Important Safety Information
HITACHI
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-H835LA
HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
CANADA
Tel. 905-821-4545
6740 Campobello Road
HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS
(AMERICA), INC.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8
Tel. 770-279-5600
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF
HAWAII, INC
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual
and how it is set up. Keep it handy for future reference.
QR17262 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1997
Printed in Japan KN-S(N)
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Important Safety Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Information......................................................................................................................4
For Your Safety.....................................................................................................................................4
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................................................................6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ........................................9
Before You Begin......................................................................................................................................10
Read This First ..........................................................................................................................................11
Quick Index..........................................................................................................................................11
Features .....................................................................................................................................................11
Getting Started...........................................................................................................................................12
Components and Accessories..........................................................................................................12
Optional RF Adapter ..........................................................................................................................13
Identifying Controls ..................................................................................................................................13
Loading Clock and Remote Control Batteries ..........................................................................................16
Clock Battery.......................................................................................................................................17
Remote Control Battery.....................................................................................................................17
Charging the Battery .................................................................................................................................18
Charging Time.....................................................................................................................................18
Operating Time ...................................................................................................................................19
Camcorder Batteries..................................................................................................................................19
Using Battery Pack.............................................................................................................................19
Removing the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................20
Checking the Battery's Charge.........................................................................................................20
Using Alternative Power Sources .............................................................................................................21
Using the AC Adapter/Charger.........................................................................................................21
Using a Car Battery............................................................................................................................22
Inserting and Removing Cassettes ............................................................................................................22
Inserting a Cassette ...........................................................................................................................22
Removing a Cassette.........................................................................................................................23
Protecting Recorded Material...........................................................................................................23
LCD Monitor.............................................................................................................................................23
Opening the LCD Monitor .................................................................................................................24
Adjusting the Brightness of the LCD Screen..................................................................................24
Range in which the LCD Monitor can be moved...........................................................................24
Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder.........................................................................................................25
Eyepiece Adjustment .........................................................................................................................26
Adjustment the Hand Strap .......................................................................................................................26
Lens Door Opener .....................................................................................................................................26
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ....................................................................................................................27
Using the Linear Time Counter.................................................................................................................27
Remaining Tape ........................................................................................................................................28
Setting the Date and Time.........................................................................................................................28
Correcting the Date and Time ..........................................................................................................30
Basic Techniques.......................................................................................................................................30
Making a Basic Recording ........................................................................................................................30
Using Instant Review ................................................................................................................................31
Using Auto Focus......................................................................................................................................32
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Important Safety Information
Using Manual Focus..................................................................................................................................33
Using the Power Zoom..............................................................................................................................33
Using the Digital Zoom.............................................................................................................................34
Using the INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button.......................................................................................35
Using Macro..............................................................................................................................................35
Active Screen ............................................................................................................................................35
Playback ....................................................................................................................................................36
Simple Playback (Using the Electronic Viewfinder or LCD monitor)..........................................36
Using Still .............................................................................................................................................37
Using Forward and Reverse Search ...............................................................................................37
Playing Back Your Recording on Your TV..............................................................................................38
Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached..........................................................................38
Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks.....................................................39
Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks ...............................................40
Advanced Techniques ...............................................................................................................................41
Changing the Angle of the LCD Monitor when Recording......................................................................41
Recording an Image of Yourself while Monitoring the LCD Screen...........................................41
Date Recording..........................................................................................................................................42
Digital Effects Recording..........................................................................................................................44
16x9 Mode Recording........................................................................................................................44
Negative/Positive Recording.............................................................................................................45
X130 Digital Zoom Recording...........................................................................................................45
Half-Mirror Recording.........................................................................................................................45
Mosaic Recording...............................................................................................................................46
Using Fade.................................................................................................................................................46
Fading In ..............................................................................................................................................47
Fading Out...........................................................................................................................................48
Using the Electronic Image Stabilizer.......................................................................................................48
Using Quick Edit.......................................................................................................................................49
Using the Display Button ..........................................................................................................................49
Date Search ...............................................................................................................................................50
Using Memory...........................................................................................................................................51
Using the Wireless Remote Control..........................................................................................................51
Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens ..............................................................................52
Creating and Recording A Title ................................................................................................................52
Creating a Title....................................................................................................................................53
Correcting Errors ................................................................................................................................54
Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder.................................................................................54
Recording a Created Title while Transferring a Tape...................................................................55
Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR ...................................................................................................55
Simple Programmable Edit (Edit remote control is optional accessory) ..................................................56
Programming the Remote Control for the VCR.............................................................................56
Operation .............................................................................................................................................58
To End Programmable Simple Edit .................................................................................................60
Controlling Your TV with the Camcorder's Remote Control ...................................................................60
Programming the Remote Control...................................................................................................61
Controlling the TV...............................................................................................................................61
Using Audio/Video Dubbing ....................................................................................................................62
Recording Television Programs................................................................................................................63
General Maintenance.................................................................................................................................64
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Important Safety Information
Cleaning the Camcorder Heads.......................................................................................................64
Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder .............................................64
Periodic Maintenance ........................................................................................................................65
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................65
INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE............................................................................65
CAMERA RECORDING ....................................................................................................................66
RECORDING TV PROGRAMS OFF THE AIR..............................................................................66
PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE ...........................................................................66
BATTERY CONDITION.....................................................................................................................67
NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED ....................................................................................................67
TAPE DISPLAY ..................................................................................................................................67
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................67
General Specifications.......................................................................................................................67
Video Recorder Specifications .........................................................................................................68
Camera Specifications.......................................................................................................................68
Accessories Add Excitement.....................................................................................................................69
Available Accessories........................................................................................................................69
More Available Accessories..............................................................................................................69
To Order in the United States...........................................................................................................70
By Phone .............................................................................................................................................70
By Mail..................................................................................................................................................70
FOR AUTHORIZED HITACHI SERVICE FACILITY IN CANADA..............................................70
U.S.A. only...........................................................................................................................................70
Important Safety Information
For Your Safety
The 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 close the lens door.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The camcorder and AC adapter/charger have the following caution marks.
Identifications of caution marks
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.
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Important Safety Information
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 Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
This camcorder can use
and
or
loaded cassette is
and records and plays it back correctly
video cassettes. It automatically determines the
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
the limits of current technology.
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 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".
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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).
• This camcorder uses a Hi-Fi stereo sound system. When a tape recorded by this
camcorder is played by a conventional 8mm camcorder, monaural sound is output. When a
tape recorded by a conventional 8mm camcorder is played by this machine, monaural
sound is output.
MOISTURE
Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold place to a
warm, humid place. Give the camcorder 2 to 3 hours to stabilize in the ambient
conditions of the surroundings before inserting a cassette. When moved from a cold
place to a warm, humid place, 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.
When a small amount of moisture is sensed, "TAPE" flashes in the viewfinder or LCD
monitor. Remove the cassette and set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF, then wait
for about one hour.
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 camcorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before
operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
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.
INSTALLATION
2 Retain Instructions -- 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
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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 a 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
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. Powerline 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.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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-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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