Sony Digital HD Video Camera Recorder HVR-Z1U/Z1N Operating Instructions

							Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting111
Warning indicators and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in 
parentheses for details.
* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.
IndicationCause and/or Corrective Actions
C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Self-
diagnosis display)Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after 
you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized 
Sony service facility.
C:04:ss
cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used. 
Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 118).
C:21:ss
cMoisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your 
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 120).
C:22:ss
cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (p. 121).
C:31ss / C:32ss
cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and 
insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform 
this procedure if moisture starts to condense (p. 120).
cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your 
camcorder again. 
cChange the tape.
E:61:ss / E:62:ss 
cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. 
Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”
E (Battery level warning)   The battery pack is nearly used up.
 Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, the 
E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes 
remaining.
% (Moisture condensation warning)*cEject the cassette, set the POWER switch to OFF, and leave it for about 
1 hour with the cassette lid open (p. 120).
Q (Warning indicator pertaining to 
the tape)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. 114).*
Fast flashing:
 The tape has run out.*
Z (Eject cassette warning)*Slow flashing:
 The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 114).
Fast flashing:
 Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 120).
 The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 111). 
						

							Troubleshooting112
Warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.
SubjectsIndicationsCorrective Actions/
References
BatteryUse the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.cSee page 117.
Battery level is low.cCharge the battery (p. 11).
Old battery. Use a new one.cSee page 118.
Z Re-attach the power source. –
Moisture 
condensation% Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette.cSee page 120.
% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.cSee page 120.
Cassette/TapeQ Insert a cassette.cSee page 18.
Z Reinsert the cassette.cThe cassette might be damaged, etc.
Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab.cSee page 114.
Q The tape has reached the end. –
OthersCannot record due to copyright protection. –
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the i.LINK cable.cSee page 98.
Not recorded in DVCAM mode. Cannot add audio.cSee page 98.
Cannot add audio on the blank portion of a tape.cSee page 98.
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio.cSee page 98.
Cannot add audio.cSee page 98
No registered value set in SHOT-A.cRegister a setting in A (p. 40).
No registered value set in SHOT-B.cRegister a setting in B (p. 40).
Change to correct tape format.cThe pictures cannot be played back 
because of an incompatible format.
No output image in “VCR HDV/DV”. Change 
format.cStop inputting the playback signal, 
or reset [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 70).
Already added to CAMERA mode’s P-MENU. –
Already added to VCR mode’s P-MENU. –
x   Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.cSee page 121. 
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information113
Additional Information
Using your camcorder 
abroad
Power supply
You can use your camcorder in any country/
regions using the AC Adaptor/charger 
supplied with your camcorder within AC 
100V to 240V, 50/60Hz.
Use a commercially available AC plug 
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the 
design of the wall outlet [b].
On TV color systems   
Your camcorder is an NTSC system-based 
camcorder. If you want to view the playback 
picture recorded in the DV format on a TV, it 
must be an NTSC system-based TV (see 
following list) with the AUDIO/VIDEO input 
jack.
On HDV compatible TVs 
An HDV compatible TV with the component 
input jack is required to view playback pictures 
recorded in the HDV format. See the table 
below.
It is recommended to use an i.LINK cable to 
connect these TVs.
As of 1st October, 2004
bNote
 Some models are not available depending on the 
country or region.
Simple setting of the clock by time 
difference
You can easily set the clock to the local time by 
setting a time difference when using your 
camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] on 
the   (OTHERS) menu, then set the time 
difference (p. 78).
SystemUsed in
NTSC Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, 
Central America, Chile, Colombia, 
Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, 
Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, 
Taiwan, the Philippines, the 
U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.
PAL Australia, Austria, Belgium, 
China, Czech Republic, Denmark, 
Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong 
Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, 
Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, 
Poland, Portugal, Singapore, 
Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, 
Switzerland, Thailand, United 
Kingdom, etc.
PAL - M Brazil
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, 
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.
AC-VQ850 [a][b]
Sony TV models
KD-34XBR960, KD-36XS955, KD-34XS955, 
KD-30XS955
KDE-55XBR950, KDE-50XS955, KDE-42XS955, 
KDE-37XS955
KDF-60WE655, KDF-55WE655, KDF-50WE655, 
KDF-42WE655, KDF-60XS655, KDF-55XS655
KDP-57WS655, KDP-51WS655
KE-42M1
KE-MX42K1, KE-MX42N1, KE-MX32K1, 
KE-MX32N1, KE-P42M1
KF-50WE620, KF-42WE620
KLV-32M1, KLV-23M1
KP-57WS520, KP-51WS520, KP-46WT520
KV-36HS420, KV-34HS420, KV-32HS420, 
KV-30HS420, KV-27HS420
KV-DX32K9H, KV-DX32K90B, KV-DX32K90L
KV-HR36N90, KV-HR36K90, KV-HR32K90, 
KV-HR34N90, KV-HR29N90
KV-HZ34N90, KV-HZ29N90, etc. 
						

							Additional Information114
HDV format and 
recording/playback
Your camcorder is capable of recording in the 
HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats. 
It is recommended to use a cassette with the 
 mark to record in the 
HDV/DV format.
It is recommended to use a cassette with the 
 mark to record in the DVCAM 
format.
What is the HDV ( ) format?
The HDV format is a video format developed to 
record and play back digital high definition 
(HD) video signals on a DV cassette.
Your camcorder adopts the Interlace mode with 
1080 effective scan lines of screen ruling 
(1080i, number of pixels 1440 × 1080 dots).
The video bit rate for recording is about 25 
Mbps.
i.LINK is adopted for the digital interface, 
enabling a digital connection with an HDV 
compatible TV or computer.
Playback
 Your camcorder can play back pictures in the 
DVCAM (DV) format and HDV1080i 
specification.
 Your camcorder can play back a picture 
recorded in the 720/30p system of the HDV 
format but cannot output it from the   HDV/
DV jack.
Copyright signal
When you play back
If the cassette you play back on your camcorder 
contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to 
a tape in another video device connected to your 
camcorder.
When you record
You cannot record software on your 
camcorder that contains copyright 
control signals for copyright protection 
of software.
[Cannot record due to copyright protection.] 
appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen 
if you try to record such software. Your camcorder does not record copyright 
control signals on the tape when it records.
Audio mode
The DVCAM format has 2 audio modes.
Fs32K (12-bit) mode
The original sound can be recorded in channels 
1 and 2, and the new sound in channels 3 and 4 
in 32 kHz. The balance between channels 1/2 
and channels 3/4 can be adjusted by selecting 
[AUDIO MIX] in the menu settings during 
playback and audio dubbing. If you select 
[MIX], the sounds of channel 1/2 and channel 3/
4 are synthesized to be output.
Fs48K (16-bit) mode
A new sound cannot be recorded but the original 
sound can be recorded in high quality using 2 
channels. The audio mode can be indicated on 
the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
You may not add a sound on a DVCAM 
formatted-tape which does not comply with the 
condition of the DVCAM format as described 
on page 116 or when you recorded on a DV-
formatted tape. In this case, “NS” appears on the 
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
Notes on cassette tapes
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set 
to SAVE.
REC: The cassette can be recorded.
SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-
protected). 
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information115
When labeling the cassette
Be sure to place the label only on the locations 
as shown in the following illustration so as not 
to cause malfunction of your camcorder.
After using the cassette
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid 
distortion of the picture or the sound. The 
cassette should then be put in its case, and stored 
in an upright position.
When cleaning the gold-plated 
connector
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a 
cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10 
times it has been ejected.
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is 
dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may 
not be indicated correctly.
bNote
 Your camcorder is not compatible with Cassette 
Memory.
and are 
trademarks.
HDV and   are trademarks of 
Sony Corporation and Victor Company of 
Japan Ltd.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.
Do not put a label 
along this border.
Labeling position
Gold-plated 
connector 
						

							Additional Information116
Compatibility of the 
DVCAM and DV 
formats
The DVCAM format was developed as a 
more reliable and higher-end format than the 
consumer DV format. Explained here are the 
differences, compatibility, and limitations on 
editing for the DVCAM and DV formats.
Differences between the DVCAM and DV 
formats
* There are 2 modes for audio recording, lock mode 
and unlock mode. In lock mode, the sampling 
frequencies of audio and video are synchronized. In 
unlock mode, which the consumer DV format 
adopts, the 2 sampling frequencies are independent. 
Therefore, lock mode is more effective than unlock 
mode in digital processing and smooth transition 
during audio editing.
Mini DVCAM and mini DV cassettes
The recording format of the picture is defined 
according to the recorder’s format as described 
below.
 This camcorder complies with the DVCAM format. 
Though mini DV cassettes can be used for recording, 
we recommend you use mini DVCAM cassettes to 
get the most out of the high reliability of the 
DVCAM format. 
 The recording time of mini DV cassettes is 1/3 
shorter than that indicated on mini DV cassettes 
when recorded in the DVCAM format.
Compatibility on playback
Compatibility on editing using DV jacks
When this camcorder is connected to other 
digital video equipment using an i.LINK cable, 
the recording format of edited tapes is defined 
according to the source tape and the recorder’s 
format as described below. Playback or editing 
using the edited tape may be limited depending 
on dubbing operation. Start dubbing after 
reading “Limitations on editing” (p. 117).
Specifica-
tionDVCAMDV
Track pitch 15µm10µm
Audio sampling 
frequency12 bit: 32 kHz
16 bit: 48 kHz12 bit: 32 kHz
16 bit: 32 kHz, 
44.1 kHz, 
48 kHz
Audio 
recording 
mode*Lock mode Unlock mode
Time code Drop frame 
system or Non-
drop frame 
system 
(SMPTE time 
code)Drop frame 
system only
Recorder’s 
formatCassette’s 
formatRecording 
format
DVCAM DVCAM
DVDVCAM
DV DVCAM
DVDV
TapeOn DV video 
equipmentOn DVCAM 
video 
equipment
DV-formatted Can be played 
backCan be played 
back only when 
recorded in SP 
mode
DVCAM-
formattedCan be played 
back on some 
equipmentCan be played 
back
Source 
tapePlayer’s 
formatRe-
corder’s 
formatRecord-
ing 
format
DV-
formatted 
(SP mode 
only)DVCAM DVCAM
DVDVCAM1)
DV 
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information117
1)When using mini DVCAM video equipment to 
perform DV dubbing of a tape recorded in DV 
format, the tape produced will be in the DVCAM 
format which the time code format will be partly 
misadjusted. (There will be no effect on the recorded 
picture except in certain cases.)
2)If the tape that is to be dubbed is in the DVCAM 
format as in 1), the tape produced will be in the 
DVCAM format and the time code format will be 
partly misadjusted.
3)Some mini DV video equipment may be able to play 
back a DVCAM-formatted tape. Even if the tape is 
played back, quality of the playback cannot be 
guaranteed. The time code format will be partly 
misadjusted.
bNote
 If you use tapes as in 1) to 3) above for editing, the 
functions may be limited regardless of the format of 
players and recorders.
Limitations on editing
You may find the following limitations when 
editing a tape produced by dubbing or editing 
using the  HDV/DV jack:
 Due to the difference in track pitch, you 
cannot record or edit on DV-formatted tapes 
using mini DVCAM video equipment.
 Depending on the DVCAM video equipment 
used, you may not be able to edit DVCAM-
formatted tapes if the audio recording mode is 
unlock mode. In this case, dub using audio/
video jacks.
About the 
“InfoLITHIUM” 
battery pack
This unit is compatible with the 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your 
camcorder operates only with the 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. 
“InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the 
 mark.
What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery 
pack?
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-
ion battery pack that has functions for 
communicating information related to operating 
conditions between your camcorder and 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. 
With an AC Adaptor/charger, the remaining 
battery time and charging time appear.
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 CHARGE lamp 
turns off. If you charge the battery pack 
outside of this temperature range, you may not 
be able to charge it efficiently.
 After charging is complete, 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.
DV-
formatted DV DVCAM
DVDVCAM1)
DV
DVCAM-
formatted
2)DVCAM DVCAM
DVDVCAM
DV
DVCAM-
formatted
2)DV3)DVCAM DVCAM 
(Compati-
bility 
depends on 
models.)
DV DV
Source 
tapePlayer’s 
formatRe-
corder’s 
formatRecord-
ing 
format
,continued 
						

							Additional Information118
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-F770/
F970 (optional).
 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-F770/F970 (optional).
 Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF 
when not recording or playing back on your 
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed 
when your camcorder is in recording standby 
or playback pause.
 Have spare battery packs ready for 2 or 3 
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 remaining battery time indicator
 When the power goes off even though the 
remaining battery time indicator indicates that 
the battery pack has enough power to operate, 
charge the battery pack fully again. The 
indication on the remaining battery time will 
be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the 
battery indication will not be restored if it is 
used in high temperatures for a long time, or if 
left in a fully charged state, or when the 
battery pack is frequently used. 
Use the remaining battery time indication as a 
guide to the approximate shooting time.
 The 
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 and 
environment.
About storage of the battery pack
 If the battery pack is not used for a long time, 
fully charge the battery pack and use it on your 
camcorder once a year to maintain the 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, eject a cassette and 
leave your camcorder in tape recording 
standby until the power goes off.
About battery life
 The battery life is limited. Battery capacity 
drops little by little as you use it more and 
more, and as time passes. When the available 
battery time is shortened considerably, a 
probable cause is that the battery pack has 
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new 
battery pack.
 The battery life varies depending on how it is 
stored and the operating conditions and 
environment for each battery pack.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony 
Corporation. 
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information119
About i.LINK
The i.LINK Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-
compliant Interface. This section describes the 
i.LINK standard and its features.
What is i.LINK?
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for 
transferring digital video, digital audio, and 
other data to other i.LINK-compatible device. 
You can also control other device using the 
i.LINK.
i.LINK-compatible device can be connected 
using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are 
operations and data transactions with various 
digital AV devices.
When 2 or more i.LINK-compatible device are 
connected to this unit in a daisy chain, 
operations and data transactions are possible 
with not only the device that this unit is 
connected to but also with other devices via the 
directly connected device.
Note, however, that the method of operation 
sometimes varies according to the 
characteristics and specifications of the device 
to be connected. Also, operations and data 
transactions may not be possible on some 
connected device.
bNote
 Normally, only one device can be connected to this 
unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this 
unit to an HDV/DV compatible device having two or 
more i.LINK Interfaces, refer to the operating 
instructions of the device to be connected.
zTip
 i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 
data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a 
trademark approved by many corporations.
 IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized 
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics 
Engineers.
About 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 device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK 
interface on some device.
The baud rate may differ from the indicated 
value when the unit is connected to device with 
a different maximum baud rate.
* What is Mbps?
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the 
amount of data that can be sent or received in 
1 second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps 
means that 100 megabits of data can be sent in 
1 second.
To use i.LINK functions on this unit
For details on how to dub when this unit is 
connected to other video device having a 
i.LINK Interface, see page 89.
This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK 
compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO 
series personal computer) as well as to video 
device.
Some i.LINK compatible video device such as 
Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players, 
and MICROMV recorders/players are not 
compatible with this unit. Before connecting to 
other device, be sure to confirm whether the 
device is compatible with HDV/DVCAM (DV) 
or not.
For details on precautions and compatible 
application software, refer also to the operating 
instructions for the device to be connected.
About the required i.LINK cable
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable 
(during HDV/DV dubbing).
i.LINK and   are trademarks of Sony 
Corporation. 
						

							Additional Information120
Maintenance and 
precautions
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.
– Sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or 
dust gets in your camcorder, it may 
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction 
cannot be repaired. 
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD 
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be 
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages 
the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD 
screen.
– Anywhere very humid.
 Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery 
pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor/charger).
 For DC or AC operation, use the accessories 
recommended in these operating instructions.
 Do not let your camcorder get wet, for 
example, from rain or sea water. If your 
camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction. 
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be 
repaired.
 If any solid object or liquid gets inside the 
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it 
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it 
any further.
 Avoid rough handling, disassembling, 
modifying, or mechanical shock. Be 
particularly careful of the lens.
 Keep the POWER switch set to OFF when you 
are not using your camcorder. 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 power cord, pull by 
the plug and not the cord.
 Do not damage the power cord such as by 
placing anything heavy on it.
 Keep metal contacts clean.
 Keep the Remote Commander and battery out 
of children’s reach. If the battery is 
accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor 
immediately.
 If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,
– consult your local authorized Sony service 
facility.
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted 
your skin.
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with 
plenty of water and consult a doctor.
When not using your camcorder for a 
long time
Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by 
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.
Moisture condensation
If your camcorder is brought directly from a 
cold place to a warm place, moisture may 
condense inside your camcorder, on the surface 
of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape 
may stick to the head drum and be damaged or 
your camcorder may not operate correctly. If 
there is moisture inside your camcorder, [
%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 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 1 hour with 
the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be 
used again if 
% or Z does not appear when the 
power is turned on again.
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.