Hitachi VM-E55A Instruction Manual Download Page 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HITACHI

Instruction Manual

8mm Video Camera/Recorder

VM-E53A/VM-E55A

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.

HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.

3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093

3300 Trans Canada Highway,

Pointe Claire,
Tel.

404-279-5600

Quebec,

H9R

1B1,

CANADA

Tel.

514-697-9150

HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF
HAWAII, INC.

3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621

E145554/E72118
P4708922 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1993

Printed in Japan KM-R(N)

Summary of Contents for VM-E55A

Page 1: ...c HITACHI HSC CANADA INC 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd Norcross GA 30093 3300 Trans Canada Highway Pointe Claire Tel 404 279 5600 Quebec H9R 1B1 CANADA Tel 514 697 9150 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII INC 3219 Koapaka Street Honolulu Hawaii 96819 Tel 808 836 3621 E145554 E72118 P4708922 Hitachi Ltd 1993 Printed in Japan KM R N ...

Page 2: ...ry 21 Checking the Battery s Charge 21 Using Alternative Power Sources 23 Using the AC Adapter Charger 23 Using Alkaline Dry Cell Batteries 23 Using a Car Battery 24 Inserting and Removing Cassettes 25 Inserting a Cassette 25 Removing a Cassette 25 Protecting Recorded Material 26 Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light 26 Removing the DC Camera Light 27 Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb 27 Using M...

Page 3: ... Instant Review 46 Using Quick Edit 46 Using Macro 46 Creating and Recording Titles 47 Creating a Title 47 Correcting Errors 48 Recording Title on a Tape in the Camera Recorder 48 Recording a Title while Transferring a Tape 48 Using the Wireless Remote Control 49 Dubbing from the Camera Recorder to a VCR 49 Using Synchro Edit 50 Controlling Your TV with the Camera Recorder 52 Programming the Remot...

Page 4: ...t important literature concerning the operation and maintenance of this unit has been included Therefore it should be read carefully to avoid any problems CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL WARNING Many television programs and films are copyrighted In certain circumstances copyright law may apply ...

Page 5: ... user Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate the equipment WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE ...

Page 6: ...on builds up gradually the indication does not appear immediately when condensation starts When the temperature or humidity of the room changes abruptly turn the power on and check that the DEW indication does not appear then wait for about an hour for safety before using the camera recorder When the DEW indication in the viewfinder is flashing the unit will not operate When this happens slide the...

Page 7: ...phisticated features of the Hitachi VM E53A E55A Advanced Techniques to help you with some of the exciting sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM E53A E55A We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you You can use the video camera recorder without reading this section A General Maintenance section to help keep your purchase in good repair We ...

Page 8: ...onged period or the phosphorescent surface of the cathode ray tube may be damaged 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 ...

Page 9: ...dangerous and so are frayed power cords damaged or cracked wire insulation and broken plugs They may result in a shock or fire hazard Periodically examine the cord 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...

Page 10: ... 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 Section 810 of the National Electrical Code ANSI NFPA No 70 provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure grounding of the lead in w...

Page 11: ...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 a When the power supply cord or plug is damaged b If liquid has been spilled ...

Page 12: ...s a need for service 19 Replacement Parts When replacement parts are required have the service technician verify that the replacements he uses have the same safety characteristics as the original parts Use of replacements specified by the video product manufacturer can prevent fire electric shock or other hazards 20 Safety Check Upon completion of any service or repairs to this video product ask t...

Page 13: ...em immediately 10 An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock If extension cord must be used make sure A The pins on plug of extension cord are the same number size and shape as those of plug on charger B That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition and C That wire size s...

Page 14: ...mode 14 3 mm sec It cannot record and play back in the LP mode 7 2 mm sec Features Easy to use 16x zoom ratio Instant zoom Multi function TV Cam remote control Image stabilization only for VM E55A Difference between Models VM E53A E55A VM E53A VM E55A Electronic Image Stabilizer Feature NO YES Manual Focus Feature NO YES Fade Feature NO YES ...

Page 15: ...RGER 15 Components and Accessories Check that you have the following components and accessories before preceding 1 AV output cord 2 Battery pack 3 AC adapter charger 4 Remote control battery 5 Shoulder Strap 6 External power adapter 7 Remote control ...

Page 16: ...rature range of 50 F 10 C 86 F 30 C to prevent damage to the battery 1 Plug the AC adapter charger power cord into an AC outlet Make sure that the wide blade fits into the wide slot If it doesn t fit try reversing it If you still cannot make fit the blades fully into the outlet either contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet or use a polarized cord or outlet accessory 2 To insert the...

Page 17: ...g a fully charges battery takes approximately 4 hours adding considerable time to battery charging With repeated normal charging and use the battery will gradually lose operating time When operation time becomes too short to be useful replace the battery If the POWER light begins to flash during charging remove the battery and then reattach it to the AC charger adapter If the POWER light continues...

Page 18: ...le battery The battery is recyclable At the end of its useful life under various state and local laws it may be illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal ...

Page 19: ...nder or camera recorder Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder pull out the eye cup all the way when using it and adjust the diopter control so that the subject is seen most clearly in the viewfinder Always push in the eye cup after use Attaching the Shoulder Strap Thread the ends of the provided shoulder strap through the slots at the back of the camera recorder and thread through t...

Page 20: ...te control battery now to prevent misplacing it 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 3 Insert the battery with the facing in the direction of the open side of the battery holder 4 Replace the battery holder with battery in the remote control making sure that it i...

Page 21: ...e Battery for details 1 Align the arrow on the battery with the guide arrow on the camera recorder 2 Hold the battery firmly against the camera recorder while sliding it towards the right of the machine Note Always remove the battery from the camera recorder after use Removing the Battery Push the BATT EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow and hold it as you slide the battery toward the left ...

Page 22: ...cates 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 camera recorder ...

Page 23: ...dapter firmly against the camera recorder while sliding it towards the right of the machine 4 Connect the external power adapter plug to the DC OUTPUT jack of the AC adapter charger Note The AC adapter charger can be used around the world An AC plug adapter is required in some foreign countries If you need one purchase it at your Hitachi distributor Note The battery level indicator sometimes displ...

Page 24: ...e Attach the battery case immediately before you start recording Using a Car Battery The camera recorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord Hitachi VM CC80A to plug the camera recorder into the car s cigarette lighter socket Please ensure that the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply ie battery AC adapt...

Page 25: ...he cassette holder which is embossed PUSH on the left hand side until it clicks into place The camera recorder automatically closes Caution Be sure that you push the cassette holder embossed PUSH to close the holder Otherwise the holder will not click into place and the tape may be slack which could lead to damage Note If EJECT or TROUBLE flashes in the viewfinder remove the cassette and check tha...

Page 26: ...ry p12 Using Alternative Power Sources p13 3 Slide the DC camera light onto the DC camera light shoe with the camera light lens facing the same direction as the camera recorder s lens 4 Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch while sliding it to CAMERA 5 Press the operate button on the DC camera light to turn it on and off Notes when using the DC camera light Keep the DC camera lig...

Page 27: ...ght Bulb 1 Turn the front of the case counter clockwise and remove it 2 Remove the bulb by pulling it out through the opened case 3 Install the new bulb by aligning the notch in the rim of the bulb s base with the mark outside the socket Avoid touching the bulb directly with your fingers It may shorten the life of the bulb 4 Reattach the front of the case by placing the bulb in the hole of the ref...

Page 28: ...oint to which you wish to return The linear time counter clears to 0 00 00M 3 Continue recording or playback until ready to return Press STOP when finished 4 Press the REW REVIEW button and the tape stops at approximately where you reset the linear time counter This feature works in F FWD as well Setting the Date and Time Take the time to set the date and time now The time backup battery is rechar...

Page 29: ...lower right with the 1 flashing 3 Pressing the F FWD button gives you higher numbers while the REW REVIEW button gives you lower numbers Select the right month and press STOP button Use the F FWD REW REVIEW and STOP buttons to select the proper day year hour minute and AM or PM 4 After setting the AM PM press the DATE button The display changes and the internal clock starts Note The date time grap...

Page 30: ...and when the recording is less than 10 seconds long If the date changes while recording continues over 10 seconds the date is recorded for 10 seconds when recording is restarted after the camera recorder has been set to the standby once Press the DATE button until AUTO and the date appear at the lower right of the viewfinder before you begin to record The date will be recorded whenever it appears ...

Page 31: ...arts to run Note The tape remaining display appears 10 seconds after the tape starts to run Note When the remaining tape time becomes less than about three minutes TAPE END flashes in the viewfinder Using the Display Button Pressing the DISPLAY button on the remote control allows you to switch the displays in the viewfinder When the camera recorder is turned on the linear time counter appears Pres...

Page 32: ...ally Using the Power Zoom p 30 6 CAMERA OFF VIDEO Power Switch Hold down the red button as you slide the switch to CAMERA or VIDEO You do not need to hold down the red button to slide the switch to OFF 7 EJECT Switch A power source must be connected before cassettes can be inserted or removed though the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch may be set to OFF Inserting and Removing Cassettes p 15 8 BATT EJECT Ba...

Page 33: ...ttery battery case and external power adapter connect here Loading Batteries p 12 Using Alternative Power Sources p 13 17 Eye Cup Pull this cup all the way to see the image in the viewfinder Return it to its original position when carrying the camera recorder or storing it 18 Diopter Control Use this control to focus the viewfinder 19 F FWD Button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visua...

Page 34: ... to set date and time Bottom Remote Illustration 27 Tripod Mounting Threaded Socket Use this threaded socket to mount the camera recorder to a tripod 28 TV Control Buttons Used for controlling the TV POWER Turns the TV on and off AVX Used for recording picture and sound from an auxiliary input only wity Hitachi TVs VOLUME Increase or decrease the volume CHANNEL Top button switches to next higher c...

Page 35: ... tapes Creating and Recording Titles p 35 33 DISPLAY Button only on the remote control Use this button to select the viewfinder and TV display Using the Display Button p 19 34 A V DUB Button only on the remote control Use this button to record new audio and video over existing audio and video ...

Page 36: ...es PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter speed either 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 of a second The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed 1 Connect the camera recorder to a power source Loading Batteries Camera Recorder Battery p 12 Using Alternative Power Sources p 13 2 Insert an 8mm cassette Inser...

Page 37: ...ou connect the camera recorder in one of the 3 methods explained below Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached 1 Connect the provided AV output cord to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your VCR 2 Connect the free square plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 3 Insert the previously recorded cassette into the camera recorder 4 Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO sw...

Page 38: ...ends of the adapter to the VHF antenna terminals at the back of your television 4 Connect the RF output adapter cable to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 5 Turn your television on and select channel 3 channel 4 if channel 3 is a channel used in your area 6 Select the CH3 or CH4 on the RF output adapter matching the channel selected on your television 7 Insert the previously recorded cass...

Page 39: ... tape backwards at approximately 7 times normal speed Press PLAY button to return to normal playback Note When you engage F FWD button or REW REVIEW button the picture will have some interference or noise This is normal during search mode Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM E53A E55A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your videos Adding fades to smooth transition...

Page 40: ...e power zoom W control widens the picture moving the subject farther away while the power zoom T control brings the subject closer narrowing the picture If appears at the left of the viewfinder the digital zoom function shown below has been engaged ...

Page 41: ...zoom with the power zoom T and W controls When is not displayed in the viewfinder normal zoom functions resume Using the INST ZOOM Instant Zoom Button The instant zoom feature activates the digital zoom to magnify the subject 1 5 times regardless of zooming engaged by the power zoom T and W controls Press the INST ZOOM button appears at the left of the viewfinder and the picture is magnified 1 5 t...

Page 42: ...ual focus is engaged Press the FOCUS control AUTO MAN buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus The auto focus will not work under the following conditions and you must focus manually Objects outside the center of the viewfinder Objects at different distances in the center of the viewfinder Brightly lit objects such as a neon light objects lit by spotlight etc Objects behind water dappled or ...

Page 43: ...E55A 1 Press the FOCUS control AUTO MAN buttons simultaneously displays in the viewfinder You can adjust the focus manually 2 Use the power zoom T control to zoom up completely to your subject If you don t use the T control to zoom to the picture you want the picture may fall out of focus when actual recording starts 3 Press the Focus control AUTO MAN or button until the subject is in focus 4 Use ...

Page 44: ...EIS may not function you use a wide or teleconverter lens Note When the EIS function is engaged in the vicinity of the zoom range with displayed in the viewfinder when moved from the wide angle end the image size will change but this is normal Note When the EIS function is engaged the picture becomes rough Note When the EIS function is engaged the angle of view at the wide angle end becomes narrow...

Page 45: ...ewfinder Fading In 1 Use the FADE button to select a fade option before recording 2 Press the Start Stop button to start recording fade begins automatically Fading Out 1 While recording with the camera recorder 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 Note When fading out be sure to...

Page 46: ...g Using Quick Edit Use quick edit to search for the end of previously recorded material find a particular spot on your tape begin editing or record new material While the camera is in record pause mode hold down the F FWD REW REVIEW or PLAY button and visually search the tape Release the button and the camera recorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected Using Macro This function allo...

Page 47: ...e The camera recorder contains 47 different characters for creating a title Creating a Title 1 Connect the camera recorder to a power source 2 Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch and slide it to either CAMERA or VIDEO 3 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control and a flashing cursor appears in the viewfinder 4 Use the STOP button to place the cursor where you wish to ...

Page 48: ... the point of the tape where you wish to record the title Using Quick Edit p 34 3 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control 4 Use the PLAY button to select the title you wish to record 5 Press the Start Stop button to start recording the title 6 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control to stop recording the title The title graphics disappear from the viewfinder and the camera ...

Page 49: ...functions of the corresponding buttons on the camera recorder Aim the wireless remote control at the infrared ray receiver of the camera recorder Wireless Remote Control Range Angle Note Use the wireless remote control within the range of the infrared ray receiver of the camera recorder shown above Note The wireless remote control may not function in strong light such as direct sunlight or very br...

Page 50: ...recorder until you find the place you want to record Press the Start Stop button 5 Press the RECORD button on the VCR It automatically sets to pause If the VCR begins to record instead of pausing you need to change the position of the switch on the synchro edit cord Stop the VCR change the position of the switch and press the RECORD button on the VCR 6 Press the S EDIT button on the remote control...

Page 51: ... the point where you wish to start recording and start copying When the linear time counter reaches 0 00 00 the recording stops automatically pausing the VCR in the record mode Note If the tape counter reads 0 00 00M you cannot start recording ...

Page 52: ...als that your TV will recognize and respond to Here s what to do Programming the Remote Control Turn the television on any channel is okay Aim the camera recorder s remote control at your TV set Hold down the CH button while you press the button corresponding to your brand of television as shown in the chart page 41 For example if you have an RCA television press CH and DISPLAY at the same time If...

Page 53: ...TV Once programmed the camera recorder s remote control is ready to control the TV Press the button of the TV function that you want Be aware that not all of your TV s functions may work even though the remote control is correctly programmed Note The AVX Button can only be used with Hitachi TVs Note It may not be possible to control all TVs listed in this Table ...

Page 54: ...TOP button 6 Display the linear timer counter with memory Using Memory p 17 Press the COUNTER RESET button to set the linear time counter to 0 00 00M 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 camera recorder in A V DUB pause mode 9 Press the PAUSE START ...

Page 55: ...he Start Stop button to start recording the program that is on the screen of the television 8 Press the Start Stop button again to stop recording Note If the tape is played 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...

Page 56: ...General Maintenance 56 If after cleaning the heads the picture does not clear up consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center for professional head cleaning ...

Page 57: ...h swab or lens cleaning paper 4 Face the rib up as shown above and push and the eye cup in until it stops 5 Turn the eye cup clockwise until it stops the push it in all the way Periodic Maintenance A precision electromechanical device the Hitachi VM E53A E55A requires maintenance after a period of normal use We expect that no other maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the p...

Page 58: ... CAMERA Disconnect the AV input cable from the camera recorder The camera recorder cannot go Check the record protect tab on the cassette See page 18 into the recording mode even for details when the start stop button is Push the cassette holder embossed PUSH to close it pressed Slide the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch to CAMERA Picture is out of focus Make sure that does not appear in the viewfinder Aut...

Page 59: ...It needs to be modified to work properly with camera recorder Tape is damaged try another cassette Color of your TV screen is too bright too faint or change TV set has VIR circuit Turn off during playback DEW Symptom Check Point Correction DEW indication flashes in the viewfinder Condensation on the camera recorder mechanism wait until the unit has reached normal room temperature and condensation ...

Page 60: ...tom Check Point Correction EJECT or TROUBLE appears in the viewfinder Remove the cassette and then try to reinsert remove it several times If the indication is still shown in the viewfinder use a cleaning tape to clean the heads and replace the cassette ...

Page 61: ...ecorder Specifications Format 8mm Record playback Two video record playback heads Video signal EIA standard NTSC color Tape speed 14 3mm sec Video input 1 0Vp p 75 ohm Video output 1 0Vp p 75 ohm Audio input 7 8dBs 316mVrms Audio output 7 8dBs 316mVrms Fast forward rewind time Less than 8 minutes with P6 120 cassette Camera Specifications Scanning 525 lines 60 fields 30 frames Required minimum ill...

Page 62: ...or operating guide Should you have any questions regarding in warranty service operation or technical assistance please contact Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc 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 Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM E53A ...

Page 63: ... it to the following address with your credit card information money order or check in U S currency and payable to Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Parts Division 401 West Artesia Blvd Compton CA 90220 Warranty 90 day labor 2 year parts except battery ...

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