Sony Digital Camcorder DSR PD170 Operating Instructions

							111
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings
Icon/item
qREMAIN
DATA CODE
MIC NR
AUDIO SET
CLOCK SET
LTR SIZE
LOGO INS
WORLD TIME
Mode
zAUTO
ON
z DATE/CAM
DATE
z ON
OFF
—
—
z NORMAL
2×
—
— Meaning
To display the remaining tape indication:
•
for about eight seconds after your
camcorder is turned on and calculates the
remaining amount of tape
• for about eight seconds after a cassette is
inserted and your camcorder calculates the
remaining amount of tape
• for about eight seconds after  N is pressed
in VCR mode
• for about eight seconds after DISPLAY is
pressed to display the screen indicators
• for the period of tape rewinding,
forwarding or picture search in the VCR
mode
To always display the remaining tape
indicator.
To display date, time and various settings
during playback.
To display date and time during playback.
To reduces the microphone noise.
To deactivate the function above.
Adjusts the audio recording level manually
(p. 53).
To set the date or time (p. 16).
To display selected menu items in normal
size.
To display selected menu items at twice the
normal size.
To always insert the still image on the
moving picture. For details, refer to the
operating instructions (for the auto logo
insert function) supplied with this
camcorder.
To set the clock to the local time. Turn the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to set a time
difference. The clock changes by the time
difference you set here. If you set the time
difference to 0, the clock returns to the
originally set time. POWER
switch
VCR
CAMERA
VCR
VCR
CAMERA
VCR
CAMERA
CAMERA
MEMORY
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
CAMERA
CAMERA
MEMORY
(continued on the following page) 
						

							112
Changing the menu settings
Icon/item
BEEP
COMMANDER
DISPLAY
DATE REC
REC LAMP
COLOR BAR
VIDEO EDIT
EDIT SET
HRS METER
ModeMELODY
z NORMAL
OFF
z ON
OFF
z LCD
V-OUT/LCD
z OFF
ON
z ON
OFF
z OFF
ON
—
—
OPERATION
DRUM RUN
TAPE RUN
THREADING Meaning
To output the melody when you start/stop
recording or when an unusual condition
occurs on your camcorder.
To output the beep instead of the melody.
To cancel melody, the beep sound and
shutter sound.
To activate the Remote Commander
supplied with your camcorder.
To deactivate the Remote Commander to
avoid remote control misoperation caused
by an other VCR’s remote control.
To show the display on the LCD screen and
viewfinder screen.
To show the display on a TV screen, LCD
screen and viewfinder screen.
To not superimpose the date and time on
the picture.
To superimpose the date and time on the
picture.
To light up the camera recording lamps at
the front and rear of your camcorder.
To turn the camera recording lamp off.
Does not display the color bar.
Displays the color bar.
To make programs and perform video
editing (p. 78).
To adjust and set the synchronization of
your camcorder and a VCR for dubbing in
edit set mode (p. 76).
The cumulative total hours of operation is
displayed in 10-operation increments.
The cumulative total hours of drum rotation
with tape threaded is displayed in 10-
operation increments.
The cumulative total hours of tape running
is displayed in 10-operation increments.
The cumulative number of tape unthreading
operation is displayed in 10-operation
increments. POWER
switch
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
CAMERA
CAMERA
MEMORY
CAMERA
VCR
VCR
VCR
CAMERA
Notes
• If you press DISPLAY with DISPLAY set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings,\
 the
picture from a TV or VCR will not appear on the LCD screen even when you\
r
camcorder is connected to outputs on the TV or VCR (except using an i.L\
INK cable).
• You cannot erase the date and time superimposed using the DATE REC funct\
ion. 
						

							113
“Memory Stick” Operations
— “Memory Stick” Operations —
Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction
The “Memory Stick” is a new light and small recording media which,\
 despite its size,
can store more data than a floppy disk.
You can use following types of “Memory Stick” on your camcorder. H\
owever,
appearance on the list does not guarantee the operation of all types of \
“Memory Stick”
on your camcorder.
Types of “Memory Stick” Recording / Playback
“Memory Stick”a
“Memory Stick Duo”*a
“MagicGate Memory Stick”a**
“MagicGate Memory Stick Duo”* a**
“Memory Stick PRO” –
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”* –
* Attach the Memory Stick Duo adaptor before inserting it into the camcord\
er.
** “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.
On file format (JPEG)
Your camcorder compresses image data in JPEG format (extension  .jpg).\
Typical image data file name
100-0001: As displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder of the cam\
corder.
Dsc00001.jpg: As displayed on your PC screen.
Before using a “Memory Stick”
• The position or the shape of the write-protect tab may differ depending \
on the
‘‘Memory Stick’’ you use.
• You cannot record or erase still images when the write-protect tab on th\
e “Memory
Stick” is set to LOCK.
• We recommend backing up important data.
•Image data may be damaged in the following cases: –If you remove the “Memory Stick,” turn the power off, or detach th\
e battery for
replacement when the access lamp is flashing.
– If you use a “Memory Stick” near static electricity or magnetic fi\
elds.
• Prevent metallic objects or your finger from coming into contact with th\
e metal parts
of the connecting section.
• Stick its label on the labeling position.
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong shock to a “Memory Stick.”
• Do not disassemble or modify a “Memory Stick.”
• Do not let the “Memory Stick” get wet.
• Do not use or keep a “Memory Stick” in locations that are:
– Extremely hot such as in a car parked in the sun or under the scorching \
sun.
– Under direct sunlight.
– Very humid or subject to corrosive gases.
• When you carry or store a “Memory Stick,” put it in its case. Write-protect tab
Terminal
RearFront
Labeling position 
						

							114
Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction
A “Memory Stick” formatted by a computerA “Memory Stick” formatted by the Windows OS or Macintosh computer\
s does not
have a guaranteed compatibility with this camcorder.
Note on using the “Memory Stick Duo”You can use a “Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder after inserting\
 it into the
Memory Stick Duo adaptor.
You  may damage the “Memory Stick Duo” or the Memory Stick slot on\
 your
camcorder in the following situations.
–When you insert a “Memory Stick Duo” that is not inserted into a M\
emory Stick Duo
adaptor into the Memory Stick slot on your camcorder.
– When you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” in the wrong direction.
If you insert a “Memory Stick Duo” without a Memory Stick Duo adap\
tor by mistake,
hold the camcorder so the Memory Stick slot is facing down, then hold th\
e lid aside
using a toothpick or similar object to let the “Memory Stick Duo” \
slide out.
Notes on image data compatibility• Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick” by your camcorder co\
nform to the
Design Rules for Camera File Systems universal standard (DCF98 standard\
)
established by the JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Associa\
tion). You
cannot play back on your camcorder still images recorded on other equipm\
ent (DCR-
TRV890E/TRV900/TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that does not conform to this
universal standard. (These models are not sold in some areas.)
• If you cannot use a “Memory Stick” that is used with other equipme\
nt, format it with
this camcorder (p. 109). However, formatting erases all information on\
 the “Memory
Stick.”
•“Memory Stick,”  and “MagicGate Memory Stick” are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
• “Memory Stick Duo” and “
” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “Memory Stick PRO” and “” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “MagicGate” and “” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or regist\
ered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Furthermore, “™” and “®” are not mentioned in each cas\
e in this manual. 
						

							115
“Memory Stick” Operations
Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction
Inserting a “Memory Stick”
Insert the “Memory Stick” with the Sony logo pointing toward the L\
CD panel and the b
mark pointing inward.
To eject a “Memory Stick”Push the “Memory Stick” inward, then release your finger. The “\
Memory Stick” comes
out a little.
Note
The “Memory Stick” may pop out depending on the way you push it.
When the access lamp is lit or flashing
Never shake or strike your camcorder. Do not turn the power off , eject \
a “Memory
Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data breakdown ma\
y occur.
If the “
 MEMORY STICK ERROR” indicator appears
The “Memory Stick” is broken, the file format is not proper, or th\
e “Memory Stick” that
you are using is not compatible with your camcorder. Eject the “Memor\
y Stick”, check
it, and insert again (p. 113).
Access lamp 
						

							116
Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction
Selecting the image quality mode
You can select the image quality mode in still picture recording. The de\
fault setting is
SUPER FINE.
(1 ) Set the POWER switch to VCR or MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK switch
is set to the right (unlock) position.
( 2 ) Press MENU to display the menu.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select 
, then press the dial.
( 4 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select QUALITY, then press the dial.
( 5 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired image quality, then pr\
ess
the dial.
Image quality settings
Setting (Display) Meaning
SUPER FINE This is the highest image quality in this camcorder. The
number of still images you can record is fewer than FINE.
The image is compressed to about 1/3.
FINE Use this mode when you want to record high quality images.
The image is compressed to about 1/6.
STANDARD This is the standard image quality. The image is compressed
to about 1/10.
Note
In some cases, changing the image quality mode may not affect the image \
quality,
depending on the types of images you are shooting.
1
2 3
4
5
MEMORY SET
CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
MEMORY SET
CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  RETURN
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
SUPER  F I NE
MEMORY SET
CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  RETURN
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
SUPER  F I NE
F I NE
STANDARD
MEMORYCAMERA
VCR
OFF(CHG)
POWER
MENU
(SFN)
(FINE)
(STD) 
						

							117
“Memory Stick” Operations
Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction
Differences in image quality mode
Recorded images are compressed in JPEG format before being stored in mem\
ory. The
memory capacity allotted to each image varies depending on the image qua\
lity mode
selected. Details are shown in the table below.
Image quality mode Memory capacity
SUPER FINE Approx. 190 KB
FINE Approx. 100 KB
STANDARD Approx. 60 KB
Note on the image quality mode indicator
This is only displayed during recording.
The approximate number of images you can record on a
“Memory Stick”(optional)
The approximate number of images you can record on a “Memory Stick”\
 that is
formatted using this camcorder varies depending on which image quality m\
ode you
select and the complexity of the subject.
Image quality mode
SUPER FINE FINE STANDARD
16 MB type 80 images 160 images 240 images
32 MB type 160 images 325 images 485 images
64 MB type 325 images 650 images 980 images
128 MB type 650 images 1310 images 1970 images 
						

							118
Recording still images on a “Memory
Stick” – Memory Photo recording
You can record still images on a “Memory Stick.”
Before operation
Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.
(1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to\
the right (unlock) position.
( 2 ) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until the desired still picture appears. The\
 green
z  mark stops flashing, then lights up. The brightness of the picture and \
focus
are re-adjusted, being targeted for the middle of the picture and are fi\
xed.
Recording does not start yet.
( 3 ) Press PHOTO deeply. The shutter clicks and the image is frozen. The imag\
e
displayed on the screen will be recorded on the “Memory Stick.” Re\
cording is
complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.
[a ] The number of images that can be recorded on the “Memory Stick”
[ b ]The number of recorded images
When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY
The following functions do not work: wide TV mode, digital effect, title\
, digital zoom,
fader, and shutter speed (1/30 or smaller) adjustment .
Note
When you press the PHOTO button lightly at step 2, the focus of the imag\
e seems to be
momentarily out.
When the auto logo insert function is activated
You cannot do memory photo recording.
1 / 6      SFN2
PHOTO
1
3
PHOTO
SFN[a]
[b]
MEMORYCAMERA
VCR
OFF(CHG)
POWER 
						

							119
“Memory Stick” Operations
Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo
recording
While you are recording a still image
You can neither turn off the power nor press PHOTO.
When you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander
Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the screen when \
you press
the button.
Recording images continuously
You can record still images continuously. Select one of the two modes de\
scribed below
before recording.
Continuous mode [a]
You can record four still images continuously. The number of images is i\
n accordance
with remaining capacity of the “Memory Stick.”
Multi screen mode [b]
You can record nine still images continuously on a single page.
The number of images in continuous shooting
The number of images you can shoot continuously varies depending on the \
remaining
capacity of the “Memory Stick.” The shutter always clicks four tim\
es, however, the
number of images recordable may be less than four.
Note on using a video flash light (optional)
The video flash light does not work in the continuous or multi screen mo\
de if you
install it to the intelligent accessory shoe.
[a][b] 
						

							120
Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory Photo
recording
(1 ) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY. Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to\
the right (unlock) position.
( 2 ) Press MENU to display the menu.
( 3 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select 
, then press the dial.
( 4 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CONTINUOUS, then press the dial.
( 5 ) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired setting, then press th\
e
dial.
Continuous shooting settings
Setting Meaning (indicator on the screen)
OFF Your camcorder shoots one image at a time. (no indicator)
ON Your camcorder shoots up to four still images at about 0.5 sec
intervals. (  )
MULTI SCRN Your camcorder shoots nine still images at about 0.5 sec intervals and displays the images on a single page divided into nine boxes.
(  )
If the capacity of the “Memory Stick” becomes full” FULL” appears on the screen, and you cannot record still pictures on\
 this
“Memory Stick.”
2
34
5
MEMORY SET CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
MEMORY SET
CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  RETURN
  [
MENU ]
  :
 END
OFFMEMORY SET
CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  RETURN
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
OFF
ON
MULT I   SCRN
MEMORY SET
CONT I NUOUS
QUAL I TY
PR I NT  MARK
PROTECT
SL I DE  SHOW
DELETE  ALL
FORMAT
  RETURN
  [
MENU ]
 :
 END
ON
1
MEMORYCAMERA
VCR
OFF(CHG)
POWER
MENU