TABLE OF CONTENTS VT-M171A / VT-M270A HITACHI VHS Video Deck VT-M171A / VT-M270A 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 • Front Audio and Video Jacks HITACHI HOME
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ 2 FOR YOUR SAFETY................................................................................................................................. 5 READ THIS FIRST .................................................................................................................................... 6 • Table of Contents............
TABLE OF CONTENTS • Recording a Program ...................................................................................................................... 34 Before you Record ............................................................................................................................. 34 Basic Recording Steps ...................................................................................................................... 35 Recording Tips............................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Review hookup directions and make correct, firm connections.................................................. 51 Poor picture quality (“noise”) during playback. .............................................................................. 51 TV channel selector on the proper channel. .................................................................................. 51 Set TV to channel 3 or 4 as correct for your area (Set TV or AUX or VIDEO have a direct video hookup.)...................
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.
READ THIS FIRST 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. 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.
READ THIS FIRST To play a tape.....25 To record a program.....30 Problem chart.....46 Instructions in Spanish.....
• Table of Contents • Table of Contents • = "Must Read" Sections for First Time Operation Getting Started, 6 Important Safeguards, 6 Simple Hookups, 8 • 1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR, 8 • 2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use, 8 • 3 Hook Up the Audio/Video Signal, 9 • 4 Hook Up the RF Signal, 10 • 5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply, 13 • 6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control, 13 • 7 Set the RF of Video Channel Switch, 13 Quick Tour of the Controls, 14 • Remote Control Buttons, 15 • When the Re
• Table of Contents Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT), 32 Setting the VCR to Record Later, 32 Reviewing What You Have Programmed, 34 Programming Priorities, 35 Advanced Operations, 36 Controlling Your TV with the VCR's Remote, 36 Programming the Remote Control, 36 Controlling the TV, 37 Hooking Up to a Cable Box, 38 A Step-by-Step Approach, 38 Remote Control of the Cable Converter, 41 Integrating a Second VCR, 42 Hookup, 42 To Control Both VCRs with the Remote Control, 43 Copying from One VCR to Anot
Getting Started Getting Started This section explains safety rules, how to hookup, quick tour of the controls, set up for first-time operation using on-screens menus, Videocassette tapes. Let's get started. • 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.
Getting Started instructions. 6 Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets and extension cords are dangerous, and so are frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and broken plugs. They may result in shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation.
Getting Started 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. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
Getting Started outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable-system. This will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning and power-line surges. 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.
Getting Started connector. • If you plan to route your VCR audio through your stereo speakers for better sound reproduction, place the VCR near the stereo receiver, or have enough long audio cables to make the connections. (But keep in mind that the electronic signal weakens the further it has to travel.) 2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use To make your VCR function, you'll deal with two basic hookups: 1.
Getting Started • Connect the yellow VIDEO OUT jack on the VCR (bottom row of jacks) to the VIDEO IN jack on the TV. This direct video input will give you the best picture. It will also let you play videos in a "picture in picture" feature, if your TV has it. • Then connect the white AUDIO OUT jack on the VCR to the AUDIO IN jack on the TV. This audio hookup will give you better sound than the RF signal hookup, because the electronic signal won't have to go through a conversion process.
Getting Started 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. Screw this round wire into the IN FROM ANT lower jack on the back of your VCR. 3. Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR, slide on either end to the OUT TO TV upper jack on the back of the VCR. 4. Connect the other end of the same cable onto the 75 ohm antenna input on your TV (where you first disconnected the TV in step 1.
Getting Started Separate UHF and VHF antenna 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 5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply Plug in the TV and VCR power cords to the wall outlet or an appropriate extension cord or surge protector. See Important Safeguards for further precautions (page 6). 6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control The remote control requires two fresh "AA" batteries. On the back of the remote, a plastic cover slides off in the direction shown by the arrow.
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) Remote Control Buttons Picture of Remote Control 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 (TO CONTROL TV) 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 cassette.
Getting Started (Controls) VCR/TV Switches between viewing through the VCR and not viewing through the VCR. When the Remote Doesn't Work Right Check out these possibilities: Low Battery 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.
Getting Started (Controls) VIDEO IN Receives video signal from a video camera or another VCR. AUDIO IN Receives audio signal from a video camera, stereo system or another VCR. Display Indicators Watch for these signs and symbols that let you know that the VCR is responding to your instructions. Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has as a special feature called the Easy Guide Menu. This feature guides you through simple setup and programming tasks right on the TV screen.
Getting Started (Controls) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 INITAL SETUP CLOCK SET ONE TIME RECORDING DAILY RECORDING WEEKLY RECORDING PROGRAM REVIEW PROBLEM GUIDE *TO END PRESS GUIDE You will do most of your programming and setup by pressing numbers on the remote control which correspond to options presented in this and other on-screen menus. Instructions are easy to follow, and blinking spaces on the screen will show you where your input is needed.
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) You need to set items 1 and 2 the first time you set up your VCR and any time you have a lengthy power interruption. The rest of the items can be set later as needed. Here are what the options mean: 1 ANTENNA/CABLE Press 1 to select the type of receiving setup you have:
Getting Started (Initial Setup) *TO END PRESS GUIDE Press the number buttons on the remote control to set the current time - two digits for the hour and two for the minutes. Then press 1 or 2 for AM or PM, respectively. For example, if it is now 2:15 PM, press 0, 2, 1, and 5 for hours and minutes, and press 2 for PM. Continue pressing buttons to set the date. For example, if today is DECEMBER 25, 1993, press 1, 2, 2, 5, 9, and 3 to get 12/25/93.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Adding Channels Occasionally the auto-programming may skip an active channel because the antenna was pointed in the wrong direction or the channel had a weak signal or was "off the air" at the time of programming. Or you may change your mind about a channel you removed from memory. To Add or Erase Channels • Press GUIDE twice, then press 1 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Item 3 lets you add or delete channels.
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 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 Pressing DISPLAY will cycle you through the three options. • Press DISPLAY just once to see the counter, mode, time, and date on the screen for 5 seconds. • Before the 5 seconds are up, press DISPLAY a second time to see just the counter. It will stay on the screen. • Press DISPLAY a third time to see the counter on the VCR display as well. ("M" will display below the counter on the TV screen.) • Press DISPLAY a fourth time to end the on-screen display.
Basic Operations (Recording) Select minutes by pressing buttons 0 to 9 - one digit for hours, then two digits for minutes. 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) • 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 18) and the basics about videocassettes and VCR safety. 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) 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 he VCR/TV button 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) 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 (STOP/EJECT) button (this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control) within 10 seconds.
Basic Operations (Recording) 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. • You can correct any item entered as you go by pressing the CLEAR button repeatedly until the digit to be corrected flashes on the screen.
Basic Operations (Recording) Now fill in the blanks: • Select channel 8 by pressing 0 and 8 on the remote control. • 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 06:30. 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) starting time. To avoid recording only bits and pieces of different overlapping shows, review your programming and delete those shows that are not essential.
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 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) TV Brands Press TV and This Number Hitachi 1 Zenith 2 Sony 3 Magnavox 4 Sanyo 5 Gold Star 1 6 Toshiba 7 Gold Star 2 8 NEC 9 RCA 0 Panasonic CHANNEL (up arrow) Mitsubishi CHANNEL (down arrow) JVC 100/ENT Sharp LAST CH 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) removed the cable line. 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 (Cable Box Hookups) 3. Using a second coaxial jumper, connect the other splitter output to the A of the A-or-B switch. 4. Using the cable box output line, connect the cable box receptacle to the B of the A-orB switch. 5. Using a third coaxial jumper, connect the output of the A-or-B switch to the IN FROM ANT lowerjack on the back of the VCR. 6. Take the coaxial cable that is still connected to the television and hook it to the VCR's OUT TO TV upperjack.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) 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. • Press VCR1 to operate your VCR with the remote again.
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 VTM171A (or M270A)Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) 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) Copying Tapes From A Camcorder Hookup Illustration • Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L (Line) indicator appears in the VCR display. (L2: Front A/V IN; L1: Rear A/V IN.) • Press REC/IRT on the VCR to start recording.
VCR Care and Servicing VCR Care and Servicing You are advised 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 Periodic Maintenance Your Hitachi VCR is a precision electro-mechanical device which requires professional maintenance after a period of normal use.
VCR Care and Servicing Do not remove the cover or the back of the VCR - this will void the warranty and 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 SOLUTION No Power Power cord plugged Connect the power in? cord to AC outlet. Delayed recording Program set to the Reset the delayed does not work. correct channel? recording. Program time and date Reset the delayed set correctly? recording VCR power turned off? Turn power off to activate the timer.
Care and Servicing (Problems) Mechanical sounds during the STOP Is remote control set to control the TV? Press the TV device button, then press the button corresponding to the TV function you want. Has a loaded cassette been stopped more than 5 minutes? 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.
Specification Specification • Technical Specifications 4 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: 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 VT-M171A 2 video heads for SP and EP VT-M270A 4 video heads.
Specification ons subject to change without notice. 1 This sentence appears only in the VT-M171A. This sentence appears only in the VT-M171A. 3 This sentence appears only in the VT-M171A. 4 The number of video heads is the difference between the two models.