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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

1

 

 

HITACHI 

Video 

Deck 

 

 

     VHS 

VT-M292A 

     

 

Owner's Manual 

Your Complete Guide 
to Videocassette Viewing 
and Recording 

Using these quality features: 

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 Automatic tape head cleaning 

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 Up to 8 delayed recording programs 

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 Auto Tracking for improved picture in playback 

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 Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner 

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 Remote control for use with your VCR and TV 

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 On-screen programming guide 

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 VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording 

* VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp. VCR Plus+ system is 
manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation. 

HITACHI HOME   

HITACHI SALES   

HITACHI (HSC) 

ELECTRONICS 

 CORPORATION 

 CANADA 

INC. 

(AMERICA), INC.   

OF HAWAII, INC.   

3300 Trans Canada Hwy. 

3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd.,  3219 Koapaka Street   

Pointe Claire, Quebec 

Norcross, GA 30093   

Honolulu, HI 96819   

H9R1B1, CANADA 

Tel. 404-279-5600 

 

Tel. 808-836-3621 

 

Tel. 514-697-9150 

QR12034 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed in Malaysia 

Summary of Contents for VT-M292A

Page 1: ...ur VCR and TV n n n n On screen programming guide n n n n VCR Plus for easy timed recording VCR Plus and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp VCR Plus system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation HITACHI HOME HITACHI SALES HITACHI HSC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION CANADA INC AMERICA INC OF HAWAII INC 3300 Trans Canada Hwy 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd 3219 Koapaka ...

Page 2: ...mote Control Buttons 18 When the Remote Doesn t Work Right 19 VCR Controls 20 Display Indicators 20 Meet Your On Screen Guide 21 Getting Started Initial Setup 22 Setup for First Time Operation 22 Initial Setup Options 22 Setting the Clock 23 More About Channel Selections 24 Getting Started Videotapes 25 About Videocassette Tapes 25 Types 25 Safety Tabs Prevent Erasure 25 Loading and Ejecting 25 Ta...

Page 3: ...erations Cable Box Hookups 46 Hooking Up to a Cable Box 46 Position Cable Box 46 A Basic Hookup 46 B Advanced Hookup Cable box to unscramble all channels 47 C Advanced Hookup Cable box to unscramble only pay channels 47 Advanced Operations Second VCR 48 Integrating a Second VCR 48 Hookup 48 Copying from One VCR to Another Dubbing 48 Copying Tapes From a Camcorder 48 VCR Care and Servicing 50 Routi...

Page 4: ...erous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation and maintenance of this unit has been included Therefore it should be read carefully in order to avoid any problems CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SE...

Page 5: ...pliance could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Note to CATV system installer 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...

Page 6: ...VCR These sections are highlighted like this in the table of contents Information on the advanced features of your Hitachi VCR We hope you ll take time to learn about these functions since we ve designed them for you But you can use the VCR without reading these sections We want this manual to be a tool for you so we provide two ways to find the information you need A quick index to the basic func...

Page 7: ...operating instructions 4 Polarized Plug This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug a plug having one blade wider than the other This plug will 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 you...

Page 8: ...nings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed sofa rug or other similar surface This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register This video product should not be placed in a built in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the video product manufacturer s instructions have been followed 9 Attachments D...

Page 9: ...r grounding of the mast and supporting structure grounding of the lead in wire to an antenna discharge unit size of grounding conductors location of antenna discharge unit connection to grounding electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode See example below EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING 13 Power Lines An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power line...

Page 10: ...deo product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions a When the power supply cord or plug is damaged b If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the video product c If the video product has been exposed to rain or water d If the video product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions Adjust only thos...

Page 11: ...y 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 ask the service technician to perform safety checks recommended by the manufacturer to determine that the video product is in safe operating condition ...

Page 12: ...ion place the VCR near the stereo receiver or have enough long audio cables to make the connections But keep in mind that the electronic signal weakens the further it has to travel 2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use To make your VCR function you ll deal with two basic hookups 1 The audio and video signal If all you want to do is view a prerecorded videotape on the VCR this two line hookup is the ...

Page 13: ...o jacks on your TV you need to purchase a two line audio video cable with bell RCA connectors like this If you find a video jack and only one audio jack your TV is probably monaural You can purchase a two line audio video cable but the three line is handy in case you get a stereo TV later Connect the yellow VIDEO OUT jack on the VCR to the VIDEO IN jack on the TV This direct video input will give ...

Page 14: ...ching the TV in your home before getting the VCR you will already have a round wire attached to your TV Otherwise look for a cable connection coming in through the wall from outside If you find this connection remember to call your local cable company to start the service 1 If still hooked up to your TV unscrew the round wire from the 75 ohm connector on your television Otherwise take the wire tha...

Page 15: ...may have 300 ohm connectors like these In this case you will need special adapters to make the 75 ohm round wire connection shown below You may already have one on your TV 1 Remove the antenna line from the back of your TV if it is already connected there or take it from where it comes in on the wall 2 Considering the three pictures below determine which adapter you will need to hook it into your ...

Page 16: ...se the cable extension to go from the adapter to the VCR Use the supplied 75 ohm cable to connect the VCR to the TV Now continue with the hookup 1 Using whichever adapter you have fit your antenna with attach that connector to the IN FROM ANT jack on the back of the VCR 2 Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR connect either end to the OUT TO TV jack on the back of the VCR 3 Use a second ad...

Page 17: ...the plus end of each battery with the plus mark on the remote 7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch When the VCR is on its video signal can come into your TV on either channel 3 or channel 4 You need to select the appropriate channel Turn the power on to both the TV and the VCR and look for a switch on the back of the VCR Set the switch to 3 or 4 whichever is not a commercial channel in your area Y...

Page 18: ...ontrols on the VCR that will come in handy too When you re familiar with these basic controls proceed to Initial Setup page 20 We ll show you how to program your local channels and set the clock to make your VCR fully functional How the Remote Control Works Pressing a button on the remote control transmits an invisible beam of light infrared to a receiver at the right front of the VCR When using t...

Page 19: ...or channel 124 AVX Used for recording from an auxiliary input such as a stereo system CHANNEL Top button switches to next higher channel bottom button switches to the next lower channel For these to operate you must have preset your channels LAST CHANNEL Switches to the TV channel you watched previously during the current viewing session F FWD Fast forwards the videotape STOP Stops a videocassette...

Page 20: ...atch a different channel on the TV press the VCR TV button to switch back and forth between the TV channel and the recording channel VCR Controls POWER Turns VCR power on and off STOP EJECT Cancels any videotape action and when pressed a second time ejects tape PLAY Plays the loaded videotape DISPLAY Shows time channel and status indicators CHANNEL Up and down arrows for selecting channels REC IRT...

Page 21: ...r VCR it will be set to English Press number 8 or 9 for the other language options Now you will do most of your programming and setup by pressing numbers on the remote control which correspond to options presented in this and other on screen menus Instructions are easy to follow and blinking spaces on the screen will show you where your input is needed When you want to leave the Easy Guide System ...

Page 22: ... are preset at the factory They come up on the VCR every time the power goes out for more than 1 hour for example during a storm or when you unplug the VCR Look at each item to see if it matches your own setup To change a setting press the button that has the same number as that item This will cycle you through several options When everything is set up as you want press GUIDE again to back out of ...

Page 23: ...less CATV 1 or CATV 2 has been selected in option 1 CHANNEL setting Setting the Clock This is easy to do and important for your later timed recordings You ll need to set the clock when first hooking up your VCR and any time the power goes out more than 1 hour When you first plug in the VCR or after a power outage the clock display will read To set the clock press GUIDE then press 6 to bring up the...

Page 24: ...selected Then select CATV2 in your Initial Setup screen For convenience the TV channel numbers should match those programmed into the VCR If your TV has automatic channel programming set it on the same mode ANT CATV1 or CATV2 and let it reprogram to match the VCR Once channels are preset you can use the up and down CHANNEL buttons to move through the active channels Or you can press the number but...

Page 25: ...ties at Different Speeds TYPES RECORDING TIME SP EP T 120 120 min 360 min T 160 160 min 480 min You may have noticed that there is also an LP speed You Hitachi VCR does not record at this speed but it can play cassettes that were recorded in LP mode No special setting is required for playback Safety Tabs Prevent Erasure A safety tab is located on the front left edge of every videotape next to the ...

Page 26: ... To remove the cassette simply press the STOP EJECT button on the VCR If the tape is playing press STOP EJECT once to stop the tape and a second time to eject it Now you can take the cassette out and put it away Tape Storage Store your videocassettes in their jackets and in an upright position like books in a bookshelf away from any magnetic sources Resist the temptation to leave them lying flat o...

Page 27: ...lay Direct Video Input to the TV Normally you would select channel 3 or 4 on the TV to receive a signal from the VCR You can get an even better picture if your TV has an auxiliary video input feature and if the TV and VCR have a direct video to video hookup If this is the case do not select channel 3 or 4 Instead Press the AUX or VIDEO button on the TV s remote control to select the proper input c...

Page 28: ...W The VCR rewinds the tape all the way to the beginning then stops Press STOP EJECT on the VCR to release the tape Movie Return If your videocassette has the safety tab removed and you set the MOVIE functions to ON during initial setup the VCR will stop and automatically rewind the videocassette eject it and turn off the power when it reaches the end of the tape or a blank section of tape which la...

Page 29: ...return to playback at a normal speed press PLAY To stop the tape press STOP To Find Specific Sections on a Tape Visual Search This function lets you search backward and forward through the videotape while viewing it Using the buttons on the VCR Press PLAY and then REW to search in reverse Press PLAY and then F FWD to search ahead Press PLAY again to return to to normal playback Searching with the ...

Page 30: ...it Press PLAY to watch the tape from that preselected spot Press DISPLAY to take the counter display off The spot is still in memory until you set a new one or until the tape is ejected Jump Forward or Backward with GO TO Using the time counter you can search for a spot a certain number of minutes before or after your current position on the tape Press STOP if tape is playing and press DISPLAY the...

Page 31: ...ewinds or fast forwards until an index mark is detected During this search the words SCAN AND PLAY display on the bottom of your screen When the VCR finds an index mark it plays 15 seconds of the program that begins at that spot If this is the program you were looking for press PLAY to resume normal playback If this is not the program you want don t press anything After 15 seconds the VCR will mov...

Page 32: ...up with a direct audio video cable set the TV to AUX or VIDEO 3 Press DISPLAY then press 5 when the SP EP message appears on the TV screen to select SP standard play for the best picture quality or EP extended play for longest recording time on a single tape An indicator on the VCR s display shows which speed is active 4 Set the VCR to the channel you want to record from Use the up and down CHANNE...

Page 33: ...use the CHANNEL buttons won t work while you are in recording mode to keep you from accidentally switching the station while recording Change the channel to the one you prefer Press PAUSE to continue recording To Leave Index Marks on the Tape This feature is useful when you are recording several programs on the same tape It helps you quickly find the beginnings of the shows during playback page 32...

Page 34: ...work Types of Delayed Recordings ONE TIME Records one show at a particular date and time DAILY Records a show at the same time every day of the week Monday through Friday WEEKLY Records a show at the same day and time every week Your VCR can record up to 8 programs at different days and times or up to 8 programs on the same day Before You Begin Assemble the information you need for timed recording...

Page 35: ...R and then immediately within 10 seconds press the STOP button use buttons on the remote or VCR as you wish An Example Let s say you were interviewed today by a local TV reporter You re eager to see yourself on the evening news tonight The news comes on channel 8 at 6 0 clock but you ve got a meeting scheduled during that time Luckily you just purchased this Hitachi VCR Press GUIDE press 2 then pr...

Page 36: ... main menu Programming Priorities When you have set up several timed recordings it may occur that some of their times overlap For example this can happen if you are set up to record shows on a daily or weekly basis and a special show comes on that you try to record during the same time slot Shows with Same Starting Time If the overlapping programs start at the same time the VCR records in order th...

Page 37: ...n your VCR s memory This is called channel setup and you do it using the on screen Easy Guide System The procedure depends on what kind of hookup you have We ll give you step by step instructions Then you will be ready to begin VCR Plus recording also using the on screen Easy Guide System VCR Plus TM and PlusCodeTM are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp Channel Setup Before You Begin Channel s...

Page 38: ...CR s memory The way you do this depends on how your VCR is hooked up to the incoming RF signal Decide which hookup you have from the diagrams below and follow the setup instructions for your type of hookup Hint Try several practice recordings after doing your channel setup You should get the same channels as you usually watch at home Home antenna or Cable no cable box Cable with a cable box Cable ...

Page 39: ...CR Plus channel codes Matching Broadcast CH Numbers to VCR Plus Channels for Home Antenna or Cable No Cable Box Setup 1 Press GUIDE then press 4 to select VCR PLUS SETUP You will see the screen as shown below 2 A small arrow points to a blank in the Channel column If your broadcast channel number is the same as the VCR Plus channel in your TV listing do not enter any number Press CHANNEL up or dow...

Page 40: ...in you need to know the output channel for your cable box Usually this is either 03 or 04 but it could be 02 through 13 Consult your cable company if you re not sure 1 Connect the Cable Box VCR and TV See page 50 2 Press GUIDE then press 5 to select INITIAL SETUP MENU 3 Press 1 to select CATV2 with the ANT CATV1 CATV2 setting then press 7 to select CABLE BOX SET menu 4 Press 2 to answer YES to the...

Page 41: ... VCR channel will not change but cable box will change channels Depending on the manufacturer of your cable box certain models will allow you to enter the channel directly by using the numbers on the remote Cable box did not tune to channel 9 Press number 1 on the remote and enter a different code from the chart If these codes do not work Try repositioning the cable box on top of the VCR and reent...

Page 42: ...t up the delayed recording using the on screen Easy Guide System 1 Press GUIDE then press 1 to select VCR PLUS RECORDING and bring up this screen 2 Use the number buttons to enter the PlusCode of the program you want to record This code can be up to eight digits If you enter a wrong digit press CLEAR and enter the correct one 3 If you accidentally enter a nonexistent PlusCode the VCR gives you an ...

Page 43: ...to complete your programming or continue with additional programs When you have set up all the timed recordings you want Don t forget to load a videocassette with the safety tab still attached to record on If using a cable box the VCR can control turn on the cable box before the time the recording is to begin If using a cable box the VCR cannot control turn on the cable box and tune it to the chan...

Page 44: ...akers of TV s listed below but don t be alarmed if yours is not on our list You may still be able to program the remote for your TV Every TV that comes with a remote control is set up to detect certain infrared signals You need to program the VCR s remote control to send signals that your TV will recognize and respond to Here s what to do Programming the Remote Control Turn the television on any c...

Page 45: ...1 CHANNEL up arrow Mitsubishi CHANNEL down arrow JVC 100 ENT Sharp 1 LAST CH Sharp 2 DISPLAY Controlling the TV Once programmed the VCR s remote control is ready to control the TV First press TV to change to the TV function mode then press the button of the TV function that you want For example press TV and the CHANNEL up arrow and the TV station will change to the next higher station Press VCR to...

Page 46: ...nect them that way later As an aid to memory use masking tape to label each cable and connection Position Cable Box Position a remote controllable cable box on the top of the VCR as shown Be sure not to block any of the VCR s ventilation holes A Basic Hookup Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories 1 Set the CH3 CH4 switch on the back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4...

Page 47: ... box has audio video output jacks you can also connect the audio video output of the cable box and the audio video input of the VCR With this connection press the AVX button to select L1 as the output channel of the cable box see page 44 C Advanced Hookup Cable box to unscramble only pay channels Use this hookup for slightly improved picture quality and more convenient operation use of VCR TV butt...

Page 48: ...pying from One VCR to Another Dubbing Consider VCR1 the recording VCR and VCR2 VT M292A the playback VCR You will play a tape on VCR2 and record it on VCR1 To begin copying Insert the videotape you wish to record in VCR2 Insert a blank or erasable tape with the safety tab intact into VCR1 Press AVX on VCR1 the LINE indicator will display Press REC on VCR1 and press PLAY on VCR2 To monitor the pict...

Page 49: ... output cable to your VCR see diagram below Illustration of Hookup Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 Line indicator appears in the VCR display Press REC IRT on the VCR to start recording Press PLAY on your camcorder to start copying your tape ...

Page 50: ...uild up on the heads If the picture is blurry during playback or is occasionally interrupted or blanks out try playing different cassettes to see whether you get the same picture problems If the picture problems persist the heads may need to be cleaned professionally Consult your VCR dealer for the name of trained service technician near you Periodic Maintenance Your Hitachi VCR is a precision ele...

Page 51: ...F Input UHF VHF 75 ohm Tuner USA 181 channel tuning capability 125 cable channels Canada 178 channel tuning capability 122 cable channels Type Auto programming frequency synthesis Power Input AC120V 60Hz Power Consumption 18W nominal Cabinet Size 14 15 16 W x 3 11 16 H x 12 15 16 D 38 0cm W x 9 3cm H x 32 8cm D Weight 8 8 lbs 4 kg Storage Temperature 4º F to 131º F Operating Temperature 41º F to 1...

Page 52: ...VCR Care and Servicing 52 ...

Page 53: ...VCR Care and Servicing 53 ...

Page 54: ...VCR Care and Servicing 54 ...

Page 55: ...VCR Care and Servicing 55 ...

Page 56: ... CORRECT FRIM CONNECTIONS POOR PICTURE QUALITY TV CHANNEL SELECTOR ON THE PROPER CHANNNEL SET TV TO CHANNEL 3 OR 4 AS CORRECT FOR YOUR AREA IS TV CORRECTLY TUNED FINE TUNE THE TV STATIC LINES THROUGH THE PICTURE PRESS 1 OR 4 BUTTON TO ADJUST TRACKING NOISY PICTURE DESPITE ALL PREVIOUS ADJUSTMENTS EVEN WHEN PLAYING DIFFERENT CASSETTES HAVE VIDEO HEADS CLEANED BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN NO PI...

Page 57: ...Put cellophane tape over the when you press the videocassette tab area or use a videocas REC sette with the safety tab intact TV program Loose or inappropriate Review hookup directions cannot be connections between VCR and make correct firm con viewed or and TV nections recorded Problem Things to Check Solution Poor picture TV channel selector on theSet TV to channel 3 or 4 as quality noise proper...

Page 58: ...minutes working Eject the cassette if you are done viewing Otherwise no action is necessary Hitachi Service Hotline Authorized Hitachi service facilities are available throughout the US and Canada For the location nearest you call the Hitachi Service Hotline at one of these numbers In the continental U S A DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week 24 hours a day 1 800 HITACHI 1 800 448 2244 You must state your...

Page 59: ... 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 Warranty Service Dated Sales Receipt Required 2 All repairs must be performed by a Hitachi Authorized Service Facility For information concerning repairs operat...

Page 60: ...AGENT DISTRIBUTOR DEALER SERVICE FACILITY OR COMPANY IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE MODIFY OR AMEND THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IN ANY MANNER OR FASHION WHATSOEVER EXCEPT AND TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED IN THIS 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...

Page 61: ...otice Retain your sales receipt for warranty purposes Please complete the section below for your records as it may be needed in the event of loss Attach sales receipt to this card VIDEO PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY REGISTRATION for your record Model No Serial No Date of Purchase Dealer Name Dealer Address City State Zip HITACHI ...

Page 62: ...called Hitachi purchased in Canada from a dealer duly accredited by Hitachi The program is available only for products covered by an original validated Hitachi warranty given at the time of the purchase B Hitachi will make repairs to the product mentioned in this plan parts and labour charges included until the expiry date of this plan C THIS PROTECTION PLAN WILL BE IN FORCE ONLY AFTER EXPIRATION ...

Page 63: ...er or improper packing by the owner specifically applicable in the case of the product having to be shipped by the owner 7 In Home service All video products must be brought to the Service Center for repairs 8 Original installation and any subsequent reinstallation or any transformation of the product 9 The replacement of the video camera pick up element if the pick up element has been over expose...

Page 64: ...i reserves the right to cancel the Protection Plan in case of abuse by the owner in such case Hitachi will reimburse the owner the portion of the plan cost based on the period used J This plan does not constitute an insurance policy It is the owner s responsibility to insure for loss of the product and for any damages which might occur and for loss or damages to any other object and for personal o...

Page 65: ...e with the return portion of this warranty registration card GOLD WARRANTY PERIOD Video Tape Recorder Tuner Timer 1 year parts and labour Camera camcorder AC Adaptor Charger 1 year parts and labour All goods returned to either Hitachi or a Hitachi Authorized Service Center must be shipped on a PREPAID BASIS To avoid any damage to the returned goods please ensure that proper packaging procedures ar...

Page 66: ...ODUCTS USED FOR RENTAL 11 In home service at the customer s location 12 Original installation set up and all normal maintenance needed such as CLEANING OF VIDEO HEADS 13 The replacement of the video camera pickup element if the pickup element has been OVER EXPOSED to an intense source of light 14 Products sold in Canada by any organization other than HITACHI HSC CANADA INC IMPORTANT This warranty ...

Page 67: ...HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD Back 67 City Province ...

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