Hitachi Hi 8 VME655-LA Instruction Manual
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Hitachi Hi 8 VME655-LA Instruction Manual

Hitachi Hi 8 VME655-LA Instruction Manual

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
VM-E455LA, VM-H655LA
HITACHI
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-E455LA
Hi
HI 8 Video Camcorder
VM-H655LA
HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
HOME ELECTRONICS DIVISION
1855 Dornoch Court
San Diego, CA 92173
Tel. 1-800-HATACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
6740 Campobello Road
Missisauga, Ontario, L5N 2L8
CANADA
Tel. 1-800-HATACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up.
Keep it handy for feature reference.
QR30893 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1999
Printed in Japan KK-S(N)
1

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  • Page 1 CANADA Tel. 1-800-HATACHI (1-800-448-2244) Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference. QR30893 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1999 Printed in Japan KK-S(N)

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ....................3 Important Safeguards ..........................4 Before You Begin............................ 7 Read This First ............................8 Features ..............................8 Getting Started............................. 9 Components and Accessories........................9 Optional RF Adaptor..........................10 Identifying Controls ..........................10 Charging the Battery ..........................

  • Page 3: Important Safety Information

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Demonstration Mode..........................53 Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR ....................53 Simple Programmable Edit (Edit remote control is optional accessory) ..........53 Using the Optional Edit Remote Control ....................57 Using Audio/ Video Dubbing ....................... 58 General Maintenance..........................

  • Page 4: Important Safeguards

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is made by highly precise technology. More than 99.99% of its picture elements (pixels) are effective, but some (less than 0.01%) may appear as colored bright dots. This does not indicate a fault as the LCD panel stretches the limits of current technology. Information for VM-H655LA: This camcorder can use video cassettes.
  • Page 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INSTALLATION 1 Read and Follow Instructions -- All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the video product is operated. Follow-all operating and use instructions. 2 Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating instructions.
  • Page 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline operated equipment or accessories connected to this unit should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessory itself and should not have been modified so as to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel.

  • Page 7: Before You Begin

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 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 due to lightning and power-line surges.

  • Page 8: Read This First

    • A quick index for the information you use most often (this page). • A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly (page 8). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business. Quick Index...

  • Page 9: Getting Started

    Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yourself with this quality instrument. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you. Let's get started! It is crucial that you read and understand all the safety instructions before you begin.

  • Page 10: Optional Rf Adaptor

    Getting Started Optional RF Adaptor If you wish to connect this camcorder to a television that does not have audio/video input jacks you will need to use the optional RF adapter model VM-RF86A (R). Identifying Controls 1. Lens Door The door will automatically open when the CAM/ OFF/VIDEO switch is set to "CAM". Setting the switch to "OFF"...
  • Page 11 Getting Started 8. STOP Button Use this button to stop playback, fast forward, or reverse. Also use this button to set date and time and create a title. ("Creating and Recording a Title", p39). 9. BATTERY Release Lever Releases the battery attached to camcorder. 10.
  • Page 12 Getting Started When you are viewing playback pictures on the LCD monitor with the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch set to VIDEO, these buttons can be used to control the volume of the built-in speaker 24. DATE/DISP Button When the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is set to CAM, this button can be used as the DATE or DISPLAY button: set the date and time, and select the date display you want to record ("Setting the Date and Time", p24 and "Date Recording", p38).
  • Page 13 Getting Started Use this button to digitally process the image you are going to record or the playback image. During recording, you can select among six modes: 16x9, negative/ positive, X400 digital zoom, half-mirRor, mosaic, or art ("Digital Effects Recording", p42). During playback, you can select among three modes: 16x9, art, or sepia ("Video Effects in Playback Mode", p35).
  • Page 14 Getting Started 29. Start/Stop Button When the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in CAM press this button to start recording. When pressed a second time the camera pauses. During playback use this button to stop the tape temporarily. Pressing a second time resumes normal playback. 30.

  • Page 15: Charging The Battery

    Getting Started Charging the Battery The first step is to set the battery for charging. To charge the battery, attach it to the camcorder, and connect the VM-ACE5A AC adaptor. Charge the battery at a temperature range of 50°F (10°C) - 86°F (3O°C) to prevent damage to the battery.
  • Page 16 Getting Started accessory. 4 Connect the AC adaptor DC plug to the DC IN jack of the camcorder. Charging will start within five seconds. During charging, the CHARGE indicator of the camcorder will flash or light to give you a reference of the charged level. Note: If the CHARGE Indicator flashes once every two seconds, the battery could be defective.
  • Page 17 Getting Started More than 75% charge Flashes three times at approx. one-second intervals. Full charge Steady light Charging Time Pack Charging 130 . 230 min. 260 min. 460 min. 70 min. 140 min. 160 min. 320 min. Battery VM-BPL13VM-BPL27VM-BPL30VM-BPL60 Charging Full Charge 170 min 300 min...

  • Page 18: Checking The Battery's Charge

    Getting Started • Do not operate the battery at temperature below 14°F (-10°C) or above 113°F (45°C). At extremely low temperatures operation time decreases, while at high temperature the battery may be damaged, • Do not attach a hot battery to the camcorder. Allow it to cool. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE BATTERY OR AC ADAPTOR.

  • Page 19: Camcorder Power Sources

    Getting Started Note: If you connect the VM-BPL30 battery with the remaining battery time of 5 minutes or less, the time will not be displayed. Note: If the correct remaining time does not appear, use up the battery attached to the camcorder, and then fully charge it.

  • Page 20: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    Using a Car Battery The camcorder con be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord (Hitachi VM-CC80A) 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 (le.

  • Page 21: Lcd Monitor

    Getting Started 3 Place the cassette in the cassette holder so that the transparent window faces away from the body of the camcorder and the spry toward the body of the camcorder. 4 Push the cassette door, which is embossed PUSH, until it "clicks" into place. The camcorder automatically closes.
  • Page 22 Getting Started When using the LCD monitor during recording and playback, you can adjust the brightness of its screen and the angle of the monitor. Opening the LCD Monitor 1 Press the OPEN button to open the LCD monitor. Note: Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the LCD monitor or In the viewfinder. Adjusting the Brightness of the LCD Screen Note: Even when the picture on the LCD monitor is adjusted, the recorded video will not change.

  • Page 23: Active Screen

    Getting Started • If the LCD monitor is turned 90° so that it faces the same direction as the lens when the camera signal is being recorded during recording, recording pause, instant review, editing, A/V dubbing or A/V dubbing pause, the image on the monitor screen will become a mirror image and the viewfinder will turn on.

  • Page 24: Eyepiece Adjustment

    Getting Started CAUTION: Do not hold the unit by the electronic viewfinder when carrying as this could cause a malfunction. Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder, grasp the knobs on both sides of the eye cup stem and pull the eye cup all the way, then turn the diopter control for your optimum focus adjustment.

  • Page 25: Remaining Tape

    Getting Started 2 Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3 Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder. WARNING: KEEP THE BATTERY AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT. Note: Replace the battery with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent. Note: Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws.

  • Page 26: Using The Linear Time Counter

    Getting Started The tape remaining display shows the remaining tape that can be used for recording and playback, using seven dashes. This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record on the loaded tape. Insert a cassette into the camcorder and start recording or playback;...

  • Page 27: Setting The Date And Time

    Getting Started CAM mode: Press the DATE/DISP. button on the camcorder to switch the display. VIDEO mode: Press the DATE/ DISP. button on the camcorder or DISPLAY AY button on the remote control to switch the display. • When a recorded tape is in the camcorder during the VIDEO mode, "SEARCH" appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 28: Basic Techniques

    Let's get started! Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-E455LA/VM-H655LA 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 the shutter speed.
  • Page 29 Basic Techniques 1 Connect the camcorder to a power source (See pages p16 - p17). 2 Open the LCD monitor and insert a cassette ("Inserting and Removing Cassettes", p20). If you want to view the picture being recorded on the LCD monitor, leave the monitor open. If you want to view the picture in the viewfinder, close the LCD monitor.

  • Page 30: Using Instant Review

    Basic Techniques 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 /REVIEW button. The last few seconds of the tape playback in reverse and then in normal playback mode. Note: Sound is heard from the speaker during normal playback.

  • Page 31: Using Manual Focus

    Basic Techniques Objects behind water dappled or dusty glass Objects with little difference in light reflection such as a white wall Rapidly moving objects Dark objects Note: With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3.3 feet (100 cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity.

  • Page 32: Using The Digital Zoom

    Basic Techniques The power zoom W control widens the picture, moving the subject farther away, while the power zoom T control brings the subject closer, narrowing the picture. If "ZOOM" appears at the left of the viewfinder or LCD monitor, the digital zoom function shown below has been engaged.

  • Page 33: Using Macro

    Basic Techniques Note: To return to the original zoom position, press the INST. ZOOM button so that "I. ZOOM' disappears from the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Note: This instant zoom has certain limitations and may degrade at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement. Using Macro This function allows you to shoot subjects as close as 3/8 inches (1cm).
  • Page 34 Basic Techniques will automatically disappear. 5 Press the STOP button when you have finished. Note: Decrease the sound volume of the camcorder when you play back a recording by connecting the camcorder to your TV, If the volume of the camcorder is set to maximum, the played back picture may be distorted.

  • Page 35: Playing Back Your Recording On Your Tv

    Basic Techniques less noise when you open the monitor. Using Forward and Reverse Search When looking for a particular point in your videotape use the F.FWD button and REW/REVIEW button to find the scoot quickly. When the LCD monitor is closed: •...
  • Page 36 Basic Techniques 1. Connect the provided audio/video output cable to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your VCR. Note: If your VCR has two (stereo) AUDIO IN jacks, connect the audio plug to the left-channel AUDIO IN jack. 2.
  • Page 37 Basic Techniques Note: If your television has two (stereo) AUDIO IN jacks, connect the audio plug to the left-channel AUDIO IN jack. 2. Connect the other ends of the cable to the AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks of the camcorder. 3.

  • Page 38: Video Effects In Playback Mode

    Basic Techniques 4. Connect the RF output adapter cable to the Audio/Video Output jack of your camcorder. 5. Turn your television on and select channel 3 (channel 4 if channel 3 is a channel used in your area). 6. Select the CH3 or CH4 on the RF output adapter matching the channel selected on your television. 7.

  • Page 39: Multi Playback

    Basic Techniques "SEPIA": Sepia Mode The entire picture will be sepia. Note: To switch the mode of return to the normal picture during tape dubbing, temporarily stop the dubbing and press the EFFECTS button. Note: When tape stops, the normal picture will be restored. Multi Playback This camcorder can convert on NTSC recorded tape into "PAL60"...

  • Page 40: Advanced Techniques

    Advanced Techniques Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-E455LA/VM-H655LA offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. A doing fades to smooth transitions creates video with a professional look. As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and odd a special touch.

  • Page 41: Creating And Recording A Title

    Advanced Techniques Note: When " TITLE" is displayed in the viewfinder of on the LCD monitor, the title cannot be turned on or off using the remote control. Date - Date Recording The camcorder records the date with the picture all the time. 11/ 5/2000 No Display - No Date Recording The camcorder does not record the date.
  • Page 42 Advanced Techniques or create a title and personalize your recordings, while at the some time keeping a permanent visual record of what is contained on a tape. The selected or created title can be recorded with the date automatically. Selecting Stored Title (Prememo) Note: Be sure to insert the clock battery before selecting a title, Although a title can be chosen without the clock battery inserted, it will disappear when the battery providing power to the camcorder is removed.
  • Page 43 Advanced Techniques FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS Title creation mode Spanish 5 Use the F.FWD or REW button to select a desired title. MERRY CHRISTMAS Stored titles (Prememo) available <English> HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERRY CHRISTMAS CONGRATULATIONS THE SUPERSTAR VACATION FUN THANKSGIVING HAPPY EASTER ANNIVERSARY HAPPY NEW YEAR <French>...
  • Page 44 Advanced Techniques FELIZ AÑO NUEVO SEMANA SANTA FIESTA 6 After you have selected the title, press the TITLE ON/OFF button. The selected title will be stored in memory and then disappear. Creating a Title A title contains two lines of up to 16 characters per line. The camcorder contains 79 different characters for creating a title.
  • Page 45 Advanced Techniques TITLE 11/ 5/2000 6 Once you've selected a character press the STOP button to set it. TITLE 11/ 5/2000 7 Complete the title by repeating steps 5 and 6. JANE'S BIRTHDAY TITLE 11/ 5/2000 8 When you complete your title, press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to store the title in memory and remove the title graphics from the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 46: Digital Effects Recording

    Advanced Techniques 3 Use the STOP button to select the character to be corrected. 4 Use the F.FWD and REW/REVIEW buttons to correct the character. 5 Repeatedly press the DATE/DISP. button to store the corrected title in memory. Digital Effects Recording The digital processor in this camcorder allows you to record the picture and add special effects;...
  • Page 47 Advanced Techniques MIRROR Half-Mirror Mode MOSAIC Mosaic Mode Art Mode Normal Mode Activating Digital Effects Recording 1. Place the camcorder in the record pause mode. 2. Press the EFFECTS button to select the digital effects mode you want.
  • Page 48 Advanced Techniques 16x9: 16x9 Mode The picture format can be switched from the 4:3 (the picture format of an ordinary TV set) to 16x9. The top and bottom of the picture in the viewfinder become black bars. NEGPOS: Negative/Positive Mode The image in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor will become negative.

  • Page 49: Using Digital Fade

    Advanced Techniques 3. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording. • To release digital effects mode, repeatedly press the EFFECTS button in record pause mode until the normal mode is restored. Using Digital Fade Use the fade feature to add a professional touch to your recordings. Use the FADE button to select one of the four fade options.
  • Page 50 Advanced Techniques • Art fade: Fades in from, or fades out to a picture with the feel of an oil painting. "ART.F" appears in the upper left corner of the view finder of LCD monitor. • Zoom fade: Fades in while zooming from a white screen or fades out while zooming to a white screen. " "...

  • Page 51: Date Search

    Advanced Techniques attempting to put the camcorder into the record mode again. Date Search The date search function memorizes the start and end positions of recordings you made on a specific day so you can easily locate those positions later as long as the cassette is left in the camcorder. Note: Be sure that the date and time are set.

  • Page 52: Using Quick Edit

    Advanced Techniques 4. Press the DATE/DISP. button . "M" appears next to the counter. 5. Press the REW/REVIEW button and the tape stops at approximately where you reset the linear time counter. This feature works in F.FWD as well. Using Quick Edit Use quick edit to search for the end of previously recorded material, find a particular spot on your tape, begin editing, or record new material.

  • Page 53: Demonstration Mode

    Advanced Techniques Demonstration Mode This camcorder is equipped with a demonstration mode. If you leave the powered camcorder for 10 minutes without a cassette inserted when the date has not been set or the clock battery is dead, the camcorder demonstration mode will start.
  • Page 54 Advanced Techniques Programming the Remote Control for the VCR It is necessary to program the edit remote control to match the VCR before starting editing. 1. Turn the VCR on. 2. Aim the remote control at the infrared receiver on the VCR and press the VCR SET button on the remote control and hold it, then press the button corresponding to the VCR's maker code.
  • Page 55 Advanced Techniques Hitachi REVERSE Sony PROGRAM Panasonic FORWARD Toshiba Mitsubishi COPY START Sanyo Sharp Akai A/V DUB Gold Star PHILIPS DISPLAY Zenith COUNTER RESET Magnavox TITLE ON/OFF Note: The remote control code is held in memory until it is changed or the batteries are replaced.
  • Page 56 Advanced Techniques 1 Connect the edit remote control to the camcorder, and then connect the audio/video output cable as illustrated above. Note: If your VCR has two (stereo) AUDIO IN jacks, connect the audio plug to the left-channel AUDIO IN lack. 2 Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder.

  • Page 57: Using The Optional Edit Remote Control

    Advanced Techniques 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.

  • Page 58: Using Audio/ Video Dubbing

    Advanced Techniques marked * in the figure below. Note: The edit remote control cannot be used unless it is connected to the camcorder. ( Play) Button Use to playback recorded tape. (Rewind) Button Use this button to fast rewind tapes or for visual search. (3) A/V DUB Button Use this button to record new audio and video over existing audio and video.

  • Page 59: General Maintenance

    General Maintenance previously recorded tape in the camcorder. 1 Hold down the red button on the CAM/ OFF/VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO. 2 Insert a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. 3 use the wireless remote control and press the PLAY button.

  • Page 60: Cleaning The Lens And Picture Tube Of The Electronic Viewfinder

    General Maintenance If after cleaning the heads the picture does not clear up consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center for professional head cleaning. Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder The lens of the electronic viewfinder can be user-cleaned if dust, dirt, or other foreign matter adheres to it. 1 Pull out the eye cup to the position where a mark can be seen (up to a half where it is pulled out all the way).

  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service.
  • Page 62 General Maintenance PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom Check Point & Correction The PLAY button cannot be engaged. • Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO. No picture appears on television screen when The • Set the television to the camcorder channel (3 or 4) PLAY is pressed.

  • Page 63: Specifications

    General Maintenance LCD monitor. cassette and set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF, then wait for about one hour. • Remove the cassette and then try to reinsert: remove it several times. If the indication is still shown in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor, use a cleaning tape to clean the heads and replace the cassette.
  • Page 64 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.
  • Page 65 General Maintenance FOR AUTHORIZED HITACHI SERVICE FACILITY IN CANADA Please consult the following telephone numbers: 1-800-HITACHI 1-800-995-4500...

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