TABLE OF CONTENTS
HITACHI
Instruction Manual
Video Camcorder
VM-8400LA
HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS
(AMERICA), INC.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8
Tel. 770-279-5600
Tel. 905-821-4545
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
6740 Campobello Road
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.
video camcorder. For maximum pleasure and convenience please read these simple
QR19391 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1998
Printed in Japan KY-F(N)
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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
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PRECAUTIONS
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.
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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,
copyright law may apply to private in-home videotaping of copyrighted materials.
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 140”F (60”C),
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
Auto focus power zoom lens with macro feature
Full record and playback capability with standard
Program AE (Auto Exposure)
Flying erase head
Time and date
High Quality picture technology
cassette
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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
*
technology and is compatible with any video cassette recorder bearing the
high-quality picture
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
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your
video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your
responsibility too.
This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of
a Video Camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your
video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
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.
INSTALLATION
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
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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
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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
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