Important Safeguards -1- i Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camcorder VM-E220A Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Tel. 770-279-5600 HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, Quebec, H9R 1B1, 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. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it is set up.
Important Safeguards -2TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Safeguards .............................................................................................................................. 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER .................................... 6 Read This First.......................................................................................................................................... 7 Before You Begin ......................................................
Important Safeguards -3Periodic Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 42 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 42 Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 46 Accessories Add Excitement ..............
Important Safeguards -4- -- 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.
Important Safeguards -5- 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER -6- 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.
Read This First -7- 4. Caution -- To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable battery, VM-BP82G, VM-BP82 or VM-BP84. Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage. 5. Do not expose charger to rain or snow. 6. Use of an attachment nor recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons. 7. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting charger. 8.
Before You Begin -8- Features • Easy to use • Instant zoom • 24x zoom ratio • Recorded date search • Automatic title recording Components and Accessories Check that you have all the following components and accessories before preceding. 1. Audio/Video output cable 2. Battery pack 3. AC adapter/charger 4. Batteries for date/title 5. DC cord 6.
Getting Started -9- Pass the string through the lens cap and grip belt and attach it as shown in the figure. Removing the lens cap Always attach the lens cap to protect the lens when carrying or storing the camcorder. During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from being lost. Getting Started This section guides you through the initial preparation of the camcorder. None of these processes are complex.
Getting Started - 10 - After charging set the mark switch to red so that you may quickly identify whether the battery is charged or uncharged. Note: The marker switch does not guarantee the batteries charge status. Additional Information To use a battery in optimum condition: • Use the battery until the low charge light ( ) flashes. Using a battery for a short time and then recharging it may shorten the operation time.
Getting Started - 11 - Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder The electronic viewfinder adjusts simply by pivoting it to a position where it is comfortable and easy to see through. Place the viewfinder back in its original position before storing the camcorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder around to avoid damaging the viewfinder or camcorder. Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment.
Getting Started - 12 - Install the battery to prevent misplacing it. 1. Pull out the battery holder. 2. Insert the battery with the "+" terminal facing up. 3. Fully insert the battery holder into the camcorder. WARNING: KEEP THE BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT. Note: Replace the batteries with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent. Note: Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws.
Getting Started - 13 - 3. Once the arrows are aligned, push down on the battery. 4. While pushing down the battery, slide it to the right until it "clicks" into place. 5. After installing the battery, close the cover. Hold the OPEN lever and align the tabs on both sides of the cover with the end of the attachment section. Note: If the OPEN lever is flat, the cover will not close. Note: Always remove the battery from the camcorder after use.
Getting Started - 14 - 3. Remove the battery and close the cover. Checking the Battery's Charge A battery charge indicator is located on the upper right corner of the viewfinder. One of three symbols displays when the battery is used. This symbol indicates a fully charged battery. This symbol indicates a partially charged battery. This flashing symbol indicates a battery nearly out of power. Use an alternate power source or charge the battery before continuing to use the camcorder.
Getting Started - 15 - 3. Insert six alkaline batteries with the correct polarities. 4. After installing the batteries, close the cover. Hold the OPEN lever and align the tabs on both sides of the cover with the end of the attachment section. Note: Use only "AA" alkaline batteries marked "LR6". (Manganese batteries cannot be used to power the camcorder.) Note: It is recommended that you use alkaline batteries within the recommended period of use or within two years of the date of manufacture.
Getting Started - 16 - Note: Since the supply voltage from batteries decreases more abruptly when compared to that from a battery pack, the battery remaining level indicator ( ) may not flash in the viewfinder, noise may occur, the picture and sound may not be recorded normally and/or the power may be turned off soon. These phenomena occur because the capacity of batteries becomes low. So turn the power switch off and replace the batteries.
Getting Started - 17 - Note: Only use the car battery cord with cars having 12/24 volt negative ground system. Inserting and Removing Cassettes A power source must be connected before inserting or removing cassettes. Once connected cassettes can be inserted or removed whether the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is on or off. Inserting a Cassette 1. Slide the EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow. The cassette door opens automatically. 2.
Getting Started - 18 - Using the Linear Time Counter The linear time counter displays the tape run in hours, minutes, and seconds, helping you to keep track of how long you've been filming or time you have left to film before running out of tape. Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The linear time counter keeps track from when you load a cassette into the camcorder and clears to 0:00:00 when the cassette is ejected.
Getting Started, Identifying Controls - 19 - 1. Load the battery ("Loading the Batteries: Camcorder batteries" p.15). Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM. 2. Press the DATE/TITLE button and look into the viewfinder. The date and time should appear in the lower right with the "1" flashing. 3. Pressing the F.F button gives you higher numbers while the REW button gives you lower numbers. Select the right month and press STOP button. Use the F.
Getting Started, Identifying Controls - 20 - A power source must be connected to the camcorder before a cassette can be inserted or removed. 5. Microphone 6. Record Indicator This indicator lights when the camcorder is recording. 7. Infrared Receiver The area where infrared signals from the wireless remote are received. Aim the remote control to this area for best results. 8.
Basic Techniques - 21 - Right side/Jack covers/Underside Illustration 22. AV IN/OUT Jack (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks", P.28). 23. AV OUTPUT Jacks (Behind the jack cover) Use this jack to connect the camcorder to a VCR or television ("Playing Back Your Recording", p.26, 27, "Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR", p.38, "Recording Television Programs", p.39). 24.
Basic Techniques - 22 - Note: TAPE flashes in the viewfinder when the tab on the side of the cassette is completely visible. 6. To stop recording press the Start/Stop button and REC disappears from the viewfinder replaced by places the camcorder in standby. . This Note: TAPE END flashes in the viewfinder when about 3 minutes or less remain of the tape cassette. Note: If the camcorder is left in record/pause mode for more than 5 minutes, the camcorder turns off automatically.
Basic Techniques - 23 - 6. Press the PLAY button to begin playback. 7. Press the STOP button when finished. Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks 1. Disconnect the VHF antenna leads from the back of the television. Leave the UHF antenna leads connected. 2. Connect the VHF antenna lead to ANT IN of the RF output adapter. If the cable on the VHF antenna lead is flat you need to purchase an antenna adapter (300-ohm to 75-ohm transformer).
Advanced Techniques - 24 - Note: When you engage F.F button or REW button the picture will have some interference or noise. This is normal during search mode. To Play Back a Recording at Double the Normal Speed Activate the video playback mode by moving the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to "VIDEO". Press the PLAY button located on either the remote control or the camcorder one time and the video will appear in the viewfinder or a connected monitor.
Advanced Techniques - 25 - Date Recording When the date has been set, the camcorder will enter the automatic date recording mode automatically. 1. Press the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch as you slide it to CAM. 2. Press the DATE/TITLE button to specify the date display you want to record.
Advanced Techniques - 26 - 3. Press the start/stop button. Recording will start. Note: When AUTO and date display is selected, the date disappears about 10 seconds after recording is started. Note: When TITLE and date display is selected, the title and date disappear about 10 seconds after recording is started. Using the Power Zoom The power zoom W control widens the picture, moving the subject farther away, while the power zoom T control brings the subject closer, narrowing the picture.
Advanced Techniques - 27 - Using the INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button The instant zoom feature activates the digital zoom to magnify the subject 1.5 times regardless of zooming engaged by the power zoom T and W controls. Press the INST. ZOOM button. I. ZOOM appears at the left of the viewfinder and the picture is magnified 1.5 times. Note: To return to the original zoom position, press the INST. ZOOM button so that I. ZOOM disappears from the viewfinder.
Advanced Techniques - 28 - Brightly lit objects such as a neon light, objects lit by spotlight, etc. Objects behind water dappled or dusty glass Objects with little difference in light reflection such as a white wall Rapidly moving objects Dark objects Note: With the T zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects that are 3.3 feet (100cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity.
Advanced Techniques - 29 - Start/Stop button to resume recording. Using Quick Edit Use quick edit to search for the end of previously recorded material, find a particular spot on your tape, begin editing, or record new material. While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.F, REW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape. Release the button and the camcorder stops the tape at the exact position you selected.
Advanced Techniques - 30 - (the F.FWD button on the remote control) to recording end position. 4. When the required position is located, the camcorder enters the stop mode and "SEARCH" disappears from the viewfinder. Note: If you have ejected the cassette, this function will not operate with that cassette. (When a cassette is inserted and the recording is started, the position is identified as the recording start position on that day.
Advanced Techniques - 31 - Using the Optional Wireless Remote Control Loading the Optional Remote Control Battery 1. Push the tab to the left of the remote control and hold it, then remove the battery holder. 2. Insert the battery with "+" terminal facing up as shown in the figure. 3. Replace the battery holder with battery in the remote control making sure that it is fully inserted. Identifying Controls 1.
Advanced Techniques - 32 - Note: Use the wireless remote control within the range of the infrared receiver of the camcorder shown above. Note: The wireless remote control may not function in strong light such as direct sunlight or very bright artificial lighting. Note: Clear a direct path from the wireless remote control to the infrared receiver. The wireless remote control won't work if an obstacle blocks the infrared rays. Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2.
Advanced Techniques - 33 - Using Memory The linear time counter memory stops a rewinding tape at approximately 0:00:00M. This feature helps in locating a specific point in the tape to which you wish to return. An example might be that you have recorded some tape that you have already watched, you continue recording but do not care to watch the tape you recorded earlier. The memory feature returns you to the beginning of the most recent recording. 1.
Advanced Techniques - 34 - Note: When creating a title in the CAM mode, the DATE/TITLE button of the camcorder can be used instead of the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control. " TITLE" should be displayed in the viewfinder at this time. Note: Be sure to insert the clock battery before creating a title. Although a title can be created without the clock battery inserted, it will disappear when the battery providing power to the camcorder is removed. Creating a Title 1.
Advanced Techniques - 35 - 1. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control or the DATE/TITLE button the camcorder. 2. Use the STOP button to select the character to be corrected. 3. Use the F.FWD or the F.F (on the camcorder) and REW buttons to correct the character. 4. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control or the DATE/TITLE button on the camcorder to store the corrected title in memory. Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder 1.
Advanced Techniques - 36 - Using Synchro Edit Use synchro edit to record segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-E220A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits. Your VCR must have the EDIT IN jack to use the synchro edit. Synchro Edit Hookup Illustration 1. Connect the synchro edit cable to the AV IN/OUT jack of your camcorder. 2.
Advanced Techniques - 37 - 1. Turn the VCR on. 2. Aim the remote control at the infrared receiver on the VCR and press the VCR SET button on the remote control and hold it, then press the button corresponding to the VCR's maker code. For example, if you have a RCA VCR, press the VCR SET button and hold it, then press the DISPLAY button.
Advanced Techniques Magnavox - 38 - TITLE ON/OFF Note: The remote control code is held in memory until it is changed or the batteries are replaced. Note: Point the remote control straight at the VCR's infrared receiver for operation. Note: Use the remote control indoors. When the infrared receivers of the VCR and camcorder are exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light, the remote control may not operate correctly.
Advanced Techniques - 39 - 9. Continue programming as described above until you have entered up to four different segments. 10. Load a blank tape, then set the VCR to the record pause mode. 11. Point the remote control at the receiver on the VCR and press the COPY START button to start simple programmable edit. • The camcorder automatically searches for the beginning of the first segment and starts playback.
Advanced Techniques - 40 - You can use the DC camera light to light subjects in darkened areas or correct unflattering shadows. Use the camera light wisely as it greatly reduces the time you may use a charged battery. NEVER TOUCH THE DC CAMERA LIGHT TERMINAL WHEN THE CAMCORDER IS TURNED ON TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK. 1. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF. 2. Connect a fully charged batteries or the AC adapter/charger ("Loading Batteries; Camcorder Batteries" p.15, "Using Alternative Power Sources" p.17).
General Maintenance - 41 - 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it out through the opened case. 3. Install the new bulb by aligning the notch in the rim of the bulb's base with the " " mark outside the socket. Avoid touching the bulb directly with your fingers. It may shorten the life of the bulb. 4.
General Maintenance - 42 - Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder The lens of the electronic viewfinder can be user-cleaned if dust, dirt, or other foreign matter adheres to it. 1. Rotate and remove eye cup. 2. Clean the picture tube face and lens. To prevent scratching, use a soft non abrasive cloth, swab or lens cleaning paper. 3. Fit the projection of the eye cup into the groove in the viewfinder and rotate the eye cup in the direction of the arrow.
General Maintenance Picture does not appear in the viewfinder. - 43 § Remove the lens cap. § Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to CAM § Disconnect the AV input cable from the camcorder The camcorder cannot go into the recording Check the record-protect tab on the cassette mode, even when the start/stop button is pressed See page 19 for details Picture is out of focus. • Push the cassette holder embossed PUSH LOCK to close it.
General Maintenance No picture appears on television screen when"PLAY" is pressed. (TV is connected to the camcorder by using RF output adapter.) - 44 § Set the television to the camcorder channel (3 or 4) depending upon the selected channel in the RF channel select switch of RF output adapter. Interference on playback picture. (TV is § When you see the playback picture connected to the camcorder by using on your TV adjust fine tuning knob RF output adapter.) on television set to obtain best picture.
General Maintenance Power is turned on, but no button operations are accepted The camcorder does not operate when alkaline batteries are inserted - 45 § Remove the power source and the date/title battery. And, after about one minute, the display in the viewfinder will be reset. Then set the information again. § Check that the polarities (+, -) of the batteries are correct. Insert six batteries.
General Maintenance - 46 - TAPE DISPLAY Symptom TAPE appears in the viewfinder. Check Point & Correction § Have you moved the camcorder or cassette from a cold place to a warm place so that its temperature changed abruptly? If the temperature has changed, remove the cassette and set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF, then wait for about one hour. Remove the cassette and then try to reinsert: remove it several times.
Accessories Add Excitement - 47 - DIAL TOLL FREE 7 days a week, 24 hours a day 800 HITACHI 1-800-448-2244 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit. However, should you require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Each facility will provide you with convenient and expedient assistance.
Accessories Add Excitement - 48 - HiTRON, Inc. 675, Old Peachtree RD. Suwanee, GA 30174 Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. If there is a current back order status on the model(s) you ordered, we will notify you. Thank you for allowing us (Hitachi and HiTRON) to be of service to you...our valued customer! Order form VM-E520A/VM-E521A iIntroduced in 96-97 product line. Mention as "current" product. Warranty: 1 year parts, 90 days labor iiNo, this camera does not have fading as a feature.
