FOR YOUR SAFETY 1 VT-F381A 2 HITACHI Video Deck VHS VT-F381A Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: VHS hi-fidelity sound in playback Automatic tape head cleaning 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 and TV, and cable converter On-screen programming guide Multi-channel TV sound (MTS) VCR Plus+* for easy ti
FOR YOUR SAFETY TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR YOUR SAFETY......................................................................................................... 3 Read This First ................................................................................................................ 4 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .......................................................................................... 5 Getting Started..............................................................................................
FOR YOUR SAFETY A Step-by-Step Approach ......................................................................................... 40 Remote Control of the Cable Converter ................................................................. 42 Advanced Operations (Stereo System) ............................................................................. 42 Integrating Your Stereo System........................................................................... 42 Hookup ......................................
Read This First WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. Caution to user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
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 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. The openings should never be blocked by placing the video product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS might be fatal. Installing an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be left to a professional antenna installer. USE 14 Cleaning -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
Getting Started Getting Started Relax. Using a VCR is very straightforward. This sections explains how to hookup the VCR, quick tour of the controls, set up for first-time operation using on-screen menus, and videocassette tapes. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi VCR. Let's get 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).
Getting Started If you have no jacks like these on your TV, skip this step and proceed to Step 4. TV with Audio and Video Jacks If you do find all three jacks on your TV, you need to purchase a three-line audio/video cable with bell (RCA) connectors, like this: If you find a video jack and only one audio jack, your TV is probably monaural. You can purchase a two-line audio/video cable, but the threeline is handy in case you get a stereo TV later.
Getting Started 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. (If you find this connection, remember to call your local cable company to start the service.) 1. If still hooked up to your TV, unscrew the round wire from the 75 ohm connector on your television. Otherwise, take the wire that comes in from the wall. 2.
Getting Started antenna wires, both 300 ohm flat wire 300 ohm flat UHF and 75 ohm round VHF 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.
Getting Started 7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV on 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.
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 everyday 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) VCR, TV, CATV Device buttons let you set the remote to control one of the three devices. 0 to 9 Number buttons used in on-screen programming. Can also be used to change channels. (Simply press 2 or 3 digits for the channel you want - such as 0 and 6 for channel 6, or 100/ENT and 2 and 4 for channel 124.) AVX Used for recording from an auxiliary input such as a stereo system. CHANNEL Top button switches to the next higher channel, bottom button switches to the next lower channel.
Getting Started (Controls) VCR Controls POWER Turns VCR power on and off. STOP/EJECT Cancels any videotape action, and when pressed a second time, ejects tape. PLAY Play the loaded videotape. DISPLAY Shows time, channel, and status indicators. CHANNEL Up and down arrows for selecting channels. REC/IRT To begin recording. F.FWD Fast forwards the videotape. REW Rewinds the videotape. Display Indicators Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has as a special feature called the Easy Guide System.
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 recording later. With your TV and VCR hooked up, turn them both on and follow these steps using the remote control.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 5 SAP Press 5 when you are ready to record a second audio program. Options are and . 7 CABLE BOX SET Press 7 to set up your cable box if you receive all channels through a cable box. 8 AUTO CHANNEL SET Press 8 to automatically program the VCR to receive all the channels that come in on your antenna or cable. 9 ADD/ERASE CHANNEL Press 9 to bring up a screen that lets you add new channels or limit the channels to the ones you most often watch.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) UHF 14-69) and 125 cable channels (CATV 1-125). When you press 8 on the Initial Setup screen, the tuner automatically cycles through all available channels in your area and places them in memory. This takes 2-3 minutes. You can watch the progress on the VCR's display - when the channel numbers stop changing, programming is complete. Only when the power goes out for more than 24 hours do you need to preset the channels again.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) dynamic range of over 90dB will record either stereo or monaural broadcasts with the highest quality possible. Linear sound, on the other hand, will record monaural sound using the same format as a non hi-fi VCR. Stereo programs are recorded in hi-fi on both the left and right channels and also recorded on the linear track as monaural.
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) When the cassette is all the way in, the VCR powers up automatically and a TAPE-IN indicator shows on the display. It may also start playing immediately if the safety tab has been removed. To remove the cassette, simply press the STOP/EJECT button on the VCR. (If the tape is playing, press STOP/EJECT once to stop the tape and a second time to eject it.) Now you can take the cassette out and put it away.
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 Rewinding the Tape When you are done watching a video, you can rewind the tape automatically or manually. If the video cassette reaches the end of the tape, the VCR will stop and automatically rewinds the videocassette. If you press POWER while the tape is rewinding, the power will shut off automatically after the tape has completely rewound. Manual Rewind Press STOP and REW. The VCR rewinds the tape all the way to the beginning, then stops.
Basic Operations Using the buttons on the VCR: Press PLAY and then REW to search in reverse. Press PLAY and then F.FWD to search ahead. Press PLAY again to return to normal playback. Using the SHUTTLE dial on the remote control: Press PLAY and turn the dial to the far right or left to search forward and backward. Searching with the Time Counter During playback (and recording), a counter keeps track of how many hours, minutes, and seconds the tape has run.
Basic Operations digits for minutes. If you enter a wrong digit, press CLEAR and enter the correct one. Then press F.FWD if you want to move that many minutes ahead, or REW if you want to move that many minutes backward. For example, say you want to review a scene that began about 2 minutes earlier in a video, press 0, 0 and 2 to display 0:02 on the screen. Then press REW. The tape rewinds to the place 2 minutes back from where you began, then starts playback automatically from that spot.
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. Copyright Infringement Warning Most television programs and films are copyrighted. This means that someone has legal rights governing the reproduction and distribution of this material. In certain circumstances, copyright law may apply to private in-home taping of copyrighted materials.
Basic Operations (Recording) You can check on the recording by pressing VCR/TV again. This will switch you back to viewing through the VCR, you'll see the program you are recording. To Skip Commercials When a commercial comes on that you don't want to record, simply press PAUSE on the remote control. The VCR will stop recording. Press PAUSE again to continue recording when you see the commercial is over.
Basic Operations (Recording) 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 the STOP button (this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control) within 10 seconds.
Basic Operations (Recording) To preset additional recordings, repeat these steps. Otherwise, press GUIDE to return to the regular TV screen. Don't forget to load a videocassette to record on. Your delayed recording settings take effect when you turn off the power on the VCR. When the power is off, the delayed recording indicator will display on the VCR. This tells you that the VCR will automatically record at the times and dates you have programmed.
Basic Operations (Recording) program, if there are more, or it will switch back to the main menu. Programming Priorities When you have set up several timed recordings, it may occur that some of their times overlap. For example, this can happen if you are set up to record shows on a daily or weekly basis, and a special show comes on that you try to record during the same time slot.
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) Channel 34 Arts and Entertainment Network Channel 35 Turner Network Television Channel 36 ESPN 5. Now you're ready to assign your local channels to VCR Plus+ channels in the VCR's memory. The way you do this depends on how your VCR is hooked up to the incoming RF signal. Decide which hookup you have from the diagrams below, and follow the setup instructions for your type of hookup. Hint: Try several practice recordings after doing your channel setup.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 2. A small arrow points to a blank "--" in the Channel column. If your broadcast channel number is the same as the VCR Plus+ channel in your TV listing, do not enter any number. Press CHANNEL up or down to position a nonmatching station next to the arrow. 3. If your broadcast channel number is not the same as the VCR Plus+ channel in your TV listing, use the number buttons to assign the broadcast channel to the corresponding VCR Plus+ channel.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) You are ready to begin delayed recording with VCR Plus+. (When you set up a delayed recording, you will need to select the desired channel using the channel selector on your cable box.) Cable with a Cable Box and Switchbox Setup This is the right setup if you used Option 3 in the cable box hookups covered in Advanced Operations.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 1. Press GUIDE, then press 1 to select VCR PLUS RECORDING and bring up this screen: 2. Use the number buttons to enter the PlusCode of the program you want to record. This code can be up to eight digits. If you enter a wrong digit, press CLEAR and enter the correct one. 3. If you accidentally enter a nonexistent PlusCode, the VCR gives you an error message that disappears from the screen in about 10 seconds. 4.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Important: Your timed recording settings take effect when you turn off the power on the VCR. Caution on the VCR Plus+ 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 Advanced Operations 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, but will not work with every one made.
Advanced Operations Toshiba 7 Gold Star 2 8 NEC 9 RCA 0 Panasonic CHANNEL (up arrow) Mitsubishi CHANNEL (down arrow) JVC 100/ENT Sharp 1 LAST CH Sharp 2 DISPLAY Controlling the TV Once programmed, the VCR's remote control is ready to control the TV. First press TV to change to the TV function mode, then press the button of the TV function that you want. For example, press TV and the CHANNEL up arrow, and the TV station will change to the next higher station.
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) Check all the TV and VCR functions. If you don't get all the functions you want, proceed with Option 2. Option 2--All Channels Unscrambled 1. Remove the cable company's line from the back of the cable box that goes to your TV. Connect it to the IN FRONT ANT lower jack on the back of the VCR. 2. Using the 75 ohm coaxial cable supplied with the VCR, connect either end to the VCR's OUT TO TV upper jack. 3.
Advanced Operations (Stereo System) functions you want, proceed with Option 4. Option 4 If none of the preceding hookups work, check with your cable company. You may need to purchase a video switching system from your local electronics or video retailer. This will easily handle most hookup problems. Remote Control of the Cable Converter If you have a cable converter, you will probably want to program your VCR's remote control so you can easily change channels.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) stereo system. Look at the back of your receiver. Probably you have AUDIO IN and OUT jacks for a second tape deck - labeled Tape 1 and 2, or AUX 1 and 2. Consult your stereo owner's manual for further information. You will need two audio cables - the kind with two color-coded plugs on each end (for left and right audio channels). With the power off: Connect the right (red) and left (white) AUDIO OUT on the VCR to the right and left AUDIO IN on the stereo system.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) Insert a blank or erasable tape (with the safety tab intact) into VCR1. Press AVX on VCR1 - the LINE indicator will display. Press REC 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 Technical Specifications Format: VHS Video Signal System: NTSC color EIA standard Record/Playback System: Video: 4 heads Audio: VHS Hi-Fi stereo record / playback system Tape Speed: 33.35mm / sec (SP), 16.67mm / sec (LP) (playback only) 11.
Care and Servicing (Problems) Care and Servicing (Problems) Often Encountered Problems Problem Things to Check Solution PROBLEM THINGS TO CHECK SOLUTION NO POWER POWER CORD PLUGGED IN? CONNECT THE POWER CORD TO AC OUTLET DELAYED RECORDING PROGRAM SET TO THE CORRECT CHANNEL? RESET THE DELAYED RECORDING. IF USING VCR PLUS+, CHECK DOES NOT WORK THE CHANNEL SETUP.
Care and Servicing (Problems) IS NECESSARY . Hitachi Service Hotline Authorized Hitachi service facilities are available throughout the US and Canada. For the location nearest you, call the Hitachi Service Hotline at one of these numbers: In the continental U.S.A.