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Instruction Manual
VM-1800A / VM-2800A / VM-3800A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
INC.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Pointe Claire,
Tel. 404-279-5600
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA
3300 Trans Canada Hwy.,
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC.
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
Thank you for choosing the
convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your camcorder.
video camcorder. For maximum pleasure and
CAUTIONS.................................................................................................................................................3
PRECAUTIONS .........................................................................................................................................5
FEATURES............................................................................................................................................5
ACCESSORIES....................................................................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ......................................10
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER ................................................................................................................11
POWER SOURCES..................................................................................................................................12
WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) .....................................................................12
WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER (Provided).........................................13
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WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-
CC70A).................................................................................................................................................13
CHECKING THE BATTERY..................................................................................................................14
CHARGING A BATTERY ......................................................................................................................15
MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING .....................................................................................................16
AUTOMATIC REWIND..........................................................................................................................19
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS .....................................................................19
DATE/TIME SETTING............................................................................................................................24
To correct date/time information after starting the date/time...................................................26
To correct date/time information during programming .............................................................26
AUTOMATIC DATE RECORDING....................................................................................................... 26
PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure).............................................................................................................27
AUTO FOCUS..........................................................................................................................................27
The auto focus will not work under the following conditions. ..................................................28
MANUAL FOCUS (Only for VM-3800A) ..............................................................................................28
POWER ZOOM ........................................................................................................................................29
DIGITAL ZOOM......................................................................................................................................29
X100 digital zoom (only for VM-3800A)......................................................................................30
INSTANT ZOOM (Only for VM-3800A)................................................................................................31
16:9 MODE (Only for VM-3800A)..........................................................................................................31
MACRO ....................................................................................................................................................32
FADE IN / FADE OUT ............................................................................................................................32
Fading In ..............................................................................................................................................33
Fading Out...........................................................................................................................................33
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING ..............................................................................................................34
QUICK EDIT (Edit Search)......................................................................................................................34
INSTANT REVIEW .................................................................................................................................35
TAPE COUNTER.....................................................................................................................................35
DISPLAY BUTTON.................................................................................................................................36
REMAINING TAPE.................................................................................................................................36
TITLE RECORDING ...............................................................................................................................37
Creating a title.................................................................................................................................37
Correcting errors during title storage...........................................................................................38
Recording titles on a tape in the camcorder ..............................................................................39
Recording titles on another VCR while playing a tape back with the camcorder..................39
Chart of characters available in the titler ....................................................................................39
USING THE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL (Only for VM-3800A)...............................................40
Loading Battery...................................................................................................................................40
Remote Controllable Range .............................................................................................................41
CONTROLLING YOUR TV WITH THE CAMCORDER'S REMOTE CONTROL (Only for VM-
3800A).......................................................................................................................................................42
Programming the Remote Control...................................................................................................42
Controlling the TV...............................................................................................................................43
RECORDING TV PROGRAMS ..............................................................................................................43
AUDIO DUBBING...................................................................................................................................44
AUDIO AND VIDEO DUBBING............................................................................................................46
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV ................................................................48
STILL........................................................................................................................................................50
FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH..................................................................................................50
MEMORY.................................................................................................................................................51
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CAUTIONS
CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING.......................................................................................................51
FLYING ERASE HEAD ..........................................................................................................................52
ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER LENS.............................................52
USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (For VM-2800A/3800A)....................................................53
To replace the lamp of camera light ................................................................................................54
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT.....................................................................................................................55
VIEWFINDER BRIGHT, COLOR AND TINT CONTROLS (For VM-2800A/3800A)........................55
HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP .....................................................................................56
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................56
CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER.....................................................58
For VM-1800A.................................................................................................................................58
For VM-2800A/3800A ....................................................................................................................58
HEAD CLEANING ..................................................................................................................................59
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................59
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................59
HOTLINE..................................................................................................................................................60
ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ....................................................................................61
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) .........................................................................................63
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY....................................................................64
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) ................................................................................65
CAUTIONS
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.
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CAUTIONS
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
"This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio emissions from digital
apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled " Digital
Apparatus", ICES-003 of the Department of Communications."
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.
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.
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PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS
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
deg. F (60 deg. C), or the pickup device may be damaged.
Dangerous includes:
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. (for VM-2800A/VM-3800A)
FEATURES
High Quality picture technology
Digital zoom up to X24
Digital zoom up to X100 (only for VM-3800A)
Solid-state camera pickup
Auto focus power zoom lens with macro feature
Full record and playback capability with standard
Program AE (Auto Exposure)
Fade in / fade out
Color electronic viewfinder (EVF) (for VM-2800A/ VM-3800A)
Flying erase head
Time and date
Titler
Index signal
Audio / video dub
Audio dub
Built-in camera light (for VM-2800A/VM-3800A)
cassette
Differences between Models VM-1800A/2800A/3800A)
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
This instruction manual shows the illustrations for the VM-3800A.
high-quality
This video camcorder with this marking incorporates
*
picture technology and is compatible with any video cassette recorder bearing
the
mark.
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
VM-BP66 for VM-1800A/VM-2800A
VM-BP67 for VM-3800A
2. AC adaptor/charger
3. Shoulder strap
4. DC cord
5. Audio/video cable (only for VM-3800A)
6. Remote control (only for VM-3800A)
7. Remote control battery (only for VM-3800A)
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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.
INSTALLATION
1 Read and Follow Instructions -- All the safety and operating instructions should be
read before the video product is operated. Follow all operating and use instructions.
2 Retain Instruction -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the
operating instructions.
4 Polarized Plug -- This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current
line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully
into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. To prevent electric shock do not use this
polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can
be fully inserted without blade exposure. If you need an extension, use a polarized
cord.
5 Power Sources -- This video product should be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to
your home, consult your video dealer or local power company. For video products
intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
6 Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in
a risk of fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets and extension cords are
dangerous, and so are frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and
broken plugs. They may result in 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
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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. 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-
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