Operating Guide
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Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan 2-548-724-11 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-PC55 Getting Started 9 Recording/ Playback 20 Using the Menu 36 Dubbing/Editing 56 Using a Computer 66 Troubleshooting 78 Additional Information 98 © 2005 Sony Corporation
Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan 2-548-724-11 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-PC55 Getting Started 9 Recording/ Playback 20 Using the Menu 36 Dubbing/Editing 56 Using a Computer 66 Troubleshooting 78 Additional Information 98 © 2005 Sony Corporation
Operating Guide
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... Creating a DVD (Direct Access to "Click to DVD 73 Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function 76 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting 78 Warning indicators and messages 94 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad 98 Usable cassette tapes 99 About the "Memory Stick 100 About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack 102 About...
... Creating a DVD (Direct Access to "Click to DVD 73 Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function 76 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting 78 Warning indicators and messages 94 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad 98 Usable cassette tapes 99 About the "Memory Stick 100 About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack 102 About...
Operating Guide
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...your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Settings change during Easy Handycam operation. • During Easy Handycam operation... • During Easy Handycam operation, the available buttons are restored when you cancel the Easy Handycam operation. [DEMO MODE... from your camcorder (p. 18). The camcorder gets warm. • This is caught between the camcorder and the Handycam Station (p. ...Handycam Station correctly (p. 10). Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn Easy Handycam operation on for a long time. You cannot attach the camcorder...
...your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Settings change during Easy Handycam operation. • During Easy Handycam operation... • During Easy Handycam operation, the available buttons are restored when you cancel the Easy Handycam operation. [DEMO MODE... from your camcorder (p. 18). The camcorder gets warm. • This is caught between the camcorder and the Handycam Station (p. ...Handycam Station correctly (p. 10). Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn Easy Handycam operation on for a long time. You cannot attach the camcorder...
Operating Guide
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... not a malfunction. • Fully charge the battery again. When you do not operate your Sony dealer. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one . Then, connect...The temperature of the environment is supplied from the wall outlet. It may be damaged. Troubleshooting Batteries/Power sources The power abruptly turns off. • When approximately 5 minutes have... disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (p. 10). • Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10). • The battery charge is automatically turned off frequently...
... not a malfunction. • Fully charge the battery again. When you do not operate your Sony dealer. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one . Then, connect...The temperature of the environment is supplied from the wall outlet. It may be damaged. Troubleshooting Batteries/Power sources The power abruptly turns off. • When approximately 5 minutes have... disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (p. 10). • Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10). • The battery charge is automatically turned off frequently...
Operating Guide
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... on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you cannot turn the LCD backlight off. • During Easy Handycam operation (p. 20), you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 12). • Attach a charged battery pack to cancel [DEMO MODE]. The Cassette... the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a "Memory Stick Duo" to the camcorder (p. 10). Troubleshooting (continued) LCD screen An unknown picture appears on /off using a cassette with Cassette Memory. • This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear. 80 You cannot ...
... on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you cannot turn the LCD backlight off. • During Easy Handycam operation (p. 20), you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 12). • Attach a charged battery pack to cancel [DEMO MODE]. The Cassette... the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a "Memory Stick Duo" to the camcorder (p. 10). Troubleshooting (continued) LCD screen An unknown picture appears on /off using a cassette with Cassette Memory. • This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear. 80 You cannot ...
Operating Guide
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... 100). • Perform the operation again on the CAMERA-MEM or PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 14). • Insert a "Memory Stick Duo" into your camcorder (p. 18). • If you can mark for print is 999. • Movies cannot be deleted. • Release the lock on the write-protect ...index screen (p. 63). • The maximum number of the "Memory Stick Duo" (p. 100). • Cancel image protection on your camcorder (p. 100). You cannot mark pictures for print. Troubleshooting The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. • Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to turn on the index screen (p. 62)....
... 100). • Perform the operation again on the CAMERA-MEM or PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 14). • Insert a "Memory Stick Duo" into your camcorder (p. 18). • If you can mark for print is 999. • Movies cannot be deleted. • Release the lock on the write-protect ...index screen (p. 63). • The maximum number of the "Memory Stick Duo" (p. 100). • Cancel image protection on your camcorder (p. 100). You cannot mark pictures for print. Troubleshooting The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. • Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to turn on the index screen (p. 62)....
Operating Guide
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...Duo" during recording" (p. 83) and "Memory Stick Duo" section (p. 81). Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be recorded on your camcorder or insert another "Memory Stick Duo" (p. 45). • When [WIDE SELECT] is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Recording Refer also ...to the next. • Note the following. - Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder (p. 100). Perform END SEARCH (p. 31). - Do not record pictures in the LP mode. 82 Troubleshooting (continued) The data file name is not indicated correctly. • Only the file...
...Duo" during recording" (p. 83) and "Memory Stick Duo" section (p. 81). Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be recorded on your camcorder or insert another "Memory Stick Duo" (p. 45). • When [WIDE SELECT] is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Recording Refer also ...to the next. • Note the following. - Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder (p. 100). Perform END SEARCH (p. 31). - Do not record pictures in the LP mode. 82 Troubleshooting (continued) The data file name is not indicated correctly. • Only the file...
Operating Guide
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...function. • Set [STEADYSHOT] to [AUTO] (p. 42). • The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjusting the image during Easy Handycam operation (p. 43). [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function. • [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function when you record a still image. • Set [BEEP...(p. 52). The [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed. • [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed during recording Refer also to [ON]. Troubleshooting The shutter sound is a blank section in the dark. • This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is not a...
...function. • Set [STEADYSHOT] to [AUTO] (p. 42). • The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjusting the image during Easy Handycam operation (p. 43). [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function. • [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function when you record a still image. • Set [BEEP...(p. 52). The [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed. • [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed during recording Refer also to [ON]. Troubleshooting The shutter sound is a blank section in the dark. • This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is not a...
Operating Guide
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...playing back the pictures stored on other devices may not appear in [SLOW SHUTTR] or [COLOR SLOW S]. Flickering or changes in this case (p. 40). Troubleshooting (continued) A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject. • This phenomenon is not a malfunction. This is not a malfunction. This is ... stored on a "Memory Stick Duo" cannot be played back. • Deactivate the USB streaming function on your camcorder and set the (USB) ON/OFF switch (p. 65) on the Handycam Station to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. • Rewind the tape (p. 23). Tiny spots in white, ...
...playing back the pictures stored on other devices may not appear in [SLOW SHUTTR] or [COLOR SLOW S]. Flickering or changes in this case (p. 40). Troubleshooting (continued) A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject. • This phenomenon is not a malfunction. This is not a malfunction. This is ... stored on a "Memory Stick Duo" cannot be played back. • Deactivate the USB streaming function on your camcorder and set the (USB) ON/OFF switch (p. 65) on the Handycam Station to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. • Rewind the tape (p. 23). Tiny spots in white, ...
Operating Guide
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... was recorded without setting the date and time. • A blank section on the tape is being played. • The data code on the picture. Your camcorder is not compatible with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC). Continued 85 No sound or only a low sound is heard. • Set [MULTI-SOUND...edited on a computer or recorded on other devices may not be played back. Horizontal lines appear on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read. Troubleshooting • Image data cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the data on a computer. (...
... was recorded without setting the date and time. • A blank section on the tape is being played. • The data code on the picture. Your camcorder is not compatible with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC). Continued 85 No sound or only a low sound is heard. • Set [MULTI-SOUND...edited on a computer or recorded on other devices may not be played back. Horizontal lines appear on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read. Troubleshooting • Image data cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the data on a computer. (...
Operating Guide
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... sunlight or overhead lighting. Recording a movie on a tape or "Memory Stick Duo." 86 Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly. • Insert a new battery. Troubleshooting (continued) Remote Commander The supplied Remote Commander does not function. • Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [AUTO].
... sunlight or overhead lighting. Recording a movie on a tape or "Memory Stick Duo." 86 Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly. • Insert a new battery. Troubleshooting (continued) Remote Commander The supplied Remote Commander does not function. • Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [AUTO].
Operating Guide
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... cannot use [D. Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed. • You cannot zoom the pictures from connected devices are not displayed on your camcorder if you press DISP/BATT INFO while [DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 52). • Make sure that the proper video... connected devices on the LCD screen. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 52). • You cannot input a signal to your camcorder (p. 25). Troubleshooting [COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly. • [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in the display of the connected device. • Set ...
... cannot use [D. Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed. • You cannot zoom the pictures from connected devices are not displayed on your camcorder if you press DISP/BATT INFO while [DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 52). • Make sure that the proper video... connected devices on the LCD screen. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 52). • You cannot input a signal to your camcorder (p. 25). Troubleshooting [COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly. • [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in the display of the connected device. • Set ...
Operating Guide
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...again securely. • Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch on the Handycam Station to ON. • Connect the Handycam Station to the camcorder securely. • Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. • Disconnect the cable from the [ST1] (...• Set the computer display as follows: - Windows: 800 × 600 dots or more, High Color (16 bits, 65 000 colors or more 88 Troubleshooting (continued) You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 52). • The A/V connecting ...
...again securely. • Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch on the Handycam Station to ON. • Connect the Handycam Station to the camcorder securely. • Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. • Disconnect the cable from the [ST1] (...• Set the computer display as follows: - Windows: 800 × 600 dots or more, High Color (16 bits, 65 000 colors or more 88 Troubleshooting (continued) You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 52). • The A/V connecting ...
Operating Guide
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.... The "Memory Stick" icon ([Removable Disk] or [Sony Memory Stick]) does not appear on the computer screen. • Insert a "Memory Stick Duo" into your camcorder. • Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down...to the Windows computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in . • You cannot use an i.LINK cable. Troubleshooting You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your...
.... The "Memory Stick" icon ([Removable Disk] or [Sony Memory Stick]) does not appear on the computer screen. • Insert a "Memory Stick Duo" into your camcorder. • Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down...to the Windows computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in . • You cannot use an i.LINK cable. Troubleshooting You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your...
Operating Guide
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...as the computer was connected to your camcorder is connected to a computer. 2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. Sony DSC] may vary depending on Windows 98. 1 Check that your camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Sony Handycam] or [? For copying and viewing ...of your computer. 8 Follow the steps below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete 90 them . Troubleshooting (continued) The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using a computer, the operation is not guaranteed on...
...as the computer was connected to your camcorder is connected to a computer. 2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties]. Sony DSC] may vary depending on Windows 98. 1 Check that your camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Sony Handycam] or [? For copying and viewing ...of your computer. 8 Follow the steps below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete 90 them . Troubleshooting (continued) The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using a computer, the operation is not guaranteed on...
Operating Guide
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... [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as (E:)) may cause a malfunction of your camcorder is connected to install the USB driver again. 1 Double-click [My Computer]. Sony Handycam] and [? For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape - [USB Composite Device] in ...Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] may vary depending on the computer. 3 Click [Open]. 4 Double-click [Driver]. 5 Double-click [Setup.exe]. • Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device], [Composite USB Device], [? Continued 91 Sony DSC] with a "?" Troubleshooting ...
... [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as (E:)) may cause a malfunction of your camcorder is connected to install the USB driver again. 1 Double-click [My Computer]. Sony Handycam] and [? For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape - [USB Composite Device] in ...Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] may vary depending on the computer. 3 Click [Open]. 4 Double-click [Driver]. 5 Double-click [Setup.exe]. • Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device], [Composite USB Device], [? Continued 91 Sony DSC] with a "?" Troubleshooting ...
Operating Guide
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...to the Windows computer via a USB cable. • Change the settings for your camcorder. • You cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected] or [Cannot cancel Easy Handycam with USB connected] appears on a "Memory Stick Duo" with the following procedures....Sony Memory Stick]). Sony DSC] may take some time until the drive is recognized. Troubleshooting (continued) 2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as described in the following procedures: 1 Select [Start] [Programs] ( [All Programs] for Windows XP) [Picture Package] [Handycam...
...to the Windows computer via a USB cable. • Change the settings for your camcorder. • You cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected] or [Cannot cancel Easy Handycam with USB connected] appears on a "Memory Stick Duo" with the following procedures....Sony Memory Stick]). Sony DSC] may take some time until the drive is recognized. Troubleshooting (continued) 2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as described in the following procedures: 1 Select [Start] [Programs] ( [All Programs] for Windows XP) [Picture Package] [Handycam...
Operating Guide
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Troubleshooting An error message appears while operating Picture Package. • Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder. • Start recording or playing back pictures recorded on a "Memory Stick Duo" after USB Streaming is finished. This function is not ... vary depending on another lamp. "First Step Guide" is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in the disc drive of your camcorder to "First Step Guide" (FirstStepGuide.pdf). 1 Place the supplied CD-ROM in Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker....
Troubleshooting An error message appears while operating Picture Package. • Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder. • Start recording or playing back pictures recorded on a "Memory Stick Duo" after USB Streaming is finished. This function is not ... vary depending on another lamp. "First Step Guide" is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in the disc drive of your camcorder to "First Step Guide" (FirstStepGuide.pdf). 1 Place the supplied CD-ROM in Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker....
Operating Guide
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... (p. 102). check the tab (p. 99). The tape has reached the end. • Rewind or change the tape. Battery level is locked - Continued 95 Troubleshooting Turn off for 1H (p. 105). Cassette/Tape Insert a cassette (p. 18). Reinsert the cassette. • Check if the cassette is damaged. ...
... (p. 102). check the tab (p. 99). The tape has reached the end. • Rewind or change the tape. Battery level is locked - Continued 95 Troubleshooting Turn off for 1H (p. 105). Cassette/Tape Insert a cassette (p. 18). Reinsert the cassette. • Check if the cassette is damaged. ...
Operating Guide
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...invalid in HDV format. 97 Troubleshooting Not recorded in SP mode. Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot add audio (p. 60). Cannot add audio (p. 60). Dirty video head. Cannot playback. • Your camcorder cannot play back this mode during Easy Handycam • You can select ...not closed. Cannot add audio. Cannot add audio on a section of a tape (p. 60). Cannot start Easy Handycam Cannot cancel Easy Handycam (p. 20). Cannot add audio. • Your camcorder does not allow you touch .) HDV recorded tape. Cannot print. Play back the tape with the equipment that ...
...invalid in HDV format. 97 Troubleshooting Not recorded in SP mode. Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot add audio (p. 60). Cannot add audio (p. 60). Dirty video head. Cannot playback. • Your camcorder cannot play back this mode during Easy Handycam • You can select ...not closed. Cannot add audio. Cannot add audio on a section of a tape (p. 60). Cannot start Easy Handycam Cannot cancel Easy Handycam (p. 20). Cannot add audio. • Your camcorder does not allow you touch .) HDV recorded tape. Cannot print. Play back the tape with the equipment that ...