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

							Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing/Editing91
To dub to an AV device
Connect your camcorder to a VCR using the A/
V connecting cable (supplied).
* When there is an S video jack on the device to be 
connected, connect an S video cable (optional) to 
that jack instead of using the yellow video plug of 
the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This 
connection produces higher quality DVCAM (DV) 
format pictures. The audio will not be output if you 
connect with the S video cable alone.
bNote
 Select the   (OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT], 
then [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 80).
 When you connect your camcorder to a monaural 
device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V 
connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or the 
white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV.
zTip
 To record the date/time and camera settings data, 
first have them displayed on screen (p. 51).
A/V connecting cable 
(supplied) Signal flowVCRs
AUDIO/VIDEO jackYellow
Red White When you have an S video jack on 
your VCR *
S video cable 
(optional) 
						

							Dubbing/Editing92
Dubbing to another tape
1Connect the recording device to your 
camcorder (p. 89).
2Prepare the recording device.
 Insert a cassette for recording.
 If the recording device has an input 
selector, set it to the input mode.
3Prepare your camcorder for playback.
 Insert the recorded cassette.
 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
4Start the playback on your camcorder, 
and record it on the VCR.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied 
with your VCR for details.
5When the dubbing is finished, stop 
your camcorder and the VCR.
bNote
 When you use an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture 
becomes rough when a picture is paused on your 
camcorder while recording it to a VCR.
 Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not output 
from the   HDV/DV jack during playback pause or 
in playback modes other than normal playback.
 When you use an i.LINK cable, you cannot record 
the picture and sound separately.
zTip
 The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the   HDV/DV 
jack holder will light up and indicate the format of 
the output signal when you use an i.LINK cable.
 When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound 
signals are transmitted digitally, producing high 
quality pictures. 
						

							Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing/Editing93
Recording pictures 
from a VCR or TV
You can record pictures or TV programs 
from a VCR or TV on a tape inserted in your 
camcorder.
Connecting a VCR or TV
To record from an HDV compatible device
You can record and edit pictures from an HDV 
compatible VCR. Use your camcorder as a 
recorder and connect it to an HDV compatible 
device using an i.LINK cable (optional). On this camcorder (recorder), select the   
(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then 
[AUTO] (p. 70) before connecting.
bNote
 In case of digital broadcasting, you may not be 
allowed to record some programs for copyright 
reasons (p. 114).
i.LINK cable (optional)
Signal flowPlayer
HDV/DV jack
Recorder
HDV/DV jack 
						

							Dubbing/Editing94
To record from a DVCAM (DV)/AV device
You can record and edit pictures or TV 
programs from a VCR or TV. Use your 
camcorder as a recorder and connect it to a VCR 
using the A/V connecting cable (supplied). You 
can connect a DVCAM (DV) compatible device 
also using an i.LINK cable (optional).When you use an i.LINK cable to connect a 
DVCAM (DV) compatible device, select the 
 (IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], 
then [DV] or [AUTO] (p. 70) before 
connecting.
* When there is an S video jack on the device to be 
connected, connect an S video cable (optional) to 
that jack instead of using the yellow video plug of 
the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This 
connection produces higher quality DVCAM (DV) 
format pictures. The audio will not be output if you 
connect with the S video cable alone.
bNote
 You can record pictures from DVCAM (DV)/AV 
devices only in the DV format.
 When you use the A/V connecting cable (supplied), 
select the   (OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT], 
then [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 80).
 When you connect your camcorder to a monaural 
device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V 
connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or the 
white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV. 
Only the sound from the connected plug is recorded. When a 4:3 video signal is input, it appears with 
black bands on the right and left sides on the screen 
of your camcorder.
zTip
 If the recording device has an i.LINK jack, it is 
recommended to connect it using an i.LINK cable 
(optional).
A/V connecting 
cable (supplied)
i.LINK cable (optional) HDV/DV jack
Signal flowi.LINK jackVCRs or TVs
Yellow
Red White When you have an S video jack on 
your TV or VCR *
S video cable 
(optional)
Connecting with an i.LINK cable AUDIO/VIDEO 
jack 
						

							Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing/Editing95
Recording movies
Insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder 
before the following operations.
1Connect your TV or VCR to your 
camcorder as a playback device (p. 93, 
94).
2If you are recording from a VCR, 
insert a cassette.
3Set the POWER switch to VCR.
4Set your camcorder to recording 
pause.
While pressing X (pause), press both z 
REC (record) buttons simultaneously.
5Start playing the cassette on your 
VCR, or select a TV program.
The picture played on the connected device 
appears on the LCD screen of your 
camcorder.
6Press X (pause) again at the point you 
want to start recording.
7Press x (stop) to stop recording.
bNote
 When you use an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture 
becomes rough when a picture is paused on your 
VCR.
 When you use an i.LINK cable, you cannot record 
the picture and sound separately.
 When you use an i.LINK cable, if you pause or stop 
the recording and restart it, the picture may not be 
recorded smoothly.
zTip
 The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the   HDV/DV 
jack holder will light up and indicate the format of 
the input signal when you use an i.LINK cable.
 When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound 
signals are transmitted digitally, producing high 
quality pictures.
 When you use an i.LINK cable,   
appears during recording. This indicator may appear 
on the screen of the playback device, however they 
will not be recorded.
 Index signals are automatically recorded on the tape 
during recording. You can also record index signals 
at the desired positions during recording by pressing 
the ASSIGN button assigned to the index function 
(p. 44).  
						

							Dubbing/Editing96
Connecting to a 
computer
To use your camcorder by connecting it to a 
computer using an i.LINK cable, the computer 
must have an i.LINK interface, and application 
software to read video signals must be installed 
on the computer.
Refer to the manual supplied with the 
application software for the system 
requirements of the computer.
Connecting the computer
 Before connecting your camcorder to the 
computer with an i.LINK cable, be sure to 
insert the connector plug in the proper 
direction. If you insert the connector plug 
forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal 
may be damaged, or this may cause a 
malfunction of your camcorder.
 Connect the i.LINK cable to the computer 
first, then to your camcorder. Connecting in 
the opposite order may cause static electricity 
to build up, resulting in a malfunction of your 
camcorder.
 Be sure to set [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK 
CONV] on the   (IN/OUT REC) menu 
before connecting the i.LINK cable. If you 
connect the i.LINK cable first, the computer 
may hang up or may not recognize the signal 
from your camcorder.
bNote
 Connect a computer that can handle the signal of the 
format indicated by the i.LINK lamps. If you 
connect a computer that cannot handle the signal, the 
computer may hang up or may not recognize the 
signal from your camcorder.
 Disconnect the i.LINK cable before resetting [REC 
FORMAT] when the POWER switch is set to 
CAMERA. Otherwise, the computer may hang up.
zTip
 The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the   HDV/DV 
jack holder will light up and indicate the format of 
the input signal when you use an i.LINK cable.
To import pictures on a tape to the 
computer
 To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format 
on the tape in the HDV format, set [VCR 
HDV/DV] to [HDV] (p. 70) and [HDVtDV 
CONV] to [OFF] in [i.LINK CONV](p. 73).
 To scan pictures recorded in the DVCAM 
(DV) format on the tape in the DVCAM (DV) 
format, set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] (p. 70).
 To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format 
on the tape in the audio-locked DV format, set 
[HDVtDV CONV] to [ON] and [AUDIO 
LOCK] to [LOCK MODE] in [i.LINK 
CONV] (p. 73).
 To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format 
on the tape in the audio-unlocked DV format, 
set [HDVtDV CONV] to [ON] and 
HDV/DV jack
i.LINK cable (optional) 
						

							Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing/Editing97
[AUDIO LOCK] to [UNLOCK MODE] in 
[i.LINK CONV] (p. 73).
bNote
 Pictures may not be imported correctly depending 
on the application software of the computer.
 You cannot import pictures recorded in the DVCAM 
(DV) format in the HDV format.
To import pictures from the computer to 
your camcorder
In the HDV format
Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [HDV] (p. 70) and 
[HDVtDV CONV] to [OFF] in [i.LINK 
CONV] (p. 73).
In the DVCAM (DV) format
Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] (p. 70). 
						

							Dubbing/Editing98
Dubbing sound to a 
recorded tape 
You can record additional audio to the 
original sound on a tape recorded in the 
DVCAM format and the FS32K audio mode.
Preparing for audio dubbing
1Input audio in one of the following 
ways.
 Using the internal microphone (no 
connection required).
 Connecting a microphone or an audio 
device (optional) to the INPUT1/INPUT2 
connectors. (A)
 Connecting an audio device (optional) to 
the AUDIO/VIDEO jack. (B)
2Select the   (AUDIO SET) menu, 
[MIC SELECT], then [XLR] (p. 65).
To use the internal microphone, select 
[INTERNAL MIC].
3When using the INPUT1/INPUT2 
connectors, set the menu items in 
accordance with the connector and the 
connected device.
To use a microphone
 When the microphone is connected to the 
INPUT1 connector, set [INPUT1 
LEVEL] to [MIC].
AINPUT1/INPUT2 connectors Microphone (optional)A/V connecting cable 
(supplied) Internal 
microphone
Signal flowBAUDIO/VIDEO jackAudio device (such as a 
CD/MD player)
Do not connect the 
Video plug (yellow).Audio output jacks
Audio R 
(red)
Audio L 
(white)
INPUT1/INPUT2 
PHANTOM switch 
						

							Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing/Editing99
 When the microphone is connected to the 
INPUT2 connector, set [INPUT2 
LEVEL] to [MIC].
 If the microphone is powered through its 
cable, set the INPUT1/INPUT2 
PHANTOM switch to ON.
To use an audio device
 When the audio device is connected to the 
INPUT1 connector, set [INPUT1 
LEVEL] to [LINE], and set the INPUT1 
PHANTOM switch to OFF.
 When the audio device is connected to the 
INPUT2 connector, set [INPUT2 
LEVEL] to [LINE], and set the INPUT2 
PHANTOM switch to OFF.
The channel on which the audio is 
recorded
The audio input from each jack/connector is 
recorded in channel 3 or 4 as follows:
bNote
 When you use the AUDIO/VIDEO jack to record 
additional sound, the picture will not be output from 
the AUDIO/VIDEO jack. Check the picture on the 
LCD screen or the viewfinder, and the sound on the 
headphones.
 You cannot record additional audio:
– When the tape is recorded in the HDV format.
– When the tape is recorded with [ REC MODE] 
set to [DV SP].– When the tape is recorded with [AUDIO MODE] 
set to [FS48K].
– When your camcorder is connected using an 
i.LINK cable.
– On blank sections of the tape.
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set to 
SAVE.
– 50i/60i setting on the camcorder is different from 
that of the tape.
 When you use an external microphone (optional) to 
record additional audio, you can check the picture on 
the LCD screen of the camcorder or by connecting 
your camcorder to a TV using the component video 
cable. Check the sound by using headphones.
 If you add audio to a tape recorded on another device 
with a 4-ch microphone, audio system data may be 
rewritten.
Recording sound 
Assign the audio dubbing function to one of the 
ASSIGN buttons in advance. See page 86 for 
details on how to assign a function.
1Insert a recorded cassette into your 
camcorder.
2Set the POWER switch to VCR.
3Press N (play) to play the tape.
4Press X (pause) at the point where you 
want to start recording the sound.
The playback pauses.
5Press the ASSIGN button assigned to 
audio dubbing.
The X mark appears on the LCD screen.
6Press X (pause) and start playing back 
the audio you want to record at the 
same time.
The   mark remains on the LCD screen 
while sound is recorded.
The new sound is recorded in channels 3 
and 4.
Input[XLR 
CH 
SEL]Recorded audio
Channel 
3Channel 
4
AUDIO/
VIDEO–CH1CH2
INTERNAL 
MIC–CH1CH2
INPUT 1/2 CH1 INPUT1 INPUT2
CH1, 
CH2INPUT1 INPUT1
INPUT1 CH1 INPUT1 –
CH1, 
CH2INPUT1 INPUT1
INPUT2 CH1 – INPUT2
CH1, 
CH2––
,continued 
						

							Dubbing/Editing100
7Press x (stop) when you want to stop 
recording.
bNote
 You can only record additional audio on a tape 
recorded on your camcorder. The sound may 
deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded 
on other camcorders (including other HVR-Z1U/
Z1N camcorders).
zTip
 You can adjust the recording volume of additional 
audio manually.
Checking and adjusting the 
recorded sound 
1Play back the tape on which you have 
recorded audio following the 
procedures in “Recording sound” 
(p. 99).
2Press MENU.
3Select the   (AUDIO SET) menu by 
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, 
then press the dial.
4Select [AUDIO MIX] by turning the 
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the 
dial.
5Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to 
select the sound to be output, then 
press the dial.
6Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
SettingTo
MIX synthesize the original sound 
(CH1, CH2) with the added 
sound (CH3, CH4) to be output
CH3, CH4 output the added sound (CH3, 
CH4) only