Hitachi VM-H725LA Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder

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Instruction manual (68 pages)

Instruction manual (68 pages)

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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. QR15091 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1996...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Adjustment the Hand Strap... 14 Loading Batteries... 14 Clock Battery ... 14 Remote Control Battery ... 15 Camcorder Batteries Using Battery Pack ... 15 Removing the Battery Pack ... 17 Checking the Battery's Charge... 17 Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries ... 17 Using Alternative Power Sources ...
Page 3 Creating and Recording A Title ... 42 Creating a Title... 43 Correcting Errors ... 43 Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder ... 43 Recording a Created Title while Transferring a Tape... 44 Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR... 44 Using Synchro Edit...
Page 4: For Your Safety
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 5 • It cannot record and play back in the LP mode (7.2 mm/sec). • This camcorder uses a Hi-Fi stereo sound system. When a tape recorded by this camcorder is played by a conventional 8mm camcorder, monaural sound is output. When a tape recorded by a conventional 8mm camcorder is played by this machine, monaural sound is output.
Page 6: Important Safeguards
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 7 Important Safeguards 9 Attachments -- Do not use attachments unless recommended by the video product manufacturer as they may cause hazards. 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.
Page 8: 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 9: 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. Quick Index Charging the Battery...12...
Page 10: Components And Accessories
AV optical link system • This instruction manual shows the illustrations for the VM-H825LA. With this camcorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture whether on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder.
Page 11: Optional Rf Adapter
Before You Begin 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: Eyepiece Adjustment
Getting Started - 14 - Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment. Adjustment the Hand Strap Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand. After adjustment, hook the hand strap's pad securely. Loading Batteries Install the batteries to prevent misplacing them.
Page 15: Remote Control Battery
Getting Started 3. Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder. 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.
Page 16 Getting Started 2. With the battery compartment facing you, align arrow on the battery with the arrow on the camcorder. 3. Once the arrows are aligned, push down on the battery. 4. While pushing down the battery, slide it to the right until it "clicks" into place.
Page 17: Removing The Battery Pack
CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (i.e. Battery, AC adapter/charger, etc.) Note: When alkaline batteries are used to power the camcorder, power is not supplied to the LCD monitor, so you cannot view a picture on the LCD screen.
Page 18 Note: Be careful of the following to prevent the leakage of liquid or an explosion. • Check that the orientation (polarity) of the batteries is correct. • Remove the batteries when not using the camcorder. • Remove the used batteries from the camcorder.
Page 19: 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 20: Inserting And Removing Cassettes
1. Plug the car battery cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket. 2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the DC IN jack of the camcorder. Connect to other end of the DC cord to the DC OUTPUT of the car battery cord.
Page 21: Removing A Cassette
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 22: Setting The Date And Time
AM or PM. 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 - 22 -...
Page 23: Correcting The Date And Time
9. Cassette Holder A power source must be connected to the camcorder before a cassette can be inserted or removed. 10. EJECT Switch A power source must be connected before cassettes can be inserted or removed though the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch may be set to OFF ("Inserting and Removing Cassettes,"...
Page 24 16. 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 25: Opening The Lcd Monitor
) button switches to the next higher channel, bottom ( ) button switches to the next lower channel. For these to operate, you must have preset your channels. ("Controlling your TV with the Camcorder's Remote Control" p54). 36. Recorder's Remote Control The shaded buttons on the remote control have the same functions as the corresponding buttons on the camcorder.
Page 26: Range In Which The Lcd Monitor Can Be Moved
If the LCD screen becomes dirty, use a soft cloth to wipe off the dirt. • If the camcorder is used in a cold place and becomes too cold, the LCD screen will be dim for a while after the power is turned on.
Page 27: Basic Techniques
The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set, and you are familiar with the controls. Is time to make a recording. Basic recording is easy and simple. Hooking up the camcorder to your TV is not complicated but give yourself plenty of time to ensure connections are correct.
Page 28: Simple Playback (Using The Electronic Viewfinder Or Lcd Monitor)
Note: When the LCD monitor is turned on and left as it is, the monitor becomes warm, but this does not indicate fault. Note: When alkaline batteries are used to power the camcorder, power is not supplied to the LCD monitor, so you cannot view a picture on the LCD screen.
Page 29: Playing Back Your Recording On Your Tv
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 30: Connecting To A Television Without Audio In And Video In Jacks
Note: If you use a generally available audio/video cable in place of the AV stereo output cable (provided) with the connection shown above, unplug the AV stereo output cable from the AV IN/OUT jack of the camcorder. 2. Connect the free square plug to the AV IN/OUT jack of the camcorder.
Page 31: If Any Abnormality Or Trouble Occurs
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.
Page 32: Advanced Techniques
Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-H725LA/H825LA offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates video with a professional look.
Page 33: Date Recording
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 34: Using The Power Zoom
No Display - No Date Recording The camcorder does not record the date. Date and Time - Date and Time Recording The camcorder records the date and time with the picture all the time. 3. Press the start/stop button. Recording will start. Note: When AUTO and date display is selected, the date disappears about 10 seconds after recording is started.
Page 35: Using The Digital Zoom
LCD monitor. 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 36: Using Auto Focus
Advanced Techniques Using Auto Focus The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If FOCUS appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.
Page 37: Using Manual Focus
Advanced Techniques Dark objects Note: With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3.3 feet away from the lens and further away to infinity. With the W zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects 3/8 inches (1cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity.
Page 38: Using Fade
2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording; fade begins automatically. Fading Out 1. While recording with the camcorder use the FADE button to select a fade option. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to stop recording; the fade begins automatically and REC flashes until the fade ends.
Page 39: Using 16X9
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 40: Using Macro
3. Press the REW button to search for the start position from which you last made a recording or the F.F button (the F.FWD button on the remote control) to recording end position. 4. When the required position is located, the camcorder enters the stop mode and "SEARCH" disappears from the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
Page 41: Using Memory
Advanced Techniques - 41 - Using Memory The linear time counter memory stops a rewinding tape at approximately 0;00;00M. This feature helps in locating a specific point in the tape to which you wish to return. An example might be that you have recorded some tape that you have already watched, you continue recording but do not care to watch the tape you recorded earlier.
Page 42: Using The Wireless 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 43: Creating A Title
- 43 - Creating a Title 1. Connect the camcorder to a power source. 2. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch and slide it to either CAM or VIDEO. 3. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control and a flashing cursor appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
Page 44: Recording A Created Title While Transferring A Tape
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-H725LA/H825LA 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 45: Simple Programmable Edit (Edit Remote Control Is Optional Accessory)
VCR, press the STOP button, then the PLAY button, then the Start/Stop button, and then the S.EDIT button. 8. To stop recording at a certain point turn on the camcorder's linear time counter with memory ("Using Memory," p.44). Press the COUNTER RESET button on the remote control where you wish the recording to stop. The linear time counter resets to 0:00:00M.
Page 46 Advanced Techniques control and hold it, then press the button corresponding to the VCR's maker code. For example, if you have a RCA VCR, press the VCR SET button and hold it, then press the DISPLAY button. To check whether the remote control code matches that of your VCR or not, point the remote control at the infrared receiver on the VCR and press the VCR SET button and hold it.
Page 47: Operation
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 48: To End Programmable Simple Edit
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 49: Controlling Your Tv With The Camcorder's Remote Control
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.
Page 50: Using Audio/Video Dubbing
7. Use the REW and PLAY buttons to find where you wish to start dubbing. Press the PAUSE (START/STOP) button. 8. Press and hold the A/V DUB button while pressing the PLAY button. This places the camcorder in A/V DUB pause mode.
Page 51: Attaching The Optional Wide Or Tele Converter Lens
8. Press the Start/Stop button again to stop recording. Note: If the tape is played back while the AV input cable is left connected to the camcorder, noise may appear in the picture. In this event, press the STOP button to stop the camcorder, unplug the AV input cable and play back the tape again.
Page 52: 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 53: General Maintenance
Note: Only replace the camera light bulb with VM-CP4L (optional) to reduce the risk of fire. 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.
Page 54: Periodic Maintenance
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 55: Recording Tv Programs Off The Air
RF output adapter.) adapter. Interference on playback picture. (TV is connected to the camcorder by using RF set to obtain output adapter.) Picture bends at the top of the TV screen. Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or during playback.
Page 56: Battery Condition
NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED Symptom Power is turned on, but no button operations date/title battery. are accepted set the The camcorder does not operate when alkaline batteries are batteries are inserted. TAPE DISPLAY Symptom TAPE appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor.
Page 57: Specifications
VM-H825LA: Dimensions 4-5/8" W x 4-3/4" H x 8-5/16" D (118mm x 120mm x 211mm) Weight VM-H725LA: 2.27 lbs (approx. 1040g) without battery pack, VM-H825LA: 2.31 lbs (approx. 1050g) without battery pack, Operating temperature 32°F ~ 104°F (0°C ~ 40°C) Storage temperature -4°F ~ 140°F (-20°C ~ 60°C)
Page 58: Accessories Add Excitement
Tel 808-836-3621 Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-H725LA/825LA 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 59 Do not use cotton swabs, they will damage LCD. First use a dry lens cloth. If dry lens cloth does not do the job, spray a little Windex on the cloth and then clean the LCD. According to Hitachi these LCDs can be easily damaged, so this must be done with the utmost care.

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Hitachi VM-H725LA Instruction Manual

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