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Hitachi VM-H100LA Instruction Manual

Hitachi instruction manual 8mm video camcorder vm-h100la
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For Your Safety
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-H100LA
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Tel. 770-279-5600
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 future reference.
QR13072 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC
3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire,
Quebec, H9R 1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in Japan KG-K(N)
- 1 -

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  • Page 1 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 future reference. QR13072 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Using Quick Edit ... 37 Using the Wireless Remote Control ... 37 Memory Feature ... 37 Creating and Recording A Title ... 38 Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR... 40 Using Synchro Edit... 40 Using Audio/Video Dubbing... 41 Recording Television Programs ... 41...

  • Page 3: For Your Safety

    The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the camcorder off and attach the lens cap. 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). • This camcorder uses a Hi-Fi stereo sound system. When a tape recorded by this camcorder is played by a conventional 8mm camcorder, monaural sound is output. When a tape recorded by a conventional 8mm camcorder is played by this machine, monaural sound is output.
  • Page 5 Important Safeguards 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. 4 Polarized Plug -- This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).
  • Page 6 Important Safeguards - 6 - 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 combination should be moved with care.

  • Page 7: Important Safety Instructions For Ac Adapter/Charger

    Hitachi VM-H100LA. • "Advanced Techniques" to help you with some of the exciting, sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM-H100LA. 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.

  • Page 8: Before You Begin

    • A quick index for the information you use most often (this page). • A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly (page 10). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business. Quick Index Charging the Battery...12...

  • Page 9: Optional Rf Output Adapter

    15. 3.5m extension cable Optional RF Output Adapter 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. 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.

  • Page 10: Getting Started

    To Prevent Condensation • When the camcorder is moved from a cold place to a warm place, leave it for a while until it reaches the ambient temperature. • Be careful that no water droplets or snow flakes enter the camcorder. If they enter, the humidity inside rises and condensation is likely to occur.
  • Page 11 Getting Started 4. Plug the AC adapter/charger power cord into an AC outlet. The green power light of the camcorder turn on. When charging is finished, the light turns off. Note: The CHARGE light on the AC adapter/charger does not turn on.

  • Page 12: Attaching The Shoulder Strap

    Note: When the car adapter/charger is connected to the camcorder via the external power cord, set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch of the camcorder to "OFF". Charging is not done when it is set to "CAM" or "VIDEO". Note: Read the instruction manual of the car adapter/charger carefully before charging.

  • Page 13: Adjusting The Hand Strap

    Using the Soft Carrying Case House the camcorder and accessories in the soft carrying case as shown in the figure after attaching the lens cap and LCD sunshade to the camcorder.

  • Page 14: Loading Batteries

    Note: Do not re-charge the battery. Note: Keep the battery in a dark, cool, dry place. Camcorder Battery Before you install the battery for the first time it must be charged. Refer to "Charging the Battery" on page 12 for details.

  • Page 15: Using Alternative Power Sources

    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 camcorder. Using Alternative Power Sources Using the AC Adapter/Charger Please ensure that the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position whenever attaching or detaching any power supply (ie.

  • Page 16: Inserting And Removing Cassettes

    If you need one purchase it at your Hitachi distributor. Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi VM- CA500A) 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 battery, AC adapter/charger, etc.)

  • Page 17: Using The Linear Time Counter

    The linear time counter displays the tape run in hours, minutes, and seconds, helping you to keep track of how long you've been filming or time you have left to film before running out of tape. Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load - 17 -...

  • Page 18: Remaining Tape

    Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch on the camera/recorder to OFF and connect a charged battery or the AC adapter/charger to the camcorder for 24 hours. If you record the date and time at the beginning of each recording session they will serve as a handy reminder when viewing tapes at a later date. Make sure that the current time is displayed correctly before you start filming.

  • Page 19: Getting Started, Identifying Controls

    Getting Started, Identifying Controls Note: Press to move the (hand) mark up or press (hand) turns green. 4. Press the fast forward button. The date display changes as follows and the date setting mode is entered. 5. Press the fast forward or rewind higher numbers while gives you lower numbers.
  • Page 20 CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch may be set to OFF ("Inserting and Removing Cassettes", p.19). 8. Power Indicator This lights red when the camcorder is turned on and lights green when the battery in the camcorder is being charged. 9. CAM/OFF/VIDEO Power Switch Hold down the red button as you slide the switch to CAM or VIDEO.
  • Page 21 34. AV IN/OUT Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Playing Back Your Recordings on your TV", p.30, "Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR", p.49 and "Recording Television Programs", p.52).

  • Page 22: Controlling The Picture On The Lcd Monitor

    • 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. When the temperature inside the camcorder rises, the brightness of the picture will become normal.

  • Page 23: Using The Sunshade Of The Lcd Screen

    The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set, and you are familiar with the controls. It's 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 are correct.

  • Page 24: Playback

    TV screen. Note: Decrease the sound volume of the camcorder when you play back a recording by connecting the camcorder to your TV. If the volume of the camcorder is set to maximum, the played back picture may be distorted.

  • Page 25: Playing Back Your Recording On Your Tv

    TV screen. Note: Decrease the sound volume of the camcorder when you play back a recording by connecting the camcorder to your TV. If the volume of the camcorder is set to maximum, the played back picture may be distorted.

  • Page 26: Advanced Techniques

    Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-H100LA offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates videos with a professional look. As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and add a special touch.
  • Page 27 If you drop the camera or give it a strong impact, it could result in a malfunction. When you place the camcorder on a table, etc. to record an image of yourself, lift the stand so you can view the LCD screen easily.

  • Page 28: Connecting The Camera Cable

    LCD monitor. Make sure of the connection of the cable at this time. Note: If you use the camcorder with the camera detached for playback, etc. attach the connector cap to the connection ring. Also fold the camera mounting pedestal.

  • Page 29: Date Recording

    Note: You may feel a slight resistance when turning it as a waterproof packing is provided. Date Recording When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically. Specify the required DATE MODE option before recording.

  • Page 30: Using The Power Zoom

    Advanced Techniques 6. Press the start/stop button. Recording will start. Note: When AUTO is specified, the date disappears for about 10 seconds after recording is started. Note: When TITLE is specified, the title and date disappear about 10 seconds 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.

  • Page 31: Using The I. Zoom (Instant Zoom) Button

    Using Auto Focus The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the LCD monitor automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If FOCUS appears on the LCD monitor, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons to return to auto focus.

  • Page 32: Using Manual Focus

    Advanced Techniques The auto focus will not work under the following conditions and you must focus manually: Objects outside the center of the LCD monitor Objects at different distances in the center of the LCD monitor Brightly lit objects such as a neon light, objects lit by spotlight, etc. Objects behind water dappled or dusty glass Objects with little difference in light reflection such as a white wall Rapidly moving objects...

  • Page 33: Camera Menu Features

    Advanced Techniques Note: To return to auto focus press FOCUS control buttons and the FOCUS disappears from the LCD monitor. Camera Menu Features Setting Procedure 1. Press the CAM MENU button. The menu display appears on the LCD monitor. 2. Press the play or stop button to select the item you want to change.
  • Page 34 The camcorder contains an auto iris that adjusts the lens aperture depending on the available light, widening it during low light conditions and narrowing it when bright light is available. When the camcorder is turned off the iris fully closes.

  • Page 35: Date Search

    5. When the required position is located, the camcorder enters the stop mode and "SEARCH" disappears from the LCD monitor. Note: If you have ejected the cassette, this function will not operate with that cassette. (When a cassette is inserted and the recording is started, the position is identified as the recording start position on that day.)

  • Page 36: Using Instant Review

    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 Start/Stop button to stop recording; the fade begins automatically and REC flashes until the fade ends.

  • Page 37: Using Quick Edit

    Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code you Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control.

  • Page 38: 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 line. The camcorder contains 47 different characters for creating titles.

  • Page 39: Correcting Errors

    5. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to stop recording the title. The title graphics disappear from the LCD monitor and the camcorder can record normally. Note: Create and record your titles before an event you plan to record. Just press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to superimpose the title over the scene as you record it.

  • Page 40: Dubbing From The Camcorder To A Vcr

    Use synchro edit to record segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-H100LA 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.

  • Page 41: Using Audio/Video Dubbing

    8. Use the REW and PLAY buttons to find where you wish to start dubbing. Press the PAUSE (START/STOP) button. 9. Press and hold the A/V DUB button while pressing the PLAY button. This places the camcorder in A/V DUB pause mode.

  • Page 42: Using The Tiltable Monopod And Camera Mount

    If they are left without cleaning after use, they will rust or sand could enter them which will disable the extension/contraction of the leg or the operation of the slip mechanism. Note: Hitachi will not accept responsibility for accidents due to falling caused by a defect or weakness of the object on which the monopod rests.

  • Page 43: Attaching The Optional Wide Or Tele Converter Lens

    Advanced Techniques 1. Fit the screw of the monopod into the tripod mounting threaded socket of the recorder block. 2. Turn the knob to fix the recorder securely. 1. Loosen the tripod head retaining screw. 2. Fit the screw on the tripod head into the tripod mounting threaded socket of the camera block. 3.

  • Page 44: General Maintenance

    Periodic Maintenance A precision electromechanical device, the Hitachi VM-H100LA requires maintenance after a period of normal use. We expect that no maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the period of warranty unless the camcorder is used either heavily or seldom.

  • Page 45: Troubleshooting

    General Maintenance Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. 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 46 General Maintenance RECORDING TV PROGRAMS OFF THE AIR Symptom The camcorder cannot be set to the recording mode, even when the Start/Stop button on the camcorder is pressed PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom "PLAY" button cannot be engaged. No picture appears on television screen when "PLAY"...
  • Page 47 The display will be reset. Then set the information again Check Point & Correction § Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its temperature changed abruptly? §...

  • Page 48: Specifications

    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 established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

  • Page 49: Accessories Add Excitement

    Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-H100LA can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement. Converter lenses, adapters for synchro editing, and car cords are just a few of the exciting accessories available to you from Hitachi.
  • Page 50 Do not use cotton swabs, they will damage LCD. First use a dry lens cloth. If dry lens cloth does not do the job, spray a little Windex on the cloth and then clean the LCD. According to Hitachi these LCDs can...

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