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Hitachi VM H 655 LA Instruction Manual

8mm video camcorder
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:_ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
:-
VM-E455LA,
VM-H655LA
HITACHI
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-E455LA
HI 8 Video Camcorder
VM-H655LA
VI_E_55LA
vr_-H_5_LA
HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
HOME ELECTRONICS
DIVISION
1855 Dornoch Court
San Diego, CA 92173
Tel. 1-600-HATACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
6740 Campobello Road
Missisauga, Ontario, L5N 2L6
CANADA
Tel. 1-800-HATACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
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.
QR30893 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1999
Printed in Japan KK-S(N)

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  • Page 1 Missisauga, Ontario, L5N 2L6 CANADA Tel. 1-800-HATACHI (1-800-448-2244) 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. QR30893 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1999 vr_-H_5_LA...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Components and Accessories Optional RF Adaptor ... Identifying Controls Charging the Battery ... Checking the Battery's Charge ... Camcorder Power Sources ... Inserting and Removing Cassettes LCD Monitor ... Active Screen ... Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder ... Eyepiece Adjustment ...

  • Page 3: Important Safety Information

    If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the camcorder off and close the lens door. WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

  • Page 4: Important Safeguards

    • It cannot record and play back in the LP mode (7.2 mm/sec_. MOISTURE Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold place to a warm, humid place. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to stabilize in the ambient conditions of the surroundings before inserting a cassette.
  • Page 5 :_ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INSTALLATION 1 Read and Follow Instructions -- All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the video product is operated. Follow-all operating and use instructions. 2 Retain Instructions -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating instructions.
  • Page 6 :_ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline operated equipment 0r 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 feature s, This Wi!l help avoid any potential hazard from e!ectdc shock or firel !f in dOUbt, €ontact qualified service personnel 10 Water and Moisture -- Do not use this video product near water - for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.

  • Page 7: Before You Begin

    Your camcorder is functioning propedy, 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 the camcorder in a place where the temperature exceeds 140°F (60°C), or the pickup as the original parts. Use of replacements specified...

  • Page 8: Read This First

    • A "Basic Techniques" section to allow you to use your video camcorder quickly and confidently before advancing to the more sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM-E455LA!VM-H655LA. • "Advanced Techniques" to help you with some of the exciting, sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM- E455LA/VM-H655LA.

  • Page 9: Getting Started

    Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yourself with this quafity instrument. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you. Let's get started!

  • Page 10: Optional Rf Adaptor

    Optional RF Adaptor If you wish to connect this camcorder to a television that does not have audio/video input jacks you will need to use the optional RF adapter model VM-RF86A (R). Identifying Controls 1. Lens Door The door will automatically open when the CAM/OFF/VIDEO the switch to "OFF"...
  • Page 11 15. DC IN Jack Plug in the AC adaptor here to charge a battery or power the camcorder from AC outlet. In addition, connect the optional car battery cord to this jack, in which case, you will need a DC cord (optional).
  • Page 12 When you are viewing playback pictures on the LCD monitor with the CAM/OFFNIDEO these buttons can be used to control the volume of the built-in speaker 24. DATE/DISP Button When the CAM/OFF!VIDEO switch is set to CAM, this button can be used as the DATE or DISPLAY button: set the date and time, and select the date display you want to record ("Setting the Date and Time", p24 and "Date Recording", p38).
  • Page 13 • The PAL60 mode will be released when the camcorder is turned off. 28. AudioNideo Output Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a television ("Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks", p34). X400 digital zoom, half-mirRor, mosaic, or art ("Digital...
  • Page 14 Use this to zoom automatically ("Using the Power Zoom", p28). 33. INST. ZOOM (instant Zoom) Button Use this button to magnify the image being recorded 1.5 times. 34. Tripod Mounting Threaded Socket Use this threaded socket to mount the camcorder to a tripod.

  • Page 15: Charging The Battery

    Charging the Battery The Firststep is to set the battery for charging. To charge the battery, attach it to the camcorder, and connect the VM-ACE5A AC adaptor. Charge the battery at a temperature range of 50°F (10°C) - 86°F (30°C) to prevent damage to the battery.
  • Page 16 Note: Always remove the battery from the camcorder after use. Note: Charging is not done when the CAM/OFFLINE if recording pause continues for more than 5 minutes in the CAM mode, the camcorder will automatically turn off, after which charging will start.
  • Page 17 100 min 190 min /'5% Charge Operating Time The camcorder operating time depends on how often you turn power on/off and use start/stop and zoom. Continuous Recording EVF: when using the viewfinder LCD: when using the LCD monitor Battery VM-BPL1 /M-BPL27 VM-BPL3(VM-BPL6O 160 min.

  • Page 18: Checking The Battery's Charge

    Knowing Remaining Battery Power Time If you use the VM-BPL30 lithium-ion battery (optional) to power the camcorder, you can finding out how much camcorder operating time remains, with the battery. The VM-BPL30 measures the battery consumption, calculates the remaining battery time, and displays it (in minutes) in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 19: Camcorder Power Sources

    To display the correct remaining battery time on camcorder • Fully charge the battery before use. • Turn the camcorder on and leave it pointing at a still subject for about 30 seconds. Do not move the camcorder dudng this time.

  • Page 20: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    Hitachi distributor. Using a Car Battery The camcorder con be powered with a car battery by using an optional car battery cord (Hitachi VM-CC8OA) to plug the camcorder into the car's cigarette lighter socket. Please ensure that the CAM!OFF/VIDEO OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (le.

  • Page 21: Lcd Monitor

    4 Push the cassette door, which is embossed PUSH, until it "clicks" into place. The camcorder automatically closes. Note: The camcorder will automatically close the top of the cassette compartment. Do not press the door down, or you may damage your camcorder.
  • Page 22 I Note: Opening 0r Closing the LeD monitor switches the picture to appear 0n the EGg monitor or In the Viewfinder. 1 Adjusting the Brightness Note: Even when the picture on the LCD monitor is adjusted, the recorded video will not change. 1 Load the battery. ("Camcorder Power Sources", 2 Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO CA_<O_IF.r V_IOF_ _i_b 3 Use the brightness control buttons to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

  • Page 23: Active Screen

    If the LCD screen becomes dirty, use a soft cloth to wipe off the dirt. • If the camcorder is used in a cold place and becomes too cold. the LCD screen will be dim for a while after the power is turned on.

  • Page 24: Eyepiece Adjustment

    Note: Be sure to pull out the eye cup all the way so that you can see the subject in the viewfinder cleady. Note: Hold the knobs on both sides of the eye cup stem to pull out the eye cup. Note: The eye cup stem can be retracted when the camcorder is being carried. Adjustment the Hand Strap Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand.

  • Page 25: Remaining Tape

    2 Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3 Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder. Note: Replace the battery with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell OR2025 or its equivalent. Note: Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws. Do not dispose of in fire.

  • Page 26: Using The Linear Time Counter

    Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camcorder and clears to "0:00:00" when the cassette is ejected.

  • Page 27: Setting The Date And Time

    VIDEO mode: Press the DATE/DISP. switch the display. • When a recorded tape is in the camcorder during the VIDEO mode, "SEARCH" appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. (See "Date Search" on page 51 .) • See "Using Memory" on page 51.

  • Page 28: Basic Techniques

    The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set and you are familiar with the controls its time to make a recording. Basic recording is easy and simple. Hooking up the camcorder to your TV is not complicated but give yourself plenty of time to ensure connections ore correct, This section guides you through basic recording and playback.
  • Page 29 Note: Pull out the eye cup all the way when using the viewfinder. 3 Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO will open automatically. "el|t' appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor and the camcorder is now ready to record. 4 When you are ready to record press the Start/Stop picture you see in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 30: Using Instant Review

    Using Auto Focus The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder or LCD monitor automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If "FOCUS" appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor, manual focus is engaged.

  • Page 31: Using Manual Focus

    Objects behind water dappled or dusty glass Objects with little difference 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 (100 cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity.

  • Page 32: Using The Digital Zoom

    Note: This dig ta! Zoom has certain limitations and may degrade at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder s movement. Using the INST. ZOOM (instant The instant zoom feature activates the digital zoom to magnify the subject 7.5 times regardless of zooming engaged by the power zoom T and W controls.

  • Page 33: Using Macro

    Notei TO return to the 0[iginal Zoom position, press the !NST: ZOOM button so that !'1. Z OOM' disappears from th e viewfinder or LCD monitor. Note: This instant zoom ha s Certain limitations and may degrade a t extreme magn f cat on and amp fy camcorder s movement. Using Macro This function allows you to shoot subjects as close as 3/8 inches (lcm).
  • Page 34 Note: Decrease the sound volume of the camcorder when you play backa recording by Connecting the camcorder to your TV, If the v01ume of the camcorder is set to maximum; the played back picture maybe distorted. Make sure that the volume is not set to maximum during recording as it could distort the played back...

  • Page 35: Playing Back Your Recording On Your Tv

    Note: A noiseless picture wi!l not appear during high-speed search even if the LCD monitor is open, Note: Nosemayfowdurng hgh-speed Playing Back Your Recording Depending on the setup of your video equipment, you connect the camcorder in one of the 3 methods explained below. Connecting to a Television...
  • Page 36 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.
  • Page 37 Note: !f your television has two (stereo) AUDIO IN jacks, Connect the audio plug to the leftichanne! AUDIO IN _ack. 2. Connect the other ends of the cable to the AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks of the camcorder. 3. Insert a previously recorded cassette into the camcorder.

  • Page 38: Video Effects In Playback Mode

    Video Effects in Playback Mode The digital signal processor (DSP) in this camcorder allows you to add special effects to playback Pictures. Use this feature during tape dubbing, etc. to create a tape with a more artistic impression. The video effect modes during playback include 16x9, Art and Sepia.

  • Page 39: Multi Playback

    VIDEO. 4 Press the PALd0 button. 5 Press the PLAY button of the camcorder. If you press the DATE/DISP. button at this time, "PALd0" will appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor. 6 When playback is finished, set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO...

  • Page 40: Advanced Techniques

    As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and odd a special touch. Date Recording When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically ii I 1 Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO 2 Press the DATE/DISP.

  • Page 41: Creating And Recording A Title

    Creating and Recording The tiffingfunction allows you to select one of nine titles stored in camcorder memory, or create a new title, and record it. You con choose from three languages to display the stored titles: English, French and Spanish. Select...
  • Page 42 2 Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO 3 Press the TITLE ON!OFF button on the remote control. A flashing cursor wilt appear in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor, and the camcorder will enter the title creating mode ("Creating a Title" on next page).
  • Page 43 Advanced Techniques Title creation mode 5 Use the F.FWD or REW button to select a desired title. !!i_i Stored titles (Prememo) available <English> HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERRY CHRISTMAS CONGRATULATIONS THE SUPERSTAR VACATION FUN THANKSGIVING HAPPY EASTER ANNIVERSARY HAPPY NEW YEAR <French> BON ANNIVERSAIRE JOYEUX NOEL FELICITATIONS...
  • Page 44 Creating a Title A title contains two lines of up to 16 characters per line. The camcorder contains 79 different characters for creating a title. Notei Be sure to insert the clock batterY before creating a title. AlthoUgh a tit!e can be Created WithOUtthe C!0C k...
  • Page 45 Advanced Techniques 6 Once you've selected a character press the STOP button to set it. 7 Complete the title by repeating steps 5 and 6. JANE'S BIRTHDAY 8 When you complete your title, press the TITLE ON!OFF button on the remote control to store the title in memory and remove the title graphics from the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 46: Digital Effects Recording

    5 Repeatedly press the DATE/DISP. button to store the corrected title in memory. Digital Effects Recording The digital processor in this camcorder allows you to record the picture and add special effects; 16x9 recording mode, a negative image (negative/positive symmetric image, obtained by placing a mirror at the center of the screen (half-mirror recording), and an image in mosaic (mosaic recording), and an oil painting look (art mode)..
  • Page 47 Advanced Techniques MIRROR Half-Mirror Mode MOSAIC Mosaic Mode Art Mode Normal Mode Activating Digital Effects Recording 1. Place the camcorder in the record pause mode. 2. Press the EFFECTS button to select the digital effects mode you want.
  • Page 48 Advanced Techniques 16x9:16x9 Mode The picture format can be switched from the 4:3 (the picture format of an ordinary TV set) to 16x9. The top and bottom of the picture in the viewfinder become black bars. NEGPOS: Negative/Positive The image in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor will become negative. ZM:2:x400 Digital Zoom Mode Slide and hold the power zoom control to the 'q'"...

  • Page 49: Using Digital Fade

    Advanced Techniques iii!i i¸i ¸i ¸ 3. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording. • To release digital effects mode, repeatedly press the EFFECTS button in record pause mode until the normal mode is restored. Using Digital Fade Use the fade feature to add a prefessiona/ touch to your recordings. Use the FADE button to select one of the four fade options.
  • Page 50 2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording; fade begins automatically. Fading 1. While recording with the camcorder 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.

  • Page 51: Date Search

    F.FWD button to recording end position. ,,44SEARCH" will appear while the start position is being searched for; "SEARCH _", while the end position is being searched for. 4. When the required position is located, the camcorder enters the stop mode and "SEARCH" disappears from the viewfinder or on the LDC monitor.

  • Page 52: Using Quick Edit

    While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.FWD, REW/REVlEW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape. Release the button and the camcorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected.

  • Page 53: Demonstration Mode

    1 Connect your camcorder to the VCR, following "Playing Back Your Recording on Your TV" on page 32. 2 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.
  • Page 54 Especial!y, be Carefu! of this during dubb!ng. Note: When the edit remote control is connected to the camcorder; the camcorder can be operated with the buttons marked * in the above figure. See pages 53 and 54 for details.
  • Page 55 Note: The remote control cannot be operated if there is an obstacle between the remote control and infrared receiver. Especially, be careful of this during dubbing. Note: When the edit remote control is connected to the camcorder, the buttons marked * in the figure above )erform the same operations as those of the other remote control provided.
  • Page 56 Advanced Techniques 1 Connect the edit remote control to the camcorder, and then connect the audio!video output cable as illustrated above. I Note: If your VCR has two (stereo) AUDIO IN jacks, connect the audio plug to the left-channel AUDIO IN lack.

  • Page 57: Using The Optional Edit Remote Control

    Press _ and then _ to set the camcorder to the play pause mode. Use the FORWARD or REVERSE button as required to fine adjust the tape position.

  • Page 58: Using Audio/Video Dubbing

    Use this button to fast forward tapes or for visual search. (7) || (Pause!Record) Button In CAM mode, press this button to start recording. When pressed a second time the camcorder pauses. During playback use this button to stop the tape temporarily. Pressing a second time resumes normal playback.

  • Page 59: General Maintenance

    CAM position. The record pause indicator "@| |I'/appears and the camcorder is ready to record. 7 Press and hold the A/V DUB button, then press _ (PLAY) button. This places the camcorder AN DUB pause mode. "@||I' disappears replaced by "A/V DUB H ,, 8 Press the _| button.

  • Page 60: Cleaning The Lens And Picture Tube Of The Electronic Viewfinder

    General Maintenance If after cleaning the heads the picture does not clear up consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center for professional head 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 Pull out the eye cup to the position where a mark can be seen (up to a half where it is pulled out all the way).

  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Quality is very important at HitachL 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.
  • Page 62 ]'he PLAY button cannot be engaged. _1opicture appears on television screen when The 3LAY is pressed. (TV is connected to the camcorder depending upon the selected channel in the RF channel :_yusing RF converter unit.) nterference on playback picture. (TV is connected :o the camcorder by using RF converter unit.)

  • Page 63: Specifications

    LCD monitor, or normal LCD monitor, or if normal operation is interrupted, remove the power source _peration is interrupted, and clock battery, and then reattach them: the camcorder functions will return to their default settings. General Maintenance (cont.) pg. 58...
  • Page 64 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), 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 established in at150 states and Puerto Rico.
  • Page 65 General Maintenance FOR AUTHORIZED HITACHI SERVICE Please consult the following telephone numbers: 1-800-HITACHI 1-800-995-4500 FACILITY IN CANADA...

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