Hitachi VM-E220A Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder

Hide thumbs Also See for VM-E220A:

Service manual (138 pages)

Service manual (103 pages)

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Links

Summary of Contents for Hitachi VM-E220A

Page 1 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 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. QR14541 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1996...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Using Instant Review ... 28 Using Quick Edit ... 29 Using Macro ... 29 Date Search... 29 Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR... 30 Recording Television Programs ... 30 Using the Optional Wireless Remote Control ... 31 Using Memory ... 33 Using the Display Button ...
Page 3: Important Safeguards
The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the camcorder off and attach the lens cap. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Page 4 But, safety is your responsibility too. 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 5 Important Safeguards 5 Power Sources -- This video product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your video dealer or local power company.
Page 6: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER - 6 - other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
Page 7: 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 10). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business. Before You Begin Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty.
Page 8: Features
6. Lens cap string Optional RF Adapter 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). The RF adapter can be purchased by calling the telephone number below. For your convenience Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards are accepted.
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: Additional Information
Getting Started After charging set the mark switch to red so that you may quickly identify whether the battery is charged or uncharged. Note: The marker switch does not guarantee the batteries charge status. Additional Information To use a battery in optimum condition: •...
Page 11: Adjusting 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.
Page 12: Camcorder Batteries Using Battery Pack
Before you install the battery for the first time it must be fully charged. Refer to "Charging the Battery" on page 12 for details. 1. Lift the OPEN lever and pull it up. The power supply attachment cover will open. 2. With the battery compartment facing you, align arrow on the battery with the arrow on the camcorder. - 12 -...
Page 13: Removing The Battery Pack
Note: If the OPEN lever is flat, the cover will not close. Note: Always remove the battery from the camcorder after use. Note: We cannot guarantee against malfunctions of the camcorder which occur when you use battery packs other than those specified.
Page 14 Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries The camcorder can be powered by six alkaline dry-cell batteries inserted into the power supply attachment holder. The continuous operation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used. Please ensure that CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (i.e.
Page 15 Note: If the liquid leaks, remove the batteries immediately and ask your nearest dealer to inspect the camcorder (this will be at your own expense). Note: Do not let the batteries or the terminals of the camcorder get dirty. If they are dirty, use a dry cloth to wipe off the dirt completely.
Page 16: Using Alternative Power Sources
Using a Car Battery The camcorder can 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 (ie.
Page 17: Inserting And Removing Cassettes
2. Place the cassette in the cassette holder so that the transparent window faces away from the body of the camcorder and the sprockets toward the body of the camcorder. 3. Push the cassette holder, which is embossed PUSH LOCK on the left hand side, until it "clicks" into place. The camcorder automatically closes.
Page 18: Using The Linear Time Counter
Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camcorder and clears to 0:00:00 when the cassette is ejected.
Page 19: Getting Started, Identifying Controls
4. After setting the AM/PM, press the DATE/TITLE button. The display changes and the internal clock starts. Note: After the date and time are set, " AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "Date Recording" on page 32.
Page 20 12. Ring of Tape Transport - F.F Button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search. During visual search the camcorder fast forwards at approximately 9 times normal playback speed. Also use this button to set date and time.
Page 21: Basic Techniques
Let's get started! Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-E220A 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.
Page 22: Playing Back Your Recording
3. Insert a previously recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your VCR manual for details). Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
Page 23: Connecting To A Television Without Audio In And Video In Jacks
To view a still picture during playback press the Start/Stop. Press the Start/Stop button again to resume playback. If you leave the camcorder in play/pause mode for more than 5 minutes the camcorder automatically stops the cassette to prevent damage to the tape.
Page 24: Advanced Techniques
Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-E220A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. iiAdding 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 add a special touch.
Page 25: Date Recording
Advanced Techniques Date Recording When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically. 1. Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM. 2. Press the DATE/TITLE button to specify the date display you want to record.
Page 26: Using The Power Zoom
Note: This digital zoom has certain limitation and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement. Press and hold the power zoom T control until you find the picture you want. You control the zoom with the power zoom T and W controls.
Page 27: Using The Inst. Zoom (Instant Zoom) Button
Using Auto Focus 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 focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.
Page 28: Using Manual Focus
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 button. The last few seconds of tape play back in reverse and then in normal playback mode.
Page 29: Using Quick Edit
While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.F, REW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape. Release the button and the camcorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected.
Page 30: Dubbing From The Camcorder To A Vcr
1. Connect your camcorder to the VCR, following "Playing Back Your Recording" on page 26. 2. Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your VCR manual for details). Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR.
Page 31: Using The Optional Wireless Remote Control
Use this button to record new audio and video over existing audio and video. Remote Control Range Use the wireless remote control to operate the camcorder from a distance. The PLAY, F.FWD, REW, STOP, PAUSE (START/STOP) and ZOOM buttons on the wireless remote control operate the functions of the corresponding buttons on the camcorder.
Page 32: To Remove The Remote Control
Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code your Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control.
Page 33: Using Memory
Create titles easily and personalize your recordings while keeping a permanent visual record of what is contained on a tape. The camcorder can store a title in its memory. A title stored in memory can be displayed and recorded at any time. A title contains two lines of up to 16 characters per line. The camcorder contains 47 different characters for creating a title.
Page 34: Creating A Title
Advanced Techniques Note: When creating a title in the CAM mode, the DATE/TITLE button of the camcorder can be used instead of the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control. " TITLE" should be displayed in the viewfinder at this time.
Page 35: Using Audio/Video Dubbing
3. Use the F.FWD or the F.F (on the camcorder) and REW buttons to correct the character. 4. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control or the DATE/TITLE button on the camcorder to store the corrected title in memory.
Page 36: Using Synchro Edit
Use synchro edit to record segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-E220A 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.
Page 37 VCR. Refer to the VCR's instruction manual. If the channel still does not change after you have changed the VCR's remote control code, the edit remote control cannot operate your VCR. VCR Brands Press VCR SET and This Button Hitachi REVERSE Sony PROGRAM...
Page 38 Note: The remote control cannot be operated if there is an obstacle between the remote control and infrared receiver. Especially, be careful of this during dubbing. Note: When the edit remote control is connected to the camcorder, the buttons marked * in the figure above perform the same operations as those of the other remote control provided.
Page 39: Attaching The Optional Wide Or Tele Converter Lens
VCR to set it to the stop mode. Note: If the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch of the camcorder is set to OFF or CAM when the recording VCR is in the record pause mode, the VCR enters the record mode.
Page 40: Removing The Dc Camera Light
• If the DC camera light is turned on and off during recording, there could be noise in the picture. Watch the battery charge indicator especially when using a battery as the power source. • When the DC camera light is used, the operation time of the camcorder when a fully-charged battery pack is attached is halved.
Page 41: Viewfinder Bright, Color And Tint Control
General Maintenance Cleaning the camcorder Heads Dirt can accumulate on the video heads on the camera causing the playback picture to become blurred or appear as if video information is lost. This often means that the video heads are dirty. Use a video head cleaner such as a dry type head cleaning tape to clean the heads.
Page 42: Cleaning The Lens And Picture Tube Of The Electronic Viewfinder
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 43 Auto-focus does not operate. The created title does not appear. after creating a title. RECORDING TV PROGRAMS OFF THE AIR Symptom The camcorder cannot be set to the recording PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom "PLAY" button cannot be engaged. § Remove the lens cap.
Page 44 § Do not remove the clock battery after recording. § Do not eject the recorded cassette. Leave it in the camcorder. § The camcorder is set to the double speed playback mode. Pressing the playback button to restore the normal playback mode. The sound...
Page 45 General Maintenance Power is turned on, but no button operations are accepted The camcorder does not operate when alkaline batteries are inserted § Remove the power source and the date/title battery. And, after about one minute, the display in the viewfinder will be reset.
Page 46: Specifications
46mm For U.S.A. only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U.S.A. Check Point & Correction § Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its temperature...
Page 47: Accessories Add Excitement
Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-E220A 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.
Page 48 Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. If there is a current back order status on the model(s) you ordered, we will notify you. Thank you for allowing us (Hitachi and HiTRON) to be of service to you...our valued customer! Order form VM-E520A/VM-E521A Introduced in 96-97 product line.

Hitachi VM-E220A Instruction Manual

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Hitachi VM-E220A

Summary of Contents for Hitachi VM-E220A

Table of Contents