When connecting your camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way.

Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.

On recording

Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any problems.

Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, recording media, etc.

TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a PAL system-based TV.

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.

Save all your recorded image data

To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media. It is recommended that you save the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using your computer*. Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder*.

It is recommended that you save your image data periodically, after recording.

Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder

The hard disk of the camcorder may not be recognized, or recording or playback may not be possible.

On the drop sensor

To protect the internal hard disk from the shock by dropping, the camcorder has the drop sensor function*. When a drop occurs, or under a non- gravity condition, the block noise made when this function is activated by the camcorder may also be recorded. If the drop sensor catches a drop repeatedly, recording/playback may be stopped.

Note on operational temperatures

When the temperature of the camcorder becomes extremely high or extremely low, you may not be able to record or play back on the camcorder, due to the protection features of the camcorder being activated in such situations. In

this case, an indicator appears in the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E) or on the LCD screen

(p. 30).

When the camcorder is connected to a computer

Do not try to format the hard disk of the camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your camcorder may not operate correctly.

Note on using the camcorder at high altitudes

Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure area, where the altitude is more than 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Doing so may damage the hard disk drive of your camcorder.

Note on disposal/transfer

Even if you perform [ FORMAT]* or formatting the hard disk of the camcorder, you may not delete data from the hard disk

completely. When you transfer the camcorder, it

is recommended that you perform [ EMPTY]* to prevent the recovery of your data. In addition to the above, when you dispose of the camcorder, it is recommended that you destroy the actual body of the camcorder.

About language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 8).

About this manual

The images of the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/ SR8E) and the LCD screen used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different from the actual images of the viewfinder (HDR-SR7E/SR8E) and the LCD screen.

Unless otherwise specially indicated, illustrations in this manual are based on HDR- SR7E.

Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

The screenshots are from Windows XP. The scenes may vary depending on the operating system of the computer.

*Refer also to “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) and “Picture Motion Browser Guide.”

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