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Hitachi VM-1700A Instruction Manual

Hitachi instruction manual video camera/recorder vm-1700a , vm-2700a
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HITACHI
Instruction Manual
VM-1700A / VM-2700A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
INC.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Pointe Claire,
Tel. 404-279-5600
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC.
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
P QR10512 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1994
KS-F(N)
Video Camera/Recorder
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA
3300 Trans Canada Hwy.,
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in Japan
1

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  • Page 1 VM-1700A / VM-2700A Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. INC. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Pointe Claire, Tel. 404-279-5600 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC. 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 P QR10512 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 KS-F(N) Video Camera/Recorder HITACHI (HSC) CANADA 3300 Trans Canada Hwy.,...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    POWER SOURCES... 16 WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) ... 16 WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER (Provided)... 16 WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM- CC70A)... 17 CHECKING THE BATTERY ... 18 CHARGING A BATTERY ...
  • Page 3 CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING ... 53 AUTOMATIC REWIND... 54 FLYING ERASE HEAD (only for VM-2700A) ... 55 USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (only for VM-2700A) ... 56 To replace the lamp of camera light ... 58 EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT... 59 HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP ... 60 TROUBLESHOOTING ...

  • Page 4: Warnings

    WARNINGS WARNINGS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.
  • Page 5 CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold area to a warm humid area. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to acclimate to the surroundings before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm humid area, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine.

  • Page 6: Precautions

    PRECAUTIONS PRECAUTIONS Thank you for choosing the convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your camera/recorder. PRECAUTIONS 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 camera/recorder. When you are not using the camera/recorder, switch off the power and attach the lens cap.

  • Page 7: Features

    PRECAUTIONS FEATURES • Solid-state camera pickup • High Quality picture technology • Auto focus power zoom Lens with macro feature • Full record and playback capability with standard • Program AE (Auto Exposure) • Flying erase head (Only for VM-2700A) •...

  • Page 8: 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 Camera/Recorder and accessory equipment.
  • Page 9 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation. 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 10 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. 12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges.
  • Page 11 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS SERVICE 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 12: 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 Adaptor/Charger Model VM-AC68A (T) 2. Before using AC Adaptor/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.
  • Page 13 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER as close to the point of cable entry as practical".

  • Page 14: Electronic Viewfinder

    ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER Set the viewfinder to the position shown in the figure when carrying the camcorder or storing it in the carrying case. Turn the viewfinder to the position shown below when shooting pictures. 1. Turn the viewfinder 2.
  • Page 15 ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER...

  • Page 16: Power Sources

    POWER SOURCES POWER SOURCES WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) • To attach, align the mark " " of the battery with that of the camera/recorder so that the battery fits into the groves, and slide the battery downward, as illustrated. •...

  • Page 17: When Using With The Car Battery (By Using Optional Car Battery Cord Hitachi Vm-Cc70A)

    AC adaptor/charger to power the camera/recorder. WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-CC70A) 1. Connect the small plug of the car battery cord to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camera/recorder.

  • Page 18: Checking The Battery

    CHECKING THE BATTERY CHECKING THE BATTERY When the " " indication appears in the viewfinder and flashes while the camera/recorder is being operated with a battery (provided), it indicates that the battery charge is low. Charge it or replace it with a charged battery. NOTE: When the camera/recorder is turned on, the battery level indicator "...

  • Page 19: Charging A Battery

    CHARGING A BATTERY CHARGING A BATTERY 1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. 2. Attach the battery to the AC adaptor/charger. Align the mark " " on the battery with that of AC adaptor/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adaptor/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow.
  • Page 20 CHARGING A BATTERY NOTES: 1. The time required for charging the battery is approx. two hours. 2. When fully charged, the battery should supply approx. 90 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause). 2. Charge the battery after use and store it at normal room temperature. 3.

  • Page 21: Making A Sample Recording

    MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING 1. Connect the POWER SOURCE. (See pages 9 and 10.) 2. Press "STOP/EJECT" button and insert the cassette so the transparent window is toward you and the arrow toward the cassette holder. Slide the cassette into cassette holder as far as it will go.
  • Page 22 MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING 5. Now, press "REC/PAUSE" button to start shooting the picture. The "REC" indication appears in the viewfinder and you are now recording the picture you see through the viewfinder. 6. Press "REC/PAUSE" button to stop recording. Press the button again to resume recording.
  • Page 23 MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING 8. Press "REW" button. The tape will be rewound to the beginning 9. Press "PLAY" button. The picture you just recorded will be seen through the viewfinder. NOTE: If you connect the camera/recorder to your TV, you can see the picture played back on your TV.
  • Page 24 MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING NOTE: If you have a cassette tape that has already been partially recorded on and you want to record the remaining blank section, see "QUICK EDIT" on page 24.

  • Page 25: Identification And Operation Of Controls

    IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Diagram of camera Camera Light (only for VM-2700A) When the "POWER" switch is in the "CAM" position, the camera light is turned on and off automatically or manually in the record and record/pause modes depending on the position of "LIGHT"...
  • Page 26 IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS To close the cover, first hook the tab onto the case. Diagram of Buttons "TITLE" Button Press this button to create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camera/recorder's built-in titler. "DATE / TIME" Button Press this button to display the date and time in the viewfinder.
  • Page 27 IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS "M" is displayed. "POWER" Switch This switch changes the camera/recorder to the record mode or to the playback mode. Press and hold the small button on this switch, and then slide it to "CAM" or "VIDEO". "REW"...
  • Page 28 IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS mode. (See "DATE/TIME SETTING" on page 20.) Diagram of Camera Diopter Control To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment. "BATTERY" Release Lever Releases the battery attached to the video camera/recorder. "DC IN 9.6V"...
  • Page 29 IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Graphics in the Electronic Viewfinder...

  • Page 30: Date/Time Setting

    DATE/TIME Setting DATE/TIME Setting The date and time can be recorded on your tape to act as a handy reference when viewing them at a later time. Use the following procedure to set up this display for the current date and time. The time backup battery is rechargeable.

  • Page 31: To Correct Date/Time Information After Starting The Date/Time

    DATE/TIME Setting button. 6. Press "F.FWD" or "REW" button as many times as may be required to select the correct hour, and then press "STOP/EJECT" button. 7. Repeat step 6 to select minute and AM/PM. 8. After setting AM or PM, press "DATE/TIME" button to change the display and start the internal clock.

  • Page 32: Automatic Date Recording

    AUTOMATIC DATE RECORDING AUTOMATIC DATE RECORDING This feature records the date automatically once a day. After you begin recording, the date is recorded automatically for 10 seconds. The same date is recorded again in the following cases. • When the cassette is replaced. •...

  • Page 33: Auto Focus

    AUTO FOCUS AUTO FOCUS • You can always focus the object automatically. The range of the object with which auto focus can be used. • On "T" side: about 3.6 feet (1.1m) from the lens surface to infinity. • On "W" side: about 1.2 inches (3cm) from the lens surface to infinity. The auto focus will not work under the following conditions.
  • Page 34 AUTO FOCUS 6. Objects moving rapidly. 7. Dark objects.

  • Page 35: Power Zoom

    POWER ZOOM POWER ZOOM • Press power zoom switch on the "W" side, and the picture gradually widens. • Press power zoom switch on the "T" side, and the picture gradually becomes telescopic. • The zooming speed is slow when the power zoom switch is pressed lightly, and the zooming speed is fast when the switch is pressed strongly.

  • Page 36: Macro

    MACRO MACRO Allows you to shoot objects as close as 1.2 inches (3cm) from the lens tip. Press and hold "W" side of power zoom switch. An object is auto focused. NOTES: • Determine the size of the object by moving the camera backward and forward. •...

  • Page 37: Program Ae (Auto Exposure)

    PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) Program AE automatically selects the shutter speed 1/60, 1/100, 1/120, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, or 1/4000 second that is optimum for the brightness of the subject. The iris is also adjusted automatically in response to the shutter speed.

  • Page 38: Index Signal Recording

    INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING Indexing your tapes while recording makes it easy to find desired program segments when you play back the tape in a VCR that has a compatible indexing feature called the "VHS Index Search System". See your VCR's instruction manual for index playback instructions.

  • Page 39: Quick Edit (Edit Search)

    QUICK EDIT (Edit Search) QUICK EDIT (Edit Search) The quick edit feature allows you to search for the end of previously recorded material, or find a particular spot on your tape, to begin your editing, or recording new material. Quick edit is used while the camera/recorder is in the record/pause (stand-by) mode. By holding down the "F.FWD", "REW", or "PLAY"...

  • Page 40: Instant Review

    INSTANT REVIEW INSTANT REVIEW 1. In record/pause (stand-by) mode, press "REVIEW" button, and the last few seconds of the recorded scene is played back in the reverse direction and then played back in the forward direction. 2. When the tape reaches the end of the scene you have just recorded, the camera/recorder returns to the record/pause (stand-by) mode.

  • Page 41: Display Button

    DISPLAY BUTTON DISPLAY BUTTON Each time the "DISPLAY" button is pressed, the display in the viewfinder switches as follows. When the linear time tape counter with memory is displayed in the viewfinder, the same display appears on the screen of the connected TV/monitor receiver.

  • Page 42: Linear Time Counter

    LINEAR TIME COUNTER LINEAR TIME COUNTER Shows length of tape run in hours, minutes and seconds. Load a cassette into the camera/recorder and perform recording or playback; the counter indicates the elapsed time. NOTES: • The linear time counter does not operate when nothing is recorded on the tape. •...

  • Page 43: Remaining Tape

    REMAINING TAPE REMAINING TAPE The tape remaining display shows the remaining tape that can be used for recording and playback, using seven dashes. This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record on the loaded tape. Insert a cassette in the camera/recorder and start recording or playback;...

  • Page 44: Title Recording

    TITLE RECORDING TITLE RECORDING You can easily create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camera/recorder's built-in titler. The titler will store 2 different title pages in memory. Once a title is stored, it can be displayed and recorded at any time. Each title page can contain two lines of 16 characters each.

  • Page 45: Creating A Title

    TITLE RECORDING Creating a title 1. Attach a power source to the camera/recorder and slide "POWER" switch to either "CAM" or "VIDEO" position. 2. Press "TITLE" button. The flashing cursor will appear in the viewfinder. 3. Press "SHIFT" button repeatedly to move the flashing cursor to the place you want to begin your title.

  • Page 46: Correcting Errors During Title Storage

    TITLE RECORDING Correcting errors during title storage 1. Press "Shift" button repeatedly until the character to be corrected will flash. 2. Press either "-" or "+" button until the correct character appears. NOTE: The correct character may flash, however it will be recorded correctly without flashing.

  • Page 47: Recording Titles On Another Vcr While Playing A Tape Back With The Camcorder

    TITLE RECORDING Recording titles on another VCR while playing a tape back with the camcorder 1. Connect the camera/recorder and VCR. (See page 31.) 2. Select the title you wish to record from page 1 or page 2. The last title selected will appear first.

  • Page 48: Viewing The Picture Played Back On Your Tv

    The camera/recorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). A tape recorded in long play (LP) or extra long play (EP) cannot be played back on this camcorder. Example 1: If your TV has "VIDEO IN" and "AUDIO IN " jacks, 1.
  • Page 49 5. Connect the connector cable from RF converter unit to "RF DC OUT", "AUDIO", and "VIDEO" jacks on the camcorder. 6. Turn on the TV and set to channel 3 unless channel 3 is one of the TV stations in your area.

  • Page 50: Still

    STILL STILL When "REC/PAUSE" button is pressed during playback, a still picture can be seen. To start again press "REC/PAUSE" button and playback will be resumed. NOTE: There will be some noise (interference) in the still picture.

  • Page 51: Forward And Reverse Search

    FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH When you press "F.FWD" or "REW" button during playback, the tape will be played back at a speed about 3 times faster than normal playback speed, and you can easily locate a certain spot on the tape. Press "PLAY" button to return to normal playback mode or press "STOP/EJECT"...

  • Page 52: Memory

    MEMORY MEMORY When the tape counter with memory indication appears in the viewfinder, a tape that is being rewound automatically stops when the counter reads approximately "0:00:00". This is useful if there is a section of tape you want to review immediately after recording or if you want to return to the same point several times in a row.

  • Page 53: Camera/Recorder To Vcr Dubbing

    CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING If you wish to exchange or copy some of your friend's favorite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camera/recorder to VCR for this purpose. 1. Connect the video/audio cord (not provided) to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" of your camera/recorder.

  • Page 54: Automatic Rewind

    AUTOMATIC REWIND AUTOMATIC REWIND When the tape reaches its end during playback, it automatically rewinds to the beginning and stops.

  • Page 55: Flying Erase Head (Only For Vm-2700A)

    FLYING ERASE HEAD (only for VM-2700A) FLYING ERASE HEAD (only for VM-2700A) A rotating erase head which eliminates glitches and rainbow noise that occurs at the joints between recorded segments.

  • Page 56: Using The Built-In Camera Light (Only For Vm-2700A)

    USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (only for VM-2700A) USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (only for VM-2700A) Use the built-in camera light it you wish to shoot objects in dark places. When the "LIGHT" switch is set to "AUTO", the camera light turns on automatically when the camera/recorder is pointed at objects in a dark place and turns off when it is pointed at objects in a bright place.
  • Page 57 USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (only for VM-2700A) 3. After use, set the "LIGHT" switch to "OFF" or set the "POWER" switch of the camera/recorder to "OFF" position.

  • Page 58: To Replace The Lamp Of Camera Light

    USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (only for VM-2700A) CAUTION: • During operation and/or after use of the camera light, the front surface and lamp of the camera light will be very hot. To avoid burns or hair damage, do not touch them with your hand.

  • Page 59: Eyepiece Adjustment

    EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment.

  • Page 60: How To Attach The Shoulder Strap

    HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP Attach the shoulder strap (provided), as illustrated.

  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Your camera/recorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. However, should problems develop, check the following points and take the necessary corrective measures. INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Cassette holder cannot be opened...
  • Page 62 TROUBLESHOOTING 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 63: Cleaning The Inside Of The Electronic Viewfinder

    TROUBLESHOOTING CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER If dust or foreign matter adheres inside the viewfinder, clean it by using the following procedure. 1. Push the tab and hold it, then open the cover, 2. Clean the picture tube face and lens. To prevent scratching, use a soft non abrasive cloth, swab or lens cleaning paper.

  • Page 64: Head Cleaning

    HEAD CLEANING HEAD CLEANING • Picture playback may become blurred or be interrupted. This does not mean that the recorded program has been erased. • Dirt accumulated on the head after long periods of use causes this problem. In this case, head cleaning requiring highly technical care is necessary.

  • Page 65: Periodic Maintenance

    PERIODIC MAINTENANCE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE The video camera/recorder is a precision electromechanical device which will require periodic maintenance after a period of normal use. We expect that no maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the warranty period of most users, unless the video camera/recorder is heavily used or seldom used.

  • Page 66: Specifications

    111(W) x 205(H) x 311(D) mm 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) VM-2700A: Two video record/playback heads plus a flying head VM-1700A: Two video record/playback heads EIA standard NTSC color 33.35 mm/sec. 1.0 Vp-p, 75 ohm -7.8 dBs (316 mVrms), less than 1 kohm...

  • Page 67: Hotline

    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. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.

  • Page 68: Accessory To Add More Excitement

    ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT You're ready to add more excitement to your home videos, and Hitachi's right there with you. With our new line of video accessories, you can go anywhere your imagination takes you.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vm-2700a

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