Sony DCR-TRV18E User Manual

If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the
problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power supply and contact your Sony dealer or local
authorised Sony service facility. If “C:ss:ss” appears on the screen, the self-diagnosis display
function has worked. See page 259.

• The POWER switch is not set to CAMERA.

c Set it to CAMERA. (p. 35)

• The cassette has run out.

c Rewind the tape or insert a new one. (p. 33, 54)

• The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark.

c Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 34)

• The tape is stuck to the drum (moisture condensation).

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least

one hour to acclimatise. (p. 281)

• While being operated in CAMERA mode, your camcorder has

been in the standby mode for more than five minutes.

c Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and then to CAMERA.

• The battery pack is dead or nearly dead.

c Install a charged battery pack. (p. 24)

• The viewfinder lens is not adjusted.

c Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 39)

• STEADYSHOT is set to OFF in the menu settings.

c Set it to ON. (p. 235)

• The setting is the manual focus.

c Press FOCUS/INFINITY to set to the autofocus mode. (p. 79)

• Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.

c Adjust for manual focusing. (p. 79)

• The LCD panel is open.

c Close the LCD panel. (p. 37)

• The contrast between the subject and background is too high.

This is not a malfunction.

• This is not a malfunction.

• Slow shutter, Super NightShot or Colour Slow Shutter is

activated. This is not a malfunction.

• If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to

CAMERA or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu settings
without a cassette and a “Memory Stick” inserted, your
camcorder automatically starts the demonstration.

c Insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick” and the demonstration

stops.
You can also cancel DEMO MODE. (p. 241)

START/STOP does not operate.

The power goes off.

The image on the viewfinder screen
is not clear.

The SteadyShot function does not
work.

The autofocusing function does not
work.

The picture does not appear in the
viewfinder.

A vertical band appears when you
shoot a subject such as lights or a
candle flame against a dark
background.

A vertical band appears when you
shoot a very bright subject.

Some tiny white, red, blue or green
spots appear on the screen.

An unknown picture is displayed on
the screen.