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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