Hitachi VT-FX621A User Manual

VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

VT-FX621A Owner's manual

Using these quality features:

• Super rewind and fast forward

• Multi-channel TV sound (MTS).

• 8-program/1-year preset recording.

• Auto tracking system automatically adjusts the tracking so the picture is optimized.

• Frequency synthesized tuner provides easy, preset tuning of up to 68 broadcast TV channels and 125 cable channels.

• VHS Hi-Fidelity sound in playback.

• On-screen programming guide.

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC

3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, Tel. 770-279-5600 Quebec, H9R 1B1, CANADA

HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC

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

Tel. 514-697-9150

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR YOUR SAFETY..................................................................................................................2

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.....................................................................................................3

CUSTOMER CONTROLS..........................................................................................................7

REMOTE OPERATION............................................................................................................10

CASSETTE TAPES..................................................................................................................11

BASIC ANTENNA HOOKUP [A]...............................................................................................12

ADVANCED ANTENNA HOOKUP -AV HOOKUP [B]..............................................................13

BASIC CABLE HOOKUP [C]....................................................................................................14

ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -AV HOOKUP [D]...................................................................15

BASIC CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX [E]....................................................................15

ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX [F]...........................................................16

ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX AND SPLITTER [G] ...............................17

SETTING THE CLOCK ............................................................................................................17

PRE-TUNING THE VCR TUNER.............................................................................................19

PLAYBACK...............................................................................................................................23

SPECIAL PLAYBACK EFFECTS.............................................................................................25

USING THE "INDEX" FEATURE ..............................................................................................29

VIEWING THE ON-SCREEN DISPLAY...................................................................................30

INDEX WITH THE TIME COUNTER........................................................................................31

RECORDING A PROGRAM.....................................................................................................32

RECORDING A PROGRAM -RECORDING TIPS....................................................................35

INSTANT RECORDING TIMER...............................................................................................37

DELAYED RECORDING..........................................................................................................38

PROGRAM REVIEW................................................................................................................42

PROGRAMMING THE VCR REMOTE TO CONTROL YOUR TV...........................................43

PROGRAMMING THE VCR REMOTE TO CONTROL YOUR CABLE BOX............................45

INTEGRATING YOUR STEREO SYSTEM WITH YOUR VCR ................................................46

COPYING TAPES FROM A CAMCORDER.............................................................................47

COPYING FROM ONE VCR TO ANOTHER VCR (DUBBING)................................................48

PROBLEM GUIDE / MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................50

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................51

FOR YOUR SAFETY

POWER SUPPLY: AC 120V, 60 Hz ONLY. The POWER button turns the VCR on and off, leaving the clock/timer unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period, it is recommended that the unit be completely switched off and unplugged. Illustrated below is the label on the back of your unit.

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 REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: Many television programs and films are copyrighted. In certain circumstances, copyright law may apply to private in-home videotaping of copyrighted materials.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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

Caution to the user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

"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".

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 Cassette Recorder 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 a 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 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. Powerline 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 leadin wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antennadischarge 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 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 is 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 o t her controls may result in damage a nd 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.

CUSTOMER CONTROLS

VCR Customer Controls

Item No. Function Page

1 POWER button 2 2 Infrared receiver 8 3 Cassette compartment 9 4 REC/IRT button 31 5 REW button 23 6 F.FWD button 23 7 PLAY button 24 8 STOP/EJECT button 9 9 CHANNEL ( up/down) 31 TRACKING buttons 23

VCR Display

10 AM/PM indicators 18 11 Time, 18 Tape counter, 28 Tape remaining or 28 VCR mode indicator 22 PLAY - playback 22 SRCH - double-speed play, 25 visual search and skip playback ["-" appears during reverse direction viewing] SLOW - slow play 25 REW - rewind 22 S:REW - high speed rewind 23 FF - fast forward S:FF - high speed fast forward 23

STILL - play pause and frame advance 24 12 REM (tape remaining time) indicator 28 13 VCR, operate mode 14 Audio indicators -

15 - re cord (flashes durin g record pause) 31 16 Tape-in indicator 9 17 TV channel or Auxiliary 31 (L) 43 18 Delayed recording indicator 37

Accessories supplied Check and identify the accessories supplied. If any are missing or appear damaged, consult your dealer.

   Remote Cable for connecting Batteries for remote control this VCR to a TV control handset (R6)

VCR Customer Controls

Item No. Function Page

19 AUDIO IN L, R jacks 41 20 VIDEO IN jack 43 21 IN FROM ANT. - signal input 10 22 OUT TO TV - signal to TV 10 23 VIDEO OUT jack 11 24 AUDIO OUT L, R jacks 11

Remote Control Customer Controls

Item No. Function Page

1 Transmission window 8 2 POWER button 19 3 GUIDE - to recall OSD menu 19 4 DISPLAY - to recall on-screen display 27 5 CLEAR - clears time counter 29 6 VCR/TV mode select button 10 7 100/ENT button 31 8 VOL button - increase or decrease the audio volume 39 9 PROGRAM (programming) button 35 10 REW button - fast rewind or search 23 11 PLAY button - playback 20 12 REC - record button 31 13 STOP button - stops play/ record function 20 14 PAUSE button 24 15 F.FWD button - fast forward or search 25 16 LAST CH button - switches to the TV channel you watched previously during the current viewing session 39 17 CH (channel up/down) button 31

18 AVX button - select L 4 19 Number buttons 17 20 VCR, TV, CATV - device buttons let you set the remote to control one of the three devices 8

REMOTE OPERATION

Install batteries in the remote control

The remote control requires two "AA" batteries. 1 Push the mark and hold it, then slide the cover in the direction of the arrow

to remove it.

Note: When replacing the batteries, remove the old batteries and keep the POWER button

depressed for 10 seconds before inserting fresh batteries.

2 Install batteries.

• Align the positive (+) and negative (-) polarity marks on the batteries with those indicated on the remote control.

3 Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow to close it.

Operating in the remote control

1 Make sure there is no obstacle between the remote control and VCR's infrared receiver.

Note: You cannot operate the VCR if there is an obstacle (for example, coffee table, sofa, etc)

between the VCR and remote control.

2 Point the remote control at the VCR's infrared receiver and press the required button on the remote control.

Note: If the remote does not work even at close range, try replacing the batteries with two

fresh "AA" batteries.

CASSETTE TAPES

Types

Only use video cassettes with the mark in this V CR. The table shows the recording time of different cassettes.

• To get the best quality picture, record at standard recording speed (SP).

• This VCR does not record at the LP speed, but it can play cassettes that were recorded at the LP speed.

Safety tabs prevent erasure

The VCR automatically enters the playback mode when a cassette without its safety tab is inserted. The VCR won't record on a tape without a safety tab and the cassette will be ejected if the REC or REC/IRT button is pressed. Be sure to check the safety tab before inserting a cassette.

Insertion

Push the video cassette gently into the slot on the front of the VCR.

• The VCR automatically turns on and the "Tape-In" indicator turns on when the cassette is in place.

Removal

Press the STOP/EJECT button on the VCR. The cassette will come partially out of the co mpartment so you can pull it out.

• The "Tape-In" indicator turns off.

• The cassette can be ejected with the power on or off.

BASIC ANTENNA HOOKUP [A]

WITH THIS HOOKUP

YOU CAN...

• WATCH AVAILABLE TV CHANNELS

• RECORD AND W ATCH THE SAME CHANNEL

• RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER Hookup A Illustration

Switch the RF Channel

When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV on either channel 3 or channel 4. You need to select the appropriate channel.

• When the power is turned on, press the POWER button to turn it off. Press the PLAY button on front of the VCR. Pressing the CHANNEL button alterantes between RFCH-03 (channel 3) and RFCH-04 (channel 4) in the VCR's display. Display the channel which is not used by a commercial channel in your area.

ADVANCED ANTENNA HOOKUP -AV HOOKUP [B]

WITH THIS HOOKUP

YOU CAN...

• WATCH AVAILABLE TV CHANNELS

• RECORD AND W ATCH THE SAME CHANNEL

• RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER Hookup B Illustration

BASIC CABLE HOOKUP [C]

WITH THIS HOOKUP

YOU CAN...

• WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS

• RECORD AND W ATCH THE SAME CHANNEL

• RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER Hookup C Illustration

Switch the RF Channel

When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV on either channel 3 or channel 4. You need to select the appropriate channel.

Display the channel which is not used by a commercial channel in your area.

ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -AV HOOKUP [D]

WITH THIS HOOKUP

YOU CAN...

• WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS

• RECORD AND W ATCH THE SAME CHANNEL

• RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER Hookup D Illustration

BASIC CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX [E]

WITH THIS HOOKUP

YOU CAN...

• WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS

• RECORD AND W ATCH THE SAME CHANNEL

YOU CAN'T...

• RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER ALL CHANNEL SELECTIONS MUST BE MADE AT THE CABLE BOX.

BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR CABLE BOX MANUAL FOR THE CABLE BOX OUTPUT CHANNEL.

Hookup E Illustration

Switch the RF Channel

When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV on either channel 3 or channel 4. You need to select the appropriate channel.

ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX [F]

WITH THIS HOOKUP

YOU CAN...

• WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS

• RECORD AND W ATCH THE SAME CHANNEL

YOU CAN'T...

• RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER ALL CHANNEL SELECTIONS MUST BE MADE AT THE CABLE BOX.

BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR CABLE BOX MANUAL FOR THE CABLE BOX OUTPUT CHANNEL.

Hookup F Illustration

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