Hitachi VM-H81A Instruction Manual
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Hitachi VM-H81A Instruction Manual

Hitachi VM-H81A Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder
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1
HITACHI
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-H81A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America),
INC.
Inc.
Highway, Pointe Claire,
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
CANADA
Tel. 404-279-5600
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF
HAWAII, INC
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best 8 mm
video camcorder for you, and we want to help you make the most of your
purchase. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it
is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference.
QR11932 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995
Japan KG-S(N)
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA,
3300 Trans Canada
Quebec, H9R1B1,
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in
1

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  • Page 1 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best 8 mm video camcorder for you, and we want to help you make the most of your purchase. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    To Prevent Condensation ... 16 Getting Started... 17 Charging the Battery ... 17 Using the AC Adapter/Charger... 17 Using an Optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi VM-CA500A) ... 19 Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder ... 20 Eyepiece Adjustment ... 20 Attaching the Shoulder Strap... 20 Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens ...
  • Page 3 Specifications ... 62 Accessories Add Excitement... 64 To Order in the United States... 65 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Front)... 66 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) ... 67 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY... 69 HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) ... 71...

  • 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 and terminal cover. WARNING: WHEN OUTDOORS, DO NOT USE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER, USE ONLY BATTERY PACK, TYPE: VM-NP500H The camcorder has the following caution marks.

  • Page 5: Moisture

    MOISTURE Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold place to a warm, humid place. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to stabilize in the ambient conditions of the surroundings before inserting a cassette. When moved from a cold place to a warm, humid place, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine.

  • Page 6: Important Safeguards

    IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too. This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video Cassette Recorder and accessory equipment.
  • Page 7 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 7 Power Cord Protection -- Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not 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.
  • Page 8 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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. 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 9 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS d. If the video product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal operation.

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

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 1. Save these Instructions -- This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-ACL1A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.

  • Page 11: Read This First

    Hitachi VM-H81A. "Advanced Techniques" to help you with some of the exciting, sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM-H81A. We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you.

  • Page 12: Before You Begin

    Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty. Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters the camcorder. When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the sun or a light source, a bright vertical bar may appear in the picture.

  • Page 13: 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. You cannot use the optical link function with a television that does not have audio/video input jacks.

  • Page 14: How To Open And Close The Case

    Check that no foreign matter adheres to the water-resistant packings before closing the cases. If the camcorder is used while dust, sand, or thread adheres to only one point if the packings, it could cause water to enter.

  • Page 15: How To Open And Close The Battery Compartment Cover

    Before You Begin 3. To close the case, hold the left and right cases tightly and close the snap until a click is heard. Note: Lock the case securely using the snap. Otherwise, it could allow water to enter. How to Open and Close the Battery Compartment Cover 1.

  • Page 16: To Prevent Condensation

    Also check that the knob is aligned with the mark as shown in the figure below. To Prevent Condensation When the camcorder is moved from a cold place to a warm place, leave it for a while until it reaches the ambient temperature before opening the case.

  • Page 17: Getting Started

    None of these processes are complex. 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.
  • Page 18 Note: The camcorder becomes warm during charging, but this is normal. Note: If the battery is left in the camcorder, the battery power will decrease even when the camcorder is not used. Do not leave the battery in the camcorder after charging it.

  • Page 19: Using An Optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi Vm-Ca500A)

    The battery has a green charge marker on one side of the battery. When the battery is removed from the AC adapter/charger a green color marker will be exposed. When the battery is ejected from the camcorder no green marker will be seen.

  • Page 20: 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 21: Attaching The Optional Wide Or Tele Converter Lens

    1. To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise. 2. Remove both caps of the converter lens. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the camcorder lens assembly. Note: The wide and tele converter lenses (optional) are not water-resistant.

  • Page 22: Edit Remote Control Batteries

    Note: Do not short, take apart, or dispose of batteries by throwing them into a fire. Note: When liquid leaks, wipe it off completely and then insert new batteries. Camcorder Battery Before you install the battery for the first time it must be charged. Refer to "Charging the Battery" for details.

  • Page 23: Removing The Battery

    This symbol indicates a fully charged battery. This symbol indicates a partially charged battery. This flashing symbol indicates a battery nearly out of power. Use an alternate power source or charge the battery before continuing to use the camcorder. Using Alternative Power Sources...

  • Page 24: Using The Ac Adapter/Charger

    Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi VM-CA500A) 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 battery, AC adapter/charger, etc.)

  • Page 25: When The Cassette Holder Marked "Push" Is Pressed

    Note: If direct sunlight or bright artificial light enters the inside of the cassette holder, the cassette holder may not operate normally. Remove the cassette and insert it in a place where strong light does not strike the camcorder. When the cassette holder marked "PUSH" is pressed: If the cassette is in the camcorder, holder stops temporarily to detect moisture.

  • Page 26: 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 27: Setting The Date And Time

    Charge the backup battery every two months. Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch on the camera/recorder to OFF and connect a charged battery or the AC adapter/charger to the camcorder for 24 hours. If you record the date and time at the beginning of each recording session they will serve as a handy reminder when viewing tapes at a later date.

  • Page 28: Correcting The Date And Time

    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; 10 seconds later, the remaining tape will be displayed. When the cassette is ejected, the display will disappear.

  • Page 29: Lens Cap

    Using the Microphone Cap Be sure to attach the microphone cap if you rinse the camcorder with water after using it. If water pressure is applied to the microphone directly, it could cause damage to the microphone.

  • Page 30: Using The Remote Control Bag

    Getting Started Using the Remote Control Bag The remote control is not water-resistant. If you use the remote control for recording when it rains or snows or where it could be splashed by water, insert the remote control into the bag with the infrared transmission window forward as shown in the figure.

  • Page 31: Getting Started - Identifying Controls

    This indicator lights (red) when the camcorder is recording and lights (green) when the battery inside the camcorder is being charged. 9. AV Signal Transmitter This transmits the AV signals played back by the camcorder to the AV optical receiver. 10. F.FWD button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search.
  • Page 32 22. AV IN/OUT Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Playing Back Your Recordings Using AV Stereo Output Cable," p. 37, "Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR," p. 50 and "Recording Television Programs,"...
  • Page 33 28. Battery Release Lever (blue) Press this lever to remove the battery from the camcorder. 29. Cassette Holder A power source must be connected to the camcorder before a cassette can be inserted or removed. 30. EJECT Button 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 34 Getting Started - Identifying Controls W: Picture becomes wider gradually. T: Picture becomes telescopic gradually. Note: The zoom switch on the remote control cannot change the zoom speed, but provides only low-speed zooming. 38. S.EDIT (Synchro Edit) Button (only on the remote control) Use this button to activate the synchro edit function for dubbing ("Using Synchro Edit,"...

  • Page 35: Basic Techniques

    Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-H81A 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 36: Holding Button To Record

    Note: TAPE END flashes in the viewfinder when about 3 minutes or less remain of the tape cassette. Note: If the camcorder is left in record/pause mode for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder turns off automatically. To restart it press the Start/Stop button on the camcorder and the camera returns to record/pause mode.

  • Page 37: If Any Abnormality Or Trouble Occurs

    If you find any abnormality or trouble, immediately unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet and consult the video store from whom you purchased the camcorder. When you go for servicing, take both the AV optical receiver and camcorder.

  • Page 38: Operations

    Controllable Range * Lift the fitting at the bottom of the camcorder; it can be used as a simple stand. Note: The stand is likely to slip and may fall down even with a slight impact, so be careful when selecting the position where the camcorder is to be installed using the stand.

  • Page 39: Using The Mini-Tripod

    Note: The mini-tripod can be used during recording, but do not hold the tripod when carrying the camcorder or use it as a grip, or the camcorder could drop causing it to malfunction.

  • Page 40: Connecting To A Television With Audio In And Video In Jacks

    Note: Some VCRs have an S-VIDEO IN jack. Connect the black S-VIDEO plug to the VCR instead of the yellow VIDEO plug. 2. Connect the free square plug to the AV IN/OUT jack of your camcorder. 3. Insert the previously recorded cassette into the camcorder.

  • Page 41: Using Still

    Using Still 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 42: Advanced Techniques

    Advanced Techniques Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-H81A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates videos 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 43: 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 (AUTO/MAN) buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.

  • Page 44: Using Manual Focus

    Advanced 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 3.6 feet away from the lens and further away to infinity.

  • Page 45: Using Exposure Correction

    The camcorder contains an auto iris that adjusts the lens aperture depending on the available light, widening it during low light conditions and narrowing it when bright light is available. When the camcorder is turned off the iris fully closes.

  • Page 46: Fading In

    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 47 Advanced Techniques...

  • Page 48: Using Quick Edit

    Using the Wireless Remote Control 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...

  • Page 49: Creating And Recording A Title

    The wireless remote control won't work if an obstacle blocks the infrared rays. Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code you Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control.

  • Page 50: Correcting Errors

    5. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to store the corrected title in memory. Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder 1. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to CAM.

  • Page 51: Dubbing From The Camcorder To A Vcr

    Use synchro edit to record only segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-H81A 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 52: Simple Programmable Edit

    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.23). Press the COUNTER RESET button on the remote control where you wish the recording to stop.

  • Page 53: Operation

    Note: Use the remote control indoors. When the infrared receivers of the VCR and camcorder are exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light, the remote control may not operate correctly. Note: The remote control cannot be operated if there is an obstacle between the remote control and infrared receiver.
  • Page 54 Programmable Edit Hookup Illustration 1. Use the AV stereo output cable to connect the camcorder and VCR as illustrated and then connect the edit remote control to the camcorder. 2. Insert a recorded tape into the camcorder.

  • Page 55: To End Programmable Simple Edit

    Then press the stop button on the recording 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 56: Controlling The Tv

    Note: The AVX Button can't be used with Gold Star 2 and Sharp TVs. Using Audio/Video Dubbing Use audio/video dubbing to record audio and video from the camcorder's built- in microphone and camera onto a previously recorded tape in the camcorder.

  • Page 57: Recording Television Programs

    Remote Control of Camcorder Illustration Note: If the camcorder is in AV DUB pause or STILL mode for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder stops automatically to protect the tape. Note: Automatic date recording is disabled during audio/video dubbing.
  • Page 58 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 59: General Maintenance

    Note: Do not rub the lens with force. The lens could be scratched. Note: Do not lubricate the metal sections. Storage Store the camcorder in a well ventilated place, not in a place at high temperature and high humidity or in a dusty place.

  • Page 60: 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 61 General Maintenance PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom “PLAY” button cannot be engaged. No picture appears on television screen when “PLAY” button is pressed. Interference on playback picture. Picture bends at the top of the TV screen. Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or change.

  • Page 62: Specifications

    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.
  • Page 63 Specifications 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd Norcross, GA 30093 Tel 404-279-5600 Hitachi Sales Corporation of Hawaii 3219 Koapaka St./Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel 808-836-3621...

  • Page 64: Accessories Add Excitement

    Accessories Add Excitement Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-H81A 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 65: To Order In The United States

    In Canada - Please use Canadian order form in French version of this manual - Page 69. By Phone To place an order by phone, have your VISA, MASTERCARD, or AMERICAN EXPRESS card ready and call Hitachi's toll-free number anytime: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-HITACHI By Mail Complete the order form on page 69.

  • Page 66: Hitachi Warranty Card (Usa Front)

    Hitachi Video Products are warranted to be free of defects in parts and workmanship at the time of purchase by the original owner. If this product is found to be defective, Hitachi will repair or replace defective parts at no charge to the original owner. Parts used for replacement are warranted for the remainder of the original Limited Warranty period.

  • Page 67: Hitachi Warranty Card (Usa Back)

    B. Any defect, malfunction, or failure caused by or resulting from improper service, maintenance, repair, use of Video Cleaning Cassettes, or from abuse, neglect, accident, or any other cause beyond the control of Hitachi. C. Unpacking, set-up or installation, adjustment of customer operated controls, user instruction.
  • Page 68 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) HITACHI...

  • Page 69: Hitachi Warranty Card (Front) Canada Only

    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 70 (10) Cleaning the video heads. F - All repair costs must be claimed from Hitachi, at all times, through an authorized Hitachi Service Center. The Plan Owner should never directly pay the authorized Service center unless given special authorization from Hitachi.

  • Page 71: Hitachi Canada Warranty Card (Back)

    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 are followed.
  • Page 72 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,...

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