Table of Contents HITACHI Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camcorder VM-E230A HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. (AMERICA), INC. 6740 Campobello Road 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8 Tel. 770-279-5600 CANADA Tel. 905-821-4545 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.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ 2 For Your Safety........................................................................................................................................... 7 Important Safeguards ..................................................................................................................................
Table of Contents Using Forward and Reverse Search ............................................................................................... 37 To Play Back a Recording at Double the Normal Speed ............................................................. 37 Advanced Techniques ............................................................................................................................... 39 Date Recording ..............................................................................
Table of Contents Make sure that FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. If it is displayed, press FOCUS Control buttons to erase it................................................................................................................. 58 Auto-Focus does not operate if a special effects filter is attached. ............................................ 58 The created title does not appear. ...................................................................................................
Table of Contents Video Recorder Specifications ......................................................................................................... 60 Camera Specifications....................................................................................................................... 60 Accessories Add Excitement..................................................................................................................... 62 Available Accessories..........................................
Table of Contents
For Your Safety 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 attach the lens cap. 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.
For Your Safety 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.
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 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 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.
Important Safeguards respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the leadin wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antennadischarge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
Important Safeguards e. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged. f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for service. 19 Replacement Parts -- When replacement parts are required, have the service technician verify that the replacements he uses have the same safety characteristics as the original parts. Use of replacements specified by the video product manufacturer can prevent fire, electric shock or other hazards.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 1. Save these Instructions -- This page contains important safety and operating instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-AC 85A. 2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on (1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery. 3. Also read all instructions on pages 4 and 5. 4.
Read This First Read This First To guide you, we've included: • A "Before You Begin" section containing important cautions for your family's safety as well as instruction for getting your video camcorder ready for use. Please read and understand this section thoroughly before moving on. • A "Getting Started" section to familiarize yourself with the controls and prepare you for recording.
Before You Begin Before You Begin Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty. Be careful that no water, dust or sand enters the camcorder and all accessories. When you shoot at a scene which contains an extremely bright object such as the sun or a light source, a bright vertical bar may appear in the picture. Your camcorder is functioning properly, but the solid-state pickup device (C.C.D) usually causes this as an inherent characteristic.
Before You Begin Optional RF Adapter If you wish to connect this camcorder to a television that does not have audio/video input jacks you will need to use the optional RF adapter model VM-RF86A (R). The RF adapter can be purchased by calling the telephone number below. For your convenience Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards are accepted. The RF adapter can also be purchased by mail by sending either money order or your credit card information to the following address: HiTRON, Inc.
Before You Begin During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from being lost.
Getting Started Getting Started This section guides you through the initial preparation of the camcorder. None of these processes are complex. Set aside some time, relax, and familiarize yourself with this quality instrument. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you. Let's get started! It is crucial that you read and understand all the safety instructions before you begin.
Getting Started 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. • It is recommended to refresh a battery before recharging it when it has not been used for long time; otherwise its operation time becomes short. Press the refresh button.
Getting Started before storing the camcorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder around to avoid damaging the viewfinder or camcorder. CAUTION: Do not hold the unit by the electronic viewfinder when carrying as this could cause a malfunction. Eyepiece Adjustment To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment. Adjustment the Hand Strap Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand. After adjustment, hook the hand strap's pad securely.
Getting Started Clock Battery 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 battery with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent. Note: Dispose of battery safely in accordance with local laws.
Getting Started 2. Install batteries. Be careful to install with correct polarity. 3. Re-attach the cover to the remote control. Cautions on the batteries: • Do not use the old and new batteries at the same time. • Do not mix batteries of different types. • Do not short, take apart or dispose of batteries by throwing them into a fire. • When liquid leaks, wipe it off completely and then insert new batteries.
Getting Started 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 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 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 a cold place. (At 50°F (10°C), the chemical reaction decreases the capacity of battery to one-tenth when compared to that at normal temperature 68°F (20°C).) Note: Noise may appear momentarily in the viewfinder when recording is started or stopped. Note: Be careful when touching the batteries with your bare hand to remove them as they are warm during and just use.
Getting Started detaching any power supply (ie. battery, AC adapter/charger, etc). 1. Plug the car battery cord into the car's cigarette lighter socket. 2. Connect one end of the DC cord (provided) to the DC IN jack of the camcorder. Connect to other end of the DC cord to the DC OUTPUT of the car battery cord. 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.
Getting Started damaged, is not slack or no dust adheres to it, etc. After making sure that there is no abnormality, reinsert the cassette. If TAPE reappears, see "Troubleshooting" on page 53. Removing a Cassette Slide the EJECT switch in the direction of the arrow. The cassette door opens automatically. Remove the cassette. Protecting Recorded Material Protect 8mm cassettes from accidental erasure by sliding the tab on the side of the cassette towards the opposite side until the tab is completely visible.
Getting Started flashes in the viewfinder. Setting the Date and Time Take the time to set the date and time now. The date and time can be recorded on your tapes to act as a handy reference when viewing them later. Use the following procedure to set up the display for the current date and time. Note: Be sure to insert the clock battery before setting the date and time.
Getting Started 4. After setting the AM/PM, press the DATE/TITLE button. The display changes and the internal clock starts. 6:30 AM 11/ 5/1997 Note: After the date and time are set, " AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "Date Recording" on page 32. Correcting the Date and Time 1. Press the DATE/TITLE button while pressing the STOP button. The flashing cursor appears at the month. 2. Move to where you need to make the correction with the STOP button and use the F.
Getting Started, Identifying Controls Getting Started, Identifying Controls Left Side/Rear Camera Illustration 1. Lens F1.6 (4~48mm) 12:1 power zoom lens with auto focus and auto iris functions. 2. Viewfinder BRIGHT, COLOR and TINT controls Refer to page 49. 3. Cassette Holder Close Button CAUTION: Be sure to press this button to close the cassette holder. Otherwise, the tape may become slack and may be damaged. 4.
Getting Started, Identifying Controls - PLAY Button Use to playback recorded tapes. Right Side Illustration 11. FOCUS Control Buttons Press these buttons simultaneously to select manual or automatic focus. For manual focusing ("Using Manual Focus", p. 35), press the F or N buttons to bring the subject into focus. When using manual focus, FOCUS appears in the viewfinder. 12. Diopter Control To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment. 13.
Getting Started, Identifying Controls 23. AUDIO/VIDEO OUT 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). 24. Shoulder Strap Slots Attach a shoulder strap here. 25. Clock Battery Compartment Pull the battery holder and install the clock battery (provided). 26. Tripod Mounting Threaded Socket Use this threaded socket to mount the camcorder to a tripod. 27.
Basic Techniques Basic Techniques The batteries are in place and charged, the date and time are set, and you are familiar with the controls. Is time to make a recording. Basic recording is easy and simple. Hooking up the camcorder to your TV is not complicated but give yourself plenty of time to ensure connections are correct. This section guides you through basic recording and playback.
Basic Techniques visible. 6. To stop recording press the Start/Stop button and REC disappears from the viewfinder replaced by . This places the camcorder in standby. 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. To restart it press the Start/Stop button and the camera returns to record/pause mode.
Basic Techniques channel AUDIO IN jack. 2. Connect the other ends of the cable to the AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT jacks of the camcorder. 3. Insert a recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Turn on your television and set to the camcorder input mode (consult your television manual for details). 5. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO. 6. Press the PLAY button to begin playback. 7. Press the STOP button when finished.
Basic Techniques Using Still To view a still picture during playback press the Start/Stop. Press the Start/Stop button again to resume playback. If you leave the camcorder in play/pause mode for more than 5 minutes the camcorder automatically stops the cassette to prevent damage to the tape. Note: When you engage play/pause mode the still picture will have some interference or noise. This is normal. Using Forward and Reverse Search When looking for a particular point in your videotape use the F.
Basic Techniques video at double speed. To restore normal playback, press the PLAY button on either the remote control or the camcorder. Note: The indication showing double speed playback does not appear. Note: When double speed playback is activated, both the picture and sound are played back at twice the normal speed. This will cause noise lines to appear on the picture and the sound to become warbled. (With some tapes the width of the noise band may vary or noise may flow.
Advanced Techniques Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-E230A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. As you learn and practice with these features think of situations that they might fit in and add a special touch. 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.
Advanced Techniques using the remote control. Date - Date Recording The camcorder records the date with the picture all the time. No Display - No Date Recording The camcorder does not record the date. Date and Time - Date and Time Recording The camcorder records the date and time with the picture all the time. 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.
Advanced Techniques Using the Digital Zoom The digital zoom increases the magnification of the power zoom by 2 times. You must place the subject you wish to magnify at the center of the viewfinder. Note: This digital zoom has certain limitation and may degradate at extreme magnification and amplify camcorder's movement. Press and hold the power zoom T control until you find the picture you want. You control the zoom with the power zoom T and W controls.
Advanced Techniques Using Auto Focus The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder automatically unless the manual focus is engaged. If FOCUS appears in the viewfinder, manual focus is engaged. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus.
Advanced Techniques 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. With the W zoom control you can use the auto focus with subjects 3/8 inches (1cm) away from the lens and further away to infinity. Using Manual Focus 1. Press the FOCUS control buttons simultaneously. FOCUS displays in the viewfinder. You can adjust the focus manually. 2.
Advanced Techniques 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. Using Macro This function allows you to shoot subjects as close as 3/8 inches (1cm). Press and hold the power zoom control W.
Advanced Techniques 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 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 Using the Display Button Pressing the DISPLAY button on the remote control allows you to switch the displays in the viewfinder. When the camcorder is turned on, the linear time counter appears. • Pressing the DISPLAY button once displays the linear time counter with the memory feature. • When a recorded tape is in the camcorder during the VIDEO mode, "SEARCH" appears in the viewfinder. (Refer to "Date Search" on page 37).
Advanced Techniques Creating a Title 1. Connect the camcorder to a power source. 2. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch and slide it to either CAM or VIDEO. 3. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control and a flashing cursor appears in the viewfinder. 4. Use the STOP button to place the cursor where you wish to begin your title. 5. Use the F.FWD and REW buttons to select the first character of your title. 6. Once you've selected a character press the STOP button to set it. 7.
Advanced Techniques 5. Press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to stop recording the title. The title graphics disappear from the viewfinder and the camcorder can record normally. Note: Create and store your title before an event you plan to record. Just press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to superimpose the title over the scene as you record it. This method avoids erasing previously recorded material which will happen when you record a title on a previously recorded tape.
Advanced Techniques Using Audio/Video Dubbing Use audio/video dubbing to record audio and video from the camcorder's built-in microphone and camera onto a previously recorded tape in the camcorder. Audio/Video Dubbing Illustration 1. Connect your camcorder to the television, following "Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks" on page 27. 2. Turn on your television and place it in the camcorder input mode (consult your television manual for details). 3.
Advanced Techniques 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. To check whether the remote control code matches that of your VCR or not, point the remote control at the infrared receiver on the VCR and press the VCR SET button and hold it.
Advanced Techniques PHILIPS RCA DISPLAY Zenith COUNTER RESET Magnavox 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 tape position. Press FORWARD and hold it; the tape is played while the button is held. Press REVERSE and hold it for reverse play. 6. Press the IN button to store the counter reading. When you press the IN button, OUT flashes in the program display. 7. Press the button to search for the end of the segment you want to copy. Press and then to set the camcorder to the play pause mode. Use the FORWARD or REVERSE button as required to fine adjust the tape position. 8.
Advanced Techniques Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens 1. To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise. 2. Remove both caps of the converter lens. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the camcorder lens assembly. Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light 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.
Advanced Techniques • Never use the DC camera light in the vicinity of explosive or highly flammable materials. • Always allow the DC camera light to cool fully before storing. • The DC camera light becomes very hot during use of the camera light or immediately after use. Be careful that your hand or hair does not touch them. • When the DC camera light is on, avoid subjecting the camera light to impacts or sharp vibrations.
Advanced Techniques Note: Only replace the camera light bulb with VM-CP4L (optional) to reduce the risk of fire. Viewfinder Bright, Color and Tint Control This small "BRIGHT", "COLOR" and "TINT" controls are set at the factory and should require no adjustment. If they ever require adjustment, use a plastic screwdriver. Make the adjustments with caution to prevent damaging the miniature controls.
General Maintenance General Maintenance Cleaning the camcorder Heads Dirt can accumulate on the video heads on the camera causing the playback picture to become blurred or appear as if video information is lost. This often means that the video heads are dirty. Use a video head cleaner such as a dry type head cleaning tape to clean the heads. If after cleaning the heads the picture does not clear up consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center for professional head cleaning.
General Maintenance location, and the age of the camcorder. Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service. INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Cassette holder cannot be opened when you slide EJECT switch. Cassette cannot be inserted into cassette compartment.
General Maintenance Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or change. Date search function does not operate. The playback picture moves rapidly and noise appears. Also sound speeded up from normal is heard. Tape is damaged. Try another cassette. TV set has VIR circuit. Turn if off during playback. Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO. Insert the clock battery, set the date and time, then start recording. Do not remove the clock battery after recording. Do not eject the recorded cassette.
General Maintenance TAPE DISPLAY Symptom Check Point & Correction Tape appears in the viewfinder. 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 and remove it several times. If the indication is still shown in the viewfinder, use a cleaning tape to clean the heads and replace the cassette.
General Maintenance 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 Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-E230A can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement. Converter lenses, adapters for synchro editing, and car cords are just a few of the exciting accessories available to you from Hitachi. Hitachi takes you to wherever your imagination leads.
