Hitachi VME-54A - Camcorder Instruction Manual Download | Manualshive

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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HITACHI

Instruction Manual

8mm Video Camcorder

VM-E54A

Hitachi Home Electronics (America),

HITACHI (HSC) CANADA, INC.

Inc.

3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe

Claire,
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093

Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA

Tel.

404-279-5600

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. You've chosen the best 8 mm video
camera/recorder for you, and we want to help you make the most of your purchase.
Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy
for feature reference.

QR10351 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994

Printed in Japan KS-S(N)

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Summary of Contents for VME-54A - Camcorder

Page 1: ...Tel 404 279 5600 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 You ve chosen the best 8 mm video camera recorder for you and we want to help you make the most of your purchase Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up Keep it handy for feature reference QR1035...

Page 2: ...emote Control Battery 20 Camera Recorder Battery 20 Removing the Battery 21 Checking the Battery s Charge 21 Using Alternative Power Sources 21 Using the AC Adapter Charger 21 Using Alkaline Dry Cell Batteries 22 Using a Car Battery 23 Inserting and Removing Cassettes 23 Inserting a Cassette 23 Removing a Cassette 24 Protecting Recorded Material 24 Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light 24 Removin...

Page 3: ...rors 42 Recording Title on a Tape in the Camera Recorder 43 Recording a Title while Transferring a Tape 43 Using the Wireless Remote Control 43 Dubbing from the Camera Recorder to a VCR 44 Using Synchro Edit 44 Controlling Your TV with the Camera Recorder s Remote Control 45 Programming the Remote Control 46 Controlling the TV 46 Using Audio Video Dubbing 47 Recording Television Programs 48 Genera...

Page 4: ...TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 ...

Page 5: ... cause electrical shock Therefore it is dangerous 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 to avoid any problems CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVIC...

Page 6: ...tee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct by one or more of the following measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect...

Page 7: ... plug having one blade wider than the other This plug will fit into 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 o...

Page 8: ... 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 poten...

Page 9: ...ght 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 installer USE 14 Cleaning Unplug this video product from t...

Page 10: ...t 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 for service 19 Replacement Parts When replacement parts are required have the service technician verify that t...

Page 11: ...cord 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 extens...

Page 12: ...of the Hitachi VM E54A We hope you will take the time to learn about these functions since they have been designed for you You can use the video camera recorder without reading this section A General Maintenance section to help keep your purchase in good repair We want this manual to be as helpful as possible so it includes two easy ways to find the information you need A quick index for the infor...

Page 13: ...properly but the solid state pickup device C C D usually causes this as an inherent characteristic Try to avoid shooting an excessive bright object directly Be sure not to leave it in a place where the temperature exceeds 120 49 C or the pickup device may be damaged Dangerous includes Inside a car with the windows closed and in direct sunshine Near heating appliances Do not leave the viewfinder le...

Page 14: ...ptional RF output adapter model VM RF86A The RF output adapter can be purchased by calling the telephone number below For your convenience Visa Master Card and American Express credit cards are accepted The RF output adapter can also be purchased by mail by sending either cheque money order or your credit card information to the following address IN U S A Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Parts...

Page 15: ...This moisture could cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape When a small amount of moisture is sensed TAPE flashes in the viewfinder Remove the cassette and set the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch to OFF then wait for about one hour Attaching the Shoulder Strap Thread the ends of the provided shoulder strap through the slots at the back of the camera recorder and thread t...

Page 16: ...emperature range of 50 F 10 C 86 F 30 C to prevent damage to the battery 1 Plug the AC adapter charger power cord into an AC outlet Make sure that the wide blade fits into the wide slot If it doesn t fit try reversing it If you still cannot make fit the blades fully into the outlet either contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet or use a polarized cord or outlet accessory 2 To insert...

Page 17: ...fully charged battery takes approximately 4 hours VM BP82 adding considerable time to battery charging With repeated normal charging and use the battery will gradually lose operating time When operation time becomes too short to be useful replace the battery If the POWER light begins to flash during charging remove the battery and then reattach it to the AC charger adapter If the POWER light conti...

Page 18: ...stream Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder The electronic viewfinder adjusts simply by pivoting it to a position where it is comfortable and easy to see through Place the viewfinder back in its original position before storing the camera recorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder...

Page 19: ... the diopter control so that the subject is seen most clearly in the viewfinder Always push in the eye cup after use Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens 1 To remove the lens hood turn it counterclockwise 2 Remove both caps of the converter lens 3 Screw the lens into the threads on the camera recorder lens assembly ...

Page 20: ...EP THE BATTERY AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT Note Replace remote control battery with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent Note Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws Do not dispose of in fire Camera Recorder Battery Before you install the battery for the first time it must be fully charge...

Page 21: ...g symbol indicates a battery nearly out of power Use an alternate power source or charge the battery before continuing to use the camera recorder Using Alternative Power Sources Using the AC Adapter Charger Please ensure that the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply ie battery AC adapter charger etc AC Adapter Charger Hookup 1 Plug the AC ...

Page 22: ...er can be powered with six alkaline dry cell batteries inserted into the optional battery case Hitachi VM BP86C which can be attached to the camera recorder The operation time of the camera recorder depends on the type of alkaline batteries used Please ensure that the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply ie battery AC adapter charger etc A...

Page 23: ...k of the car battery cord Note Only use the car battery cord with cars having 12 24 volt negative ground system Inserting and Removing Cassettes A power source must be connected before inserting or removing cassettes Once connected cassettes can be inserted or removed whether the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch is on or off Inserting a Cassette 1 Slide the EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow The ca...

Page 24: ...pears to record on the cassette again Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light You can use the DC camera light to light subjects in darkened areas or correct unflattering shadows Use the camera light wisely as it greatly reduces the time you may use a charged battery NEVER TOUCH THE DC CAMERA LIGHT TERMINAL WHEN THE CAMERA RECORDER IS TURNED ON TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK 1 Slide the CAMERA OFF VIDEO sw...

Page 25: ...rce When the DC camera light is used the operation time of the camera recorder when a fully charged battery pack is attached is halved Removing the DC Camera Light Depress the light to release the tab from the hook and then move the light in the direction of the arrow as shown in the figure Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb 1 Turn the front of the case counter clockwise and remove it 2 Remove the...

Page 26: ...oint to which you wish to return The linear time counter clears to 0 00 00M 3 Continue recording or playback until ready to return Press STOP when finished 4 Press the REW REVIEW button and the tape stops at approximately where you reset the linear time counter This feature works in F FWD as well Setting the Date and Time Take the time to set the date and time now The time backup battery is rechar...

Page 27: ... The date time graphics will be recorded whenever they appear in the viewfinder Correcting the Date and Time 1 Press the DATE button while pressing the stop button The flashing cursor appears at the month 2 Move to where you need to make the correction with the STOP button and use the F FWD and REW REVIEW to correct 3 Press the DATE button to set the corrected date and time Automatic Date Recordin...

Page 28: ...rder on to display the linear time counter The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camera recorder and clears to 0 00 00 when the cassette is ejected Remaining Tape The tape remaining display shows the remaining tape that can be used for recording and playback using seven dashes This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record o...

Page 29: ...Getting Started 29 Note When the remaining tape time becomes less than about three minutes TAPE END flashes in the viewfinder ...

Page 30: ...ion Pressing the DISPLAY button a second time returns to the linear time counter Identifying Controls Left side Front Controls Illustration 1 Lens F1 8 5 60mm 12 1 power zoom lens with auto focus and auto iris functions 2 Record Indicator This indicator lights when the camera recorder is recording 3 Infrared Receiver The area where infrared signals from the wireless remote are received Aim the rem...

Page 31: ... be connected to the camera recorder before a cassette can be inserted or removed 11 Microphone Sensitive to sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointed Right side Rear Illustration 12 PLAY Button Use to playback recorded tapes 13 Power Supply Attachment The battery battery case and external power adapter connect here Loading Batteries p 14 Using Alternative Power Sources p 15 ...

Page 32: ...Dubbing from the Camera Recorder to a VCR p 38 and Recording Television Programs p 43 22 DATE Button Use this button to record the date and time on your tape Any time that the date and time display is in the viewfinder they are recorded on your tape 23 STOP Button Use this button to stop playback fast forward or reverse Also use this button to set date and time Bottom jacks Remote Illustration 24 ...

Page 33: ...rol Use this button to reset the linear time counter to 0 00 00 29 TITLE ON OFF Button only on the remote control Use this button to create and record titles for your tapes Creating and Recording Titles p 35 30 DISPLAY Button only on the remote control Use this button to select the viewfinder and TV display Using the Display Button p 21 31 A V DUB Button only on the remote control Use this button ...

Page 34: ...ed Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM E54A uses PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter speed either 1 60 1 120 1 180 1 250 1 350 1 500 1 750 1 1000 1 1500 1 2000 or 1 4000 of a second The iris adjusts automatically in response to shutter speed 1 Connect the camera recorder to a power source Loading Batteries Camera Recorder Battery p 14 Using Alternative Power...

Page 35: ... camera returns to record pause mode Playing Back Your Recording Depending on the setup of your video equipment you connect the camera recorder in one of the 3 methods explained below Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached 1 Connect the provided AV output cord to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your VCR 2 Connect the free square plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 3 Inser...

Page 36: ...e television is set up to 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 camera recorder 5 Turn your televi...

Page 37: ...W button to find the spot quickly Press F FWD button during playback to play the tape forward at approximately 9 times normal speed Press PLAY button to return to normal playback Press REW REVIEW button during playback to play the tape backwards at approximately 7 times normal speed Press PLAY button to return to normal playback Note When you engage F FWD button or REW REVIEW button the picture wi...

Page 38: ...l 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 about 5 seconds and then disappears The zoom position is displayed in 10 steps Using the Digital Zoom The digital zoom increases the magnification of the pow...

Page 39: ...1 5 times 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 momentarily 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 magnific...

Page 40: ...e With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3 6 feet away from the lens and further away to infinity With the W zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects 1 2 inches away from the lens and further away to infinity Using Instant Review Use this feature to view the last few seconds of the tape you shot 1 Set the camera recorder to record pause mode and tap ...

Page 41: ...he exact position you selected Using Macro This function allows you to shoot subjects as close as 1 2 inches Press and hold the power zoom control W The camera focuses on the subject automatically Check your lighting as it tends to be insufficient when filming close up Creating and Recording Titles Create titles easily and personalize your recordings while keeping a permanent visual record of what...

Page 42: ...D and REW REVIEW buttons to select the first character of your title 6 Once you ve selected a character press the STOP button to set it 7 Complete the title by repeating steps 5 and 6 8 When you complete your title press PLAY to create a second title as required or press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control to store the title in memory and remove the title graphics from the viewfinder Not...

Page 43: ...ding is disabled when you connect the optional AV input cable to the AV IN OUT jack to record video and audio from the television or VCR Recording a Title while Transferring a Tape 1 Connect the camera recorder to the VCR p 26 2 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control to turn title on 3 Use the PLAY button to select a title from memory 4 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote cont...

Page 44: ...nd s home 8mm recordings to VHS Dubbing Diagram 1 Connect the AV output cord plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 2 Connect the AV output cord to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your VCR 3 Hold down the red button of the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch while you slide the switch to VIDEO 4 Insert the recorded tape in the camera recorder and a blank tape into the VCR Set the VCR to record ...

Page 45: ...Stop button and then the S EDIT button To fast forward or rewind the tape press the STOP button then F FWD or REW REVIEW To return to recording on the tape in the VCR press the STOP button then the PLAY button then the Start Stop button and then the S EDIT button 8 To stop recording at a certain point turn on the camera recorder s linear time counter with memory Using Memory p 19 Press the COUNTER...

Page 46: ... ll know the remote is set to control the television 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 buttons One of them may work for you If the TV channel still doesn t change after going through all the button co...

Page 47: ...f your television 3 Connect the free square plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 4 Insert a previously recorded tape in the camera recorder 5 Use the wireless remote control and press the PLAY button Use the PLAY F FWD and REW buttons to find the place where you want to stop dubbing Press the PAUSE START STOP button 6 Display the linear timer counter with memory Using Memory p 19 Pre...

Page 48: ...levision 2 Connect the free plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 3 Connect the camera recorder to a power source 4 Insert a cassette in the camera recorder 5 Hold down the red button on the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to CAMERA 6 Turn your television or VCR on and tune it to the channel you wish to record from 7 Press the Start Stop button to start recording the ...

Page 49: ...a half where it is pulled out all the way The side with the mark should be up 2 Turn the eye cup counterclockwise until it stops then pull it out to remove 3 Clean the picture tube face and lens To prevent scratching use a soft non abrasive cloth swab or lens cleaning paper 4 Face the rib up as shown above and push and the eye cup in until it stops 5 Turn the eye cup clockwise until it stops the p...

Page 50: ... appear in the viewfinder Remove the lens cap Slide the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch to CAMERA Disconnect the AV input cable from the camera recorder The camera recorder cannot go into the recording Check the record protect tab on the mode even when the start stop button is pressed cassette See page 18 for details Push the cassette holder embossed PUSH to close it Slide the CAMERA OFF VIDEO switch to C...

Page 51: ...ing playback BATTERY CONDITION SYMPTOM CHECK POINT CORRECTION The indication in the electronic viewfinder flashes to indicate the battery is discharged Try another battery or charge the battery NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED SYMPTOM CHECK POINT CORRECTION Power is not turned on and no button operations are accepted Remove the power source and after about one minute push the reset switch gently using a t...

Page 52: ...General Maintenance 52 ...

Page 53: ...t 1 0Vp p 75 ohm Video output 1 0Vp p 75 ohm Audio input 7 8dBs 316mVrms Audio output 7 8dBs 316mVrms Fast forward rewind time Less than 8 minutes with P6 120 cassette Camera Specifications Scanning 525 lines 60 fields 30 frames Required minimum illumination 2 lux Pickup device 1 4 C C D Lens diameter 46mm For U S A only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in t...

Page 54: ... or delivery receipts to the Hitachi Authorized Service Facility and service will be rendered in accordance with the terms of the limited warranty as stated on your warranty card or operating guide Should you have any questions regarding in warranty service operation or technical assistance please contact Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd Norcross GA 30093 Tel 404 279 5...

Page 55: ... place an order for any of these items call our toll free number or use the ordering form on page 55 To Order in the United States By Phone To place an order by phone have your VISA MASTERCARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS card ready and call Hitachi s toll free number anytime 24 hours a day 7 days a week 1 800 HITACHI By Mail Complete the order form on page 53 Detach it and send it to the following address...

Page 56: ...nd to be defective Hitachi will repair or replace defective parts at no charge to the original owner Parts used for replacement are warranted for the remainder of the original Limited Warranty period For 90 days from the date of original purchase Hitachi will provide labor for the repair or replacement of defective parts without charge subject to the following conditions 1 Owner must provide verif...

Page 57: ...HITACHI WARRANTY CARD USA Front 57 Norcross GA 30093 Tel 404 279 5600 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII 3219 Koapaka St Honolulu HI 96819 Tel 808 836 3621 ...

Page 58: ...OEVER 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 TO 90 DAYS FOR LABOR AND TWO YEARS FOR PARTS THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTY CONTAINED ABOVE ...

Page 59: ...HITACHI WARRANTY CARD USA Back 59 for your record Model No Serial No Date of Purchase Dealer Name Dealer Address City State Zip HITACHI ...

Page 60: ...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 the Hitac...

Page 61: ...costs must be claimed from Hitachi at all times through an authorized Hitachi Service Center The Plan Owner should never directly pay the authorized Service center unless given special authorization from Hitachi No repair costs will be reimbursed directly to the Plan Owner G The Plan Owner will receive a PLATINUM CARD which is the only valid document to be presented at the time of repair to an aut...

Page 62: ... Tuner Timer 1 year parts and labour Camera camcorder AC Adaptor Charger 1 year parts and labour All goods returned to either Hitachi or a Hitachi Authorized Service Center must be shipped on a PREPAID BASIS To avoid any damage to the returned goods please ensure that proper packaging procedures are followed A short written description of the problem along with proof of warranty should accompany t...

Page 63: ...l normal maintenance needed such as CLEANING OF VIDEO 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...

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