-1- Instruction Manual Video Camcorder VM-6500A 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 Thank you for choosing the video camcorder. For maximum pleasure and convenience please read these simple instructions before operating your camcorder. QR31032 ©Hitachi, Ltd.
-2TABLE OF CONTENTS PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................................................................................................3 FEATURES .........................................................................................................................................................................4 ACCESSORIES..........................................................................................................................
PRECAUTIONS -3- NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS -4- device may be damaged. 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- 2 Retain Instruction -- The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3 Heed Warnings -- Comply with all warnings on the video product and in the operating instructions. 4 Polarized Plug -- This video product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS -6- 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.
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- cleaning. "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".
POWER SOURCES -9- 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.
CHARGING THE BATTERY - 10 - 1. Connect the small plug of the car battery cord to the "DC IN 9.6V" jack of the camcorder. 2. Connect the other end of the car battery cord to the car's cigarette lighter socket. NOTES: • The car battery cord is designed to be used only with automobiles having a 12-volt negative ground system. • To prevent fire or shock hazard or damage to your camcorder, please use only the specified car battery cord.
CHARGING THE BATTERY - 11 - Charging time and operation time Charging time about 2 hours Operation time about 1 hour NOTES: • The operation time depends on how often you use zoom and recording pause. • Charge the battery after use and store it at normal room temperature. • Recharge your battery at least once every six months. The battery is a lead-acid battery. This battery tends to discharge if not used for an extended period of time.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 12 - IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS Click here for diagram. 1 Diopter Control Use this control to focus the viewfinder. 2 Microphone Sensitive to sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointed. 3 Lens (with Lens Cap) F1.4 (4 ~ 64 mm) 16:1 power zoom lens features auto focus and auto iris functions. 4 Color Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) Displays what the camcorder tens sees.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 13 - 12 • These buttons are used for title making buttons when "TITLE" is pressed. (See "TITLE RECORDING" on page 28.) • These buttons may be also used to set the date and time during pause (stand-by) mode. (See "DATE/TIME SETTING" on page 22.) 13 "REW/REVIEW" Button Press this button during stop or fast forward mode, and fast-rewinding starts. " " appears in the viewfinder.
IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CONTROLS - 14 - Displays the shutter speed according to the lightning condition. "ZOOM" appears when the digital zoom is engaged. Displays the zoom position for several seconds when the power zoom switch is operated. Indicates the operating modes; • "REC" appears during the record mode. • " " appears during the rewind mode. •" " appears during the fast forward mode. •" " appears during the record/pause (stand-by) mode. Shows tape counter.
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES - 15 - 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. Connect the POWER SOURCE. (See pages 9 and 10.) 2. Press "STOP/EJECT". The cassette door will open automatically. 3. Insert the cassette so the transparent window is toward you and the arrow toward the cassette holder.
INSERTING AND REMOVING CASSETTES - 16 - NOTES: • If the erase prevention tab on the cassette is removed, the "TAPE" indication in the viewfinder flashes for several seconds and the camcorder will not enter record/pause mode. • See page 8 for "EYEPIECE ADJUSTMENT". 4. Now, press "REC/PAUSE" to start shooting the picture. The "REC" indication appears in the viewfinder and you are now recording the picture you see through the viewfinder. 5. Press "REC/PAUSE" to stop recording.
PLAYBACK - 17 - 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. Recording starts again when "REC/PAUSE" is pressed again. NOTE: When "REW/REVIEW" is pressed once, the camcorder enters the instant review mode, and when it is held depressed, the camcorder enters the quick edit mode.
DATE/TIME SETTING - 18 - 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. Press "PLAY" to return to normal playback mode or press "STOP/EJECT" to stop tape movement. NOTE: There will be some noise (interference) in the forward or reverse search pictures while visually scanning.
DATE/TIME SETTING - 19 - 2. Press "DATE/TIME". Date and time appear in the viewfinder and "'1" flashes. 12:00 AM 1/ 1/1999 3. Press "F.FWD" to select correct month. Hold button down to advance rapidly. If you go past the month you want to set, press "REW/REVIEW". When the correct month appears, press "STOP/EJECT". 12:00 AM 11/ 1/1999 4. Press "F.FWD" to select correct date. Hold button down to advance rapidly. If you go past the date you want to set, press "REW/REVIEW".
DATE RECORDING - 20 - 10:30 AM 11/ 5/2000 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. NOTE: After the date and time are set, " AUTO" appears and the camcorder enters the automatic date recording mode. See "DATE RECORDING" on page 23. To correct date/time information after starting the date/time 1. Press and hold "DATE/TIME", and then press "STOP/EJECT". The month starts flashing. 2.
DATE RECORDING - 21 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TITLE 11/ 5/2000 Date only - Date recording The camcorder records the date with the picture all the time. 11/ 5/2000 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. 10:30 AM 11/ 5/2000 3. Press "REC/PAUSE". Recording will start.
AUTO FOCUS - 22 - 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. AUTO FOCUS The camcorder focuses the subject in the center of the viewfinder automatically. • The subject at the center of the viewfinder is in focus. Good No good The range of object with which auto focus can be used • On "T" side: about 2.
DISPLAY BUTTON - 23 - DISPLAY BUTTON When "DISPLAY" is pressed, the information on the shutter speed, tape remaining, remaining battery level, etc. is displayed. When "DISPLAY" is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder, the same display appears on the screen of the connected TV/monitor receiver. TAPE COUNTER When "DISPLAY" is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder and recording or playback is performed, the counter indicates the amount of tape transported as a 4-digit number.
REMAINING TAPE - 24 - NOTE: The tape will also stop approximately at "0000M" during fast forward mode. REMAINING TAPE When "DISPLAY" is pressed so the display appears in the viewfinder, the tape remaining display shows the remaining length of tape that can be used for recording and playback, using seven dashes. This feature is handy when recording since it lets you know how long you can record on the loaded tape.
DIGITAL ZOOM - 25 - DIGITAL ZOOM The digital zoom increases the magnification of the power zoom by 4.5 times. You must place the subject you wish to magnify at the center of the viewfinder. 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. When "DISPLAY" is pressed and the display appears in the viewfinder, "ZOOM" is displayed to signal to you that the camcorder is in the digital zoom area.
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING - 26 - QUICK EDIT (Edit Search) The quick edit feature allows you to search for the end of previously recorded material, or find a particular spot on your tape, to begin your editing, or recording new material. Quick edit is used while the camcorder is in the record/pause (stand-by) mode. By holding down "F.FWD", "REW/REVIEW", or "PLAY" you can visually search or play your tape. Releasing the buttons ("F.FWD", "REW/REVIEW", or "PLAY") immediately stops the tape at that position.
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING - 27 - Creating a title 1. Attach a power source to the camcorder and slide "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to either "CAM" or "VIDEO" position. 2. Press "TITLE". The flashing cursor will appear in the viewfinder. 3. Press "SHIFT" button repeatedly to move the flashing cursor to the place you want to begin your title. 4. Select the first character for your title by pressing "-" or "+" repeatedly until the desired character appears.
INDEX SIGNAL RECORDING - 28 - NOTE: Character may flash, however it will be recorded correctly without flashing. 7. After creating the title, press "TITLE" to remove the title graphics from the viewfinder. Now title graphics is stored in memory. NOTE: As long as the correct current time can be displayed, the title is held in memory. Correcting errors during title storage 1. Press "SHIFT" repeatedly until the character to be corrected will flash. 2.
VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV - 29 - VIEWING THE PICTURE PLAYED BACK ON YOUR TV To play back a tape recorded on your camcorder and view it on your TV receiver, you must connect the camcorder to the TV receiver using either audio/video cable (not supplied) or RF converter unit (optional). You also may play back the tape recorded by your camcorder on any other VHS video cassette recorder. The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP).
CAMCORDER TO VCR DUBBING - 30 - 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. If the cable is round (75 ohm), it will connect directly to the "IN FROM ANT". If it is the flat type (300-ohm), connect it to the antenna adaptor (300-ohm to 75-ohm) and slip the adaptor on to the "IN FROM ANT" terminal. 3.
VIEWFINDER BRIGHT CONTROL - 31 - 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. NOTE: If you connect the "VHF OUT TO TV" connector of VCR to the "TV ANT" connector, as illustrated and set "VCR/TV" selector of the VCR to "VCR" mode, the picture being dubbed by VCR can be monitored. ATTACHING THE OPTIONAL TELE OR WIDE CONVERTER LENS 1. Remove the lens hood.
TROUBLESHOOTING - 32 - 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. However, should problems develop, check the following points and take necessary corrective measures. INSERTING OR REMOVING THE CASSETTE Symptom Cassette holder cannot be opened when you press "STOP/EJECT". Cassette cannot be inserted into cassette compartment.
HEAD CLEANING - 33 - PLAYBACK OF PRERECORDED CASSETTE Symptom "PLAY" cannot be engaged. No picture appears on television screen when "PLAY" is pressed. (TV is connected to the camcorder by using RF converter unit.) Interference on playback picture. Check Point & Correction * Set "CAM/OFF/VIDEO" to "VIDEO" position. * Set the television to the camcorder channel (3 or 4) depending upon the selected channel on the RF channel select switch of RF converter unit. Picture bends at the top of TV screen.
For U.S.A. only - 34 - • 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. • Consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center before using a head cleaning tape.
ACCESSORIES ADD EXCITEMENT - 35 - 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.
