Hitachi VT-M282A User Manual

FOR YOUR SAFETY

.VT-M282A

HITACHI

VHS Video Deck

VT-M282A

Owner's Manual

Your Complete Guide
to Videocassette Viewing
and Recording

Using these quality features:

• Up to 8 delayed recording programs

• Auto tracking for improved picture in playback

• Cable-compatible frequency synthesizer quartz tuner

• Remote control for use with your VCR, TV, and cable converter

• All basic playback functions on the VCR

• On-screen graphic programming guide

• Front Audio and Video Jacks

• Automatic Head Cleaning

• VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording

* VCR Plus+ and Plus Code are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp.
VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development
Corporation.

HITACHI HOME HITACHI SALES HITACHI HSC)
ELECTRONICS CORPORATION CANADA, INC.
(AMERICA), INC. OF HAWAII, INC. 3300 Trans Canada Hwy.

3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., 3219 Koapaka Street Pointe Claire, Quebec
Norcross, GA 30093 Honolulu, HI 96819 H9R 1B1, CANADA
Tel. [phone] Tel. [phone] Tel. [phone]

QR10206 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 E72118
Printed in Malaysia

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FOR YOUR SAFETY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR YOUR SAFETY.................................................................................................................................4

Read This First............................................................................................................................................6

Getting Started.............................................................................................................................................7

• IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS............................................................................................................7

Getting Started (Hookups) ........................................................................................................................11

• Simple Hookups..................................................................................................................................11

1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR........................................................................................................11

2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use ..............................................................................................11

3 Hook Up the Audio/Video Signal......................................................................................................11

4 Hook Up the RF Signal......................................................................................................................12

5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply ...................................................................................15

6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control..............................................................................................15

7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch .................................................................................................15

Getting Started (Controls).........................................................................................................................17

• Quick Tour of the Controls.................................................................................................................17

Remote Control Buttons...........................................................................................................................18

When the Remote Doesn't Work Right.................................................................................................19

VCR Controls........................................................................................................................................19

Display Indicators .................................................................................................................................20

Meet Your On-Screen Guide.................................................................................................................20

Getting Started (Initial Setup)...................................................................................................................22

• Setup for First-Time Operation...........................................................................................................22

Initial Setup Options..............................................................................................................................22

Setting the Clock...................................................................................................................................23

More About Channel Selections ...........................................................................................................24

Getting Started (Videotapes).....................................................................................................................26

• About Videocassette Tapes.................................................................................................................26

Types.....................................................................................................................................................26

Safety Tabs Prevent Erasure .................................................................................................................26

Loading and Ejecting ............................................................................................................................27

Tape Storage..........................................................................................................................................27

Basic Operations .......................................................................................................................................28

• Viewing a Videocassette.....................................................................................................................28

To Play Back a Recorded Tape.............................................................................................................28

To Fine Tune the Picture.......................................................................................................................28

Rewinding the Tape ..............................................................................................................................29

Special Playback Effects.......................................................................................................................29

To Find Specific Sections on a Tape.....................................................................................................30

Basic Operations (Recording)...................................................................................................................33

• Recording a Program ..........................................................................................................................33

Before you Record ................................................................................................................................33

Basic Recording Steps...........................................................................................................................33

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FOR YOUR SAFETY

Recording Tips......................................................................................................................................33

Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT).............................................................................................34

Setting the VCR to Record Later ..........................................................................................................35

Reviewing What You Have Programmed.............................................................................................37

Programming Priorities.........................................................................................................................37

Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording)...............................................................................................39

• Easy Delayed Recording with VCR Plus +........................................................................................39

About VCR Plus+ .................................................................................................................................39

Channel Setup .......................................................................................................................................39

Using VCR Plus+ to Record a Program................................................................................................43

Advanced Operations (Remote Control of TV)........................................................................................45

• Controlling Your TV with the VCR's Remote....................................................................................45

Programming the Remote Control ........................................................................................................45

Controlling the TV................................................................................................................................46

Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups)............................................................................................47

• Hooking Up to a Cable Box................................................................................................................47

A Step-by-Step Approach .....................................................................................................................47

Remote Control of the Cable Converter................................................................................................49

Advanced Operations (Second VCR) .......................................................................................................51

• Integrating a Second VCR..................................................................................................................51

Hookup..................................................................................................................................................51

To Control Both VCRs with the Remote Control.................................................................................51

Copying from One VCR to Another (Dubbing)....................................................................................51

Copying Tapes From A Camcorder......................................................................................................52

VCR Care and Servicing...........................................................................................................................53

• Routine Cleaning ................................................................................................................................53

Head Cleaning.......................................................................................................................................53

Periodic Maintenance............................................................................................................................53

• If the VCR Doesn't Work Right..........................................................................................................53

Don't Attempt Repairs Yourself............................................................................................................53

Care and Servicing (Problems) .................................................................................................................55

Often Encountered Problems ................................................................................................................55

Hitachi Service Hotline.........................................................................................................................56

Specifications............................................................................................................................................58

• Technical Specifications.....................................................................................................................58

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FOR YOUR SAFETY

FOR YOUR SAFETY

POWER SUPPLY: AC 120V, 60 Hz ONLY.
The POWER switch 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 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, AND FULLY INSERT PLUG.

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA
PLUS DARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET
POUSSER JUSQU'AU FOND.

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FOR YOUR SAFETY

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."

5

Read This First

Read This First

Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best VCR for you, and we want to
help you make the most of your purchase. Please take time to become familiar with this manual
and how it is set up. Keep it handy for future reference, too.

To guide you, we've concluded:

• "Must read" sections containing important cautions for your family's safety, as well as the basic
facts you need to use the VCR. These sections are highlighted like this in the table of contents:

• Information on the advanced features of your Hitachi VCR. We hope you'll take time to learn
about these functions since we've designed them for you. But you can use the VCR without
reading these sections.

We want this manual to be a tool for you, so we provide two ways to find the information you
need:

• A quick index to the basic functions of the VCR which you will use often (this page).

• A detailed table of contents directing you to specific information quickly (page 4).

Get to know your VCR by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your
business.

Quick Index

To reset the clock and channel selections.....21, 22

To play a tape.....25

To record a program.....30

Problem chart.....55

Instructions in Spanish.....58

•

6

Getting Started

Getting Started

This section explains safety rules, how to hookup, quick tour of the controls, set up for first-time
operation using on-screen menus, Videocassette tapes. Let's get started.

• 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 Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3 Heed Warnings - Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating
instructions.
4 Polarized Plug - This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug
(a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is 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

7

Getting Started

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

8

Getting Started

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. 70-1984, 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 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.

9

Getting Started

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 Checks - 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.

SERVICE

10

Getting Started (Hookups)

Getting Started (Hookups)

• Simple Hookups

1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR

• Be sure your chosen location allows for proper ventilation, stability, and protection from heat
and moisture (see Important Safeguards).

• Place the VCR near your TV but not on top of it. For convenience in using the remote control,
locate them no more then three feet apart.

• If you have an external cable or antenna, place the TV and VCR where you have ample cable to
hook them up. If necessary, you can purchase a cable extension and connector.

• If you plan to route your VCR audio through your stereo speakers for better sound, place the
VCR near the stereo receiver, or have enough long audio cables to make the connections. (But
keep in mind that the electronic signal weakens the further it has to travel.)

2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use

To make your VCR function, you'll deal with two basic hookups:

1. The audio and video signal: If all you want to do is view a prerecorded videotape on the VCR,
this two-line hookup is the only one you need.

2. The radio frequency (RF) signal from a cable or antenna: Make this hookup if you also want
to record programs, or if you have no audio/video connectors on your TV.

We will show you the simplest hookups first and then present several variations to suit specific
needs. Be aware that you may need to purchase additional connectors to make the desired
hookup. These are available at video stores and electronic hardware stores.
Choose which hookup method to use based on:

• Your TV's capabilities

• The type of antenna or cable system you have (for cable box hookup, see Advanced
Operations)

• Any other devices you want to include in the system (second VCR, etc.)

We will guide you through this process. But first, turn the TV and the VCR around so you are
looking at their backs. Note the various input and output receptacles, their shapes, and how they
are labeled. Then read through the rest of this hookup section before proceeding to an actual
hookup.

DO NOT TURN ON THE POWER YET. FOR YOUR SAFETY,
LEAVE YOUR TV AND VCR UNPLUGGED WHILE HOOKING THEM UP.

3 Hook Up the Audio/Video Signal

11

Getting Started (Hookups)

If your TV is a fairly recent model, you probably have both audio and video jacks. Look at the
back of your TV for two jacks - possibly color-coded yellow and white. They will be labeled
AUDIO IN, or Video IN. (If you are not sure, look at the back of your VCR - you will see two
sets of these jacks.

If you have no jacks like these on your TV, skip this step and proceed to Step 4.

TV with Audio and Video Jacks

• Connect the yellow VIDEO OUT jack on the VCR (bottom row of jacks) to the VIDEO IN
jack on TV.
This direct video input will give you the best picture. It will also let you play videos in a "picture
in picture" feature, if your TV has it.

• Then connect the white AUDIO OUT jack on the VCR to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV. This
audio hookup will give you better sound than the RF signal hookup, because the electronic signal
won't have to go through a conversion process.

Capabilities: The audio and video signal connections are all you need to paly back a prerecorded
tape. If you do not intend to record on your VCR from your antenna/cable, then you're all hooked
up now. Otherwise, continue with step 4 which will let you record off TV channels.

4 Hook Up the RF Signal

Look at the back of your TV for a connector that looks like one of these, and follow the
corresponding hookup option. If you have any sort of cable box, see the hookup options in
Advanced Operations (page 44).

Simple Antenna/Cable 75 Ohm Hookup

12

Getting Started (Hookups)

This is an easy hookup that you can use if your cable or antenna has a 75 ohm round wire
connector. You will need the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR. It looks like this:

(Refer to page 11 for 300 ohm UHF connection to TV and antenna.)

If you have been watching the TV in your home before getting the VCR, you will already have a
round wire attached to your TV, Otherwise, look for a cable connection coming in through the
wall from outside. (if you find this connection, remember to call your local cable company to
start the service.)

1. If you still hooked up to your TV, unscrew the round wire from the 75 ohm connector on your
television. Otherwise, take the wire that comes in from the wall.

2. Screw this round wire into the IN FROM ANT. lower jack on the back of your VCR.

3. Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR, slide on either end to the OUT TO TV upper
jack on the back of the VCR.

4. Connect the other end of the same cable onto the 75 ohm antenna input on your TV (where
you first disconnected the TV in step 1).

5. Connect accordingly when you are using 300 ohm connection. (Refer below.)

Capabilities: With this hookup, you should now be able to perform all the basic functions
provided by this equipment.

External or Internal 300 Ohm Antenna

If you have either an external or internal (rabbit ears) antenna rather than cable, you may have
300 ohm connectors like these:

In this case, you will need special adapters (not provided with VCR) to make the 75 ohm round
wire connections shown below. (You may already have one on your TV.)

13

Getting Started (Hookups)

1. Remove the antenna line from the back of your TV if it is already connected there, or take it
from where it comes in on the wall.

2. Considering the three pictures below, determine which adapter you will need to hook into your
VCR.

If you have Use this adapter

Single 300 ohm flat wire

Separate UHF and VHF antenna
antenna wires, both 300 ohm
flat wire

300 ohm flat UHF and 75 ohm
round VHF

If you have "rabbit ears" (an antenna on top of your TV), you will need an additional adapter and
75 ohm extension to make your leads reach from the antenna to the VCR. This connection will
work only if you have a strong, clear picture on the TV, indicating a strong signal. Connect the
antenna to the adapter, and use the cable extension to go from the adapter to the VCR. Use the
supplied 75 ohm cable to connect the VCR to the TV.

14

Getting Started (Hookups)

Now continue wit the hookup:

1. Using whichever adapter you have fit your antenna with, attach that connector to the IN
FROM ANT. lower jack on the back of the VCR.

2. Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR, connect either end to the OUT TO TV upper
jack on the back of the VCR.

3. Use a second adapter to attach the other end of the 75 ohm connector back into the TV (where
you first disconnected the antenna).

Capabilities: With this hookup, you should now be able to perform all basic functions provided
by this equipment.

5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply

Plug in the TV and VCR power cords to the wall outlet or an appropriate extension cord or surge
protector. See Important Safeguards for further precautions (page 6).

6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control

The remote control requires two fresh "AA" batteries. On the back of the remote, a plastic cover
pushes off in the direction shown by the arrow. Remove this cover and install the batteries,
matching the plus end of each battery with the plus mark on the remote.

7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch

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

• Turn the power on to both the TV and the VCR, and look for a switch on the back of the VCR.
Set the switch to 3 or 4, whichever is not a commercial channel in your area.
Your basic hookup is now complete. When you're ready to try hooking up a second VCR or a
video camera, see Advanced Operations.
Now turn the TV and VCR back around facing you and begin your quick tour of the controls
(page 14).

15

Getting Started (Hookups)

16

Getting Started (Controls)

Getting Started (Controls)

• Quick Tour of the Controls

Study these pictures carefully to learn about the buttons and controls that you'll need for daily
operation. Various controls are explained throughout this manual as they are needed, but now is
a good time to get familiar with their locations.

Most of the time, you'll be directing the VCR from the remote control, but there are some
controls on the VCR that will come in handy, too.

When you're familiar with these basic controls, proceed to Initial Setup (page 19). We'll show
you how to program your local channels and set the clock to make your VCR fully functional.

How the Remote Control Works

Pressing a button the remote control transmits an invisible beam of light (Infrared) to a receiver
at the right front of the VCR.

When using the remote, aim the front end towards the VCR and make sure nothing - such as a
coffee table or your dog - is blocking the path of the infrared beam.

17

Getting Started (Controls)

Remote Control Buttons

Illustration of remote
POWER

Turns the VCR on and off.
VCR1, TV, CATV, VCR2

Device buttons let you set the remote to control one of four devices.
MUTE (TO CONTROL TV)

Turns off the audio until you press Mute again.
VOLUME/SLOW

Increase or decrease the audio volume and plays back in adjustable slow motion.
REW

Rewinds the videotape.
PLAY

Starts playing a loaded videocassette.
STOP

Stops a videocassette from playing, recording, pausing, rewinding - or anything it is doing.
GUIDE

Brings up an on-screen setup and programming guide, the Easy Graphic Menu.
TAPE SPEED

Switches between standard play (SP) and extended play (EP).
AVX

Used for recording from an auxiliary input such as a stereo system.
INDEX

Used for marking and searching for specific tape locations.
LAST CHANNEL (TO CONTROL TV)

Switches to the channel you watched previously during the current viewing session.
CHANNEL

Top button switches to the next higher channel, bottom button switches to the next lower channel. For
these to operate, you must have preset your channels.

REC
Starts recording on the station the VCR is set to. (Press REC and PLAY at the same time.)

F.FWD
Fast forwards the videotape.

PAUSE
Temporarily stops the cassette from recording or playing. Press PAUSE again (or PLAY) to resume.

F.ADV
Lets you advance the tape frame by frame.

CLEAR

18