The Sony TRV-900 is shipped with the pass-through NOT activated. However, there is a hack that will allow you to activate the pass-through function. It requires purchasing a service remote. The RM-95 is a wired LANC remote which can control any LANC camera or VCR. From what I read on the internet <http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/rm95.html#transcoding> ...it isn't that difficult to do and you can always reset if you want to. Haven't done this 'cause I also have a Sony D8 camera which does pass-through when I need to use that function. Hope this helps ! Fabian Keif says, "Toronto Rocks !"