Hitachi VM-1800A Instruction Manual
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Hitachi VM-1800A Instruction Manual

Hitachi vhs instruction manual vm-1800a vm-2800a vm-3800a
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Instruction Manual
VM-1800A / VM-2800A / VM-3800A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
INC.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Pointe Claire,
Tel. 404-279-5600
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC.
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
Thank you for choosing the
convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your camcorder.
CAUTIONS................................................................................................................................................. 3
PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 5
FEATURES............................................................................................................................................ 5
ACCESSORIES .................................................................................................................................... 6
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .................................................................................................................. 6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ...................................... 10
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER ................................................................................................................ 11
POWER SOURCES.................................................................................................................................. 12
WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) ..................................................................... 12
WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER (Provided)......................................... 13
video camcorder. For maximum pleasure and
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA
3300 Trans Canada Hwy.,
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
1

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  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Instruction Manual VM-1800A / VM-2800A / VM-3800A Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. INC. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Pointe Claire, Tel. 404-279-5600 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC. 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for choosing the convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your camcorder.
  • Page 2 WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM- CC70A)... 13 CHECKING THE BATTERY ... 14 CHARGING A BATTERY ... 15 MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING ... 16 AUTOMATIC REWIND... 19 IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS ... 19 DATE/TIME SETTING...

  • Page 3: Cautions

    PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ... 59 SPECIFICATIONS ... 59 HOTLINE... 60 ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ... 61 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) ... 63 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY... 64 HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) ... 65 CAUTIONS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
  • Page 4 Caution: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold area to a warm humid area. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to acclimate to the surroundings before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm humid area, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine.

  • Page 5: Precautions

    Be careful that no water, dust, or sand enters the camcorder. When you are not using the camcorder, switch off the power and attach the lens cap. When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the the sun or a light source, a bright vertical bar may appear in the picture.

  • Page 6: Accessories

    ACCESSORIES Check to make sure you have the following components and accessories (besides the camcorder unit itself) before disposing of the packing material. 1. Lead-acid rechargeable battery VM-BP66 for VM-1800A/VM-2800A VM-BP67 for VM-3800A 2.
  • Page 7 This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video Camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
  • Page 8 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 8 Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating.
  • Page 9 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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 lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.

  • Page 10: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this video product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 18 Conditions Requiring Service -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.

  • Page 11: Electronic Viewfinder

    ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER Set the viewfinder to the position shown in the figure when carrying the camcorder or storing it in the carrying case. Turn the viewfinder to the position shown below when shooting pictures.

  • Page 12: Power Sources

    Cautions: Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or camcorder. When pulling the viewfinder out or returning it to its original position, hold the viewfinder by the swivel selection. Do not hold the diopter control side.

  • Page 13: When Using With The Ac Adapter/Charger (Provided)

    POWER SOURCES To attach, align the mark " " of the battery with that of the camcorder so that the battery fits into the groves, and slide the battery downward, as illustrated. To remove the battery: Push and hold "Battery" release lever, then slide the battery to the upside and remove.

  • Page 14: Checking The Battery

    The car battery cord is designed to be used only with automobiles having a 12-volt negative ground system. To prevent fire or shock hazard or damage to your camcorder, please use only the specified car battery cord. CHECKING THE BATTERY When the "...

  • Page 15: Charging A Battery

    CHARGING A BATTERY CHARGING A BATTERY 1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. 2. Attach the battery to the AC adaptor/charger. Align the mark " " on the battery with that of AC adaptor/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adaptor/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow.

  • Page 16: Making A Sample Recording

    MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING The battery may be damaged if operated at temperatures above 122ºF (50ºC). Operation time will decrease at extremely low temperatures. 7. After repeated chargings and use, the operation time will gradually decrease. When operation time becomes too short to be useful, it is time to replace the battery. 8.
  • Page 17 The "TAPE END" indication starts flashing in the viewfinder when there is about five minutes recording time left on the cassette. If the record/pause mode continues for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder's power is automatically turned off. To turn on again, press "REC/PAUSE" button. The camcorder enters record/pause (stand-by) mode.
  • Page 18 9. Press "PLAY" button. The picture you just recorded will be seen through the viewfinder. NOTE: If you connect the camcorder to your TV, you can see the picture played back on your TV. Refer to "VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV" on page 38.

  • Page 19: Automatic Rewind

    Diagram of camera Diopter Control (for VM-2800A/3800A) Use this control to focus the viewfinder. See page 19 for VM-1800A's diopter control Camera Light (for VM-2800A/3800A) When the "POWER" switch is in the "CAM" position, the camera light is turned on and...
  • Page 20 Set the switch to "OFF" to turn the light off manually. Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) Displays what the camcorder lens sees. The electronic viewfinder also functions as a convenient monitor during playback of recorded material. "AV OUT/IN" Switch...
  • Page 21 VM-3800A) to these jacks and to the audio and video inputs of your TV/monitor receiver. You can also connect the RF converter unit (optional) to these jacks and your TV receiver. Use these jacks as inputs when you supply signals from another device to your camcorder for recording.
  • Page 22 If this button is pressed, "M" appears beside the tape counter in the viewfinder and the tape's position is stored in memory. If the camcorder is connected to a TV/monitor receiver, the same display as that in the viewfinder appears on the screen when the "M"...
  • Page 23 Press "PLAY" button to return to normal playback mode or press "STOP/EJECT" button to stop tape movement. NOTE: You can also visually scan forward when the camcorder is in record/pause (stand- by) mode by pressing and holding this button. "PLAY" Button Used for playback of tape recorded in the SP mode.

  • Page 24: Date/Time Setting

    Use to adjust the picture color in the viewfinder. See page 43. "REC/PAUSE" Button This button is used to control the camcorder. When this button is pressed with the camcorder set to the recording mode, the tape runs to start recording. "REC" appears in the viewfinder.
  • Page 25 DATE/TIME SETTING NOTES: The backup battery should be charged every two months. If it is not charged periodically, it will be over-discharged and its life will be shortened. A cassette cannot be loaded or ejected when setting the date and time. 1.

  • Page 26: To Correct Date/Time Information After Starting The Date/Time

    AUTOMATIC DATE RECORDING 8. After setting AM or PM, press "DATE/TIME" button to change the display and start the internal clock. It is recommended that you press "DATE/TIME" button to match the time signal. 9. Press "DATE/TIME" button after setting the clock. The display will change as follows each time the button is pressed.

  • Page 27: Program Ae (Auto Exposure)

    PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) If the date changes while recording continues over 10 seconds, the date is recorded for 10 seconds when recording is restarted after the camcorder has been set to the standby mode. Press "DATE/TIME" button until "...

  • Page 28: The Auto Focus Will Not Work Under The Following Conditions

    MANUAL FOCUS (Only for VM-3800A) The range of the object with which auto focus can be used. On "T" side: about 3.3 feet (1m) from the lens surface to infinity. On "W" side: about 0.4 inches (1 cm) from the lens surface to infinity. The auto focus will not work under the following conditions.

  • Page 29: Power Zoom

    POWER ZOOM NOTE: To return to auto focus press the FOCUS control (AUTO/MAN) buttons and "FOCUS" disappears from the viewfinder. POWER ZOOM Press power zoom switch on the "W" side, and the picture gradually widens. Press the power zoom switch on the "T" side, and the picture gradually becomes telescopic.

  • Page 30: X100 Digital Zoom (Only For Vm-3800A)

    NOTE: When the digital zoom is used, the more the image is magnified, the rougher the picture becomes. Also even a slight shaking of the camcorder is conspicuous. X100 digital zoom (only for VM-3800A) This feature allows the image to be magnified up to about 100 times. Press the "ZOOM MODE"...

  • Page 31: Instant Zoom (Only For Vm-3800A)

    When digital zoom is used, the more the image is magnified, the coarser the picture becomes. Also even slight shaking of the camcorder is conspicuous. When "16:9" is displayed in the viewfinder, the picture format is switched from 4:3 to 16:9.

  • Page 32: Macro

    MACRO MACRO Allows you to shoot objects as close as 0.4 inches (1 cm) from the lens tip. Press and hold "W" side of power zoom switch. An object is auto focused. NOTES: Determine the size of the object by moving the camera backward and forward. Be careful as the lighting may tend to be insufficient when shooting in the above conditions.

  • Page 33: Fading In

    2. Press the "REC/PAUSE" button to start recording: fade then begins automatically. Fading Out 1. While recording with the camcorder use the FADE button to select option. 2. Press the "REC/PAUSE" button to stop recording; the fade begins automatically and "REC"...

  • Page 34: Index Signal Recording

    Quick edit is used while the camcorder is in the record/pause (stand-by) mode. By holding down the "F.FWD", "REW", or "PLAY" button, you can visually search or play...

  • Page 35: Instant Review

    2. When the tape reaches the end of the scene you have just recorded, the camcorder returns to the record/pause (stand-by) mode. Recording starts again when the "REC/PAUSE"...

  • Page 36: Display Button

    This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record on the loaded tape. Insert a cassette in the camcorder and start recording or playback; 10 seconds later, the remaining tape will be displayed. When the cassette is ejected, the display will...

  • Page 37: Title Recording

    You can easily create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camcorder's built-in titler. The titler will store 2 different title pages in memory. Once a title is stored, it can be displayed and recorded at any time. Each title page can contain two lines of 16 characters each.

  • Page 38: Correcting Errors During Title Storage

    TITLE RECORDING 3. Press "SHIFT" button repeatedly to move the flashing cursor to the place you want to begin your title. 4. Select the first character for your title by pressing the "-" or "+" button repeatedly until the desired character appears. NOTE: Each title can contain up to two lines of 16 characters each.

  • Page 39: Recording Titles On A Tape In The Camcorder

    2. Select the title you wish to record from page 1 or page 2. The last title selected will appear first. Press "TITLE" button to turn title off. 3. Set the VCR in the recording mode and camcorder in the playback mode. 4. Press "TITLE" button when you see the scene where you want to record the title.

  • Page 40: Using The Wireless Remote Control (Only For Vm-3800A)

    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ? ' . / , - ; : < > ! (blank) USING THE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL (Only for VM-3800A) Use the wireless remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance. (1) TV Control Buttons Used for controlling the TV.

  • Page 41: Remote Controllable Range

    Do not hold the battery with the metallic tweezers. Do not recharge the battery. Keep the battery in a dark, cool, dry place. Remote Controllable Range NOTES: Use the wireless remote control within the range of the infrared ray receiver of the camcorder shown above.

  • Page 42: Controlling Your Tv With The Camcorder's Remote Control (Only For Vm- 3800A)

    The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code button.VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code as your Hitachi VCR may you use the camcorder's wireless remote control control.

  • Page 43: Controlling The Tv

    It may not be possible to control all TVs listed in this table. The AVX button can't be used with Goldstar 2 and Sharp TVs. RECORDING TV PROGRAMS If your TV or VCR has output jacks, you can record the TV program with camcorder.

  • Page 44: Audio Dubbing

    1. Connect the audio/video cable to "AUDIO OUT" and "VIDEO OUT" of your TV and VCR. 2. Connect the other end to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" of camcorder. 3. Insert the cassette. NOTE: Power source must be connected to the camcorder.
  • Page 45 2. Place "POWER" switch to "VIDEO" position. 3. Play the tape and press "REC/PAUSE" button where you want to dub audio. The camcorder enters the still play mode. 4. Press "DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO" and "PLAY" buttons at the same time. "A.DUB "...

  • Page 46: Audio And Video Dubbing

    The replacement audio and video can be the sound and picture taken by the camera or from a video source connected to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" jacks on the camcorder. NOTE: When dubbing the sound and picture from a video source, set "AV OUT/IN" switch to "IN"...
  • Page 47 AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING 5. Press "RESET" button to set the counter reading to "0000". 6. Press "DISPLAY" button so counter memory "M" appears. 7. Press "REW" button to rewind the tape to the approximate position from which you want to start dubbing. 8.

  • Page 48: Viewing The Picture Played Back On Your Tv

    VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV To play back a tape recorded on your camcorder and view it on your TV receiver, you must connect the camcorder to the TV receiver using either audio/video cable (supplied only with VM-3800A) or RF converter unit (optional).
  • Page 49 5. Connect the connector cable from RF converter unit to "RF DC OUT", "AUDIO", and "VIDEO" jacks on the camcorder. 6. Turn on the TV and set to channel 3 unless channel 3 is one of the TV stations in your area.

  • Page 50: Still

    STILL NOTE: If you want to watch a TV program with camcorder connected as illustrated, slide "POWER" switch of the camcorder to "OFF". STILL When "REC/PAUSE" button is pressed during playback, a still picture can be seen. To start again press "REC/PAUSE" button and playback will be resumed.

  • Page 51: Memory

    "POWER" switch in "VIDEO" position. 6. Press "REW" button. The tape will be rewound to the preselected point, at approximately "0000M" indication. NOTE: The tape will also stop approximately at "0000M" during fast forward mode. CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING...

  • Page 52: Flying Erase Head

    If you wish to exchange or copy some of your friend's favorite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camcorder to VCR for this purpose. 1. Connect the audio/video cable to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" of your camcorder.

  • Page 53: Using The Built-In Camera Light (For Vm-2800A/3800A)

    Use the built-in camera light it you wish to shoot objects in dark places. When the "LIGHT" switch is set to "AUTO", the camcorder light turns on automatically when the camcorder is pointed at objects in a dark place and turns off when it is pointed at objects in a bright place.

  • Page 54: To Replace The Lamp Of Camera Light

    USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (For VM-2800A/3800A) 3. After use, set the "LIGHT" switch to "OFF" or set the "POWER" switch of the camcorder to "OFF" position. CAUTION: During operation and/or after use of the camera light, the front surface and lamp of the camera light will be very hot.

  • Page 55: Eyepiece Adjustment

    "BRIGHT" Control Viewfinder brightness can be adjusted by turning the "BRIGHT" control. This does not affect the picture actually recorded by the camcorder. "COLOR" and "TINT" Controls The small "COLOR" and "TINT" controls are set at the factory and should require no adjustment.

  • Page 56: How To Attach The Shoulder Strap

    Attach the shoulder strap (provided), as illustrated. TROUBLESHOOTING Your camcorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. However, should problems develop, check the following points and take the necessary corrective measures.
  • Page 57 TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom Picture does not appear in the viewfinder. The camera/recorder cannot go into the recording mode, even when the start/stop button is pressed. Picture is out of focus. NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED Symptom Power is turned on, but no button operations are accepted.

  • Page 58: Cleaning The Inside Of The Electronic Viewfinder

    Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER For VM-1800A If dust or foreign matter adheres inside the viewfinder, clean it by using the following procedure. 1. Push the tab and hold it, then open the cover, 2.

  • Page 59: Head Cleaning

    Consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center before using a head cleaning tape. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE The video camcorder is a precision electromechanical device which will require periodic maintenance after a period of normal use. We expect that no maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the warranty period of most users, unless the video camcorder is heavily used or seldom used.

  • Page 60: Hotline

    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 established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.

  • Page 61: Accessory To Add More Excitement

    3219 Koapaka St./Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel 808-836-3621 ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT You're ready to add more excitement to your home videos, and Hitachi's right there with you. With our new line of video accessories, you can go anywhere your imagination takes you.
  • Page 62 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.

  • Page 63: Hitachi Warranty Card (Usa Back)

    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 TO ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFIT OR PRODUCT RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN OR MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THIS HITACHI PRODUCT.

  • Page 64: Hitachi Warranty Card (Front) Canada Only

    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.

  • Page 65: Hitachi Canada Warranty Card (Back)

    Plan. Hitachi, however, reserves the right to refuse any renewal. I - Hitachi 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.
  • Page 66 Canada. However, to receive your exclusive Hitachi GOLD CARD, you must include a copy of your bill of sale with the return portion of this warranty registration card.
  • Page 67 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 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.
  • Page 68 HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) Audio and Video Dubbing on these 3 camcorders is done simultaneously! The camera cannot perform an audio dub independenly of a video dub and vice versa.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vm-2800aVm-3800a

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