Hitachi VMH-81A - Camcorder, Instruction Manual

Page 1: ...DA Tel 404 279 5600 Tel 514 697 9150 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII INC 3219 Koapaka Street Honolulu Hawaii 96819 Tel 808 836 3621 Thank you for buying a Hitachi product You ve chosen the best 8 mm video camcorder for you and we want to help you make the most of your purchase Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up Keep it handy for feature reference QR11932 H...

Page 2: ...21 Remote Control Battery 21 Edit Remote Control Batteries 22 Camcorder Battery 22 Removing the Battery 23 Checking the Battery s Charge 23 Using Alternative Power Sources 23 Using the AC Adapter Charger 24 Using a Car Battery 24 Inserting and Removing Cassettes 24 Inserting a cassette 24 When the cassette holder marked PUSH is pressed 25 Removing a Cassette 25 Protecting Recording Material 25 Usi...

Page 3: ...e Wireless Remote Control 48 Creating and Recording A Title 49 Creating a Title 49 Correcting Errors 50 Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder 50 Recording a Created Title while Transferring a Tape 50 Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR 51 Using Synchro Edit 51 Simple Programmable Edit 52 Programming the Remote Control for the VCR 52 Operation 53 To End Programmable Simple Edit 55 Controlling ...

Page 4: ...N TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND FULLY INSERT PLUG WARNING Many television programs and films are copyrighted In certain circumstances copyright law may apply to private in home videotaping of copyrighted materials Thi...

Page 5: ...er This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer s attention to Article 820 40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and in particular specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical Notes This unit uses 8mm video format cassettes It records and plays back in the SP mode 14...

Page 6: ...ill fit into the power outlet only one way This is a safety feature If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet try reversing the plug If the plug should still fail to fit contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet To prevent electric shock do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted without b...

Page 7: ...lectric shock or fire If in doubt contact qualified service personnel 10 Water and Moisture Do not use this video product near water for example near a bath tub wash bowl kitchen sink or laundry tub in a wet basement or near a swimming pool and the like 11 Accessories Do not place this video product on an unstable card stand tripod bracket or table The video product may fall causing serious injury...

Page 8: ...tage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock Never spill liquid of any kind on the video product 16 Lightning For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm or when it its left unattended and unused for long periods of time unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system This will prevent damage to the video product du...

Page 9: ...dicates a need for service 19 Replacement Parts When replacement parts are required have the service technician verify that the replacements he uses have the same safety characteristics as the original parts Use of replacements specified by the video product manufacturer can prevent fire electric shock or other hazards 20 Safety Check Upon completion of any service or repairs to this video product...

Page 10: ...located so that it will not be stepped on tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage or stress 9 Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug replace them immediately 10 An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock If extension cord must be used make sure A The pins on plug of extension cord...

Page 11: ...es of the Hitachi VM H81A We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you You can use the video camcorder without reading this section A General Maintenance section to help keep your purchase in good repair We want this manual to be as helpful as possible so it includes two easy ways to find the information you need A quick index for the informat...

Page 12: ...direct sunshine Near heating appliances Do not leave the viewfinder lens facing sunlight for a prolonged period or the phosphorescent surface of the cathode ray tube or the liquid crystal display LCD panel may be damaged Features Water resistant Optical link 24x zoom ratio Instant zoom Multi function TV Cam remote control Image stabilization Color electronic viewfinder EVF Components and Accessori...

Page 13: ...sed by mail by sending either cheque money order or your credit card information to the following address IN U S A Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Parts Division 401 West Atresia Blvd Compton California U S A 90220 For more information concerning the purchase of camcorder accessories please see the optional accessory listing found on page 69 Water Resistant Water Resistant Structure Your camc...

Page 14: ...ke it violently where water pressure is applied Note The camcorder cannot be used under water because it is not water proof Be Careful when Opening and Closing the Sections with Packing The camcorder inside the case is not structured to be water resistant Take great care that no water droplets enter inside Check that the three sections with packing are closed tightly to ensure that it is water res...

Page 15: ...tion of the arrow to unlock the cover Pull the cover forward to open it 2 To close the battery compartment cover press both sections marked PUSH simultaneously and make sure that a click is heard Also check that the BATT EJECT lever is aligned with the mark as shown in the figure below and the red mark of the lever cannot be seen How to Open and Close the Jack Cover 1 To open turn the knob on the ...

Page 16: ...old place to a warm place leave it for a while until it reaches the ambient temperature before opening the case Be careful that no water droplets or snow flakes enter when opening the case If they enter the humidity inside rises and condensation is likely to occur Moisture also condenses on the lens If moisture condenses on the lens clear pictures cannot be recorded If condensation occurs on the l...

Page 17: ... Adapter Charger 1 Plug the AC adapter charger power cord into an AC outlet Make sure that the wide blade fits into the wide slot If it doesn t fit try reversing it If you still cannot make fit the blades into the outlet either contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet or use a polarized cord or outlet accessory 2 Push the battery till it is flush with the AC adapter charger sliding i...

Page 18: ...apter charger and the battery loaded in the camcorder 1 Set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch of the camcorder to OFF 2 Load a battery inside the camcorder 3 Connect the external power cord plug to the DC OUTPUT jack on the AC adapter charger 4 Attach the other end of the external power cord to the installation section at the bottom of the camcorder 5 Attach another battery to the AC adapter charger 6 Plug...

Page 19: ...harging is not done when it is set to CAM or VIDEO Note Read the instruction manual of the car adapter charger carefully before charging Additional Information The battery has a green charge marker on one side of the battery When the battery is removed from the AC adapter charger a green color marker will be exposed When the battery is ejected from the camcorder no green marker will be seen Note T...

Page 20: ...ng the Electronic Viewfinder The electronic viewfinder adjusts simply by pivoting it to a position where it is comfortable and easy to see through Place the viewfinder back in its original position before storing the camcorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder around to avoid damaging the viewfinder or camcorder Caution Do not point the electronic viewfinder to direct sunlight it could d...

Page 21: ...converter lenses optional are not water resistant Loading Batteries Install the remote control battery to prevent misplacing it Remote Control Battery 1 Push the tab to the right of the remote control and hold it then remove the battery holder 2 Press the PLAY button and hold it for about two seconds 3 Insert the battery with the terminal facing up as shown in the figure above 4 Replace the batter...

Page 22: ...ace Edit Remote Control Batteries Be sure to install two AA size batteries before use Be careful to install with the correct polarity Note Do not use the old and new batteries at the same time Note Do not mix batteries of different types Note Do not short take apart or dispose of batteries by throwing them into a fire Note When liquid leaks wipe it off completely and then insert new batteries Camc...

Page 23: ...ttery will come out Pull the battery forward to remove it Note The battery is ejected by the force of a spring Be careful not to drop the battery Checking the Battery s Charge A battery charge indicator is located on the upper right corner of the viewfinder One of three symbols displays when the battery is used This symbol indicates a fully charged battery This symbol indicates a partially charged...

Page 24: ...one purchase it at your Hitachi distributor Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional Car Adapter Charger Hitachi VM CA500A to plug the camcorder into the car s cigarette lighter socket Please ensure that the CAM OFF VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply ie battery AC adapter charger etc Using Car Battery...

Page 25: ...strong light does not strike the camcorder When the cassette holder marked PUSH is pressed If the cassette is in the camcorder holder stops temporarily to detect moisture Note If TAPE flashes in the viewfinder remove the cassette and check that the tape is not damaged is not slack or no dust adheres to it etc After making sure that there is no abnormality reinsert the cassette If TAPE reappears se...

Page 26: ...the DISPLAY button on the remote control allows you to switch the displays in the viewfinder When the camcorder is turned on the linear time counter appears Pressing the DISPLAY button once displays the linear time counter with the memory feature Note The linear time counter with the memory feature in the viewfinder can also be displayed on the connected television Pressing the DISPLAY button a se...

Page 27: ...ature works in F FWD as well Setting the Date and Time Take the time to set the date and time now The time backup battery is rechargeable Charge the backup battery every two months Set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch on the camera recorder to OFF and connect a charged battery or the AC adapter charger to the camcorder for 24 hours If you record the date and time at the beginning of each recording session...

Page 28: ...orded again in the following cases when the cassette is replaced when AUTO is displayed again after being switched to the date display and when the recording is less than 10 seconds long If the date changes while recording continues over 10 seconds when recording the date is recorded for 10 seconds when recording is restarted after the camcorder has been set to the standby once Press the DATE butt...

Page 29: ...ng it If water pressure is applied to the microphone directly it could cause damage to the microphone Position the microphone cap as shown in the figure and put it on the microphone securely until a click is heard Attaching the Terminal Cover The terminal cover protects the terminal at the bottom of the camcorder from damage dirt dust etc Attach the terminal cover if you are not using the external...

Page 30: ...r resistant If you use the remote control for recording when it rains or snows or where it could be splashed by water insert the remote control into the bag with the infrared transmission window forward as shown in the figure You can use the remote control while it is in the bag ...

Page 31: ...mote are received Aim the remote control to this area for best results 8 Record In Camera Battery Charge Indicator This indicator lights red when the camcorder is recording and lights green when the battery inside the camcorder is being charged 9 AV Signal Transmitter This transmits the AV signals played back by the camcorder to the AV optical receiver 10 F FWD button Use this button to fast forwa...

Page 32: ...ld down the red button to slide the switch to OFF 20 Power Zoom Switch Use this to zoom automatically Using the Power Zoom p 42 Pressing the power zoom switch strongly results in rapid zooming and pressing it lightly results in slow zooming 21 INST ZOOM Instant Zoom Button Use this button to magnify the image being recorded 1 5 times momentarily 22 AV IN OUT Jack Behind the jack cover Use this jac...

Page 33: ...es can be inserted or removed though the CAM OFF VIDEO switch may be set to OFF Inserting and Removing Cassettes p 21 31 Record Mode Select Switch START STOP Pressing the Start Stop button alternates between recording and recording pause HOLD TO REC The camcorder is set to recording while the Start Stop button is held depressed and it enters recording pause when the button is released 32 External ...

Page 34: ...ynchro Edit p 51 39 COUNTER RESET Button only on the remote control Use this button to reset the linear time counter to 0 00 00 40 TITLE ON OFF Button only on the remote control Use this button to create and record titles for your tapes Creating and Recording Titles p 48 41 DISPLAY Button only on the remote control Use this button to select the viewfinder and TV display Using the Display Button p ...

Page 35: ...ng The Hitachi VM H81A uses PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter speed either 1 60 1 120 1 180 1 250 1 350 1 500 1 750 1 1000 1 1500 1 2000 or 1 4000 of a second The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed 1 Connect the camcorder to a power source Loading Batteries 2 Open the case 3 Set the record mode select switch to START STOP Refer to Holding ...

Page 36: ...o record pause mode Holding Button to Record 1 Set the record mode select switch to HOLD TO REC before starting recording 2 Press the Start Stop button and hold it The camcorder records while the Start Stop button is held depressed and enters the record pause mode when the button is released Note Switch the record mode in modes other than recording Playing Back Your Recording with AV Optical Link ...

Page 37: ...tions when using the AC power adapter To reduce risk of injury or damage to the AV optical receiver use only the 120V AC power supply If you are not going to use the AV optical receiver for a long time unplug the AC power adapter from the AC outlet If any abnormality or trouble occurs If you find any abnormality or trouble immediately unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet and consult the video ...

Page 38: ...IDEO switch of the camcorder is set to CAM no signal can be transmitted 5 Press the PLAY button Now the playback picture appears on the TV screen Note When you use the remote control to operate the camcorder point it at the infrared receiver of the camcorder You cannot operate the camcorder by pointing the remote control at the AV optical receiver 6 When playback is finished set the CAM OFF VIDEO ...

Page 39: ...from which the signal can reach the receiver from the camcorder may be shorter due to the rack s glass door Note If the AV optical receiver is used with wireless headphones or two camcorders of this type are used simultaneously interference may occur Note As the distance to the receiver becomes longer the picture and sound quality deteriorates The picture and sound quality also deteriorates when t...

Page 40: ...o In and Video In Jacks 10 1 Disconnect the VHF antenna leads from the back of the television Leave the UHF antenna leads connected 2 Connect the VHF antenna lead to ANT IN of the RF output adapter If the cable on the VHF antenna lead is flat you need to purchase an antenna adapter 300 ohm to 75 ohm transformer Connect the antenna adapter to the VHF antenna lead and slide the adapter on to the ANT...

Page 41: ...prevent damage to the tape Note When you engage play pause mode the still picture will have some interference or noise This is normal Using Forward and Reverse Search When looking for a particular point in your videotape use the F F button and REW button to find the spot quickly Press F FWD button during playback to play the tape forward at approximately 9 times normal speed Press PLAY button to r...

Page 42: ...the digital zoom function shown below has been engaged When the power zoom switch is operated the zoom position is displayed in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds and then disappears The zoom position is displayed in 10 steps Pressing the power zoom switch strongly results in rapid zooming and pressing it lightly results in slow zooming Note You can use the zoom switch on the remote control though...

Page 43: ...the original zoom position press the INST ZOOM button so that I ZOOM disappears from the viewfinder Note This instant zoom has certain limitations and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder s movement Using Auto Focus 11 The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder automatically unless the manual focus is engaged If FOCUS appears in the viewfinder manual ...

Page 44: ...iewfinder You can adjust the focus manually 2 Use the power zoom T control to zoom up completely to your subject If you don t use the T control to zoom to the picture you want the picture may fall out of focus when actual recording starts 3 Press the Focus control until the subject is in focus 4 Use the power zoom W control to zoom back to the picture you desire Note To return to auto focus press ...

Page 45: ... that adjusts the lens aperture depending on the available light widening it during low light conditions and narrowing it when bright light is available When the camcorder is turned off the iris fully closes When you are filming a subject in front of a brightly lit background press the B LIGHT button and it corrects the lighting on the tape Using Fade Use the fade feature to add a professional tou...

Page 46: ... Stop button to stop recording the fade begins automatically and REC flashes until the fade ends Note When fading out be sure to wait until the PAUSE indicator is visible in the viewfinder before attempting to put the camcorder into the record mode again Using Instant Review Use this feature to view the last few seconds of the tape you shot 1 Set the camcorder to record pause mode and tap the REW ...

Page 47: ...Advanced Techniques 47 ...

Page 48: ...nches Press and hold the power zoom control W The camera focuses on the subject automatically Check your lighting as it tends to be insufficient when filming close up Using 16x9 Pressing the 16x9 button during recording or recording pause fades the top and bottom of the picture in the viewfinder to black 16x9 is displayed in the viewfinder When the 16x9 button is pressed again 16x9 disappears and ...

Page 49: ...te The remote control cannot be used to operate the camcorder when the microphone cap is left attached Creating and Recording A Title Create titles easily and personalize your recordings while keeping a permanent visual record of what is contained on a tape The camcorder can store 2 different titles in its memory A title stored in memory can be displayed and recorded at any time A title contains t...

Page 50: ... on the remote control to stop recording the title The title graphics disappear from the viewfinder and the camcorder can record normally Note Create and store your title before an event you plan to record Just press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control to superimpose the title over the scene as you record it This method avoids erasing previously recorded material which will happen when y...

Page 51: ...it to record only segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR This requires an optional synchro edit cable The Hitachi VM H81A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits Your VCR must have the EDIT IN jack to use the synchro edit Synchro Edit hookup Illustration 1 Connect the synchro edit cable to the AV I...

Page 52: ...nt where you wish to start recording and start copying When the linear time counter reaches 0 00 00 the recording stops automatically pausing the VCR in the record mode Note If the tape counter reads 0 00 00M you cannot start recording Simple Programmable Edit 16 Simple programmable edit allows you to program your camcorder to select the scenes you want to copy from a pre recorded tape Use the edi...

Page 53: ...UNTER RESET Magnavox TITLE ON OFF Note The remote control code is held in memory until it is changed or the batteries are replaced Note Point the remote control straight at the VCR s infrared receiver for operation Note Use the remote control indoors When the infrared receivers of the VCR and camcorder are exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light the remote control may not operate cor...

Page 54: ...d it for reverse play 6 Press the IN button to store the counter reading When you press the IN button OUT flashes in the program display 7 Press the button to search for the end of the segment you want to copy Press and then to set the camcorder to the play pause mode Use the FORWARD or REVERSE button as required to fine adjust the tape position 8 Press the OUT button to store the counter reading ...

Page 55: ...ined below this remote may be incapable of operating it Once you have programmed the remote you won t have to do it again until you change the batteries This remote control can be used with your TV as well as the camcorder as long as your TV comes with a remote control This feature comes in handy you don t have to juggle two remotes The remote control is compatible with the fourteen makers of TVs ...

Page 56: ... EDIT Controlling the TV Once programmed the camcorder s remote control is ready to control the TV Press the button of the TV function that you want Be aware that not all of your TV s functions may work even though the remote control is correctly programmed Note It may not be possible to control all TVs listed in the Table Note The AVX Button can t be used with Gold Star 2 and Sharp TVs Using Audi...

Page 57: ...V DUB pause mode 9 Press the PAUSE START STOP button The audio video dubbing starts When the linear time counter reaches 0 00 00M the camcorder stops automatically recording only the portion of the tape that you selected Remote Control of Camcorder Illustration Note If the camcorder is in AV DUB pause or STILL mode for more than 5 minutes the camcorder stops automatically to protect the tape Note ...

Page 58: ...his event press the STOP button to stop the camcorder unplug the AV input cable and play back the tape again Note To monitor the picture being recorded connect the AV stereo output cable provided to the VIDEO IN jack of the television as shown above If the AV stereo output cable is connected to the S VIDEO IN jack no color may appear on monitor screen ...

Page 59: ...move foreign matter or salt Do not wash the case with water at high pressure It could cause water to enter Use the brush provided to wipe off the sand and mud from the clearances of the case switches buttons snap etc Note Remove the dirt and dust completely from the terminal section at the bottom using the brush provided or a soft cloth 3 Wipe off the water on the case with a dry cloth 4 Release t...

Page 60: ... professional service INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Check Point Correction Cassette holder cannot be opened when you slide EJECT button Connect the power source Cassette cannot be inserted into cassette compartment Load cassette in direction indicated by arrow on cassette Cassette window must be toward outside CAMERA RECORDING Symptom Check Point Correction Picture does not appear in ...

Page 61: ...elevision set to obtain best picture Picture bends at the top of the TV screen TV receiver is older type It needs to be modified to work properly with camera recorder Tape is damaged try another cassette Color of your TV screen is too bright too faint or change TV set has VIR circuit Turn off during playback BATTERY CONDITION Symptom Check Point Correction The indication in the electronic viewfind...

Page 62: ...A only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U S A DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week 24 hours a day 800 HITACHI 1 800 448 2244 Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit However should you require service a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been e...

Page 63: ...Specifications 63 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd Norcross GA 30093 Tel 404 279 5600 Hitachi Sales Corporation of Hawaii 3219 Koapaka St Honolulu HI 96819 Tel 808 836 3621 ...

Page 64: ...r Hitachi VM H81A can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement Converter lenses adapters for synchro editing and car cords are just a few of the exciting accessories available to you from Hitachi Hitachi takes you to wherever your imagination leads 1 800 HITACHI ...

Page 65: ...CAN EXPRESS card ready and call Hitachi s toll free number anytime 24 hours a day 7 days a week 1 800 HITACHI By Mail Complete the order form on page 69 Detach it and send it to the following address with your credit card information money order or check in U S currency and payable to Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Parts Division 401 West Artesia Blvd Com...

Page 66: ...arts at no charge to the original owner Parts used for replacement are warranted for the remainder of the original Limited Warranty period For 90 days from the date of original purchase Hitachi will provide labor for the repair or replacement of defective parts without charge subject to the following conditions 1 Owner must provide verification of the date of purchase when requesting Limited Warra...

Page 67: ... LIMITED WARRANTY HITACHI MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTY REGARDING THIS HITACHI PRODUCT FURTHER ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO ANY PORTION OF THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO 90 DAYS FOR LABOR AND TWO YEARS FOR PARTS THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTY CONTAINED ABOVE HITACHI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE PURCHASER OR...

Page 68: ...HITACHI WARRANTY CARD USA Back 68 HITACHI ...

Page 69: ...uring the normal warranty the only valid proof required for servicing the product is the Hitachi GOLD CARD or the bill of purchase The Protection Plan Card cannot be used as proof of warranty Only after the expiration of the normal warranty the owner can have the product repaired without charge at any authorized Hitachi Service Center upon presentation of the Protection Plan Card D This Protection...

Page 70: ...PLATINUM CARD which is the only valid document to be presented at the time of repair to an authorized Hitachi Service Center THIS PROTECTION PLAN IS NOT TRANSFERABLE NOR REFUNDABLE H This Protection Plan can be renewed as long as the request is made before the expiry date of the Plan Hitachi however reserves the right to refuse any renewal I Hitachi reserves the right to cancel the Protection Plan...

Page 71: ...SIS To avoid any damage to the returned goods please ensure that proper packaging procedures are followed A short written description of the problem along with proof of warranty should accompany the product returned for repair Only products under warranty will be returned on a no charge basis to the customer The customer is responsible for all transport costs if the product is no longer under warr...

Page 72: ...in Canada by any organization other than HITACHI HSC CANADA INC IMPORTANT This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties guarantees or agreements whether express or implied and no person dealer or company is authorized to change modify or extend its terms in any manner whatsoever HITACHI WARRANTY REGISTRATION for your records Model No Serial No Date of Purchase Dealer s Name Dealer s Address Cit...