TRV900 Visitor's Page

Thank you for visiting the TRV900 webpage! If you'd like to discuss anything on these pages, please visit the User Forum.
You can also look at older entries on the TRV900 Visitors Archive Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8.

Bealecorner is a non-commercial site. I do not have ads on my webpage and I would appreciate your not posting them here. Thanks for your understanding! If you wish to buy or sell equipment please use a commercial site like Amazon, Ebay, Digibid, or Yahoo.

I just learned of your website and have found it very interesting. I have a question. Do you know, or perhaps another contributer might know and contact me, where I might find a used Sony DCR-SC100 camera? I need a back up to one I have been working with for several years now. I am not in a position to upgrade as I use this camera most often in an underwater housing and am not in a position to replace everything. Particularly since I am still quite pleased with the results I get with this camera in its Light & Motion housing. Thanks in advance.
Bob Hill <rhill43010@aol.com>
Longwood, FL USA - Sunday, June 30, 2002 at 22:33:04 (GMT)

Will the new TRV 950 belong to this (excellent !) webpage ? I am one of the new owners :-) Best wishes- Kris
Kris Cena <cena@essun1.murdoch.edu.au>
Perth, WA Australia - Monday, July 01, 2002 at 07:09:56 (GMT)

John, I am looking for a method of transferring stills from a TRV900 to a MAcintosh. For a long time I used Radius PhotoDV (the software only version) but with version changes in QuickTime and Photoshop, this doesn't work anymore. Do you have any suggestions. Great informative site - good work.
John Phelp <lancett@bigpond.net.au>
Sydney, NSW Australia - Thursday, July 04, 2002 at 09:24:33 (GMT)

Audio dropouts: Some time ago I reported here that my 900 was dropping frames of audio. I sent it for repair and after 6 weeks of no result I asked for a replacement under the terms of the extended warrantee. They could not source a 900 which started a long negotiation. I finaly agreed that I would accept a new Panasonic NVMX350 if they would also repair my 900 and return it to me. They supplied a 350 but it had to go back because tapes were jamming, another new one on the way. They also "repaired" the 900 and returned it to me. Unfortunately the audio dropouts were still there. I sent it back again and and engineer reported that he could not reproduce the problem but he has stripped it down again and reports: "found some tape deposits on the eccentric rebate line around the drum, these sticky tape deposits are known to cause the RF output waveform from the heads to be poor. I have also performed all of the nec. electronic adjustments again". I hope that this fixes the problem. Does anyone have any comment? Steve
Steve Garratt <steve.garratt@ntlworld.com>
Colchester, UK - Saturday, July 06, 2002 at 22:24:18 (GMT)

I've only just found this site. Excellent! Ihave been through most of the 'bad points' file on the TRV900, but find no reference to my problem. This is sliding out of focus for no apparent reason (auto focus mode) in indoor lighting, (quite good light, next to a window and not too low light). This didn't happen with my VX700 in similar light/conditions. Has anyone else had this problem? Two servicing centres have not been able to fault the Camera. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.
David Machin <drmachin@woodfoot.freeserve.co.uk>
Rotherham, S.Yorks U.K. - Sunday, July 07, 2002 at 16:13:58 (GMT)

I have not observed this problem on my TRV900, although I have seen it on my Canon GL1. There may be something wrong with your TRV900 although I don't know what, I haven't heard this problem reported before.
John
USA - Monday, July 08, 2002 at 05:30:23 (GMT)

After reading through this really amazing site, I was destined to get TRV900. Unfortunately, it seems that due to introduction of the TRV950 nobody has the old one in stock anymore. I've tried 17 different dealers and they all just told me -- discontinued, get 950 instead. I'm really upset right now, because somehow despite that 950 was announced only in April, it has completely replaced 900. Anyway, if somebody from this great community of TRV900 owners has any leads to a reasonable dealer who still sells TRV900. I'd really appreciate this info. -- Heartbroken TRV900 aficionado
Roman Shaposhnik <rvs@sun.com>
Menlo Park, CA USA - Monday, July 08, 2002 at 22:33:30 (GMT)

Hi Roman, Why don't you buy TRV950? I bought my TRV900 last Christmas. I wish I waited a little longer. So far it sounds like TRV950 is smaller and has better features such as built in smartcard, USB connectivty, etc. I wonder if they are made of all plastic. I believe TRV900 has diecast metal body. Anybody know for sure?
Sean Kim <Skimcpa@msn.com>
Portland, OR USA - Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at 05:20:41 (GMT)

I bought sony trv50 (not trv950) last week. this is awsome camera. fantastic pictures. earlier i have tried trv120 and jvc dvl 920 but this machine is really cool. you can compare with trv950 too (yhe only thig is trv50 is one ccd, but quality is really good). in my opinion for this price no one can match trv50. almost professional quality you will get with this camera. i am a television journalist and using this camera for that purpose. this model is sleek, very good looking. and you will find so many new featurs. so in one word i should say this is really handy. sanjay
sanjay <sanjay_zee@yahoo.com>
denver, co USA - Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at 15:54:06 (GMT)

For the guy who wants a new TRV900, I just bought the open box demo at the Good Guys in Montclair California for $1,549. You can get a brand new one still in the box at the Studio City Good Guys, California for $1,999. They aren't selling the demo yet, but it should be $1,599 when they do. There are still TRV900's at some of the other stores too. I didn't try them all. They come up on Ebay, but you don't get the warranty and you don't know the real time on them.
Robert
Chino, CA USA - Saturday, July 13, 2002 at 06:53:31 (GMT)

Sony HandyCam CCD-TRV30 (1995)Manual needed: I've looked extensively on the net and was only able to get as close with the TRV37 - any suggestions on how to locate this manual? - Thx Ken
Ken Landry <ken_landry@hp.com>
Roseville, CA USA - Monday, July 15, 2002 at 18:02:26 (GMT)

Sony parts has that manual in stock for $6.00. Just type CCD-TRV30 into the "model number" box on this page: http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/service/homepage.htm
it lists a number of available parts, including the user manual.
John
USA - Monday, July 15, 2002 at 19:00:51 (GMT)

Very good site obviously lots of time has been spent in researching this camera and presenting the information here in a useable way. Just bought the 950 and hope to see a site developed for it with the same enthusiasm and quality as this site. Thanks for all the great work here John and all contributors. KennJ
Kenn Jolemore <kjolemore@aol.com>
Norfolk, Va USA - Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 11:23:38 (GMT)

I have 2 TRV900's and am rather new to the camera end of things. I got involved with it because I have FCP and as a hobby wanted to make some money doing weddings and such. My question is what do the gain functions do. It really does not tell you in the manual. There is that one gaing function that you can either set it at 3+/- db and then the other gain function that there are three or 4 options but really do not know what they are for. I pretty much shoot everything in auto as I am new and do not want to take a chance and screw up a shoot. thanks Lee in Minneapolis
Lee Rogers <lrogers@isd.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 12:54:48 (GMT)

before buying any camcorder please see SONY TRV50 Sony’s MiniDV DCR-TRV50 is their upgrade to the popular DCR-TRV30. The camcorder is a standard form factor, with many neat features and good still quality. The DCR-TRV50 carries a street price around $1,599.00. The Sony DCR-TRV50 has a 1/4 in. 1.5 Mega Pixel HAD™ CCD. The effective video pixels used is 970K while the still is 1,390K, but more about the still performance later. The DCR-TRV50 has a 10x optical, 120x digital zoom while the horizontal resolution is rated at 530 lines, the top for the MiniDV format. An upgrade of the DCR-TRV50 over the DCR-TRV30 is the addition of a touch panel LCD screen. The LCD is 3.5 in. and 246K pixels. The camcorder also has a color viewfinder. When you first hear of the touch screen feature you’re likely to think it’s frivolous, but it’s actually quite useful. Using the touch screen LCD you can adjust the focus and the exposure. If you have an area that is under or over exposed or an area that you want to put in focus all you have to do is touch on it an the camcorder adjusts automatically. This is a great intermediate between automatic and manual control. It gives the inexperienced user a way of tackling the camcorder controls which can be very daunting. Sharp was the first company to add a touch screen LCD but I think Sony has really taken this option and flown with it. It’s a really great feature, especially for those less experienced camcorder users. you can compare this camera with TRV950.
john s <welfareall@yahoo.com>
NY, NY USA - Friday, July 19, 2002 at 07:31:05 (GMT)

Hi everyone. I have a problem that has grown bigger than it ought to. I have a DSR PD100P camera and all is working fine, but the users manual has gone missing! I have tried to find it at Sonys website and many more, but I can´t find it anywhere (that´s how i ended up here), can any of you help me with a link or a tip? Thanks, Johanne
Johanne <apparaturrum@dfi.dk>
Copenhagen, Denmark - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 10:24:42 (GMT)

I do have a link to a PD100 manual on my main page, I guess it's hard to find. www.sony.ca/dvcam/manuals.htm
John
USA - Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 17:29:53 (GMT)

Mr. Beale, Thank you. I have been visiting your site often for help on using my TRV 900 camcorder. I will patronize the companies you recommended.
juan gan <juanggan@yahoo.com>
md USA - Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 02:02:08 (GMT)

Mr. Beale, I just ordered 5 books from Amazon.com. Thanks again for tremendous website.
juan gan <juanggan@yahoo.com>
md USA - Wednesday, July 24, 2002 at 02:12:37 (GMT)

Love our 900s for the shoot but HUGE problems with BOTH connecting via firewire to Macs (2 iMacs and 2 power G4). Have been to 2-pop and WEVA chat rooms but no one else has this problem. Had one fixed - it worked for a year - got a new one and now old one doesn't connect again and new one only is "recognized" by computers after many, many MANY tries. All my gurus are stumped. Anyone got any ideas?? We make our living using these and they are starting to make us MAD!
Elaine LaSota <lasotas@hawaiian.net>
Princeville, HI USA - Friday, July 26, 2002 at 03:38:03 (GMT)

My girlfriend just got a TRV 950 from Sony. She will be using it to make a documentary. Are there any problems she should know about before she starts shooting? She won't get a second chance to shoot this, so any help you can offer would be appreciated. Also, she has a Sony ECM HS1 microphone she is using with the camera. But Sony didn't give her any instructions for the mike. Where can she find an instruction manual? She particularly wants to know about the switch that has two postions; One of them is "Gun" What is the switch for and how do you use it? Any help here will be duly noted and credited when she screens the documentary. thank you
Alan <sa.nelson@msa.hinet.net>
Toronto, Canada - Friday, July 26, 2002 at 15:08:44 (GMT)

There is a review of the Sony ECM-HS1 by Tom Hardwick on this page: http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/mic.html My advice is to practice as much as you can before shooting your project, nothing I can say will be as useful as hands-on experience and reviewing your footage to see what looks and sounds good, and edits together nicely, and what doesn't.
john
USA - Friday, July 26, 2002 at 17:57:44 (GMT)

If you're serious about documentary work, there is one book which stands out as an excellent textbook and reference: "Directing the Documentary" by Michael Rabiger. Highly recommended. This is not a beginner's guide, it is like a full-length college course in documentary for those intending to enter the field professionally. However, is interesting reading even for someone with more casual interest.
John
USA - Friday, July 26, 2002 at 19:36:49 (GMT)

Question! I shoot high school and colege footbal games for the coaches game evalutation tapes. I presently use a Sony TRV9 then convert the miniDV tape to SVHS. I have a dual miniDV-SVHS deck for the converion. I am interested in upgrading my camera to a 3CCD (SVHS or miniDV). Does anyone have a suggestion on which camera would be best suited for getting the best image from a pressbox? Note- I know a miniDV master will give me the best duplication, but a SVHS tape master would be in a more usable format immediatly after the game.
Donald Bakaitis <donbakaitis@hotmail.com>
Rocky River, Oh USA - Sunday, July 28, 2002 at 00:27:10 (GMT)

If you want to spend the money, you would not go wrong with a VX2000. I really like mine, it all depends on your budget.
John
USA - Sunday, July 28, 2002 at 03:47:44 (GMT)

Recently my handy cam got DAMP from sitting on a wet floor (un noticed!)Now my screen is not showing a picture, neither through the viewfinder. I still have sound.What can i do?
Simone <badmonsta@yahoo.com.au>
London, United Kingdom - Thursday, August 01, 2002 at 12:54:08 (GMT)

just wanted to say nice site!
julia
Australia - Thursday, August 01, 2002 at 15:27:17 (GMT)

I am having difficulty finding out what the advantage of the Sony VX 2000 is over the TRV 950. The difference in price is about 500.00 at B&H.
Mo Fine <mofine@mofine.com>
Seattle, WA USA - Monday, August 05, 2002 at 15:52:17 (GMT)

The VX2000 is clearly better in low light, and also has more manual controls. See the image samples from my page with the TRV950 review.
John
USA - Monday, August 05, 2002 at 18:47:47 (GMT)

Hi, I am having a sony digital camera(DSC P30), using alkaline batteries to power up the camera. I have the USB cable supplied with the camera to download picture from Memorystick. Unfortunately I forgot to buy the charger unit and infolithium batteries. Is there any memory stick reader available to fix in my computer to to download my pictures without using any cable.
Leo <jljeni@yahoo.com>
Chennai, India - Tuesday, August 06, 2002 at 09:24:30 (GMT)

There is a DIY LANC controller on this site by Ed Chejlava. I'm just wondering if anyone has actually BUILT this model and tried it out with the TRV900. (I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat, and not sure I want to plug it into my LANC until I'm sure I'm not going to mess up any factory settings / blow the whole rig up!) Any takers?
chris brown <chris@pegasusvideo.gioserve.com>
witham, UK - Saturday, August 10, 2002 at 17:23:39 (GMT)

John, can u suggest me about trv940e. is it different than trv950? should i go for vx2000?
sanjay <sanjayzee@rediffmail.com>
USA - Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at 23:24:22 (GMT)

Hello, everybody. I'm the owner of a TR 890 (same as TR900 but no rec.capable) Is there anyone can explain me why dark colors , black included, seem to be green or trend to be, expecially with back light. I've heard that is possible to adjust some parameters...by software and dv connector or Lanc jack... THANKS for help. Sandro Gentile
Sandro Gentile <info@media-sound.it>
SERIATE (BG), italy - Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 18:39:56 (GMT)

The TRV900 has a greenish "lens flare", stray scattered light from lens surfaces which shows up as a greenish tint on backlit scenes. Reportedly, how noticible this effect is, can vary between different specific TRV900 units. There isn't anything to do about except not shoot in backlit situations.
John
USA - Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 19:32:34 (GMT)

can you give me some tips about TRV50. as i heard so many good things about that. i read on cnet editor's choice that this is better than TRV950. as per the article VX2000 is their first choice, after that TRV50 is is in the line. so what about TRV950? but i think you have a better idea, so please write something about TRV50.
Roberts <welfareall@yahoo.com>
NY, ny USA - Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 19:40:43 (GMT)

Sorry, I am afraid my reputation has exceeded my knowlege. I have not personally used or seen either the TRV50 or TRV950 so I cannot comment. The information contributed from other TRV950 owners on my page is all I can offer. Personally I use the VX2000 and I'm not so interested in the 1-CCD type cameras.
john
USA - Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 19:48:15 (GMT)

g'day just logged on for the first time same type of intrest's [music]hope to hear from you. John Beale.
JOHN BEALE <reospeedwagon@dcsi.net.au>
melbourne, vic australia - Thursday, August 15, 2002 at 03:57:25 (GMT)

Excellent site. Keep up the good work ! I have been using a TRV900 Pal for 4 years and I am very please dwith it... up to yesteday when the InfoLithium alert flashed and the camera goes off 4 seconds afterwards, wether it is battery powered or not. When through this site to find a solution but the closest I coiuld get is supecting the internal "vanadium-lithium" clock battery. This site says it is not user changeable... but there must be a way. For example, if I could accees the service manual (UNazvailable here in Europe, Booh to Sony). Or may be someona has already swapped this batterry, which should never be DEAD because it is rechargeable. Any hints ? Any other forum to submit this question to ? Thanks JFF
Jean Francois <bedicou@excite.com>
Niort, FR France - Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 22:46:21 (GMT)

did you notice the TRV900 service manual is online? or at least it was. http://ftp.qrz.ru/pub/hamradio/schemes/video/sony/DV_cam/DV/DCR-TRV890E.pdf does the camera run from the wall power when the battery is not attached? is the battery connector clean, including the third contact which communicates with the "infolithium" CPU chip inside the battery?
john
USA - Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 22:51:08 (GMT)

Congratulations for the great job!! My laptop floppy drive just broke and I found an external floppy from another laptop. It's a Sony Floppy Disk Adapter FA-P1. I believe I have visited yedata.com but they appear not to have the drivers for it, so I would appreciate a lot if you could tell me where to get them. Sony doesn't have them either. Many Thanks
Jhimmy Castiblanco <jcastiblanco@hotmail.com>
Esterillos, Puntarenas Costa Rica - Friday, August 23, 2002 at 17:22:34 (GMT)

Did you look here: http://www.yedata.com/support/pcm.shtml looks to me like they have drivers for Win98, Win2k, NT4, even DOS. They warn that there is no support and that it doesn't work with some laptops.
John
USA - Friday, August 23, 2002 at 17:44:26 (GMT)

Thanks for the site. This cam smokes!!! I I don't mean cigarettes !!! LOL
Craig <craig9872001@yahoo.com>
USA - Monday, August 26, 2002 at 01:24:18 (GMT)

JUST FOUND THE SITE - Excellent I misplaced my english operating manual for my TRV900 can anyone help me find another one?
RIDWAN WAGIET <ridwan.wagiet@capetown.gov.za>
CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA - Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 07:25:29 (GMT)

The TRV900 operating manual is online in several places. I have some links on my main page here.
John
USA - Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 17:42:01 (GMT)

Sweet site. Good design. Visit my website for Search Engine Guide, top search engines, search engine listing, search engines, internet search engines, top internet search engines.
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- Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 19:26:41 (GMT)

Appreciate your site for all the good info, I would not have access too anyother way. Still have not read the whole site. Thank-you, Little Dave
Dave Miller <DMille5810@aol.com>
Summerdale, PA USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 10:34:34 (GMT)

I realize that this is a TRV900 page, but I've just aquired a TR7000. Can anybody tell me where Sony hides their on-line users manuals? Many thanks, ST
Sprague Theobald <splank2@cox.net>
newport, RI USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 13:23:34 (GMT)

Hi John, excellent site with very profound information. In the FAQ you say that exposure Data is contained in the subcode transmitted over firewire. Do you know a NLE-system that records this subcode information? Is this information in a proprietary Sony format, or does any DV-camera write exposure information in the subcode? Thanks, Philipp
Philipp Kubina <philipp.kubina@berlin.de>
Germany - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 08:55:07 (GMT)

I don't know of any NLE that makes use of it, although unless you edit the video, it will be stored and played back when the movie is sent back to the camera. Unfortunately exposure data is not standardized; I know Canon and Sony are different.
John
USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 15:54:36 (GMT)

Thanks very much for the thorough site & for pointing me in the right directions! Best regards.
Kelley Williams
Oakland, USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 21:25:05 (GMT)

i wnat to record from VCR/TV to Sony TRV900E - it always worked but now camera records in black/white only ! What am I not doing? Help, please Elisabeth
Elisabeth <lasser@btinternet.com>
uk - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 12:04:51 (GMT)

Halo JOHN Please help my I have Lexar memory stick 16MB,MSAC-PC2,TRV900E and not make photo’s have formatted this memory with my video camera, but when push photo button,apper in LCD… CAPTURE and not capture nothing photos. Problem perhaps is MSAC-PC2,not compatible with Lexar Memory Stick? Thanks Marius
Marius <ladislau.fari.palko780@xnet.ro>
Cluj, CJ RO - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 14:24:51 (GMT)

Hi there. I own the same cam for over two years now and stumbled over this really bad problem: My dv connection doesn't work. I tried to connect my camera with the dv (firewire) cable, which works fine since it does with other cams. The strange thing is that the display says dv in on the bottom right. I tried a few things, the next thing I am going to do is either screw the cam apart or sadly sending it to get it repaired...thanx for any help...
tom <zero@freesurf.ch>
Basel, Switzerland - Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 17:05:06 (GMT)

I have a TRV20 and it has done this twice. The first time it said to eject the tape, which it wouldn't do. The manual said to reset the camera. I did, it ejected the tape, and every thing was fine. Last night I was doing some filming and it happened again. This time the tape was all over the place inside the camera. I maneged to fix that, but now the tape will not eject. I have reset the camera well over 20 times and no results. Is there any kind of manual eject switch or button I can use, or do I need to send it to sony to be fixed?
Bo Smith <bb_films@yahoo.com>
Johnstown, NY USA - Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 18:24:06 (GMT)

hi. i have a sony trv 900 and a trv 110. my problem is that i have enabled the dv in in my trv110 and desable it,and now it doesn't work anymore. a friend of mine told me that i have to reset the camera 'cos i have cause a trouble to the camera that now the dv widget doesn't reconice that my camera is a trv110. so HOW CAN I RESET THE CAMERA??? THAKS!!!
quique <quiquealm@hotmail.com>
salamanca, españa - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 12:27:43 (GMT)

The TRV900 has a small "reset" button on the side, which is visible when the LCD screen is folded out. I am not familiar with the TRV110.
John
USA - Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 00:39:26 (GMT)

Just an interesting find that my grandson and I(we both have trv 900's) just discovered after almost a year of constant use with the BIG battery...The eyepiece EXTENDS !!!
Timothy Ryan <timnorma@pacbell.net>
Fair Oaks, Ca USA - Wednesday, October 09, 2002 at 23:17:55 (GMT)

Recording concerts and musiqcians is my main concern. What's best audio-wise (with level contols) and which is most adapted for hi-speed photography allowing us to slow up the image, yet smooth stream of action?
Emile Ellberger <Emile.Ellberger@lettres.unige.ch>
Geneva, Switerland - Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 00:21:17 (GMT)

No consumer video camera is good at slow-motion effects. All of them can be slowed down in software as an after-effect but the quality suffers. If you care a lot about audio you will probably use external microphones, and can also use something like an XLR adaptor box which has separate volume controls (see my "accessories" page). For what it's worth, the Canon GL2 does have independent volume controls on the camera; the 3-CCD Sonys (consumer models) have only overall gain control.
John
USA - Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 00:37:13 (GMT)

Very informative! Please add more reviews and comparisons about DVCams.
RW
Honolulu, USA - Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 02:59:24 (GMT)

A heads up to folks who may buy the Sony TRV950. I have owned mine for two months and the Firewire port went out. It's confirmed by Sony service center. Thank gawd for warranty. I think I may invest in the extended warranty. This repair would have been $260. Three year extended warranty is $275. Doug
Doug
USA - Friday, October 18, 2002 at 23:52:51 (GMT)

i'm living in hong kong and i seriously need a casablanca editing maching for my video project. does anyone know where i can rent one? (could you be kind enough to email me if you know where to find 'em) thanks!
Tiffany <elliptical_spiral@hotmail.com>
Hong Kong, China - Friday, October 25, 2002 at 15:19:49 (GMT)

Thank goodness I found your site, because it gives me some hope. I bought a TRV900 appearing in good condition on eBay, and shot my first roll of DV, and was about to transfer to my Mac G4 via Final Cut Pro when I got the horrible tape crinkle, and can not get the tape to run again (so far). The info in your wonderfully complete website let me know others have had this problem, and possible solutions. I can only hope now that I have not permanently lost some absolutely breathtaking footage of Hawaii's volcano pouring into the sea! Thanks so much for maintaning your site.
Steven <TahoeBnB@aol.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Saturday, October 26, 2002 at 21:32:37 (GMT)

Can anyone explain what is wrong with my camera. Its a trv-900. The tape drive makes noise when recording with a shotgun mic and sometimes without an external mic and during playback. I also want to know how to fix it. Its less than one year old. I bought it from an online distributer.
Eric <akaphrates >
NY, NY USA - Monday, October 28, 2002 at 00:19:25 (GMT)

Hi John, just a quick one, I bought a trv 900e second hand.. I am using brooktree tv card... with windows ME..and movie maker. Did the camera originallly come with drivers on cd? If so, any idea where I would be able to download same? Win 98 was easier to use although I really need to work on compression and file size any advice really appreciated. Thanking you! Joe
Joe <joe@garde.com>
Ireland - Monday, October 28, 2002 at 00:53:06 (GMT)

Help....After reading numerous comments from all here I am convinced I need to purchase a 900 to shoot missions videos we do in the philippines. Can anyone tell me where I could get one?
Shane Grady <sgrady@gte.net>
Branson, MO USA - Monday, October 28, 2002 at 04:04:54 (GMT)

The TRV900 is no longer manufactured so it would be difficult to find one new. You can buy used cameras off ebay.com or other auction sites. The current Sony model in this class is the TRV950, which apparently has a better image in bright light, but perhaps not as good in very dim light.
John
USA - Monday, October 28, 2002 at 20:27:50 (GMT)

I have a problem with my LCD screen. In the manual, it was mentioned that you could turn the LCD upside down. Anyway, I turned it and the LCD went off! I'm so nervous as the camcorder is not really mine. What possibly could have happened? Thanks. I'll waiting for your reply.
Ingrid Nieto <strangebrewbabe@hotmail.com>
Taytay, Rizal Philippines - Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 13:32:42 (GMT)

The LCD display is supposed to work even when you turn it around to face forward. If it doesn't, then maybe some connection is broken. If you turn it back to the normal position, does it still work? If not then something is broken; sorry. But simply turning the screen should not break anything, it is designed to flip upside-down so the screen can face forward.
John
USA - Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 19:29:30 (GMT)

I have a dcr-trv320 and the tape door will not open and pop up when I push the eject button. It makes the tone that says its opening but nothing happens. Does anyone know how to manually open the tape door? I have to door off but need to know how to make the mechanism open. Is there a buttont o push for release in case of no power (like most cd-roms drives have)? Thank you.
Brett Brockmeyer <brockley@pacbell.net>
Davis, CA USA - Wednesday, October 30, 2002 at 21:35:11 (GMT)

Bought a VX2000 and love it. Thanks for all information from here.
Roy
USA - Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 05:39:45 (GMT)

Hello.. this is my first time to post.. i am trying to find TRV50 instruction manual... please help.. maybe email me the link? thanks! --J
Jeffrey <jett_1970@hotmail.com>
Taipei, Taiwan - Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 16:08:55 (GMT)

I have not seen the TRV50 manual online. Maybe you could contact a Sony dealer in your area.
John
USA - Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 22:26:18 (GMT)

Please help, I have a Sony TR700 video camera. The operating manual has been lost. During recording, sometimes it starts beeping and stops recording and flashes a arrow on the screen. Sometimes I can get it started back, but I do not know what the problem is - can anyone help? thanks - can I find a manual for the tr700 on line anywhere?
Blane Marable <bmarable@doe.k12.ga.us>
Athens, GA USA - Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 11:11:58 (GMT)

John, A friend recently told me about creating slow motion with his SonyDCR-TRV740.(In play-back?) Is it possible to do the same with a TRV900 and a PanasonicAG-DV1000 editing deck? The tape can also be firewired in and out of a G-4 with Final Cut Pro 3. I would very much like to have this capability for movie making. Thank you, Dan Marshall
Dan Marshall <dmarshall1@houston.rr.com>
houston.rr.com, TX USA - Monday, November 04, 2002 at 17:51:42 (GMT)

Using the IR remote, the TRV900 can generate the same kind of slow motion you are talking about. Look at the remote, along the bottom it has a button marked "slow". You need the remote; for whatever reason this control is not on the camera itself. NOTE that the smooth slow-motion effect does NOT go out via firewire, it is via analog outputs only. If you need digital slow motion you can do it in most NLE programs. The Sony slow motion effect is 1/3 speed (33%).
John
USA - Monday, November 04, 2002 at 18:32:48 (GMT)

John...what can I do to return the TRV900 to the orginal factory settings! I feel that the video is a little to hot! I am not too clear on the Lock Position versus Manual. Any advice will be greatfully accepted. Thanks...Ed
Ed Andre <edwardandre@aol.com>
N. Attleboro, Ma USA - Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 01:56:28 (GMT)

"lock" means you just freeze whatever manual settings have been set. The middle "manual" position means you can control exposure with the exposure button and thumbwheel and of course the top setting of that switch is the full-auto mode where the camera decides on exposure itself. If you set the camera to "lock" in a dim environment and then move to a brighter one, the video will very definitely be overexposed.
John
USA - Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 08:02:44 (GMT)

Hi, John! Nice job on the very informative website. I just bought a TRV900 secondhand, and I just tested it on my machine (winME, DV500 plus, premiere 6.0) and the computer freezes when i connect the firewire cable. Disconnect the firewire cable and the machine is unfreezes. I have a JVC DVcam too and used the same cable, no problems. I tested it on another machine with MatroxRt2000, and the computer can't find the TRV900, also with a consumer firewire card. The JVC was detected just fine. I hope there's nothing wrong with the camera! Is it just WindowsME? or premiere? Thanks a lot!
Romher Quilantang <metamedian@yahoo.com>
Manila, Philippines - Friday, November 08, 2002 at 09:54:00 (GMT)

I have heard of this before with a Mac, the problem turned out to be the camera had a bad firewire port. However Windows ME has had reported problems too. If you have a 4-pin to 4-pin firewire cable, see if you can connect two DV cameras directly together with the cable and see if video from the JVC shows up on the TRV900 when the JVC is in camera mode, and the TRV is in VCR mode. If you see the video then the TRV900 is good, but if not, then its firewire port is bad.
John
USA - Saturday, November 09, 2002 at 03:49:49 (GMT)

"Everything you ever wanted to know about miniDV and trv900"! Very nice pages, thanks!and... I have a sony TRV620e do you know a site where there are the service manuals to download (for example www.qrz.ru)? In italy is impossible to buy it !
Lorenzo <lorenzo.scalcon@tin.it>
Biella, Italy Italy - Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 17:57:02 (GMT)

I've owned my camera (trv 900) over 3yr's now. I bought it as a design student trying to get to grips with the emerging technology, since then my faithful servent has shot 2 video's which found have their way onto mtv2. There has hardly been a day when it hasent been used, so cheers!
Tim
Leeds, UK - Friday, November 15, 2002 at 21:34:03 (GMT)

Have my Son's Sony Video Camera CCD-TR940 without an Instruction Manual. Is it possible for me to get a Manual online? Need fast instructions ..going on a cruise. Thanks to anyone that can help.
Audrey Casso <casseaux@bellsouth.net>
Gretna, La USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 23:37:23 (GMT)

My Son gave me his Sony Video Camera CCD-TR940 without an Instruction Manual. Is it possible for me to get a Manual online? Need fast instructions ..going on a cruise. Thanks to anyone that can help this little old lady. God Bless..
Audrey Casso <casseaux@bellsouth.net>
Gretna, La USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 23:39:04 (GMT)

i reaññy enjoy your page specially the good links that it have , please I have a question: I saw big trv900 photos in some links but when i download my photos tl the Photoshop they have a too short size and when I change the image size it distortioned the photos ,what can I do to doesn`t lose quality with the size ? thank you giancarlo Peru
giancarlo gomero <ggomero@mem.gob.pe>
lima, Peru - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 01:00:10 (GMT)

Still images from the TRV900 are 640x480 pixels. What size they appear on your display depends on what software you use and what enlargement settings you use. The TRV900 is a video camera and does not have nearly as much resolution as film or digital still cameras.
John
USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 02:55:43 (GMT)

I'd like to thank John's wonderful website of TRV900 infomation. I wish there are more this type of website for consumer electronics. I recently plan to sale my barely used TRV-900 and spend more on Digital Photography. If you happen to be the person who is looking for a pre-own TRV-900 in excellent condition, you are welcome to visit my page and find out more about the unit. Please contact me so we might be able to help each other. http://rickbao.com/misc/trv900/trv900.htm Thanks goes to John and those who support this wonderful website. Sincerely, Rick
Rick Bao <r.bao@verizon.net>
Plano, TX USA - Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 04:37:11 (GMT)

I have a dcr trv- 7 digital camcorder with very annoying error code problem.The code keeps comming up as c31:40.Could please tell me what this all means as I have to remove the tape several times and put back to make it work. Any suggesstion will be appreciated. munendra
munendra battan <munendrabattan@hotmail.com>
vancouver, wa USA - Monday, December 02, 2002 at 23:37:40 (GMT)

I have a TRV 900 and love it. However, I notice a low hum in the audio when I have the monitor door opened and closed. The hum gets louder when I plug in my xlr cable to the xlr adapter and open the monitor door. I've made sure the adapter is grounded, etc. Is this a problem other folks have had? Will I have to take it into the Sony shop for expensive repairs? Thanks
S.Dennis <sharondennis2000@hotmail.com>
Wheaton, IL USA - Monday, December 16, 2002 at 01:07:40 (GMT)

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this site and made it such a good source of information. If anyone has the online TRV900 Service Manual, please send it to me. Simpsoda@hotmail.com or forward me the link. I have a trv900 that doesn't recognize when a DV tape is loaded. Thanks, DJ
DJ <simpsoda@hotmail.com>
Brklyn, NY USA - Friday, December 20, 2002 at 21:22:24 (GMT)

I own a Sony sc 100e mini dv cam. How can I make it record from a tv or other source? My plan is to buy a helmet cam for action sport, but I do not have the manuals and dont know if it will work. thanks
salvador yañez <salvadoryr@hotmail.com>
salamanca, sa spain - Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 17:21:35 (GMT)

I've recently receved a dcr-trv900 camera but without a manual. I was told that I can put the videos from the camera on the computer, but not how I could do it. Could you please help me? And some starting tips please :) I searched on the internet but now i feel like i don't know anything! And at the shops they couldn't tell me even what memory stick it needs.
alexandra <holocaust_alexandra@hotmail.com>
debreczin, hungary - Friday, December 27, 2002 at 15:52:53 (GMT)

I bought TRV50 1ccd camcorder. this is really good. i recomend this camcorder to all. in dim light performance is not very good but otherwise it is just fantastic.
wills <wills2@cs.com>
ny, ny USA - Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 07:10:54 (GMT)

I have Trv900 since it came out and am very hapy with it. this webpage gave me lots of information about the cam. Thanks! Running winXPpro. Now I accidentaly plugged my digital cable inverted into computer and after correcting this the computor doesn't sees it any more. I tryed other computors and hrd disks with XP on it but no luck. I already ordered 128 Mb memory stick and adaptor but it has to wait. I'm afraid I burned something in camera. Is it posible to repair and Where? I am in Montreal Can.I'd like to keep this Cam! Thanks for sresponses!
John <greenone@hotmail.com>
Montreal, pq Can - Monday, December 30, 2002 at 15:19:16 (GMT)

Hi John, I'm from Brazil and I like aquatics sports like a surf, bodyboard,... I'm now looking for a Digital Camera, that I can take pictures and MPEG too, for it i will need a light camera and not too much zoom, and a camera that I can easy find a housing for film surfing inside water. I look the Sony PC110, PC120 and I think a good choice. what do you think? These cams are good for surfing films ? Thanks you!
Vogel <ttubes@bol.com.br>
Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 14:54:47 (GMT)

Hi there, i have just bought the ECMHS1 mike with VCTS30L accessoriy shoe, and realized there is no english instructions that come with it. I have a sony vision handycam TRV59E and is wondering if it will actually work with my camera, and if yes, how do i set it up. please email back if you know
Simon j <jobby2003@aol.com>
northumberland, england - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 15:00:26 (GMT)

I found the review info on this site to be extremely helpful. I am considering the TRV950 and heard a lot of conflicting opinions of it vs. the 900, and the Canon GL-2. This site really helped me put all three cameras in perspective. Thank you
Marshall <m.ponzi@attbi.com>
Chicago, IL USA - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 19:02:52 (GMT)

Wow. Nice and unique site, hope to see more soon.!
Hollward
Melbourne, Australia - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 14:41:28 (GMT)

I NEED CHEAP WORKING 3 CHIP CAMERA IF ANYONE HAS ONE EMAIL ME THANKS
samuel monzon <recollect16@yahoo.com>
pa USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 15:47:35 (GMT)

I have bookmarked your homepage. Please keep this website running.. Cheers
Richard
Tokyo, Japan - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 14:40:43 (GMT)

I purchased a firewire PCMCIA card. I have been transferring my mini dv's to my laptop. The laptop is plenty fast and the video looks great but the sound seems to flicker off and on. On the camera it sounds ok, and when I use head phones it sounds ok. ANy one have any clues? Thanks
V <v@webmayhem.net>
jessup, pa USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 17:07:57 (GMT)

Great site - I am not a TRV900 owner, but this is one of the best general miniDV sites I've found. Great collection of advice, links and tips. Just a question regarding your section on audio. Why do you (and just about everyone else) go to the trouble of getting radio mics etc. especially for the camera when recording events, weddings etc. when venues usually have a good setup already? I mean, almost all churches these days have great PA systems with several radio mics in the right place to pick up the sound, instruments etc. I have never had a problem getting the sound guys to give me a feed from the main mixing console directly into my camera (use a DI box if necessary), and onto a minidisc recorder which also works great in editing and is a good backup. I still use a shotgun mic on each camera to record ambient sounds / congregational singing etc. but most of the time the PA system feed is great. This circumvents the issue of RF problems and channel conflicts with the Church's existing radio mics - not to mention being a great way to save costs.
Jon King <mr_jon_king@yahoo.co.uk>
London, UK - Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 15:18:21 (GMT)

I own a 900 from about 1999. I have developed an intermitant audio dropout. aaat the same time I hear a faint high pitched beeping, sounds like Morse code. Very fast but faint. Other than that I love the 900. I was simple amazed at this site. There seems to be no end to the info provided. BTW I just sent my 900 back to Sony for repair, but am afraid they won't fix the actual problem. Any advice?.........Dennis Pinter
Dennis Pinter <dennispinter@yahoo.com>
Lannon, Wi USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 01:13:10 (GMT)

I have been trying to find a memory stick adapter for my TRV900 for the past few months. The MSAC-PC2 is not recognized, and after three phone calls, a high-level Sony support person finally consulted their engineering department and told me that it is incompatible with the TRV900 -- even though the Sony support site claims that it is. The MSAC-PC1 is no longer manufactured and Sony does not maintain any legacy stock of this part. Sony suggested I try finding a Type II PC Card Memory Stick adapter by another manufacturer, and I have tried one (by Minds@Work), and it isn't read by the camera, either. I am using a 64MB Sony Memory Stick with these parts. Any idea how I can use a Memory Stick with this three-year-old camera??
Chris <c.currie@ieee.org>
Washington, DC USA - Wednesday, February 05, 2003 at 21:23:21 (GMT)

Sony may or may not be correct, I'm almost certain I heard from people with the MSAC-PC2 adaptor who did have it work with the TRV900. Be that as it may it looks like you're stuck with trying to find a 3rd-party adaptor, unless you want to just use compact flash. CF cards are pretty cheap now and there are plenty of PC card adaptors, for about $10 or so.
John
USA - Wednesday, February 05, 2003 at 22:25:49 (GMT)

Hello, I am Sanjir from India. I am Nevada at Uinversity of Las Vegas where I am study physics with my friend Manish Jain. We go to night clubs and afterwards surf Internet. We enjoy your website much. Thank you.
Sanjir Mahit <sanjirm@unlv.edu>
Las Vegas, Nevada USA - Sunday, February 09, 2003 at 05:30:19 (GMT)

I am shooting a stop-motion claymation film with some detailed closeups, I have access to a Digital 8 which has an optical zoom of 25x and the TRV900 which has an optical zoom of 12x, for this particular use which is the best camera?
gregg <gregg.muller@uleth.ca>
lethbridge , ab canada - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 17:02:48 (GMT)

The TRV900 image quality should be superior in all cases. Zoom range doesn't matter with close-ups so much as minimum focus distance. You may need a "close-up lens" or diopter lens, you can get these for less than $20 each, just a magnifying lens that threads on the front filter and allows you to focus closer, for greater magnification. See for example http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/bnotes/brief.html#CLOSE
John
USA - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 18:27:20 (GMT)

Great Site, thanks. I was happy to find some information on the TRV900's ability to playback/record DVCAM. I have had sync problems with DVCAM footage that I had captured on to my G4 Mac with FCP3 using the TRV900, in 45 minutes captured footage, the audio slipped by at least a second, and I will now assume that this (the unlocked audio track) is the reason. Please advise if I am incorrect.
Isham
Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 04:51:22 (GMT)

It sounds possible at least. I have only captured a 4-minute DVCAM segment using the camcorder and the audio stayed in sync. It may have something to do with how your NLE interprets the audio track, also.
John
USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 08:02:47 (GMT)

I wish I could have stretched the budget to buy the TRV950 but"she who must be obeyed!"said funds would allow only the TRV 18e which is pretty close.I know this is a hoary old question but I am trying to convert 85+ 50ft rolls of Super8 to VHS. Sony tell me I cannot alter my camera shutter speeds & both projectors are giving problems with flicker. Can anyone help me with info re matching the FPS? My Film was shot in the 70's-80's on a Canon 814(silent) Hopeful!
Mike Watteau <mikebank@wasp.net.au>
Perth , W.A. AUSTRALIA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 00:33:51 (GMT)

Hello John, I am grateful for the valuable resource that is your site and all the work you've put into it. Thanks. I hope this question hasn't been answered already. I've been working with Final Cut Pro and the TVR900 for a few months now and haven't been able to figure out how to do the following yet and was hoping that maybe you could help me. I'd like to print the timecode from my sequence when I record it on to tape so that the timecode on the tape will match the timecode on my sequence (I like to start my sequences at 01:00:00:00). Do you know if this is possible and if so do you know how to do it? Thanks again for you help, -Seth
Seth Thomas Levine <olorindil@yahoo.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 17:29:28 (GMT)

I don't use FCP but you can probably find an answer on the main FCP user forum site, www.2-pop.com
John
USA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 22:09:40 (GMT)

Alright, I am unable to get any answers on how to fix this problem, so I figured I'd try here: I have had this problem with 3 ECM-HS1 mics, on two different computers, with two or three video capture programs. Any sound recorded in "Gun" mode that is captured only has a single channel (i think it is the right). The left channel is blank, and if you open the file with an audio editor you have a flat waveform on the left channel. If I play the original tape, in the camera, there are two channels. I only lose the second channel during video capture, and only with audio in the "gun" mode. The zoom mode works fine. Anthony
Anthony Rosania <arosania@optonline.net>
Whippany, NJ USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 09:16:17 (GMT)

Anthony, the mic you are using has an unusual feature: it is actually a mono mic in "gun" mode, and in "zoom" mode you also have the camera's own built-in mics contributing some fraction of the signal, which is why you get stereo in zoom mode even though the mic itself is mono. Apparently the camera is simply duplicating the mono channel in "gun" playback on both L+R, but only recording one on tape and that's what your editor is showing you.
John
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 21:08:20 (GMT)

Hi I was wondering if you had much experience filming plays or recitals with the 900. I use two, one for the overall and one for close ups. The slose ups is fine but the overall shot looks washed out and blurry. Would a neutral filter #6 help of a wide ange filter to fool the ccds and zoom in more or a macro filter to foll the ccd's which I was told about. Any help would be appreciated. Would the 2000 be that much better at this type of work?
Lee <lrogers50@usfamily.net>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 18:42:21 (GMT)

Washed out is an exposure problem, have you tried manual exposure? If you let the camera use internal gain-up at +18 dB you will get washed-out blacks. Filters help only in too-bright light, like outdoor concerts on a sunny day. Blurry either means a focus problem, or a limitation of the camera (it is definitely not as sharp wide-open, f/1.6 which is what you'll get if you're indoors in a dim theatre). The only fix there is either more light (hah) or a better camera. The VX2000 is absolutely better in low light.
John
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 21:12:03 (GMT)

Hello, I just bought the Trv950 and I can't get my computer to import movies from my camera through the usb cable. I've installed the sony driver 3 times. My computer beeps when I plug the usb cable in, but nothing is downloaded from my computer. I'm running windows XP home edition. 2.26GHZ. I went to add devices and only scanners and cameras show up. My camcorder is not listed as installed. What's the problem?
Homer <hchessman@aol.com>
martinez, GA USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 05:04:00 (GMT)

Hello, i'm searching windows 2000 usb drivers for the Sony mini-dv camcorder model DCR-PC101E. If you have it can you send it to me please. My email is junaldo@webmails.com Thank you in advance.
junaldo <junaldo@webmails.com>
Paris, France - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 14:25:20 (GMT)

Can anyone tell me how to convert AV signal into VTR signal. Actually I have Sony Movie camera which supports AV output to TV but my TV does not have any sockets for AV.
Faisal <mamin@j-tech.com.pk>
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 16:45:34 (GMT)

If your TV has an antenna (aerial) input, you could get a "RF modulator" unit which takes your camcorder A/V output and converts it to radio-frequency signals that the TV can pick up like a TV broadcast. This give you lower quality than direct A/V input. Some, but not all, VCR decks can do this also (A/V in, with RF out). Sometimes this can be more expensive than just buying a new TV with A/V input.
John
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 23:44:30 (GMT)

I bought the ECM-HS1 mic for my TRV-315 and it has worked great in the past. however it has had its share of bumps over the past year. and now there is a high pitched whine on 'gun' and a lower pitch whine on 'zoom' and even 'off'. Is my mic dead? Any way to fix this?
paul <tcnyc2000@yahoo.com>
atlanta, ga USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 09:12:51 (GMT)

WANTED....Sony TVR900....anyone got one????
Marie Davies <madmarie@excite.com>
Cairns, qld australia - Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 09:38:37 (GMT)

What a great resource of information for us TRV900 lovers! The info on cleaning the roller to avoid tape crinkle was very timely! All the best for the future. - Peter
Peter Bright <bright@pipeline.com.au>
Geelong, VIC Australia - Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 13:58:17 (GMT)

Dear John, As I understand it, the NTSC TRV900 has 340K effective pixels on 1/4 inch chip, which is 4 x 340K = 1360K pixels/sq. inch, whereas the 950 has 690K effective pixels on the smaller, 1/4.7 inch chip, which is 4.7 x 690K = 3243 pixels/sq. inch. If my calculations are correct, doesn’t this mean the 950 provides a higher resolution, making it better than the 900? Ray Lucas
Ray Lucas <raylucas@onetel.net.uk>
Oxford UK - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 16:20:09 (GMT)

Camera resolution is not as simple as it might appear. First off, DV video resolution is fixed at 720x480 pixels (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL) as recorded on tape, no matter how many CCD pixels there are. I have never used or tested a TRV950, but the TRV900 is already close to the theoretical limit for DV (limit = 720*3/4 = 540 lines of resolution). As far as CCD size goes, a smaller chip permits smaller lenses and overall smaller camera, but other things being equal, smaller chips have inferior performance. The best professional video cameras currently use 2/3" CCD chips. However the TRV950 "Advanced HAD" CCD technology is an improvement over the TRV900.
John
USA - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 20:20:13 (GMT)

Hi Emile, I lived in the Slavic Center with Barb Dietz. I have some reel to reel tapes of the Slavic Chorus. How can I convert them to cassette tapes? I don't have a reel to reel recorder anymore. Do you know how I can contact Barb?
Liz Schiebel Ramadass <lisaramada@aol.com>
Mitchellville, MD USA - Sunday, April 13, 2003 at 21:04:36 (GMT)

I am amazed at the number of trv900 users.i have a serious problem.My camera ,bought in jan 2000, records badly for the first 10 -12 mins(broken images& audio)and afterwards works well.Can someone help me please.Otherwise your site is fantastic.Maybe we should also exchange images. Thanks rené
René Soobaroyen <rsoobaroyen@intnet.mu>
Curepipe, Mauritius - Monday, April 14, 2003 at 06:35:12 (GMT)

Thank you for creating such a great site. I have had my trv-900 for years. It is the best camera I have ever owned. But the floppy-disc adapter has failed. Is there an adapter that takes its place? If so, is there one that takes a memory-stick directly. Thanks for your help.
Jeff Van Raden <jvr@columbiacorp.com>
Portland, OR USA - Monday, April 14, 2003 at 22:00:56 (GMT)

The TRV900 has a standard PCMCIA (PC Card) slot just as most laptop computers have. You can use compact flash cards with a PCMCIA adaptor which is about $10 at most computer stores.
John
USA - Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 00:42:37 (GMT)

Your pages had a great impact on me. I found the free resolution charts I could never buy. I'll make my home tests I'm waiting for more than a decade now. Though thinking of horizontal resolution since long ago, only the last three days I knew it was something I could play at home, despite my staff is extremely out of date. I have no words that could express my thanks. Your site pass friendship on to the others, everything is well done, well explained and with respect, care and great attention to the persons gathering information on it. It definitely changed very much the way I'm now approaching to video. Thank you very much.
Fernando Augusto Luzio de Assis <fassis@centroin.com.br>
Rio de Janeiro, RJ BRAZIL - Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at 07:20:48 (GMT)

John, Thank you for your help. I will pick up a PCMCIA (PC Card)for my camera. I was hoping someone knew the answer. Appreiciate your time.
Jeff Van Raden <jvr@columbiacorp.com>
Hillsboro, OR USA - Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 21:56:56 (GMT)

Problem to Firewire. Is it necessary to have a pover-unit on, when capturing via Firewire. My Premiere recognice my TRV-900; I can rewind and wind, but not picture??? Any ideas. Can I connect just a usual transformer 220V to 5V (or what it now was) instead of Sony´original power-unit/charger? If You look from back, so is left or right side +??? I tried another Sony, and there was no problems... HEEEEEEELLLPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alex <fillariry@hotmail.com>
Helsinki, Finland - Monday, April 21, 2003 at 05:28:42 (GMT)

hi just purchase a sony trv720 when i got it , it turned out to be a sony trv72. paid 500.00 for it . can anyone give me info on this camera . it as no manual plus i am having trouble when recording . the picture always have bad line up and down the screen . and i know that it is more than dirty heads . this is what i get for buying outside of ebay . please help .
mike goulding <goulding@gov.nl.ca>
deer lake, nl canada - Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 00:50:22 (GMT)

Hi, I've been trying to find out, to no avail, the following: Single CCD MINIDV camcorders - is the maximum Effective sensor resolution (video - NOT STILL)resolution for all camcorders 680k? For instance, the Optura 200mc lists a 1.33 mp CCD, but the Canon website lists the max res at 680k if using a MINIDV tape, higher res if saving the video to the memory card. Is this a limitation of the MINIDV media? Any wisdom would be GREATLY appreciated. Sorry if this isnt the appropriate forum for the question, but I respect your site. Thanks, Bill
Bill Blakely <Bill_Blakely@mtetyr.com>
San Fran, CA USA - Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 23:36:21 (GMT)

Hi....i was wondering if maybe you knew how i could record music over a tape that has already been recorded. I have a SONY VIDEO CAMERA CCD-TR940....please e-mail me. Thank you
Isabella <bellaisa18@hotmail.com>
Montgomery, AL USA - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 16:50:56 (GMT)

can anyone inform me regarding if the sony dsr-pd100a has the adc analog to digital/digital to analog passthrough feature.\? im considering purchasing a used pd100a and this is a vital feature in my pructions and therefore my purchase decision making. thanks
robbie <rahbeat@yahoo.com>
atlanta, georgia USA - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 21:15:17 (GMT)

How to or what can be used to clean my Dell Lap top compiter screen?
Barry R Moyer <brcdwm@aol.com>
Portland , Mi USA - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 16:28:07 (GMT)

Hi, My TRV900s IEEE port has gone tummy-up. What's involved in the repair/ Is it costly? Thanks John for the fab. site. Robert
Robert <rob9d@yahoo.com>
Australia - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 09:51:18 (GMT)

Would anybody know where I can locate a drum machine made by Whippany. It's called a Rhythm master. It may be hard to find as it is a very old machine. Thanks!!
Erik Stoker <estok669@polarcomm.com>
hatton, nd USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 22:46:46 (GMT)

I NEED TO FIND A LIST OF SONY AUTHORIZED DEALERS. ANY SUGGESTIONS
Zoila <Zoila@idx.tv>
Torrance, CA USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 23:15:36 (GMT)

Hi everyone! I have DCR-PC101E camcoder and the soft i've got doesn't suit me. Could you please tell me what else software i may use to transform images from my DV cassete to pc. I have no problems with conection just with software! Please! HHHEEELLLPPP!!!
Edward <edwardas_99@yahoo.com>
Oxford, England - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 20:41:13 (GMT)

I purchased a Sony IFT R20 wireless laser link with my camcorder (3 years ago). I finally decided to hook it up - but can't find the instructions. Can anyone help me with this??? Many thanks!
Angela <abc_xyz_2323@hotmail.com>
Norman, OK USA - Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 14:31:21 (GMT)

Hi there...I am planning to buy the Sony DCR-TRV50 here in India (if its available). Does anyone here know the price of this cam here in Rupees? I can also source one from abroad so i need to know if its worth buying it here or will i save a bundle if i get it from EU or USA ? please help asap. rgds.
Nidhi <nidhirulz@hotmail.com>
Bangalore, KA India - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 07:02:27 (GMT)

John, I have a TRV900, I had it for years and has been a fabulous machine. Two questions: is there any way to get 16x9 mode to work while in Progressive Scan mode? Next, as far as I've been able to tell Progressive Scan is recording to tape at 29.97 non-drop non-interlaced. Am I correct? Thanks. Rob
rob beaton <rtlbeaton@consiliumresearch.com>
Silver Lake, CA USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 05:48:25 (GMT)

Where can I find instruction manual of DCR-PC101E
Haim <haim.hirshbein@orange.co.il>
Petah Tiqva, ISRAEL - Monday, June 02, 2003 at 11:55:15 (GMT)

I have a sony vaio grx-520 with an a/v out port and I do not know what kind of cable I can buy to use this port. It seems to have the same kind of connector as a pair of headphones that comes with a portable cdplayer, and its that kind of small long pin that fits in the port. If anyone could help me find out what kind of cable to buy email me at charmedguy417@hotmail.com please. Thanks
Eguy <charmedguy417@hotmail.com>
Rockford, IL USA - Tuesday, June 03, 2003 at 04:13:46 (GMT)

HELP...HELP...HELP...My TRV900 just DIED! I have never had any problems with it prior. I checked it night before shoot and all was ok. I may have unintentionally changed the clock or date setting while scrolling thru the menus. At the shoot it was hooked up to a basic Sony LANC tripod handle and would not turn on. I tested with other good batteries and power supplies, still dead. I later read on a post about the RM25(?)LANC remote and locking up the camera from a memory conflict/checksum error. Is this possiblly what occured. I would like to know how to access the internal battery to reset the memory hoping that will help. Thoughts, tips, instuctions, diagrams...Any help would be appreciated as I need for a 3 camera shoot this Friday. I am a communications technician skilled in working with miniturized circuitry. THANKS Rick rmaudlin@aol.com
Rick Maudlin <rmaudlin@aol.com>
Santa Rosa, CA USA - Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 21:11:42 (GMT)

Audio Dropout Adventure. I, too, experienced the audio dropout problem with my 900. Varied where it happened on the tape, but got to where it was always happening. My camera had a "B" stamp, so it should've been immune, but wasn't. Anyway, thanks to this magnificent site, I was able to put together a persuasive package for the Sony repair people. I printed out and sent several postings about other people having the same audio problem. Long story short, they replaced the entire tape transport mechanism. When I got the camera back, the dropout was gone, but the camera had a horrible vibration and hum. Back it went to repair. Another couple weeks, it came back with the vibration and hum fixed. Knock on wood, it has been working fine since. No audio dropout. Don't accept Sony repair BS that they don't know about or can't diagnose the audio dropout problem! They're just dimwits and cheap, and don't want to repair anything if they don't have to, IMHO. Print out postings from this forum, send it in with your letter, and with luck, they'll fix what needs fixing. Good luck! And thanks for a tremendous site.
Brian Wilson <transtexan@hotmail.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 14:46:53 (GMT)

Please advise where I can get the Owners/Users Manual for a Sony Digital Handycam Vision 200X 200M CCD-TRV37. Thank you for your assistance. When advising please insert Message in the Subject column or it will be deleted before I can see what the information is. Thanks again.
Bea Berg <BeaNwll@aol.com>
Tulsa, Ok USA - Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 02:55:48 (GMT)

John, I recently shot two weddings with my Sony TRV900E, using my Sony ECM-S959C mike attached to shoe, and plugged into the plug in power mic socket. (This mike is expensive and is claimed by Sony to be an ideal match for the 900). In both weddings I set the audio on automatic, but experienced overload distortion in audio, particularly on pipe organ passages, and also occasionally on speech from PA system. The sound really booms through the speakers having been captured into my Pinnacle Studio Deluxe NLE ! Had camera examined by Sony Service Centre, who, having checked, say that all internal record/playback settings are to factory spec. They recommend I fit an XLE adaptor. Should this be necessary in your view, or should not the AGC attenuate potential overload in the audio signal? I'd really like your comment on this. Reards, Trevor Brimblecombe
Trevor Brimblecombe <trevorb@senet.com.au>
Adelaide, SA Australia - Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 05:13:08 (GMT)

We've lost the remote control of the vlp w400q projector. I'm looking for its serial number in order to buy it online. Do you know if any other remote control can replace the original one (without loosing all its functions)
dorit <dorit@shaked.co.il>
USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 10:48:44 (GMT)

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