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FOR YOUR SAFETY 

 

1

 

1

HITACHI 

Video 

Deck 

 

 

     VHS 

VT-F392A 
Owner's Manual 

Your Complete Guide 
to Videocassette Viewing 
and Recording 

Using these quality features: 

 VHS hi-fidelity sound in playback 
 Automatic tape head cleaning 
 Up to 8 delayed recording programs 
 Auto tracking for improved picture in playback 
 Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner 
 Illuminated remote control for use with your VCR and TV 
 On-screen programming guide 
 Multi-channel TV sound (MTS) 
 Auto clock set feature 
 VCR Plus+** for easy timed recording 

   ** VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp. VCR 
Plus+ system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation. 

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, HI 96819   

H9R1B1, CANADA 

Tel. 

404-279-5600 

  Tel. 

808-836-3621 

 Tel. 

514-697-9150 

QR12372 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed in Malaysia 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary of Contents for VT-F392A

Page 1: ...On screen programming guide Multi channel TV sound MTS Auto clock set feature VCR Plus for easy timed recording VCR Plus and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp VCR Plus system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation HITACHI HOME HITACHI SALES HITACHI HSC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION CANADA INC AMERICA INC OF HAWAII INC 3300 Trans Canada Hwy 3890 Steve Reynold...

Page 2: ...play Indicators 18 Meet Your On Screen Guide 18 Getting Started Initial Setup 19 Setup for First Time Operation 19 Initial Setup Options 19 Setting the Clock 21 More About Channel Selections 24 Choosing a Mode for Audio Playback 25 Stereo vs Mono Sound 25 Hi Fi Sound 25 Channel Caption Station Identifier 25 Getting Started Videotapes 26 About Videocassette Tapes 26 Types 26 Safety Tabs Prevent Era...

Page 3: ...ookup Cable box to unscramble all channels 46 C Advanced Hookup Cable box to unscramble only pay channels 47 Advanced Operations Stereo System 47 Integrating Your Stereo System 47 Hookup 47 Recording from Your Stereo System 48 Advanced Operations Second VCR 48 Integrating a Second VCR 48 Hookup 48 Copying from One VCR to Another Dubbing 48 Copying Tapes From a Camcorder 49 VCR Care and Servicing 4...

Page 4: ...g 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 SERVICE PERSONNEL WARNING Many television programs and films are copyrighted In certain circumstances copyright law may apply to priv...

Page 5: ...autions 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 p...

Page 6: ...to the power outlet only one way This is a safety feature If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet try reversing the plug If the plug should still fail to fit contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet To prevent electric shock do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted without blade expos...

Page 7: ...ed 9 Attachments Do not use attachments unless recommended by the video product manufacturer as they may cause hazards Caution Maintain electrical safety Power line operated equipment or accessories connected to this unit should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the accessory itself and should not have been modified so as to defeat the safety features This will help avoid any p...

Page 8: ...n the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits When installing an outside antenna system extreme care should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be left to a professional antenna...

Page 9: ...y those controls that are covered by the operating instructions Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal operation 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...

Page 10: ...nough 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 RF signal ...

Page 11: ... 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 wh...

Page 12: ... VCR you will already have a round wire attached 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 ...

Page 13: ...ase you will need special adapters to make the 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 ...

Page 14: ...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 15: ... 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 controls page 15 Getting Sta...

Page 16: ...CR 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 remote aim the front end toward the VCR and make sure nothing such as a coffee table or your dog is blocking the path of the infrared beam VT RM392A Remote Illustration Remote Control Buttons POWER Turns th...

Page 17: ...wards the videotape STOP Stops a videocassette from playing recording pausing rewinding or anything it is doing PAUSE Temporarily stops the cassette from recording or playing Press PAUSE again or PLAY to resume When the Remote Doesn t Work Right Check out these possibilities Low Battery If the remote is not working even at close range try putting in two fresh AA batteries When replacing the batter...

Page 18: ...n 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 Rewinds the videotape Display Indicators Watch for these signs and symbols that let you know that the VCR is responding to your instructions Meet Your On Screen...

Page 19: ... 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 simply press GUIDE several times This will back you out to the normal TV viewing screen If you don t press any button for a while the VCR will switch you back to an earlier screen or to regular TV viewing Getting Started Initial Setup Setup for First Time Oper...

Page 20: ... from the cable box you need to set item 1 and item 7 the first time you set your VCR See page 47 The rest of the items can be set later as needed Here is what the options mean 1 CHANNEL Press 1 to select the type of receiving setup you have ANT Internal or external antenna CATV1 Ordinary cable CATV2 Alternate cable if CATV1 doesn t give you the channels you expect 2 MOVIE Press 2 to select whethe...

Page 21: ...automatically sets the time differences between various time zones and sets the time during Daylight Savings Time DST The auto clock set function operates each time the VCR is turned off Some broadcast stations may not transmit a time signal The auto clock set function does not operate when the VCR is tuned to a station which does not transmit a time signal In this case set the clock manually See ...

Page 22: ...broadcast station that transmits a time signal the channel indication on the cable box changes automatically 4 The screen shown in step 3 above changes to a TV picture and the time appears in the VCR s display It may take about five minutes for auto clock setting If the clock is not set after about five minutes have elapsed press GUIDE then set the clock manually See page 25 If the displayed time ...

Page 23: ...andard Time is displayed throughout the year Press 3 to specify DST SETTING AUTO The DST is set automatically If the displayed time drifts from the current time even after steps 1 5 have been performed reset the DST Press GUIDE and 6 then press 4 to bring up the DST SETTING screen Specify another option then set the time again To set the clock manually 1 Press GUIDE then press 6 to bring up the CL...

Page 24: ...rong digit exit the screen by pressing GUIDE and recall the screen to enter the correct setup The day of the week is set automatically More About Channel Selections Your VCR is capable of receiving 68 broadcast TV channels VHF 2 13 UHF 14 69 and 125 cable channels CATV 1 125 When you press 8 on the Initial Setup screen the tuner automatically cycles through all available channels in your area and ...

Page 25: ... linear modes If the audio sounds distorted or unusual or there is no audio try the LINEAR option When you set the option to HIFI hi fi tapes will play in high fidelity and non hi fi tapes will play in linear mode Stereo vs Mono Sound When you select the STEREO option your VCR records in stereo any station that broadcasts stereo sound When a TV channel broadcasts in stereo you ll see a stereo indi...

Page 26: ...out the quality set the VCR for extended play EP Tape 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 lo...

Page 27: ...ow 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 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 a...

Page 28: ... on the TV s remote 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 ...

Page 29: ...NG mode Special Playback 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...

Page 30: ...ISPLAY 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 to see the counter on the VCR display as well Press DISPLAY a fourth time to end the on screen display The linear time counter operates only if there is something recorde...

Page 31: ...ou 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 searching for the INDEX mark This function only works with recordings that have been set up with indexing You create an INDEX mark every time you press the ...

Page 32: ... cases it is okay to record for personal use as long as you do not sell the material You must act responsibly in this are check into the matter if you are unsure Basic Recording Steps 1 Load the videocassette into the VCR The power comes on automatically when the tape is fully inserted 2 Tune the TV to channel 3 or 4 Or if you are hooked up with a direct audio video cable set the TV to AUX or VIDE...

Page 33: ...to continue recording when you see the commercial is over If you stay in PAUSE mode for more than 5 minutes the VCR automatically switches to STOP mode to protect the tape To Change the Channel Being Recorded Suppose you are recording one program and you remember that something else is on that you would rather record You can change the channel while in the recording mode Press PAUSE to stop the re...

Page 34: ...isplay At the end of your recording the display will read 0 00 recording will then automatically stop and the VCR will turn itself off To stop recording while in the IRT mode press the POWER button and then press the STOP 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 ...

Page 35: ... 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 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 G...

Page 36: ...u 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 manually Press GUIDE then press 3 for the PROGRAM REVIEW option This brings up the screen settings for the first program Keep pressing 3 to cycle through all the programs you...

Page 37: ...favorite TV program guide or a daily newspaper Here s a sample page from TV Guide showing PlusCodes next to each program To get ready to record with VCR Plus you need to assign your local broadcast and cable channels to the VCR Plus channel codes already stored in your VCR s memory This is called channel setup and you do it using the on screen Easy Guide System The procedure depends on what kind o...

Page 38: ... Channel 34 Arts and Entertainment Network Channel 35 Turner Network Television Channel 36 ESPN 5 Now you re ready to assign your local channels to VCR Plus channels in the VCR s memory The way you do this depends on how your VCR is hooked up to the incoming RF signal Decide which hookup you have from the diagrams below and follow the setup instructions for your type of hookup Hint Try several pra...

Page 39: ...In the example above none of the cable channels match all of them need to be assigned to VCR Plus channel codes Matching Broadcast CH Numbers to VCR Plus Channels For Home Antenna or Cable No Cable Box Setup 1 Press GUIDE then press 4 to select VCR PLUS SETUP You will see the screen as shown below 2 A small arrow points to a blank in the Channel column If your broadcast channel number is the same ...

Page 40: ...in you need to know the output channel for your cable box Usually this is either 03 or 04 but it could be 02 through 13 Consult your cable company if you re not sure 1 Connect the Cable Box VCR and TV See page 53 2 Press GUIDE then press 5 to select INITIAL SETUP MENU 3 Press 1 to select CATV2 with the ANT CATV1 CATV2 setting then press 7 to select CABLE BOX SET menu 4 Press 2 to answer YES to the...

Page 41: ... VCR channel will not change but cable box will change channels Depending on the manufacturer of your cable box certain models will allow you to enter the channel directly by using the numbers on the remote Cable box did not tune to channel 9 Press number 1 on the remote and enter a different code from the chart If these codes do not work Try repositioning the cable box on top of the VCR and reent...

Page 42: ...et up the delayed recording using the on screen Easy Guide System 1 Press GUIDE then press 1 to select VCR PLUS RECORDING and bring up this screen 2 Use the number buttons to enter the PlusCode of the program you want to record This code can be up to eight digits If you enter a wrong digit press CLEAR and enter the correct one 3 If you accidentally enter a nonexistent PlusCode the VCR gives you an...

Page 43: ... recordings you want Don t forget to load a videocassette with the safety tab still attached to record on If using a cable box the VCR can control turn on the cable box before the time the recording is to begin If using a cable box the VCR cannot control turn on the cable box and tune it to the channel you want to record before the time the recording is to begin Important Your timed recording sett...

Page 44: ...ed 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 Programming the Remote Control Turn the television on any channel is okay Aim the VCR s remote control at your TV set Hold down the TV button Not the VCR TV button while you press the number corresponding to your brand of television as shown in the chart page 52 For ...

Page 45: ... the CHANNEL up arrow and the TV station will change to the next higher station Press VCR to operate your VCR with the remote again Be aware that not all of your TV s functions may work even though the remote control is correctly programmed Advanced Operations Cable Box Hookups Hooking Up to a Cable Box The cable box brings all the advantages of pay cable but finding a satisfactory hookup can be c...

Page 46: ... as shown This connection may require additional accessories not provided 3 Plug in power cords of VCR TV and cable box Check all the TV VCR functions B Advanced Hookup Cable box to unscramble all channels Use this hookup for slightly improved picture quality and more convenient operation use of VCR TV button not required 1 Connect as shown This connection requires additional accessories not provi...

Page 47: ...ng 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 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 AUDIO IN and OUT jacks for a second tape deck labeled Tape 1 and 2 or AUX 1 and ...

Page 48: ...nd 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 refer to the model VT F392A Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1 Hookup To hook up a second VCR you need A video cord with a single jack on each end and An audio cord with two jacks on each ...

Page 49: ...X 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 front of the VCR VCR Care and Servicing The VCR is fairly self servic...

Page 50: ...ecommend as normal maintenance based on your location how you use the VCR and the age of the machine If the VCR Doesn t Work Right Many operational problems are easily remedied by reviewing the instructions in this manual and trying out some different controls and settings The chart on page 63 covers the more common problems that new VCR owners encounter Don t Attempt Repairs Yourself Do not remov...

Page 51: ...ntal United States For ALASKA and HAWAII please contact the nearest Hitachi Regional office Design and specifications subject to change without notice Care and Servicing Problems Often Encountered Problems Problem Things to Check Solution No Power Power cord plugged in Connect the power cord to AC outlet Delayed Program set to the correct Reset the delayed recording recording does channel not work...

Page 52: ...annel 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 back have a direct video hookup Is TV correctly tuned Fine tune the TV Static lines through the pic Press 1 or 4 button to adjust ture tracking Noisy picture despite all Have video heads cleaned previous adjustments even by a qualified service tech when play...

Page 53: ...ek 24 hours a day 1 800 HITACHI 1 800 448 2244 You must state your zip code when calling In Canada QUEBEC 418 681 7719 MONTREAL 514 679 9150 TORONTO 416 821 4545 VANCOUVER 604 526 7881 LIMITED WARRANTY Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc and Hitachi Sales Corporation of Hawaii Hitachi warrants this component in duration as stated below VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER CAMCORDER AC ADAPTER CHARGER 90 DAYS ...

Page 54: ... 800 HITACHI 1 800 448 2244 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 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 T...

Page 55: ...TAINED ABOVE HITACHI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE PURCHASER OR TO ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL 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 APP...

Page 56: ...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 PLAN WILL BE IN FORCE ONLY AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE NORMAL PURCHASER S WARRANTY During the normal warranty the...

Page 57: ...d 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 owner 7 In Home service All video products must be brought to the Service Center for repairs 8 Original installation and any subsequent reinstallation or...

Page 58: ...nsibility to insure for loss of the product and for any damages which might occur and for loss or damages to any other object and for personal or property liability caused directly or indirectly by the product HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD Back Hitachi VIDEO PRODUCTS are guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship and material If any failure resulting from either workmanship or material defec...

Page 59: ...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 parts such a...

Page 60: ... 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 its terms in any manner whatsoever HITACHI WARRANTY REGISTRATION for your records Model No Serial No Date of Purchase Dealer s Name Dealer s Address City Province See graphics for w...

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