Sony Digital Video Camera Recorder TRV940, TRV950 Operating Instructions

							221
Troubleshooting
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
In the recording and playback
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead.
cInstall a charged battery pack (p. 15, 16).
•The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.
cConnect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet (p. 19).
•The tape was ejected after recording when using a cassette
without cassette memory (p. 37).
•You have not recorded on the new cassette yet (p. 37).
•The tape has a blank portion at the beginning or midway
(p. 37).
•The operating temperature is too low.
•The battery pack is not fully charged.
cCharge the battery pack fully again (p. 16).
•The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be
recharged.
cReplace with a new battery pack (p. 15).
•You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or
cold environment for a long time.
•The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be
recharged.
cReplace with a new battery pack (p. 15).
•The battery is not fully charged.
cInstall a charged battery pack (p. 15, 16).
•A deviation has occurred in the remaining battery time.
cCharge the battery pack fully again so that the
indication on the battery remaining indicator is correct
(p. 16).
•A deviation has occurred in the remaining battery time.
cCharge the battery pack fully again so that the
indication on the battery remaining battery time
indicator is correct (p. 16).
•The power supply is disconnected.
cConnect it firmly (p. 15, 19).
•The battery is dead.
cUse a charged battery pack (p. 15, 16).
•Moisture condensation has occurred.
cRemove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
least one hour to acclimatize (p. 236).
•The gold-plated connector of the tape is dirty or dusty.
cClean the gold-plated connector (p. 230).
•The q REMAIN is set to AUTO in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON to always display the remaining tape
indicator (p. 214).
The power does not turn on.
The end search does not work.
The end search does not work
correctly.
The battery pack is quickly
discharged.
The battery remaining time indicator
does not indicate the correct time.
The power goes off although the
battery remaining time indicator
indicates that the battery pack has
enough power to operate.
The cassette cannot be removed from
the holder.
The % and Z indicators flash and no
functions except for cassette ejection
work.
 indicator does not appear when
using a cassette with cassette
memory.
Remaining tape indicator is not
displayed.
 (continued on the following page) 
						

							222
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
When operating using the “Memory Stick”
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The POWER switch is not set to MEMORY/NETWORK
(DCR-TRV950 only).
cSet it to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only)
(p. 129).
•The “Memory Stick” is not inserted.
cInsert a “Memory Stick” (p. 128).
•The “Memory Stick” has already been full.
cDelete unnecessary images and record again (p. 177).
•The “Memory Stick” formatted incorrectly is inserted.
cFormat the “Memory Stick” or use another “Memory
Stick” (p. 128, 212).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•The image is protected.
cCancel image protection (p. 176).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•INDEX screen is not displayed.
cPress INDEX to display the INDEX screen and protect
the image (p. 176).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•INDEX screen is not displayed.
cPress INDEX to display the INDEX screen and write the
print marks on the screen  (p. 180).
•You are trying to write a print mark on a moving picture.
cPrint marks cannot be written on a moving picture (p.
180).
•The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to
LOCK.
cRelease the lock (p. 126).
•You may not be able to play back images in actual size
when you try to play back images recorded by other
equipment. This is not a malfunction.
•Your camcorder cannot play back some images processed
with a computer (The file name will blink).
•If you record images with any other equipment, the
images may not play back normally on your camcorder.
The “Memory Stick” does not
function.
Recording does not function.
The image cannot be deleted.
You cannot format the “Memory
Stick.”
Deleting all the images cannot be
carried out.
You cannot protect the image.
You cannot write a print mark on
the still image.
PHOTO SAVE does not work.
You cannot play back images in
actual size.
You cannot play back image data. 
						

							223
Troubleshooting
Others
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•The cassette has no cassette memory.
cUse a cassette with cassette memory (p. 119).
•The cassette memory is full.
cErase unwanted titles (p. 121).
•The cassette is set to prevent accidental erasure.
cSlide the write-protect tab so that red portion is not
visible (p. 23).
•The tape has a blank portion between recorded portions.
cSuperimpose the title to recorded positions (p. 120).
•The cassette has no cassette memory.
cUse a cassette with cassette memory (p. 124).
•The cassette memory is full.
cErase unwanted data (p. 121,125).
•The tape is set to prevent accidental erasure.
cSlide the write-protect tab so that red mark is not visible
(p. 23).
•The input selector on the VCR is not set correctly.
cCheck the connection and set the input selector on the
VCR again (p. 98)
•The camcorder is connected to DV equipment of other
than Sony using the i.LINK cable.
cSet it to IR (p. 99).
•You have attempted to set a program on a blank portion of
the tape.
cSet the program again on a recorded portion (p. 106).
•The camcorder and the VCR are not synchronized.
cAdjust the synchronization (p. 104).
•The IR SETUP code is incorrect.
cSet the correct code (p. 100).
•Setting program on a blank portion of the tape is
attempted.
cSet the program again on a recorded portion (p. 160).
•COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu settings.
cSet it to ON (p. 216).
•Something is blocking the infrared rays.
cRemove the obstacle.
•The batteries are inserted with + and – incorrectly
matching + and – inside the battery compartment.
cInsert the batteries correctly (p. 251).
•The batteries are dead.
cInsert new ones (p. 251).
•DISPLAY is set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings.
cSet it to LCD (p. 217).
The title is not recorded.
The cassette label is not recorded.
Digital program editing to a tape
does not function.
Digital program editing to a
“Memory Stick” does not function.
The Remote Commander supplied
with your camcorder does not work.
The picture from a TV or VCR does
not appear even when your
camcorder is connected to output on
the TV or VCR.
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble
 (continued on the following page) 
						

							224
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•Moisture has started to condense in your camcorder
(p. 236).
•Moisture condensation has occurred.
cRemove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
least one hour to acclimatize (p. 236).
•Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder.
cRemove the cassette and insert it again, then operate
your camcorder.
•This is because some functions use a linear mechanism.
Your camcorder is not malfunctioning.
•The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHG).
cSet it to OFF (CHG) (p. 16).
•The battery pack is not properly installed.
cInstall it properly (p. 15).
•Something is wrong with the battery pack.
cPlease contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility.
•Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or
remove the battery, then reconnect it in about one minute.
Turn the power on. If the functions still do not work, press
the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object (If you
press the RESET button, all the settings including the date
and time return to their defaults.)  (p. 15, 19, 245).
•The DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL button is pressed.
cPress the LCD screen lightly.
cPress the DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL button on your
camcorder or the DISPLAY button on the Remote
Commander (p. 41).
•Adjust the screen (CALIBRATION) (p. 238).
•The mirror mode is activated.
This is not a malfunction (p. 32).
•The USB cable was connected before installation of the
USB driver was completed.
cUninstall the incorrect USB driver and re-install the USB
driver (p. 188, 191, 202).
•USBCONNECT is set to PTP in the menu settings when
the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-
TRV950 only).
cSet it to NORMAL (p. 215).
The cassette cannot be removed
even if the cassette lid is open.
The melody or beep sounds for
five seconds.
When you set the POWER switch to
VCR or OFF (CHG), if you move
your camcorder, you may hear a
clattering sound from inside your
camcorder.
You cannot charge the battery pack.
While charging the battery pack, no
indicator appears, the indicator
flashes in the display window.
No function works though the
power is on.
The buttons do not appear on the
touch panel.
The buttons on the LCD screen do
not work.
The indicators appear mirror-
reversed in the viewfinder or on the
TV screen.
Image data cannot be transferred by
the USB connection.
Types of trouble and how to correct trouble 
						

							225
Troubleshooting
Self-diagnosis display
Five-digit display Cause and/or Corrective Actions
•You are using a battery pack that is not an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
cUse an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 18, 231).
•Moisture condensation has occurred.
cRemove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at
least one hour to acclimatize (p. 236).
•The video heads are dirty.
cClean the heads using the cleaning cassette (optional)
(p. 237).
•A malfunction other than the above that you can service
has occurred.
cRemove the cassette and insert it again, then operate
your camcorder.
cDisconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or
remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power
supply, operate your camcorder.
•A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred.
cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code
(example: E:61:10).
Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display
function.
This function displays the current state of your
camcorder as a 5-digit code (a combination of a
letter and figures) on the screen. If a 5-digit code is
displayed, check the following list of codes. The
last two digits (indicated by ss) differ depending
on the state of your camcorder.LCD screen, Viewfinder or
Display window
C:04:ss
C:21:ss
C:22:ss
C:31:ss
C:32:ss
E:20:ss
E:61:ss
E:62:ss
E:91:ss
If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times,
contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
C:21:00
Self-diagnosis display•C:ss:ss
You can service your camcorder
yourself.
•E:ss:ss
Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility. 
						

							226
If indicators and messages appear on the screen or in the display window, check the
following:
See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.
Warning indicators
C:21:00 100–0001
100-0001Warning indicator pertaining to
files
Slow flashing:
•The file is corrupted.
•The file is unreadable.
•You are trying to use the MEMORY MIX on a
moving picture (p. 148).
C:21:00Self-diagnosis display (p. 225).
EThe battery is dead or nearly dead
Slow flashing:
•The battery is nearly dead.
Depending on the operating conditions,
environment and battery condition, the E
indicator may flash even if there are
approximately five to 10 minutes remaining.
Fast flashing:
•The battery is dead (p. 16).
%Moisture condensation has occurred*
Fast flashing:
•Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder,
and leave it for about one hour with the
cassette compartment open (p. 236).
Warning indicator pertaining to
cassette memory*
Slow flashing:
•No cassette with cassette memory is inserted
(p. 228).
Warning indicator pertaining to the
“Memory Stick”
Slow flashing:
•No “Memory Stick” is inserted.
Fast flashing*:
•The “Memory Stick” is not readable on your
camcorder (p. 126).
•The image cannot be recorded on the
“Memory Stick.”
Warning indicator pertaining to
“Memory Stick” formatting*
Fast flashing:
•The “Memory Stick” is not formatted
correctly (p. 212).
•The “Memory Stick” data is corrupted
(p. 126).
QWarning indicator pertaining to the
tape
Slow flashing:
•The tape is near the end.
•No cassette is inserted.*
•The write-protect tab on the cassette is
exposed (red) (p. 23).*
Fast flashing:
•The cassette has run out of the tape.*
ZYou need to eject the cassette*
Slow flashing:
•The write-protect tab on the cassette is
exposed (red) (p. 23).
Fast flashing:
•Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 236).
•The cassette has run out of the tape.
•The self-diagnosis display function is
activated (p. 225).
-The image is protected*
Slow flashing:
•The image is protected (p. 176).
Warning indicator pertaining to the flash
Slow flashing:
•During charging
Fast flashing:
•The self-diagnosis display function is
activated (p. 225).*
•There is something wrong with the built-in
flash or the external flash (optional).
Warning indicator pertaining to
recording
Slow flashing:
• The still image cannot be recorded on a tape
or the “Memory Stick” (p. 46, 52)
*You hear the melody or beep.
Warning indicators and messages 
						

							227
Troubleshooting
Warning messages
•CLOCK SET Set the date and time (p. 20).
•FOR “InfoLITHIUM” Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 18).
BATTERY ONLY
•
 CLEANING CASSETTE** The video heads are dirty (p. 237).
•
 FULL The cassette memory is full.*
•
 16BIT AUDIO MODE is set to 16BIT (p. 214).* You cannot
dub new audio.
•
 REC MODE REC MODE is set to LP (p. 214).* You cannot dub
new audio.
•
 TAPE There is no recorded portion on the tape.* You cannot
dub new audio.
•
 “i.LINK” CABLE The i.LINK cable is connected (p. 118).* You cannot
dub new audio.
•
 FULL The “Memory Stick” is full (p. 139).*
•
 -The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is
set to LOCK (p. 126).*
•
 NO FILE No still image is recorded on the “Memory Stick”
(p. 166, 182).*
•
 NO MEMORY STICK No “Memory Stick” is inserted.*
•
 AUDIO ERROR You are trying to record an image with sound that
cannot be recorded by your camcorder on the
“Memory Stick” (p. 157).*
•
 MEMORY STICK ERROR The “Memory Stick” data is corrupted (p. 128).*
•
 FORMAT ERROR The “Memory Stick” is not recognized. Check the
format (p. 145, 212).*
•
 - DIRECTORY ERROR There are more than two of the same directories
(p. 166).*
•
PLAY ERROR The image cannot be played back. Reinsert the
“Memory Stick,” then play back the image again.
•
REC ERROR Check the input signals before retrying recording.
•COPY INHIBIT The tape contains copyright control signals for
copyright protection of software (p. 229).*
•Q Z TAPE END The tape has reached its end.*
•Q NO TAPE Insert a cassette.*
•
  NO PRINT MARK You selected MARKED in 9PIC PRINT on the touch
panel using a “Memory Stick” containing no image
with a print mark. (p. 182)*
•
 NO STILL IMAGE FILE You selected MULTI in 9PIC PRINT on the touch
panel using a “Memory Stick” containing no still
image. (p. 182)*
•DELETING You have pressed PHOTO during deleting all images
on the “Memory Stick.”*
•FORMATTING You have pressed PHOTO during formatting a
“Memory Stick.”*
•
 NOW CHARGING Charging an external flash (optional) does not work
correctly.*
*You hear the melody or beep.
** The x indicator and “
 CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after
another on the screen.
Warning indicators and messages 
						

							228
— Additional Information —
Usable cassettes
Selecting cassette types
You can use  mini DV cassettes only*. You cannot use any other  8 mm,  Hi8, Digital8,  VHS,  VHSC,  S-VHS,  S-VHSC,  Betamax, ED Betamax,  DV or  MICRO MV cassette.
*There are two types of mini DV cassettes: with cassette memory and without cassette
memory. Cassettes with cassette memory have the 
 (Cassette Memory) mark.
We recommend that you use cassette with cassette memory.
IC memory is mounted on this type of cassette. Your camcorder can read and write
data such as dates of recording or titles, etc. to this memory.
The functions using the cassette memory require successive signals recorded on the
tape. If the tape has a blank portion at the beginning or between recorded portions,
titles may not be displayed properly or the search functions may not work properly.
Perform the following to prevent a blank portion from being made on the tape.
Press END SCH to go to the end of the recorded portion before you begin the next
recording if you operate the following:
–You have ejected the cassette while recording.
–You have played back the tape.
–You have used the edit search.
If there is a blank portion or discontinuous signal on your tape, re-record from the
beginning to the end of the tape as described above.
The same result may occur when you record using a digital video camera recorder
without a cassette memory on a tape recorded by one with the cassette memory.
 mark on the cassette
The memory capacity of cassettes marked with  is 4Kbit. Your camcorder can
accommodate tapes having a memory capacity of up to 16Kbit. 16Kbit cassettes are
marked with 
.
 This is the mini DV mark.
 This is the Cassette Memory mark.
These are trademarks. 
						

							229
Additional Information
Usable cassettes
Copyright signal
When you play backUsing any other video camera recorder, you cannot record on tape that has recorded
copyright control signals for copyright protection of software which is played back on
your camcorder.
When you recordYou cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals
for copyright protection of software.
“COPY INHIBIT” appears on the 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
12-bit mode: The original sound can be recorded in stereo 1, and the new sound in
stereo 2 in 32 kHz. The balance between stereo 1 and stereo 2 can be
adjusted by selecting AUDIO MIX in the menu settings during playback.
Both sounds can be played back.
16-bit mode: New audio cannot be recorded but the original sound can be recorded in
high quality. Moreover, your camcorder can also play back sound
recorded in 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. When playing back a tape
recorded in the 16-bit mode, the 16BIT indicator appears on screen.
When you play back a dual sound track tape
When you play back a dual sound track tape recorded in a stereo system, set HiFi
SOUND to the desired mode in the menu settings (p. 210).
Sound from speaker
HiFi Sound Playing back Playing back a dual
mode a stereo tape sound track tape
STEREO StereoMain sound and
sub sound
1Left sound Main sound
2Right sound Sub sound
You cannot record dual sound programs on your camcorder. 
						

							230
Usable cassettes
Do not affix a label
along this border.
[a][b]
Notes on the cassette
When affixing a label on the cassetteBe sure to affix a label only at the locations illustrated below [a] to prevent malfunction
of your camcorder.
After using the cassetteRewind the tape to the beginning, put the cassette in its case, and store it upright.
When the cassette memory does not workReinsert a cassette. The gold-plated connector of the cassette may be dirty or dusty.
Cleaning the gold-plated connectorIf the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape
indicator is sometimes not displayed correctly, and you may not be able to operate
functions using cassette memory. Clean the gold-plated connector with a cotton-wool
swab, about every 10 times that the cassette is ejected. [b]