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TABLE OF CONTENTS HITACHI Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camera/Recorder VM-H39A Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. For information concerning repairs, operation or Compton, technical assistance, please contact the Service Department of your nearest Regional Office. Eastern Regional Office 1290 Wall Street West...
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ... 2 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 4 FEATURES... 7 ACCESSORIES ... 8 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 9 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ... 14 Hi8... 16 ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) POSITION ADJUSTMENT ... 17 HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP ...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS SYNCHRO EDIT... 73 ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL DC CAMERA LIGHT (VM-CP4)... 75 TROUBLESHOOTING ... 77 HEAD CLEANING ... 79 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ... 80 SPECIFICATIONS ... 81 HOW TO ORDER ... 83...
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol warms the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty. Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters the camera/recorder. When you are not using the camera/recorder, switch off the power and attach the lens cap.
FEATURES FEATURES • • Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) • Digital Filter feature • Digital Zoom up to X16 • Solid-state camera pickup • Program AE (Auto Exposure) • Fade-in/Fade-out • Color Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) • Auto Focus Power Zoom Lens with macro •...
ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES Check that you have the following components and accessories (besides the camera/recorder unit itself) before disposing of the packing material. 1. AV Stereo Output Cord with S plug 2. Battery Pack 3. AC Adapter/Charger 4. Remote Control 5. Shoulder Strap 6.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too. This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of a Video Camera/Recorder and accessory equipment.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS insulation. 7 Power-Cord Protection -- Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 8 Ventilation -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING 13 Power Lines -- An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light 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.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this video product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 18 Conditions Requiring Service -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 1. Save these instructions -- This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-AC 82A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER "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 proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical".
has realized high resolution and high picture quality when compared to the standard format. Compatibilty with conventional video camera/recorder • video cassettes are recorded in the camera/recorder is set to "AUTO", and recorded in the • video cassettes are recorded in the switch.
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) POSITION ADJUSTMENT ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) POSITION ADJUSTMENT • Adjust the electronic viewfinder to a position where you can see through it easily. NOTE: Put the viewfinder back to the original position when storing the camera/recorder into the carrying case or carrying the camera/recorder.
LOADING BATTERIES FOR DATE/TIME AND REMOTE CONTROL LOADING BATTERIES FOR DATE/TIME AND REMOTE CONTROL You may want to install the date/time and remote control batteries (provided) immediately to prevent misplacing them. For date/time 1. Pull the battery holder. 2. Insert the date/time battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3.
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LOADING BATTERIES FOR DATE/TIME AND REMOTE CONTROL equivalent. • Instructions for setting the date and time are on page 22. You can do that later if desired after you're more familiar with your camera/recorder. • Dispose of battery safely and in accordance with local laws. •...
POWER SOURCES POWER SOURCES WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (provided) NOTE: The battery must be charged before it can be used for the first time. Refer to "CHARGING THE BATTERY" on page 14. 1. Push the "BATT EJECT" lever in the direction of the arrow and hold it, then open the grip cover.
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" meaning when using the Ac adapter/charger to power the camera/recorder. WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (by using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-CC80A) " . This indicator is used for battery operation and has no...
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• To prevent fire or shock hazard or damage to your camera/recorder, please use only Hitachi's car battery cord model VM-CC80A. NOTE: Be sure to set the power switch to "OFF" position when attaching or detaching a...
CHECKING THE BATTERY CHECKING THE BATTERY When the " " indication appears in the viewfinder and flashes while the camera/recorder is being operated with a battery (provided), it indicates that the battery charge is low. Charge it or replace it with a charged battery. NOTE: Whenever the linear time counter is present in the viewfinder, the battery level indicator "...
CHARGING THE BATTERY CHARGING THE BATTERY 1. Plug the AC adapter/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. 2. Attach the battery to the AC adapter/charger. Align the reference arrow on the battery with that of AC adapter/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adapter/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow.
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CHARGING THE BATTERY 9. If the "POWER" light on the AC adapter/charger starts flashing, remove the battery and then reattach it. If after several attempts the "POWER" light contimues to flash, this means your battery cannot take a charge and must be replaced with a new one. The "POWER" light will also flash it a hot battery is attached to the AC adapter/charger.
INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CASSETES INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CASSETES Before inserting or removing a cassette, be sure to connect the power source. When a power source is connected, the cassette can be ejected and removed whether the power is on or off. Insertion 1.
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INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CASSETES To prevent accidental erasure, slide the record-protect tab in the direction of the arrow until the red tab is completely visible. To record on the cassette again, slide the record-protect tab in the direction of the arrow.
MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING 1. Connect the POWER SOURCE. (See pages 11 and 12.) 2. Slide "EJECT" switch and insert tha cassette so the transparent window is toward you and the arrow toward the cassette holder. Slide the cassette into cassette holder as far as it will go.
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MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING NOTES: • The "TAPE END" indication in the viewfinder starts flashing when there is less than about three minutes recording time lef ton the cassette. • If the record/pause mode continues for more than 5 minutes, the camera/recorder's power is automatically turned off.
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MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING 13. Always remove the power source from the camera/recorder after use. See "POWER SOURCES" on page 11. NOTE: If you have a cassette tape that has already been partially recorded on and you want to record the remaining blank section, see "QUICK EDIT" on page 31.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Left side Illustration 1. Lens F1.4 (6~48mm) 8:1 power zoom lens features auto focus and auto iris functions. 2. "ZOOM MODE" Button Use this button to switch the digital zoom feature. Usually press this button so that "ZM:1"...
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Right side/Rear Illustration 13. Diopter Control To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, turn this control ring for your optimum focus adjustment. 14. Start/Stop Button This button is used to control the camera/recorder. When the power switch is set to "CAMERA"...
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Bottom view/Remote Control Illustration 21. Power Switch This turns the camera/recorder on and off and also switches between the camera and VCR modes. Set the switch to "CAMERA" to turn the camera's power on and to "VIDEO"...
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Press this button to create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camera/recorder's built-in titler. (See "TITLE RECORDING" on page 32.) 28. "REVIEW" Button Used to review the last few seconds of the recorded segment in the record/pause mode. 29.
DATE/TIME SETTING DATE/TIME SETTING The date and time can be recorded on your tapes to act as a handy reference when viewing them at a later time. Use the following procedure to set up this display for the current date and time.
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DATE/TIME SETTING and then press "STOP" button. 8. Repeat step 7 to select minute and AM/PM. 9. After setting AM or PM, press "STOP" button again to erase the flashing cursor and start the internal clock. NOTE: The date/time graphics will be recorded whenever they appear in the viewfinder. To record date/time graphics Press the "DATE"...
AUTO FOCUS AUTO FOCUS • You can always focus the subject automatically if "FOCUS M." is not displayed in the viewfinder. The range of subject with which auto focus can be used • On "T" side: about 3.6 feet from the lens surface to infinity. •...
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AUTO FOCUS 7. Dark objects MANUAL FOCUSING 1. Press "FOCUS" select button to display "FOCUS M." in the viewfinder. • When "FOCUS M." is displayed in the viewfinder, you can adjust the focus manually. • When "FOCUS" select button is pressed again, "FOCUS M." disappears and camera returns to the auto focus mode.
EXPOSURE CORRECTION EXPOSURE CORRECTION This camera/recorder is provided with an auto iris mechanism which automatically adjusts the lens aperature in accordance with the available light. When the object is dark, the iris opens automatically, and it closes when the object is bright. When the power is switched off, the iris is automatically set to the fully closed position.
POWER ZOOM POWER ZOOM • Press power zoom switch on the "W" side, and the picture gradually widens. • Press power zoom switch on the "T" side, and the picture gradually becomes telescopic.
DIGITAL ZOOM DIGITAL ZOOM This feature allows you to increase the magnification of the image at the center of the screen up to 2 or 8 times greater than the extreme telephoto position. 1. Press "ZOOM MODE" button to select "ZM:1" or "ZM:2". The display in the viewfinder will change as follows each time the button is pressed.
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DIGITAL ZOOM display above. If display is selected, the picture image in the viewfinder is different from the subject being shot.
FADE-IN/FADE-OUT FADE-IN/FADE-OUT This feature lest you add a professional touch to your home recordings. When you fade into a scene, the recording will start with a blank scene and the picture will gradually appear. The picture gradually disappears when fading out. There are three fade modes. NOTE: Both picture and sound will gradually appear and disappear.
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FADE-IN/FADE-OUT FADE-IN 1. Press the "FADE" button before recording to select the fade mode. 2. Press the start/stop button to start recording. • The picture fades in automatically and recording starts. FADE-OUT 1. While the camera/recorder is recording, press the "FADE" button to select the fade mode.
DIGITAL FILTER DIGITAL FILTER This function changes the picture that is being recorded to monochrome, sepia and sunset for special-effect recording. Press the "D. FILTER" button to select the required recording mode and then start recording. • Each time the "D. FILTER" button is pressed, the recording mode is switched. The last mode selected will appear first.
ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZER (EIS) ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZER (EIS) This function corrects slight shaking of the image in the following record modes. • Recording by zooming up to a distant subject • Recording by approaching a small subject. • Recording while walking around •...
MACRO MACRO It permits you to shoot objects as close as 3/8 inch from the lens tip. Press and hold "W" side of power zoom switch. An object is auto focused. NOTES: • Determine the size of the object by moving the camera backward and forward. •...
SECOND CLOCK SETTING SECOND CLOCK SETTING Since the camera/recorder has a dual time feature, if you go abroad to a country with a different time, you can record the local time superimposed on the scene being shot. 1. Press the "DATE" button repeatedly to select the second clock graphics in the viewfinder.
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SECOND CLOCK SETTING 4. Press the "DATE" button to select the date/time graphics you want to record. • The graphics change in the following order each time the button is pressed. NOTES: • If you want to correct the second clock during programming or after starting, perform the same procedure as in correcting the first clock on page 22.
LINEAR TIME COUNTER LINEAR TIME COUNTER Shows length of tape run in hours, minutes and seconds. Press "DISPLAY" button to select the linear time counter display. Load a cassette into the camera/recorder and perform recording or playback; the counter indicates the elapsed time. NOTE: Counter changes to 0:00:00 when cassette is ejected.
MEMORY MEMORY When the linear time counter with memory indication appears in the viewfinder, a tape that is being rewound automatically stops when the counter reads approximately "0:00:00 M". This is useful if there is a section of tape you want to review immediately after recording or if you want to return to the same point several times in a row.
INSTANT REVIEW INSTANT REVIEW 1. In record/pause (stand-by) mode, press "REVIEW" button, and the last few seconds of the recorded scene is played back in the reverse direction and then played back in the forward direction. 2. When the tape reaches the end of the scene you have just recorded, the camera/recorder returns to the record/pause (stand-by) mode.
QUICK EDIT QUICK EDIT The quick edit feature allows you to search for the end of previously recorded material, or find a particular spot on your tape, to begin your editing, or recording new material. Quick edit is used while the camera/recorder is in the record/pause (stand-by) mode. By holding down the "F.FWD", "REW", or "PLAY"...
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment.
TITLE RECORDING TITLE RECORDING You can easily create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camera/recorder's built-in titler. The titler will store 2 different title pages in memory. Once a title is stored. it can be displayed and recorded at anytime. Each title page can contain two lines of 16 characters each.
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TITLE RECORDING Note: Be sure to insert the date/time battery before creating a title. Creating a Title 1. Attach a power source to the camera/recorder. NOTE: The power switch may be in either the "CAMERA" or "VIDEO" 2. Press "TITLE" button. The flashing cursor will appear in the viewfinder. 3.
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TITLE RECORDING Correcting Errors During Title Storage 1. Press "SHIFT" button repeatedly until the character to be corrected will flash. 2. Press either "-" or "+" button until the correct character appears. NOTE: The corrected character may flash, however it will be recorded correctly without flashing.
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROLLER WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROLLER You can operate the camera/recorder with the wireless remote controller (provided) from a distance. The buttons on the remote controller except for "AV DUB" button have the same functions as the buttons with the same identifications on the camera/recorder. Aim the remote controller at the receiver of the camera/recorder.
AUDIO/VIDEO DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO DUBBING Audio/video dubbing lets you record new audio and video from another VCR on a previously recorded tape in the camera/recorder. Audio/video dubbing hookup Illustration NOTES: • If your VCR has a single (mono) audio output, connect either the left or right audio plug to the audio output of the VCR.
RECORDING TV PROGRAMS RECORDING TV PROGRAMS If your TV or VCR has video/audio out jacks, you can record the TV program with camera/recorder. Recording TV programs Illustration 1. Connect the AV input cord to "AUDIO OUT" and "VIDEO OUT" of your TV or VCR. 2.
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV To play back a tape recorded on your camera/recorder and view it on your TV receiver, you must connect the camera/recorder to the TV receiver using either AV stereo output cord (provided) or RF output adapter (provided).
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VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV 1. Connect the AV stereo output cord (provided) to "AUDIO IN" and "VIDEO IN" of your NOTES: • If your TV has a single (mono) audio input, connect either the left or right audio plug to the audio input on the TV.
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VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV NOTE: If you want to watch a TV program with camera/recorder connected as illustrated, slide the power switch of the camera/recorder to off.
STILL STILL When "PAUSE" button is pressed during playback, a still picture can be seen. To start again press "PAUSE" button and playback will be resumed. NOTES: • There will be some noise (interference) in the still picture. • If the play-pause mode continues for more than 5 minutes, the camera/recorder will automatically enter the stop mode to protect the tape from damage.
FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH When you press "F.FWD" or "REW" button during playback, the tape will be played back at a speed about 9 times (forward search) or 7 times (reverse search) faster than the normal playback speed, and you can easily locate a certain spot on the tape. Press "PLAY"...
ATTACHING THE TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER ATTACHING THE TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER 1. To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise. 2. Remove both caps of the tele or wide converter. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the front of video camera/recorder lens assembly.
CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING If you wish to exchange or copy some of your friend's favorite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camera/recorder to VCR for this purpose. Camera to VCR dubbing hookup Illustration 1.
FLYING ERASE HEAD FLYING ERASE HEAD A rotating erase head which elminates glitches and rainbow noise that occurs at the joints between recorded segments.
PROGRAMME AE (Auto Exposure) PROGRAMME AE (Auto Exposure) Programme AE automatically selects the shutter speed 1/60, 1/100, 1/120 or 1/250 second that is optimum for the brightness of the subject. The iris is also adjusted automatically in response to the shutter speed.
SYNCHRO EDIT SYNCHRO EDIT Synchro edit allows your camera/recorder to control a compatible VCR (one that has a camera pause jack) while tapes are being copied from the camera/recorder to the VCR. This is convenient when you want to record only selected segments from a previously recorded tape.
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SYNCHRO EDIT 8. If you want to stop copying the tape at a certain point, turn on the camera/recorder's memory stop feature, and set the camera/recorder's time counter to "0:00:00M" at the point on the tape where you want to stop copying. When the camera/recorder reaches "0:00:00M"...
ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL DC CAMERA LIGHT (VM-CP4) ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL DC CAMERA LIGHT (VM-CP4) Use the DC camera light if you wish to shoot objects in dark places. CAUTION: The front and lamp of the DC camera light become very hot during use of the camera light or immediately after use.
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ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL DC CAMERA LIGHT (VM-CP4) NOTES: • Never touch the terminal of the DC camera light with your hand or short it using metal. • When the camera light is on, do not allow water to drop on the light. •...
TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Your camera/recorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the mose rigid quality control and inspection systems. However, should problems develop, check the following points and take necessary corrective measures. INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Cassette holder cannot be opened when...
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TROUBLESHOOTING PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom “PLAY” button cannot be engaged. No picture appears on television screen when “PLAY” button is pressed. Interference on playback picture. Picture bends at the top of the TV screen. Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or change.
HEAD CLEANING HEAD CLEANING • Dirt can accumulate on the video heads after a period of time and may cause the playback picture to become blurred or look like part of the video information is lost. This does not mean that the recorded program has been erased but that head cleaning is required.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE The video camera/recorder is a precision electromechanical device which will require periodic maintenance after a period of normal use. We expect that no other maintenance other than head cleaning will be required during the period by most users, unless the video camera/recorder is heavily or seldom used.
Required minimum illumination Pickup device Lens diameter For U.S.A. 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 6V DC 7.5W (When "FOCUS M"...
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. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.
In Canada - Please use Canadian order form in French version of this manual - Page 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 Hrs/day, 7 days a week. 1-800-HITACHI...