— Getting started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV17 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “DCR-TRV17 only”.

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in capital letters.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the operation is being carried out.

Types of differences

DCR-

TRV15

TRV17

MEMORY mark*1)

 

 

(on the POWER

z

switch)

 

 

(USB) jack

z

Intelligent

8 pin

15 pin*2)

accessory shoe

 

 

z Provided

 

 

— Not provided

 

 

*1) The model with MEMORY marked on the POWER switch is provided with memory functions. See page 106 for details.

*2) This intelligent accessory shoe is designed to use a printer (optional) (p. 148).

Note on Cassette Memory

Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory .

The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has the cassette memory or not are:

•End search (p. 30) •Date search (p. 62) •Photo search (p. 64)

The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are: •Title search (p. 61)

•Superimposing a title (p. 89) •Making your own titles (p. 92) •Labeling a cassette (p. 94)

For details, see page 158.

You see this mark in the introduction of the features that are operated only with cassette memory.

Tapes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).

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