Instruction Manual 
1HITACHI 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  VM-1700A / VM-2700A 
 
       Video Camera/Recorder 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. 
INC. 
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 
Pointe Claire, 
Tel. 404-279-5600   
 
 
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC. 
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 
Tel. 808-836-3621 
P QR10512 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 
KS-F(N) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA 
3300 Trans Canada Hwy., 
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA 
Tel. 514-697-9150 
 
 
Printed in Japan 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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WARNINGS ...........................................................................................................................................4 
PRECAUTIONS .....................................................................................................................................6 
PRECAUTIONS........................................................................................................................................6 
FEATURES................................................................................................................................................7 
ACCESSORIES........................................................................................................................................7 
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..............................................................................................................8 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ..................................12 
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER ............................................................................................................14 
POWER SOURCES..............................................................................................................................16 
 WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) .........................................................................16 
 WHEN USING WITH THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER (Provided).............................................16 
 WHEN USING WITH THE CAR BATTERY (By using optional car battery cord Hitachi VM-
CC70A).....................................................................................................................................................17 
CHECKING THE BATTERY..............................................................................................................18 
CHARGING A BATTERY ..................................................................................................................19 
MAKING A SAMPLE RECORDING .................................................................................................21 
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS .................................................................25 
DATE/TIME Setting.............................................................................................................................30 
 To correct date/time information after starting the date/time.......................................................31 
 To correct date/time information during programming .................................................................31 
AUTOMATIC DATE RECORDING...................................................................................................32 
AUTO FOCUS......................................................................................................................................33 
 The auto focus will not work under the following conditions. ......................................................33 
POWER ZOOM ....................................................................................................................................35 
MACRO ................................................................................................................................................36 
PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure).........................................................................................................37 
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING ..........................................................................................................38 
QUICK EDIT (Edit Search)..................................................................................................................39 
INSTANT REVIEW .............................................................................................................................40 
DISPLAY BUTTON.............................................................................................................................41 
LINEAR TIME COUNTER..................................................................................................................42 
REMAINING TAPE.............................................................................................................................43 
TITLE RECORDING ...........................................................................................................................44 
 Creating a title.....................................................................................................................................45 
 Correcting errors during title storage...............................................................................................46 
 Recording titles on a tape in the camera/recorder........................................................................46 
Recording titles on another VCR while playing a tape back with the camcorder......................47 
 Chart of characters available in the titler ........................................................................................47 
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV ............................................................48 
STILL....................................................................................................................................................50 
FORWARD AND REVERSE SEARCH..............................................................................................51 
MEMORY.............................................................................................................................................52 
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CAMERA/RECORDER TO VCR DUBBING ....................................................................................53 
AUTOMATIC REWIND......................................................................................................................54 
FLYING ERASE HEAD (only for VM-2700A) ..................................................................................55 
USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (only for VM-2700A) ....................................................56 
To replace the lamp of camera light ....................................................................................................58 
EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT.................................................................................................................59 
HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP .................................................................................60 
TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................................61 
 CLEANING THE INSIDE OF THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER..............................................63 
HEAD CLEANING ..............................................................................................................................64 
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................65 
SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................................................................................................66 
HOTLINE..............................................................................................................................................67 
ACCESSORY TO ADD MORE EXCITEMENT ................................................................................68 
 
 
 
 
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WARNINGS 
WARNINGS   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE 
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 
 
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 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 
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WARNINGS 
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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you for choosing the 
convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your 
camera/recorder. 
 video camera/recorder. For maximum pleasure and 
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 camera/recorder. 
 When you are not using the camera/recorder, 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 camera/recorder 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 it in a place where the temperature exceeds 120º F (49º 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 leave the viewfinder lens facing sunlight for a prolonged period, or the 
phosphorescent surface of the cathode ray tube may be damaged. 
 
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PRECAUTIONS 
FEATURES 
 High Quality picture technology 
• 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 (Only for VM-2700A) 
• Built-in camera light (Only for VM-2700A) 
• Time and date 
• Titler 
• Index signal 
 cassette 
 This video camera/recorder with this marking incorporates 
* 
quality picture technology and is compatible with any video cassette recorder 
bearing the 
 mark. 
 high-
ACCESSORIES 
Check to make sure you have the following components and accessories (besides the 
camera/recorder unit itself) before disposing of the packing material. 
1. DC cord 
2. Lead-acid Rechargeable Battery 
3. AC Adaptor/Charger 
4. Shoulder strap 
 
 
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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 Camera/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 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 
 
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