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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

1

 

 

HITACHI

 

Instruction Manual 

 

8mm Video Camera/recorder 

VM-H71A 

 

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. 

QR10971 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 

 

 

 

 

Printed in 

Japan KG-S(N) 

Summary of Contents for VMH-71A - Camcorder

Page 1: ...A 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 QR10...

Page 2: ...er Lens 22 Loading Batteries 22 Remote Control Battery 22 Edit Remote Control Batteries 23 Camera Recorder Battery 23 Removing the Battery 24 Checking the Battery s Charge 24 Using Alternative Power Sources 24 Using the AC Adapter Charger 24 Using a Car Battery 25 Inserting and Removing Cassettes 25 Inserting a cassette 25 When the cassette holder marked PUSH is pressed 26 Removing a Cassette 26 P...

Page 3: ...e in the Camera Recorder 48 Recording a Title while Transferring a Tape 49 Dubbing from the Camera Recorder to a VCR 49 Using Synchro Edit 49 Simple Programmable Edit 50 Programming the Remote Control for the VCR 50 Operation 52 To End Programmable Simple Edit 53 Controlling Your TV with the Camera Recorder s Remote 53 Programming the Remote Control 54 Controlling the TV 54 Using Audio Video Dubbi...

Page 4: ...his 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 SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND FULLY INSERT PLUG WARNING Many television programs and films are copyrighted In certain circ...

Page 5: ...hich the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Caution to the user Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacture 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...

Page 6: ...For Your Safety 6 viewfinder Remove the cassette and set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to OFF with the case open ...

Page 7: ...ully 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 exposure If you need an extension use a polarized cord 5 Power Sources This video product should be o...

Page 8: ...r table The video product may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the appliance Use only with a cart stand tripod bracket or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the video product Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer s instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer 11A An appliance and cart comb...

Page 9: ...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 rain or water d If the video product does not operate normally by following 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 exte...

Page 10: ... 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 extension cor...

Page 11: ...tures of the Hitachi VM H71A Advanced Techniques to help you with some of the exciting sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM H71A 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...

Page 12: ...ly 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 lens facing sunlight for a prolonged period or the phosp...

Page 13: ...nnect this camera recorder to a television that does not have audio video input jacks you will need to use the optional 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 or...

Page 14: ...atter adheres to the water resistant packings before closing the cases If the camera recorder is used while dust sand or thread adheres to only one point if the packings it could cause water to enter Consult your nearest dealer to replace the packings The Camera Recorder cannot be used in the following places Under water In a place with high temperature and high humidity such as in a sauna bathroo...

Page 15: ...and may remain under the snap release the snap in the condition shown in the figure and wipe off the water droplets or sand carefully 2 Open the case in the direction of the arrow 3 To close the case hold the left and right cases tightly and close the snap until a click is heard Note Lock the case securely using the snap Otherwise it could allow water to enter How to Open and Close the Battery Com...

Page 16: ...d Close the Jack Cover 1 To open turn the knob on the jack cover in the direction of the arrow 2 Align the post on the cover with the hole in the case NOTE The plug can easily be inserted and pulled out when the post on the cover is inserted into the hole NOTE Release the post from the hole to close the jack cover 3 To close the jack cover Press the two sections marked PUSH and make sure that a cl...

Page 17: ... flakes enter when opening the case If they enter the humidity inside rises and condensation is likely to occur Moisture also condenses on the lens If moisture condenses on the lens clear pictures cannot be recorded Dry the camera recorder with the case open and use it after condensation on the lens disappears Open the case if there is condensation Otherwise it is hard to dry the camcorder Otherwi...

Page 18: ...lf to one third depending on how often you use zoom and stop start functions Charge the battery at a temperature range of 50 F 10 C 86 F 30 C to prevent damage to the battery Using the AC Adapter Charger To Charge the Battery Attached to the AC Adapter Charger 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 reve...

Page 19: ...ter or dirt adhering to the terminal of the attachment section If anything adheres to the terminal use the brush provided or a soft cloth to wipe it off completely To Charge Two Batteries in Sequence You can continuously charge the battery attached to the AC adapter charger and the battery loaded in the camera recorder 1 Set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch of the camera recorder to OFF 2 Load a battery i...

Page 20: ...tion manual of the car adapter charger carefully before charging Additional Information The battery has a green charge marker on one side of the battery When the battery is removed from the AC adapter charger a green color marker will be exposed When the battery is ejected from the camera recorder no green marker will be seen Note The marker switch does not guarantee the Batteries charge status Wi...

Page 21: ...n 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 around to avoid damaging the viewfinder or camera recorder Caution Do not point the electronic viewfinder to direct sunlight it could damage the viewfinder Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder adjust the ...

Page 22: ...ontrol battery now to prevent misplacing it Remote Control Battery 1 Push the tab to the right of the remote control and hold it then remove the battery holder 2 Press the PLAY button and hold it for about two seconds 3 Insert the battery with the terminal facing in the direction of the open side of the battery holder 4 Replace the battery holder with battery in the remote control making sure that...

Page 23: ...r dispose of batteries by throwing them into a fire Note When liquid leaks wipe it off completely and then insert new batteries Camera Recorder Battery Before you install the battery for the first time it must be charged Refer to Charging the Battery for details 1 Push the BATT EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow to unlock the battery compartment cover Pull the tab forward to open the cover ...

Page 24: ...bols displays when the battery is used This symbol indicates a fully charged battery This symbol indicates a partially charged battery This flashing symbol indicates a battery nearly out of power Use an alternative 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 CAM OFF VIDEO switch ...

Page 25: ... VM CA500A to plug the camera recorder 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 battery AC adapter charger etc 1 Connect the car adapter charger to the car s cigarette lighter socket 2 Attach the external power cord to the camera recorder 3 Connect the external power cord plug to t...

Page 26: ...re strong light does not strike the camera recorder When the cassette holder marked PUSH is pressed If the cassette is in the camera recorder holder stops temporarily to detect moisture 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 TA...

Page 27: ...ou load a cassette into the camera recorder and clears to 0 00 00 when the cassette is ejected Using the Display Button Pressing the DISPLAY button on the remote control allows you to switch the displays in the viewfinder When the camera recorder is turned on the linear time counter appears Pressing the DISPLAY button once displays the linear time counter with the memory feature Note The linear ti...

Page 28: ...button to stop recording and set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch to VIDEO 4 Press the REW 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 rechargeable Charge the backup battery every two months Set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch on the camera rec...

Page 29: ...on to set the corrected date and time Automatic Date Recording This feature records the date automatically once a day After you begin recording the date is displayed and recorded automatically for 10 seconds The same date is recorded again in the following cases when the cassette is replaced when AUTO is displayed again after being switched to the date display and when the recording is less than 1...

Page 30: ...rotect the lens when carrying or storing the camera recorder During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from being lost Using the Microphone Cap Be sure to attach the microphone cap if you rinse the camera recorder with water after using it If water pressure is applied to the microphone directly it could cause damage to the microphone Position the microphone cap as sh...

Page 31: ...ded or a soft cloth to wipe it off completely Using the Remote Control Bag The remote control is not water resistant If you use the remote control for recording when it rains or snows or where it could be splashed by water insert the remote control into the bag with the infrared transmission window forward as shown in the figure You can use the remote control while it is in the bag ...

Page 32: ...infrared signals from the wireless remote are received Aim the remote control to this area for best results 8 Record In Camera Battery Charge Indicator This indicator lights red when the camera recorder is recording and lights green when the battery inside the camera recorder is being charged 9 F FWD button Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search During visual search the camera ...

Page 33: ...e switch to OFF 19 Power Zoom Switch Use this to zoom automatically Using the Power Zoom p 38 Pressing the power zoom switch strongly results in rapid zooming and pressing it lightly results in slow zooming 20 INST ZOOM Instant Zoom Button Use this button to magnify the image being recorded 1 5 times momentarily 21 AV IN OUT Jack Behind the jack cover Use this jack to connect the camera recorder t...

Page 34: ...he CAM OFF VIDEO switch may be set to OFF Inserting and Removing Cassettes p 21 30 Record Mode Select Switch START STOP Pressing the Start Stop button alternates between recording and recording pause HOLD TO REC The camera recorder is set to recording while the Start Stop button is held depressed and it enters recording pause when the button is released 31 External Power Attachment Section Attach ...

Page 35: ...37 COUNTER RESET Button only on the remote control Use this button to reset the linear time counter to 0 00 00 38 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 44 39 DISPLAY Button only on the remote control Use this button to select the viewfinder and TV display Using the Display Button p 23 40 AV DUB Butt...

Page 36: ...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 19 Using Alternative Power Sources p 20 2 Open the case How to Open and Close the Case p 10 3 Set the record mode select switch to START STOP R...

Page 37: ...sette Note If the camera recorder is left in record pause mode for more than 5 minutes the camera recorder turns off automatically To restart it press the Start Stop button and the camera returns to record pause mode Holding Button to Record 1 Set the record mode select switch to HOLD TO REC before starting recording 2 Press the Start Stop button and hold it The camera recorder records while the S...

Page 38: ... the provided AV stereo output cord to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your television Connect either the right or left audio plug into your television if it has only one AUDIO IN jack Note Some televisions have an S VIDEO IN jack Connect the black S VIDEO plug to the television instead of the yellow VIDEO plug 2 Connect the free square plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 3 Turn ...

Page 39: ...ple Playback Using the Electronic Viewfinder 1 Insert the cassette Inserting and Removing Cassettes p 21 2 Hold down the red button on the CAM OFF VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO 3 Press the PLAY button and enjoy your video 4 Press the STOP button when finished Using Still To view a still picture during playback press the Start Stop button Press the Start Stop button again to resume...

Page 40: ...Basic Techniques 40 some interference or noise This is normal during search mode ...

Page 41: ...ubject 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 about 5 seconds and then disappears The zoom position is displayed in 10 steps Pressing the power zoom switc...

Page 42: ...he instant zoom feature activates the digital zoom to magnify the subject 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 ...

Page 43: ... 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 Manual Focus 1 Press the FOCUS select button FOCUS displays in the viewfinder You can adjust the focus manually 2 Use the power zoom T control to zoom up complete...

Page 44: ...ton 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 you use a wide or teleconverter lens Note It is recommended that you do not use the EIS function when using a tripod The sensor would detect vibrations from the tripod in which case the picture would be blurred Usi...

Page 45: ...he camera recorder use the FADE button to select a fade option 2 Press the Start Stop button to stop recording the fade begins automatically and REC flashes until the fade ends Note When fading out be sure to wait until the PAUSE indicator is visible in the viewfinder before attempting to put the camera recorder into the record mode again Using Instant Review Use this feature to view the last few ...

Page 46: ...h the tape Release the button and the camera recorder stops the tape at the 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 Using 16x9 Pressing the 16x9 button during recording or r...

Page 47: ... path from the wireless remote control to the infrared ray receiver The wireless remote control won t work if an obstacle blocks the infrared rays Note The remote control code of this camera recorder is Hitachi code VCR2 If you have a VCR with the same code your Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camera recorder s wireless remote control Note The remote control cannot be used to operate ...

Page 48: ...ect the character to be corrected 4 Use the F FWD and REW buttons to correct the character 5 Press the TITLE ON OFF button on the remote control to store the corrected title in memory Recording Titles on a Tape in the Camera Recorder 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 E...

Page 49: ...ct the camera recorder to a VCR to copy your or a friend s home 8mm recordings to VHS Camcorder to VCR connection Illustration 1 Connect the AV stereo output cord plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 2 Connect the AV stereo output cord to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your VCR Connect either the right or left audio plug into your television if it has only one AUDIO IN jack Note ...

Page 50: ...se the VCR You can then search forward or back through the tape without affecting the tape in the VCR Use the F FWD and REW buttons to search the tape Press the PLAY button to resume normal playback To resume recording on the tape in the VCR press the Start Stop button and then the S EDIT button To fast forward or rewind the tape press the STOP button then F FWD or REW To return to recording on th...

Page 51: ...ton and hold it If the remote control code has been set the VCR channel is counted up automatically Note Your VCR should have an infrared remote control Note If the channel on the VCR does not change with the above operation you need to switch the remote control code of your VCR Refer to the VCR s instruction manual If the channel still does not change after you have changed the VCR s remote contr...

Page 52: ...e to connect the camera recorder and VCR as illustrated and then connect the edit remote control to the camera recorder 2 Insert a recorded tape into the camera recorder 3 Set the CAM OFF VIDEO switch of the camera recorder to VIDEO Turn the recording VCR on and select line input 4 Press the PROGRAM button of the remote control The program display appears in the viewfinder Note If your VCR is conn...

Page 53: ...ecording machine may be released from the record pause mode if it continues for more than five minutes Note The dubbing start and end positions may slightly drift from the specified positions when certain VCRs are used To End Programmable Simple Edit Press the PROGRAM button to remove the program display from the viewfinder Then press the stop button on the recording VCR to set it to the stop mode...

Page 54: ...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 combinations listed it is likely that you will not be able to program this remote control for your...

Page 55: ...ion instead of the yellow VIDEO plug 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 Us...

Page 56: ...h to CAM 4 Connect the optional AV input cable to the VIDEO OUT and AUDIO OUT jacks of your television or VCR 5 Connect the free plug to the AV IN OUT jack of your camera recorder 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 program that is on the screen of the television 8 Press the Start Stop button again...

Page 57: ... remove foreign matter or salt Do not wash the case with water at high pressure It could cause water to enter Use the brush provided to wipe off the sand and mud from the clearances of the case switches buttons snap etc Note Remove the dirt and dust completely from the terminal section at the bottom using the brush provided or a soft cloth 3 Wipe off the water on the case with a dry cloth 4 Releas...

Page 58: ...RTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Check Point Correction Cassette holder cannot be opened when you push Connect the power source EJECT button Cassette cannot be inserted into cassette Load cassette in direction indicated compartment by arrow on cassette Cassette window must be toward outside CAMERA RECORDING Symptom Check Point Correction Picture does not appear in the viewfinder Remove the l...

Page 59: ...picture When you see the playback picture on yourTV adjust fine tuning knob on television set to obtain best picture Picture bends at the top of the TV screen TV receiver is older type It needs to be modified to work properly with camera recorder Tape is damaged try another cassette Color of your TV screen is too bright too faint or change TV set has VIR circuit Turn off during playback BATTERY CO...

Page 60: ... only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U S A DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week 24 hours a day 800 HITACHI 1 800 448 2244 Hitachi Home Electronics America Inc Hitachi 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 es...

Page 61: ...Specifications 61 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 ...

Page 62: ...toll free number or use the ordering form on page 65 1 800 HITACHI To Order in the United States In Canada Please use Canadian order form in French version of this manual Page 65 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 6...

Page 63: ...arts 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 verification of the date of purchase when requesting Limited Warra...

Page 64: ... 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 HITACHI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE PURCHASER OR...

Page 65: ...HITACHI WARRANTY CARD USA Back 65 HITACHI ...

Page 66: ...IRATION OF THE NORMAL PURCHASER S WARRANTY During the normal warranty the only valid proof required for servicing the product is the Hitachi GOLD CARD or the bill of purchase The Protection Plan Card cannot be used as proof of warranty Only after the expiration of the normal warranty the owner can have the product repaired without charge at any authorized Hitachi Service Center upon presentation o...

Page 67: ... 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 authorized Hitachi Service 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 rese...

Page 68: ...SIS 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 the product returned for repair Only products under warranty will be returned on a no charge basis to the customer The customer is responsible for all transport costs if the product is no longer under warr...

Page 69: ...in Canada by any organization other than HITACHI HSC CANADA INC IMPORTANT This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties guarantees or agreements whether express or implied and no person dealer or company is authorized to change modify or extend 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 Cit...

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