DZ-HS403/DZ-HS401(W)/(P)
DZ-HS403
DZ-HS401
Instruction manual
To obtain the best performance and ensure years of
trouble-free use, please read this entire instruction
manual.
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Important Information
For Your Safety
The power switch turns the DVD video camera/recorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the
camera/recorder is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn it off.
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, USE THE
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
BE SURE TO USE THE SPECIFIED AC ADAPTER/
CHARGER (DZ-ACS3).
Identifications of caution marks
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 to avoid any
problems.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION
This product contains a laser diode of higher
class than 1. To ensure continued safety, do
not remove any covers or attempt to gain
access to the inside of the product. Refer all
servicing to qualified personnel.
The DVD video camera/recorder and AC
adapter/charger have the following caution
marks.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Precautions
WARNING: Many television programs and films
are copyrighted. In certain circumstances, copy-
right law may apply to private in-home
videotaping of copyrighted materials.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
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
appear as colored bright dots. This does not
indicate a fault as the LCD panel stretches the
limits of current technology.
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Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows® Me, Windows® 2000 Professional, and Windows® XP are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows Vista™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel®, Pentium® Processor, and Celeron® Processor are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Intel® Core is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Macintosh is a trademark of Apple, Inc.
IBM® and PC/AT® are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Other company names and product names listed are trademarks or brand names belonging to each
individual company.
SD logo is a trademark.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 DVD video camera/
recorder and accessory equipment.
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9 Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
10 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
11 Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
12 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
13 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
14 The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and that no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
15 The equipment (AC Adapter/Charger) shall be
used near the socket-outlet and shall be easily
accessible.
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Cautions on HDD
Save the data recorded on HDD:
• To back up the data recorded on HDD, save it on a DVD. It is also recommended that you use this
DVD video camera/recorder to dub the data. You can also use a PC to save the data on a DVD.
It is recommended that you periodically save your recordings.
Do not subject the DVD video camera/recorder to any vibrations or impact:
This could result in the HDD not being recognized or recording, playback or dubbing to become
impossible.
Do not subject this DVD video camera/recorder to any vibrations or impact especially during
recording, playback or dubbing, or while the ACCESS/PC indicator is lit or blinking.
If vibrations to this DVD video camera/recorder are repeated, or the drop status of DVD video
camera/recorder is detected (see page 69), recording, playback or dubbing will stop to protect the
HDD in this DVD video camera/recorder.
Carefully check the temperature of this DVD video camera/recorder:
If the temperature of this DVD video camera/recorder is too high or too low, normal recording or
playback may not be possible.
If the power switch is set to “HDD” with the temperature of this DVD video camera/recorder too
high or too low, message “The temperature of HDD is outside the operating temperature range.
Turn off power.” may appear to protect the HDD. Even if this happens, setting the power switch to
“DVD” may allow you to use the DVD video camera/recorder with a DVD, so it is recommended
that you carry a spare DVD even if you intend to record on the HDD.
This DVD video camera/recorder cannot be used at high altitude:
Note that the DVD video camera/recorder cannot be used in a place where the atmospheric
pressure is low, such as 3,000 meters or more above sea-level.
Do not place this DVD video camera/recorder near a magnet or magnetic field:
If you so, recording, playback or dubbing may not be possible.
Please note in advance that Hitachi will not accept any liability or make compensation for loss
of data, or direct or indirect damage when recording or playback is not performed normally
due to a fault in this DVD video camera/recorder. This also applies to repairs on this DVD
video camera/recorder (including repair of components other than HDD).
Cautions When Using
Hitachi cannot compensate for any damages caused when recording is not made normally or
recorded contents cannot be played back because of a defect in the DVD video camera/
recorder, disc or card. Also, Hitachi cannot be responsible for your recorded video and audio.
If you or a third party make a mistake when handling this DVD video camera/recorder, disc,
card, etc., the recorded contents may be lost. We cannot be responsible for compensation for
damage due to loss of recorded contents.
Handle the liquid crystal display (LCD) with care:
The LCD is a very delicate display device: Do not press its surface with force, hit it or prick it with
a sharp object.
If you push the LCD surface, unevenness in display may occur. If unevenness does not disappear
soon, turn the DVD video camera/recorder off, wait for a few moments, and then turn it on again.
Do not place the DVD video camera/recorder with the open LCD screen down.
Close the LCD monitor when not using the DVD video camera/recorder.
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Liquid crystal display (LCD) and viewfinder:
The LCD screen and viewfinder are the products of highly precise technology. Among the total
number of pixels (approx. 120,000 pixels for LCD monitor and equivalent to approx. 200,000 pixels
for viewfinder), 0.01% or less pixels may be missing (black dots) or may remain lit as colored dots
(red, blue, green). This shows the limitations of the current technology, and does not indicate a
fault that will interfere with recording.
The LCD screen and viewfinder will be slightly dimmer than usual when the DVD video camera/
recorder is at low temperature, as in cold areas, or immediately after power is turned on. Normal
brightness will be restored when the temperature inside the DVD video camera/recorder rises.
Hold the DVD video camera/recorder correctly:
Do not hold the viewfinder or LCD monitor when lifting the DVD video camera/recorder: The
viewfinder or LCD monitor could detach and the DVD video camera/recorder may fall.
Do not subject the DVD video camera/recorder to impact:
This DVD video camera/recorder is a precision machine. Take great care that you do not strike it
against a hard object or let it fall.
When using a tripod, firmly secure the DVD video camera/recorder on it. Do not use the DVD
video camera/recorder with a tripod in a place where it is subject to severe vibrations or impact.
No sand or dust!
Fine sand or dust entering the DVD video camera/recorder or AC adapter/charger could cause
malfunctions or defects.
No water or oil!
Water or oil entering the DVD video camera/recorder or AC adapter/charger could cause electric
shock, malfunctions or defects.
Heat on surface of product:
The surfaces of the DVD video camera/recorder, AC adapter/charger and battery will be slightly
warm, but this does not indicate a fault.
Screen on connected TV:
Never leave the Disc Navigation screen, still image or camera image displayed on your TV to
which the DVD video camera/recorder is connected: Doing so could result in displayed image
retention or phosphor degradation of TV screen.
Be careful of ambient temperature:
If the temperature of this DVD video camera/recorder is too high or too low, normal recording/
playback may not be possible.
Take care that the temperature of this DVD video camera/recorder, when connected to PC does
not rise excessively (reference for usage: approx. 30 minutes at about 86ºF (30ºC).
Do not leave the DVD video camera/recorder on beach sand or in a closed vehicle where the
temperature is very high for a long time: This could cause malfunctions.
Do not point directly at the sun:
If direct sunlight strikes the lens or viewfinder, the DVD video camera/recorder could malfunction
Do not leave the DVD video camera/recorder with the LCD screen exposed to direct sunlight: This
or a fire could occur.
could cause malfunctions.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near TV or radio:
This could cause noise to appear on the TV screen or in radio broadcasts.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near strong radio waves or magnetism:
If the DVD video camera/recorder is used near strong radio waves or magnetism, such as a radio
wave tower or electric appliances, recording or playback may stop, or noise could enter the video
and audio that are being recorded. During playback of normally recorded video and audio, noise
may also be present in picture and sound.
At worst the DVD video camera/recorder could malfunction.
Do not expose the DVD video camera/recorder to soot or steam:
Thick soot or steam could damage the DVD video camera/recorder case or cause malfunctions.
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Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near corrosive gas:
If the DVD video camera/recorder is used in a place where there is dense exhaust gas generated
by gasoline or diesel engine, corrosive gas such as hydrogen sulfide, or sulfur such as in a hot
spring area, the external or internal terminals could corrode, which would disable normal
operation, or the battery connecting terminals could corrode, so power will not turn on.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near ultrasonic humidifier:
With some water in humidifier, calcium and other chemicals dissolved in water could scatter in the
air, and white particles could adhere to the optical head of the DVD video camera/recorder, which
could cause it to operate abnormally.
Do not expose the DVD video camera/recorder to insecticide:
Insecticide entering the DVD video camera/recorder could dirty the lens in laser pickup block for
DVD, and in such a case the DVD video camera/recorder might not operate normally. Turn the
DVD video camera/recorder off and cover it with vinyl sheet, etc. before using insecticide.
Do not use a generally available 8 cm CD lens cleaner:
Cleaning the DVD lens is not necessary when using this DVD video camera/recorder in the usual
way.
Using 8 cm CD lens cleaner could cause this DVD video camera/recorder to be faulty.
If you have to clean the lens, use a Hitachi Maxell cleaner that is exclusively for 8 cm DVD discs.
Be careful of moisture condensation:
When you move the DVD video camera/recorder between places where the difference in
temperatures is great – such as entering a lodge from a ski slope or going out of a cooled room or
vehicle – condensation (vapor in air warmed or cooled to water droplets) could occur on the lens
and/or inside the DVD video camera/recorder. If condensation occurs, do not open the cover of
disc or card insertion block if possible. If condensation occurs on the lens, wipe it off with a soft,
dry cloth. Even if the external surface of DVD video camera/recorder has dried, condensation may
remain inside: Turn the DVD video camera/recorder off and leave it in a dry place for at least 1 – 2
hours before using it again.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder for a long uninterrupted period of time:
This DVD video camera/recorder cannot be used for a long time continuously as a surveillance
camera/monitor. If you use it for a long continuous period of time, the temperature of DVD video
camera/recorder could exceed the limit and the recording/playback operation may slow down or
other faults could occur. If this happens, turn it off and wait for a while before using it again.
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Do not turn the DVD video camera/recorder off while the ACCESS/PC indicator or
CARD ACCESS indicator is lit or blinking:
The ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit or
blinking to show that data is being written to disc or card,
or being read from it. At this time, do not do any of the
following, so as not to damage the data:
− Remove battery
− Disconnect AC adapter/charger
− Plug or unplug PC connection cable
− Remove disc or card
− Subject DVD video camera/recorder to severe
ACCESS/PC
indicator
vibrations or impact
− Violently open or close the LCD monitor
The ACCESS/PC indicator will light for a while after
recording is finished. While it is lit, do not subject the DVD
video camera/recorder to any vibration or impact, and do
not disconnect the battery or AC adapter/charger.
If, when using HDD/DVD, you turn the DVD video
camera/recorder off while the ACCESS/PC indicator is lit
or blinking, turn it on again: When using a DVD, turn it on
with the DVD loaded. The HDD/DVD will be restored (see page 142).
Do not wipe the DVD video camera/recorder case with benzene or thinner:
The coating of case could peel off or the case surface could deteriorate.
When using a chemical cleaning cloth, follow the instructions.
Also read the instructions attached with optional accessories:
For optional accessories, observe the cautions and follow instruction manuals attached.
The battery provided has not been charged at time of purchase:
Charge it before using the DVD video camera/recorder (see page 29).
The battery will discharge as time passes. (The battery is produced so that it discharges on its own
CARD ACCESS indicator
in order to protect its characteristics.)
Disc cannot be inserted or removed unless a charged battery or AC adapter/
charger is connected to the DVD video camera/recorder.
Be sure to set the power switch to “OFF” when turning the DVD video camera/
recorder off:
Disconnecting the battery or AC adapter/charger while the DVD video camera/recorder is being
powered could cause a fault.
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