINE]  
during Easy Handycam operation.  
x
IMAGE SIZE (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E)  
16MB  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1GB  
10  
24  
16  
37  
30  
74  
96  
240  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
B1.0M (  
20  
48  
32  
75  
61  
150  
190  
485  
)
40  
98  
65  
150  
120  
300  
390  
980  
Allows you to record more still images in  
relatively clear quality.  
82  
195  
130  
300  
245  
600 1970  
780  
VGA (0.3M) (  
)
Allows for the maximum number of  
images to be recorded.  
145  
355  
235  
540  
445 1400  
1000 3550  
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
300  
720  
480  
1100  
900 2850  
2050 7200  
B3.0M (  
)
Records still images clearly.  
610  
1450  
980  
2250  
1800 5900  
4200 14500  
1.9M (  
)
2GB  
1250  
3000  
2000  
4650  
3750 12000  
8600 30000  
Allows you to record more still images in  
relatively clear quality.  
*1 DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
52  
             
*2 DCR-HC44E/HC46E  
• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by  
Sony Corporation.  
The number of recordable pictures varies  
depending on the recording environment.  
• All numbers measured at the following setting:  
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.  
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image  
quality.  
Approximate data size of a picture  
(kB)  
• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by  
Sony Corporation.  
The number of recordable pictures varies  
depending on the recording environment.  
• For DCR-HC36E:  
When recording still images, the size is always  
fixed to VGA (640 × 480).  
4:3 picture  
1
1
2
3.0M*  
1.9M*  
1.0M*  
VGA  
1540  
640  
960  
420  
500  
210  
150  
60  
In 16:9 aspect ratio (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E)  
• For DCR-HC36E:  
When recording still images, the size is always  
fixed to VGA (640 × 480).  
1
2
3
2.3M*  
(2016 × (1152 × (640 ×  
1134) 648) 360)  
0.7M*  
0.2M*  
16:9 picture (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E)  
16MB  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1GB  
13  
32  
40  
96  
115  
240  
1
2
3
2.3M*  
0.7M*  
0.2M*  
1150  
480  
380  
160  
130  
60  
27  
65  
81  
190  
240  
485  
54  
130  
160  
390  
490  
980  
*1 DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
*2 DCR-HC44E/HC46E  
*3 If you record a still image on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” with the POWER switch set to  
CAMERA-TAPE, [IMAGE SIZE] is  
automatically fixed at [0.2M]. You cannot  
select [0.2M] for the image size in [STILL  
SET].  
105  
260  
320  
780  
980  
1970  
195  
470  
590  
1400  
1750  
3550  
400  
960  
1200  
2850  
3600  
7200  
• Data sizes measured at the following settings:  
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.  
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image  
quality.  
820  
1950  
2450  
5900  
7300  
14500  
2GB  
1650  
4000  
5000  
12000  
15000  
30000  
*1 DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
*2 DCR-HC44E/HC46E  
*3 If you record a still image on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” with the POWER switch set to  
CAMERA-TAPE, [IMAGE SIZE] is  
automatically fixed at [0.2M]. You cannot  
select [0.2M] for the image size in [STILL  
SET].  
• All numbers measured at the following setting:  
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.  
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image  
quality.  
Continued ,  
53  
MEMORY SET menu (Continued)  
• The folder will not be deleted even when you  
delete all the pictures in the folder.  
MOVIE SET  
• Do not do any of the following while [  
Erasing all data...] is displayed:  
– Operate the POWER switch/operation  
buttons.  
x
IMAGE SIZE  
B320 × 240 (  
Records movies in high resolution.  
160 × 112 (  
)
– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
)
Allows for more movie recording time.  
FORMAT  
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(MB) and the recordable time (hour:  
minute: second)  
The “Memory Stick Duo” has been  
formatted at the factory, and does not  
require formatting.  
To execute formatting, touch [YES] twice  
320 × 240  
160 × 112  
t
.
Formatting is completed, and all the images  
will be deleted.  
16MB  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1GB  
00:02:40  
00:05:20  
00:10:40  
00:21:20  
00:42:40  
01:25:20  
02:50:40  
05:41:20  
00:10:40  
00:21:20  
00:42:40  
01:25:20  
02:50:40  
05:41:20  
11:22:40  
22:45:20  
• Do not do any of the following while [  
Formatting…] is displayed:  
– Operate the POWER switch/operation  
buttons.  
– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Formatting erases everything on the “Memory  
Stick Duo” including protected image data and  
newly created folders.  
2GB  
• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by  
Sony Corporation.  
The recordable time varies depending on the  
recording environment.  
FILE NO.  
BSERIES  
Assigns file numbers in sequence even if  
the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with  
another one. The file number is reset when  
a new folder is created or the recording  
folder is replaced with another.  
ALL ERASE  
Deletes all the pictures on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” without image protection, or in the  
selected folder.  
RESET  
Resets the file number to 0001 each time  
the “Memory Stick Duo” is changed.  
1 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRENT  
FOLDER].  
[ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on  
the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
[CURRENT FOLDER]: Deletes all the  
images in the selected folder.  
2 Touch [YES] twice t  
.
• Cancel image protection on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” beforehand when using the “Memory  
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab (p. 120).  
54  
                 
PICT.APPLI. menu  
Special effects on pictures or additional  
functions on recording/playback (SLIDE  
SHOW/PICT. EFFECT/FRAME REC, etc.)  
NEW FOLDER  
You can create a new folder (102MSDCF  
to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
When 9,999 images are stored in the current  
folder, a new folder is automatically created  
for storing subsequent images.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 40 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Touch [YES] t  
.
FADER  
• You cannot delete the created folders using your  
camcorder. You will have to format the  
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 54), or delete them  
using your computer.  
• The number of recordable pictures on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” may decrease as the  
number of folders increases.  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode  
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),  
then touch  
.
When [OVERLAP], [WIPE] or [DOT  
FADER] is selected, the screen turns to  
blue while storing the image, then the  
image on a tape is stored as a still image.  
REC FOLDER (Recording folder)  
Select the folder to be used for recording  
2 Press REC START/STOP.  
with  
/
, then touch  
.
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
• As the default setting, pictures are saved in the  
101MSDCF folder.  
To cancel [FADER] before starting the  
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.  
• If you press REC START/STOP once, the  
setting is canceled.  
• Once you record a picture in a folder, the same  
folder will be set as the default folder for  
playback.  
PB FOLDER (Playback folder)  
STBY  
REC  
Select the playback folder with  
then touch  
/
,
Fading out  
Fading in  
.
WHITE FADER  
BLACK FADER  
MOSAIC FADER  
MONOTONE  
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.  
Continued ,  
55  
                           
PICT.APPLI. menu (Continued)  
2 Select [ALL FILES ( )] or [CURRENT  
FOLDER ( )], then touch  
OVERLAP (fade in only)  
.
If you select [CURRENT FOLDER ( )],  
all the images in the current playback  
folder selected in [PB FOLDER] (p. 55) are  
played back in sequence.  
WIPE (fade in only)  
3 Touch [REPEAT].  
4 Select [ON] or [OFF], then  
To repeat the slide show, select [ON]  
).  
.
DOT FADER (fade in only)  
(
To execute the slide show only once, select  
[OFF].  
5 Touch [END] t [START].  
Using the viewfinder  
To cancel [SLIDE SHOW], touch [END].  
To pause, touch [PAUSE].  
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.  
• You can select the first picture for the slide  
show with  
[START].  
/
before touching  
• If movies are played in the slide show, you can  
adjust the volume with  
1 Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE or the  
CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up.  
/
.
2 Close the LCD panel with the screen facing  
out.  
D. EFFECT (Digital effect)  
appears.  
You can add digital effects to your  
recordings.  
3 Touch  
.
[Set LCD off?] appears on the screen.  
4 Touch [YES].  
The LCD screen is turned off.  
5 Touch the LCD screen while checking the  
display in the viewfinder.  
1 Touch the desired effect.  
When you select [STILL] or [LUMI.KEY],  
the image is saved as a still image.  
2 Adjust the effect with  
touch  
/
, then  
[EXPOSURE], etc. are displayed.  
6 Touch the button you want to set.  
.
[EXPOSURE]: Adjust with  
and touch  
[FADER]: Touch it repeatedly to select a  
desired effect (only while the CAMERA-  
TAPE lamp lights up).  
/
,
Effect  
Items to adjust  
.
CINEMA  
EFECT* *  
No adjustment necessary.  
1
2
DELAY  
MOTION*  
The speed of repeats.  
2
: The LCD screen lights up.  
STILL  
The degree of  
To hide the buttons, touch  
.
transparency of the still  
image you want to  
superimpose under a  
movie.  
SLIDE SHOW  
Plays back the images stored on a “Memory  
Stick Duo,” or in a folder in sequence (slide  
show).  
FLASH  
The interval of frame-by-  
frame playback.  
1 Touch  
t [PB FOLDER].  
56  
           
LUMI. KEY (luminance key)  
Effect  
Items to adjust  
Replaces a brighter area in a previously  
memorized still image (e.g. background of  
a person) with a movie.  
LUMI. KEY  
The color scheme of the  
area in the still image  
which is to be swapped  
with a movie.  
TRAIL  
SLOW  
The fade time of the  
incidental image.  
TRAIL  
Shutter speed (1 is 1/25, 2  
is 1/12, 3 is 1/6, 4 is 1/3).  
Records a picture so that an incidental  
image like a trail is left.  
1
SHUTTR*  
1
OLD MOVIE*  
No adjustment necessary.  
SLOW SHUTTR (slow shutter)  
*1 Available during recording on a tape only.  
*2 DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
The shutter speed is slowed down. Suitable  
for shooting a subject more clearly in a  
dark place.  
• Adjust the focus manually using a tripod  
(optional) since adjusting the focus  
automatically is hard when [SLOW  
SHUTTR] is selected. ([FOCUS], p. 47)  
3 Touch  
.
appears.  
To cancel [D. EFFECT], touch [OFF] in  
step 1.  
OLD MOVIE  
BOFF  
Adds an old movie effect with a sepia hue  
to pictures.  
Does not use [D. EFFECT] setting.  
CINEMA EFECT (Cinematic effect)  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
You can add a cinematic atmosphere to  
pictures by adjusting to a 16:9 screen and  
progressive picture.  
• You cannot record playback pictures edited  
using special effects on the tape in your  
camcorder.  
• You can save pictures edited using special  
effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 73) or  
record them on another VCR/DVD device, etc.  
(p. 67).  
• You cannot output playback pictures edited with  
digital effects via the DV Interface (i.LINK).  
• For DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E:  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures.  
DELAY MOTION (Delay motion)  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
You can record a movie with a repeat  
effect.  
STILL  
Records a movie while superimposing it  
on a previously memorized still image.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
You cannot select 16:9/4:3 as the aspect ratio  
for [OLD MOVIE].  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
You cannot change to another digital effect  
while recording pictures on a tape with  
[CINEMA EFECT] selected.  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
The digital effect function is suspended while  
using zoom with [DELAY MOTION] selected.  
FLASH (flash motion)  
Records a movie with a serial-still-image  
effect (strobe effect).  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
It is recommended that you mount your  
camcorder on a tripod (optional) when you  
select [DELAY MOTION].  
Continued ,  
57  
               
PICT.APPLI. menu (Continued)  
PICT. EFFECT (Picture effect)  
FRAME REC (Frame recording)  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
You can add special effects to a picture  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
You can record pictures with a stop-motion  
animated effect by alternately frame  
recording and then moving the subject a  
little. After steadying your camcorder, use  
the Remote Commander to prevent camera  
shake.  
BOFF  
Does not use [PICT. EFFECT] setting.  
NEG.ART  
1 Touch [ON] ( ) t  
t
.
2 Press REC START/STOP.  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
A picture (approximately 5 frames) is  
recorded, and your camcorder enters the  
standby mode.  
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
3 Move the subject and repeat step 2.  
B&W  
To cancel [FRAME REC], touch [OFF] in  
step 1.  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
SOLARIZE  
• The remaining tape time will not be indicated  
correctly.  
• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
SMTH INT.REC (Smooth interval  
tape recording) (DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
PASTEL*  
Your camcorder will shoot 1 frame of the  
picture at a selected interval and keep them  
in memory until it has stored several  
frames. This function is useful to observe  
the movement of clouds or the changes of  
daylight. These pictures appear smooth  
when played back. Connect your camcorder  
to the wall socket using the supplied AC  
Adaptor for this operation.  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.  
MOSAIC*  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.  
* Not available during playback.  
• You can save pictures edited using special  
effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 73) or  
record them on another VCR/DVD device, etc.  
(p. 67).  
• You cannot output playback pictures edited with  
picture effects via the DV Interface (i.LINK).  
[a]: Recording  
[b]: Interval  
1 Touch  
t
/
to select a  
• For DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E:  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures.  
desired interval time (1 to 120 seconds) t  
.
2 Touch [REC START].  
Recording starts and z changes to red.  
58  
                 
To interrupt, touch [REC STOP] in step 2.  
To resume, touch [REC START].  
To cancel, touch [REC STOP], then [END]  
in step 2.  
To cancel [INT.REC-STL], select [OFF] in  
step 1.  
DEMO MODE  
• During Smooth interval recording, your  
camcorder may perform the END SEARCH  
function to locate the end in current recordings  
on the tape after several frames have been  
recorded.  
• Do not turn off the power or disconnect the  
power source while a message is displayed on  
the screen.  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
view the demonstration in about 10  
minutes, after you have removed both a  
cassette and a “Memory Stick Duo” from  
your camcorder, and slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-  
TAPE lamp.  
• The camcorder will shoot several frames for the  
first and last shots of the Smooth interval  
recording.  
• The demonstration will be suspended in  
situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the  
demonstration. (The demonstration starts  
again after about 10 minutes.)  
• Smooth interval recording is released when  
approximately 12 hours have elapsed after  
shooting has begun.  
– When a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” is  
inserted.  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA-TAPE.  
• Sounds are not recorded.  
• The last few frames may not be recorded if the  
battery or tape has run out.  
• There may be discrepancies in the interval.  
• If you adjust the focus manually, you can record  
clear pictures even if the light changes  
([FOCUS], p. 47).  
PictBridge PRINT  
See page 78.  
• You can silence the recording beep by setting of  
[BEEP] (p. 64).  
USB SELECT  
INT.REC-STL (Interval photo  
recording)  
You can connect the camcorder to a  
personal computer with a USB cable and  
view pictures on the computer. You can  
also connect the camcorder to a PictBridge-  
compatible printer (p. 78) using this  
function. Refer to “First Step Guide” on the  
supplied CD-ROM for details.  
You can record still images on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” at a selected interval.  
This function is useful to observe the  
movement of clouds or the changes in  
daylight, etc.  
Memory Stick  
Select this to view pictures on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” on the computer or to import  
them to the computer.  
[a]: Recording  
[b]: Interval  
PictBridge PRINT  
Select this when you connect the  
camcorder to a PictBridge-compatible  
printer to print out directly (p. 78).  
1 Touch  
t a desired interval time (1, 5  
t [ON] ( ) t  
or 10 minutes) t  
t
.
2 Press PHOTO fully.  
stops flashing and the interval still  
image recording starts.  
Continued ,  
59  
         
PICT.APPLI. menu (Continued)  
EDIT/PLAY menu  
Settings for editing or playing back in  
various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END  
SEARCH, etc.)  
STREAM  
Select this to view movies on a tape on the  
computer or to import them to the  
computer.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 40 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
BURN VCD  
Select this to burn the picture recorded on  
the tape onto a CD-R. Refer to “First Step  
Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM for  
details (p. 89).  
VAR.SPD PB  
(Various speed playback)  
• During Easy Handycam operation, [  
STREAM] and [BURN VCD] cannot be set.  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
1 Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
To  
Touch  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
(frame)  
play back  
slowly**  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
play back 2  
times faster  
(double speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
(double speed)  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) during  
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  
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in  
slow mode.  
2 Touch  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
frame playback).  
t
.
60  
                   
STANDARD SET  
menu  
Settings while recording on a tape or other  
basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/  
LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)  
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
REC CTRL  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 40 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
(Movie recording control)  
(DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E)  
See page 72.  
AUD DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
See page 75.  
BSP (SP)  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on  
a cassette.  
REC MOVIE  
(Recording control)  
LP (LP)  
See page 73.  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
BURN DVD  
• 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.  
• 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.  
When your camcorder is connected to a  
Sony VAIO series personal computer, you  
can easily burn the picture recorded on the  
tape on a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD”) (p. 90).  
BURN VCD  
AUDIO MODE  
When your camcorder is connected to a  
personal computer, you can easily burn the  
picture recorded on the tape on a CD-R  
(Direct Access to Video CD Burn). See  
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-  
ROM for details (p. 89).  
B12BIT  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
16BIT (  
)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound  
with high quality).  
END SEARCH  
VOLUME  
EXEC  
The most recently recorded picture is  
played back for about 5 seconds and then  
stops automatically.  
See page 27.  
MULTI-SOUND  
CANCEL  
You can select whether to play back audio  
recorded using other devices with dual  
sound or stereo sound.  
Stops [END SEARCH].  
• After ejecting the cassette, the END SEARCH  
function is not available.  
Continued ,  
61  
                         
STANDARD SET menu (Continued)  
BSTEREO  
Plays back with main and sub sound (or  
stereo sound).  
x LCD COLOR  
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen  
with  
/
.
1
Plays back with main sound (or the left  
channel sound).  
Low intensity  
x VF B.LIGHT  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder.  
High intensity  
2
Plays back with sub sound (or the right  
channel sound).  
BNORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
• You can play back, but cannot record a dual  
sound track cassette on your camcorder.  
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
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  
slightly reduced during recording.  
AUDIO MIX  
See page 76.  
LCD/VF SET  
x WIDE DISPLAY (DCR-HC36E)  
The recorded picture will not be affected by  
this operation.  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder and the  
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SELECT] to  
[16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not  
be affected by this operation.  
x LCD BRIGHT  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen.  
BLETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
1 Adjust the brightness with  
2 Touch  
/
.
.
SQUEZE (Squeeze)  
x LCD BL LEVEL  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight.  
Expands the picture vertically if black  
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect  
ratio are undesirable.  
BNORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
x VF WIDE DISP (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E)  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
BLETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
SQUEZE (Squeeze)  
Expands the picture vertically if black  
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect  
ratio are undesirable.  
62  
                         
A/V t DV OUT (DCR-HC96E)  
GUIDEFRAME  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
When you set [A/V t DV OUT] (  
)
to [ON], you can convert analog signals to  
digital by connecting a digital device and an  
analog device to your camcorder. See page  
93 for details.  
You can display the frame and check that  
the subject is horizontal or vertical by  
setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON]. The  
frame is not recorded. Press DISP/BATT  
INFO to make the frame disappear.  
VIDEO INPUT (DCR-HC96E)  
• Pointing the subject at the cross point of the  
guide frame makes a balanced composition.  
Selects the video plug to connect when you  
input the picture from the other device via  
A/V connecting cable.  
DATA CODE  
During playback, displays information  
(data code) recorded automatically at the  
time of recording.  
BVIDEO  
Connects via video plug of the A/V  
connecting cable.  
BOFF  
S VIDEO  
Data code is not displayed.  
Connects via S VIDEO plug of the A/V  
connecting cable with S VIDEO cable.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
TV TYPE (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E/HC96E)  
CAMERA DATA (below)  
Displays camera setting data.  
See page 39.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
1
2
USB CAMERA  
AUTO  
100 AWB  
6
5
3
4
F1. 8  
9dB  
When you set [  
STREAM] and connect  
your camcorder to your computer via the  
USB cable, you can view the picture your  
camcorder is currently seeing on your  
computer like a live camera.  
You can also import the picture to your  
computer. Refer to the “First Step Guide”  
on the supplied CD-ROM for details  
(p. 89).  
ASteadyShot off  
BExposure  
CWhite balance  
DGain  
EShutter speed  
FAperture value  
• Camera setting data does not appear when  
movies on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played  
back.  
DISP GUIDE  
See page 17.  
• The exposure adjustment value (0EV), a shutter  
speed, and the aperture value appear when still  
images on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played  
back.  
• 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.  
Continued ,  
63  
             
STANDARD SET menu (Continued)  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
[DATE/TIME] only.  
DISP OUTPUT  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
BLCD PANEL  
appears for a picture recorded using a flash.  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
REMAINING  
V-OUT/PANEL  
BAUTO  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
MENU ROTATE  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA-TAPE with a cassette  
inserted.  
BNORMAL  
Scrolls the menu items downwards by  
• When you touch  
(Play/Pause).  
touching  
.
ON  
OPPOSITE  
Scrolls the menu items upwards by  
touching  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
.
REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
use the supplied Remote Commander  
(p. 36).  
B5 min  
The camcorder is automatically turned off  
when you do not operate your camcorder  
for more than approximately 5 minutes.  
• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from  
responding to a command sent by another VCR  
remote control unit.  
NEVER  
The camcorder is not automatically turned  
off.  
REC LAMP (Recording lamp)  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall  
socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to  
[NEVER].  
The camera recording lamp will not light up  
during recording when you set this to [OFF]  
(The default setting is [ON]) (p. 31).  
CALIBRATION  
BEEP  
See page 125.  
BON  
A melody sounds when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
64  
                     
TIME/LANGU.  
Customizing Personal  
Menu  
You can add desired menu items to any  
Personal Menu allocated to the lamp  
positions currently lit. This is convenient if  
you add frequently used menu items to  
Personal Menu.  
menu  
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)  
See page 40 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
CLOCK SET  
Adding a menu item  
See page 19.  
You can add up to 28 menu items to each  
Personal Menu. Delete a less important  
menu item, if you want to add more.  
WORLD TIME  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
/
, the clock will be adjusted in  
1
Touch  
t [ADD].  
If the desired menu item is not  
displayed, touch  
t [P-MENU SET UP]  
accordance with the time difference.  
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock  
returns to the originally set time.  
/
.
60min  
STBY  
Select the category.  
0:00:00  
END  
LANGUAGE  
CAMERA SET  
PICT. APPLI.  
EDIT/PLAY  
STANDARD SET  
TIME/LANGU.  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
OK  
2
3
Touch  
category, then touch  
/
to select a menu  
.
60min  
Select the item.  
STBY  
0:00:00  
END  
PROGRAM AE  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
WHITE BAL.  
SHARPNESS  
OK  
Touch  
item, then touch  
.
/
to select a menu  
t [YES] t  
The menu item is added to the end of  
list.  
Continued ,  
65  
                   
Customizing Personal Menu (Continued)  
Deleting a menu item  
Arranging the order of menu  
items displayed on Personal  
Menu  
1
Touch  
t [DELETE].  
t [P-MENU SET UP]  
1
Touch  
t [SORT].  
t [P-MENU SET UP]  
If the desired menu item is not  
displayed, touch  
/
.
If the desired menu item is not  
displayed, touch  
60min  
STBY  
Select button to delete.  
0:00:00  
END  
/
.
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU  
TELE  
MACRO  
EXPO-  
SURE  
1/3  
SPOT  
2
3
4
5
Touch the menu item you want to  
move.  
FADER  
FOCUS  
2
3
Touch the menu item that you  
want to delete.  
Touch  
/
to move the menu  
item to the desired place.  
60min  
DELETE  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Delete this from  
CAMERA-TAPE mode's  
P-MENU?  
Touch  
.
YES  
NO  
To sort more items, repeat steps 2 to 4.  
Touch [END] t  
.
Touch [YES] t  
.
• You cannot move [P-MENU SET UP].  
• You cannot delete [MENU] and [P-MENU  
SET UP].  
Initializing the Personal Menu  
settings (Reset)  
Touch  
t [P-MENU SET UP] t  
[RESET] t [YES] t [YES] t  
.
If the desired menu item is not displayed,  
touch  
/
.
66  
     
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc.  
You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/  
DVD device, etc.).  
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable  
(1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).  
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.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This may cause a  
malfunction.  
DCR-HC36E:  
A/V OUT jack  
1
AUDIO/  
VIDEO jacks  
A/V OUT  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
VCR/DVD  
device, etc.  
To S VIDEO jack  
To i.LINK  
jack  
2
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
DV  
3
: Signal flow  
Continued ,  
67  
             
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued)  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
A/V or A/V OUT jack  
1
AUDIO/VIDEO  
jacks  
A/V  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
VCR/DVD  
device, etc.  
To S VIDEO jack  
To i.LINK  
jack  
DV  
2
To DV or DV OUT Interface  
(i.LINK)  
3
: Signal flow  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
The Handycam Station and your camcorder  
are both equipped with A/V jacks (p. 80).  
Connect the A/V connecting cable either to  
the Handycam Station or to your camcorder,  
depending on your setup.  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your  
camcorder to another device equipped with an  
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are  
transmitted digitally, producing high quality  
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot  
output picture and sound separately.  
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video jack, and the  
red (right channel) or the white (left channel)  
plug to the audio jack on the VCR/TV.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable, set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD  
PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 64).  
• While your camcorder is sending signals to  
another device via an i.LINK cable,  
appears on the LCD screen on your  
camcorder.  
B 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, 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. In this case, the yellow  
(standard video) plug connection is not  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not  
output audio.  
68  
             
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
Interface (i.LINK):  
– Indicators  
– Pictures edited using [PICT. EFFECT]  
(p. 58), [D. EFFECT] (p. 56) or PB zoom  
(p. 30).  
• 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.  
1
2
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
Set [TV TYPE] according to the  
playback device (TV, etc.) (p. 39).  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, data  
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not  
be displayed or recorded depending on the  
device or application.  
Prepare your VCR/DVD device for  
recording.  
When dubbing to the VCR, insert a  
cassette for recording.  
When dubbing to the DVD recorder,  
insert a DVD for recording.  
If your recording device has an input  
selector, set it to the appropriate input  
(such as video input1, video input2).  
3
4
Connect your VCR/DVD device to  
your camcorder as a recording  
device.  
Connect your camcorder to the input  
jacks of a VCR or a DVD device.  
Start playback on the camcorder,  
and recording on the VCR/DVD  
device.  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
5
When dubbing is complete, stop  
your camcorder and the VCR/DVD  
device.  
• To record the date/time and camera settings data  
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,  
display them on the screen (p. 63, 64).  
69  
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD  
device, etc. (DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E)  
You can record pictures or TV programs from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc., on a tape or a  
“Memory Stick Duo.” You can also record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
Be sure to insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder  
beforehand.  
You can connect your camcorder to a TV, VCR/DVD device, etc. or an i.LINK-compatible  
device using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2),  
or the i.LINK cable (3).  
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.  
• You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. that does not have an  
output jack.  
• Your camcorder can only record from a PAL source. For example, French system video/broadcasts  
(SECAM) will not be recorded correctly. See page 118 for details on TV color systems.  
• If you use a 21-pin adaptor to input PAL source, you need a dual direction 21-pin adaptor (optional).  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This may cause a  
malfunction.  
DCR-HC36E:  
TV or VCR/DVD  
device, etc.  
To i.LINK jack  
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
DV  
3
: Signal flow  
70  
       
DCR-HC46E/HC96E:  
A/V jack (DCR-HC96E)  
1
AUDIO/VIDEO  
jacks  
A/V  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
TV or VCR/  
DVD  
device, etc.  
To S VIDEO jack  
To i.LINK  
jack  
DV  
2
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
3
: Signal flow  
A For DCR-HC96E:  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
The Handycam Station and your camcorder  
are both equipped with A/V jacks. Connect  
the A/V connecting cable either to the  
Handycam Station or to your camcorder,  
depending on your setup.  
camcorder to another device equipped with an  
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are  
transmitted digitally, producing high quality  
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot  
input the picture and sound separately.  
• While your camcorder is receiving signals from  
another device via an i.LINK cable,  
appears on the LCD screen on your  
camcorder (This indicator may also appear on  
the connected device.).  
B For DCR-HC96E:  
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, 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. In this case, the yellow  
(standard video) plug connection is not  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not  
input audio.  
• For DCR-HC96E:  
When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video jack, and the  
red (right channel) or the white (left channel)  
plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV.  
• For DCR-HC96E:  
When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable, set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD  
PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 64).  
Continued ,  
71  
             
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued)  
The picture played on the connected  
device appears on the LCD screen of  
Recording movies  
your camcorder.  
1
Connect your TV or VCR/DVD  
device to your camcorder as a  
playback device.  
6
7
Touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
Connect your camcorder to the output  
jacks of a TV or VCR/DVD device.  
Stop recording.  
When recording on a tape, touch  
(Stop) or [REC PAUSE].  
2
3
4
If you are recording from a VCR/  
DVD device, insert a cassette or a  
DVD.  
When recording on a “Memory Stick  
Duo,” touch [REC STOP].  
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
8
Touch  
t
.
Recording still images  
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause mode.  
1
Perform steps 1 to 3 in  
“Recording movies.”  
When recording on a tape, touch  
t [  
REC CTRL] t [REC  
PAUSE].  
When recording on a “Memory Stick  
2
Start playing the cassette or the  
disc on the playback device, or  
select a TV program.  
Duo,” touch  
t [MENU] t  
(EDIT/PLAY) t [  
REC  
MOVIE].  
The pictures on the VCR/DVD device  
or TV appear on the screen of your  
camcorder.  
For DCR-HC96E:  
When connecting with an S VIDEO  
plug, touch  
(STANDARD SET) t [VIDEO  
INPUT] t [S VIDEO].  
t [MENU] t  
3
Press PHOTO lightly at the scene  
you want to record. Check the  
image and press it fully.  
5
When recording pictures from a  
VCR/DVD device:  
Start playing the cassette or the  
disc on the VCR/DVD device.  
When recording pictures from a  
TV:  
Select a TV program.  
72  
   
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory  
Stick Duo”  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
You can record movies or still images on a  
“Memory Stick Duo.” Make sure you have  
a recorded tape and a “Memory Stick Duo”  
inserted into your camcorder.  
The playback pictures edited using [DELAY  
MOTION] in [D. EFFECT] cannot be dubbed to  
a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your  
camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
Search and record the scene you  
want to record.  
When you dub pictures as a still image  
Touch  
(Play) to play back the  
tape, then press PHOTO lightly at the  
scene you want to record. Check the  
image and press it fully.  
When you dub pictures as a movie  
Touch  
(EDIT/PLAY) t [  
(Play) to play back the tape,  
t [MENU] t  
REC MOVIE]  
t
then touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
At the point you want to stop recording,  
touch [REC STOP]t  
(Stop) t  
t
.
• The date and time the picture is recorded on the  
tape and stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” are  
recorded. On your camcorder, the date and time  
the picture is recorded on the tape are displayed.  
Camera setting data recorded on the tape cannot  
be stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• The sound is recorded in 32kHz monaural.  
• For the recording time of movies, see page 54.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Still images will be fixed to image size [0.2M]  
when playing back the 16:9 picture, or [VGA  
(0.3M)] when playing back the 4:3 picture.  
73  
     
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape  
You can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 61) without erasing the  
original sound.  
Connecting  
A Active  
Interface Shoe  
C Internal stereo  
microphone  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Do not connect  
the video plug  
(Yellow).  
(White)  
(Red)  
A/V  
B A/V jack  
AUDIO OUT  
: Signal flow  
Audio device (such as  
CD/MD players)  
C Using the internal stereo microphone (no  
connection required).  
For DCR-HC96E:  
The Handycam Station and your camcorder  
are both equipped with A/V jacks. Connect  
the A/V connecting cable either to the  
Handycam Station or to your camcorder,  
depending on your setup.  
The audio input to be recorded takes  
precedence over others in the order of A  
t B t C.  
You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit  
mode (p. 61).  
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP  
mode.  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
You can input audio in the following ways:  
A For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
An external microphone (optional) to the  
Active Interface Shoe.  
B For DCR-HC96E:  
An audio device to the Handycam Station  
or your camcorder using the A/V  
connecting cable.  
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC  
mode.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
74  
         
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV color  
system other than that of your camcorder  
(p. 118).  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set  
to SAVE (p. 119).  
3
4
Touch  
(EDIT/PLAY) t  
CTRL] t  
t [MENU] t  
t [AUD DUB  
t [AUDIO DUB].  
– On sections recorded in HDV format.  
X appears.  
• The Active Interface Shoe has a safety device  
for fixing the installed external microphone  
(optional) securely. To connect, press down and  
push it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To  
release, loosen the screw, and then slide it out  
while pressing down.  
• When you are using the A/V jack (DCR-  
HC96E) or the internal stereo microphone, the  
picture will not be output from the A/V jack.  
Check the picture on the LCD screen or the  
viewfinder.  
60min  
AUD DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
AUDIO  
DUB  
Touch  
(Play) and start  
playing back the audio you want  
to record at the same time.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your  
camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
appears while recording the new  
sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the  
playback of the tape.  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
When you attach an external microphone  
(optional) to the Active Interface Shoe, you can  
check the picture and the sound by connecting  
your camcorder to a TV or other device using  
the A/V connecting cable. Sound you are  
recording is not output from your camcorder’s  
speaker. Check the sound using a TV or other  
device.  
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].  
Recording sound  
Touch  
t
.
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
• To set the end point for audio dubbing,  
beforehand, press ZERO SET MEMORY on the  
Remote Commander at the scene at which you  
want to stop audio dubbing during playback.  
After step 2 to 4, the recording stops  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
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 other  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E  
camcorders).  
Touch  
(Play/Pause) to play  
back the tape, then touch it again  
at the point where you want to  
start recording the sound.  
Continued ,  
75  
   
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape  
(Continued)  
Deleting recorded  
pictures from the  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
To check the recorded sound  
1 Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 27).  
2 Touch  
(STANDARD SET) t  
MIX] t  
t [MENU] t  
t [AUDIO  
1
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
.
60min  
AUDIO MIX  
0:00:00:00  
ST2  
2
Touch  
.
ST1  
101  
2/10  
MEMORYY PLAY  
60min  
10100012  
3.0M  
3 Touch  
/
to adjust the balance of  
the original sound (ST1) and the new sound  
(ST2), then touch  
.
P-MENU  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
• Audio balance adjustment returns to the default  
setting after 12 hours of turning the power off.  
3
4
Select a picture you want to  
delete with  
/
.
• To delete all pictures at once, select [  
ALL ERASE] (p. 54).  
Touch  
t [YES].  
• The pictures cannot be restored once they  
are deleted.  
• You can delete pictures on the index screen  
(p. 27). You can easily search for the picture to  
be deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once.  
Touch  
you want to delete t  
t [ DELETE] t the picture  
t [YES].  
• Pictures cannot be deleted when a “Memory  
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to  
the write-protect position (p. 120), or when the  
selected picture is protected (p. 77).  
76  
       
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo”  
with specific information (Print mark/Image  
protection)  
• Do not mark images on your camcorder if the  
“Memory Stick Duo” already has some images  
with the Print mark put on using other devices.  
This may change the information of the images  
with the Print mark put on using the other  
device.  
When you are using a “Memory Stick Duo”  
with the write-protect tab, make sure the  
write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” is not set to the write-protect position  
(p. 120).  
Selecting still images for  
printing (Print mark)  
Preventing accidental erasure  
(Image protection)  
The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)  
standard is used to select images for  
printing on your camcorder.  
You can select and mark images to prevent  
accidental erasure.  
By marking images that you want to print  
out, you do not need to reselect them when  
you print them out. (You cannot specify the  
number of printouts.)  
1
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
1
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
2
3
Touch  
[PROTECT].  
t
t
t
Touch the image that you want to  
protect.  
2
3
Touch  
t
t
t
[PRINT MARK].  
PROTECT  
-
appears.  
Touch the image that you want to  
print out later.  
101–0002  
101  
2/10  
OK  
PRINT MARK  
appears.  
4
Touch  
t [END].  
101–0002  
101  
2/10  
OK  
• To cancel image protection, touch the image  
again to cancel image protection in step 3.  
4
Touch  
t [END].  
• To cancel Print mark, touch the image again to  
cancel Print mark in step 3.  
77  
         
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant  
printer)  
• You can also operate by selecting in the  
following orders:  
You can print out pictures using a  
PictBridge compliant printer without  
connecting the camcorder to a computer.  
– Touch  
t [MENU] t  
(PICT.APPLI.) t [USB SELECT] t  
[PictBridge PRINT]  
– Touch  
t [MENU] t  
Connect the AC Adaptor to obtain power  
from the wall socket.  
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” containing  
still images into your camcorder and turn  
on the printer.  
(PICT.APPLI.) t [PictBridge PRINT]  
• We cannot guarantee the operation of models  
that are not PictBridge compatible.  
Printing  
Connecting your camcorder to  
the printer  
1
Select the image to be printed  
with  
/
.
1
2
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
2
3
Touch  
t [COPIES].  
Select the number of copies to be  
printed with  
Connect the (USB) jack of your  
camcorder (DCR-HC36E) or the  
Handycam Station (DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E) to the  
printer using the USB cable. [USB  
SELECT] appears on the screen  
automatically.  
/
.
A maximum of 20 copies of the image  
can be printed.  
4
5
Touch  
To print the date and time on the image,  
touch  
t [END].  
t [DATE/TIME] t  
[DATE] or [DAY&TIME] t  
.
3
Touch [PictBridge PRINT].  
When connection is complete,  
(PictBridge connecting) appears on  
the screen.  
Touch [EXEC] t [YES].  
When printing is finished, [Printing...]  
disappears and the image selection  
screen appears again.  
101  
1/10  
3.0M  
PictBriddge PRINT  
101-0001  
END  
Touch [END] when printing is  
completed.  
+
-
SET EXEC  
One of the images stored on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.  
• Refer also to the operating instructions for the  
printer to be used.  
• Do not attempt the following operations when  
is on the screen. The operations may not be  
performed properly.  
– Operate the POWER switch.  
78  
       
– Disconnect the mains lead.  
– Remove your camcorder from the Handycam  
Station (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E).  
– Disconnect the USB cable from your  
camcorder (DCR-HC36E) or the Handycam  
Station (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E) or the printer.  
– Remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from your  
camcorder.  
• If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB  
cable, turn the printer off and on again and  
restart the operation from the beginning.  
• Some printer models may not support the date  
and time printing function. Refer to your  
printer’s operating instructions for details.  
• We cannot guarantee the printing of images  
recorded with a device other than your  
camcorder.  
• PictBridge is an industry standard established  
by the Camera & Imaging Products Association  
(CIPA). You can print still images without using  
a computer by connecting a printer directly to a  
digital video camera or digital still camera,  
regardless of model or manufacturer.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
If you print a still image recorded with a 16:9  
ratio, left and right ends of the image may be cut  
off.  
79  
Jacks to connect external devices  
Camcorder  
Handycam Station  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
7
3
1
6
5
4
A For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
Active Interface Shoe  
(p. 74)  
The Active Interface Shoe supplies  
power to optional accessories such as a  
video light, a flash, or a microphone.  
The accessory can be turned on or off as  
you operate the POWER switch on your  
camcorder. Refer to the operating  
instructions supplied with your  
DCR-HC36E  
4
5
3
accessory for details.  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E  
• When you connect an accessory, open the  
shoe cover.  
• The Active Interface Shoe has a safety  
device for fixing the installed accessory  
securely. To connect an accessory, press  
down and push it to the end, and then  
tighten the screw. To release an accessory,  
loosen the screw, and then slide it out while  
pressing down.  
3
• Connecting with an external device wears  
out the battery pack faster.  
2
3
• When you are recording movies with an  
external flash (optional) connected to the  
accessory shoe, turn off the power of the  
external flash to prevent charging noise  
being recorded.  
Bottom  
• You cannot use an external flash (optional)  
and the built-in flash at the same time.  
6
7
• When an external microphone (optional) is  
connected, it takes precedence over the  
internal stereo microphone (p. 31).  
B For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
LANC jack (blue)  
1 ...Open the shoe cover.  
2 - 6 ...Open the jack cover.  
• The LANC control jack is used for  
controlling the tape transport of video  
devices and peripherals connected to it.  
80  
         
C For DCR-HC96E:  
A/V (audio/video) jack (p. 38, 67, 93)  
For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E/  
HC94E:  
A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 38, 67)  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
The Handycam Station and your camcorder  
are both equipped with A/V jacks.  
D
(USB) jack (p. 82)  
E For DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E:  
DV Interface (i.LINK) (p. 67, 90)  
For DCR-HC44E/HC94E:  
DV OUT Interface (i.LINK) (p. 67,  
90)  
F DC IN jack (p. 9)  
G Interface connector  
81  
     
Using a Computer  
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on  
your computer  
When you install the Picture Package  
Viewing video and pictures on PC  
software on a Windows computer from the  
You can view the video and still images  
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the  
copied from your camcorder by selecting  
following operations by connecting your  
from thumbnails. Video and still images are  
camcorder to your computer.  
saved in folders by date.  
• 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 the supplied  
CD-ROM. For “First Step Guide,” see page 85.  
• There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to a  
computer.  
Music Video/Slideshow Producer  
You can select your favorite video and still  
images from video and still images saved  
on your computer and easily create an  
original short video or original slide show  
with added music and visual styles.  
– USB cable  
This method is good for copying video and  
sound recorded on a tape to the computer,  
copying files from a “Memory Stick Duo” to  
a computer, and copying files to a “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
Software is not required to copy files from a  
“Memory Stick Duo” to a computer. (You can  
connect your camcorder using the standard  
driver of the computer.)  
Automatic Music Video Producer  
You can easily create an original short  
video with added music and visual styles  
using video recorded on a tape.  
Copying tape to Video CD  
You can import the entire contents of a tape  
to create a 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.  
Save the images on CD-R  
You can save video and still images copied  
onto a computer to a CD-R.  
For details on connection, see “First Step  
Guide.”  
Burning Video CD  
You can compose a video CD with a menu  
of videos and slide shows. ImageMixer  
VCD2 is compatible with high resolution  
still images.  
USB Streaming Tool  
You can view live or recorded images from  
your camcorder on a computer.  
82  
             
CPU: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or faster  
(800 MHz or faster recommended) (For  
using ImageMixer VCD2, Intel Pentium  
4 1.3 GHz or faster recommended)  
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  
– Picture Package Ver.1.5.1  
– ImageMixer VCD2  
– “First Step Guide”  
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This  
product is based on DirectX technology.  
It is necessary to have DirectX  
installed.)  
Windows Media Player 7.0 or later  
Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or later  
Sound system: 16 bit stereo sound card  
About “First Step Guide”  
and stereo speakers  
Memory: 64 MB or more  
“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). Install the CD-ROM, read  
“Installing the software and “First Step  
Guide” on a computer” (p. 85), start the  
“First Step Guide,” then follow the  
instructions.  
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)  
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, or 256  
colors or less.)  
About the help function of the  
software  
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. For the  
compatible drive, visit the following  
URL: http://www.ppackage.com/)  
The Help guide explains all software  
application functions. 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.  
When playing pictures recorded on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” on a computer  
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000  
Professional, Windows Millennium  
Edition, Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
System requirements  
x For Windows users  
When using Picture Package  
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000  
Professional, Windows Millennium  
Edition, Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above OS  
has been upgraded.  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above OS  
has been upgraded.  
CPU: MMX Pentium 200MHz or faster  
Continued ,  
83  
         
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer (Continued)  
Application: Windows Media Player  
(This must be installed to play back  
movies.)  
Others: USB port (This must be provided  
as standard.)  
• 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.  
Others: USB port (This must be provided  
as standard), disc drive  
• If your computer has a Memory Stick slot, insert  
the “Memory Stick Duo” on which pictures are  
recorded into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor  
(optional), then insert it into the Memory Stick  
slot on your computer to copy still images to the  
computer.  
• If you try to use the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
on a computer that is not compatible with  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo,” connect your  
camcorder to the computer using the USB cable  
instead of using the “Memory Stick” slot.  
x For Macintosh users  
When using ImageMixer VCD2  
OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.5 or later)  
CPU: iMac, eMac, iBook, PowerBook,  
Power Mac 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)  
Display: Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots,  
32,000 colors (This product will not  
operate correctly at 1,024 × 768 dots or  
less, or 256 colors or less.)  
Application: QuickTime 4 or later  
(QuickTime 5 recommended)  
Other: Disc drive  
When only copying pictures recorded on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” on a computer  
OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v 10.1/  
v 10.2/v 10.3/v 10.4)  
Application: QuickTime 3.0 or later (This  
must be installed to play back movies.)  
84  
 
Installing the software and “First Step Guide”  
on a computer  
You need to install the software etc., with  
the supplied CD-ROM on your computer  
before connecting your camcorder  
and your computer. Once installed, no  
further installation will be necessary. The  
software to be used varies depending on the  
computer’s operating system you are using.  
Windows computer: Picture Package  
(including ImageMixer VCD2)  
If the screen does not appear  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE]  
(Disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
4
Click [Install].  
Macintosh computer: ImageMixer VCD2  
For the details on the software, refer to  
“First Step Guide.”  
Installing on a Windows  
computer  
Log on as Administrators for installation  
for Windows 2000/Windows XP.  
The software version of Picture Package  
is displayed as “1.5.”  
Depending on the computer’s operating  
system, a message may appear 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.  
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.  
5
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
3
Place the CD-ROM in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
The software version of Picture Package  
is displayed as “1.5.”  
Continued ,  
85  
           
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (Continued)  
6
7
Click [Next].  
9
Click [Install] on the [Ready to  
Install the Program] screen.  
The installation of Picture Package  
starts.  
Read [License Agreement], check  
[I accept the terms of the license  
agreement] if you agree, then  
click [Next].  
10Click [Next] to install the “First  
Step Guide.”  
Depending on the computer, this screen  
may not be displayed. In such a case,  
skip to step 11.  
The software version of Picture Package  
is displayed as “1.5.”  
8
Select where to save the  
software, then click [Next].  
11Click [Next], then follow the on-  
screen instructions to install  
ImageMixer VCD2.  
86  
12If the [Installing Microsoft(R)  
DirectX(R)] screen is displayed,  
follow the steps below to install  
DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step  
13.  
13Make sure [Yes, I want to restart  
my computer now.] is checked,  
then click [Finish].  
1 Read the License Agreement, then click  
[Next].  
The computer turns off once, then starts  
up again automatically (Restart). The  
short-cut icons for [Picture Package  
Menu] and [Picture Package destination  
folder] (and “First Step Guide,” if  
installed in step 10) appear on the  
desktop.  
2 Click [Next].  
3 Click [Finish].  
14Remove the CD-ROM from the  
disc drive of your computer.  
• For details on connecting your camcorder and  
computer, see “First Step Guide” on the  
supplied CD-ROM (p. 89).  
• If you have any questions about Picture  
Package, contact information is listed on page  
89.  
Continued ,  
87  
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (Continued)  
Installing on a Macintosh  
computer  
9
When the user acceptance screen  
is displayed, enter your name and  
password.  
The installation of ImageMixer VCD2  
starts.  
1
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
• For details on connecting your camcorder and  
computer, see “First Step Guide” on the  
supplied CD-ROM (p. 89).  
• For details on how to use ImageMixer VCD2,  
refer to software’s on-line help.  
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 “FirstStepGuide.pdf,”  
stored in the desired language in  
the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to  
your computer.  
6
Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC]  
folder of the CD-ROM to a folder  
of your choice.  
7
8
Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the  
folder it was copied to.  
Double-click the unzipped  
[ImageMixerVCD2_Install].  
88  
 
Viewing “First Step Guide”  
Displaying “First Step Guide”  
For inquires about this software  
Starting up on a Windows computer  
Pixela User Support Center  
Viewing with Microsoft Internet Explorer  
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.  
Pixela Home Page  
Picture Package:  
Double-click the  
icon on the desktop.  
http://www.ppackage.com/  
ImageMixer VCD2:  
http://www.ImageMixer.com/  
North America (Los Angeles) Telephone:  
(Toll-Free) +1-800-458-4029  
+1-213-341-0163  
Europe (U.K.) Telephone:  
(Toll-Free) UK, Germany, France and  
Spain:  
+800-1532-4865  
Other countries:  
You can also start up [First Step Guide]  
by selecting [Start], [Programs] ([All  
Programs] for Windows XP), [Picture  
Package] and [First Step Guide].  
+44-1489-564-764  
• 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.”  
Asia (Philippines) Telephone:  
+63-2-438-0090  
On Copyrights  
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/  
• Refer to “FirstStepGuide.pdf” located in  
your desired language folder 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.  
region. Except to the extent expressly  
permitted by applicable laws, you are not  
permitted to use (including, without  
limitation, copying, modifying,  
– When the HTML version of “First Step  
Guide” is not installed automatically.  
Starting up on a Macintosh computer  
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  
Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf.”  
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 the PDF, Adobe Reader is  
needed. If it is not installed on your  
computer, you can download it from the  
Adobe Systems web page:  
http://www.adobe.com/  
89  
         
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD”)  
You can create a DVD from a tape with a  
Sony VAIO series computer* preinstalled  
with “Click to DVD Ver.1.2” (Sony  
original software) or later via an i.LINK  
cable. The picture is automatically copied  
and written to a DVD.  
The following procedures describe how to  
create a DVD from a recorded tape. For  
details on system and operation  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E:  
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your  
camcorder is on the Handycam Station.  
This may cause a malfunction.  
* Note that you need a computer equipped  
with a DVD drive that can write DVDs.  
Using the Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD” function for the first time  
requirements, and “Click to DVD,” visit the  
following URL:  
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  
http://www.vaio-link.com/  
– USA  
http://ciscdb.sel.sony.com/perl/select-p-  
n.pl  
– Asia Pacific Regional  
http://www.css.ap.sony.com/  
– Korea  
1 Turn on the computer.  
2 Click the start menu, then select [All  
Programs].  
http://scs.sony.co.kr/  
– Taiwan  
3 Select [Click to DVD] from the programs  
displayed, then click [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher].  
http://vaio-online.sony.com/tw/vaio/  
– China  
http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/vaio/  
– Thailand  
[Click to DVD Automatic Mode Launcher]  
starts up.  
http://www.sony.co.th/vaio/index.html  
– Latin America  
http://www.sony-latin.com/vaio/info/  
index.jsp  
• 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  
connector  
1
2
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running with an  
i.LINK.  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
DV  
To DV  
Interface  
(i.LINK)  
Prepare the power source for the  
camcorder.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the  
power source since it takes a few hours  
to create a DVD.  
• You can only use an i.LINK cable for this  
operation. You cannot use a USB cable.  
90  
         
The status of the operation on your  
computer is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
3
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
[CAPTURING]: The picture recorded  
on the tape is being copied to the  
computer.  
4
5
Insert a recorded cassette into  
your camcorder.  
[CONVERTING]: The picture is being  
converted to the MPEG2 format.  
[WRITING]: The picture is being  
written onto the DVD.  
Connect your camcorder (DCR-  
HC36E) or the Handycam Station  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E) to a computer via an  
i.LINK cable (p. 90).  
• 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.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a  
computer, make sure you insert the  
connector in the correct way. If you insert  
the connector forcibly, damage may occur  
and cause camcorder malfunction.  
• For details, see “First Step Guide” on the  
supplied CD-ROM (p. 89).  
9
Touch [NO] to finish creating a  
DVD.  
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 .  
6
Touch  
t [MENU] t  
(EDIT/PLAY) t [BURN DVD] t  
YES  
NO  
.
The disc tray comes out automatically.  
To create another DVD with the same  
content, touch [YES].  
“Click to DVD” starts up and the on-  
screen instructions appear on your  
computer.  
The disc tray comes out. Place a new  
writable DVD in the disc drive. Then,  
repeat step 8 and 9.  
7
8
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.  
60min  
BURN DVD  
START  
0:00:00:00  
• You cannot cancel the operation after  
[Finalizing DVD.] is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
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.  
EXEC  
CANCEL  
Continued ,  
91  
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) (Continued)  
• 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.  
• If 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” for details.  
– The tape contains a 10-second blank portion.  
– The tape data contains a date before the date  
of later images.  
– Both normal and wide pictures are recorded  
on the same tape (Only for “Click to DVD”  
older than Ver.2.2).  
• You cannot operate [BURN DVD] in the  
following situations:  
– While a tape is running.  
– While recording images onto a “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
– When “Click to DVD” is started up from the  
computer.  
– For DCR-HC96E:  
When [A/V t DV OUT] in the menu setting  
of your camcorder is set to [ON].  
92  
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via  
your camcorder (Signal convert function) (DCR-  
HC96E)  
Using an i.LINK cable (3) and the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable  
with S VIDEO (2), you can convert an analog signal output from an analog device such as a  
VCR to a digital signal and transfer it to a digital device, such as a computer, via your  
camcorder.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 9).  
Software that can record the video signal must be installed on your computer beforehand.  
A/V jack  
1
A/V  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
VCR  
Computer  
To S VIDEO jack  
2
DV  
To i.LINK jack  
DV Interface (i.LINK)  
3
: Signal flow  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this  
case, the yellow (standard video) plug  
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO  
connection only will not output audio.  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
The Handycam Station and your camcorder  
are both equipped with A/V jacks. Connect  
the A/V connecting cable either to the  
Handycam Station or to your camcorder,  
depending on your setup. The A/V jack  
accepts analog signals.  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional)  
Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] on  
the menu (p. 64) beforehand. (The default  
setting is [LCD PANEL].)  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection.  
1
Turn on the analog video unit.  
Continued ,  
93  
                 
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal  
convert function) (Continued)  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch of your  
camcorder repeatedly to turn on  
the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
On the LCD screen, touch  
t [MENU] t  
(STANDARD  
SET) t [A/V t DV OUT] t [ON]  
t
t
.
4
5
Start playback on the analog  
video unit.  
Start capturing procedures on  
your computer.  
Regarding operation, refer to the  
operating instructions supplied with the  
software or the on-line help.  
After capturing images and sound, stop  
capturing procedures on your computer,  
and stop playback on the analog video  
unit.  
• The bundled software Picture Package or  
ImageMixer VCD2 does not support the signal  
convert function.  
• You may not be able to output the pictures  
correctly depending on the condition of the  
analog video signal input to your camcorder.  
• You cannot transfer pictures with copyright  
protection signals to a computer.  
• You can use a USB cable instead of an i.LINK  
cable to transfer pictures to a computer. Note,  
however, that the picture displayed may lack the  
same smoothness.  
• When you are using the USB cable or an i.LINK  
cable to connect your camcorder to a computer,  
make sure you insert the connectors in the  
correct way. If you insert the connectors  
forcibly, damage may occur and cause  
camcorder malfunction.  
94  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the  
problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer.  
Overall operations/Easy Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 9).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall socket (p. 9).  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10).  
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.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 31) using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button,  
all settings are reset, except Personal Menu items.)  
Buttons do not work.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all buttons are functional (p. 25).  
Easy Handycam operation cannot be switched to normal operation.  
• While recording or communicating with another device via USB cable, you cannot switch  
Easy Handycam operation to the normal operation.  
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 (p. 24, 42).  
[DEMO MODE] does not start.  
• You cannot view the demonstration when NIGHTSHOT PLUS (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/  
HC46E)/NIGHTSHOT (DCR-HC94E/HC96E) switch is set to ON (p. 29).  
• Eject the cassette and “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder (p. 20, 21).  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.  
Continued ,  
95  
         
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
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. 64), or turn on the power again (p. 14), or use the AC Adaptor.  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 9).  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) (p. 9).  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9).  
• Connect the mains lead to the wall socket properly.  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 10).  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10).  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9). If the problem persists, disconnect  
the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be  
worn-out.  
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.  
• Ambient temperature 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, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 9, 121).  
• The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open  
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.  
The battery pack discharges too quickly.  
• Ambient temperature 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, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 9, 121).  
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.  
96  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
A rippling effect appears on the LCD screen when you touch it.  
• This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard on the LCD screen.  
An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.  
• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 59). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a  
“Memory Stick Duo” to cancel [DEMO MODE].  
An unknown indicator appears on the screen.  
• A warning indicator or message appears on the screen (p. 113).  
The picture remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug from your camcorder or remove the battery pack  
without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.  
You cannot turn the LCD backlight off (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E).  
• During Easy Handycam operation (p. 24), you cannot turn the LCD backlight on/off by  
pressing and holding DISP/BATT INFO.  
You cannot turn off the indicators.  
• You cannot turn off  
. Touch  
to check the warning messages (p. 114).  
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)  
(p. 17, 36).  
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.  
• Adjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 125).  
• If you change the aspect ratio of the picture, the aspect ratio of the buttons of the touch panel  
and indicators will switch to the selected one (p. 22).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 16).  
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. 16).  
Continued ,  
97  
 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.  
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.  
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. 11).  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 9).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 124).  
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.  
The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 64).  
The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.  
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery  
operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
You cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT  
lamp (p. 14).  
• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder (p. 21).  
• If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it again on your  
camcorder (p. 54).  
Pictures cannot be deleted.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 120).  
• Cancel image protection on the picture (p. 77).  
• The maximum number of pictures that you can delete on the index screen at one time is 100.  
You cannot delete all pictures at once.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 120).  
• Cancel image protection on the pictures (p. 77).  
98  
 
You cannot format the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 120).  
Image protection cannot be applied.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 120).  
• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 77).  
You cannot mark pictures for print.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 120).  
• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 77).  
• The maximum number of pictures you can mark for print is 999.  
• Movies cannot be marked for print.  
The data file name is not indicated correctly.  
• Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal  
standard.  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 119).  
The data file name flashes.  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 119).  
Recording  
Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 101) and “Memory Stick Duo”  
section (p. 98).  
The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp (p. 26).  
• 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. 119).  
• 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. 124).  
You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 120).  
• The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” (p. 76).  
• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder (p. 54) or insert another “Memory Stick  
Duo” (p. 21).  
Continued ,  
99  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
• In the following settings, still images cannot be recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” during  
tape recording.  
– [PROGRES.REC] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [SMTH INT.REC] (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
• For DCR-HC36E:  
You cannot record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” using [WIDE SELECT] mode  
(p. 50).  
The recording angle differs depending on the POWER switch setting position  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E).  
• The recording angle when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY is wider than  
when it is set to CAMERA-TAPE.  
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene  
to the next.  
• Perform END SEARCH (p. 35).  
• 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. 64).  
The internal flash does not work (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• You cannot use the internal flash with:  
– Tape recording  
– [SUPER NS]  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [PROGRES.REC]  
– [BURST]  
• Even if auto flash or  
with:  
(Auto redeye reduction) is selected, you cannot use the internal flash  
– NightShot  
– [SPOTLIGHT], [SUNSET&MOON], and [LANDSCAPE] of [PROGRAM AE]  
– [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
The external flash (optional) does not work (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly.  
[END SEARCH] does not work.  
• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 35).  
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.  
100  
 
[END SEARCH] does not work correctly.  
• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
Smooth interval recording stops/[Smooth interval rec discontinued due to  
error.] appears and recording stops (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E).  
• The video head may be dirty. Use a cleaning cassette (optional).  
• Try again from the beginning.  
• Use a Sony mini DV cassette.  
Adjusting the image during recording  
Refer also to “Menu” (p. 104).  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 47).  
• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 47).  
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 51).  
The BACK LIGHT function does not function.  
• In the following settings, the BACK LIGHT function is canceled.  
– [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
• The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 25).  
The [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed during Easy Handycam operation (p. 48).  
[DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function.  
• [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function when you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON].  
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.  
Continued ,  
101  
             
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.  
• The spots appear when you are recording in [SLOW SHUTTR], [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-  
HC36E/HC44E/HC46E), [SUPER NS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E), or [COLOR SLOW S]. This  
is not a malfunction.  
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)/NightShot (DCR-HC94E/  
HC96E) function (p. 29).  
The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)/NightShot (DCR-HC94E/  
HC96E) function (p. 29), or cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 29).  
The screen picture is dark, and the subject does not appear on the screen  
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E).  
• Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds to turn on the backlight (p. 16).  
The picture appears too bright, or flickering or changes in color occurs.  
• These anomalies may occur when recording pictures under the discharge tube, such as a  
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORTS]. This is  
not a malfunction. Cancel [PROGRAM AE] to reduce the anomaly (p. 45).  
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 51).  
Playback  
If you are playing back pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” refer also to the “Memory  
Stick Duo” section (p. 98).  
You cannot play back tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• Rewind the tape (p. 27).  
The pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” are not played back in their  
correct size or aspect ratio.  
• Pictures recorded on other devices may not appear in their actual size. This is not a  
malfunction.  
• If you play back a movie recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” with a 16:9 ratio, black bands  
will appear at the top and bottom of the screen. This is not a malfunction.  
102  
Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back.  
• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified file or folder names, or have edited  
the data on a computer (In this case, the file name flashes). This is not a malfunction (p. 121).  
• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back. This is not a malfunction  
(p. 121).  
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. 125).  
Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• Adjust [SHARPNESS] to the  
(soften) side (p. 47).  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
• Set [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 61).  
• Turn up the volume (p. 27).  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 76).  
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting  
cable are also connected (p. 38).  
The sound breaks off.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 125).  
“---” 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. 118).  
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.  
• Be sure to record more than 2 minutes after the date changed. If one day’s recording is too  
short, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes.  
Continued ,  
103  
 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or between recorded sections of the tape. This is not  
a malfunction.  
Remote Commander  
The supplied Remote Commander does not function.  
• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 64).  
• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.  
• Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote  
sensor, otherwise the Remote Commander may not function properly.  
• Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/– terminals matching those of the  
compartment (p. 126).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) as the remote sensor may be obstructed by it.  
Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.  
• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR.  
• 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.  
is not displayed.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all menu items are functional. Cancel Easy Handycam  
operation (p. 24).  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].  
• You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] together with:  
– NightShot plus (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– NightShot (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [SUPER NS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [TELE MACRO]  
• [SPORTS] will not work when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY.  
You cannot use [SPOT METER].  
• You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with:  
– NightShot plus (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– NightShot (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [SUPER NS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
104  
     
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [AUTO].  
You cannot use [EXPOSURE].  
• You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with:  
– NightShot plus (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– NightShot (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [SUPER NS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [AUTO].  
You cannot use [WHITE BAL.].  
• You cannot use [WHITE BAL.] when you use NightShot plus or [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-  
HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)/NightShot or [SUPER NS](DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
You cannot adjust [SHARPNESS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• You cannot adjust [SHARPNESS] with [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT].  
[AE SHIFT] cannot be operated (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• [AE SHIFT] cannot be selected when [EXPOSURE] is set to [MANUAL].  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].  
• You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [TELE MACRO].  
• You cannot use [TELE MACRO] together with:  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
– Recording a movie on a tape or “Memory Stick Duo.”  
You cannot use [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)/[SUPER NS]  
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• You cannot use [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)/[SUPER NS] (DCR-  
HC94E/HC96E) together with:  
– [FADER]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
Continued ,  
105  
             
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly.  
• [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in total darkness. Use NightShot plus or  
[SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)/NightShot or [SUPER NS] (DCR-  
HC94E/HC96E).  
• You cannot use [COLOR SLOW S] together with:  
– [FADER]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
– [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
You cannot use [PROGRES.REC] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• You cannot use [PROGRES.REC] with [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT].  
You cannot use [FADER].  
• You cannot use [FADER] together with:  
– [SELF-TIMER]  
– [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– [SUPER NS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [FRAME REC] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [SMTH INT.REC] (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
You cannot use [D. EFFECT].  
• You cannot use [D. EFFECT] together with:  
– [SUPER NSPLUS] (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)  
– [SUPER NS] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [FADER]  
• You cannot use [CINEMA EFECT] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E), [SLOW SHUTTR], and [OLD  
MOVIE] together with [PROGRAM AE] (except [AUTO]).  
• You cannot use [OLD MOVIE] together with:  
– [PICT. EFFECT]  
– [WIDE SELECT] (DCR-HC36E)  
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
You cannot use [CINEMA EFECT] together with:  
– [EXPOSURE] set to [MANUAL]  
– Other than 0 in [AE SHIFT]  
– [PROGRES.REC]  
– [PICT. EFFECT]  
You cannot use [SMTH INT.REC] (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• You cannot use [SMTH INT.REC] when you use [CINEMA EFECT] or [DELAY  
MOTION] of [D. EFFECT].  
106  
         
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
Pictures output from the camcorder do not appear on the screen of the  
connected device (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E).  
• When attaching the camcorder to the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover on the  
camcorder, and then fully insert the camcorder into the Handycam Station in the correct way  
securely (p. 10).  
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed on the LCD screen or the  
viewfinder (DCR-HC96E).  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 64).  
• You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISP/BATT INFO while [DISP  
OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 64).  
• Make sure that the proper video plug is connected to the other device, and then set [VIDEO  
INPUT] properly (p. 63).  
Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed (DCR-HC36E/HC46E/  
HC96E).  
• You cannot zoom pictures from connected devices on your camcorder (p. 30).  
Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable  
(p. 64).  
You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting  
cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e., to the output jack of a device you are dubbing a  
picture from (DCR-HC96E), or to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from  
your camcorder (p. 67, 70).  
• For DCR-HC96E:  
Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 64).  
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. 76).  
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly.  
• The input signal is not PAL (p. 118).  
Still pictures cannot be dubbed from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded if the tape has been used repeatedly  
for recording.  
Continued ,  
107  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Movies cannot be dubbed from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded in the following situations:  
– The tape has a blank section.  
– The tape has been used repeatedly for recording.  
– The input signal has been interrupted or cut.  
You cannot input pictures using the A/V connecting cable (DCR-HC96E).  
• You cannot input pictures while [DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 64).  
• You cannot input pictures if you press the DISP/BATT INFO button.  
The picture gets disturbed or dark, or the sounds get distorted (DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E).  
• 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.  
• Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the  
(USB) jack on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect  
them again correctly.  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
Insert you camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10).  
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 repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp on your  
camcorder, and set [USB CAMERA] to [  
the Windows computer with the USB cable)  
STREAM] (p. 63). (Only when connected to  
You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder and  
set [USB SELECT] to [  
STREAM] (p. 59). (Only when connected to the Windows  
computer with the USB cable)  
108  
You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on a Macintosh computer.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using the 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.  
You cannot view the video and still images recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”  
on the computer.  
• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” in the correct direction, then push it all the way in.  
• You cannot use an i.LINK cable. Connect the camcorder and the computer using the USB  
cable.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder and  
set [USB SELECT] to [  
Memory Stick] (p. 59).  
• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations such  
as tape playback or editing. Finish any camcorder operations and then connect the camcorder  
to the computer again.  
The Removable Disk does not appear on the computer screen.  
• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the  
computer.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp and set [USB  
SELECT] to [  
Memory Stick] (p. 59).  
• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations such  
as tape playback or editing. Finish camcorder operations and then connect the camcorder to  
the computer again.  
The image on tape does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer  
during USB Streaming.  
• 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.  
x For Windows Me  
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.  
– [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].  
Continued ,  
109  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
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.  
x 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 t [Device Manager] t [View] t [Devices by type].  
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
– [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 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 Composite Device], [USB Audio Device] and  
[Composite USB Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
x For Windows XP  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Click [Start].  
110  
3 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
4 Click the [Hardware] tab t [Device Manager] t [View] t [Devices by type].  
5 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
– [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].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device] and [USB  
Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
You cannot copy video and still images to the Windows computer.  
• Display pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” with the following procedures.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk].  
It may take some time until the drive is recognized.  
3 Double-click the desired image file.  
[Cannot start Easy Handycam.] or [Cannot cancel Easy Handycam.] appears on  
the screen of your camcorder.  
• You cannot start or cancel the Easy Handycam settings while the USB cable is connected.  
Disconnect the USB cable from your camcorder first.  
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] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Picture Package] t  
[Handycam Tools] t [USB Streaming Tool].  
2 Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen.  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].  
Continued ,  
111  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The movie is not smooth during USB Streaming.  
• Change the settings as described in the following procedures:  
1 Select [Start] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Picture Package] t  
[Handycam Tools] t [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:  
http://www.ppackage.com/  
[USB streaming... This function is not available.] appears on the screen of your  
camcorder.  
• Start recording or playing back pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” after USB  
Streaming is finished.  
“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.”  
112  
Warning indicators and messages  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss / E:91:ss  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
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.  
101-1001(Warning indicator  
pertaining to files)  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file is unreadable (p. 119).  
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis  
display)  
E (Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 121).  
• Connect the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your  
camcorder securely (p. 9).  
• Depending on the operating,  
environment, or battery conditions, E  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)*  
C:21:ss  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 124).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 124).  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
“Memory Stick Duo”)  
C:22:ss  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 125).  
• A “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted  
(p. 21).  
C:31:ss / C:32:ss  
• 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 condensation has occurred  
(p. 124).  
(Warning indicators pertaining to  
“Memory Stick Duo” formatting)*  
• The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.  
• The “Memory Stick Duo” is not  
formatted correctly (p. 54, 119).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET  
(p. 31), and operate your camcorder  
again.  
incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)*  
• An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”  
is inserted (p. 119).  
Continued ,  
113  
       
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)  
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
camera-shake warning)  
• The amount of lights is not sufficient,  
so camera-shake easily occurs. Use the  
flash (DCR-HC94E/HC96E).  
• The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-  
shake easily occurs. Hold the  
camcorder steady with both hands and  
shoot the image. However, note that the  
camera-shake warning indicator does  
not disappear.  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 119).*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 64).  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 119).  
Description of warning  
messages  
Fast flashing:  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
• Moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 124).  
• When  
turned into  
to display the message again.  
is displayed, the message can be  
by touching . Touch  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 113).  
- (Warning indicator pertaining to  
image deletion)*  
x Battery/Power  
• The image is protected (p. 77).  
Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
(p. 121)  
- (Warning indicator pertaining  
to the write-protect of the “Memory  
Stick Duo”)*  
Battery level is low.  
• Change the battery (p. 9, 121).  
• The write-protect tab on the “Memory  
Stick Duo” is set to lock (p. 120).  
Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 121)  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
the flash) (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
Z Re-attach the power source. (p. 9)  
Slow flashing:  
• Still charging  
Use new AC adapter or reinsert.  
(p. 10)  
Fast flashing:  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 113).*  
• There is something wrong with the  
flash.  
114  
 
x Moisture condensation  
This Memory Stick is not  
formatted correctly.  
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject  
the cassette (p. 124)  
• Check the format, then format the  
“Memory Stick Duo” as necessary  
(p. 54, 119).  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off  
for 1H. (p. 124)  
Cannot record. The Memory Stick is  
full.  
• Delete unnecessary images (p. 76).  
x Cassette/Tape  
- The Memory Stick is locked.  
Check the tab. (p. 120)  
Q Insert a cassette. (p. 20)  
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 20)  
Cannot playback. Reinsert the  
Memory Stick. (p. 21)  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
QZ The tape is locked - check the  
tab. (p. 119)  
Cannot record. Reinsert the Memory  
Stick. (p. 21)  
Q The tape has reached the end.  
(p. 20, 27)  
No file.  
• No file is recorded or there is no  
readable file on the “Memory Stick  
Duo.”  
• Rewind or change the tape.  
x “Memory Stick Duo”  
USB streaming... This function is not  
available.  
Insert a Memory Stick. (p. 21)  
• You tried to play back or record on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” during USB  
Streaming.  
Reinsert the Memory Stick.  
(p. 21, 119)  
• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a  
few times. If even then the indicator  
flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo” might  
be damaged. Try with another  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
Memory Stick folders are full.  
• You cannot create folders exceeding  
999MSDCF. You cannot delete created  
folders using your camcorder.  
• You will have to format the “Memory  
Stick Duo” (p. 54), or delete them using  
your computer.  
This is a read-only Memory Stick.  
• Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.”  
Cannot record still images on  
Memory Stick. (p. 119)  
Incompatible type of Memory  
Stick.  
• A type of “Memory Stick Duo”  
incompatible with your camcorder is  
inserted (p. 119).  
Cannot record movies on Memory  
Stick. (p. 119)  
Continued ,  
115  
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)  
x PictBridge compliant printer  
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the  
i.LINK cable. (p. 74)  
Check the connected device.  
• Switch off the printer and switch it on  
again, then disconnect the USB cable  
and reconnect it.  
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 74)  
Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 74)  
Connect the camcorder to a  
PictBridge compatible printer.  
• Switch off the printer and switch it on  
again, then disconnect the USB cable  
and reconnect it.  
Cannot add audio on the blank  
portion of a tape. (p. 74)  
Cannot add audio. (p. 74)  
Error. Cancel the task.  
• You cannot add sound to a tape  
recorded on other devices by 4CH MIC  
REC.  
• Check the printer.  
Cannot print. Check the printer.  
• Switch off the printer and switch it on  
again, then disconnect the USB cable  
and reconnect it.  
x
Dirty video head. Use a  
cleaning cassette. (p. 125)  
Cannot start Easy Handycam. (p. 24,  
95)  
x Flash (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
Charging… Cannot record still  
images.  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam.  
(p. 24, 95)  
• You are trying to record a still image  
while charging the flash.  
Invalid during Easy Handycam  
operation. (p. 25)  
x Lens cover (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
USB is invalid in this mode during  
Easy Handycam.  
Lens cover not fully open. Turn  
power off then on. (p. 14)  
• During Easy Handycam operation with  
[
STREAM] in [USB CAMERA]  
Lens cover is not closed. Turn the  
power off once. (p. 14)  
selected while the POWER switch is  
set to CAMERA-TAPE, you cannot use  
a USB cable.  
x Others  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot  
playback.  
Cannot record due to copyright  
protection. (p. 118)  
• Your camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Play back the tape with the  
equipment that recorded it.  
116  
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 (p. 74).  
Disconnect one AV cable. (DCR-  
HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)  
• 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.  
117  
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder  
abroad  
Usable cassette tapes  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
Power supply  
Your camcorder is not compatible with  
cassettes with Cassette Memory.  
You can use your camcorder in any  
country/region using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
created on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
END SEARCH (p. 35) before you begin the  
next recording in the following cases:  
• You have played back the tape.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is PAL system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on a PAL  
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.  
Copyright signal  
System  
Used in  
x When you play back  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
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.  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
x When you record (DCR-HC36E/HC46E/  
HC96E)  
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.  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America, Chile,  
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,  
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
Notes on use  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to local time  
abroad by the time difference you are in.  
Select [WORLD TIME] in the  
LANGU.) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 65).  
(TIME/  
118  
                       
About the “Memory  
Stick”  
A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable  
IC recording medium with a data capacity  
that exceeds the capacity of a floppy disk.  
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,”  
which is about the half size of a standard  
“Memory Stick” in your camcorder.  
x To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
However, appearance on the list below does  
not guarantee the operation of all types of  
“Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be  
recorded (write-protected).  
REC  
SAVE  
Recording/  
Types of “Memory Stick”  
Playback  
“Memory Stick”  
(without MagicGate)  
x When labeling the cassette  
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.  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
(without MagicGate)*  
a
1
“MagicGate Memory Stick”  
2
3
“Memory Stick Duo”  
a* *  
1
(with MagicGate)*  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
3
“MagicGate Memory Stick  
a*  
1
Duo” *  
“Memory Stick PRO”  
1
2
3
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” *  
a* *  
Labeling position  
*1 A “Memory Stick Duo” is about half the size of  
a standard “Memory Stick.”  
x After using the cassette  
*2 The types of “Memory Stick” that support high  
speed data transfer. The speed of data transfer  
varies depending on the device to be used.  
3
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.  
*
“MagicGate” is a copyright protection  
technology that records and transfers the  
contents in an encrypted format. Note that data  
that uses “MagicGate” technology cannot be  
recorded or played on your camcorder.  
x When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
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 show correctly.  
• Still image format: Your camcorder compresses  
and records image data in the JPEG (Joint  
Photographic Experts Group) format. The file  
extension is “.JPG.”  
• Movie format: Your camcorder compresses and  
records picture data in the MPEG (Moving  
Picture Experts Group) format. The file  
extension is “.MPG.”  
• File names of still images:  
– 101- 0001: This file name appears on the  
screen of your camcorder.  
– DSC00001.JPG: This file name appears on  
the display of a computer.  
Gold-plated connector  
Continued ,  
119  
                     
About the “Memory Stick” (Continued)  
• File names of movies:  
– MOV00001: This file name appears on the  
screen on your camcorder.  
• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
• Do not let the “Memory Stick Duo” get wet.  
– MOV00001.MPG: This file name appears on  
the display of a computer.  
• A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted by a  
• Be careful to keep “Memory Stick Duo” media  
out of the reach of small children. There is  
danger that a child might swallow it.  
computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have  
guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.  
• Data read/write speed may vary depending on  
the combination of the “Memory Stick” and  
“Memory Stick” compliant product you use.  
• Do not insert anything other than a “Memory  
Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot.  
Doing so may cause a malfunction.  
x On a location for use  
Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick  
Duo” in the following locations.  
• Places subject to extremely high temperature,  
such as a car parked outside in the summer.  
On a “Memory Stick Duo” with a  
write-protect tab  
You can prevent accidental erasure of  
images when you slide the write-protect tab  
on the “Memory Stick Duo” with a small  
tapered object, to the write-protect position.  
• Places under direct sunlight.  
• Places with extremely high humidity or subject  
to corrosive gases.  
x On the Memory Stick Duo adaptor  
After inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into  
the Memory Stick Duo adaptor, you can use  
it with a standard “Memory Stick”  
compliant device.  
• When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with a  
“Memory Stick” compliant device, be sure to  
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory  
Stick Duo adaptor.  
• When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a  
Memory Stick Duo adaptor, make sure the  
“Memory Stick Duo” is inserted facing in the  
correct direction, then insert it all the way in.  
Note that improper use may cause a  
Notes on use  
Damaged or lost image data will not be  
compensated for, and may occur in the  
following cases:  
• If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn the  
power off on your camcorder, or remove the  
battery pack for replacement while your  
camcorder is reading or writing image files on  
the “Memory Stick Duo” (while the access lamp  
is lit or flashing).  
• If you use the “Memory Stick Duo” near  
magnets or magnetic fields.  
malfunction. Also, if you force the “Memory  
Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in  
the wrong direction, the Memory Stick Duo  
adaptor may be damaged.  
It is recommended you make a back-up of  
important data on the hard disk of a  
computer.  
• Do not insert a Memory Stick Duo adaptor  
without a “Memory Stick Duo” attached. Doing  
so may result in malfunctions of the unit.  
x On handling a “Memory Stick”  
Keep the following in mind when handling  
a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Be careful not to apply excessive force when  
writing on a memo area on a “Memory Stick  
Duo.”  
• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo adaptor.  
• When you carry or store a “Memory Stick Duo,”  
put it in its case.  
x On a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
• The maximum memory capacity of a “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” that can be used on your  
camcorder is 2 GB.  
• This unit does not support high speed data  
transfer.  
• Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come  
into contact with the terminals.  
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
120  
     
About the  
“InfoLITHIUMbattery  
pack  
On image data compatibility  
• Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” by your camcorder conform to the  
“Design rule for Camera File system” universal  
standard established by the JEITA (Japan  
Electronics and Information Technology  
Industries Association).  
This unit is compatible with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
“InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs  
• On your camcorder, you cannot play back still  
images recorded on other devices (DCR-  
TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not  
conform to the universal standard. (These  
models are not sold in some regions.)  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
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.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
• If you cannot use a “Memory Stick Duo” that  
has been used with another device, format it  
with your camcorder (p. 54). Note that  
formatting erases all information on the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
• You may not be able to play back images with  
your camcorder:  
– When playing back image data modified on  
your computer.  
– When playing back image data recorded with  
other devices.  
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.  
• When charging the battery pack while the AC  
Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after  
charging is complete, disconnect the cable from  
the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove  
the battery pack.  
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,  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FP70/  
FP71/FP90 (optional).  
Continued ,  
121  
       
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (Continued)  
• 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-FP70/FP71/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.  
About battery life  
• Battery capacity decreases over time and  
through repeated use. If decreased usage time  
between charges becomes significant, it is  
probably time to replace it with a new one.  
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
• 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. 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 rough  
guide only.  
• The E 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.  
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  
(STANDARD SET)  
menu and leave your camcorder in tape  
recording standby until the power goes off  
(p. 64).  
122  
 
About i.LINK  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a device  
with a different maximum baud rate.  
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-  
compliant DV Interface. This section  
describes the i.LINK standard and its  
features.  
What is i.LINK?  
* What is Mbps?  
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 daisy-chained with the unit,  
operation becomes possible from any  
device in the chain. Note that operation  
method may vary, or data transactions may  
not be possible, depending on specifications  
and characteristics of the connected  
devices.  
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 67, 70.  
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.  
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  
• Normally, only one device can be connected to  
this unit with an 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.  
• 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.  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
About the required i.LINK cable  
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard  
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and  
Electronics Engineers.  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
About the i.LINK Baud rate  
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies  
according to the device. There are 3 types.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
The baud rate is listed under  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
123  
   
Maintenance and precautions  
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.  
On use and care  
• 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.  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a  
cassette for about 3 minutes.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
Moisture condensation  
– 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 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, [%Z 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 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  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
x 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 when both of  
the following conditions are met:  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF (CHG)  
when you are not using your camcorder.  
• The warning message does not appear when the  
power is turned on.  
• 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.  
• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted  
and video operation buttons are touched.  
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.  
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type  
battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is  
124  
     
x 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.  
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.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
• 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.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
x 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.  
x How to avoid 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).  
x 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 or the Handycam  
Station (supplied with DCR-HC44E/  
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E) to the wall socket  
using the supplied AC Adaptor during the  
operation.  
Video head  
• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound  
distortion may be apparent.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-  
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
2 Disconnect cables other than that of the AC  
Adaptor from your camcorder or the  
Handycam Station (supplied with DCR-  
HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E), then  
eject the cassette and “Memory Stick Duo”  
from your camcorder.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound  
breaks off.  
3 Touch  
t [MENU] t  
(STANDARD SET) t [CALIBRATION]  
t
.
– [x  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
The screen changes to 16:9 ratio when using  
4:3 ratio.  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording/playback.  
• The video heads will wear after long use. If you  
cannot obtain a clear image even after using a  
cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because  
the video heads are worn. Please contact your  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility to have the video heads replaced.  
Continued ,  
125  
       
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
CALIBRATION  
Touch the "x"  
1/3  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
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 your camcorder is connected  
to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor or  
while the battery pack is attached. The  
rechargeable battery will be fully  
CANCEL  
4 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick Duo” or  
the like.  
The position of the “×” changes.  
discharged in about 3 months if you do  
not use your camcorder at all without the  
AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack  
attached. Use your camcorder after  
charging the pre-installed rechargeable  
battery.  
To cancel [CALIBRATION], touch  
[CANCEL] in step 4.  
If you did not press the right spot, start from  
step 4 again.  
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
However, even if the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is not charged, the  
camcorder operation will not be affected as  
long as you are not recording the date.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
x 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.  
To change the battery of the Remote  
Commander  
1 While pressing on the tab, inset your  
fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery  
case.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
2 Place a new battery with the + side facing  
up.  
3 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.  
– In hot or humid locations  
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside.  
Tab  
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
• 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.  
126  
     
Specifications  
WARNING  
System  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.  
• A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used  
in the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries  
other than the CR2025.  
Video recording system  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system  
Still image recording system  
1
Exif Ver. 2.2*  
Audio recording system  
Rotary heads, PCM system  
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo  
1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)  
Video signal  
• 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.  
PAL color, CCIR standards  
Usable cassette  
Mini DV cassette with the  
printed  
mark  
Tape speed  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
Recording/playback time  
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
Fast forward/rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and rechargeable battery pack)  
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and AC Adaptor)  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder (color)  
Image device  
DCR-HC36E:  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 800 000 pixels  
Effective (still): 400 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): 400 000 pixels  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
3.27 mm (1/5.5 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 1 070 000 pixels  
Effective (still): 1 000 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): 690 000 pixels  
Continued ,  
127  
     
Specifications (Continued)  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
5.9 mm (1/3 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 3 310 000 pixels  
Effective (still): 3 050 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): 2 050 000 pixels  
f=5.1 ~ 51 mm (7/32 ~ 2 1/8 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
In CAMERA-TAPE:  
42.8 ~ 495 mm (1 11/16 ~ 19 1/2 in.)  
2
(16:9)*  
Lens  
45 ~ 450 mm (1 13/16 ~ 17 3/4 in.)  
(4:3)  
In CAMERA-MEMORY:  
40.6 ~ 406 mm (1 5/8 ~ 16 in.) (16:9)  
37 ~ 370 mm (1 1/2 ~ 14 5/8 in.) (4:3)  
F1.8 ~ 2.9  
DCR-HC36E:  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
20 × (Optical), 800 × (Digital)  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
12 × (Optical), 800 × (Digital)  
Filter diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)  
Color temperature  
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]  
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum illumination  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T  
10 × (Optical), 120 × (Digital)  
Focal length  
DCR-HC36E/HC94E/HC96E:  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
DCR-HC36E:  
f=2.3 ~ 46 mm (3/32 ~ 1 13/16 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus  
(DCR-HC36E)/NightShot (DCR-  
3
HC94E/HC96E) function)*  
In CAMERA-TAPE:  
44 ~ 880 mm (1 3/4 ~ 34 1/32 in.)  
In CAMERA-MEMORY:  
44 ~ 880 mm (1 3/4 ~ 34 1/32 in.)  
F1.8 ~ 3.1  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
7 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
0 lx (lux) (NightShot plus function)*  
3
1
* “Exif” is a file format for still images,  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
established by the JEITA (Japan  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
Electronicsand InformationTechnology  
Industries Association). Files in this  
format can have additional information  
such as your camcorder’s setting  
f=3.0 ~ 36 mm (1/8 ~ 1 7/16 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
information at the time of recording.  
* In 16:9 mode, the focal length figures  
are actual figures resulting from wide  
angle pixel read-out.  
* Objects unable to be seen due to the dark  
In CAMERA-TAPE:  
2
46 ~ 628.5 mm (1 13/16 ~ 24 3/4 in.)  
2
(16:9)*  
48 ~ 576 mm (1 15/16 ~ 22 3/4 in.)  
(4:3)  
In CAMERA-MEMORY:  
43.6 ~ 523.2 mm (1 3/4 ~ 20 5/8 in.)  
(16:9)  
3
can be shot with infrared lighting.  
40 ~ 480 mm (1 5/8 ~ 19 in.) (4:3)  
F1.8 ~ 2.5  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
128  
Total dot number  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video output  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E/HC94E:  
10-pin connector  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
General  
Power requirements  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption  
DCR-HC36E:  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder 1.9 W  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 2.3 W  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder 2.4 W  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 2.7 W  
Audio/Video input/output  
DCR-HC96E:  
10-pin connector  
Input/output auto switch  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder 2.9 W  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 3.3 W  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder and the LCD 3.5 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 k(kilohms)), Input  
impedance more than 47 k(kilohms),  
Output impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
USB jack (DCR-HC36E)  
mini-B  
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:  
65 × 79 × 113 mm  
(2 5/8 × 3 1/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
LANC jack (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)  
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)  
DV input/output (DCR-HC36E)  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
72 × 91 × 120 mm  
(2 7/8 × 3 5/8 × 4 3/4 in.) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
LCD screen  
DCR-HC36E:  
Picture  
370 g (13 oz) main unit only,  
430 g (15 oz) including the NP-FP30  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette  
DCR-HC36E:  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:  
6.9 cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio 16:9)  
Continued ,  
129  
Specifications (Continued)  
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
380 g (13 oz) main unit only,  
445 g (15 oz) including the NP-FP50  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV input/output  
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:  
460 g (1 lb) main unit only,  
525 g (1 lb 2 oz) including the NP-FP50  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
DCRA-C152 (DCR-HC96E)  
Audio/Video input/output  
10-pin connector  
Supplied accessories  
See page 8.  
Input/output auto switch  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Handycam Station Input/Output  
connectors  
DCRA-C150 (DCR-HC44E/HC94E)  
Audio/Video output  
10-pin connector  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 k(kilohms)), Input  
impedance more than 47 k(kilohms),  
Output impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV input/output  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV output  
AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
Power requirements  
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
Power consumption  
18 W  
DCRA-C151 (DCR-HC46E)  
Audio/Video output  
10-pin connector  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Output voltage  
DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
130  
Dimensions (approx.)  
Type  
Lithium ion  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.)  
(w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the mains lead  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for  
other specifications.  
Rechargeable battery pack  
NP-FP30 (DCR-HC36E)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Capacity  
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 temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Type  
Lithium ion  
NP-FP50 (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/  
HC96E)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Capacity  
4.9 Wh (680 mAh)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm  
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in.) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
45 g (1.6 oz)  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Continued ,  
131  
Specifications (Continued)  
On trademarks  
• “Memory Stick,” “  
Duo,” “  
PRO Duo,” “  
“MagicGate,” “  
“MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate  
Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
Types of differences  
,” “Memory Stick  
,” “Memory Stick  
DCR-HC  
A/V jack  
DV Interface  
Handycam Station  
LANC jack  
36E  
OUT  
,”  
,”  
IN/OUT  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Picture Package is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
DCR-HC  
A/V jack  
DV Interface  
Handycam Station  
LANC jack  
44E  
46E  
OUT  
IN/OUT  
z
OUT  
OUT  
z
is a trademark.  
• “Handycam” and  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
DCR-HC  
A/V jack  
DV Interface  
Handycam Station  
LANC jack  
94E  
OUT  
OUT  
z
96E  
IN/OUT  
IN/OUT  
z
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Windows Media Player is a trademark of  
Microsoft Corporation.  
z
z
• iMac, iBook, eMac, Macintosh, Mac OS,  
PowerBook and Power Mac are trademarks of  
Apple Computer, Inc in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
z Provided  
– Not provided  
• QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are  
trademarks 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.  
• Roxio is a registered trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Toast is a trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Macromedia and Macromedia Flash Player are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of  
Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and other  
countries.  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark  
of Intel Corporation.  
All other product names mentioned herein may be  
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”  
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  
132  
 
Index  
BLACK FADER.................. 55  
BURN DVD................... 61, 90  
BURN VCD ......................... 60  
BURST................................. 51  
DELAY MOTION................57  
Delete pictures......................76  
DEMO MODE................59, 95  
DIGITAL ZOOM .........50, 101  
Numeric/Symbol  
12BIT....................................61  
16:9 WIDE............................50  
16BIT....................................61  
21-pin adaptor.......................39  
4:3 .........................................50  
Memory Stick................59  
DISP GUIDE  
(Display guide) .....................17  
Button-type lithium battery  
STREAM.......................60  
DISP OUTPUT.....................64  
DISP/BATT INFO button  
A
A.SHUT OFF  
Display indicators.................32  
DOT FADER........................56  
Double speed Playback.........60  
Dubbing ....................67, 73, 74  
CALIBRATION................. 125  
CAMERA DATA ................ 63  
CAMERA SET menu........... 45  
Cassette ........................20, 118  
(Auto shut off) ......................64  
......................39, 68, 71, 74, 93  
A/V jack  
................38, 67, 68, 71, 74, 93  
..........67, 68, 70, 71, 81, 90, 93  
A/V t DV OUT .................63  
AC Adaptor.............................9  
Access lamp..........................21  
Active Interface Shoe .....74, 80  
Write-protect tab......... 119  
Charging the battery............... 9  
E
EASY button ........................24  
Easy Handycam..............24, 41  
EDIT SEARCH ....................35  
END SEARCH ...............35, 61  
Adjusting exposure for back  
light...............................29, 101  
AE SHIFT.....................47, 105  
ALL ERASE.........................54  
Aspect ratio...........................22  
(Cinematic effect) ................ 57  
END SEARCH/EDIT  
switch button ........................32  
Click to DVD ....................... 90  
CLOCK SET........................ 19  
AUD DUB CTRL  
(Audio dubbing) ...................75  
AUDIO MIX...................62, 76  
AUDIO MODE.....................61  
AUTO SHUTTER ................47  
COLOR SLOW S  
ALL ERASE .................54  
Pictures..........................76  
Computer........................ 82, 85  
Connect  
EXP. BRKTG  
B
TV................................. 38  
VCR ............ 67, 68, 70, 71  
B&W.....................................58  
BACK LIGHT ..............29, 101  
BATT (battery) release lever  
..............................................11  
FINE .....................................52  
Fireworks..............................45  
First Step Guide..............82, 89  
FLASH (Flash motion).........57  
Flash button ..................28, 100  
Battery  
BATT INFO  
(Battery info).................31  
D. EFFECT  
(Digital effect)..............56, 106  
Charging time................11  
Playing time...................12  
Recording time ..............11  
DATA CODE........... 19, 32, 63  
Date search........................... 37  
DATE/TIME ............ 19, 32, 63  
Continued ,  
133  
 
Index (Continued)  
FLASH LEVEL............48, 101  
FLASH SET .........................48  
INDOOR.............................. 46  
Maintenance .......................124  
“Memory Stick” .................119  
“Memory Stick Duo” ...........20  
FORMAT......................54  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
........................................... 121  
Flexible spot meter  
...................See SPOT METER  
Initialize (Reset)................... 31  
Insulation sheet .................... 36  
FOCUS .........................47, 101  
Folder  
Insert/Eject ....................21  
NEW FOLDER .............55  
INT.REC-STL  
(Interval photo recording).... 59  
Number of recordable  
pictures..........................52  
PB FOLDER  
(Playback folder)...........55  
Interface connector .............. 81  
Recordable time ............54  
Write-protect tab .........120  
REC FOLDER  
(Recording folder).........55  
Internal stereo microphone  
............................................. 31  
Memory Stick Duo adaptor  
............................................120  
FORMAT .....................54, 119  
FRAME REC  
(Frame recording).................58  
“Memory Stick Duo” slot.....21  
Menu.....................................40  
EDIT/PLAY menu........60  
MEMORY SET menu...51  
Menu items....................42  
Personal Menu ........40, 65  
PICT.APPLI. menu.......55  
Jack ...................................... 80  
Frame-by-frame Playback ....60  
JPEG .................................. 119  
G
L
Getting Started........................8  
Grip belt................................14  
GUIDEFRAME....................63  
Label .................................. 119  
LANC jack........................... 80  
LANDSCAPE...................... 45  
LANGUAGE ....................... 65  
LCD backlight................ 16, 97  
STANDARD SET menu  
.......................................61  
H
Handycam Station ............9, 80  
Help ......................................83  
Holding the camcorder .........14  
LCD BL LEVEL  
Using the menu .............40  
MENU ROTATE .................64  
Mirror mode .........................30  
Moisture condensation .......124  
MONOTONE.......................55  
MOSAIC ..............................58  
MOSAIC FADER ................55  
LCD screen .......................... 16  
Lens cover...................... 14, 26  
LETTER BOX ..................... 62  
Lid........................................ 20  
LP (Long Play)..................... 61  
I
i.LINK ................................123  
i.LINK cable.......68, 71, 90, 93  
Icon.......See Display indicators  
Image delete button ..............33  
Image protection...................77  
Movie format ..............119  
Image quality  
(QUALITY)..........................52  
REC MODE  
(Recording mode) .........61  
Image size  
(IMAGE SIZE)...............52, 54  
MOVIE SET.........................54  
MPEG.................................119  
MPEG MOVIE EX ..............26  
MULTI-SOUND ..................61  
LUMI. KEY  
Movie ............................54  
Still image .....................52  
ImageMixer VCD2.........83, 85  
Index screen..........................27  
M
Macintosh....................... 84, 88  
Main sound .......................... 62  
Mains lead.............................. 9  
Index screen display button  
..............................................33  
Indicators..............................34  
134  
PICT.APPLI. menu (Picture  
REDEYE REDUC................48  
REMAINING .......................64  
Remaining battery ................32  
Remote Commander.............36  
N
NEG.ART.............................58  
NEW FOLDER.....................55  
NightShot..............................29  
NightShot plus ......................29  
Picture Package.................... 83  
Picture Search ...................... 27  
Double speed................. 60  
REMOTE CTRL  
(Remote control)...................64  
NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
........................................29, 48  
Remote sensor ......................31  
NIGHTSHOT switch......29, 49  
NORMAL.............................51  
Frame ............................ 60  
NS LIGHT  
(NightShot Light) .................49  
Reverse.......................... 60  
Slow .............................. 60  
NTSC..................................118  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait)... 45  
POWER switch ................ 9, 14  
S VIDEO cable...39, 68, 71, 93  
Number of recordable pictures  
..............................................52  
S VIDEO jack.....39, 68, 71, 93  
battery................................. 126  
Searching for the starting point  
..............................................35  
O
Previous/Next image button  
.............................................. 33  
Self-diagnosis display.........113  
SELF-TIMER.......................49  
SEPIA...................................58  
Setting the date and time ......19  
SHARPNESS ...............47, 105  
Shoulder belt.........................30  
Signal convert function.........93  
Skip Scan..............................27  
SLIDE SHOW......................56  
OLD MOVIE........................57  
ONE PUSH...........................46  
OPEN/EJECT lever ..............20  
Print...................................... 78  
Print mark............................. 77  
PROGRAM AE............45, 104  
PROGRES.REC...........51, 106  
Operation confirmation beep  
.................................See BEEP  
OUTDOOR...........................46  
OVERLAP............................56  
P
QUALITY............................ 52  
P.MENU ....See Personal Menu  
PAL.............................103, 118  
PASTEL................................58  
SLOW SHUTTR  
REC CTRL  
(Recording control).............. 72  
SMTH INT.REC  
(Smooth interval tape  
PB FOLDER  
(Playback folder) ..................55  
PB zoom ...............................30  
Personal Menu ................40, 65  
Add ................................65  
Arrange the order...........66  
Customize......................65  
Delete.............................66  
Reset..............................66  
Use.................................40  
Personal Menu button...........32  
PHOTO button..........24, 26, 36  
Speaker .................................31  
Specifications .....................127  
SPORTS (Sports lesson).......45  
SPOT FOCUS ..............47, 105  
REC MODE  
(Recording mode) ................ 61  
REC MOVIE........................ 73  
Rec review............................ 35  
REC START/STOP button  
........................................ 24, 26  
SPOT METER  
(Flexible spot meter).....45, 104  
Recording............................. 26  
Recording capacity............... 32  
Recording lamp.................... 31  
Recording time..................... 54  
SPOTLIGHT ........................45  
SQUEZE (Squeeze)..............62  
PICT. EFFECT  
(Picture effect) ......................58  
Continued ,  
135  
STANDARD ........................52  
STANDARD SET menu ......61  
STEADYSHOT............51, 101  
STEREO...............................62  
STILL ...................................57  
Still image  
Transmitter........................... 36  
Tripod................................... 30  
W
Wall socket.............................9  
Warning indicators .............113  
Warning messages..............113  
WHITE BAL.  
Image size......................52  
Quality...........................52  
Still image format........119  
STILL SET...........................51  
Sub sound .............................62  
SUNSET&MOON................45  
WHITE FADER...................55  
Wide angle............................28  
WIDE SELECT....................50  
WIDE SELECT button.........22  
Windows.........................83, 85  
WIPE....................................56  
USB CAMERA.................... 63  
USB jack.............................. 81  
USB SELECT...................... 59  
V
SUPER NS  
(Super NightShot).................49  
(Various speed playback)..... 60  
SUPER NSPLUS (Super  
NightShot plus).............48, 105  
(Viewfinder brightness)....... 62  
System requirements ............83  
VF WIDE DISP  
ZEBRA.................................49  
T
Zero set memory...................36  
VIDEO INPUT .................... 63  
Viewfinder ........................... 16  
Brightness..................... 62  
Tape counter.........................32  
ZERO SET MEMORY button  
..............................................36  
Tape playback select button  
..............................................33  
Zoom ....................................28  
Zoom lever ...........................28  
Tape......................See Cassette  
TELE MACRO.............48, 105  
Telephoto..............................28  
Time code.............................32  
TIME/LANGU. menu ..........65  
Touch panel ..........................17  
Trademark ..........................132  
TRAIL ..................................57  
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
lever ..................................... 16  
VOLUME ............................ 27  
V-OUT/PANEL................... 64  
Additional information on this product and answers  
to frequently asked questions can be found at our  
Customer Support Website.  
http://www.sony.net/  
GB  
Printed on 100% recycled paper using  
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free  
vegetable oil based ink.  
Printed in Japan  

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