TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 1HITACHI 
Instruction Manual 
 
8mm Video Camcorder 
VM-E54A 
 
Hitachi Home Electronics (America),   
Inc. 
 
 
Claire, 
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 
Tel. 404-279-5600   
 
 
 
 
 
 
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA, INC. 
3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe 
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA 
 
Tel. 514-697-9150 
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF 
HAWAII, INC 
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 
Tel. 808-836-3621 
Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best 8 mm video 
camera/recorder for you, and we want to help you make the most of your purchase.  
Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy 
for feature reference. 
QR10351 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 
 
 
 
 
Printed in Japan KS-S(N) 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................2 
For Your Safety...........................................................................................................................................5 
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................................7 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ......................................11 
Read This First ..........................................................................................................................................12 
Before You Begin......................................................................................................................................13 
Features...............................................................................................................................................13 
Components and Accessories..........................................................................................................14 
Optional RF Output Adapter .............................................................................................................14 
Moisture................................................................................................................................................15 
Attaching the Shoulder Strap............................................................................................................15 
Getting Started...........................................................................................................................................16 
Charging the Battery ..........................................................................................................................16 
Additional Information ........................................................................................................................17 
Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder .................................................................................................18 
Eyepiece Adjustment .........................................................................................................................19 
Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens ...................................................................19 
Loading Batteries................................................................................................................................20 
Remote Control Battery.....................................................................................................................20 
Camera/Recorder Battery .................................................................................................................20 
Removing the Battery ........................................................................................................................21 
Checking the Battery's Charge.........................................................................................................21 
Using Alternative Power Sources ....................................................................................................21 
Using the AC Adapter/Charger.........................................................................................................21 
Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries.....................................................................................................22 
Using a Car Battery............................................................................................................................23 
Inserting and Removing Cassettes..................................................................................................23 
Inserting a Cassette ...........................................................................................................................23 
Removing a Cassette.........................................................................................................................24 
Protecting Recorded Material...........................................................................................................24 
Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light .......................................................................................24 
Removing the DC Camera Light ......................................................................................................25 
Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb .............................................................................................25 
Using Memory .....................................................................................................................................26 
Setting the Date and Time ................................................................................................................26 
Correcting the Date and Time ..........................................................................................................27 
Automatic Date Recording ................................................................................................................27 
Using the Linear Time Counter ........................................................................................................28 
Remaining Tape .................................................................................................................................28 
Using the Display Button...................................................................................................................30 
Identifying Controls.............................................................................................................................30 
Basic Techniques.......................................................................................................................................34 
Making a Basic Recording ................................................................................................................34 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Playing Back Your Recording...........................................................................................................35 
Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached..........................................................................35 
Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks.....................................................36 
Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks ...............................................36 
Simple Playback (Using the Electronic Viewfinder) ......................................................................36 
Using Still .............................................................................................................................................36 
Using Forward and Reverse Search ...............................................................................................37 
Advanced Techniques ...............................................................................................................................38 
Using the Power Zoom ......................................................................................................................38 
Using the Digital Zoom ......................................................................................................................38 
Using the INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button..............................................................................39 
Using Auto Focus ...............................................................................................................................39 
Using Instant Review .........................................................................................................................40 
Using Quick Edit .................................................................................................................................41 
Using Macro ........................................................................................................................................41 
Creating and Recording Titles..........................................................................................................41 
Creating a Title....................................................................................................................................42 
Correcting Errors ................................................................................................................................42 
Recording Title on a Tape in the Camera/Recorder.....................................................................43 
Recording a Title while Transferring a Tape ..................................................................................43 
Using the Wireless Remote Control ................................................................................................43 
Dubbing from the Camera/Recorder to a VCR..............................................................................44 
Using Synchro Edit.............................................................................................................................44 
Controlling Your TV with the Camera/Recorder's Remote Control ............................................45 
Programming the Remote Control...................................................................................................46 
Controlling the TV...............................................................................................................................46 
Using Audio/Video Dubbing..............................................................................................................47 
Recording Television Programs.......................................................................................................48 
General Maintenance.................................................................................................................................49 
Cleaning the Camera/Recorder Heads...........................................................................................49 
Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder .............................................49 
Periodic Maintenance ........................................................................................................................49 
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................50 
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................53 
Accessories Add Excitement.....................................................................................................................55 
To Order in the United States...........................................................................................................55 
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Front).........................................................................................56 
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) .........................................................................................58 
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY....................................................................60 
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) ................................................................................62 
 
 
 
 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
4
For Your Safety 
For Your Safety 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The CAMERA/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camera/recorder on and off, leaving the 
date/time feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, 
turn the camera/recorder off and attach the lens cap. 
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO 
RAIN OR MOISTURE. 
Illustrated below is the label on the bottom of your unit. 
 
This symbol warms the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have 
sufficient magnitude to cause electrical 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. 
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN. 
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. 
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. 
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF 
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, AND FULLY INSERT PLUG. 
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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For Your Safety 
"This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise 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 of Class B digital 
device, pursuant of 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 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 manufacture 
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. 
"Note to CATV system installer: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system 
installer's attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper 
grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the 
grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical". 
Notes: 
 This unit uses 8mm video format cassettes. 
 It records and plays back in the SP mode (14.3 mm/sec). 
 It cannot record and play back in the LP mode (7.2 mm/sec). 
 
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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 
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 
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 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. 
11 A  An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.  Quick stops, 
 
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