PRECAUTIONS -1- HITACHI Instruction Manual Video Camcorder VM-6400A/VM-7400A HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC. 1855 Donroch Court, San Diego, California 92173 Tel. 770-279-5600 HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. 6740 Campobello Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8 CANADA Tel. 905-821-4545 HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC. 3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel. 808-836-3621 Thank you for choosing the video camcorder.
PRECAUTIONS -2- TABLE OF CONTENT PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................................................................................................3 FEATURES .........................................................................................................................................................................4 ACCESSORIES...........................................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS -3- 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS -4- Dangerous includes: • Inside a car with the windows closed and in direct sunshine. • Near heating appliances. Do not point the electronic viewfinder to direct sunlight; it could damage the viewfinder. 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 not appear as coloured bright dots.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS -5- 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS -6- 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER -7- SERVICE 17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this video product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 18 Conditions Requiring Service -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions. a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged b.
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER (EVF) -8- A. That the pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on charger. B. That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and C. That wire size should be met below: Minimum AWG size Length of extension cord (feet) 18 Equal to or less than 100 16 Equal to or less than 150 11. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.
POWER SOURCES -9- EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT To use the electronic viewfinder without eyeglasses on, adjust the diopter control for optimum focus adjustment. POWER SOURCES WHEN USING WITH THE BATTERY (Provided) • To attach, align the mark " " of the battery with that of the camcorder so that the battery fits into the grooves, and slide the battery downward, as illustrated. • To remove the battery: Push and hold "BATTERY EJECT" lever, then slide the battery to the upside and remove.
POWER SOURCES - 10 - 1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. 2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder. Connect the other end of the DC cord to the "DC OUTPUT" of the AC adaptor/charger. NOTES: • The AC adaptor/charger cannot charge the battery and operate the camcorder at the same time. • When using the AC adaptor/charger to power the camcorder, the battery level indicator may display " ".
CHARGING THE BATTERY NOTE: When a battery pack is used to power the camcorder, " to warn you that the battery power level is low. - 11 " flashes even if "DISPLAY" is not pressed CHARGING THE BATTERY 1. Plug the AC adaptor/charger power cord into AC electrical outlet. " on the battery with that of AC 2. Attach the battery to the AC adaptor/charger. Align the mark " adaptor/charger and push the battery flush with the AC adaptor/charger and slide it in the direction of arrow.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 12 - ATTENTION: The product you have purchased is powered by a sealed lead acid battery which is recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it is illegal to dispose of this battery into your municipal waste stream. Please call 1-800-HITACHI for information on how to recycle this battery. IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Click here for diagram. Diopter Control Use this control to focus the viewfinder.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 13 - Connect the audio/video cable (not supplied) to these jacks and to the audio and video inputs of your TV/monitor receiver. You can also connect the RF converter unit (optional) to these jacks and your TV receiver. CAUTION: Do not hold the unit by the viewfinder when carrying as this could cause a malfunction. Click here for diagram. "TITLE" Button Press this button to create and record personalized titles on your videos with the camcorder's built-in titler.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 14 - Press this button during stop or rewind mode, and fast-forwarding starts. " "appears in the viewfinder. Press the button during playback of tape, and the tape is played back in the forward direction approximately 3 times faster than the normal speed to confirm the recorded content.
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES - 15 - "REC/PAUSE" Button This button is used to control the camcorder. When this button is pressed with the camcorder set to the recording mode, the tape runs to start recording. "REC" appears in the viewfinder. When this button is pressed again, " " appears instead of "REC" and the tape stops and the camcorder enters the record/ pause (stand-by) mode. NOTE: This button may be also used to display a still picture during playback mode.
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES - 16 - NOTE: Push in the center of the cassette all the way until it is latched by the cassette holder. 4. Press the cassette holder. The holder will latch in the operating position. Removing a cassette Press "STOP/EJECT". The cassette door will open automatically. Remove the cassette. MAKING A SAMPLE CAMERA RECORDING 1. Connect the POWER SOURCE. (See pages 9 and 10.) 2. Insert the cassette. 3.
PLAYBACK - 17 - NOTE: If you have a cassette tape that has already been partially recorded on and you want to record the remaining blank section, see "QUICK EDIT" on page 27. INSTANT REVIEW 1. In record/pause (stand-by) mode, tap "REW/ REVIEW", and the last few seconds of the recorded scene is played back in the reverse direction and then played back in the forward direction. 2. When the tape reaches the end of the scene you have just recorded, the camcorder returns to the record/pause (stand-by) mode.
PLAYBACK - 18 - Still When "REC/PAUSE" is pressed during playback, a still picture can be seen. To start again press "REC/PAUSE" and playback will be resumed. NOTE: There will be some noise (interference) in the still picture. Forward and Reverse Search When you press "F.FWD" or "REW/REVIEW" during playback, the tape will be played back at a speed about 3 times faster than the normal playback speed, and you can easily locate a certain spot on the tape.
DATE/TIME SETTING - 19 - DATE/TIME SETTING The date and time can be recorded on your tapes to act as a handy reference when viewing them at a later time. Use the following procedure to set up this display for the current date and time. The time backup battery is rechargeable. Charge the backup battery every two months. Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to "OFF" position and connect a charged battery or AC adaptor/charger to the camcorder for 24 hours.
DATE RECORDING - 20 - 12:00 AM 11/ 5/1999 5. Press "F.FWD" or "REW/REVIEW" to select year, and then press "STOP/EJECT". 12:00 AM 11/ 5/1999 6. Press "F.FWD" or "REW/REVIEW" as many times as may be required to select correct hour, and then press "STOP/EJECT". 7. Repeat step 6 to select minute and AM/PM. 10:30 AM 11/ 5/1999 8. After setting AM or PM, press "DATE/TIME" to change the display and start the internal clock. It is recommended that you press "DATE/TIME" to match the time signal.
DATE RECORDING - 21 - AUTO 11/ 5/1999 NOTES: • The camcorder records the same date when; -the cassette is replaced. -you select " AUTO" and date display again. -the recording is less than 10 seconds long. • If the date changes while recording continues over 10 seconds, the new date is recorded for about 10 seconds the next time you make a recording.
AUTO FOCUS - 22 - Date and time - Date and time recording The camcorder records the date and time with the picture all the time. 10:30 AM 11/ 5/1999 3. Press "REC/PAUSE". Recording will start. NOTES: When " AUTO" and date display is selected, the date disappears about 10 seconds after recording is started. When " TITLE" and date display is selected, the title and date disappear about 10 seconds after recording is started.
DISPLAY BUTTON - 23 - 3. Objects lit by a spotlight or neon signs, etc. 4. Objects behind glass with water droplets or dust on it. 5. Objects with almost no difference in brightness such as a white wall. 6. Objects moving rapidly. 7. Dark objects. DISPLAY BUTTON When "DISPLAY" is pressed, the information on the shutter speed, tape remaining, remaining battery level, etc. is displayed.
REMAINING TAPE - 24 - NOTE: Counter changes to 0000M when cassette is ejected. MEMORY When the tape counter with memory indication appears in the viewfinder, a tape that is being rewound automatically stops when the counter reads approximately "0000M". This is useful if there is a section of tape you want to review immediately after recording or if you want to return to the same point several times in a row. 1. Press "DISPLAY". The tape counter and memory indicator "M" appear. 2.
DIGITAL ZOOM - 25 - viewfinder. • With some tapes, "TAPE END" may appear slightly earlier, but you can continue recording. PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) Program AE automatically selects the shutter speed 1/60,1/100,1/120,1/180, 1/250, 1/350,1/500, l/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000 or 1/4000 second that is optimum for the brightness of the subject. The iris is also adjusted automatically in response to the shutter speed. POWER ZOOM • Press the power zoom switch on the "W" side, and the picture gradually widens.
FADE IN/FADE OUT (Only for VM-7400A) - 26 - NOTE: When the digital zoom is used, the more the image is magnified, the rougher the picture becomes. Also even a slight shaking of the camcorder is conspicuous. MACRO Allows you to shoot objects as close as 3/8 inch (1 cm) from the lens tip. Press and hold "W" side of power zoom switch. An object is auto focused. NOTES: • Determine the size of the object by moving the camera backward and forward.
FADE IN/FADE OUT (Only for VM-7400A) - 27 - • Wipe fade: The picture opens gradually from the center of a black screen or closes into the center to a black screen. When "DISPLAY" is pressed and the display appears in the viewfinder, " corner of the viewfinder. " appears in the upper left • Zoom fade: Fades in while zooming from a white screen or fades out while zooming to a white screen. When "DISPLAY" is pressed and the display appears in the viewfinder, " viewfinder.
FADE IN/FADE OUT (Only for VM-7400A) - 28 - NOTE: When fading out be sure to wait until the PAUSE indicator (11) is visible in the viewfinder before attempting to put the camcorder into the record mode again. "STABLE PIX" (Electronic Image Stabilizer) FUNCTION (Only for VIVI7400A) The stable pix function corrects slight shaking of the image being recorded and is effective in the following situations. • While you zoom to a distant subject. • While you approach a small subject. • While you walk around.
TITLE RECORDING - 29 - "INDEX" signals are recorded when the following operations are performed. • When the power is turned on about 4 hours after it is switched off and then recording is started. • When the power is turned on after the date is changed to the next day with the power off and then recording is started.
TITLE RECORDING - 30 - NOTE: A title contains two lines of up to 16 characters per line. A chart showing the characters contained in the titler is located on page 29. 5. After you have selected the first character, press "SHIFT" to move the flashing cursor to the place you want the next character. L 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have completed the title. LUCKY BOY NOTE: Character may flash, however it will be recorded correctly without flashing. 7.
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV - 31 - 2. Locate the position on the tape that you wish to record the title. 3. Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to "CAM". 4. Press "TITLE" to display the title graphics. 5. Press "REC/PAUSE" to start the title recording. 6. Press "TITLE" to remove the title graphics from the viewfinder. The camcorder will now record as normal.
CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING - 32 - Example 2: If you have a VHS VCR, 1. Insert the recorded tape into your VCR. 2. Press "PLAY" of your VCR. NOTE: When noise appears in the played back picture, adjust "TRACKING" control on the VCR so there is no noise. Example 3: If your TV is a regular TV, 1. Disconnect the VHF antenna leads from the rear of the TV receiver. NOTE: Leave the UHF antenna leads connected to the TV. 2. Connect the VHF antenna lead to "IN FROM ANT" on the RF converter unit.
USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (Only for VM-7400A) - 33 - If you wish to exchange or copy some of your friend's favorite home recordings, the following instructions can be used to connect camcorder to VCR for this purpose. 1. Connect the audio/video cable to "AUDIO" and "VIDEO" of your camcorder. 2. Connect the other ends to "AUDIO IN", "VIDEO IN" of your VCR as shown in diagram above. 3. Play the tape on the camcorder and record it on the VCR.
USING THE BUILT-IN CAMERA LIGHT (Only for VM-7400A) - 34 - 1 Make sure that a fully charged battery pack or AC adaptor/charger is attached. 2. Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to "CAM" and then set "LIGHT" to "AUTO" when required. NOTE: When "LIGHT" is set to "ON", the camera light will turn on whenever you make a recording. CAUTIONS: • Turn the camera light on only when you need it, otherwise the operating time of the battery pack is shortened due to the power consumption of the camera light.
VIEWFINDER BRIGHT CONTROL - 35 - VIEWFINDER BRIGHT CONTROL Viewfinder brightness can be adjusted by turning the "BRIGHT" control. This does not affect the picture actually recorded by the camcorder. HOW TO ATTACH THE SHOULDER STRAP Attach the shoulder strap (provided), as illustrated. TROUBLESHOOTING Your camcorder is a highly sophisticated instrument. It has been carefully checked and adjusted at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems.
TROUBLESHOOTING - 36 - Symptom Check Point & Correction The " " indication in the electronic viewfinder flashes to indicate battery * Try another battery or charge the battery. is discharged. NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED Symptom Check Point & Correction Power is not turned on and no * Remove the power source, and after about one minute push the reset switch button operations are accepted. gently using a toothpick, etc. until you feel a click.
HEAD CLEANING - 37 - 3. Align the (•) mark on the eye cup with the (-) mark on the viewfinder, and then rotate the eye cup in the direction of the arrow until a click is heard. HEAD CLEANING • Picture playback may become blurred or be interrupted. This does not mean that the recorded program has been erased. • Dirt accumulated on the head after long periods of use causes this problem. In this case, head cleaning requiring highly technical care is necessary.
For U.S.A. only Video signal Tape speed Video output Fast forward/rewind time - 38 EIA standard NTSC color 33.35 mm/sec. 1.0 V p-p, 75 ohm Less than 6 minutes with T-120 cassette Camera Section Scanning 525 lines/60 fields/30 frames Required minimum illumination 0.3 lux Pickup device 1/4" C.C.D. Lens diameter 46 mm For U.S.A. only HITACHI Service Hotline To locate an authorized HITACHI service facility in the continental U.S.A.
ACCESSORIES ADD EXCITEMENT - 39 - To place an order for any of these items call our toll free number or use the ordering form on page 49. 1-800-995-4500 HOW TO ORDER USA only In Canada – Please use Canadian order form in french version of this manual – Pages 38 and 39. BY PHONE To place an order by phone, have your VISA, MASTER CARD, or DISCOVER card ready and call the toll-free number (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM East Coast Time – workdays). 1-800-995-4500 BY MAIL Complete the order form on page 49.
