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If you have no jacks like these on your TV, skip this step and proceed to Step 
4. 

TV with Audio and Video Jacks 

If you do find 

all three jacks

 on your TV, you need to purchase a three-line 

audio/video cable with bell (RCA) connectors, like this: 

 

 

 

 

 

If you find a video jack and 

only one audio jack,

 your TV is probably 

monaural. You can purchase a two-line audio/video cable, but the three-line 
is handy in case you get a stereo TV later. 

 Connect the yellow VIDEO OUT jack on the VCR to the VIDEO IN jack on 

the TV. 
This direct video input will give you the best picture.  It will also let you play 
videos in a "picture in picture" feature, if your TV has it. 

 Then connect the AUDIO OUT jacks (red and white) on the VCR to the 

AUDIO IN jacks on the TV (left to left, right to right). 
This audio hookup will give you better sound than the RF signal hookup, 
because the electronic signal won't have to go through a conversion process. 
Plus your VCR has a stereo decoder, which your TV might not.  For big 
speaker sound, you can also use these jacks to connect the VCR to your 
stereo system (page 46). 

Capabilities:

 The audio and video signal connections are all you need to play 

back a prerecorded tape.  If you do not intend to record on your VCR from 
your antenna/cable, then you're all hooked up now.  Otherwise, continue with 
Step 4, which will let you record off TV channels. 

4 Hook Up the RF Signal 

Look at the back of your TV for a connector that looks like one 

of these, and follow the corresponding hookup option.  If you have any sort of 
cable box, see the hookup options in Advanced Operations (page 
50).

2

Actually page 42

 

Simple Antenna/Cable 75 Ohm Hookup 

This is an easy hookup that you can use if your cable or antenna has a 75 
ohm round wire connector.  You will need the 75 ohm cable supplied with 
your VCR.  It looks like this: 

Summary of Contents for VT-F390A

Page 1: ...yback Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner Illuminated remote control for use with your VCR and TV and cable converter On screen programming guide Multi channel TV sound MTS Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc HITACHI HSC CANADA INC 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd Norcross GA 30093 3300 Trans Canada Highway Pointe Claire Tel 770 279 5600 Quebec H9R 1B1 CANADA Tel 514 697 9150 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF ...

Page 2: ...tarted Initial Setup 19 Setup for First Time Operation 19 Initial Setup Options 19 Setting the Clock 20 More About Channel Selections 21 Choosing a Mode for Audio Playback 22 Stereo vs Mono Sound 22 Hi Fi Sound 22 Getting Started Videotapes 22 About Videocassette Tapes 22 Types 22 Safety Tabs Prevent Erasure 23 Loading and Ejecting 23 Tape Storage 24 Basic Operations 24 Viewing a Videocassette 24 ...

Page 3: ...VCR to Another Dubbing 40 Copying Tapes From A Camcorder 41 VCR Care and Servicing 41 Routine Cleaning 42 Head Cleaning 42 Periodic Maintenance 42 If the VCR Doesn t Work Right 42 Don t Attempt Repairs Yourself 42 Technical Specifications 43 Care and Servicing Problems 43 Often Encountered Problems 43 Hitachi Service Hotline 45 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD USA Back 46 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD Front CANADA O...

Page 4: ... television programs and films are copyrighted In certain circumstances copyright law may apply to private in home videotaping of copyrighted materials WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT FULLY INSERT Caution to the user Changes or modifications not expressly approved by t...

Page 5: ...ind the information you need A quick index to the basic functions of the VCR which you will use often this page A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly page 4 Get to know your VCR by using this manual and get to know Hitachi We appreciate your business IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of you...

Page 6: ...dicated on the marking label If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home consult your video dealer or local power 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 extens...

Page 7: ...th tub wash bowl kitchen sink or laundry tub in a wet basement or near a swimming pool and the like 11 Accessories Do not place this video product on an unstable card stand tripod bracket or table The video product may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the appliance Use only with a cart stand tripod bracket or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with t...

Page 8: ...be left to a professional antenna installer USE 14 Cleaning Unplug this video product from the wall outlet before cleaning Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners Use a damp cloth for cleaning 15 Object and Liquid Entry Never push objects of any kind into this video product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric...

Page 9: ...e If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged f When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance this indicates 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 pro...

Page 10: ... TV We will show you the simplest hookups first and then present several variations to suit specific needs Be aware that you may need to purchase additional connectors to make the desired hookup These are available at video stores and electronic hardware stores Choose which hookup method to use based on Your TV s capabilities The type of antenna or cable system you have for cable box hookup see Ad...

Page 11: ...er sound than the RF signal hookup because the electronic signal won t have to go through a conversion process Plus your VCR has a stereo decoder which your TV might not For big speaker sound you can also use these jacks to connect the VCR to your stereo system page 46 Capabilities The audio and video signal connections are all you need to play back a prerecorded tape If you do not intend to recor...

Page 12: ...M ANT jack on the back of your VCR 3 Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR slide on either end to the OUT TO TV jack on the back of the VCR 4 Connect the other end of the same cable onto the 75 ohm antenna input on your TV where you first disconnected the TV in step 1 Capabilities With this hookup you should now be able to perform all the basic functions provided by this equipment External...

Page 13: ...m flat UHF and 75 ohm round VHF If you have rabbit ears an antenna on top of your TV you will need an additional adapter and 75 ohm extension to make your leads reach from the antenna to the VCR This connection will work only if you have a strong clear picture on the TV indicating a strong signal Connect the antenna to the adapter and use the cable extension to go from the adapter to the VCR Use t...

Page 14: ...appropriate extension cord or surge protector See Important Safeguards for further precautions page 6 6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control The remote control requires two fresh AA batteries On the back of the remote a plastic cover slides off in the direction shown by the arrow Remove this cover and install the batteries matching the plus end of each battery with the plus mark on the remote 7...

Page 15: ...they are needed but now is a good time to get familiar with their locations Most of the time you ll be directing the VCR from the remote control but there are some controls on the VCR that will come in handy too When you re familiar with these basic controls proceed to Initial Setup page 20 We ll show you how to program your local channels and set the clock to make your VCR fully functional How th...

Page 16: ...arts recording on the station the VCR is set to VCR TV CATV MODE SELECT Device buttons let you set the remote to control one of the three devices 0 to 9 Number buttons used in on screen programming Can also be used to change channels Simply press 2 or 3 digits for the channel you want such as 0 and 6 for channel 6 or 100 ENT and 2 and 4 for channel 124 AVX Used for recording from an auxiliary inpu...

Page 17: ...CR for instance a stack of books on the coffee table your 2 year old child the dog Hold the remote so that it points at the VCR with nothing in the way If You Just Want to Watch TV For normal TV viewing you do not need to disconnect the VCR When the TV and VCR are already on press POWER on the remote control The VCR will shut off but the TV will stay on If you are recording on the VCR but want to ...

Page 18: ...e guides you through simple setup and programming tasks right on the TV screen With the TV and VCR turned on press GUIDE on the remote control You will see this screen You may view all the on screen instructions in English French or Spanish When you first set up your VCR it will be set to English Press number 6 or 7 for the other language options Now you will do most of your programming and setup ...

Page 19: ...up turn them both on and follow these steps using the remote control Initial Setup Options Press GUIDE then press 4 to bring up the Initial Setup screen The screen shows the default settings on your VCR The default settings are the ones that are preset at the factory They come up on the VCR every time the power goes out for more than 1 hour for example during a storm or when you unplug the VCR Loo...

Page 20: ...TEREO and MONO 5 SAP Press 5 when you are ready to record a second audio program Options are OFF and ON 7 AUTO CHANNEL SET Press 7 to automatically program the VCR to receive all the channels that come in on your antenna or cable 8 ADD ERASE CHANNEL Press 8 to bring up a screen that lets you add new channels or limit the channels to the ones you most often watch Setting the Clock This is easy to d...

Page 21: ... You can watch the progress on the VCR s display when the channel numbers stop changing programming is complete Only when the power goes out for more than 1 hour you do need to preset the channels again In some areas channels cannot be switched when CATV1 is selected Then select CATV2 in your Initial Setup screen For convenience the TV channel numbers should match those programmed into the VCR If ...

Page 22: ...eo any station that broadcasts stereo sound When a TV channel broadcasts in stereo you ll see a stereo indicator on the TV screen STEREO is the normal factory setting because it works for both stereo and mono broadcasts It is also necessary for recording a second audio program SAP When you select MONO sound is recorded as mono even when a channel broadcasts in stereo Use the MONO setting when the ...

Page 23: ... VCR does not record at this speed but it can play cassettes that were recorded in LP mode No special setting is required for playback Safety Tabs Prevent Erasure A safety tab is located on the front left edge of every videotape next to the label Break this tab off if you want to keep a special tape from being erased accidentally Notice this tab is already removed on prerecorded tapes you buy or r...

Page 24: ...ets and in an upright position like books in a bookshelf away from any magnetic sources Resist the temptation to leave them lying flat on top of the VCR Tapes will last longer and so will your VCR if you store them properly Remember dust dirt and liquids are enemies of your tapes and VCR To avoid aggravation later apply the labels that come with new tapes On them write notes to yourself about what...

Page 25: ... control to select the proper input channel for playback To Fine Tune the Picture Auto Tracking Pressing PLAY starts the auto tracking feature which adjusts the tuning to eliminate static lines that may appear on the screen Manual Tracking Scratched tapes or poorly recorded tapes may require additional picture adjustment You can do this with the remote control Press either 1 or 4 button until pict...

Page 26: ...yback Effects Still Playback Pause Press PAUSE to still the tape during play The picture will freeze You may see some minor noise or interference on the screen This is normal After 5 minutes in PAUSE mode the VCR automatically switches to STOP mode to protect the tape If noise bars appear on the TV screen during PAUSE mode first set the VCR to SLOW mode and then press the 1 or 4 button on the remo...

Page 27: ... it Pressing DISPLAY will cycle you through the three options Press DISPLAY just once to see the counter mode time date and tape speed on the screen for 5 seconds Before the 5 seconds is up press DISPLAY a second time to see just the counter It will stay on the screen Press DISPLAY a third time to see the counter on the VCR display as well Press DISPLAY a fourth time to end the on screen display T...

Page 28: ... 2 minutes earlier in a video press 0 0 and 2 to display 0 02 on the screen Then press REW The tape rewinds to the place 2 minutes back from where you began then starts playback automatically from that spot Jump to an Index Mark with INDEX A quick way to access specific program segments is with the index search feature This lets you move through a tape that has several recordings on it by searchin...

Page 29: ...one has legal rights governing the reproduction and distribution of this material In certain circumstances copyright law may apply to private in home taping of copyrighted materials In most cases it is okay to record for personal use as long as you do not sell the material You must act responsibly in this area check into the matter if you are unsure Basic Recording Steps 1 Load the videocassette i...

Page 30: ...ng VCR TV again This will switch you back to viewing through the VCR you ll see the program you are recording To Skip Commercials When a commercial comes on that you don t want to record simply press PAUSE on the remote control The VCR will stop recording Press PAUSE again to continue recording when you see the commercial is over If you stay in PAUSE mode for more than 5 minutes the VCR automatica...

Page 31: ...ding time on the display You can set the recording time length which increases by intervals of 30 minutes one hour one and half hours two hours three hours and four hours i e 0 30 1 00 1 30 2 00 3 00 4 00 by continually pressing the REC IRT button While you are recording the time remaining is shown in the display At the end of your recording the display will read 0 00 recording will then automatic...

Page 32: ...or the next date whichever is most logical Leave the date as it comes up or enter new digits for the month and day You can correct any item entered as you go by pressing the CLEAR button repeatedly until the digit to be corrected flashes on the screen Then punch in the correct number Illogical times and dates won t be accepted If you want to record from external equipment press AVX button to selec...

Page 33: ...e and power off the VCR Check for the delayed recording indicator on the VCR s display Prepare to admire yourself on the evening news Reviewing What You Have Programmed You can look back over any of the recordings you have preset and if you need to clear out any of the programs Normal programs will clear automatically once recording is complete but daily and weekly settings must be cleared out man...

Page 34: ... home entertainment system Controlling Your TV with the VCR s Remote Compatibility The remote control is designed to be compatible with many televisions and cable converters but will not work with every one made If your TV or cable box does not respond the way it should when you program it as explained below this remote may be incapable of operating it Once you have programmed the remote you won t...

Page 35: ...of TV If that button combination does not change the TV channel go through the whole list of button combinations one by one until you find one that does change your TV channel Also if your brand of TV is not listed in the chart try all the number buttons One of them may work for you If the TV channel still doesn t change after going through all the button combinations listed it is likely that you ...

Page 36: ...ferent needs and require different cable lengths Before you begin take a close look at the back of your TV to see where cables are currently connected You may need to reconnect them that way later As an aid to memory use masking tape to label each cable and connection A Step by Step Approach Try the hookups listed as Options 1 through 4 They are based on whether the cable channel signals are scram...

Page 37: ...jack on the back of the VCR 2 Using the 75 ohm coaxial cable supplied with your VCR connect either end to the VCR s OUT TO TV upper jack 3 Connect the other end of the 75 ohm cable to the TV in the same place where you removed the cable line Check all the TV and VCR functions If you don t get all the functions you want proceed with Option 2 Option 2 All Channels Unscrambled 1 Remove the cable comp...

Page 38: ...on and hook it to the output of the VCR Some Channels Scrambled Cable Box Hookup This setup lets you switch between the two configurations in Options 1 and 2 Check all the TV and VCR functions If you still don t get the functions you want proceed with Option 4 Option 4 If none of the preceding hookups work check with your cable company You may need to purchase a video switching system from your lo...

Page 39: ...en if your TV does have stereo you can get better sound by taking advantage of your stereo s better speakers You can record stereo audio on your VCR for longer play times or use the VCR as an extra tape deck for dubbing Hookup Stereo System Hookup Illustration To make this hookup you need to be familiar with the options on your stereo system Look at the back of your receiver Probably you have AUDI...

Page 40: ...am Press AVX on the remote control to turn the LINE L1 indicator on Press REC IRT on the VCR and start the stereo playing To stop recording press STOP To play back the recording rewind the tape and press PLAY Advanced Operations Second VCR Integrating a Second VCR With another VCR hooked up you can copy videotapes as needed and you can get fancy with multimedia programming For this discussion we r...

Page 41: ...ding deck in RECORD PAUSE for more than five minutes so that this will not happen Copying Tapes From A Camcorder If you would like to copy a video tape shot in your camcorder onto your VCR here s how to do it Connect the camcorder s AV output cable to your VCR see diagram below Camcorder Hookup Illustration Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 Line indicator appears in th...

Page 42: ...r Hitachi VCR is a precision electro mechanical device which requires professional maintenance after a period of normal use Usually no maintenance other than head cleaning is required during the warranty period unless the VCR is used either heavily or infrequently Defective parts are covered during the warranty period but normal maintenance is your responsibility Consult your VCR service center to...

Page 43: ...perature 4º F to 131º F Operating Temperature 41º F to 104º F Accessories 1 coaxial cable Part No 5857952 1 remote control unit Part No HL10324 2 AA batteries Check your cable company s compatibility requirements For information about how to obtain these accessories please call TOLL FREE 1 800 448 2244 for your nearest Hitachi Authorized Parts Distributor in the continental United States For ALASK...

Page 44: ...V correctly tuned Fine tune the TV Static lines through the pic Press 1 or 4 button to adjust tracking ture Noisy picture despite all Have video heads cleaned by a qualified previous adjustments even service technician when playing different cassettes No picture during TV set to the correct video Set TV to channel 3 or 4 playback viewing channel Problem Things to Check Solution TV cannot be Is VCR...

Page 45: ...nc and Hitachi Sales Corporation of Hawaii Hitachi warrants this component in duration as stated below VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER CAMCORDER AC ADAPTER CHARGER 90 DAYS LABOR Carry in 1 YEAR PARTS Except Battery Conditions of Hitachi Limited Warranty Hitachi Video Products are warranted to be free of defects in parts and workmanship at the time of purchase by the original owner If this product is found...

Page 46: ...Honolulu HI 96819 Tel 808 836 3621 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD USA Back Warranty Limitations The Limited Warranty provided by Hitachi does not cover A Cabinet exterior finish items Battery Packs Accessories Head Cleanings Video Tape Damage or TV Set Modifications B Any defect malfunction or failure caused by or resulting from improper service maintenance repair use of Video Cleaning Cassettes or from ab...

Page 47: ...QUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS OF PROFIT OR PRODUCT RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN OR MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THIS HITACHI PRODUCT SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM S...

Page 48: ...ered by an original validated Hitachi warranty given at the time of the purchase B Hitachi will make repairs to the product mentioned in this plan parts and labour charges included until the expiry date of this plan C THIS PROTECTION PLAN WILL BE IN FORCE ONLY AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE NORMAL PURCHASER S WARRANTY During the normal warranty the only valid proof required for servicing the product is t...

Page 49: ...ucts must be brought to the Service Center for repairs 8 Original installation and any subsequent reinstallation or any transformation of the product 9 The replacement of the video camera pick up element if the pick up element has been over exposed to an intense source of light 10 Cleaning the video heads F All repair costs must be claimed from Hitachi at all times through an authorized Hitachi Se...

Page 50: ...nd proper usage within the period stated hereunder from the original provable date of purchase such failure should be repaired at no cost to the buyer provided the defective product is brought to a HITACHI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER in Canada NOTE The GOLD CARD becomes the proof of your warranty it assures you of a personalized quality service and it is accepted by our authorized service centers ev...

Page 51: ...cts received for repair without sales or delivery receipt showing date of purchase by the original customer 2 Damages caused by incorrect use carelessness unauthorized alterations improper storage or unauthorized service or repairs 3 Damage caused by fire flood lightning acts of God or other events beyond the control of Hitachi 4 Batteries tape cassettes earphones antennas accessories and external...

Page 52: ...O HEADS 13 The replacement of the video camera pickup element if the pickup element has been OVER EXPOSED to an intense source of light 14 Products sold in Canada by any organization other than HITACHI HSC CANADA INC IMPORTANT This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties guarantees or agreements whether express or implied and no person dealer or company is authorized to change modify or extend...

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