iHITACHI Video Deck VT-FX611A 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 Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner On-screen programming guide Multi-channel TV sound (MTS) Auto clock set feature HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC. Hwy. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd.
FOR YOUR SAFETY......................................................................................................... 4 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .......................................................................................... 5 Read This First .................................................................................................................... 9 Getting Started...................................................................................................................
Before You Record..................................................................................................... 33 Basic Recording Steps .............................................................................................. 33 Recording Tips............................................................................................................ 33 Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT)................................................................ 34 Setting the VCR to Record Later .....
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 of your unit. This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
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 Periodically examine the cord and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation. 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 on the back of your TV for three jacks - possibly color-coded yellow, white, and red. They will be labeled something like IN (L and R), 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 Look at the back of your TV for a connector that looks like one of these, and follow the corresponding hookup option. If you have any sort of cable box, see the hookup options in Advanced Operations (page 46). 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.
Getting Started Capabilities: With this hookup, you should now be able to perform all the basic functions provided by this equipment. 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 to make the 75 ohm round wire connection shown below. (You may already have one on your TV.) 1.
Getting Started 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. Use the supplied 75 ohm cable to connect the VCR to the TV. Now continue with the hookup: 1.
Getting Started 7 Switch the RF or Video Channel 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. If you already have a tape in the VCR, eject it. When the power is turned on, press POWER to turn it off. Press PLAY/STILL on the VCR to turn the power on again. Pressing the CHANNEL UP button on the VCR alternates between RFCH03 (channel 3) and RFCH-04 (channel 4) in the VCR's display.
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) DISPLAY Used in on-screen programming and indexing. CLEAR Used in on-screen programming and indexing. VCR/TV Switches between viewing through the VCR and not viewing through the VCR. VOLUME Increase or decrease the audio volume. PROGRAM Used to program the timer for unattended recording. REW Rewinds the videotape. PLAY Starts playing a loaded videocassette. REC Starts recording on the station the VCR is set to.
Getting Started (Controls) 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, the dog. Hold the remote so that it points at the VCR with nothing in the way. If You Just Want to Watch TV For normal TV viewing, you do not need to disconnect the VCR. When the TV and VCR are already on, press POWER on the remote control. The VCR will shut off, but the TV will stay on.
Getting Started (Controls) Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has as 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. When you first set up your VCR, it will be set to English. Press number 8 or 9 for the other language options.
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) 2. Press 3 to select your local time zone. Each time 3 is pressed, the option for "3 SET TIME ZONE" switches from to , , , , , , and back to . This screen gives an example where is specified. 3. Press 4 to select the D.S.T. option. Each time 4 is pressed, the option for "4 SET D.S.T." switches from to , and back to . : The daylight saving time (D.S.T.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) To set the clock manually 1. Press GUIDE, then press 3 to bring up the CLOCK SET screen. Press 1 to switch "CLOCK SET " of item 1 to "CLOCK SET ". If "CLOCK SET " is specified in item 1, "SET TIME ZONE" of item 3 or "SET D.S.T." of item 4 are not displayed. 2. Press 2 to bring up the following screen. Press the number buttons on the remote control to set the current time--two digits for the hour and two for the minutes.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) : Alternate cable (if doesn't give you the channels you expect). 3. Press 2 to select "2 AUTO CHANNEL SET". The tuner automatically cycles through all available channels in your area and place them in memory. This takes 2-3 minutes. After the channels are stored in memory, the channel with the lowest number appears in the VCR's display. Press GUIDE to return to regular viewing. For convenience, the TV channel numbers should match those programmed into the VCR.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Look at each item to see if it matches your own setup: To change a setting, press the button that has the same number as that item. This will cycle you through several options. When everything is set up as you want, press GUIDE to return to regular viewing.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 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. Channel Caption (Station Identifier) When your VCR is receiving a channel caption signal that is being transmitted by a local broadcasting station together with a TV program, a station identifier is displayed on the TV screen.
Getting Started (Video Tapes) Getting Started (Video Tapes) 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, T-160, T-180, T-210, etc. 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 (Video Tapes) 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 display. It may also start playing immediately if the safety tab has been removed.
Basic Operations (Playback) Basic Operations (Playback) 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 (Playback) Manual Rewind Press STOP and REW. The VCR rewinds the tape all the way to the beginning, then stops. Press STOP/EJECT on the VCR to release the tape. Movie Return If your videocassette has the safety tab removed, the VCR will stop and automatically rewind the videocassette, eject it, and turn off the power when it reaches the end of the tape or a blank section of tape which lasts for more than 30 seconds. This function works only in PLAYBACK mode, not in RECORDING mode.
Basic Operations (Playback) If you press the DISPLAY button when viewing a videocassette, the display, as shown, appears for several seconds so you can see the functions of the number buttons on the remote control. 4: SLOW 6: F ADV The above functions always work when you are viewing a videocassette even if the display, as shown, is not displayed. Frame Advance While in PAUSE mode during playback, press 6 button to view the video one frame at a time. Press PAUSE to resume play.
Basic Operations (Playback) Displaying the Tape Remaining Time This function displays the tape remaining time in hours and minutes. 1. Press DISPLAY to display the tape remaining time. Immediately after the tape is inserted, "- : - -" will appear. 2 minutes after playback or recording is started, the tape remaining time is displayed. 2. Press CLEAR repeatedly to switch the type of the tape used. The correct remaining time will appear.
Basic Operations (Playback) Now when you rewind the tape, it will automatically stop at the spot where you cleared the counter. (Notice it moves just past the marker and then back to it.) Press PLAY to watch the tape from that preselected spot. Press DISPLAY to take the counter display off. The spot is still in memory until you set a new one or until the tape is ejected. Jump to an Index Mark with INDEX A quick way to access specific program segments is with the index search feature.
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) Operations). The recording will continue as set on the VCR. If a preset timed recording starts up while you are watching the TV, you'll hear the cassette as it clicks on and see the recording indicator light up on the VCR display. 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) simplified timer recording without having to use the programming timer. In order to set the IRT properly the clock must be set before starting. Follow the steps 1 through 5 on "Basic Recording Steps" on page 34. After the recording has started, press the REC/IRT button again to indicate the recording time on the display. You can set the recording time length, which increases by intervals of 30 minutes, one hour, one and half hours, two hours, three hours, and four hours, (i.e.
Basic Operations (Recording) You set up the delayed recording using the on-screen Easy Guide System. Press the PROGRAM button, then press number buttons 1, 2 or 3 for ONE TIME, DAILY, or WEEKLY RECORDING. Follow the white dashes "--" on screen to complete the programming. Remember to press 0 before single-digit channel numbers, times, and dates - for example, 0 and 6 for channel 6.
Basic Operations (Recording) Enter the end time, half past six, as 06:30. The VCR automatically selects PM for you. The screen shows today's date, so no changes are needed on that line. Press 5 to switch to SP because you want the best quality picture for this recording. Everything is as you want it, so press PROGRAM to set the program in memory. Insert a videocassette, and power off the VCR. Check for the delayed recording indicator on the VCR's display. Prepare to admire yourself on the evening news.
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 Hitachi 1 Zenith 2 Sony 3 Magnavox 4 Sanyo 5 Gold Star 1 6 Toshiba 7 Gold Star 2 8 Panasonic 2 9 RCA 0 Panasonic 1 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.
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 FROM 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 (Cable Box Hookups) 6. Take the coaxial cable that is still connected to the television and hook it to the output of the VCR. Some Channels Scrambled Cable Box Hookup This setup lets you switch between the two configurations in Options 1 and 2. Check all the TV and VCR functions. If you still don't get the functions you want, proceed with Option 4. Option 4 If none of the preceding hookups work, check with your cable company.
Advanced Operations (Stereo System) Advanced Operations (Stereo System) Integrating Your Stereo System There are several reasons to consider hooking up your stereo system with your TV and VCR. If your TV does not have stereo, you can get stereo quality from your VCR by hooking it to your stereo receiver. Even if your TV does have stereo, you can get better sound by taking advantage of your stereo's better speakers.
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 VT-FX611A Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1.
Advanced Operations (Camcorder) Advanced Operations (Camcorder) Copying Tapes From A Camcorder If you would like to copy a video tape shot in your camcorder onto your VCR, here's how to do it. Connect the camcorder's AV output cable to your VCR. (see diagram below) Camcorder to VCR Hookup Illustration * It is not necessary to connect the S-VIDEO jack. Press the AVX button on the VCR's remote control so that the L2 (Line) indicator appears in the VCR display. Press REC/IRT on the VCR to start recording.
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 (Problems) VCR Care and Servicing (Problems) If the VCR Doesn't Work Right Many operational problems are easily remedied by reviewing the instructions in this manual and trying out some different controls and settings. The chart on page 57 covers the more common problems that new VCR owners encounter. Don't Attempt Repairs Yourself Do not remove the cover or the back of the VCR - this will void the warranty and endanger your safety.
VCR Care and Servicing (Problems) Design and specifications subject to change without notice. Often Encountered Problems Problem Things to Check Solution No power. Power cord plugged in? Connect the power cord to AC outlet. Delayed recording does not work. Program set to the correct channel? Reset the delayed recording. Program time and date set correctly? Reset the delayed recording. VCR power turned off? Turn power off to activate the timer.
VCR Care and Servicing (Problems) Does not record when you press REC. Safety tab removed from the videocassette? Put cellophane tape over the tab area, or use a videocassette with the safety tab intact. TV program cannot be viewed or recorded. Loose or inappropriate connections between VCR and TV? Review and make correct, firm connections. Poor picture quality (“noise”) during playback. TV channel selector on the proper channel? Set TV to channel 3 or 4 as correct for your area.