Hitachi VM-H720A Instruction Manual Download

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Instruction Manual

8mm Video Camcorder

VM-H620A / VM-H720A

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 HAWAII, INC

3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

Tel. 808-836-3621

Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and
how it is set up. Keep it handy for feature reference.

QR14543 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995

Printed in Japan KG-TF(N)

Summary of Contents for VM-H720A

Page 1: ...rans Canada Highway Pointe Claire Tel 770 279 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 Thank you for buying a Hitachi product Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up Keep it handy for feature reference QR14543 Hitachi Ltd 1995 Printed in Japan KG TF N ...

Page 2: ...tes 22 Using the Linear Time Counter 24 Remaining Tape 24 Setting the Date and Time 24 Getting Started Identifying Controls 26 Basic Techniques 29 Making a Basic Recording 29 Playing Back Your Recording 30 Advanced Techniques 34 Date Recording 34 Using the Power Zoom 35 Using the Digital Zoom 35 Using the INST ZOOM Instant Zoom Button 36 Using Auto Focus 36 Using Manual Focus 37 Using the Electron...

Page 3: ...ide or Tele Converter Lens 51 Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light 52 Viewfinder Bright Color and Tint Control Only for VM H720A 54 General Maintenance 55 Cleaning the camcorder Heads 55 Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder 55 Periodic Maintenance 56 Troubleshooting 56 Specifications 59 Accessories Add Excitement 61 Available Accessories 61 More Available Accessories 6...

Page 4: ...in home videotaping of copyrighted materials This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations This camcorder can use and video cassettes It automatically determines the loaded cassette is or and records and plays it back correctly The liquid crystal display LCD panel is made by highly precise technology More than 99 99 of its picture ...

Page 5: ...all be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical Notes This unit uses 8mm video format cassettes It records and plays back in the SP mode 14 3 mm sec It cannot record and play back in the LP mode 7 2 mm sec This camcorder uses a Hi Fi stereo sound system When a tape recorded by this camcorder is played by a conventional 8mm camcorder monaur...

Page 6: ...e this polarized plug with an extension cord receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted without blade exposure If you need an extension use a polarized cord 5 Power Sources This video product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home consult your video dealer or local pow...

Page 7: ...ppliance and cart 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 Sectio...

Page 8: ...owing the operating instructions Adjust only 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 ...

Page 9: ...ord is located so that it will not be stepped on tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage or stress 9 Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug replace them 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 extensi...

Page 10: ...e Hitachi VM H620A H720A Advanced Techniques to help you with some of the exciting sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM H620A H720A We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you You can use the video camcorder without reading this section A General Maintenance section to help keep your purchase in good repair We want this manual to be as he...

Page 11: ...d 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 or the liquid crystal display LCD panel may be damaged Features Easy to use 24x zoom ratio Instant zoom Multi function TV Cam remote control Electronic Image stabilization EIS Recorded date search Automatic title recording Di...

Page 12: ...o be purchased by mail by sending either money order or your credit card information to the following address HiTRON Inc 675 Old Peachtree RD Suwanee GA 30174 Tel 1 800 995 4500 For more information concerning the purchase of camcorder accessories please see the optional accessory listing on page 67 Attaching the Shoulder Strap Thread the ends of the provided shoulder strap through the slots at th...

Page 13: ...g through the lens cap and grip belt and attach it as shown in the figure Removing the lens cap Always attach the lens cap to protect the lens when carrying or storing the camcorder During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from being lost ...

Page 14: ...electrician to replace your obsolete outlet or use a polarized cord or outlet accessory 2 To insert the battery into the charger align the reference arrow on the battery with the reference arrow on the AC adapter charger Push the battery till it is flush with the AC adapter charger sliding it in the direction of the arrow as shown in the figure 3 The CHARGE light remains on while the battery charg...

Page 15: ...ERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE BATTERY OR AC ADAPTER CHARGER THROWING THE BATTERY INTO FIRE OR EXPOSING IT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT ABOVE 149 F 65 C MAY CAUSE INJURY SHORTING THE BATTERY S TERMINAL INCREASES RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK ATTENTION The product that you have purchased contains a rechargeable battery The battery is recyclable At the end of its useful life under various state and local laws ...

Page 16: ...iewfinder turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment Adjustment the Hand Strap Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand After adjustment hook the hand strap s pad securely Loading Batteries Install the batteries to prevent misplacing them Clock Battery ...

Page 17: ...he figure 4 Replace the battery holder with battery in the remote control making sure that it is fully inserted WARNING KEEP THE BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT Note Replace the batteries with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent Note Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws Do not d...

Page 18: ...ever and pull it up The power supply attachment cover will open 2 With the battery compartment facing you align arrow on the battery with the arrow on the camcorder 3 Once the arrows are aligned push down on the battery 4 While pushing down the battery slide it to the right until it clicks into place 5 After installing the battery close the cover Hold the OPEN lever and align the tabs on both side...

Page 19: ...here Attaching a battery forcibly could damage it Removing the Battery Pack 1 Lift the OPEN lever and pull it up The power supply attachment cover will open 2 Push the side of the battery in the direction of the arrow A click will be heard and the battery is released 3 Remove the battery and close the cover Checking the Battery s Charge A battery charge indicator is located on the upper right corn...

Page 20: ...ation time of the camcorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used Please ensure that CAM OFF VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply i e Battery AC adapter charger etc 1 Lift the OPEN lever and pull it up The power supply attachment cover will open 2 Lift the battery holder plates at the center of the attachment holder 3 Insert six alkaline bat...

Page 21: ...wer the camcorder in a cold place it may not operate normally the operation time may become extremely short or the camcorder may not be turned on It is recommended that you use a battery pack to power the camcorder in a cold place At 50 F 10 C the chemical reaction decreases the capacity of battery to one tenth when compared to that at normal temperature 68 F 20 C Note Noise may appear momentarily...

Page 22: ...ol when using the AC adaptor charger Ignore this indicator when using the AC adaptor charger Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord Hitachi VM CC80A to plug the camcorder into the car s cigarette lighter socket Please ensure that the CAM OFF VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply ie bat...

Page 23: ...r will not click into place and the tape may be slack which could lead to damage Note If TAPE flashes in the viewfinder remove the cassette and check that the tape is not damaged is not slack or no dust adheres to it etc After making sure that there is no abnormality reinsert the cassette If TAPE reappears see Troubleshooting on page 60 Removing a Cassette Slide the EJECT switch in the direction o...

Page 24: ...e into the camcorder and start recording or playback 10 seconds later the remaining tape will be displayed When the cassette is ejected the display will disappear is displayed for 10 seconds after the tape starts 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 view...

Page 25: ...t the right month and press STOP button Use the F F REW and STOP buttons to select the proper day year hour minute and AM or PM 4 After setting the AM PM press the DATE TITLE button The display changes and the internal clock starts Note After the date and time are set AUTO appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode See Date Recording on page 33 Correcting the Date and Time ...

Page 26: ...ing the Electronic Image Stabilizer p 36 10 16x9 button With this button the picture format can be switched from 4 3 picture format of a normal TV set to 16 9 Using 16x9 P38 11 DATE TITLE DISP Button Use this button to record the date time and title on your tape Any time that the date time and title displays appear in the viewfinder they are recorded on your tape This button can be used instead of...

Page 27: ... DC cord provided to this jack and the other end to the DC OUTPUT jack of the AC adapter charger When using the car battery cord optional connect this jack and the DC OUTPUT jack of the car battery cord 24 Start Stop Button When the CAM OFF VIDEO switch is in CAM press this button to start recording When pressed a second time the camera pauses During playback use this button to stop the tape tempo...

Page 28: ...edit function for dubbing Using Synchro Edit P46 32 COUNTER RESET Button only on the remote control Use this button to reset the linear time counter to 0 00 00 33 TITLE ON OFF Button only on the remote control Use this button to create and record titles for your tapes Creating and Recording a Title p 43 34 DISPLAY Button Use this button to select the viewfinder and TV display Using the Display But...

Page 29: ...00 or 1 4000 of a second The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed 1 Connect the camcorder to a power source Loading Batteries Camcorder Batteries p 15 Using Alternative Power Sources p 17 2 Insert an 8mm cassette Inserting and Removing Cassettes p 18 3 Press the red button on the CAM OFF VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM appears and the camcorder is now ready to record 4 Use t...

Page 30: ...rom the AV IN OUT jack of the camcorder 2 Connect the free square plug to the AV IN OUT jack of the camcorder 3 Insert a previously recorded cassette into the camcorder 4 Turn on your VCR and place it in the camcorder input mode consult your VCR manual for details Operate the television as you normally do to see the signal coming from the VCR 5 Hold down the red button on the CAM OFF VIDEO switch ...

Page 31: ... connect to a flat antenna lead you need to purchase antenna adapter 75 ohm to 300 ohm transformer Connect the adapter to the 75 ohm coaxial cable of the RF output adapter and connect the free ends of the adapter to the VHF antenna terminals at the back of your television 4 Connect the RF output adapter cable to the AV IN OUT jack of your camcorder 5 Turn your television on and select channel 3 ch...

Page 32: ...7 times normal speed Press PLAY button to return to normal playback Note When you engage F F button or REW button the picture will have some interference or noise This is normal during search mode To Play Back a Recording at Double the Normal Speed Activate the video playback mode by moving the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to VIDEO Press the PLAY button located on either the remote control or the camcorde...

Page 33: ...e picture and sound are played back at twice the normal speed This will cause noise lines to appear on the picture and the sound to become warbled With some tapes the width of the noise band may vary or noise may flow Note With some TVs the synchronization may unlock and the picture may fluctuate or the picture may become black and white ...

Page 34: ...matic Date Recording This option records the date automatically once a day at the beginning of recording for ten seconds Note The camcorder records the same date when the cassette is replaced you select AUTO and date display again the recording is less than 10 seconds long Note If the date changes while recording continues over 10 seconds the new date is recorded for about 10 seconds the next time...

Page 35: ...after recording is started Using the Power Zoom The power zoom W control widens the picture moving the subject farther away while the power zoom T control brings the subject closer narrowing the picture If ZOOM appears at the left of the viewfinder the digital zoom function shown below has been engaged When the power zoom switch is operated the zoom position is displayed in the viewfinder for abou...

Page 36: ... regardless of zooming engaged by the power zoom T and W controls Press the INST ZOOM button I ZOOM appears at the left of the viewfinder and the picture is magnified 1 5 times Note To return to the original zoom position press the INST ZOOM button so that I ZOOM disappears from the viewfinder Note This instant zoom has certain limitations and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify cam...

Page 37: ...in light reflection such as a white wall Rapidly moving objects Dark objects Note With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3 3 feet away from the lens and further away to infinity With the W zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects 3 8 inches 1cm away from the lens and further away to infinity Using Manual Focus 1 Press the FOCUS control buttons simult...

Page 38: ...you walk around While you record from inside a moving vehicle 1 Press the EIS button The 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 if you use a wide or tele converter lens Note When the EIS function is engaged in the vicinity of the zoom range with ZOOM displayed ...

Page 39: ... fade Fades 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 camcorder use the FADE button to select a fade option 2 Press the Sta...

Page 40: ...use mode and tap the REW button The last few seconds of tape play back in reverse and then in normal playback mode 2 The camera plays back to 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 reco...

Page 41: ... slide the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to VIDEO 2 Press the DATE TITLE button the DISPLAY button on the remote control to display SEARCH in the viewfinder 3 Press the REW button to search for the start position from which you last made a recording or the F F button the F FWD button on the remote control to recording end position 4 When the required position is located the camcorder enters the stop mode a...

Page 42: ...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 Press the STOP button to stop playback or press the start stop recording and set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to VIDE...

Page 43: ...i VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder s wireless remote control Creating and Recording A Title Create titles easily and personalize your recordings while keeping a permanent visual record of what is contained on a tape The camcorder can store a title 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 lin...

Page 44: ... the corrected title in memory Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder 1 Hold down the red button on the CAM OFF VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to CAM 2 Locate the point of the tape where you wish to record the title Using Quick Edit p 39 3 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control 4 Press the Start Stop button to start recording the title 5 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the...

Page 45: ...corder to a VCR This requires an optional synchro edit cable The Hitachi VM H620A H720A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits Your VCR must have the EDIT IN jack to use the synchro edit Synchro Edit Hookup Illustration 1 Connect the synchro edit cable to the AV IN OUT jack of your camcorder 2 Connect the synchro edit cable to the AUDIO ...

Page 46: ...imple programmable edit allows you to program your camcorder to select the scenes you want to copy from a pre recorded tape Use the edit remote control optional to easily copy scenes from a recorded tape in the camcorder playback machine onto a blank tape in a table top VCR which handles infrared signals recording machine Note Only the VM RM20EDA edit remote control optional can be used with this ...

Page 47: ...nt the remote control straight at the VCR s infrared receiver for operation Note Use the remote control indoors When the infrared receivers of the VCR and camcorder are exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light the remote control may not operate correctly Note The remote control cannot be operated if there is an obstacle between the remote control and infrared receiver Especially be ca...

Page 48: ...de Use the FORWARD or REVERSE button as required to fine adjust the tape position 8 Press the OUT button to store the counter reading at the end of the scene 9 Continue programming as described above until you have entered up to four different segments 10 Load a blank tape then set the VCR to the record pause mode 11 Point the remote control at the receiver on the VCR and press the COPY START butt...

Page 49: ...andy you don t have to juggle two remotes The remote control is compatible with the fourteen makers of TVs listed on the next page 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 camcorder remote control to send signals that your TV...

Page 50: ...ssible to control all TVs listed in the Table Note The AVX Button can t be used with Gold Star 2 and Sharp TVs Using Audio Video Dubbing Use audio video dubbing to record audio and video from the camcorder s built in microphone and camera onto a previously recorded tape in the camcorder Remote Control Audio Video Dubbing Buttons 1 Connect your camcorder to the television following Connecting to a ...

Page 51: ... may appear at the end of the dubbed portion Recording Television Programs If your television or VCR has AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks you can record television programs with your camcorder Recording Television Programs Illustration 1 Connect the optional AV input cable to the VIDEO OUT and AUDIO OUT jacks of your television or VCR 2 Connect the free plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camcorder 3 ...

Page 52: ...the same direction as the camcorder s lens 4 Hold down the red button on the CAM OFF VIDEO switch while sliding it to CAM 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 from splashing or dripping water Never cover the DC camera light with paper plastic or other object as the cooling vents may become blocked...

Page 53: ...ing 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 front of the cover with the mark on the DC came...

Page 54: ...Control Only for VM H720A This small BRIGHT COLOR and TINT controls are set at the factory and should require no adjustment If they ever require adjustment use a plastic screwdriver Make the adjustments with caution to prevent damaging the miniature controls ...

Page 55: ...cleaning Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder The lens of the electronic viewfinder can be user cleaned if dust dirt or other foreign matter adheres to it 1 Rotate and remove eye cup 2 Clean the picture tube face and lens To prevent scratching use a soft non abrasive cloth swab or lens cleaning paper 3 Fit the projection of the eye cup into the groove in the viewfinder a...

Page 56: ...i We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Check Point Correction Cassette holder cannot be opened when you slide source Connect the power source Cassette cannot be i...

Page 57: ...title Do not remove the clock battery RECORDING TV PROGRAMS OFF THE AIR Symptom Check Point Correction The camcorder cannot be set to the recording mode even when the Start Stop button on the camcorder is pressed Check the record protect tab on the cassette Set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to CAM Connect the camcorder and TV or VCR PLAYBACK OF PRE RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom Check Point Correction Play ...

Page 58: ...n start recording Do not remove the clock battery after recording Do not eject the recorded cassette Leave it in the camcorder The playback picture moves rapidly and noise appears Also sound speeded up from normal is heard The camcorder is set to the double speed playback mode Pressing the playback button to restore the normal playback mode The sound also returns to normal speed Noise appears in t...

Page 59: ...ged remove the cassette and set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to OFF then wait for about one hour 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 Specifications General Specifications Power requirements 6V DC Power consumption VM H620A 5 3W when recording VM H720A 5 9W...

Page 60: ...has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit However should you require service a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance Our service Hotline operator will direct you to the Hitachi Authorized Service Facility nearest you Just ...

Page 61: ...ies To Order in the United States In Canada Please use Canadian order form in French version of this manual Page 67 By Phone To place an order by phone have your VISA MASTERCARD or DISCOVER card ready and call the toll free number 8 00AM 6 00PM East Coast Time workdays 1 800 995 4500 By Mail Complete the order form on page 67 Detach it and send it to the following address with your credit card inf...

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