Sony Digital 8 Manual

							Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting91
For TRV280:
There is no sound when the 
camcorder is connected to the 
Windows computer via a USB cable. c
Change the settings for your computer environment as described in the 
following procedures:
1Select [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows 
XP), [Picture Package], [Handycam Tools], and [USB 
Streaming Tool], then start up [USB Streaming Tool].
2Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen.
3Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click 
[Done].
b Note
 Sound is not supported on Windows 98.
For TRV280:
The movie is not smooth during USB 
streaming.  c
Change the settings as described in the following procedures:
1Select [Start], [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows 
XP), [Picture Package], [Handycam Tools], and [USB 
Streaming Tool], then start up [USB Streaming Tool].
2Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video 
quality].
3Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click 
[Done].
For TRV280:
Picture Package does not function 
correctly. c
Close Picture Package, then restart the Windows computer.
For TRV280:
An error message appears while 
operating Picture Package. c
Close Picture Package on your Windows computer first, then set the 
POWER switch on your camcorder to another mode.
For TRV280:
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. c
For the compatible drive, visit the following URL: 
http://www.ppackage.com/
For TRV280:
“First Step Guide” is not displayed 
correctly. c
Refer to “First Step Guide” in PDF. For copying the PDF file, see 
page 78.
SymptomCause and/or Corrective Actions 
						

							Troubleshooting92
Warning indicators 
and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators
If indicators appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.
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
c A battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used. 
Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 96)
C:21: ss
c Moisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your 
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette. (p. 99)
C:22: ss
c Clean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 99)
C:31: ss / C:32: ss
c 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 starts to condense. (p. 98)
c Remove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your 
camcorder again. 
c Change the tape.
c Press the RESET button and operate your camcorder again.
E:61: ss / E:62: ss
c Contact 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 (CHG) OFF, and leave it for 
about 1 hour with the cassette lid open. (p. 99)
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. 95)*
Fast flashing:
 The tape has run out.* 
						

							Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting93
* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.
Warning messages
The following messages will appear to prompt you to correct the situation.
Z (Eject cassette warning)* Slow flashing:
 The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock. (p. 95)
Fast flashing:
 Moisture condensation has occurred. (p. 99)
 The self-diagnosis display code is displayed. (p. 92)
SubjectsIndicationsCorrective Actions/References
BatteryUse the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. cSee page 96.
Battery level is low. cCharge the battery. (p. 12)
Old battery. Use a new one. cSee page 96
Z  Re-attach the power source. –
Moisture 
condensation % 
Z 
Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette cSee page 99.
%  Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. cSee page 99.
Cassette/tape Q 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 95.
Q  
The tape has reached the end. –
Others Cannot record due to copyright protection. –
 Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette. cSee page 99.
Cannot start Easy Handycam cSee page 26 and 36.
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam cSee page 26 and 36.
Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected –
Invalid button with Easy Handycam operation cSee page 26 and 36.
USB invalid during Easy Handycam cPress SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
IndicationCause and/or Corrective Actions 
						

							Additional Information94
Additional Information
Using your camcorder 
abroad
Power supply
You can use your camcorder in any country/
region using the AC Adaptor supplied with 
your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V, 
50/60 Hz.
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 on a TV, it must be an NTSC system-
based TV (see following list) with the AUDIO/
VIDEO input jack.
Simple setting of 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] in 
the   (OTHERS) menu, then set the time 
difference (p. 57).
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-L15A/L15B [a][b] 
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information95
Usable cassette 
tapes
You can use standard 8 mm   and Hi8  , 
Digital8   video cassettes on your camcorder.
Hi8  system
This Hi8   system is an extension of the 
standard 8 mm   system, and was developed to 
produce higher quality pictures.
You cannot play back a tape recorded in the 
Hi8   system correctly on video recorders/
players other than a Hi8 video recorder/player.
Digital8  system
This video system has been developed to enable 
digital recording to Hi8  /Digital8   video 
cassette.
The recording time when you use your 
Digital8   system camcorder on Hi8  /
standard 8 mm   tape is half the recording time 
when using the conventional Hi8  /standard 
8 mm   system camcorder. (120 minutes of 
recording time becomes 60 minutes in the SP 
mode.) 
To prevent a blank section from being 
made on the tape
Press END SEARCH to go to the end of the 
recorded section before you begin the next 
recording in the case you have played back the 
tape.
If there is a blank section or discontinuous 
signals on your tape, re-record from the 
beginning to the end of the tape as described 
above.
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 camera connected to 
your camcorder.
For TRV280:
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.
Notes on use
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).
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.
, , ,  and  are 
trademarks.
Labeling position Do not put a 
label along the 
border. 
						

							Additional Information96
About the 
“InfoLITHIUM” 
battery pack
This unit is compatible with the 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your 
camcorder operates only with the 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. 
“InfoLITHIUM” M 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 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. 
With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), 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 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.
 After charging is complete, either 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- QM71D/QM91D (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-QM71D/QM91D (optional).
 Be sure to set the POWER switch to (CHG) 
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 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 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 proper 
function.
To store the battery pack, remove it from your 
camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place.
 To completely use up the battery pack on your  camcorder, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER] 
in the   (OTHERS) menu (p. 57) and leave  
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information97
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.
About i.LINK
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?
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 two 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.
b Note
 Normally, only one device can be connected to this  unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this 
unit to i.LINK-compatible device having two or 
more DV Interfaces, refer to the operating 
instructions of the device to be connected.
z Tips
 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 three 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 
, continued 
						

							Additional Information98
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 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 device having a DV 
Interface, see page 60, 61.
This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK 
(DV Interface) compatible device made by 
Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as 
well as to video device.
Before connecting this unit to your computer, 
make sure that application software supported 
by this unit is already installed on your 
computer.
Some i.LINK compatible video device such as 
Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players, 
and MICROMV recorders/players are not 
compatible with DV device. Before connecting 
to other device, be sure to confirm whether the 
device is compatible with DV device 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 DV dubbing).
i.LINK and   are trademarks of Sony 
Corporation.
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).
 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 get 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.
 Keep the POWER switch setting to (CHG)  OFF when you are not using your camcorder. 
						

							Additional Information
Additional Information99
 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 code, pull by  the plug and not the code.
 Do not damage the power code such as by  placing anything heavy on it.
 Keep metal contacts clean.
 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.
Otherwise, unplug it from the wall outlet.
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 one hour with 
the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be 
used again if the 
% 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. Notes 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.
 When you bring your camcorder from a ski 
slope into a place warmed up by a heating 
device.
 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.
How to prevent 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).
Video head
 When the video head becomes dirty, you  cannot record pictures normally, or distorted 
picture or sound is played back. 
 The video head suffers from wear after long 
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even 
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be 
because the video head is worn. Please contact 
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony 
service facility to have the video head 
replaced.
 For TRV138/338: If the following problem occurs, clean the 
video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony 
V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional).
– Playback pictures contains noise or the  screen is displayed in blue.
– Playback pictures are hardly visible.
– Playback pictures do not appear.
– [  Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  cassette.] appears on the screen during 
recording.
, continued 
						

							Additional Information100
 For TRV280:If the following problem occurs, clean the 
video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony 
V8-25CLD cleaning cassette (optional).
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the  playback picture or the screen is displayed 
in blue.
– Playback pictures do not move.
– Playback pictures do not appear or the  sound breaks off.
– [  Dirty video head. Use a cleaning 
cassette.] appears on the screen during 
recording.
LCD screen
 Do not add 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.
 While using your camcorder, the back of the  LCD screen may heat up. This is not a 
malfunction.
To clean the LCD screen
 If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  dirty, it is recommended you using 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.
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 and 
insecticide.
– Handling with above substances on your  hands.
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  vinyl objects for a long period of time.
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.
 Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  little dirt or dust.
 To prevent molds periodically clean the lens  as described above. 
It is recommended you operate your camcorder 
about once a month to keep it in an optimum 
state for a long time.
To charge the pre-installed 
rechargeable battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed 
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and 
other settings even when the POWER switch is 
set to (CHG) OFF. The pre-installed 
rechargeable battery is always charged while 
you are using your camcorder but it will get 
discharged gradually if you do not use your 
camcorder. The rechargeable battery will be 
fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not 
use your camcorder at all. 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. 
Procedures
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using 
the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the 
POWER switch set to (CHG) OFF for more 
than 24 hours.