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CCD-TR78/TR88/TR98  3-810-917-13.E

The instructions in this manual are for the three models listed below. Before you start reading this
manual and operating the unit, check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder.
The CCD-TR98 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated
in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “ CCD-
TR98 only”.
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
As indicated with 

 in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.

Types of Differences

Before You Begin

Using This Manual

[b]

[a]

[c]

See “Precautions” on page 41 as well.

Model

Viewfinder

Steady

B/W

Color

Shot

CCD-TR78

r

CCD-TR88

r

r

CCD-TR98

r

r

Note on TV Color Systems

TV color systems are different depending on the countries. If you view the playback picture on a TV,
you need an NTSC system based TV. When you want to use a PAL-M system based TV, you will
need an NTSC/PAL-M transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based camcorder).

Precaution on Copyright

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws.

Precautions on Camcorder Care

• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder from rain or sea water. It may cause a

malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired. [a]

• Do not let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or in

a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction,
and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired. [b]

•Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 140° F (60 °C), such as in a car parked in the

sun or under direct sunlight. 

[c]

Summary of Contents for CCD-TR78 - Video Camera Recorder 8mm

Page 1: ...R98 Model No AC Serial No Operation Manual Before operating the unit please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference Owner s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom Record the serial number in the space provided below Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product ...

Page 2: ...VE COVER OR BACK NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL CAUTION For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1 800 222 SONY United States only For the Factory Service Center nearest you call 416 499 SONY Canada only Caution Do not handle damaged or leaking nickel cadmium batteries For the Customers in the U S A WARNING This equipment has been tested and fou...

Page 3: ...ith the Date or Time 21 Using the Built in Light 22 Using the PROGRAM AE Function 24 Shooting with Backlighting 25 Selecting the START STOP Mode 26 Superimposing a Title 27 Using the STEADY SHOT Function CCD TR88 TR98 only 28 Changing the Mode Settings 29 Editing onto Another Tape 30 Additional Information Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 31 Resetting the Date and Time 33 Playback Mod...

Page 4: ...TR98 r r Note on TV Color Systems TV color systems are different depending on the countries If you view the playback picture on a TV you need an NTSC system based TV When you want to use a PAL M system based TV you will need an NTSC PAL M transcoder as this is an NTSC system based camcorder Precaution on Copyright Television programs films video tapes and other materials may be copyrighted Unautho...

Page 5: ...thium Battery 1 p 31 Already installed in the camcorder 6 Wireless Remote Commander 1 p 17 51 7 Size AA R6 battery for Remote Commander 2 p 52 8 Battery case 1 p 20 Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder video tape etc Using This Manual Checking ...

Page 6: ...of the battery pack with the line on the AC power adaptor then slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow 3 Set the selector to CHARGE The CHARGE lamp orange lights up Charging begins When charging is completed the CHARGE lamp goes out Unplug the unit from the mains and then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder 1 2 3 Charging Time NP 33 supplied 60 Battery pack Chargin...

Page 7: ... to VTR DC OUT and disconnect the power cord After about one minute reconnect the AC power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack NP 33 supplied 45 25 85 45 NP 98 98D 170 85 300 150 NP 80 80D 140 75 250 135 NP 68 66H 95 55 170 95 NP C65 80 45 150 80 NP 60D 70 35 125 65 NP 33 supplied 45 25 80 45 NP 98 98...

Page 8: ...ck 1 Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface 2 Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly To Remove the Battery Pack Slide BATT and then pull the lower part of the battery pack Charging and Installing the Battery Pack ...

Page 9: ... to record with the red mark exposed the ˇ and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder and you cannot record To re record on this tape slide the tab back out covering the red mark Make sure that a power source is installed 1 While pressing the small blue button slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow The cassette compartment automatically opens 2 Insert a cassette not supplied with the window facin...

Page 10: ...ctly 1 While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch slide it to CAMERA 2 Slide the START STOP MODE switch to 3 Turn STANDBY up The STBY indicator appears in the viewfinder 4 Press START STOP red button The camcorder starts recording and the STBY indicator changes to the REC indicator You can also select Recording mode SP standard play mode or LP long play mode Set REC MODE p 29 accord...

Page 11: ...er lens adjustment ring a CCD TR78 TR88 or move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever b CCD TR98 so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus c d Camera Recording Note on the indicators in the viewfinder The indicators appear in CAMERA mode only They do not appear in PLAYER mode Recording with the START STOP button depressed You can also make recording while pressing down the STAR...

Page 12: ...tape counter shows incorrect recording time When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter record in same SP or LP mode Note on beep sound As indicated with in the illustrations a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording confirming the operation Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camco...

Page 13: ...in extreme telephoto zoom turn the power zoom lever towards the W side until the focus is sharp You can shoot a subject that is at least 2 6 feet about 80 cm away from the lens surface in the telephoto position or 1 2 inch about 1 cm in the wide angle position Notes on Digital Zoom You can select 12 x or 24 x of zooming More than 12 x zoom is performed digitally and the picture quality deteriorate...

Page 14: ...ripod Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height If you have a tripod for a still camera you can also use it with the camcorder When attaching a non Sony tripod make sure the tripod screw is shorter than 9 32 inch 6 5 mm Otherwise the screw may damage the inner parts of the camcorder Cautions on the viewfinder Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinde...

Page 15: ...rtion plays back Rec Review Hold down the side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want The last recorded portion is played back To go forward hold down the side Editsearch To Begin Re recording Press START STOP Re recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH Provided you do not eject the cassette the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next s...

Page 16: ...able Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE Set the TV VCR selector to VCR on the TV Signal flow Connecting Directly to a TV Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to your TV by using the the supplied A V connecting cable Set the TV VCR selector to VCR on the TV Signal flow If your TV or VCR is a monaural type Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV or the ...

Page 17: ...ck using the supplied Remote Commander 1 While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch slide it to PLAYER 2 Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out 3 Press Playback starts To stop playback press p To rewind the tape press 0 To fast forward the tape press To Monitor the Sound while Viewing the Playback Picture in the Viewfinder Connect headphones not supplied to the 2 jack p...

Page 18: ...back To resume normal playback release the button To monitor the high speed picture during fastforward or rewind Skip Scan Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or while advancing the tape To resume normal playback press Notes on playback Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes When still picture mode lasts for 5 minutes or more the camcorder automatically enters stop mode Pl...

Page 19: ...r adaptor Battery pack NP 33 supplied NP 98 98D NP 80 80D NP 68 NP 66 66H NP C65 NP 60D Battery case supplied DC pack DCP 77 This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony video product When purchasing Sony video products Sony recommends that you purchase accessories with this GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES mark Using the House Current To use the supplied AC power adaptor 1 Conne...

Page 20: ...he battery case 2 Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder following the marking on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the correct direction 3 Insert the battery holder with the alkaline batteries 4 Insert the battery case with the alkaline batteries to the battery mounting surface of the camcorder in the same way as the battery pack p 8 Using Alternative Power S...

Page 21: ...s Note You cannot superimpose a title during recording the date or time Using Alternative Power Sources Recording with the Date or Time Recording with the Date or Time To remove the battery case The battery case is removed in the same way as the battery pack p 8 When you replace the batteries be sure to remove the battery case from the camcorder to prevent malfunction Using a Car Battery Use the D...

Page 22: ... subjects in AUTO mode The built in light may turn on off when you use the PROGRAM AE or BACK LIGHT function When using a marine pack or sports pack not supplied slide LIGHT to OFF CAUTION Be careful not to touch the lighting section because the plastic window and surrounding surfaces are hot while the light is on It remains hot for a while after the light is turned off DANGER Not to be handled by...

Page 23: ...ry cloth 4 Attach the bulb housing turning it clockwise then replace the built in light unit Using the Built in Light 1 2 3 Note To prevent the bulb from being smudged with finger prints handle it with a dry cloth etc If the bulb is smudged wipe it completely CAUTION When replacing the bulb use only the Sony XB 3D halogen lamp not supplied to reduce the risk of fire To prevent possible burn hazard...

Page 24: ...er mode A golf swing or a tennis match in fine weather with the ball captured clearly Playing back certain scenes with high speed movements in clear sharp picture Å Twilight mode Recording night views neon signs or fireworks Using the PROGRAM AE Function Set the mark of the desired mode to the r mark above the PROGRAM AE dial Note on shutter speed The shutter speed in each PROGRAM AE mode is as fo...

Page 25: ...t under normal lighting condition Otherwise the picture will be too bright under normal lighting condition This function is also effective under following conditions On the snow e g at the ski resort At the beach under strong sunshine A subject with a light source nearby or a mirror reflecting light A white subject against a white background Especially when you shoot a person wearing shiny clothes...

Page 26: ...ART STOP the camcorder records for about five seconds and then stops automatically 2 Turn STANDBY up and press START STOP Recording starts If you selected 5 SEC five dots appear in the viewfinder The dots disappear at a rate of one per second as illustrated below When about five seconds elapse and all the dots disappear the camcorder switches to Standby mode automatically If you selected the camco...

Page 27: ... 4 Press START STOP to start recording 5 Press TITLE when you want to turn off the title To Superimpose On the Way of Recording 1 Press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears The title flashes 2 When the title stops flashing press TITLE The title disappears 3 Press START STOP to start recording 4 Press TITLE when you want to superimpose the title 5 Press TITLE when you want to turn off t...

Page 28: ...hot when shooting a stationary object with a tripod Using the STEADY SHOT Function Slide STEADY SHOT to ON To Release the Steady Shot Slide STEADY SHOT to OFF Notes on the Steady Shot The Steady Shot will not correct excessive camera shake When you switch the Steady Shot on or off the exposure may fluctuate Using the STEADY SHOT Function ...

Page 29: ... x24 x12 Set to x24 to activate digital zooming Set to x12 otherwise The zooming ability becomes x12 COMMANDER ON OFF Set to ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder Set to OFF when not using the Remote Commander for the camcorder BEEP ON OFF Set to ON to turn the beep sound on Set to OFF to turn the beep sound off REC MODE SP LP Select SP to record a tape in SP standard play ...

Page 30: ...pe you want to record over into the recording VCR Then insert your recorded tape into the camcorder 3 Play back the recorded tape on the camcorder until you locate the point where you want to start editing Then press P to set the camcorder to playback pause mode 4 Set the recording VCR to recording pause mode 5 Press P on the camcorder and then on the VCR to start editing To Edit More Scenes Repea...

Page 31: ... battery for the camcorder lasts for about 1 year under normal operation The lithium battery that comes installed at the factory may not last 1 year Note on Lithium Battery Note that the lithium battery has a positive and a negative terminals as illustrated Be sure to install the lithium battery so that terminals on the battery match the terminals on the camcorder WARNING The battery may explode i...

Page 32: ...ate and time 1 Slide the cover and align the mark of the cover to that of the body Press down the cover 2 Push the battery in once and pull it out from the holder 3 Install the lithium battery with the positive side facing out 4 Align the mark of the cover to that of the body Press the cover until it clicks and slide the cover Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 1 3 2 4 1 2 3 1 2 3 ...

Page 33: ...nce faster To Correct the Date and Time Setting Repeat steps 3 and 4 To Check the Date and Time Press DATE to display the date indicator in the viewfinder Press TIME NEXT to display the time indicator When you press the same button again the indicator goes out The year indicator changes as follows Note on the time indicator The internal clock of the camcorder operates on a 12 hour cycle 12 00 00 A...

Page 34: ... shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack Preparing the Battery Pack Always Carry Additional Batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned Battery Life is Shorter in Cold Environment Battery efficiency is decreased and the battery will be used up more quickly if you are recording in cold environment To Save Battery Power Tu...

Page 35: ...as occurred inside the battery pack This is not cause for concern and is normal Battery Pack Care Remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using it and keep it in a cool place When the battery pack is installed to the camcorder a small amount of current flows to the camcorder even if the POWER switch is set to OFF This is shortens battery life The battery pack is always discharging even wh...

Page 36: ...otes on the Terminals If the terminals metal parts on the back are not clean the battery charge duration will be shortened When the terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time repeatedly install and remove the battery pack a few times This improves the contact condition Also wipe the and terminals with a soft cloth or paper Be Sure to Observe the Following To...

Page 37: ...n contact with a metal object If you will not use the battery case for a long time detach the battery case from the camcorder and remove the batteries from the battery case Notes on Alkaline Batteries To avoid possible damage from battery leakage or corrosion observe the following Be sure to insert the batteries in the correct direction Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable Do not use a combinat...

Page 38: ...l work Open the cassette compartment turn off the camcorder and leave it about 1 hour When 6 indicator flashes at the same time the cassette is inserted in the camcorder Eject the cassette turn off the camcorder and leave also the cassette about 1 hour The camcorder can be used again if the indicator does not appear when the power is turned on again On the Lens If moisture condenses on the lens no...

Page 39: ...y be contaminated a Slightly contaminated b Critically contaminated If this happens clean the video heads with the Sony V8 25CLH cleaning cassette not supplied After checking the picture if it is still noisy repeat the cleaning Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times in one session Caution Do not use a commercially available wet type cleaning cassette It may damage the video heads Note If the V8 ...

Page 40: ...le sliding the RELEASE knob turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow and pull it out 2 Clean the surface with a commercially available blower To Reattach the Eyecup 1 Align the groove on th eyecup with the mark on the barrel 2 Turn the eyecup in the direction of the arrow Then replace the screw Caution Do not remove any other screws You may remove only the screw to remove the eyecup 1 2 1 2 ...

Page 41: ...the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust If there are fingerprints on the lens remove them with a soft cloth Clean the camcorder body with a soft dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution Do not use any type of solvent which may damage the finish AC Power Adaptor Charging Use only for th...

Page 42: ... Islands Bolivia Canada Central America Chile Colombia Ecuador Jamaica Japan Korea Mexico Peru Surinam Taiwan the Philippines the U S A Venezuela etc PAL system countries Australia Austria Belgium China Denmark Finland Germany Great Britain Holland Hong Kong Italy Kuwait Malaysia New Zealand Norway Portugal Singapore Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand etc PAL M system country Brazil PAL N system co...

Page 43: ...ly m Charge the battery pack again p 6 The battery pack is completely dead and cannot be recharged m Use another battery pack p 35 Operation Symptom Cause and or Corrective Actions The tape is stuck to the drum m Eject the cassette p 9 The tape has run out m Rewind the tape or use a new one p 17 The POWER switch is set to PLAYER m Set to CAMERA p 10 The tab on cassette is out red m Use a new casse...

Page 44: ...H cleaning cassette p 39 Others Symptom Cause and or Corrective Actions COMMANDER is set to OFF m Set it to ON p 29 Something is blocking the infrared rays m Remove the obstacle The battery is not inserted with the correct polarity m Insert the battery with the correct polarity p 52 The batteries are dead m Insert new ones p 52 m Detach the eyecup and clean the viewfinder lens p 40 Trouble Check T...

Page 45: ...ain The problem is with the AC power adaptor When the CHARGE lamp doe not flash again If the CHARGE lamp lights up and goes out after a while there is no problem Symptom Cause and or Corrective Actions m Set the selector to VTR DC OUT and disconnect the AC power cord After about one minute try again p 7 See the following chart The CHARGE lamp flashes The POWER lamp does not light When the CHARGE l...

Page 46: ...ding the battery pack NP 33 lithium battery CR2025 cassette P6 120 and shoulder strap Approx 2 lb 1 oz 960 g Video light XB 3D 3W 6V Microphone Electret condenser microphone Stereo type Supplied accessories See page 5 Video Camera Recorder System Video recording system Two rotary heads Helical scanning FM system Audio recording system Rotary heads FM system Video signal NTSC color EIA standards Us...

Page 47: ...icable battery Sony battery pack Ni Cd type 6V NP 33 800 mAh supplied NP 60D 1350 mAh NP C65 1500 mAh NP 66 1400 mAh NP 66H 68 1800 mAh NP 80 80D 2700 mAh NP 98 98D 3000 mAh Operating temperature 32 F to 104 F 0 C to 40 C Storage temperature 4 F to 140 F 20 C to 60 C Dimensions Approx 6 5 8 x 1 11 16 x 3 inches 166 x 43 x 75 mm w h d including projecting parts and controls Mass AC V15 V16 Approx 1...

Page 48: ...y 9 Battery mounting surface p 8 0 LANC l control jack Connect the LANC l connecting cable to a wired remote control unit such as an editing controller In this case set the COMMANDER mode to OFF p 29 l stands for Local Application Control Bus sytem The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it This jack has the same function as the...

Page 49: ... STOP button p 10 ª STANDBY switch p 10 º Grip strap p 14 Identifying the Parts CCD TR88 Cassette compartment p 9 RFU DC OUT RFU adaptor DC out jack VIDEO AUDIO jacks p 16 Built in light unit release hole p 23 LIGHT switch p 22 Jack cover MIC microphone jack Connect an optional external microphone This jack also accepts a plug in power microphone Tripod receptacle p 14 Attach a tripod not supplied...

Page 50: ...in PLAYER mode º EDITSEARCH button p 15 Built in light p 22 Lens cover Built in microphone Remote sensor p 53 Camera recording battery lamp Identifying the Parts DEW lamp p 38 Lighting aperture CCD TR98 only Viewfinder p 11 ª BACK LIGHT button p 25 º PROGRAM AE dial p 24 START STOP MODE switch p 10 11 26 Mode switches p 29 Lithium battery compartment p 32 ...

Page 51: ...r The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander and on the camcorder function identically 1 Transmitter Point toward the remote sensor to control the camcorder after turning on the POWER switch on the camcorder 2 Tape transport buttons p 17 18 3 Size AA R6 battery holder p 52 4 START STOP button 5 Power zoom button The zooming speed is unchangeable on the Remote Commander W T ...

Page 52: ...ies with correct polarity 3 Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander 1 2 3 Identifying the Parts Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation When the batteries become weak or dead the Remote Commander does not work To avoid damage from possible battery leakage Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for ...

Page 53: ...r cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper To Watch the Demonstration You can watch a brief demonstration of pictures with titles If the demonstration appears when you turn on the camcorder for the first time exit the Demo mode to use your camcorder To enter Demo mode 1 Eject the cassette and slide the POWER switch to OFF 2 Turn STANDBY up 3 While holding down PLAY slide the POWER switc...

Page 54: ...tor p 13 2 Backlight indicator p 25 3 Warning indicator p 55 4 Lithium battery indicator p 31 5 Recording lamp battery lamp p 10 6 Recording in LP mode p 10 Identifying the Parts 7 Tape transport mode p 10 8 Tape counter p 12 9 AUTO DATE indicator p 10 0 Remaining battery indicator p 34 Date Time or Title p 21 27 REC LP ...

Page 55: ...ing The battery is dead 2 The tape is near the end 3 The tape has run out 4 No tape has been inserted 5 The tab on the tape is out red p 9 6 Moisture condensation has occurred p 38 6 indicator appears only when the cassette is inserted 7 The video heads may be contaminated p 39 8 Some other trouble has occurred Disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized facility 9...

Page 56: ...ing 30 EDITSEARCH 15 EJECT 9 F G H Fast forward 17 5 sec recording 26 High speed shutter mode 24 House current 19 I J K L LANC 48 Light 22 Lithium battery 31 M N O P MIC microphone jack 49 Playback on TV 17 Playback pause 18 Power sources 19 Power zoom 13 PROGRAM AE 24 Q R REC MODE 29 Rec Review 15 Remote control jack LANC 48 Rewind 17 S Shoulder strap 51 Sports mode 24 STANDBY 10 Standby mode 10 ...

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