Hitachi VTMX-231A User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HITACHI

Video Deck

VT-MX231A Owner's Manual

Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording

Using these quality features:

n Bilingual on-screen menu display selectable in English or Spanish

nn n

n Infrared remote control

nn n

n Real time tape counter

nn n

n 181 channel capability PLL frequency synthesizer tuner with direct station call

nn n

n Digital Display

nn n

n Auto power on and off system

nn n

n Auto counter reset

nn n

n Auto rewind when the end of a tape is reached

nn n

n Direct Button Operation

nn n

n 2 Step Picture Search Operation

nn n

n Still (SLP)

nn n

n Digital Auto Tracking (DTR)

nn n

n Auto Repeat

nn n

n Rental Play Mode

nn n

n Three different tape speeds (SP/LP/SLP)

nn n

n IRT (Instant Recording Timer)

nn n

n 1 Year, 7 events (including Daily and Weekly Timer Recording)

nn n

n Auto Return

HITACHI HOME HITACHI SALES HITACHI (HSC) ELECTRONICS CORPORATION CANADA INC. (AMERICA), INC. OF HAWAII, INC. 6740 Campobello Road,

3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., 3219 Koapaka St. Mississauga, Ontario Norcross, Georgia 30093 Honolulu, HI 96819 L5N 2L8 Tel. 770-279-5600 Tel. 808-836-3621 Tel. 905-821-4545

QR30201 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................................4

PRECAUTIONS .........................................................................................................................................6

LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................6

POWER SUPPLY...................................................................................................................................6

AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE......................................................6

WARNING..............................................................................................................................................6

FEATURES.................................................................................................................................................8

VIDEO CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION............................................................................................9

PRECAUTIONS .....................................................................................................................................9

THREE DIFFERENT TAPE SPEEDS...................................................................................................9

INSERTING A CASSETTE...................................................................................................................9

REMOVING A CASSETTE...................................................................................................................9

ERASE PREVENTION..........................................................................................................................9

OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS.....................................................................................11

PREPARATION FOR USE......................................................................................................................13

ANTENNA/CABLE CONNECTIONS................................................................................................13

SETTING THE CH3/CH4 SWITCH....................................................................................................15

CONNECTING TO INPUT JACKS.....................................................................................................15

INPUT SELECT ...................................................................................................................................15

A/V TERMINALS................................................................................................................................15

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES........................................................................................................16

CHANNEL SET UP (Automatic).........................................................................................................16

TO SELECT A DESIRED CHANNEL................................................................................................ 18

CLOCK SET UP...................................................................................................................................18

TO CHANGE CLOCK SETTING........................................................................................................20

TO DELETE OR ADD CHANNELS...................................................................................................21

CHANNEL SET UP AGAIN................................................................................................................22

SELECTING THE LANGUAGE.........................................................................................................23

PLAYBACK .............................................................................................................................................24

NORMAL PLAYBACK.......................................................................................................................24

PICTURE SEARCH .............................................................................................................................24

STILL PICTURE ..................................................................................................................................24

NOISE CANCEL (in the Still mode)....................................................................................................25

VERTICAL HOLD CONTROL...........................................................................................................25

TRACKING ADJUSTMENT...............................................................................................................25

COUNTER MEMORY.........................................................................................................................25

TO EXIT THE COUNTER MEMORY................................................................................................26

AUTO REPEAT PLAYBACK.............................................................................................................26

TO EXIT THE AUTO REPEAT MODE..............................................................................................27

RENTAL PLAYBACK.........................................................................................................................27

TO EXIT THE RENTAL PLAY MODE..............................................................................................27

RECORDING............................................................................................................................................28

VIEWING AND RECORDING THE SAME PROGRAM..................................................................28

SKIPPING UNWANTED SCENES DURING RECORDING............................................................29

RECORDING ONE PROGRAM AND VIEWING ANOTHER .........................................................29

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF YOUR RECORDING.............................................................29

IRT (Instant Timer Recording) ............................................................................................................. 30

TIMER RECORDING..............................................................................................................................31

AUTOMATIC TIMER RECORDING.................................................................................................31

HINTS FOR TIMER RECORDING ....................................................................................................35

CORRECTING AN AUTOMATIC TIMER PROGRAM ...................................................................35

STOPPING A STARTED AN AUTOMATIC TIMER PROGRAM...................................................35

CANCELING OR CHECKING THE START/END TIME................................................................. 36

AUTO RETURN...................................................................................................................................36

WATCH THE RECORDED PROGRAM............................................................................................37

COPYING A VIDEO TAPE..................................................................................................................... 38

TO MONITOR THE RECORDING..................................................................................................... 38

ON SCREEN DISPLAY...........................................................................................................................39

DIGITAL DISPLAY.............................................................................................................................39

SPECIAL FEATURES .........................................................................................................................39

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...............................................................................................................40

MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................................41

SERVICING..........................................................................................................................................41

CABINET CLEANING........................................................................................................................41

HEAD CLEANING ..............................................................................................................................41

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................................42

CABLE CHANNEL DESIGNATIONS ...................................................................................................43

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE T HIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

THIS SYMBOL INDICATES THAT DANGEROUS VOLTAGE CONSTITUT ING A RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK IS PRESENT WITHIN THIS UNIT.

THIS SYMBOL INDICATES THAT THERE ARE IMPORTANT OPERAT ING AND MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE.

The caution marking is located on the rear of the cabinet.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

1. Read instructions-All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

2. Retain Instructions-The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings-All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions-All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. 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. EXCEPTION: A product that is meant for uninterrupted service and, that for some specific reason, such as the possibility of the loss of an authorization code for a CATV converter, is not intended to be unplugged by the user for cle aning or any other purpose, may excl ude the reference to unplugging the appliance in the cleaning desc ription othe rwise required in item 5.

6. Attachments-Do not use attachments not recommended by the video product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7. 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.

8. Accessories-Do not place this video product on an unstable cart, 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 appliance should follow the manufacturer's instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. 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.

9. Ventilation-Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the video product and to protect it from overheating, and these opening 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 not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.

10. 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 appliance dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

11. Grounding or Polarizatio n-This video pr oduct 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. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

12. 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.

13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding-If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the VCR, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides information with regard 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. (Fig. A)

Antenna ground diagram.

14. Lightning-For added pro tection for this VCR during a lightning st orm, or when it is left una ttended 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 VCR due to lightning and power-line surges.

15. 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 such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

16. Overloading-Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the video product.

17. Object and Liquid Entry-Neve r push objec ts of any kind into this video product through any 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.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

18. Servicing-Do not attempt to service t his VCR yourself as ope ni ng or removing covers may expose you to dange rous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

19. Damage Requiring Service-Unplug this VCR 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 VCR. c. If the VCR has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the VCR does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the VCR to its normal operation. e. If the VCR has been dropped or damaged in any way. f. When the VCR exhibits a distinct change in performance-this indicates a need for service.

20. Replacement Parts-When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

21. Safety Check-Upon completion of any service or repairs to this VCR, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the VCR is in proper operating condition.

22. Heat-This VCR should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

PRECAUTIONS

LOCATION

For safe operation and satisfactory performance of your VCR, keep the following in mind when selecting a place for its installation:

• Shield it from direct sunlight and keep it away from sources of intense heat.

• Avoid dusty or humid places.

• Avoid places with insufficient ventilation for proper heat dissipation. Do not block the ventilation holes on the sides of the VCR.

• Install unit in a horizontal position.

• Avoid locations subject to strong vibration.

• Do not place the VCR near strong magnetic fields.

• Avoid moving VCR to locations where temperature differences are extreme.

• Do not place the VCR directly on top of the TV.

POWER SUPPLY

• AC 120V, 60Hz ONLY

AVOID THE HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE

• Do not handle the power cord with wet hands.

• Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting it from AC wall outlet. Grasp it by the plug.

• If, by accident, water is spilled on your VCR, unplug the power cord immediately and take the unit to an Authorized Service Center for servicing.

• Do not put your fingers or objects into the VCR cassette holder.

• Do not place anything directly on top of the VCR.

WARNING

Moisture condensation may occur inside the unit when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place, or after heating a cold room or under conditions of high humidity. Do not use the VCR at least for 2 hours until its inside is dry.

FCC WARNING- This equipment may generate or use radio frequency energy. Changes or modifications to this equipment may cause harmful interference unless the modifications are expressly approved in the instruction manual. The user could lose the authority to operate this equipment if an unauthorized change or modification is made.

IMPORTANT COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Unauthorized recording or use of broadcast television programming, video tape, film or other copyrighted material may violate applicable copyright laws. We assume no responsibility for the unauthorized duplication, use or other acts which infringe upon the rights of copyright owners.

WARNING: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert plug.

The serial number of this product may be found on the back of the VCR. No others have the same serial number as yours. You should record the number and other vital information here and retain this book as a permanent record of your purchase to aid identification in case of theft. Serial numbers are not kept on file.

Date of Purchase Dealer Purchase from Dealer Address Dealer Phone No.

PRECAUTIONS

Model No. Serial No.

FEATURES

• Bilingual on-screen menu display selectable in English or Spanish

• Infrared remote control

• Real time tape counter- This shows the elapsed recording or playback time in hours, minutes, and seconds. (Does not

work in blank areas of the tape)

• 181 channel capability PLL frequency synthesizer tuner with direct station call- (A converter may be necessary to view scrambled cable channels.)

• Auto power on and off system- Automatically turns the VCR on as you insert the cassette, turns off after auto-rewind, and ejects when the beginning of the tape is reached.

• Auto counter reset- (when inserting a tape )

• Auto rewind when the end of a tape is reached- (Does not occur when using the timer recording).

• Direct Button Operation- When a tape is in the VCR and the power is off, just press PLAY, REW or F.FWD button on the

main unit and it will automatically turn on the VCR and perform the desired function. (Does not occur when using the timer recording).

• 2 Step Picture Search Operation- You can view a video program at a high speed or super high jspeed in either a forward or reverse direction in LP and SLP mode.

• Still- "Freeze" the picture at any time, for close viewing of a particular scene. Only tapes recorded in SLP mode will show a fairly clear picture.

• Digital Auto Tracking (DTR)- Adjusts the tracking automatically for each tape you play.

• Auto Repeat- Allows you to repeat a tape indefinitely without pressing the PLAY button.

• Rental Play Mode- Improves playback picture quality of worn tapes, especially rental tapes.

• Three different tape speeds: SP/LP/SLP

• IRT (Instant Recording Timer)- Instant timed recording from 30 to 480 minutes possible at the push of the REC/IRT

button.

• 1 Year, 7 events (including Daily and Weekly Timer Recording)- The built-in timer allows you to record up to 7 programs at different times up to 1 year in advance. The daily timer allows recordings to be made of daily broadcasts, and the weekly timer allows recording to be made once a week up to the end of the tape.

• Auto Return- After timer recording is finished, you can return to the beginning of the recording.

VIDEO CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION

This VCR will operate with any cassette that has the VHS mark. For best results, we recommend the use of high-quality tapes. Do not use poor quality or damaged tapes.

PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid moisture. Moisture condensation may occur on the tape if it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Before using a tape with these conditions, to avoid damage of the tape and your VCR, wait until the tape has warmed to room temperature and the moisture has evaporated.

• Avoid extreme heat, high humidity and magnetic fields.

• Do not tamper with the cassette mechanism.

• Do not touch the tape with your fingers.

THREE DIFFERENT TAPE SPEEDS

Before recording, select the tape speed from: SP mode (Standard Play), LP mode (Long Play) or SLP mode (Super Long Play). The table below shows the maximum recording/playback time using T60, T120, or T160 tapes in each mode.

Tape Speed Recording/Playback Time Type of tape T60 T120 T160

SP mode 1 hour 2 hours 2-2/3 hours LP mode 2 hours 4 hours 5-1/3 hours SLP mode 3 hours 6 hours 8 hour s

INSERTING A CASSETTE

Insert the cassette in the direction as shown. Push in gently, but continuously, on the center-back of the cassette until it is drawn into the VCR. The VCR will automatically turn on.

REMOVING A CASSETTE

1) In the Stop mode, press STOP/EJECT b utton on the VCR. The cassette will eject.

2) Pull the cassette out of the cassette compartment.

3) Store the cassette in the case as shown.

ERASE PREVENTION

VIDEO CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION

• You can prevent accidental erasing of recording by breaking off the tab on the back edge of the cassette. If you decide to record on the tape again, cover the hole with plastic

tape.

OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

NOTES:

• Some controls are located on both the VCR and on the remote control, some are only located on one, some controls operate certain functions only in one location. See each description for details.

• We do not recommend the use f universal remote controls. Not all of the functions may be controlled with a universal remote control. If you decide to use a universal remote control with this unit, please be aware that the code number given may not operate this unit. In this case, please call the manufacturer of the universal remote control.

click for image of the FRONT VIEW of VCR click for image of –REMOTE CONTROL VIEW–

1. Cassette Compartment

2. STOP button- Press to stop the tape motion.

EJECT button- Press to remove a tape from the VCR.

button- Press to enter digits when setting program (for example: setting clock or timer program). Press to select setting

modes from on screen menu. (only on the remote control)

3. REW button- Press to rewind the tape, or to view the picture rapidly in reverse during the playback mode. (Rewind Search)

button- Press to cancel a setting of timer program. Press to correct digits when setting program (For example: setting

clock or timer program). Press to add or delete channel numbers during channel preset. (only on the remote control)

4. PLAY button- Press to begin playback.

button- Press to enter digits when setting program (for example: setting clock or timer program). Press to select setting

modes from on screen menu. (only on the remote control)

5. F.FWD button- Press to rapidly advance the tape, or view the picture rapidly in forward during playback. (Forward Search)

button- When setting program (for example: setting clock or timer program), press to determine your selection and

proceed to a next step you want to input. Press to determine setting modes from on screen menu. Press to add or delete channel numbers during channel preset. (only on the r emote control)

6. PAUSE button- Press to temporarily stop the tape during recording or to view a still picture during playback. (only on the remote control)

7. POWER button- Press to turn VCR on and off. Press to activate timer recording.

8. VCR/TV button- Press to select TV or VCR mode. (only on the remote control)

VCR position: to view playback, to monitor video recordings or watch TV using the VCR tuner. TV position: to watch TV or to view one program while recording another.

click for image of –REAR VIEW–

9. Remote sensor window- Receives the infrared signals from the remote control.

10. Digital display- See page 26.

11. SPEED button- Press to choose the desired recording speed: SP/LP/SLP. (only on the remote control)

12. CHANNEL (CH) TRACKING function- Press to minimize video 'noise' (lines or dots on screen) during playback. (only on the VCR)

Press to stabilize the picture in the Still mode when the picture begins to vibrate vertically.

13. REC button- Press to begin manual recor ding. IRT button- Press to activate Instant Recording Timer. (only on the VCR)

14. NUMBER buttons- Press to select desired channels for viewing or recording. To select channels from 1 to 9, first press

"0" button then 1 to 9. (only on the remote control) + 100 button- When selecting cable channels which are higher 99, press this button first, then press the last two digits. (To select channel 125, first press "+100" button then press "2" and "5"). (only on the remote control)

15. MENU button- Press to display the main menu on the TV screen. Press to exit the menus on the TV screen. (only on the remote control)

16. DISPLAY button- Press to display the counter or the current channel number and current time on the TV screen. (only on the remote control)

/ buttons- Press to select desired channels for viewing or recording.

OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

17. RENTAL SELECTOR button- Press to set the Rental Play mode on and off during playback. (only on the remote control)

18. AUTO REPEAT button- Press to repeat playback automatically. (only on the remote control)

19. CLOCK/COUNTER button- Press to display or alternate between clock and counter on the TV screen. (only on the

remote control)

20. COUNTER MEMORY button- Press to set counter memory on and off. (only on the remote control)

21. COUNTER RESET button- Press to reset counter to 0:00:00. (only on the remote control)

22. Power cord- Connect to a standard AC outlet (120V/60Hz).

23. AUDIO OUT jack- Connect to the audio input jack of your audio equipment or another VCR.

24. AUDIO IN jack- Connect to the audio output jack of your audio equipment or another VCR.

25. ANT. IN terminal- Connect to an antenna, Cable system or Satellite system.

26. VIDEO OUT jack- Connect to a video input jack of your video camera or another VCR.

27. VIDEO IN jack- Connect to a video output jack of your video camera or another VCR.

28. CH3/CH4 selector switch- Use to select a video output channel (3 or 4) for playback from the VCR.

29. ANT. OUT terminal- Connect to an antenna input terminal of your TV.

PREPARATION FOR USE

ANTENNA/CABLE CONNECTIONS

For some of the most common types of connections, please follow the drawings below. Use only one connection. For any further complex connections, please contact your local dealer or other qualified persons. (You may need additional accessories which are not supplied).

1 Disconnect the antenna or cable from your TV. 2 Connect the antenna or cable to the ANT.IN jack of your VCR. 3 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to the ANT.OUT (Bottom jack) of your VCR. 4 Connect the other end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to the UHF/VHF antenna jack of your TV.

Fig. 1: Indoor Antenna

click for image of indoor antenna hookup You can record one channel while viewing another. The same goes for Automatic Timer Recording and IRT. For details,

please refer to "Recording" on page 20.

Note: The connection of an indoor antenna with a VCR may not always give acceptable TV reception.

Fig. 2: VHF/UHF Combination Antenna or Cable from the Cable Company

click for image of VHF/UHF combination hookup You can record one channel while viewing another. The same goes for Automatic Timer Recording and IRT. For details,

please refer to "Recording" on page 20. Continued on next page.

Fig. 3: VHF/UHF Separate Antenna

click for image of VHF/UHF separate antenna hookup You can record one channel while viewing another. The same goes for Automatic Timer Recording and IRT. For details,

please refer to "Recording" on page 20.

Fig. 4: Cable Box and Satellite Box

click for image of Cable and Satellite box hookup You can ONLY

for Automatic Timer Recording and IRT.

record and view the SAME channel when using this connection. There are no exceptions. The same goes

Note: Channel memory programming is NOT needed when using thi s connection.

RECORDING HINT

1) VCR power and the "VCR" indicator must be on.

2) Turn on the TV and Box.

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