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 Read This First 

 

6

 Read This First   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for buying a Hitachi product.  You've chosen the best VCR for you, and we 
want to help you make the most of your purchase.  Please take time to become familiar 
with this manual and how it is set up.  Keep it handy for future reference, too. 

To guide you, we've concluded: 

 "Must read" sections containing important cautions for your family's safety as well as 

the basic facts you need to use the VCR.  These sections are highlighted like this in the 
table of contents:   

 Information on the advanced features of your Hitachi VCR.  We hope you'll take time 

to learn about these functions since we've designed them for you.  But you can use the 
VCR without reading these sections. 

We want this manual to be a tool for you, so we provide two ways to find 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. 

Quick Index 

To play a tape.....27 

To record a program.....33 

To reset the clock and channel selections.....22, 23 

Instructions in French and Spanish.....19 

Problem chart.....53 

Summary of Contents for VT-F391A

Page 1: ... improved picture in playback Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner Remote control for use with your VCR and TV and cable converter On screen programming guide Multi channel TV sound MTS HITACHI HOME HITACHI SALES HITACHI HSC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION CANADA INC AMERICA INC OF HAWAII INC 3300 Trans Canada Hwy 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd 3219 Koapaka Street Pointe Claire Quebec Norcross GA 30093 Honolulu H...

Page 2: ...our On Screen Guide 21 Getting Started Initial Setup 22 Setup for First Time Operation 22 Initial Setup Options 22 Setting the Clock 23 More About Channel Selections 24 Choosing a Mode for Audio Playback 25 Stereo vs Mono Sound 25 Hi Fi Sound 25 Getting Started Videotapes 26 About Videocassette Tapes 26 Types 26 Safety Tabs Prevent Erasure 26 Loading and Ejecting 27 Tape Storage 27 Basic Operation...

Page 3: ...4 Integrating Your Stereo System 44 Hookup 44 Recording from Your Stereo System 44 Advanced Operations Second VCR 46 Integrating a Second VCR 46 Hookup 46 Copying from One VCR to Another Dubbing 46 Copying Tapes From a Camcorder 47 VCR Care and Servicing 48 Routine Cleaning 48 Head Cleaning 48 Periodic Maintenance 48 If the VCR Doesn t Work Right 48 Don t Attempt Repairs Yourself 49 Technical Spec...

Page 4: ...erous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation and maintenance of this unit has been included Therefore it should be read carefully in order to avoid any problems CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SE...

Page 5: ...pliance could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Note to CATV system installer This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer s attention to Article 820 40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and in particular specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical...

Page 6: ...ion on the advanced features of your Hitachi VCR We hope you ll take time to learn about these functions since we ve designed them for you But you can use the VCR without reading these sections We want this manual to be a tool for you so we provide two ways to find 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 conten...

Page 7: ...IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ...

Page 8: ...e video product and to protect it from overheating These openings must not be blocked or covered The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed sofa rug or other similar surface This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register This video product should not be placed in a built in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ven...

Page 9: ... NFPA No 70 provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure grounding of the lead in wire to an antenna discharge unit size of grounding conductors location of antenna discharge unit connection to grounding electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode See example below EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING 13 Power Lines An outside antenna system should...

Page 10: ...ge 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 or objects have fallen into the video product c If the video product has been exposed to ra...

Page 11: ...en 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 the service technician to perform safety chec...

Page 12: ... or have enough long audio cables to make the connections but keep in mind that the electronic signal weakens the further it has to travel 2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use To make your VCR function you ll deal with two basic hookups 1 The audio and video signal If all you want to do is view a prerecorded videotape on the VCR this three line hookup is the only one you need 2 The radio frequency ...

Page 13: ...f 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 T...

Page 14: ...ched to your TV Otherwise look for a cable connection coming in through the wall from outside If you find this connection remember to call your local cable company to start the service 1 If still hooked up to your TV unscrew the round wire from the 75 ohm connector on your television Otherwise take the wire that comes in from the wall 2 Screw this round wire into the IN FROM ANT jack on the back o...

Page 15: ...he 75 ohm round wire connection shown below You may already have one on your TV 1 Remove the antenna line from the back of your TV if it is already connected there or take it from where it comes in on the wall 2 Considering the three pictures below determine which adapter you will need to hook it into your VCR If you have Use this adapter Single 300 ohm flat wire Separate UHF and VHF antenna wires...

Page 16: ...plied with your VCR connect either end to the OUT TO TV jack on the back of the VCR 3 Use a second adapter to attach the other end of the 75 ohm connector back into the TV where you first disconnected the antenna Capabilities With this hookup you should now be able to perform all basic functions provided by this equipment 5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply Plug in the TV and VCR power cor...

Page 17: ...to both the TV and the VCR and look for a switch on the back of the VCR Set the switch to 3 or 4 whichever is not a commercial channel in your area Your basic hookup is now complete When you re ready to try hooking up a second VCR or a video camera for a complete home entertainment system see Advanced Operations Now turn the TV and VCR back around facing you and begin your quick tour of the contro...

Page 18: ...ols 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 the Remote Control Works Pressing a button on the remote control transmits an invisible beam of light infrared to a receiver at the right front of the VCR When using the r...

Page 19: ...input such as a stereo system CHANNEL Top button switches to next higher channel bottom button switches to the next lower channel For these to operate you must have preset your channels LAST CHANNEL Switches to the TV channel you watched previously during the current viewing session F FWD Fast forwards the videotape STOP Stops a videocassette from playing recording pausing rewinding or anything it...

Page 20: ...to switch back and forth between the TV channel and the recording channel VCR Controls POWER Turns VCR power on and off STOP EJECT Cancels any videotape action and when pressed a second time ejects tape PLAY Play the loaded videotape DISPLAY Shows time channel and status indicators CHANNEL Up and down arrows for selecting channels REC IRT To begin recording F FWD Fast forwards the videotape REW Re...

Page 21: ...r 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 by pressing numbers on the remote control which correspond to options presented in this and other on screen menus Instructions are easy to follow and blinking spaces on the screen will show you where your input is needed When you want to leave the Easy Guide System ...

Page 22: ...s 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 Look at each item to see if it matches your own setup To change a setting press the button that has the same number as that item This will cycle you through several option...

Page 23: ...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 do and important for your later timed recordings You ll need to set the clock when first hooking up yo...

Page 24: ...ut 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 your TV has automatic channel programming set it on the same mode ANT CATV1 or CATV2 and let it reprogram to match the VCR Once channels a...

Page 25: ...rds in stereo 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 settin...

Page 26: ...ape Capacities at Different Speeds TYPES RECORDING TIME SP EP T 120 120 min 360 min T 160 160 min 480 min You may have noticed that there is also an LP speed You Hitachi 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 ne...

Page 27: ...een removed To remove the cassette simply press the STOP EJECT button on the VCR If the tape is playing press STOP EJECT once to stop the tape and a second time to eject it Now you can take the cassette out and put it away Tape Storage Store your videocassettes in their jackets and in an upright position like books in a bookshelf away from any magnetic sources Resist the temptation to leave them l...

Page 28: ...end play Direct Video Input to the TV Normally you would select channel 3 or 4 on the TV to receive a signal from the VCR You can get an even better picture if your TV has an auxiliary video input feature and if the TV and VCR have a direct video to video hookup If this is the case do not select channel 3 or 4 Instead Press the AUX or VIDEO button on the TV s remote control to select the proper in...

Page 29: ...mpletely rewound Manual Rewind Press STOP and REW The VCR rewinds the tape all the way to the beginning then stops Press STOP EJECT on the VCR to release the tape Movie Return If your videocassette has the safety tab removed and you set the MOVIE functions to ON during initial setup the VCR will stop and automatically rewind the videocassette eject it and turn off the power when it reaches the end...

Page 30: ...ands on the screen After 5 minutes in slow motion playback the VCR will stop the tape automatically to prevent damage to the tape and the VCR To return to playback at a normal speed press PLAY To stop the tape press STOP To Find Specific Sections on a Tape Visual Search This function lets you search backward and forward through the videotape while viewing it Using the buttons on the VCR Press PLAY...

Page 31: ...ates that the counter s memory function is engaged Now when you rewind the tape it will automatically stop at the spot where you cleared the counter Notice it moves just past the marker and then back to it Press PLAY to watch the tape from that preselected spot Press DISPLAY to take the counter display off The spot is still in memory until you set a new one or until the tape is ejected Jump Forwar...

Page 32: ...Press DISPLAY This brings up the Set Go To Time Index Screen Press 7 for rewind or 9 for forward to begin the index search The tape rewinds or fast forwards until an index mark is detected During this search the words SCAN AND PLAY display on the bottom of your screen When the VCR finds an index mark it plays 15 seconds of the program that begins at that spot If this is the program you were lookin...

Page 33: ... 3 or 4 Or if you are hooked up with a direct audio video cable set the TV to AUX or VIDEO 3 Press DISPLAY then press 5 when the SP EP message appears on the TV screen to select SP standard play for the best picture quality or EP extended play for longest recording time on a single tape An indicator on the VCR s display shows which speed is active 4 Set the VCR to the channel you want to record fr...

Page 34: ...se is on that you would rather record You can change the channel while in the recording mode Press PAUSE to stop the recording temporarily This is necessary because the CHANNEL buttons won t work while you are in recording mode to keep you from accidentally switching the station while recording Change the channel to the one you prefer Press PAUSE to continue recording To Leave Index Marks on the T...

Page 35: ...P button this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control within 10 seconds Setting the VCR to Record Later With the delayed recording feature you can set this VCR so that it automatically comes on and records programs whenever you like without your being around You can record a program one time only or you can automatically record a show every weekday or every week at the same time Y...

Page 36: ...r Illogical times and dates won t be accepted If you want to record from external equipment press AVX button to select LINE1 or LINE2 instead of the channel number When everything is set as you want even though some items may still be flashing press GUIDE to program your settings into memory To preset additional recordings repeat these steps Otherwise press GUIDE to return to the regular TV screen...

Page 37: ...ings for the first program Keep pressing 3 to cycle through all the programs you have preset To remove a program press CLEAR The screen will display the next program if there are more or it will switch back to the main menu Programming Priorities When you have set up several timed recordings it may occur that some of their times overlap For example this can happen if you are set up to record shows...

Page 38: ...es The remote control is compatible with the fifteen makers of TV s listed below but don t be alarmed if yours is not on our list You may still be able to program the remote for your TV Every TV that comes with a remote control is set up to detect certain infrared signals You need to program the VCR s remote control to send signals that your TV will recognize and respond to Here s what to do Progr...

Page 39: ...Toshiba 7 Gold Star 2 8 Panasonic 2 9 RCA 0 Panasonic 1 CHANNEL up arrow Mitsubishi CHANNEL down arrow JVC 100 ENT Sharp 1 LAST CH Sharp 2 DISPLAY Controlling the TV Once programmed the VCR s remote control is ready to control the TV First press TV to change to the TV function mode then press the button of the TV function that you want For example press TV and the CHANNEL up arrow and the TV stati...

Page 40: ...al Setup screen page 23 to select option CATV1 or CATV2 Then check out the system using these questions as a guide Does the TV receive the same number of channels as before the installation Does the VCR record all channels Do the VCR and TV remote control functions work Can I record on one pay channel while watching another Do I receive my pay channels and do all special cable features work If any...

Page 41: ... the cable box that goes to your TV Connect it to the IN FROM ANT lower jack on the back of the VCR 2 Using the 75 ohm coaxial cable supplied with the 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 Note You will end up with an extra cable that originally went from the cable box to the...

Page 42: ...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 local electronics or video retailer This will easily handle most hookup problems Remote Control of the Cable Converter If you have a cable converter you will probably wan...

Page 43: ...nced Operations Cable Box Hookups 43 To operate the cable box once the remote is programmed for it Press CATV and then the button of the function you want Press VCR to operate your VCR with the remote again ...

Page 44: ...d with two color coded plugs on each end for left and right audio channels With the power off Connect the left right red and left white AUDIO OUT on the VCR to the right and left AUDIO IN on the stereo system Connect the left and right AUDIO OUT on the stereo to the right and left AUDIO IN on the VCR The AUDIO IN left on the front of the VCR handles the left channel or monaural sound If you connec...

Page 45: ...ou reasonable quality and a longer tape program 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 ...

Page 46: ...eft and right on VCR1 Be sure to match left to left white and right to right red Second VCR Hookup Illustration Copying from One VCR to Another Dubbing Consider VCR1 the recording VCR and VCR2 VT F391A the play back VCR You will play a tape on VCR2 and record it on VCR1 To begin copying Insert the videotape you wish to record in VCR2 Insert a blank or erasable tape with the safety tab intact into ...

Page 47: ...ur VCR see diagram below Camcorder Hookup Illustration Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 Line indicator appears in the VCR display Press REC IRT on the VCR to start recording Press PLAY on your camcorder to start copying your tape Information on Audio Hookup If your camcorder is only capable of monaural output one audio jack connect it to the AUDIO IN L input on the fr...

Page 48: ...rt can build up on the heads If the picture is blurry during playback or is occasionally interrupted or blanks out try playing different cassettes to see whether you get the same picture problems If the picture problems persist the heads may need to be cleaned professionally Consult your VCR dealer for the name of trained service technician near you Periodic Maintenance Your Hitachi VCR is a preci...

Page 49: ...EP RF Input UHF VHF 75 ohm Tuner USA 181 channel tuning capability 125 cable channels Canada 178 channel tuning capability 122 cable channels Type Auto programming frequency synthesis Power Input AC120V 60Hz Power Consumption 22W nominal Cabinet Size 14 15 16 W x 3 11 16 H x 12 5 8 D 38 0cm W x 9 3cm H x 32 0cm D Weight 9 9 lbs 4 5kg Storage Temperature 4º F to 131º F Operating Temperature 41º F t...

Page 50: ...s the videocassette tab area or use a videocas REC sette with the safety tab intact TV program Loose or inappropriate Review hookup directions cannot be connections between VCR and make correct firm con viewed or and TV nections recorded Poor picture TV channel selector on theSet TV to channel 3 or 4 as quality noise proper channel correct for your area Set TV during play to AUX or VIDEO if you ba...

Page 51: ...s the STOP mode minutes working Eject the cassette if you are done viewing Otherwise no action is necessary Hitachi Service Hotline Authorized Hitachi service facilities are available throughout the US and Canada For the location nearest you call the Hitachi Service Hotline at one of these numbers In the continental U S A DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week 24 hours a day 1 800 HITACHI 1 800 448 2244 You...

Page 52: ...iginal purchase Hitachi will provide labor for the repair or replacement of defective parts without charge subject to the following conditions 1 Owner must provide verification of the date of purchase when requesting Limited Warranty Service Dated Sales Receipt Required 2 All repairs must be performed by a Hitachi Authorized Service Facility For information concerning repairs operation technical a...

Page 53: ...PANY IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE MODIFY OR AMEND THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IN ANY MANNER OR FASHION WHATSOEVER EXCEPT AND TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY HITACHI MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTY REGARDING THIS HITACHI PRODUCT FURTHER ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO ANY PORTION OF THIS PRODUCT INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED...

Page 54: ...poses Please complete the section below for your records as it may be needed in the event of loss Attach sales receipt to this card VIDEO PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY REGISTRATION for your record Model No Serial No Date of Purchase Dealer Name Dealer Address City State Zip HITACHI ...

Page 55: ...sold by Hitachi HSC Canada Inc hereinafter called Hitachi purchased in Canada from a dealer duly accredited by Hitachi The program is available only for products covered 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 P...

Page 56: ...ts beyond the control of Hitachi 3 External parts such as the cabinet knobs remote control case antenna cords etc 4 Any repairs if the product is used for rental or other commercial use 5 Any repairs done outside Canada 6 Repairs due to damage in transit improper handling by carrier or improper packing by the owner specifically applicable in the case of the product having to be shipped by the owne...

Page 57: ...rvice Center THIS PROTECTION PLAN IS NOT TRANSFERABLE NOR REFUNDABLE H This Protection Plan can be renewed as long as the request is made before the expiry date of the Plan Hitachi however reserves the right to refuse any renewal I Hitachi reserves the right to cancel the Protection Plan in case of abuse by the owner in such case Hitachi will reimburse the owner the portion of the plan cost based ...

Page 58: ...HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD Back ...

Page 59: ...HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD Back ...

Page 60: ...HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD Back ...

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