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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS HITACHI Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camera/Recorder VM-SP1A 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...
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 4 FEATURES... 7 ACCESSORIES ... 8 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 9 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ... 13 WATER-RESISTANT... 14 ADJUSTING THE HAND STRAP ... 17 ATTACHING THE LENS CAP AND MICROPHONE CAP ... 18 HOW TO INSTALL THE SHOULDER STRAP...
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS HOTLINE... 84 ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ... 85 HOW TO ORDER ... 86...
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS CAUTION: WHEN OUTDOORS, DO NOT USE AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER, USE ONLY BATTERY PACK TYPE: VM-BP82. 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. When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the sun or a light source, a bright vertical bar may appear in the picture.
FEATURES FEATURES • Water-resistant feature • 53 Color Graphic Title Library • Digital Zoom up to X16 • Solid-state camera pickup • Program AE (Auto Exposure) • Auto Focus Power Zoom Lens with macro • Flying Erase Head • Audio/Video dub •...
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 Output Cord 2. Battery Pack 3. AC Adapter/Charger 4. RF Output Adaptor 5. 75-ohm Coaxial Cable with Antenna Adapter 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 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 12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
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-AC80A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.
If the VM-SP1A is used while sand or other particulates adheres to the seal, it could cause water to enter. • The water-resistant seal should be replaced at least once a year. Use Hitachi part # VM-KIT270. The VM-SP1A cannot be used in the following places •...
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WATER-RESISTANT Note: Be careful that no water or sand enters the camera/recorder. 1. Push the lever on the buckle and hold it, then release the buckle in the direction of the arrow. Note: After using the VM-SP1A, wipe off the sand or water carefully from the case before opening it.
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WATER-RESISTANT Note: Open or close the case so that no water, snow, rain, sand, etc. can enter into the inner housing. To close the case Hold the left and right half of the case tightly and close the buckle until a click is heard. Note: Lock the case securely using the buckle.
ADJUSTING THE HAND STRAP ADJUSTING THE HAND STRAP Adjust the hand strap, as illustrated. Adjust the length of the hand strap so you can press the "START/STOP" button and power zoom switch easily with your fingers.
ATTACHING THE LENS CAP AND MICROPHONE CAP ATTACHING THE LENS CAP AND MICROPHONE CAP Attach the lens cap as shown in the figure during shooting to prevent the cord from dangling. Also attach the microphone cap to prevent it from being lost.
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment. You may want to install the date/time and remote control batteries (provided) immediately to prevent misplacing them. For date/time 1. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT"...
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EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT For remote control 1. Pull the battery holder from the remote control (provided). 2. Place the battery as illustrated, and then attach the holder to the remote control. NOTES: • When replacing the batteries, use 3V micro lithium cell such as Maxell CR2025 or equivalent.
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. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT" on page 8. 2.
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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) 1. Connect the car battery cord to the car's cigarette lighter socket.
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. Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user serviceable parts inside. 10. Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat - over 149°F (65°C) could be hazardous. 11.
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 Removal Slide the "EJECT" switch and remove the cassette.
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INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CASSETES 8mm Video Cassette An 8mm Video Cassette has a record-protect tab on the side of the cassette that can be slid to prevent accidental erasure of recorded material. To prevent accidental erasure, slide the record-protect tab in the direction of the arrow until the red tab is completely visible.
MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING 1. Open the case. Refer to "WATER-RESISTANT" on page 8. 2. Connect either one of the POWER SOURCES on pages 12 and 13. 3. Slide "EJECT" switch and insert tha cassette so the transparent window is toward you and the arrow toward the cassette holder.
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MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING NOTE: Do not lock the buckle when supply power with the DC cord. 6. Turn the operate control to select "ZOOMx16", "ZOOMx64", "EXPAND" or "SLIM". The camera/recorder will enter the record pause mode automatically. • "ZOOMx16": Enlarges the image from X1 to X16. •...
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MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING NOTES: • The "TAPE END" indication in the viewfinder starts flashing when there is less than three minutes recording time left on 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 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 26. NOTES: • When the camera/recorder is used for a long time, it becomes warm, but this does not indicate a fault.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Left side/Front Illustration 1. Lens F2.0 (6 ~ 48mm) 8:1 power zoom lens features auto focus and auto iris functions. 2. Infrared ray receiving section Receives infrared rays from the remote control unit. 3.
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS 13. Diopter Control To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, turn this for your optimum focus adjustment. 14. "BACK LIGHT" Button When the subject is lit from behind, press and hold this button to compensate for the back-lighting.
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS These buttons are used to set the clock (time and date) in your camera/recorder so that it can be recorded on your tapes for future reference. May also be used to select the camera/recorder function. 26.
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS NOTE: You can also visually scan backward when the camera/recorder is in record/pause (stand-by) mode by pressing and holding this button. 34. "PLAY" Button Used for playback of tape. NOTE: When the camera/recorder is in record/pause (stand-by) mode, pressing and holding this button will play the tape at normal speed.
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IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS • Always return the remote control into the camera/recorder when not using it so that you do not lose it.
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. 1.
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DATE/TIME SETTING 9. After setting AM or PM, press "SHIFT" button again. The "MENU", as illustrated, appears in the viewfinder. 10. Press the "MENU" button. The menu disappears and the date/time graphics will appear. 11. Press "DATE" button. The date/time appear or disappear each time the button is pressed. The date/time graphics will be recorded whenever they appear in the viewfinder.
AUTO FOCUS AUTO FOCUS • You can always focus the subject automatically if "FOCUS M." is not displayed in the viewfinder. You cannot focus automatically with the following objects. Focus manually. 1. Objects not in the center of the viewfinder. 2.
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AUTO FOCUS MANUAL FOCUS 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.
AUTO IRIS AUTO IRIS 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. Super zoom (Telemacro) feature Auto focus operates even when you bring the camera/recorder up to 2.3 feet from the subject, therefore, you can zoom up so the subject fills the screen and record it.
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. Turn the operate control to select "ZOOMx16", "ZOOMx64", "EXPAND" or "SLIM". The display in the viewfinder will depend on the switch position as follows.
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DIGITAL ZOOM , press the "ZOOM MODE" button to select either display above. If display selected, the picture image in the viewfinder is different from the subject being shot.
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. •...
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"...
FADE IN FADE OUT FADE IN FADE OUT This feature lets 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. FADE-IN 1.
INSTANT REVIEW INSTANT REVIEW 1. In record/pause (stand-by) mode, press "REVIEW" button on the remoto control, 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.
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL You can operate the camera/recorder with the wireless remote control (provided) from a distance. Aim the remote control at the receiver of the camera/recorder. To remove the remote control • Press the button and hold it, then remove the remote control. •...
SELF TIMER SELF TIMER The self timer allows you to automatically start recording after about 10 seconds. Use the remote control provided to operate the self timer. 1. Make sure that the remote control battery is loaded in the remote control. (See page 11.) 2.
TITLE RECORDING TITLE RECORDING This camera/recorder stores 49 color graphic titles (47 different) in memory by dividing them into 3 groups. You can record a required title, superimposing it on the picture being shot. GRAPHIC TITLE LIBRARY Click to see Group 1 -- VARIETY (Total 21 Titles) •...
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TITLE RECORDING 1. Press "TITLE" button to display the title in the viewfinder during record/pause (stand- by) mode. 2. Press the "GROUP" button repeatedly to select the desired group. 3. Press "SHIFT" button ( 4. Press "START/STOP" button to start recording. Now the title is also recorded, superimposed on the picture.
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TITLE RECORDING the title selected las will appear. • You can display a title even during playback by pressing "TITLE" button. Use this function when dubbing a tape on another machine using this camera/recorder as the playback VCR. You can dub the tape inserting a title.
MENU MENU You can select the functions of the camera/recorder as follows. 1. Turn on camera/recorder. The camera recorder may be in either the camera or VCR mode. 2. Press "MENU" button. The menu, as illustrated, appears in the viewfinder. 3.
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MENU NOTE: Do not select [DU DATE/TIME] or [DU DATE] if you are not planning to set the second clock. If either is selected, you cannot clear the menu without setting he second clock or turning the power off. OSD [ON or OFF] This is useful when using this camera/recorder as a playback VCR to dub tapes.
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. Select [DU DATE/TIME] or [DU DATE] in the [DATE] parameter from the menu shown on page 33.
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SECOND CLOCK SETTING 7. Press "MENU" button. The menu disappears from the viewfinder. When "DATE" button is pressed, the date/time of the second clock or the date of the second clock will appear in the viewfinder. 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 23.
TIME REMAINING TIME REMAINING When the linear time counter with memory is present in the viewfinder, pressing "DISPLAY" button again will change the display to a read-out showing the amount of recording or playback time left on the tape. NOTE: When using the E6-15 minutes tape or P6-15 minutes tape, you must press "RESET"...
LINEAR TIMER COUNTER LINEAR TIMER 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. NOTES: •...
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.
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 no video and audio plugs are connected, new audio and video from the camera/recorder's built-in microphone and camera is dubbed onto the tape.
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 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 2. Connect the other end of the AV stereo output cord to "AV IN/OUT" of your camera/recorder.
STILL STILL When "PAUSE" button on the remote control 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. •...
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) The camera automatically determines the shutter speed and aperture according to the brightness of the subject. The selected shutter speed (1/60, 1/100 or 1/250) will be dispayed in the viewfinder. If the 1/250 shutter speed is selected, for example, "AE:250" is dispayed.
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.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE AFTER USE MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE AFTER USE How to maintain 1. Put the microphone cap on the microphone with the " " mark on the cap facing up and turn the cap in the direction of the arrow to attach it. 2.
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MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE AFTER USE 3. Remove the water-resistant seal carefully. 4. Wipe off foreign matter (sand, dust, etc.) from the grooves in the case. 5. Thinly coat the entire water-resistant seal with grease (provided). 6. Fit the water-resistant seal into the grooves in the case with its sharp edge forward. NOTE: Do not push the seal in with tweezers or a sharp object.
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MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE AFTER USE SILICONE GREASE CAUTION 1. Keep this silicone grease out of reach of children. 2. Do not put this grease in your eyes, ears, mouth or nose. 3. Do not transfer the contents to other containers. When coating the water-resistant seal with grease Coat with a thin layer of grease.
TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Your camera/recorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most 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...
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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.
SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS General Power requirements Power consumption Dimensions Weight Operating temperature Storage temperature Video Recorder Section Format Record/playback system Video signal Tape speed Video input Video output Audio input Audio output Fast forward/rewind time Less than 8 minutes with P6-120 cassette Camera Section Scanning Required minimum illumination...
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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 established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.
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ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT You're ready to add more excitement to your home videos, and Hitachi's right there with you. With our new line of video accessories, you can go anywhere your imagination takes you.
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HOW TO ORDER U.S.A. only 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 BY MAIL To place your order by mail, detach and mail the completed order form with credit card information, money order, or check in U.S.