Hitachi VMH-57A - Camcorder Instruction Manual Download Page 2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features

............................................................................................................................................... 13

Components and Accessories

.......................................................................................................... 14

Getting Started........................................................................................................................................... 15

Charging the Battery

.......................................................................................................................... 15

Additional Information

........................................................................................................................ 16

Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder

................................................................................................. 18

Eyepiece Adjustment

......................................................................................................................... 18

Attaching the Shoulder Strap

............................................................................................................ 18

Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens

................................................................... 20

Loading Batteries

................................................................................................................................ 20

Remote Control Battery

..................................................................................................................... 20

Camera/Recorder Battery

................................................................................................................. 21

Removing the Battery

........................................................................................................................ 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 Memory

..................................................................................................................................... 28

Setting the Date and Time

................................................................................................................ 29

Correcting the Date and Time

.......................................................................................................... 30

Automatic Date Recording

................................................................................................................ 30

Using the Linear Time Counter

........................................................................................................ 30

Remaining Tape

................................................................................................................................. 31

Using the Display Button

................................................................................................................... 31

Getting Started - Identifying Controls....................................................................................................... 32
Basic Techniques....................................................................................................................................... 36

Making a Basic Recording

................................................................................................................ 36

Playing Back Your Recording

........................................................................................................... 37

Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached

.......................................................................... 37

Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks

..................................................... 37

Summary of Contents for VMH-57A - Camcorder

Page 1: ...CHI 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: ...ge 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 Memory 28 Setting the Date and Tim...

Page 3: ... 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 49 Using the Wireless Remote Control 50 Dubbing from the Camera Recorder to a VCR 50 Using Synchro Edit 51 Controlling Your TV with the Camera Recorder s Remote 52 Programming the Remote Control 52 Controlling the TV 53 Using Audio Video ...

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: ...f moisture can form inside the mechanism A flashing DEW indication in the viewfinder indicates that moisture has condensed on the recorder mechanism which could result in tape damage Since condensation 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 indicat...

Page 6: ...e sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM H57A Advanced Techniques to help you with some of the exciting sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM H57A 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 want t...

Page 7: ...erature exceeds 120 49 C or the pickup device may be damaged Dangerous includes Inside a car with the windows closed and in direct sunshine Near heating appliances Do not leave the viewfinder lens facing sunlight for a prolonged 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 m...

Page 8: ...r company For video products intended to operate from battery power or other sources refer to the operating instructions 6 Overloading Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock Overloaded AC outlets and extension cords are dangerous and so are frayed power cords damaged or cracked wire insulation and broken plugs They may result in a sh...

Page 9: ...IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS followed 9 Attachments Do not use attachments unless recommended by the video product manufacturer as they may cause hazards ...

Page 10: ...art combination should be moved with care Quick stops 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 Section 810 of the N...

Page 11: ...ervice personnel under the following conditions a When the power supply cord or plug is damaged b If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the video product c If the video product has been exposed to rain or water d If the video product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions Improper ...

Page 12: ... 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 sho...

Page 13: ...7 2 mm sec This camera recorder uses a Hi Fi stereo sound system When a tape recorded by this camera recorder is played by a conventional 8mm camera recorder monaural sound is output When a tape recorded by a conventional 8mm camera recorder is played by this machine monaural sound is output Features Easy to use 16x zoom ratio Instant zoom Multi function TV Cam remote control Image stabilization ...

Page 14: ...ents and Accessories Check that you have the following components and accessories before preceding 1 AV stereo output cord with S VIDEO plug 2 Battery pack 3 AC adapter charger 4 Remote control battery 5 Shoulder Strap 6 External power adapter 7 Remote control ...

Page 15: ...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 battery into the charger align the ref...

Page 16: ...mately 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 to flash after several attempts to att...

Page 17: ... 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 18: ...der 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 th...

Page 19: ...Getting Started ...

Page 20: ...t 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 is full inserted WARNING KEEP THE BATTERY AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TRE...

Page 21: ...e 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 of the camera recorder and remove Checking the Battery s Charge A battery charge indicator is located on the upper right corner of the viewfinder One of three symbols displays when...

Page 22: ...Getting Started 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: ...r 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 displays partial charge symbol when using the...

Page 24: ...fore 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 adapter charger etc 1 Plug the car battery co...

Page 25: ...e 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 that...

Page 26: ...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 light away...

Page 27: ...wise 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 reflective plate lining up the smaller mark on the fro...

Page 28: ...urns you to the beginning of the most recent recording 1 Press the DISPLAY button on the remote control so the linear time counter with memory is displayed as shown in the figure 2 Start recording or playback of a cassette Press the COUNTER RESET button on the remote control at the point to which you wish to return The linear time counter clears to 0 00 00M 3 Continue recording or playback until r...

Page 29: ...it is not charged periodically it will be over discharged and its life will be shortened 1 Load the battery Loading the Batteries Camera Recorder battery p 12 Press the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch as you slid it to CAMERA 2 Press the DATE button and look into the viewfinder The date and time should appear in the lower right with the 1 flashing 3 Pressing the F FWD button gives you hi...

Page 30: ...nd 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 i...

Page 31: ...rts 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 Press...

Page 32: ...lly 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 Bat...

Page 33: ... 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 visual search During visual search the cam...

Page 34: ...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 channel bottom button switches to the next lower channel For...

Page 35: ...PLAY 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: ...ROGRAM 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 Inserting...

Page 37: ...ovided 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 switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO 5 Press the PLAY button to begin playback 6 Press the STOP button when finished Connecting to a...

Page 38: ... 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 cassette into the camera recorder 8 Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO 9 Press the ...

Page 39: ... to play the 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 H57A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your videos Adding fades to smooth tra...

Page 40: ...he digital zoom increases the magnification of the power zoom by 2 times You must place the subject you wish to magnify at the center of the viewfinder Note When the digital zoom is used the more the image is magnified the rougher the picture becomes Also even a slight shaking of the camera recorder is conspicuous Press and hold the power zoom T control until you find the picture you want You cont...

Page 41: ...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 times momentarily Note To return to the original zoom position press the INST ZOOM button so that disappears from the viewfinder Note This instant zoom has certain limitations and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camera recorder s movement ...

Page 42: ...multaneously 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 dusty glass Objects with little difference in light reflection s...

Page 43: ...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 the power zoom W control to zoom bac...

Page 44: ...EIS icon appears in the viewfinder 2 Press the Start Stop button to start recording When EIS is engaged the viewfinder image shakes with a slight delay Note 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...

Page 45: ...ades in while zooming from a white screen or fades out while zooming to a white screen appears in the upper left corner of the viewfinder 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 Star...

Page 46: ... the spot where you paused and returns to record pause mode standby Press the Start Stop button to resume recording 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 t...

Page 47: ...t titles in its memory A title stored in memory can be displayed and recorded at any time A title contains two lines of up to 16 characters per line 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 TIT...

Page 48: ...ra Recorder 1 Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to CAMERA 2 Locate 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 o...

Page 49: ...ontrol to turn title off 5 Turn on the VCR and set it to record Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO Press PLAY on the camera recorder 6 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control at the point on the tape where you wish to record the title 7 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control again to stop recording the title Note Recor...

Page 50: ...s remote control won t work if an obstacle blocks the infrared rays Note The remote control code of this camera recorder is Hitachi code VCR2 If you have a VCR with the same code you Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camera recorder s wireless remote control Dubbing from the Camera Recorder to a VCR Connect the camera recorder to a VCR to copy your or a friend s home 8mm recordings to V...

Page 51: ... EDIT button on the remote control and the last few seconds of the recorded tape reviews in the viewfinder and then the camera recorder is placed in playback The recording VCR starts recording automatically 7 Press the F FWD REW REVIEW STOP and Start Stop buttons to pause the VCR You can then search forward or back through the tape fast forward or rewind the tape without affecting the tape in the ...

Page 52: ...hat 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 this...

Page 53: ...ogrammed 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: ...OP 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 S...

Page 55: ...ogram 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 monitor the picture being recorded connect th...

Page 56: ...General Maintenance VCR service center for professional head cleaning ...

Page 57: ...th 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 H57A requires maintenance after a period of normal use We expect that no other maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the perio...

Page 58: ...Correction Picture does not appear in the viewfinder Remove the lens cap Slide the power switch to CAMERA Disconnect the AV input cable from the camera recorder The camera recorder cannot go into the recording mode even when the start stop button is pressed Check the record protect tab on the cassette Make sure that the FOCUS M does not appear in the viewfinder If it is displayed press Focus selec...

Page 59: ...ds 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 has dr...

Page 60: ...om 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: ... Required minimum illumination 1 lux Pickup device 1 3 C C D Lens diameter 34mm For U S A only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U S A DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week 24 hours a day 800 HITACHI 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 ...

Page 62: ...uestions 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 ...

Page 63: ...and car cords are just a few of the exciting accessories available to you from Hitachi Hitachi takes you to wherever your imagination leads To Order in the United States By Phone To place an order by phone have your VISA MASTERCARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS card ready and call Hitachi s toll free number anytime 24 hours a day 7 days a week 1 800 HITACHI By Mail Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Parts...

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Hitachi VMH-57A - Camcorder, Instruction Manual

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