For Your Safety
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-E110A/310A
Hitachi Home Electronics (America),
Inc.
Claire,
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093
Tel. 404-279-5600
Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA, INC.
3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe
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 camcorder
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.
QR12521 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1995
Printed in Japan KG-M(N)
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For Your Safety
TABLE OF CONTENTS
For Your Safety...........................................................................................................................................4
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ........................................9
Read This First ..........................................................................................................................................11
Before You Begin......................................................................................................................................11
Features...............................................................................................................................................12
Components and Accessories..........................................................................................................12
Optional RF Adapter ..........................................................................................................................14
MOISTURE..........................................................................................................................................14
Attaching the Shoulder Strap (The shoulder strap is not supplied with VM-E110A) ...............14
Viewfinder Bright, Color and Tint Control (only for VM-E310A)..................................................15
Getting Started...........................................................................................................................................15
Charging the Battery ..........................................................................................................................15
Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder .................................................................................................17
Eyepiece Adjustment .........................................................................................................................18
Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens ...................................................................18
Loading Batteries................................................................................................................................19
Date/Title Battery................................................................................................................................19
Remote Control Battery.....................................................................................................................19
Camcorder Batteries ..........................................................................................................................20
Removing the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................21
Checking the Battery's Charge.........................................................................................................21
Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries.....................................................................................................22
Using Alternative Power Sources ....................................................................................................24
Using the AC Adapter/Charger.........................................................................................................24
Using a Car Battery............................................................................................................................24
Inserting and Removing Cassettes..................................................................................................25
Inserting a Cassette ...........................................................................................................................25
Removing a Cassette.........................................................................................................................25
Protecting Recorded Material...........................................................................................................26
Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light .......................................................................................26
Removing the DC Camera Light ......................................................................................................27
Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb .............................................................................................27
Using Memory (The remote control is optional for VM-E110A) ..................................................29
Setting the Date and Time ................................................................................................................29
Correcting the Date and Time ..........................................................................................................31
Automatic Date Recording ................................................................................................................31
Automatic Title Recording.................................................................................................................31
Using the Linear Time Counter ........................................................................................................32
Using the Display Button (The remote control is optional for VM-E110A) ................................32
Date Search.........................................................................................................................................33
Remaining Tape .................................................................................................................................33
Getting Started - Identifying Controls.......................................................................................................34
Basic Techniques.......................................................................................................................................37
Making a Basic Recording ................................................................................................................38
Playing Back Your Recording...........................................................................................................39
Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks.....................................................39
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For Your Safety
Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks ...............................................39
Simple Playback (Using the Electronic Viewfinder) ......................................................................40
Using Still .............................................................................................................................................40
Using Forward and Reverse Search ...............................................................................................40
Advanced Techniques ...............................................................................................................................42
Using the Power Zoom ......................................................................................................................42
Using the Digital Zoom ......................................................................................................................42
Using the INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button..............................................................................43
Using Auto Focus ...............................................................................................................................43
Using Manual Focus ..........................................................................................................................44
Using Instant Review .........................................................................................................................45
Using Quick Edit .................................................................................................................................45
Using Macro ........................................................................................................................................46
Creating and Recording A Title (The remote control is optional for VM-E110A) .....................46
Creating a Title....................................................................................................................................47
Correcting Errors ................................................................................................................................47
Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder.................................................................................48
Recording a Created Title while Transferring a Tape...................................................................48
Using the Wireless Remote Control (The remote control is optional for VM-E110A)..............48
How to attach remote control to the shoulder strap (The remote control is optional for VM-
E110A) .................................................................................................................................................49
To remove the remote control ..........................................................................................................49
Dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR...........................................................................................49
Using Synchro Edit (The remote control is optional for VM-E110A) ..........................................50
Using Audio/Video Dubbing (The remote control is optional for VM-E110A) ...........................51
Recording Television Programs.......................................................................................................51
General Maintenance.................................................................................................................................53
Cleaning the camcorder Heads........................................................................................................53
Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder .............................................53
Periodic Maintenance ........................................................................................................................53
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................54
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................55
Accessories Add Excitement.....................................................................................................................56
To Order in the United States...........................................................................................................57
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Front).........................................................................................58
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) .........................................................................................60
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY....................................................................61
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) ................................................................................62
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For Your Safety
For Your Safety
1The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder 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 camcorder off
and attach the lens cap.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The camcorder has the following caution marks.
Identifications of caution marks
This symbol warns 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.
"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."
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
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For Your Safety
the limits of current technology (only for VM-E310A).
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 Cassette 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
and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or
deteriorated insulation.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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.
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.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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-
in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode. See example below:
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING
13 Power Lines -- An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into
such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such power lines or circuits as
contact with them might be fatal. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and
should be left to a professional antenna installer.
USE
14 Cleaning -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
15 Object and Liquid Entry -- Never push objects of any kind into this video product
through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the video
product.
16 Lightning -- For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or
when it its left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable-system. This will prevent damage to the
video product due to lightning and power-line surges.
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