E:\SONY\2659813111\01US00Cov.fm
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
2-659-813-11(1)
Getting Started
12
Recording/
Playback
28
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Using a Computer
Troubleshooting
44
71
86
99
Additional Information 122
© 2006 Sony Corporation
DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
2-659-813-11(1)
E:\SONY\2659813111\01US01REG.fm
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
2
DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
2-659-813-11(1)
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety
instructions completely before operating
the appliance, and keep this manual for
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the one
described in the operating instructions and
adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of electrical power
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or
local power company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider
than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity,
since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to the
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord
exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the set, and to protect it from
overheating, these slots and openings must never
be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.
Continued ,
3
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the set due to
lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
4
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the
set, as the service technician to perform routine
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)
to determine that the set is in safe operating
condition.
DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
2-659-813-11(1)
E:\SONY\2659813111\01US01REG.fm
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve
our environment by returning
your used rechargeable batteries
to the collection and recycling
location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-
8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-
222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC36
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego,
CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC46
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego,
CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Continued ,
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DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
2-659-813-11(1)
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Read this first (Continued)
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC96
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego,
CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Notes
DCR-HC46 is to be used with the Handycam
Station Model DCRA-C151 and AC Adaptor
Model AC-L25A/L25B.
DCR-HC96 is to be used with the Handycam
Station Model DCRA-C152 and AC Adaptor
Model AC-L25A/L25B.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. DCR-HC
Serial No.
Model No. AC-
No.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
6
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
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)
Types of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with
Cassette Memory are incompatible (p. 123).
. Mini DV cassettes with
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Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
There are two sizes of “Memory Stick.”
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked
with
or
(p. 124).
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
“Memory Stick”
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
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.
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
Using the camcorder
Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
Viewfinder
Battery pack
LCD panel
Shoe cover
(DCR-HC96)
The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “Maintenance and precautions”
(p. 128).
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-HC46/HC96:
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
Handycam Station holding both the
Handycam Station and the DC plug.
For DCR-HC46/HC96:
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.
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.
Continued ,
7
DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
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Read this first (Continued)
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.
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
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.
On recording
Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your
recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC
system-based TV.
8
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. 69).
The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-HC96. 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.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly
by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior
images. It adopts the MTF measurement
system for video cameras and offers a
quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function.
The number value indicates the amount of
light from a subject coming into the lens.
For DCR-HC96:
The lens for your camcorder is T -coated
to suppress unwanted reflections and
faithfully reproduce colors.
DCR-HC36/HC46/HC96
2-659-813-11(1)