TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 HITACHI Video Deck VT-M273A Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: Up to 8 delayed recording programs Auto tracking for improved picture in playback Cable-compatible frequency synthesizer quartz tuner Remote control for use with your VCR, TV, and cable converter All basic playback functions on the VCR On-screen graphic programming guide VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording * VCR Plus+ and Plus Code are trademarks of Gemst
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ 2 FOR YOUR SAFETY................................................................................................................................. 4 READ THIS FIRST .................................................................................................................................... 6 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..........
TABLE OF CONTENTS Before you Record ............................................................................................................................. 33 Basic Recording Steps ...................................................................................................................... 33 Recording Tips.................................................................................................................................... 34 Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT).............
FOR YOUR SAFETY FOR YOUR SAFETY POWER SUPPLY: AC 120V, 60 Hz ONLY. The POWER switch turns the VCR on and off, leaving the clock/timer unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period, it is recommended that the unit be completely switched off and unplugged. Illustrated below is the label on the back your unit. This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
FOR YOUR SAFETY CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, AND FULLY INSERT PLUG. This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
READ THIS FIRST READ THIS FIRST Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best VCR for you, and we want to help you make the most of your purchase. Please take time to become familiar with this manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy for future reference, too. To guide you, we've concluded: "Must read" sections containing important cautions for your family's safety, as well as the basic facts you need to use the VCR.
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 Cassette Recorder 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 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the video product. c. If the video product has been exposed to rain or water. d.
Getting Started Getting Started Simple Hookups 1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR Be sure your chosen location allows for proper ventilation, stability, and protection from heat and moisture (see Important Safeguards). Place the VCR near your TV but not on top of it. For convenience in using the remote control, locate them no more then three feet apart. If you have an external cable or antenna, place the TV and VCR where you have ample cable to hook them up.
Getting Started DO NOT TURN ON THE POWER YET. FOR YOUR SAFETY, LEAVE YOUR TV AND VCR UNPLUGGED WHILE HOOKING THEM UP. 3 Hook Up the Audio/Video Signal If your TV is a fairly recent model, you probably have both audio and video jacks. Look at the back of your TV for two jacks - possibly color-coded yellow and white. They will be labeled AUDIO IN, or Video IN. (If you are not sure, look at the back of your VCR you will see two sets of these jacks.
Getting Started Simple Antenna/Cable 75 Ohm Hookup This is an easy hookup that you can use if your cable or antenna has a 75 ohm round wire connector. You will need the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR. It looks like this: If you have been watching the TV in your home before getting the VCR, you will already have a round wire attached to your TV, Otherwise, look for a cable connection coming in through the wall from outside.
Getting Started External or Internal 300 Ohm Antenna If you have either an external or internal (rabbit ears) antenna rather than cable, you may have 300 ohm connectors like these: In this case, you will need special adapters (not provided with VCR) to make the 75 ohm round wire connections shown below. (You may already have one on your TV.) 1. Remove the antenna line from the back of your TV if it is already connected there, or take it from where it comes in on the wall. 2.
Getting Started If you have "rabbit ears" (an antenna on top of your TV), you will need an additional adapter and 75 ohm extension to make your leads reach from the antenna to the VCR. This connection will work only if you have a strong, clear picture on the TV, indicating a strong signal. Connect the antenna to the adapter, and use the cable extension to go from the adapter to the VCR. Use the supplied 75 ohm cable to connect the VCR to the TV. Now continue wit the hookup: 1.
Getting Started 7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV an either channel 3 or channel 4. You need to select the appropriate channel. Turn the power on to both the TV and the VCR, and look for a switch on the back of the VCR. Set the switch to 3 or 4, whichever is not a commercial channel in your area. Your basic hookup is now complete. When you're ready to try hooking up a second VCR or a video camera, see Advanced Operations.
Getting Started (Controls) Getting Started (Controls) Quick Tour of the Controls Study these pictures carefully to learn about the buttons and controls that you'll need for daily operation. Various controls are explained throughout this manual as they are needed, but now is a good time to get familiar with their locations. Most of the time, you'll be directing the VCR from the remote control, but there are some controls on the VCR that will come in handy, too.
Getting Started (Controls) Remote Control Buttons Illustration of remote POWER Turns the VCR on and off. VCR1, TV, CATV, VCR2 Device buttons let you set the remote to control one of four devices. MUTE Turns off the audio until you press Mute again. VOLUME/SLOW Increase or decrease the audio volume and plays back in adjustable slow motion. REW Rewinds the videotape. PLAY Starts playing a loaded videocassette. STOP Stops a videocassette from playing, recording, pausing, rewinding - or anything it is doing.
Getting Started (Controls) GUIDE Brings up an on-screen setup and programming guide, the Easy Guide System. TAPE SPEED Switches between standard play (SP) and extended play (EP). AVX Used for recording from an auxiliary input such as a stereo system. LAST CHANNEL Switches to the TV channel you watched previously during the current viewing session. CHANNEL Top button switches to the next higher channel, bottom button switches to the next lower channel.
Getting Started (Controls) If the remote is not working even at close range, try putting in two fresh AA batteries. Objects in the Way There may be objects between the remote and the VCR - for instance, a stack of books on the coffee table, your 2-year-old child or the dog. Hold the remote so that it points at the VCR with nothing in the way. Set to Wrong Device It may be set to VCR2 when you're trying to control VCR1.
Getting Started (Controls) PAUSE To interrupt play or recording. Press again to resume. Display Indicators Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has a special feature called the Easy Guide System. This feature guides you through simple setup and programming tasks right on the TV screen. With the TV and VCR turned on, press GUIDE on the remote control. You will see this screen: You may view all the on-screen instructions in English, French, or Spanish.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Getting Started (Initial Setup) Setup for First-Time Operation Before you use your VCR to watch or record from your TV, you need to "tell" the VCR whether your TV uses cable or antenna input and let it program itself to receive your TV's channels. It's also a good idea to set the clock so you can do timed recordings later. With your TV and VCR hooked up, turn them both on and follow these steps using the remote control.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Here are what the options mean: 1 ANTENNA/CABLE Press 1 to select the type of receiving setup you have: Internal or external antenna Ordinary cable Alternate cable (if CATV1 doesn't give you the channels you expect) 2 AUTO CHANNEL SETTING Press 2 to automatically program the VCR to receive all the channels that come in on your antenna or cable.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 2 for PM. Continue pressing buttons to set the date. For example, if today is July 8, 1994, press 0, 7, 0, 8, 9, and 4 to get 07/08/94. When you're done, press GUIDE twice to return to regular viewing. Tips: The item to be changed will blink on the screen as you go. The clock uses the 12-hour system. You set it for AM or PM. An illogical time (like 13 for the hour or 20 for the month) will not be accepted. A question mark displays instead of the illogical number.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) from memory. To Add or Erase Channels Press GUIDE, then press 5 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Item 3 lets you add or delete channels. Use the number buttons to enter the channel you want to change, then press STOP to delete it or press PLAY to add it. Caution After a Power Failure If a power failure lasting for more than 5 seconds occurs, reset the clock and perform the "AUTO CHANNEL SETTING" found in the "INITIAL SET-UP" menu.
Getting Started (Videotapes) Getting Started (Videotapes) About Videocassette Tapes Types The best thing you can do for your VCR is use the best quality tapes available. This VCR uses VHS tapes only, which are the most common type. Look for the VHS mark on new or prerecorded tapes you buy. Tapes are marked either T-120 or T-160, which signifies how many minutes of programming they can hold at standard recording speed (SP). To get the best quality picture, record at standard speed.
Getting Started (Videotapes) Loading and Ejecting When you load a videocassette into the VCR, there is only one right way! Most tapes show you the way with a little arrow on the top side which should go in first. Push the videocassette gently into the slot on the front of the VCR. You will feel the VCR take it in. When the cassette is all the way in, the VCR powers up automatically and a TAPE-IN indicator shows on the LCD display. It may also start playing immediately if the safety tab has been removed.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Practice starting and stopping a video you've rented - play it through, see how it automatically rewinds. Get a blank tape and try recording a TV show. Then you'll know how to use the VCR when you need to - or where in the manual to find the instructions you forgot. Let's go! Viewing a Videocassette To Play Back a Recorded Tape 1. Insert the cassette, arrow-side forward, into the slot at the front of the VCR.
Basic Operations Manual Tracking Scratched tapes or poorly recorded tapes may require additional picture adjustment. You can do this with the remote control. Press VCR1 or VCR2 on respective mode, then press either of the TRACKING buttons (down or up arrows) until picture clears up. After operating the tracking manually, eject the tape and re-insert it to reactivate auto tracking. Rewinding the Tape When you are done watching a video, you can rewind the tape automatically or manually.
Basic Operations Frame Advance While in PAUSE mode during playback, press F.ADV to view the video one frame at a time. Press PAUSE to resume play. Skip Playback While playing back your tape you can skip forward by pressing the F.ADV button. The tape will search ahead for about a minute of recording time and then resume playing. Slow Motion To slow the playback speed to exactly the pace you want, press PLAY, VCR1 or VCR2 on respective mode, then press one of the VOLUME/SLOW buttons.
Basic Operations reverse motion. Try using the shuttle to explore backwards and forwards through your next video. To Find Specific Sections on a Tape Visual Search This function lets you search backward and forward through the videotape while viewing it. Using the remote control: Press PLAY and REW to search in reverse. Press PLAY and then F.FWD to search ahead. Press PLAY again to return to to normal playback.
Basic Operations At the point that you want to go back to, press CLEAR on the remote control. This resets the counter to 0:00:00. Press STOP when you are done recording or playing back the tape. Press DISPLAY again and "M" will display below the counter on the TV screen. This indicates that the counter's memory function is engaged. The counter also appears on the VCR's display. Now when you rewind the tape, it will automatically stop at the spot where you cleared the counter.
Basic Operations (Recording) Basic Operations (Recording) Recording a Program Before you Record The VCR must be hooked up properly for recording. See the Simple Hookups at the beginning of this manual. Make sure you are familiar with the Easy Guide System for on-screen programming (page 19) and the basics about videocassettes and VCR safety. Copyright Infringement Warning Most television programs and films are copyrighted.
Basic Operations (Recording) Recording Tips To Watch the Same Program While Recording To view what you are recording, press VCR/TV on the remote control so that the VCR is selected - the VCR indicator will light up on the VCR's display. You'll want to do this the first few times anyway to be sure you're recording what you want. To Watch One Program While Recording Another Once you have set the VCR for recording, press VCR/TV on the remote control. Now, you will be viewing through your TV only.
Basic Operations (Recording) recording, the time remaining is shown in the display. At the end of your recording the display will read "0:00"; recording will then automatically stop and the VCR will turn itself off. To stop recording while in the IRT mode, press the POWER button and then press STOP (STOP/EJECT) button (this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control) within 10 seconds.
Basic Operations (Recording) on screen to complete the programming. The programs are identified by numbers from 1 to 8. Remember to press 0 before single-digit channel numbers, times, and dates - for example, 0 and 6 for channel 6. After you enter the channel and time, the VCR automatically shows the current date or the next date, whichever is most logical. Leave the date as it comes up, or enter new digits for the month and day.
Basic Operations (Recording) Enter the start time by pressing 0, 6, 0 and 0 for 6 o'clock. Then press 2 for PM. Enter the end time, half past six, as 6:30. The VCR automatically selects PM for you. The screen shows today's date, so no changes are needed on that line. Press TAPE SPEED to switch to SP because you want the best quality picture for this recording. Everything is as you want it, so press GUIDE to set the program in memory. Insert a videocassette, and power off the VCR.
Basic Operations (Recording) If the programs start at different times, the VCR records the show scheduled to start earliest, records the entire show, then moves on to the show with the next earliest starting time. To avoid recording only bits and pieces of different overalpping shows, review your programming and delete those shows that are not essential.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Easy Delayed Recording with VCR Plus + About VCR Plus+ This handy feature makes timed recordings a snap. You don't need to enter the specific channel, date, time, or duration of a program. All you enter is its PlusCode--a number of up to eight digits. This special code is easy to find in your favorite TV program guide or a daily newspaper. Here's a sample page from TV Guide showing PlusCodes next to each program.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 3. If you don't get cable TV, make a list of all the broadcast channel numbers you receive on your TV - for example, channel 4 WTTV (Ind.), channel 20 WFYI (PBS). 4. If you subscribe to cable TV, have your cable company's channel directory handy. This should list all the channels as you receive them in your home, for example: Channel 34 Arts and Entertainment Network Channel 35 Turner Network Television Channel 36 ESPN 5.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) If any channel numbers don't match, follow the steps (page 43) to assign your local channel numbers to VCR Plus+ numbers. Cable (No Cable Box) This is the channel setup to use if your VCR is hooked up directly to cable without a cable box. Compare your local TV channel listing to your cable company's channel directory to find channels that need to be assigned to the VCR Plus+ codes.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 4. Repeat step 3 for all channels that need to be assigned. 5. Press GUIDE to end the setup procedure. You are ready to begin delayed recording with VCR Plus+. Cable with a Cable Box Setup Use this setup procedure if you receive all channels through a cable box. CABLE BOX SET tells the VCR how to record or to view programs from the cable box. Usually this is either 03 or 04, but it could be 02, 05 or 06. Consult your cable company if you're not sure. 1.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) being used with the VCR for all channels?" You do not receive all channels through the cable box.) 2. When you come to one of the channels that you receive through the cable box, enter the cable box's output channel number (03 to 04). This will assigne the scrambled cable channels. For example, suppose you receive Home Box Office (HBO) through the cable box. Its cable channel is 2 and its VCR Plus+ channel code is 33. Your cable box output channel is 4.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 4. If you have entered the correct PlusCode, press GUIDE to store the PlusCode in the VCR's memory. This brings up another screen: 5. Press number buttons 1, 2, or 3 to select ONE TIME, DAILY, or WEEKLY RECORDING. Important: Programming does not take effect unless you select one of these options. 6. When the next screen comes up, choose between standard or extended tape speed by pressing the TAPE SPEED button.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) VCR. Caution on the VCR Plus+ recording The VCR Plus+ feature allows you to program the VCR for timer recording by simply entering a PlusCode number up to 8 digits. To prevent erroneous channel and/or time recording. After entering a VCR Plus+ number, check the information displayed with the "PROGRAM REVIEW", if there is (are) any unnecessary program(s), please cancel or correct it (them).
Advanced Operations (Remote Control of TV) Advanced Operations (Remote Control of TV) This section explains how to use the VCR's remote control to operate your TV. It also shows you how to hook up a cable box and how to connect a stereo or a second VCR for a complete home entertainment system. Controlling Your TV with the VCR's Remote Compatibility The remote control is designed to be compatible with many televisions and cable converters, but will not work with every one made.
Advanced Operations (Remote Control of TV) of button combinations one by one until you find one that does change your TV channel. Also, if your brand of TV is not listed in the chart, try all the number buttons. One of them may work for you. If the TV channel still doesn't change after going through all the button combinations listed, it is likely that you will not be able to program this remote control for your TV.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Hooking Up to a Cable Box The cable box brings all the advantages of pay cable, but finding a satisfactory hookup can be challenging. To sort out what to do, we suggest a step-by-step approach to installation. You will need RF TV splitters, coaxial cable jumpers, and possible RF switches to try various configurations.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Consult the cable company or the cable converter manual for assistance in using the VCR with a cable converter. You will probably need to set the VCR to channel 3 or 4 and then use the cable converter to switch stations. There may be additional procedures for picking up pay-for-view or scrambled channels, which the cable company will gladly help you with. Option 1--All Channels Scrambled 1. Remove the cable company's cable line from the back of your TV.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Check all the TV and VCR functions. If you don't get all the functions you want, proceed with Option 3. Option 3--Some Channels Scrambled This hookup requires three coaxial jumpers with connectors, a 1-into-2 splitter, and an A-or-B switch box. 1. Disconnect the cable from the cable box and attach it to the input line of the 1-into-2 splitter. 2. Using a coaxial jumper, reconnect one of the splitter outputs to the cable box's input that you just freed up. 3.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) If that button combination does not work, or if your brand is not on the chart, just go through all the button combinations until you find the one that works best. Cable Converters Press CATV and This Number Jerrold 1 1 Jerrold 2 2 Jerrold 3 3 Hamlin 4 Zenith 5 Scientific Atlanta 6 Pioneer Philips 7 8 To operate the cable box once the remote is programmed for it: Press CATV and then the button of the function you want.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) Advanced Operations (Second VCR) Integrating a Second VCR With another VCR hooked up, you can copy videotapes as needed, and you can get fancy with multimedia programming. For this discussion, we refer to the model VTM273A Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) Insert the prerecorded videotape in VCR2. Insert a blank or erasable tape (with the safety tab intact) into VCR1. Press AVX on VCR1 - the LINE indicator will display. Press REC/IRT on VCR1, and press PLAY on VCR2. To monitor the picture as you record, VCR1 must be connected to your TV (follow instructions in the other VCR's manual). Press the VCR/TV button on the remote. The VCR indicator will light on VCR1's display and you can view the picture being recorded.
VCR Care and Servicing VCR Care and Servicing The VCR is fairly self-servicing, but you'll want to keep an eye on a few things as you go. In addition, you may sometimes have troubles with your VCR. We offer some suggestions for care to prevent problems, ways to troubleshoot, and places to contact when you cannot solve the problems yourself. Routine Cleaning Head Cleaning The heads are tiny mechanisms in the VCR that pick up the video signal as a videotape passes over them.
VCR Care and Servicing endanger your safety. The exposed uninsulated voltage in this unit may be high enough to cause electrical shock. It is dangerous to make contact with any inside part, and none of these parts are intended to be serviced by an untrained user. To be safe, refer service problems to qualified service personnel.
Care and Servicing (Problems) Care and Servicing (Problems) OFTEN ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS PROBLEM THINGS TO CHECK No Power Power cord plugged in? Delayed recording Program set to the does not work. correct channel? Program time and date set correctly? VCR power turned off? Does not record when you press REC and PLAY at the same time/ TV program cannot be viewed or recorded. Safety tab removed from the videocassette Poor picture quality (“noise”) during playback. TV channel selector on the proper channel.
Care and Servicing (Problems) Is remote control set to control the TV? Mechanical sounds during the STOP Has a loaded cassette been stopped more than 5 minutes? Press the TV device button, then press the button corresponding to the TV function you want. Nothing is wrong. The tape protection mechanism is working. Eject the cassette if you are done viewing. Otherwise, no action is necessary. . Hitachi Service Hotline Authorized Hitachi service facilities are available throughout the US and Canada.
Specifications Specifications Technical Specifications Recording: Video: Cassette: Heads: Tape Speed: Tape Width: RF Output: RF Input: Tuning Range: Video Input: Video Output: Audio Input Audio Output Video Recording S/N: Horizontal Resolution: lines (EP) Audio Response: Audio S/N: Power Input: Power Consumption: Cabinet Size: Weight: Accessories: Rotary two-head helical scan azimuth recording NTSC color EIA standard VHS type 4 video heads: 2 for SP, 2 for EP 1 full track audio/video erase head 1 comb
Specifications For information about how to obtain these accessories, please call TOLL FREE 1-800448-2244 for your nearest Hitachi Authorized Parts Distributor in the continental United States. For ALASKA and HAWAII, please contact the nearest Hitachi Regional office. Design and specifications subject to change without notice. 1 Warranty information: 90 days labor, 2 years parts Product originally released in 1993-1994 product line.