Hitachi VM-E56A manual

For Your S afety - 1 - 1 VM-E52A Model No. Serial No. Date of Purchase Dealer's Name Dealer's Address City Province 1 HITACHI Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camcorder VM-E56A / VM-E58A Hitac hi Home Electr onics ( America ), HITACHI (HSC) CANADA, INC. I n c . 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA [...]

For Your S afety - 2 - 2 I MPORTANT SAFEGUARDS pg. 4 ............................................................................................... .6 I MPORTANT SAFETY IN STRUCTIONS FO R AC ADAPTER/CHARGER pg. 8 ................... 10 Read This First .................................................................................................[...]

For Your S afety - 3 - 3 Using Forward and Reverse Sear ch ............................................................................................... ....... 37 Advanced Techniques pg. 37 .............................................................................................. ............ 38 Using the Power Zoom .........................[...]

For Your S afety - 4 - 4 For Your Safety The CAMERA/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camera/recorder 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 camera/recorder off and attach the lens cap. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTU[...]

For Your S afety - 5 - 5 does not indicate a fault as the LCD panel stretches the limits of current technolog y. Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of the F CC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) Thi s device may not cause harmful i nterference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, includin[...]

IMPORTANT SAFEG UAR DS p g . 4 - 6 - 6 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS pg. 4 I n addition to the caref ul attention devoted to quality standar ds in the manufacture of y our video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is y our responsibility too. This page lists impor tant information that will help to assur e y our [...]

IMPORTANT SAFEG UAR DS p g . 4 - 7 - 7 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 ag ainst them, pay ing particular attention to cords at plugs , convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 8 Ventilation -- Slots and ope[...]

IMPORTANT SAFEG UAR DS p g . 4 - 8 - 8 12 Outdoor Antenna G rounding -- If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable sy stem is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI /NFPA No. 70, provide[...]

IMPORTANT SAFEG UAR DS p g . 4 - 9 - 9 SERVICE 17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this video product y ourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dang erous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 18 Conditions Requir ing Service -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet and refer se[...]

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUC TIONS FOR AC ADAP TER/CHARGER pg. 8 - 10 - 10 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER pg. 8 1. Save these I nstructions -- This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-AC 83A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charg er, read all instructions and cautionary markings on [...]

Read This Fir st - 11 - 11 Read This First Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You' ve chosen the best 8mm video camera/recorder 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 future reference. To guide you, we've included l l[...]

Before Y ou Begin - 12 - 12 Before You Begin Any problems that occur a s a result of any of the fo llowing conditions will not be covere d by our warranty . n n n n Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters the camera/recorder. n n n n When y ou shoot at a scene which contains an ex tremely bright object such as the sun or a lig ht source, a br[...]

Before Y ou Begin - 13 - 13 Components and Accessories Check that y ou have all the following components and accessories before preceding. 1. Audio/Video output cord 2. Battery pack 3. AC adapter/charger 4. Remote control battery 5. Shoulder strap 6. External power adapter 7. Remote control Optional RF Output Adapter I f y ou wish to connect this c[...]

Before Y ou Begin - 14 - 14 MOISTURE Avoid operating y our camera/rec order immediately af ter moving it from a cold place to a warm, humid place. Give the camera/recorder 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[...]

Table of C ontents pg. 13 - 15 - 15 T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s p g . 1 3 For Your Safety .....2 I mportant Safeguards.....4 I nstallation.....4 Use.....5 Service.....5 I mportant Safety I nstructions for AC Adapter/Charger.....6 Read This First.....7 Quick I ndex.....7 Features.....8 Components and Accessories.....8 MOI STURE....9 Attaching the [...]

Table of C ontents pg. 13 - 16 - 16 Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached.....27 Connecting to a Television with Audio I n and Video I n J acks.....28 Connecting to a Television without Audio I n and Video I n J acks.....29 Simple Play back.....30 Using Still.....30 Using Forward and Reverse Search.....30 Using the Power Zoom.....32 Using [...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 17 - 17 G e t t i n g S t a r t e d p g . 1 5 This section guides you through the initial preparation of the camera/recorder. 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 camera/recorder. The more com[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 18 - 18 whether the battery is charged or uncharged. Note: The marker switch is not concerned with the battery 's performance. Additional Inform ation To use a battery in optimum condition: l l l l Use the batter y until the low charge light ( ) flashes. Using a battery for a short time and then recha rging it ma y sh[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 19 - 19 The product that you have purchased contains a recharg eable battery. The battery is recy clable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it m ay be illeg al to dispose of this battery into the m unicipal waste stream. Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your area f[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 20 - 20 View finder B right, Color and Ti nt Control This small "BRI GHT", "COLOR" and "TINT" controls are set at the factory and should require no adjustment. I f they ever require adjustment, use a plastic screwdriv er. Make the adjustments with caution to prevent dam aging the m iniature co[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 21 - 21 Loading Batteries Install the remote control battery now to prevent misplacing it. Remote Control Battery 1. Push the tab to the right of the rem ote control and hold it, then remov e the battery holder. 2. Press the PLAY button and hold it for about two seconds. 3. Insert the battery with the "+" termina[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 22 - 22 toward the left of t he camera/recorder and remove. Check ing the Battery's Charge A battery charge indicator is located on the upper right corner of the viewfinder. One of three symbols displays when the battery is used. This sy mbol indicates a fully charged battery . This sy mbol indicates a partially charg[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 23 - 23 2. Align the arrow on the ex ternal power adapter with the guide arrow on the camera/recorder. 3. Hold the ex ternal power adapter firml y against the camera/recorder whil e sliding it towards the right of the machine. 4. Connect the ex ternal power adapter plug to the DC OUTP UT jack of the AC adapter/charger. Not[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 24 - 24 Car Battery Cord Hookup 1. Plug the car battery cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket. 2. Align the arrow on the ex ternal power adapter with the guide arrow on the camera/recorder. 3. Hold the external power a dapter firmly ag ainst the camera /recorder while sliding it toward the right of the machine.[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 25 - 25 Slide the EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow. T he cassette door opens autom atically. Remov e the cassette. Protecting Recorded Material Protect 8mm cassettes from accidental erasure by sliding the tab on the side of the cassette towards the opposite side until the tab is completely visible. Slide the tab [...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 26 - 26 Replacin g the DC Camera Light Bulb 1. Turn the front of the case counter-clockwise and remove it. 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it out through the opened c ase. 3. I nstall the new bulb by alig ning the notch in the rim of the bulb's base with the " " ma rk outside the socket. Avoid touching the bul[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 27 - 27 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 ex ample might be that you have recorded some tape that you have already watched, you continue recording but do not care to watch [...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 28 - 28 1. Load the battery ("Loading the Batteries: Camera/Recorder battery" p 14). Press the red button on the CAMER A/OFF/VI DEO switch as y ou slid it to CAMER A. 2. Press the DATE button and look into the viewfinder. The date and tim e should appear in the lower right w ith the "1" flashing. 3. Pre[...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 29 - 29 Using the Linear Time Counter The linear time counter displays the tape run in hours, minutes, and seconds helping you to keep track of how long you've been filming or time you have left to film before running out of tape. Turn the camera/recorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter [...]

Getting Star ted pg. 15 - 30 - 30 Rem aining Tape The tape re maining display shows the re maining tape that c an be used for re cording and play back, using seven dashes. This feature is handy when recording since it lets y ou know how long y ou can record on the loaded tape. I nsert a cassette into the camera/recorder and start recording or play [...]

Getting Star ted - Identi fying Controls pg. 30 - 31 - 31 Getting Started - Identifying Controls pg. 30 Left side / Front Controls Illustration 1. Lens F1.8 (5~60mm ) 12:1 power zoom lens with auto focus and auto iris functions. 2. Record Indicator This indicator lights when the cam era/recorder is recording. 3. Infrared Receiver The area where inf[...]

Getting Star ted - Identi fying Controls pg. 30 - 32 - 32 13. FADE Button The FADE button features three modes; white fade, wipe fade, and zoom fade ("Using Fade," p. 35) 14. FOCUS Control (AUTO/MAN) Buttons Press these buttons simulta neously to select manual or automatic focus. F or manual focusing ("Using Manual F ocus" p 34)[...]

Getting Star ted - Identi fying Controls pg. 30 - 33 - 33 25. AV IN/OUT Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to con nect the cam era/recorder to a VCR or television ("P laying Back You r Recordings," p. 27, "Dubbing from the Cam era/Recorder to a VC R," p. 39 and "Recording Television Prog rams ", p. 44). 26. DAT[...]

Basic Techniques pg. 33 - 34 - 34 B a s i c T e c h n i q u e s p g . 3 3 The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set, and you are familiar with the controls it's time to make a recording. Basic recording is easy and simple. Hooking up the camera/recorder to your TV is not complicated but give yourself plenty of time to e[...]

Basic Techniques pg. 33 - 35 - 35 Playing Back Your Recording Depending on the setup of your video equipment, you connect the camera/recorder in one of the 3 methods explained below. Connecting to a Telev ision w ith a VCR Attached 1. Connect the provided AV stereo output cord to the AUDIO I N and VI DEO I N jacks of your VCR. Connect either the ri[...]

Basic Techniques pg. 33 - 36 - 36 5. Hold down the red button on the CAMERA/OF F/VIDEO switc h while sliding the switch to VI DEO. 6. Press the PLAY button to beg in play back. 7. Press the STOP button when finished. Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jack s 1. Disconnect the VHF antenna leads from the back of the television. [...]

Basic Techniques pg. 33 - 37 - 37 Using Forward and Reverse Search When looking for a particular point in y our videotape use the F.FWD button and REW/REVIEW button to find the spot quickly . l l l l Press F.F WD button during play back to play the tape forward a t approximately 9 times normal speed. Press PLAY button to return to normal play back.[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 38 - 38 Advanced Techniques pg. 37 The Hitachi VM-E56A/E58A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your videos. 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 s[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 39 - 39[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 40 - 40 Advanced Techniques pg. 37 Using the Digital Z oom The digital zoom inc reases the ma gnification of the power zoom by 2 times. You must place the subject y ou wish to magnify at the center of the viewfinder. Note: When the dig ital zoom is used, the more the ima ge is mag nified, the roug her the picture becom[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 41 - 41 Using Auto Focus The camera/recorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder autom atically unless the m anual focus is engaged. I f FOCUS appears in the viewfinder, m anual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control (AUTO/MAN) buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus. The auto focus will not w[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 42 - 42 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 . With the W zoom control y ou can use the auto focus with subjects 1.2 inches away from the lens and further away to infinity. Using Manual Focus 1. Press the FO[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 43 - 43 l l l l While you record from inside a mov ing vehicle. 1. Press the EIS button. The EI S icon appears in the viewfinder. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording. When EI S is engag ed the viewfinder im age shakes with a slight delay . Note: EI S may not func tion you use a wide or t e leco nverte r l[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 44 - 44 Note: When fading out be sure to w ait until the PAUSE indicator ( ) is visible in the view finder before attem pting to put the camera/recorder into the record m ode again. Using Instant Review Use this feature to view the last few seconds of the tape y ou shot. 1. Set the camera/recorder to record/pause mode [...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 45 - 45 This function allows y ou to shoot subjects as close as 1.2 inches. Press and hold the power zoom control W. The camera focuses on the subject automatically . Check your lig hting as it tends to be insufficient when filming close up. Creating and Recording Titles Create titles easily and personalize your record[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 46 - 46 8 . When you com plete your title, press PLAY to create a second title as required, or press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to store the title in m emory and remov e the title graphics from the viewfinder. Note: As long as the c orrect curr ent time can be display e d, the title is held in memory[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 47 - 47 6. Press the TI TLE ON/OFF button on the remote control at the point on the tape where you wish to record the title. 7. Press the TI TL E ON/OFF button on the remote control again to stop r ecording the title . Note: Recording the title during ta pe transfer will e rase a portion of y our r ecorded mater ial. U[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 48 - 48 Note: I f the VCR is connected to a television and the VCR/TV selector is set to VCR, y ou can monitor the tape being dubbed. Using Synchro Edit Use sy nchro edit to record only segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camera/recorder to a VCR . This requires an optional synchro edit cord. T[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 49 - 49 Controlling Your TV with the Camera/R ecorder's Remote C ontrol The remote control is de signed to be compatible with many tele visions, but will not work with every one made. If your TV does not respond the way it should when you program it as explained below, this remote may be incapable of operating it.[...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 50 - 50 RCA DISP LAY Pana sonic T IT LE ON/OFF Mitsubishi ZOOM.(T) JV C COUNTER RESET Sharp S.EDIT Controlling the T V Once program m ed, the camera/recorder' s remote control is ready to control the TV. l l l l Press the button of the TV function that you want. Be aware that not all of your TV's functions m [...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 51 - 51 3. Hold down the red button on the CAMERA/OF F/VIDEO switc h while sliding the switch to VI DEO. 4. I nsert a previ ously recorded tape in the cam era/recorder. 5. Use the wireless remote control and press the PLAY button. Use the PL AY, F.FWD, and REW buttons to find the place where y ou want to stop dubbing. [...]

Advanced Techniq ues pg. 37 - 52 - 52 Note: I f the tape is play ed back while the AV input cord is left connected to the camera/recorder, noise may appear in the picture. In this event, press the STOP button to stop the camera/recorder, unplug the AV input cord and play back the tape again. Note: To monitor the picture being recorded, connect the [...]

General Mai ntenanc e pg. 51 - 53 - 53 General Maintenance pg. 51 Cleaning the Camera/Recorder Heads Dirt can accumulate on t he 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 Maxel l 8M-CLT to clea[...]

General Mai ntenanc e pg. 51 - 54 - 54 Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. W e inspect and check every camera/recorder car efully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the follow ing possible solutions before inquiring about professional service. INSERTING OR R[...]

General Mai ntenanc e pg. 51 - 55 - 55 Picture bends at th e top of the T V screen. TV recei ver is older type. It n eeds to be modified to work properly with camera/recorder. Tape is dam aged. Try another cassette. Color of your T V screen is too bright, too f aint or change. TV set has VIR circuit. Turn it off during playback. BATTERY CONDITION S[...]

Specificati ons pg. 54 - 56 - 56 S p e c i f i c a t i o n s p g . 5 4 General Sp ecification s Power requirements 6V DC Power consumption VM-E56A: 5.5W (when recording) VM-E58A: 5.6W (when recording) Dimensions 3-11/16" W x 4-8/16" H x 8-7/16" D (94mm x 114mm x 214mm) Weight VM-E56A: 1.65 lbs (750g ) without battery pack, lens hood,[...]

Specificati ons pg. 54 - 57 - 57 Hitachi has made every effort to assure y ou hours of trouble free operation from y our unit. However, should y ou require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide y ou with convenient and expedient assistanc e. Our [...]

Accessories Add Ex citement pg. 56 - 58 - 58 Accessories Add Excitement pg. 56 W e know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-E56A/E58A 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 [...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CARD (USA Fro nt) - 59 - 59 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Front) U. S. A. ONLY NOT VALID IN CANADA HITACHI Hitachi Ho me Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi Sales Corpor ation of Hawaii, Inc. LIMITED WARRANTY Hitachi Home Elec tronics (America ), Inc . and Hitachi Sales Corpor ation of Hawaii ("Hita chi",) warrants this com[...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CARD (USA Ba ck) - 60 - 60 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) Warranty Limitations The L imited Warranty provide d by Hitachi does not cover: A. Cabinet (exterior finish items), Battery Packs, Accessories, Head Cleanings, Video Tape Damage, or TV Set Modifications. B. Any defect, malfunction, or failure caused by or resulting from i[...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CA RD (Front) CANADA ONLY - 61 - 61 HITACH I HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY NOT VALID IN U. S. A. HITACHI VIDEO PRODUCTS GOLD CARD WARRANTY * See inside fo r the GOLD CARD advantages and h ow to get it. HITACHI EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE HITACHI (HSC) CANADA I NC. 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, Quebec H9R 1B1 I [...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CA RD (Front) CANADA ONLY - 62 - 62 cables, batteries, etc. E - THI S P ROTECTION PL AN DOES NOT COVER: (1) Damage caused by incorrect use or neglig ence, unauthorized alteration, improper storage or repairs done by an unauthorized service depot; (2) Damage caused by fire, flood, lightning , acts of God or other events bey ond the[...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CA RD (Front) CANADA ONLY - 63 - 63 Video Tape Record er, Tuner, Timer, 1 year parts and labour. Camera, cam corder, 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 "PREPAI D BASI S". To avoid any damage to the returned goods, [...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CA RD (Front) CANADA ONLY - 64 - 64[...]