Safety Regulations WARNING To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
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electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
Owner’s Record The product label is located on the bottom of the unit. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model: VBD-MA1 Serial Number: ________...
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“Memory Stick PRO,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” ‘Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,” “Memory Stick Micro,” “MagicGate” and their logos are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • AVCHD and the AVCHD logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Panasonic Corporation. • “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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Table of Contents Safety Regulations ...2 Find a Type of Copy Find a type of copy mode ...8 Type of copy mode A Copy HD video as is ... 10 Type of copy mode B Down-convert HD video to SD video quality ...
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Setup Using the Setup Menu... 56 Rec Quality (REC mode) ... 56 Auto Stop Timer... 56 Auto Chapter ... 57 Auto Finalizing... 57 Disc Menu ... 57 Finalize disc ... 57 Erase disc ... 58 Close BD-R... 58 System Info... 58 Auto Shut Off ...
Depending on your camera and images taken, you can select the type of copy that best serves your needs. First of all, check your camera and select the type of image to copy. Sony cameras Built-in memory Memory Card ®...
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What type of disc do you want to create? Blu-ray Disc™ (HD video) (HD video) Blu-ray Disc™ (SD video) or DVD Reference page for copy mode page 10 page 12 page 14 page 16 page 18...
• You cannot copy HD (High Definition) video taken in recording mode at a bit rate exceeding 18Mbps in AVCHD format, such as [HD FX] mode in Sony cameras, to DVD media. However, you can copy onto a Blu-ray Disc in such cases.
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One Touch Disc Burn* Press the DISC BURN button on the camera to copy. page 43 Available only in Sony cameras. Supported in some Sony cameras. (Use a USB cable.) The created disc is … Blu-ray Disc™ • HD video is copied.
Type of copy mode Down-convert HD video to SD video quality Copy videos taken in HD (High Definition) image quality onto a disc in SD (Standard Definition) image quality for more compatibility with various playback devices. What is recording media of your camera? Built-in memory Memory Card...
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Select the copy mode and create a disc! Manual Copy contents by operating the camera. page 49 Full Copy the entire contents in the recording media. page 45 Manual Copy contents by operating the camera. page 45 The created disc is … DVD disc •...
Type of copy mode Copy SD video as is You can copy SD (Standard Definition) video taken in Handycam a disc by various type of copy mode. What is recording media of your camera? Built-in memory Memory Card DV/D8 tape 8cm Disc •...
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Select the copy mode and create a disc! Full Copy the entire contents in the recording media. page 40 Incremental Copy only new contents in the recording media. page 40 Playlist Copy playlist contents in the recording media. page 40 Select Videos Select videos by scene or shooting date, and then copy.
Type of copy mode Copy video using cameras or video devices You can copy videos from practically any camera or video device to a disc using an AV cable. (For DV cameras, DV cable can be used.) What is the recording media of your video device? DV tape...
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Select the copy mode and create a disc! Full Copy the entire contents in the recording media. page 45 Manual Copy contents by operating the camera. page 45 Manual Copy contents by operating the camera. page 49 The created disc is … DVD disc •...
What is recording media of your camera? Sony cameras* Built-in memory Except for “Bloggie” and other MP4 camera Memory Card Sony ARW file only , etc: type of format Photos Connection and setup Use a USB cable b page 30...
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Select the copy mode and create a disc! Full Copy the entire contents in the recording media. page 51 Select Photos Select photos by scene or shooting date, and then copy. page 51 The created disc is … Blu-ray Disc™ •...
HD video is in general shown as “HD” on the products, such as on screen display, etc. In contrast, SD video is shown as “SD.” Standard definition video may also be referred to as “STD (Standard Definition) video” in the latest Sony cameras, and shown as “STD” on the screen display, etc.
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Type of recording media in cameras Icon Type of recordable disc Icons Meaning Sony digital video camera or Sony digital still camera Another manufacturer’s camera Video device with audio/video outputs Meaning Functions available for camera recording to hard disk Functions available for camera recording to built-in memory Functions available for camera recording to “Memory Stick...
Recording photos You can archive photos to a Blu-ray Disc or DVD disc. You can archive 3D photos (MPO file) and photos taken in RAW format (Sony ARW file) in addition to JPEG format. Using as an external disc drive You can use as an external BD Writer (BD/DVD/CD rewritable disc drive) by connecting this unit to your computer.
• Copy photos taken in RAW (.arw file) format by Sony camera to Blu-ray Disc or DVD media. Use a USB cable (Sony camera only) or memory card slot. Except for copying video recorded on an 8cm disc. Use a DV(i.LINK) cable.
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To copy the following photos to a disc. • Copy photos taken in RAW format with another manufacturer's camera. b Notes • You cannot copy videos with copy-protected content (commercial BDs, DVDs, or VHS software, some programs from satellite or CATV receivers, etc.). •...
Package Contents Confirm that the package contains the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer. The number in parentheses indicates the number of items. VBD-MA1 (this unit) AC adapter (1) USB cable (1) AC power cord (1) Operating Instructions (this document) (1) b Note...
Parts and Controls Front and sides A Memory card slot (page 35) Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” or SD Card here. b Note • You cannot use this slot as a memory card reader when connected to your computer. B Memory card access LED Lights amber when accessing a memory card.
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Top panel Rear panel A Display window Displays the operation screen, and images from a connected device or memory card. B V/v/B/b / ENTER buttons (pages 45, 54) C RETURN button (page 38, 56) If you want to display the [Menu], press this button.
Preparations for Recording Turning the Power on Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC adapter. Insert the power plug of the AC adapter into this unit’s DC IN connector. Insert the power plug of the AC power cord into a power outlet. AC power cord To power outlet b Notes...
Inserting a Disc Press the Z (eject) button. The disc tray ejects. The disc tray opens halfway. Open it fully by hand. Place the disc in the disc tray with its recording side down, and push the disc tray in the direction of the arrow. b Note •...
Connecting Cables/Using Memory Card For types of connection and settings, see the “Connection and setup” section for your “Type of copy mode (A - E)” on pages 10 through 18. USB cable b Notes • Connect the AC adapter to the camera if one is supplied with the camera. •...
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([USB mode] screen appears). In this case, selecting the recording media is unnecessary. • If your camera has a [USB SPEED] setting, specify [AUTO] ([AUTO] is the default setting). Sony digital still camera (such as “Cyber-shot” and “α”) USB connection completes only by connecting the camera to this unit. [USB mode] or [Mass Storage] screen appears.
DV (i.LINK) cable Turn on the camera. b Note • Connect the AC adapter to the camera if one is supplied with the camera. Set the camera to playback mode. • Playback operation differs among cameras. For most cameras, switch the power/mode button to playback, PLAY/EDIT or VTR mode to play video.
Audio/video cable (AV cable) Turn on the video device. b Note • Connect the AC adapter to the camera if one is supplied with the camera. Operate the video device to start playback of video. • Playback operation differs among video devices. For most cameras, switch the power/mode button to playback, PLAY/EDIT or VTR mode to play video or perform recording.
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Connecting a camera with multi port: Multi port (or use multi output station) USB/AV cable for multi-use terminal (supplied with camera or sold separately) Connecting a video device: To AUDIO/VIDEO OUT connectors Audio/video cable (not supplied) AUDIO IN connectors VIDEO IN connector AUDIO IN connectors VIDEO IN connector...
Memory Card Insert a memory card into the memory card slot. Push the memory card into the slot until you hear a click. To remove, push the card and pull out. b Notes • Before use, check that the memory card is inserted correctly. If you push the memory card by force, this may cause damage to both the memory card and this unit.
About Operation You can operate this unit in two different ways: Following the message in the display, and selecting the option from the menu. Following the message in the display After the power is turned on, this unit automatically detects an inserted memory card, disc, and the input signals from connected devices.
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If a recorded disc is inserted If you insert a recorded disc, the disc information will appear. Press the ENTER button to proceed. To change the disc to other one, press the Z (eject) button to eject the current disc. When multiple image types are recorded in a connected camera or inserted memory card When multiple image types are recorded on a memory card or connected camera, this unit...
Selecting the option from the [Menu] The [Menu] display appears when the RETURN button is pressed after the power is turned on. You can perform recording procedures manually by selecting options from the menu. Press the RETURN button. Menu Function Video b Disc Copy a video to a disc.
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Press V or v to select the input. According to the copy type selected in step 2, input options will differ. Only selectable inputs will appear. If you select [Photo b Disc] in step 1, or [HD b HD] in step 2, only [USB] and [Memory Card] will appear.
Copying Videos Copying Videos with a USB Cable or Memory Card By connecting a camera to this unit via USB cable, or inserting a memory card into the memory card slot, HD (High Definition) video or SD (Standard Definition) video can be recorded as is.
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* You cannot select this copy mode when copying videos taken with another manufacturer’s camera. E Number of required discs Press the (record) button to start recording. This unit starts the recording process. The following appears in the display window. If the contents do not fit onto a single disc The disc will be ejected automatically...
* HD (High Definition) videos taken in recording mode at a bit rate exceeding 18 Mbps, such as [HD FX] mode in Sony cameras (when copying to DVD media), or videos taken in a unique recording mode such as 1080/60p format, 3D...
One Touch Disc Burn This mode allows you to record video from a camera onto a disc by simply pressing DISC BURN on the camera. You can record additional video onto a disc that has been previously recorded on, as with copying only new videos (page 40).
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Touch DISC BURN on the camera’s LCD screen, or press the DISC BURN ( ) button on the camcorder. Touch [DISC BURN] This unit starts the recording process. If the camera’s media has both HD (High Definition) and SD (Standard Definition) videos: HD (High Definition) videos are recorded onto the disc (page 24).
Copying Videos with a DV (i.LINK) Cable By connecting a camera to this unit via DV (i.LINK) cable, you can copy video recorded on a DV tape to disc. Prepare for recording. Initially, turn on this unit (page 28), insert a disc (page 29) and connect a DV (i.LINK) cable for recording (page 32).
B Copy mode [Full] With a single touch of the button, you can copy all videos recorded on a tape to a disc. This unit automatically controls playback on the connected camera. [Manual] You can copy videos to a disc while controlling playback manually on the connected camera (page 46).
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The following appears in the display window. To pause recording Press the (record) button during recording. To resume recording, press (record) button again. z Hint • This unit starts and stops recording automatically as it detects video input signals from a connected video device. For example: –...
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Press V or v to select [Yes] and press the ENTER button. When finalizing has completed, the disc tray opens. b Notes • Start recording immediately after inserting a disc. The recording process may take a few seconds to start after pressing the button if the disc was inserted more than 10 minutes prior to starting.
Copying Videos with an AV Cable By connecting a camera or video device to this unit via an audio/video cable, you can copy videos from practically any camera or video device to a disc. You can copy videos of HD (High Definition) quality to a disc by down- converting to SD (Standard Definition).
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The following appears in the display window. To pause recording Press the (record) button during recording. To resume recording, press (record) button again. Press the (stop) button to stop recording. To record an additional video, repeat steps 6 and 7. Press the Z (eject) button to eject the disc when recording is complete.
Copying Photos Copying Photos You can copy photos onto a disc from a camera connected to this unit, or a memory card inserted into the memory card slot, with a single touch of the button. You can also copy photos selected by viewing thumbnails.
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Press the (record) button to start recording. This unit starts the recording process. The following appears in the display window. If the contents do not fit onto a single disc The disc will be ejected automatically when it becomes full, and the message “Insert a blank disc.”...
To copy photos selected by [Select Photos] If you select copy mode [Select Photos] in step 2 (page 51), select [Thumbnail] or [Shooting Date]. Press V or v to select [Thumbnail] or [Shooting Date] and press the ENTER button. Press B/V/v/b to select the viewing thumbnail or shooting date you want to copy and press the ENTER button to mark.
Previewing disc Viewing Disc Information Previewing Videos/Photos You can check the information, such as type of recorded contents, remaining capacity, etc., about a disc created with this unit. You can check images by playing back SD (Standard Definition) videos or photos. b Notes •...
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To preview SD (Standard Definition) videos Press V or v to select [Preview Video], and press the ENTER button. The Disc Menu appears. If the disc is not finalized, the Disc Menu is not displayed and playback of the video starts. Selected Title 5 00:11:23...
Setup Using the Setup Menu You can change the various settings for creating discs in the Setup Menu screen. Turn on this unit and press the RETURN button. The [Menu] display appears. Press V or v to select [Setup], and press the ENTER button.
Auto Chapter Specify the time interval at which chapters are created automatically on a disc. Auto Chapter is available when you use the DV IN connector or VIDEO IN connector to connect your video device. No chapters are inserted. c 5 minutes Inserts chapters at approximately 5-minute intervals.
3 Press V or v to select [Yes] and press the ENTER button. This unit starts finalizing the disc. When the message [Completed.] appears, finalizing has completed. b Note • It takes a few minutes to finalize a disc. Depending on the contents of a disc, finalizing may take time.
The unit is automatically turned off. Demo This unit automatically plays a demo when it is not operated for a set period of time. Disables the demo. c ON Enables the demo. Color System Set the appropriate color system for the camera used to record or the output signal from connected video device.
Using with a Computer Connecting to a Computer You can connect this unit to a computer using the supplied USB cable. Connect the supplied AC power cord, the AC adapter, and this unit (page 28). Turn on this unit. Turn on the computer. Connect the computer to this unit.
Disconnecting from a Computer icon appears on the taskbar when this unit is recognized by the computer. To disconnect this unit from the computer, use icon. b Note • Depending on the operating system, operation method or displayed icon may vary. Click the icon on the taskbar.
: functions and operation on Windows are available. * If you use the “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser) software supplied with Sony cameras, you may need to install the UDF reader plug-in, depending on a version of “PMB,” to recognize a Blu-ray Disc or AVCHD disc on Windows XP.
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b Notes • The information shown herein is for reference purposes only, and does not provide any guarantees regarding operation or functions, using Windows, software, or this unit. • When using software, it is necessary to meet system requirements imposed by the software, as well as the requirements specified by this unit.
Troubleshooting/References Troubleshooting If you experience any of the following difficulties while using this unit, use this troubleshooting guide to help remedy the problem before requesting repairs. Refer also to the operating instructions of your camera or video devices. General To create a DVD by down-converting an HD (High Definition) video •...
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• Make sure that [VIDEO IN] is selected for input. To select the input manually, operate from the [Menu] screen (page 38). • Disconnect all cables. Turn this unit and video device off, then on again. Reconnect the video device to this unit. The number of discs required does not appear on the screen when recording.
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Cannot record to this disc by the selected operation. • Usable discs differ depending on type of content and recording method (pages 23, 67). For example: – SD (Standard Definition) video stored on a camera connected with a USB cable cannot be recorded to DVD+R DL disc.
Supported Discs and Memory Cards Discs The following writable discs are compatible with this unit. However, not all disc operations are supported. Disc type BD-R BD-R DL BD-RE BD-RE DL DVD+R DVD+R DL (Double layer) DVD+RW DVD-R DVD-R DL (Dual layer) DVD-RW DVD-RAM Usable discs...
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Disc type CD-R CD-RW BDXL disc is not supported. BD-R LTH disc is supported. Only use when connecting to the DV IN or VIDEO IN connector. Both CPRM and non-CPRM discs are supported. Non-cartridge disc only. Notes on using discs •...
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SD Card This unit has slots for the following memory cards. However, not all memory card operations are supported. • SD Memory Card* • SDHC Memory Card* • SDXC Memory Card* SD Memory Card operation is supported up to 2 Gbytes. SDHC Memory Card operation is supported up to 32 Gbytes.
Recording Time and Recording Speed Time required for recording (recording speed) When recording video, the length of time required for recording depends on the REC mode setting (such as FX, HD FH, SP, etc.) on a camera used to shoot the video, and the number of scenes the video contains.
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Disc space (recordable time) available for recording videos The chart below provides a general estimate of disc space (recordable time) available for recording videos onto a disc. (Minimum recordable time is in parentheses.) Recording HD (High Definition) video Recordable time depends on the REC mode setting on the camera. REC mode FX / HD FX 2hrs 20min (2hrs 20min)
About Created Discs Characteristic of disc HD Video HD Video SD Video b Note • A Blu-ray Disc and DVD (AVCHD disc) cannot be played on an AVCHD incompatible DVD player or recorder. Do not insert these discs in the DVD player or recorder. The DVD player or recorder may fail to eject the disc, and erase its contents.
Configuration of disc This unit creates a disc menu on the recorded disc. The Disc Menu is displayed each time a disc is inserted into a playback device and can be used to select videos from dates or thumbnails. According to the type of disc being created and the device connection used for recording, disc configuration varies, and there may be some restrictions.
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• The Disc Menu displays thumbnails of the titles created at points in the video where the shooting date changes. For each title, chapters (breakpoints of a video on the disc) are automatically created by scene between the point where you start and stop shooting on the camera. •...
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Discs recorded photos • When copying photos to a disc, new file numbers are assigned to the recorded photos in the order they are copied to the disc. • The recorded photos are stored in a folder “sssVBDMA” created under the “DCIM” folder on the disc.
Additional Information Precautions Operation and storage conditions Avoid using or storing this unit in hot or humid locations, or places where it might be subject to severe vibration or direct sunlight. Cleaning Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the external surfaces of this unit.
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• Photo recording DCF2.0 compliant file format JPEG ( .jpg file) MPO ( .mpo file) RAW ( .arw file)* Supported Sony cameras only (except camcorders shooting with 8cm DVD). Supported Sony cameras only. Sony ARW2.2 format Playback Playable discs...
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USB port Type A* Type mini B* For DV input from DV digital video camera only. For Sony camera connection only (except charging battery on camera). For PC mode (PC connection) Memory card slot* “Memory Stick Duo” SD Memory Card...
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Index Numerics 1080/60p ... 23 3D photo ... 22, 53 3D video ... 23 ARW file ... 22, 23 AUDIO IN connectors... 34 Audio/video cable... 33 Auto Chapter ... 57 Auto Finalizing... 57 Auto Shut Off ... 58 Auto Stop Timer... 56 AVCHD...
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Scene... 73 SD (Standard Definition) discs ... 73 SD (Standard Definition) video ... 20 SD Card ... 69 Select input ... 39, 45 Select Photos 3D ... 53 displaying only one photo... 53 marked photo... 53 RAW... 53 Select Videos marked scene ...
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P/N 7925000103A Sony Corporation Printed in China...