Hitachi VM-3800A manual

1 1 Instruction Manual VM-1800A / VM-2800A / VM-3800A Hitachi Home Ele c tronics (A meric a), Inc. HITA CHI (HSC) CANA DA INC. 3890 Steve Rey nolds Blvd., Nor cross, GA 30093 3300 Trans Canada Hw y., Pointe Cla ire, Tel. 404-279-5600 Quebec, H9R1B1, CAN ADA Tel. 514-697-9150 HITA CHI SA LES CORPORATION OF HA WA II, INC. 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolul[...]

2  W HEN USING W IT H THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM- CC70A) ................................................................................................................................................. 13 CHECKING THE BATTERY ....................................................................................[...]

CAUTIONS 3 CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING ....................................................................................................... 51 FLYING ERASE HEAD .......................................................................................................................... 52 ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR W I D E CONVERTER LENS .........[...]

CAUTIONS 4 CA UTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH W IDE BLADE OF PLUG TO W IDE SLOT, FULLY INSER T . "This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limit s f or radio emissions from di gital apparatus as set out in the inter f erence-causing equipment standard enti tled " Digital Apparatus", ICES-003 of the Depar tment of Co[...]

PRECAUTIO NS 5 P R E C A U T I O N S Any problems that occur as a result of any of the f ollowing conditions w ill not be covered by our w arranty.  Be careful that no water, dust, or sand enters the camcorder.  W hen you are not using the camcorder , switch off the power and attach the lens cap.  W hen you shoot at a scene which contai ns[...]

IMPORT ANT SAFEG UARDS 6 This instruction manual shows the illustrations for the VM-3800A. * This video camcorder with this marking incorporates high-quality picture technology and is compatible w ith any v ideo cassette recorder bearing the mark. A CCESSORIES Check to make sure y ou have the following components and accessories (besides the cam[...]

IMPORT ANT SAFEG UARDS 7 your v ideo product, safety is a major f actor in the desig n of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too. This page lists important inform ation that will help to assure y our enjoyment and proper use of a Video Camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read i t caref ully before operating y our video pr od[...]

IMPORT ANT SAFEG UARDS 8 likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or ag ainst them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, conveni ence receptacles, and the poi nt where they exit from the appl iance. 8 Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are pr ovided for ventilati on to ensure reliabl e operation of the video pr[...]

IMPORT ANT SAFEG UARDS 9 in wi re to an antenna discharge unit, siz e of grounding conductors, l ocation of antenna- discharge uni t, connection to grounding el ectrodes, and requirements for the gr ounding electrode. See ex ample below: EXA MPLE OF A NTENNA GROUNDING 13 Powe r Lines -- An outside antenna system should not be located i n the vicini[...]

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCT IONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 10 SERVICE 17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to servi ce this video product y ourself as opening or removi ng covers may expose you to dang erous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servi cing to qualified ser vice personnel. 18 Conditions Requiring Service - - Unplug this v ideo product from the w[...]

ELECTRO NIC VIEW FINDER 11 when disconnecti ng charger. 8. Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped ov er, or otherwise subjected to damage or str ess. 9. Do not operate charger wi th dam aged cord or plug--replace them imme diately. 10. An extension cor d should not be used unless absolutely necessary . Use of improper [...]

POW ER SOURCES 12 2. Turn the eyepiece.  You can adjust the posit ion and angle of the view f inder so y o u can see through it easily . Cautions:  Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This w ill dam age the view finder and/or camcorder.  W hen pulling the viewfinder out or returning it to its orig inal position, hold t[...]

POW ER SOURCES 13  To attach, align the mark " " of the battery w ith that of the camcorder so that the battery fits into the grov es, and slide the battery downw ard, as illustrated.  To remove the battery : Push and hold "Battery" r elease lever, then sli de the battery to the upside and remov e.  WHEN USING WITH THE [...]

CHECKING THE BAT TERY 14 1. Connect the small pl ug of the car battery cord to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder. 2. Connect the other end of the car battery cord to the car's cigarette l ighter socket. NOTES:  The car battery cor d is designed to be used only with automobiles hav ing a 12-volt negativ e ground system.  To[...]

CHARGING A BATT ERY 15 CHA RGING A BATTERY 2 1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger pow er cord into AC electric al outlet. 2. Attach the battery to the AC adaptor/charger. Ali gn the mark " " on the battery w ith that of AC adaptor/charg er and push the battery flush w ith the AC adaptor/charger and sl ide it in the direction of arrow . NOTE: Yo[...]

MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING 16 The battery may be damaged if operated at temperatures abov e 122ºF (50ºC). Operation time will decrease a t extremely low temperatures. 7. After repeated chargings and use, the operation time will g radually decrease. W hen operation time becomes too shor t to be usef ul, it is ti me to replace the battery. 8. If &qu[...]

MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING 17 4. Press and hold the small button on "P OWE R" switch, and then sl ide it to the "CAM" position. The "POWE R " indicator will light and the camcorder w ill enter record/pause mode automaticall y. NOTES:  If the erase preventi on tab on the cassette is remov ed, the "TAPE " ind[...]

MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING 18 7. After recording , press and hold the small button on the "POWE R" switch, and then slide it to "VID EO" . The cam corder will now be in the stop mode. 8. Press "REW" button. The tape will be rewound to the beginning 9. Press "PLA Y" button. T he picture you just recorded w ill [...]

AUTOMAT IC REW IND 19 12. Alw ays remove the pow er source from the camcorder after use. NOTE: If you have a cassette tape that has already been partially recorded on and you want to r ecord the remaining blank section, see "QUICK EDIT" on page 27. A UTOMATIC REWIND W hen the tape reaches its end during play back, it automatically rewinds[...]

IDENTIFICAT ION AND OPERATION OF CONT ROLS 20 off automatically or manually in the recor d and record/pause modes depending on the position of "LIGHT " sw itch. Turn the camera light off after use. NOTE: The camera light turns on only in the record and record/pause modes. Microphone Sensitiv e to sounds coming from the direction in w hich[...]

IDENTIFICAT ION AND OPERATION OF CONT ROLS 21 the switch is set to "OUT" , the "A UDIO" and "VIDEO" jacks can be used as output jacks, and when the sw itch is set to "IN", they can be used as input jacks. "RF DC OU T" Jack Connect the RF conv erter unit (optional) to this jack. 5 "A UDIO/VIDEO&[...]

IDENTIFICAT ION AND OPERATION OF CONT ROLS 22 Press this button to create and r ecord personalized ti tles on you r vi deos with the camcorder's buil t-in titler. (See "TITLE RECORDING" on page 29.) "DA TE / TIME" Button Press this button to displ ay the date and time in the vi ewfinder. W henever the date and time appear i[...]

IDENTIFICAT ION AND OPERATION OF CONT ROLS 23 "STOP/EJECT" Button  The "STOP/EJECT" button is used to stop play back, rewind, and fast forwar d operations. The "STOP/EJECT" button has no effect during r ecord operation.  This button is used in the stop mode to open the cassette holder . "F.FWD" Button P[...]

DA TE/TI ME S ETTI NG 24 Graphics in the Elect r onic Viewfinder "BRIGHT', "CO LO R" and " TINT" controls ( for VM-2800A/3800A ) Use to adjust t he picture color in t he viewfinder. See pag e 43. "REC/PAUSE" Button This butt on is used t o cont r ol the camcorder . W hen this button is pr essed with the cam c[...]

DA TE/TI ME S ETTI NG 25 NOTES:  The backup battery should be char ged every two months. If it is not charged per iodically, it will be ov er-discharged and its life will be shortened.  A cassette cannot be loaded or ejected w hen setting the date and time. 1. Press and hold the small button on "P OWE R" switch, and then slide i t t[...]

AUTOMAT IC DATE RECORDING 26 8. After setting AM or PM , press "DATE/TIME" button to change the display and start the internal clock. It i s recommended that you press "DA TE/ TIME" button to match the time signal. 9. Press "DA TE/TI ME" button a f ter setting the clo ck. The disp la y w ill ch ange as fo llows each ti[...]

PROGRAM AE ( Auto Exposure) 27 If the date changes whil e recording continues ov er 10 seconds, the date is recorded for 10 seconds when recording is restarted after the camcorder has been set to the standby mode. Press "DA TE /TIME" button until " " and the date appear in the v iewfinder before you begin to record. The date w i[...]

MANUAL FOCUS (O nly f or VM-3800A) 28 The range of the obj ect w ith w hich auto focus can be used.  On "T" side: about 3.3 feet (1m) from the lens surface to infinity .  On "W" side: about 0.4 inches (1 cm) from the lens surface to infinity .  The auto focus w ill not w ork under the follow ing conditions. 1. Objects n[...]

POW ER ZOOM 29 NOTE: To return to auto fo cus press the FOCUS control (AUTO/MAN) buttons and "FOCUS" disappears from the vi ewfinder. POWER ZOOM  Press power zoom switch on the "W" side, and the picture g radually w idens.  Press the power zoom switch on the "T" side, and the pi cture gradually becomes telescopic[...]

DIGITAL ZOOM 30 The digital z oom increases the magnificati on of the power z oom by 2 times. You must place the subject y ou wish to magnify at the center of the view finder. Press and hold the power zoom T control until y ou f ind the picture y ou want. You control the zoom with the power z oom T and W controls. W hen "ZOOM" is not di s[...]

INSTANT ZOO M (Only for VM-3800A) 31 NOTES:  W hen digital zoom i s used, the more the image is mag nif ied, the coarser the picture becomes. Also even sl ight shaking of the camcorder is conspi cuous.  W hen "16:9" is display ed in the view f inder, the picture format is sw itched from 4:3 to 16:9. See "16:9 MOD E" on pag[...]

MACRO 32 MA CRO 6 Allow s you to shoot objects as close as 0.4 inches (1 cm) f rom the lens tip. Press and hold "W" side of power z oom switch. An object is auto focused. NOTES:  Determine the siz e of the object by moving the camera backward and forw ard.  Be careful as the lighti ng may tend to be insufficient when shooting in the[...]

FADE IN / FADE OUT 33 upper lef t cor ner of the viewfinder.  W ipe f ade: T he pict ur e opens gradually f r om the center of a black scr een or closes int o the center to a black screen. " " appears in the upper lef t corner of the viewfinder.  Zoom f ade: Fades in while zooming f rom a white screen or f ades out while zooming to [...]

INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING 34 INDEX SIGNA L RE CORDING 7 Indexing your tapes w h ile recording makes it easy to find desired program seg ments when you play back the tape in a VCR that has a compatible index ing feature called the "VHS Index Search System". See y our VCR's instructi on manual f or index playback instructions. "INDEX[...]

INSTANT REVIEW 35 tape at that position. INSTA NT REVIEW 1. In record/pause (s tand-by) mode, press "REVIEW" button, and the last few seconds of the recorded scene is play ed back in the reverse di rection and then played back in the forward di rection. 2. W hen the tape reaches the end of the scene you have just recor ded, the camcorder [...]

DISPLAY BUTTO N 36 DISPLA Y BUTTON Each time the "DISPLA Y" button is pressed, the display in the v iewfinder swi tches as follo ws.  W hen the tape counter with memory is displayed i n the viewfinder, the same di splay appears on the screen of the connected TV/monitor receiv er. REMA INING TA PE The tape remaining di splay shows the r[...]

TIT LE RECORDING 37 disappear. " " is display ed f or 10 seconds af ter the tape starts to run. NOTE: W hen the remaining r ecording tape time becomes less than about five mi nutes, "TA PE END" f lashes in the vi ewfinder. TITLE RECORDING You can easily create and record personali zed titles on your videos wi th the camcorder&ap[...]

TIT LE RECORDING 38 3. Press "SHIFT" button repeatedly to move the flashing curs or to the place y ou want to begin y our title. 4. Select the first character f or your ti tle by pressing the "-" or "+" button repeatedly until the desir ed character appears. NOTE: Each title can contain up to two l ines of 16 character[...]

TIT LE RECORDING 39  Recording titles on a tape in the camcorder 1. Slide "POWER " switch to "VIDEO" . 2. Locate the position on the tape that y ou wish to record the titl e. 3. Set "POW ER" switch to "CA M" . 4. Press "TITLE" button to display the title graphics. 5. Press "PA G E" butt[...]

USING TH E W IRELESS REMOT E CONTRO L (Only for VM-3800A) 40 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ? ' . / , - ; : < > ! (blan k) USING THE WIRELESS REM OTE CONTROL (Only for VM-3800A ) Use the w ireless remote control to operate the camcor der from a distance. (1) TV Control Buttons Used f or cont ro ll[...]

USING TH E W IRELESS REMOT E CONTRO L (Only for VM-3800A) 41 2. Press the PLAY but t on and hold it f or about two seconds. 3. Insert the batte r y with the positive (+) t erminal f acing up. 4. Replace the batt ery holder with battery in the r em o t e cont rol mak ing sure t hat it is f ully inserted. WA RNI NG: KEEP T HE BATT ERY AW AY FROM CHIL[...]

CONTRO LLING YOUR TV W IT H THE CAMCO RDER'S REMOTE CONT ROL (O nly f or VM-3800A) 42  The wireless remote cont r ol may not f unct ion in st r ong light such as dir ect sunlig ht or very brig ht artif icial light ing .  Clear a path f rom the wireless rem ot e cont rol to the inf rar ed r ay receive. T he wireless rem ot e control won&a[...]

RECORDING TV PROGRAMS 43 Zenith VOL( ) Sony ZOOM.(W ) Magnav ox REW Sanyo PLAY Goldstar1 F.FW D Tosh iba AV DUB Goldstar 2 STOP NEC PAUSE (START/STOP) RCA DISPLAY Panasonic TIT LE ON/OFF Mitsubishi ZOOM.(T) JVC C OUNTER RESET Sharp REVIEW Controll i ng the TV Once progr a mmed, the camcorder's remote control is r eady to control the TV.  Pr[...]

AUDIO DUBBING 44 1. Connect the audio/v ideo cable to "A UDIO OUT" and "VIDEO OUT" of your TV and VCR. 2. Connect the other end to "A UDIO" and "VIDEO" of camcorder. 3. Insert the cassette. NOTE: Power source must be connected to the camcor der. 4. Set "A V OUT/IN" switch to "IN" positi on[...]

AUDIO DUBBING 45 The audio dubbing feature lets y ou record new audi o (sound) on a previ ously recorded tape wi thout erasing the orig inal video. W hen you audio dub a tape, the previ ous audio is erased and replaced w ith new sound. NOTES:  Sound from the built-in mi crophone and the AUDIO jack can be dubbed.  W hen dubbing audio from the [...]

AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING 46 A UDIO A ND V IDEO DUBBING 9 The audio and video dubbing f eat ur e let s you record new audio (sound) and video (pictures) simultaneously on a previously recorded tape. W hen you audio and video dub a tape, the pr evious audio and video are erased and replaced with the new sound and pictures. The replacem ent audio and v[...]

AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING 47 5. Press "RESET" button to set the counter reading to "0000" . 6. Press "DISPLA Y" button so counter memory "M" appears. 7. Press "REW" button to rewi nd the tape to the approximate position from w hich you want to star t dubbing. 8. Press "PLA Y" button, and whe[...]

VIEW ING T HE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR T V 48 VIEWING THE P ICTURE PLA YED BACK ON YOUR TV To play back a tape recor ded on your camcorder and v iew it on y our TV receiver, y ou must connect the camcorder to the TV receiv er using either audi o/video cable (suppl ied only w ith VM-3800A) or RF converter uni t (optional) . You also may play back[...]

VIEW ING T HE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR T V 49 own, black and w hite streaks may appear on y our TV screen. If this occurs, press "TRA CKING" control (W or T) until the streaks di sappear. W hen the cassette is ejected, the tracking is reset to normal. Example 2: If y ou have a VHS VCR , 1. Insert the recorded tape i nto your VCR. 2. Pr[...]

STILL 50 NOTE: If you want to w a tch a T V program with camcorder connected as illustrated, slide "POW ER" switch of the camcorder to "OFF" . S T I L L W hen "REC/PA USE" button is pressed during play back, a still picture can be seen. T o start again pr ess "REC/PA USE" button and playback w ill be resumed.[...]

MEMORY 51 MEMORY W hen the tape counter with memory indication appears in the v iewfinder, a tape that is being r e wound automatically stops when the counter reads appr oximately "0000" . T his is useful if there is a secti on of tape you w ant to review immediately after recordi ng or if you w ant to return to the same point several tim[...]

FLYING ERASE HEAD 52 If you wi sh to exchange or copy some of your friend's favor ite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camcorder to VCR f or this purpose. 1. Connect the audio/v ideo cable to "A UDIO" and "VI DEO" of your camcorder. 2. Connect the other ends to "A UDIO IN" , "[...]

USING TH E BUILT-IN CAMERA LIG HT ( For VM-2800A/3800A) 53 2. Remove both caps of the telephoto or wide angle lens. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the front of camcorder lens assembly. USING THE BUILT- IN CA MERA LIGHT (For VM-2800A /3800A ) Use the built- in camera light it y ou wish to shoot objects in dar k places. W hen the "LIGHT&q[...]

USING TH E BUILT-IN CAMERA LIG HT ( For VM-2800A/3800A) 54 3. After use, set the "LIGHT" sw itch to "OFF" or set the "PO WER" switch of the camcorder to "OFF" posi tion. CA UTIO N:  During operat ion and/ or af t er use of t he cam er a light, t he fr ont sur face and lam p of the cam er a light will be ve[...]

EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT 55 NOTES:  Do not touch the lamp directl y with y our fingers. It may shor ten its service li f e.  W hen the lamp is replaced, or w hen the f ront case of the camera lig ht is removed, make sure the front case is attached to the camera li ght properly .  Consult y our nearest service center to replace the lamp. EYEPIEC[...]

HOW T O ATT ACH T HE SHOULDER ST RAP 56 HOW TO A TTA CH THE SHOULDER STRA P Attach the shoulder strap (provided), as illustrated. TROUBLESHOOTING Your camcor der is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most r igid quali ty control and inspection sy stems. Howev er, should problems de[...]

TROUBLES HOOT ING 57 CA MERA RECORDING Sy mptom Check Point & Co rrection Picture does not appear i n the view finder. Remove t he lens cap. `Slide the power sw itch to “ C AM E R A” Disconnect the A V input cable from the camera/recorder. The camera/recorder cannot g o into the recording mode, even when the start/stop button is pressed. Ch[...]

CLEANING TH E INSIDE OF T HE ELECTRO NIC VIEW FINDER 58 "OUT" position. Interference on play back picture. Adjust the tracking using "TRACK ING" contro l (pow er zoom switch) . W hen you see the playback picture on y our TV, adjust fine tuning knob on telev ision set to obtain best picture. The pre-recorded tape is EP o r L P r [...]

HEAD CLEANING 59 If dust or for ei gn matter adheres i nsi de the view finder, cl ean i t by using the foll ow ing pr ocedur e. 1. Rotate and remove ey e cup. 2. Clean the picture tube face and lens. To prevent scratching, use a soft non abrasive cloth, sw ab or lens cl eaning paper. 3. A lign the reference mark and rotate the ey e cup in the direc[...]

HOTLINE 60 Power r equirements 9.6V DC Power consumption VM-1800A: 7W (nominal) VM-2800A: 8W (nominal) VM-3800A: 8W (nominal) Dimensions: 4-3/8"(W ) x 8- 1/16" (H) x 12-1/4" ( D) 111(W ) x 205(H ) x 311(D) mm W e ight 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) Operating temp. 32°F ~ 104°F (0°C ~ 40°C) Storage temp. -4°F ~140°F (- 20°C ~ 60°C)  Vide[...]

ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EX CITEMENT 61 purchase and/or delivery receipts to the Hitachi Authorized Service Facility and serv ice will be rendered in accordance w ith the terms of the limited warranty as stated on y our warr anty card or operati ng gui de. Should you have any questions regarding in-warranty service, operation or technical assistance, [...]

ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EX CITEMENT 62 To place your or der by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with cr edit card information, money order , or check in U.S. currency (payable to HITACHI H OME ELECTRONICS (AM ERICA) INC.) to the follow ing address: HITA CHI HOME ELE CTRONICS (AMERICA ) INC. PA RTS DIVISION 401 WEST A RTESIA BLVD. COMPTO[...]

HITACHI W ARRANT Y CARD (USA Back) 63 Honolulu, H I 96819 Tel: 808-836-3621 HITA CHI WA RRA NTY CA RD (USA Back) Warranty Limitations The Limited W arranty prov ided by Hi tachi 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 [...]

HITACHI W ARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY 64 Model No. Serial No. Date of Purchase Dealer N ame Dealer Addr ess City State Zip HITACHI HITA CHI WARRA NTY CA RD (Front) CA NADA ONLY NOT VA LID I N U. S. A. HITACHI VIDEO PRODUCTS GOLD CARD WA RRA NTY * See inside for the GOLD C ARD advantages and how to get it. HITA CHI EXCEPTIONAL PE RFORMANCE HITA[...]

HITACHI CANADA W ARRANT Y CARD (Back) 65 accessories such as cables, batteri es, etc. E - THIS PROTECTION PLAN DOES N OT COVER: (1) Damag e caused by incorrect use or neg ligence, unauthoriz ed alteration, improper storage or repairs done by an unauthor ized servi ce depot; (2) Damag e caused by fire, flood, lightning , acts of God or other ev ents[...]

HITACHI CANADA W ARRANT Y CARD (Back) 66 NOTE: The GOLD CARD becomes the proof of your w arranty. it assures y ou of a personaliz ed quality service and it is accepted by our authoriz ed service centres every where in C anada. Howev er, to receive y our exclusiv e Hitachi GOLD CARD , you must include a copy of your bill of sa le with the return po [...]

HITACHI CANADA W ARRANT Y CARD (Back) 67 12. Orig inal installation (s et-up) and all normal maintenance needed such as CLEANING OF VIDEO H EADS. 13. The replacement of the video camer a pickup element if the pickup element has been OVER EXPOSED to an i ntense source of light. 14. Products sold in Canada by any organi zation other than HITACHI ( HS[...]

HITACHI CANADA W ARRANT Y CARD (Back) 68 9 Audio and Video Dubbing on these 3 camcorders is done simultaneously ! The camera cannot perform an audio dub independenly of a video dub and vice versa.[...]