Sony Handycam HDRCX12 User Manual

							Troubleshooting
91
Warning indicators and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning 
indicators
If indicators appear on the LCD screen, 
check the following.
If the problem persists even after you 
have tried to fix a couple of times, contact 
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony 
service facility.
C:04:00
C:(or E:) : (Self-diagnosis 
display)C:04:
 The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM” 
battery pack (H series). Use an 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) 
(p.

  98).
  Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to 
the DC IN jack of the Handycam Station or 
your camcorder securely (p.
  15).
C:13: / C:32:  Remove the power source. Reconnect it 
and operate your camcorder again.
E:20: / E:31: / E:61: / 
E:62: / E:91: / E:94:
  A malfunction that you cannot service has 
occurred. Contact your Sony dealer or local 
authorized Sony service facility. Inform 
them of the 5-digit code, which starts from 
“E.”
101-0001 (Warning indicator 
pertaining to files)
Slow flashing
 The file is damaged. The file is unreadable.
 (Battery level warning)
Slow flashing
 The battery pack is nearly used up. Depending on the operating environment 
or battery conditions,  may flash, even 
if there are approximately 20 minutes 
remaining.
 (Warning indicator pertaining to 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”)
Slow flashing
 Free space for recording images are 
running out. For the type of “Memory 
Stick” you can use with your camcorder, 
see page 2.
  No “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is inserted 
(p.
  21).
Fast flashing  There are not enough free space for 
recording images. Delete unnecessary 
images, or format the “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” after storing the images on other 
media (p.
  43, 45, 57).
  The Image Database File is damaged 
(p.  58).
 The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is damaged.
 (Warning indicators pertaining to 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” formatting)
  The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is damaged. The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not 
formatted correctly (p.
  57, 97).
 (Warning indicator pertaining to 
incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)
  An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo” is 
inserted (p.
  97).
  (Warning indicator pertaining to 
the write-protect of the “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo”)
  Access to the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
was restricted on another device. 
						

							92
 (Warning indicator pertaining to the 
flash)
Fast flashing
 There is something wrong with the flash.
 (Warning indicator pertaining to 
camera-shake warning)
  The amount of light is not sufficient, so 
camera-shake easily occurs. Use the flash.
  The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-
shake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder 
steady with both hands and record the 
image. However, note that the camera-
shake warning indicator does not 
disappear.
 (Warning indicator pertaining to 
still image recording)
  The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is full. Still images cannot be recorded during 
processing. Wait for a while, then record.
Tips
  A beep may sound depending on the message.
Description of warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, follow the 
instructions.
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”
The Image Database File is damaged. 
Do you want to create a new file? 
HD movie management information is 
damaged. Create new information?
 The image management file is damaged. 
When you touch [YES], a new image 
management file is created. The old 
recorded images on the “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo” cannot be played back (Image 
files are not damaged). If you execute 
[REPAIR IMG.DB F.] after creating new 
information, playing back the old recorded 


images may become possible. If it does not 
work, copy the image using the supplied 
software.
Inconsistencies found in Image 
Database File. Do you want to repair 
the Image Database File? 
The Image Database File is damaged. 
Do you want to repair the Image 
Database File? 
Inconsistencies found in Image 
Database File. Cannot record or play 
HD movies. Do you want to repair the 
Image Database File?
  The Image Database File is damaged, and 
you cannot record movies. Touch [YES] to 
repair.
  You can record still images on a “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo.”
 Reinsert the Memory Stick.
  Reinsert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
a few times. If even then the indicator 
flashes, the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
could be damaged. Try with another 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
 This Memory Stick is not formatted 
correctly.
  Check the format, then format the 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” with your 
camcorder if necessary (p.  57, 97).
Still picture folder is full. Cannot record 
still pictures.
  You cannot create folders exceeding 
999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete 
created folders using your camcorder. 
  Format the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
(p.
  57), or delete them using your 
computer. 
						

							Troubleshooting
9
This Memory Stick may not be able to 
record or play movies.
 Use a “Memory Stick” recommended for 
your camcorder (p.
  2).
This Memory Stick may not be able to 
record or play images correctly.
  The function of the “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” has some trouble. Reinsert the 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
Do not eject the Memory Stick during 
writing. Data may be damaged.
  Reinsert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” 
and follow the instructions on the LCD 
screen.
Recovering data.
  Your camcorder tries to recover data 
automatically if the data writing was not 
performed properly.
Cannot recover data.
  Writing data onto the “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” of the camcorder has failed. Attempts 
were made to recover the data, but they 
were unsuccessful.
PictBridge compliant printer
Not connected to PictBridge 
compatible printer.
  Turn off the printer and on again, then 
remove the USB cable (supplied) and 
reconnect it.
Cannot print. Check the printer.
  Turn off the printer and on again, then 
remove the USB cable (supplied) and 
reconnect it.

Other
No further selection is possible.
  You can select only 100 images at one time 
for:
  Deleting images Editing the playlist of HD (high 
definition) movies
  Printing still images
Data protected.
 You tried to delete data protected on 
another device. Release the protection of 
the data on the device used to protect the 
data.
 
						

							94
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 the 
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.
Use a commercially available AC plug 
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the 
design of the wall outlet [b].
Viewing images recorded with HD (high 
definition) image quality
In countries/regions where 1080/60i is 
supported, you can view the images with 
the same HD (high definition) image 
quality as that of the recorded images. 
You need an NTSC-system-based and 
1080/60i compatible TV (or monitor) with 
component and AUDIO/VIDEO input 
jacks. A component A/V cable or an HDMI 
cable (optional) must be connected.
Viewing images recorded with SD (standard 
definition) image quality
To view images recorded with SD (standard 
definition) image quality, you need an 
NTSC-system-based TV with AUDIO/
VIDEO input jacks. An A/V connecting 
cable must be connected.
On TV color systems
Your camcorder is an NTSC-system-
based camcorder. If you want to view the 
playback image on a TV, it must be an 
NTSC-system-based TV with an AUDIO/
VIDEO input jack.
System Used	in
NTSCBahama 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-L200/L200B
[a] [b] 
						

							Additional Information
95
Setting to the local time
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time diffe\
rence when using your 
camcorder abroad. Touch  (HOME)   (SETTINGS)  [CLOCK/LANG]  
[AREA SET] and [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME] (p.  74).
World time difference
Time-zone	
differencesArea 	setting
GMT Lisbon, London
+01:00 Berlin, Paris
+02:00 Helsinki, Cairo, Istanbul
+03:00 Moscow, Nairobi
+03:30 Tehran
+04:00 Abu Dhabi, Baku
+04:30 Kabul
+05:00 Karachi, Islamabad
+05:30 Calcutta, New Delhi
+06:00 Almaty, Dhaka
+06:30 Rangoon
+07:00 Bangkok, Jakarta
+08:00 Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing
+09:00 Seoul, Tokyo
+09:30 Adelaide, Darwin
+10:00 Melbourne, Sydney
Time-zone	
differencesArea 	setting
+11:00 Solomon Is
+12:00 Fiji, Wellington
–12:00 Eniwetok, Kwajalein
–11:00 Samoa
–10:00 Hawaii
–09:00 Alaska
–08:00 Los Angeles, Tijuana
–07:00 Denver, Arizona
–06:00 Chicago, Mexico City
–05:00 New York, Bogota
–04:00 Santiago
–03:30 St.John’s
–03:00 Brasilia, Montevideo
–02:00 Fernando de Noronha
–01:00 Azores, Cape Verde Is. 
						

							96
File/folder structure on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”
The file/folder structure is shown below. You do not usually need to\
 acknowledge the 
file/folder structure, when recording/playing back images on the camco\
rder. See the supplied 
software help, “PMB Guide” to play back movies and still images \
on a connected computer.
 Image management files
When you delete the files, you cannot 
record/play back the images correctly. 
The files are defaulted as hidden files 
and not usually displayed.
  HD movie management information 
folder
This folder contains recording data of 
movies with HD (high definition) image 
quality. Do not try to open this folder or 
access the contents of this folder from 
a computer. Doing so might damage 
image files, or prevent image files from 
being played back.
  SD movie files (MPEG2 files)
The extension of the files is “.MPG”. 
The maximum size is 2 GB. When the 
capacity of a file exceeds 2 GB, the file 
becomes divided.
The file numbers go up automatically.
When the capacity of a file number 
exceeds 9999, another folder is created 
to record new movie files.
The folder name goes up: [101PNV01] 
 [102PNV01]  
Still image files (JPEG files)
The extension of the files is “.JPG”. The 
file numbers go up automatically. When 
the capacity of a file number exceeds 
9999, another folder is created to store 
new image files.
The folder name goes up: [101MSDCF] 
 [102MSDCF]
 By touching  (HOME)   (OTHERS)  
[USB CONNECT]  [USB CONNECT], 
you can access the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
from the computer through USB connection.
  Do not modify the files or folders on the 
camcorder through the computer. The image 
files may be destroyed or may not be played 
back.
  Operation is not guaranteed, if you perform the 
above operation. 
  When you delete image files, follow the steps 
on page 45. Do not delete the image files on the 
camcorder directly from the computer.
  Do not format the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
using the computer. The camcorder may not 
operate correctly.
  Do not copy the files on the “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo” from the computer. Operation is not 
guaranteed. 
						

							Additional Information
9
Maintenance and precautions
About the AVCHD format
What is the AVCHD format?
The AVCHD format is a high definition 
digital video camera format used to 
record an HD (high definition) signal 
of either the 1080i specification*
1 or the 
720p specification*2, using efficient data 
compression coding technology. The 
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is adopted to 
compress video data, and the Dolby Digital 
or Linear PCM system is used to compress 
audio data.
The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is capable 
of compressing images at higher efficiency 
than that of the conventional image 
compressing format.
The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format enables 
a high definition video signal shot on 
a digital video camera recorder to be 
recorded on 8 cm DVD discs, internal hard 
disk drive, flash memory, “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo,” etc. 
Recording and playback on your camcorder
Based on the AVCHD format, your 
camcorder records with the HD (high 
definition) image quality mentioned below. 
In addition to HD (high definition) image 
quality, your camcorder is capable of 
recording an SD (standard definition) 
signal in the conventional MPEG2 format.
Video signal*
3:
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920 × 1080/60i, 
1440 × 1080/60i
Audio signal:
Dolby Digital 2/5.1ch
Recording media:
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”
*1: 1080i specification
A high definition specification which utilizes 
1,080 effective scanning lines and the interlace 
system.
*2: 720p specification
A high definition specification which utilizes 
720 effective scanning lines and the progressive  system.
*3: Data recorded in AVCHD format other than 
the above mentioned cannot be played on your 
camcorder.
About the “Memory Stick”
A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable 
IC recording medium with a large data 
capacity.
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” 
which is about the half size of a standard 
“Memory Stick,” with your camcorder. 
However, we do not guarantee the 
operation of all types of “Memory Stick 
Duo” on your camcorder.
Types	of	“Memory	Stick” Recording/
Playback
“Memory Stick Duo”  
(with MagicGate)
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” *
* This product does not support 8-bit parallel 
data transfer but it supports 4-bit parallel data 
transfer the same as with “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo.”
 This product cannot record or play data that 
uses “MagicGate” technology. “MagicGate” is 
a copyright protection technology that records 
and transfers the contents in an encrypted 
format.
  A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” formatted by a 
computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not 
have guaranteed compatibility with your 
camcorder.
  Data read/write speed may vary depending on 
the combination of the “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” compliant 
product you use.
  Damaged or lost image data may occur in 
the following cases (the data will not be 
compensated for):
  If you eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” 
or turn off your camcorder while your 
camcorder is reading or writing image files 
on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (while the 
access lamp is lit or flashing)
  If you use the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” near  
						

							98
magnets or magnetic fields It is recommended you make a back-up of 
important data on the hard disk of a computer.
  Be careful not to apply excessive force when 
writing on a memo area on a “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo.”
  Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo 
adaptor.
  When you carry or store a “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo,” put it in its case.
  Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come 
into contact with the terminals.
  Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
  Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo.”
  Do not let the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” get 
wet.
  Keep “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media out of 
the reach of small children. There is danger that 
a child might swallow it.
  Do not insert anything other than a “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo 
slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
  Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” in the following locations.
  Places subject to extremely high temperature, 
such as a car parked outside in the summer
  Places under direct sunlight Places with extremely high humidity or 
subject to corrosive gases
On the Memory Stick Duo adaptor
  When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” with 
a “Memory Stick” compliant device, be sure 
to insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” into a 
Memory Stick Duo adaptor.
  When inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 
into a Memory Stick Duo adaptor, make sure 
the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is inserted facing 
in the correct direction, then insert it all the 
way in. Note that improper use may cause a 
malfunction. Also, if you force the “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo 
adaptor in the wrong direction, it may be 
damaged.
  Do not insert a Memory Stick Duo adaptor 
without a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” attached 
into a “Memory Stick” compliant device. Doing 
so may result in malfunctions of the unit.
 On a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”
 
The maximum memory capacity of a “Memory 
Stick PRO Duo” that can be used with your 
camcorder is 16 GB.
On image data compatibility
  Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick 
PRO Duo” by your camcorder conform to 
the “Design rule for Camera File system” 
universal standard established by the JEITA 
(Japan Electronics and Information Technology 
Industries Association).
  On your camcorder, you cannot play back 
still images recorded on other devices (DCR-
TRV900 or DSC-D700/D770) that do not 
conform to the universal standard. (These 
models are not sold in some regions.)
  If you cannot use a “Memory Stick PRO 
Duo” that has been used with another device, 
format it with your camcorder (p.  57). Note 
that formatting erases all information on the 
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”
  You may not be able to play back images with 
your camcorder:
  When playing back image data modified on 
your computer
  When playing back image data recorded with 
other devices
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
Your camcorder operates only with an 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs 
have the 
 mark.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?
An “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.  
						

							Additional Information
99
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, 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-FH70/
FH100 (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-FH70/FH100 (optional).
  Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF 
(CHG) 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 the 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. 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 
rough guide only.
 
The  mark that indicates low battery flashes 
even if there are still approximately 20 minutes 
of battery time remaining, depending on the 
operating conditions or ambient temperature.
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 up 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 discharge the battery pack on your 
camcorder completely, touch  (HOME)   (SETTINGS)  [GENERAL SET]  
[A.SHUT OFF]  [NEVER] and leave your 
camcorder in recording standby until the power 
goes off (p.
  75).
About battery life
  Battery capacity decreases over time and 
through repeated use. If decreased usage time 
between charges becomes significant, it is 
probably time to replace it with a new one.
  Each battery’s life is governed by storage, 
operating and environmental conditions.
About x.v.Color
  x.v.Color is a more familiar term for the xvYCC 
standard proposed by Sony, and is a trademark 
of Sony.
 xvYCC is an international standard for color 
space in video. This standard can express a 
wider color range than the currently used 
broadcast standard.
About handling of your camcorder
On use and care
 Do not use or store the camcorder and 
accessories in the following locations:
  Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid. 
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. 
						

							100
 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.
  On a 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 or the lens may be exposed to direct 
sunlight. This damages the LCD screen.
  Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/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 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, 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 OFF (CHG) 
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 (mains 
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord (lead).
  Do not damage the power cord (mains lead) 
such as by placing anything heavy on it.
  Keep metal contacts clean. Keep the Remote Commander and button-type 
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
  Periodically turn it on and let it run such as by 
playing back or recording images for about 3 
minutes.
  Use up the battery pack completely before 
storing it.
Moisture condensation
If your camcorder is brought directly from 
a cold place to a warm place, moisture may 
condense inside your camcorder. This may 
cause a malfunction to your camcorder.
If moisture condensation has 
occurred
Leave your camcorder for about 1 hour 
without turning it on.
Note 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 
follows:
  You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into 
a place warmed up by a heating device.
  You bring your camcorder from an air 
conditioned car or room into a hot place 
outside.
  You use your camcorder after a squall or a 
shower.
  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 1 hour).
LCD screen
  Do not exert 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. 



