Hitachi VM-8400LA User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HITACHI

Instruction Manual

Video Camcorder

VM-8400LA

HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. (AMERICA), INC. 6740 Campobello Road

3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8 Tel. 770-279-5600 Tel. 905-821-4545

HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC.

3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621

Thank you for choosing the instructions before operating your camcorder.

QR19391 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1998 Printed in Japan KY-F(N)

video camcorder. For maximum pleasure and convenience please read these simple

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................2

PRECAUTIONS..........................................................................................................................3

FEATURES ............................................................................................................................................................................4

ACCESSORIES.....................................................................................................................................................................5

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.....................................................................................................6

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ..............................10

ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF).........................................................................................11

LCD MONITOR ........................................................................................................................13

ACTIVE SCREEN.....................................................................................................................15

CHECKING THE BATTERY..............................................................................................................................................16

CHARGING THE BATTERY.....................................................................................................18

INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES...........................................................................20

IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS............................................................21

MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING .........................................................................22

PLAYBACK...............................................................................................................................25

DATE/TIME SETTING..............................................................................................................27

DATE RECORDING .................................................................................................................29

AUTO FOCUS..........................................................................................................................30

DISPLAY BUTTON...................................................................................................................32

REMAINING TAPE...................................................................................................................34

DIGITAL ZOOM........................................................................................................................35

DIGITAL EFFECTS RECORDING ...........................................................................................37

FADE IN /FADE OUT ...............................................................................................................40

INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING..................................................................................................42

TITLE RECORDING.................................................................................................................43

AUDIO DUBBING.....................................................................................................................46

AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING ................................................................................................47

RECORDING TV PROGRAMS ................................................................................................49

VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV ........................................................50

CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING ..........................................................................................52

USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA..............................................................................................53

ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER LENS .....................................55

TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................................56

CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER ...............................................................................58

HEAD CLEANING ....................................................................................................................59

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................................................59

SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................................................59

HOTLINE..................................................................................................................................61

ACCESSORIES ADD EXCITEMENT.......................................................................................62

PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR

BACK). NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.

This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation and maintenance of this unit has been included. Therefore, it should be read carefully in order to avoid any problems.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct by one or more of the following measures:

--Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

--Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

--Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which 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 manufacturer

could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

PRECAUTIONS

Caution: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold area to a

warm humid area. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to acclimate to the surroundings before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm humid area, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine. This moisture could cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and damage the headwheel or tape.

See the bottom of the AC adaptor/charger. The rating and caution label is located on the bottom of the AC adaptor/charger.

WARNING: Many television programs and films are copyrighted. In certain circumstances,

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 camcorder.  When you are not using the camcorder, switch off the power and attach the lens cap.  When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the the sun or a light source, a bright vertical bar may appear in the picture. Your camcorder is functioning properly, but the solid-state pickup device (CCD) 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 140ºF (60ºC), 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 point the electronic viewfinder to direct sunlight; it could damage the viewfinder.  The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is made by highly precise technology. More than

99.99% of its picture elements (pixels) are effective, but some (less than 0.01%) may not appear as coloured bright dots. This does not indicate a fault as the LCD panel stretches the limits of current technology.

FEATURES

• 3-inch LCD with speaker

• Active screen function

• Stable pix (Electronic Image Stabilizer)

• Digital zoom up to X32

• Digital zoom up to X200 (with instant zoom)

• Digital effect

• Instant zoom

• Fade in / fade out

• Solid-state camera pickup

•

High Quality picture technology

• Auto focus power zoom lens with macro feature

• Full record and playback capability with standard cassette

• Program AE (Auto Exposure)

• Flying erase head

• Time and date

PRECAUTIONS

• Titler

• Index signal recording

• Audio / video Input function

• Audio / video dub

• Audio dub

• Built-in automatic camera light

* This video camcorder with this marking incorporates high-quality picture

technology and is compatible with any video cassette recorder bearing the mark.

With this camcorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture whether on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. The following text describes the operation assuming that the viewfinder is used as a major monitor device.

ACCESSORIES

Check to make sure you have the following components and accessories (besides the camcorder unit itself) before disposing of the packing material.

1. Lead-acid rechargeable battery

2. AC adaptor/charger

3. Shoulder strap

4. DC cord

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 Camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.

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 Instruction -- 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). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully 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 operated only from the type of power

source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your video dealer or local power company. For video products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

6 Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk

of fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets and extension cords are dangerous, and so are frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and broken plugs. They may result in shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or deteriorated 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

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.

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. This video product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This video product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the video product manufacturer's instructions have been followed.

9 Attachments -- Do not use attachments unless recommended by the video product

manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Power-line operated equipment or 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 features. This will help avoid any potential hazard from electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact 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.

11 Accessories -- Do not place this video product on an unstable card, stand, tripod, bracket

or 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 combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive

force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

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. 70, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See example below:

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. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be left to a

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

professional antenna installer.

USE

14 Cleaning -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use

liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

15 Object and Liquid Entry -- Never push objects of any kind into this video product through

openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the video product.

16 Lightning -- For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or when it

its left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable-system. This will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning and power-line surges.

SERVICE

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. a. When the power-supply cord 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 extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal operation. e. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged. f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance -- this indicates a need for service.

19 Replacement Parts -- When replacement parts are required, have the service technician

verify that the replacements he uses have the same safety characteristics as the original parts. Use of replacements specified by the video product manufacturer can prevent fire, electric shock or other hazards

20 Safety Check -- Upon completion of any service or repairs to this video product, ask the

service technician to perform safety checks recommended by the manufacturer to determine that the video product is in safe operating condition.

21 Heat -- The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER

1. Save these instructions--This page contains important safety and operating instructions for

AC Adaptor/Charger Model VM-ACV41A.

2. Before using AC Adaptor/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adaptor/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.

3. Also read all instructions on pages 4 and 5.

4. Caution--To reduce the risk of injury, charge only rechargeable battery, VM-

BP64/BP65/BP66/BP67. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.

5. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

6. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

7. To reduce the risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting charger.

8. Make sure cord is 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. That the pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on charger. B. That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and C. That wire size should be met below: Minimum AWG size Length of extension cord (feet) 18 Equal to or less than 100 16 Equal to or less than 150

11. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.

12. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.

13. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

"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".

ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF)

 Set the viewfinder to the position shown in the figure when carrying the camcorder or storing it in the carrying case.

 Turn the viewfinder to the position shown below when shooting pictures.

1. Turn the viewfinder

2. Turn the eyepiece.

 You can adjust the position and angle of the viewfinder so you can see through it easily.

Cautions:

• Do not force the viewfinder to rotate completely around. This will damage the viewfinder and/or camcorder.

• When pulling the viewfinder out or returning it to its original position, hold the viewfinder by the swivel selection. Do not hold the diopter control side.

EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT

To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter control for optimum

ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF)

focus adjustment.

LCD MONITOR

When using the LCD monitor during recording and playback and playback, you can adjust the brightness of its screen and the angle of the monitor.

Opening the LCD monitor

1. Press the OPEN button to open the LCD monitor.

NOTE: Opening or closing the LCD monitor switches the picture to appear on the monitor or in

the viewfinder.

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen NOTE: Even when the picture on the LCD monitor is adjusted, the recorded video will not

change.

1. Connect the power source. (See pages 10 and 11.) Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM or VIDEO.

2. Use the bright control on the side of the LCD monitor to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

Range in which the LCD monitor can be moved.

LCD MONITOR

• If the LCD monitor is turned 90* so that it faces the same direction as the lens when the camera signal is being recorded during recording, recording pause, instant review, editing, A/V dubbing or A/V dubbing pause, the image on the monitor screen will become a mirror image, and the viewfinder will turn on. The on-screen display on the LCD monitor will also be as if reflected on a mirror.

• If the monitor is closed with the screen facing to the side, the mirror image will change to a normal image when the monitor has been closed about 45º; also, the viewfinder will turn off.

Cautions on LCD monitor screen

• Do not touch the LCD screen with your fingers as the screen could get dirty and the picture will not be seen clearly. 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. When the temperature inside the camcorder rises, the brightness of the picture will become normal.

• Do not hold by the LCD monitor as this could cause a malfunction.

• Open the LCD monitor by 90º before changing its direction. If you were to attempt to invert its direction before opening it completely, it could cause a malfunction.

• The LCD monitor cannot be closed if it is tilted

• Close the LCD monitor after making sure it is parallel with the camcorder. If you were to close the monitor while it faces the same direction as the lens or it is diagonal, it could damage the LCD monitor.

• Do not disassemble the LCD monitor as this might cause a malfunction.

• When opening the LCD monitor, be careful that no water droplets adhere the monitor screen and that no water or dust enters the camcorder through the gap as it could cause a malfunction.

ACTIVE SCREEN

The camcorder automatically brightens the backlight of the LCD monitor when you are recording a bright subject outdoors, so that the LCD screen is easy to see.

NOTES:

• When you record a bright subject outdoors, the camcorder operating time will be less than when recording indoors.

• Even if you record outdoors, the LCD monitor backlight may not brighten, if you are aiming at a dark subject.

POWER SOURCES

 WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided)

• To attach, align the mark " 10, " of the battery with that of the camcorder so that the battery fits into the grooves, and slide the battery downward, as illustrated.

• To remove the battery:

Push and hold "BATTERY EJECT" lever, then slide the battery to the upside and remove.

 WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER (Provided)

1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet.

2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder. Connect the other end of the DC cord to the "DC OUTPUT" of the AC adaptor/charger.

ACTIVE SCREEN

NOTES:

• The AC adaptor/charger cannot charge the battery and operate the camcorder at the same time.

• When using the AC adaptor/charger to power the camcorder, the battery level indicator may display " ". This indicator is used for battery operation and has no meaning when using the AC adaptor/charger to power the camcorder.

 WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-CC70A)

1. Connect the small plug of the car battery cord to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder.

2. Connect the other end of the car battery cord to the car's cigarette lighter socket.

NOTES:

• The car battery cord is designed to be used only with automobiles having a 12-volt negative ground system.

• To prevent fire or shock hazard or damage to your camcorder, please use only the specified car battery cord.

CHECKING THE BATTERY

When the " " indication appears in the viewfinder or LCD monitor and flashes while the camcorder is being operated with a battery (provided), it indicates that the battery charge is low. Charge it or replace it with a charged battery.

Press the "DISPLAY" button. The remaining battery power level will appear in the viewfinder

or LCD monitor. When the battery is fully charged, is displayed. After several minutes, the symbol will change to "

". When the battery is very near empty, the symbol will change to " " and start blinking. You should find an alternative power source or recharge the battery before continuing to use your camcorder.

NOTE: When a battery pack is used to power the camcorder, " " flashes even if "DISPLAY"

is not pressed to warn you that the battery power level is low.

ACTIVE SCREEN

CHARGING THE BATTERY

1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet.

2. Attach the battery to the AC adaptor/charger. Align the mark " " on the battery with that of AC adaptor/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adaptor/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow.

NOTE: You must remove the DC cord from the AC adaptor/charger to charge the battery. If the DC cord is connected, the "CHARGE" light will not light.

3. The "CHARGE" light will be lit while the battery is accepting a charge, and will go out when

the battery is fully charged.

Charging time

Operating time

The camcorder operating time depends on how often you turn power on/off and use REC/PAUSE and zoom.

ATTENTION:

The product that you have purchased contains a rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its useful life under various state and local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.

NOTES:

• The operation time depends on how often you use zoom and recording pause.

• Charge the battery after use and store it at normal room temperature.

• Recharge your battery at least once every six months. The battery is a lead-acid battery. This

CHARGING THE BATTERY

battery tends to discharge if not used for an extended period of time. If the battery is stored for a extended length of time without being recharged, you may not be able to recharge it.

• A battery charged after being stored for a long period may not supply power for the specified time. Additional rechargings will help restore the battery's operation time.

• The battery should be charged at a temperature of 50ºF - 86ºF (10ºC - 30ºC) to prevent damage.

• Do not operate the battery at temperatures below 14ºF (-10ºC) or above 95ºF (35ºC). The battery may be damaged if operated at temperatures above 122ºF (50ºC). Operation time will decrease at extremely low temperatures.

• After repeated chargings and use, the operation time will gradually decrease. When operation time becomes too short to be useful, it is time to replace the battery.

• If the "CHARGE" light on the AC adaptor/charger starts flashing, remove the battery and

then reattach it. If after several attempts the light continues to flash, this means your battery cannot take a charge and must be replaced with a new one.

The "CHARGE" light will not light if a hot battery is attached to the AC adaptor/charger.

Attaching an extremely hot battery to the AC adaptor/ charger is not recommended; it should be allowed to cool down before being attached.

• Do not short the battery's terminal.

• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the battery. There are no user serviceable parts inside.

• Throwing the battery into a fire or exposing the battery to excessive heat - over 149ºF (65ºC) could be hazardous.

• Be sure to set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to the position before removing the battery.

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Hitachi VM-8400LA User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual