VT-M284A 1 HITACHI Video Deck VT-M284A Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: Automatic tape head cleaning Up to 8 delayed recording programs Auto tracking for improved picture in playback Cable-compatible frequency synthesizer quartz tuner Illuminated remote control for use with your VCR and TV All basic playback functions on convenient shuttle control On-screen programming guide VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording * VCR Plus+ and PlusCode
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4 FOR YOUR SAFETY ........................................................................................................................... 4 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .................................................................................................................. 6 Getting Started........................................................
Recording Tips.................................................................................................................................... 31 Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT)........................................................................................ 32 Setting the VCR to Record Later ..................................................................................................... 33 Reviewing What You Have Programmed ...........................................................
Introduction Introduction 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.
Introduction 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 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. 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 accessory recommended by the manufacturer. 11A An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. 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.
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.
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 We will guide you through this process. But first, turn the TV and the VCR around so you are looking at their backs. Note the various input and output receptacles, their shapes, and how they are labeled. Then read through the rest of this hookup section before proceeding to an actual hookup. DO NOT TURN ON THE POWER YET. FOR YOUR SAFETY, LEAVE YOUR TV AND VCR UNPLUGGED WHILE HOOKING THEM UP.
Getting Started 4 Hook up the RF Signal 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 50). 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 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. 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 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. Using whichever adapter you have fit your antenna with, attach that connector to the IN FROM ANT jack on the back of the VCR. 2. Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR, connect either end to the OUT TO TV jack on the back of the VCR. 3.
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) Remote Control Buttons POWER Turns the VCR on and off. GUIDE Brings up an on-screen setup and programming guide, the Easy Guide System. VCR/TV Switches between viewing through the VCR and not viewing through the VCR. CLEAR Used in on-screen programming and indexing. DISPLAY Used in on-screen programming and indexing. VOLUME Increase or decrease the audio volume. MUTE Turns off the audio until you press MUTE again. REC Starts recording on the station the VCR is set to.
Getting Started (Controls) If the remote is not working even at close range, try putting in two fresh AA batteries. When replacing the batteries, remove the old batteries and press the POWER button on the remote and hold it for about 10 seconds, then insert two fresh 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, the dog. Hold the remote so that it points at the VCR with nothing in the way.
Getting Started (Controls) 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 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 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 MOVIE Press 2 to select whether you want prerecorded movies (safety tab removed) to play automatically when loaded, and then rewind, eject and turn off the power when done. Options are and . 3 CODE Press 3 to enable the remote control to control a second VCR. Options are and . 7 CABLE BOX SET Press 7 to set up your cable box if you receive all channels through a cable box.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 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. If you press the wrong digit, exit the screen by pressing GUIDE and recall the screen to enter the correct setup. The day of the week is set automatically.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) removed from memory. To Add or Erase Channels Press GUIDE, then press 5 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Item 9 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.
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) 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. To remove the cassette, simply press the STOP/EJECT button on the VCR.
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 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. 1: TRACKING + 3: SLOW + 4: TRACKING 6: SLOW 9: FRAME ADVANCE The above functions always work when you are viewing a videocassette even if the display, as shown, is not displayed. Rewinding the Tape When you are done watching a video, you can rewind the tape automatically or manually.
Basic Operations time. Press PAUSE to resume play. Skip Playback While playing back your tape you can skip forward by pressing the 9 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, then then press 3 or 6 button. Press 6 to slow down, press 3 to speed up. The more times you press, the slower or faster the slow motion. Use the 1 or 4 button to minimize any visual noise bands on the screen.
Basic Operations 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. When you first start playback, the counter shows briefly in the TV screen's upper right corner. When you want to check the counter during playback, there are several ways to do it. Pressing DISPLAY will cycle you through the three options.
Basic Operations Select minutes by pressing buttons 0 to 9 - one digit for hours, then two 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.
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) To Watch One Program While Recording Another Once you have set the VCR for recording, press VCR/TV. Now, you will be viewing through your TV only. Switch channels using your TV controls or the VCR remote, if it's programmed to control your television (see Advanced Operations). The recording will continue as set on the VCR.
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 button (this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control) within 10 seconds.
Basic Operations (Recording) 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. Then, punch in the correct number. Illogical times and dates won't be accepted.
Basic Operations (Recording) indicator on the VCR's display. Prepare to admire yourself on the evening news. If using a cable box the VCR can control, turn on the cable box before the time the recording is to begin. If using a cable box the VCR cannot control, turn on the cable box and tune it to the channel you want to record before the time the recording is to begin.
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) do any special channel setup. To find out, compare the VCR Plus+ channels in your TV program guide to your list of channels that you receive at home. 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.
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 or Cable with a Cable Box and Splitter 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.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 8. Press GUIDE to display the CABLE BOX TYPE message on the TV screen. 9. Enter your cable box type from the chart below by pressing two numbers. 10. Press GUIDE to enter your cable box type. The VCR will change the cable box from channel 02 to channel 09 when you enter the correct code for your cable box. 11. Cable box tuned to channel 9: Press number 2 on the remote. Your cable box and VCR are now set for VCR Plus+ program recording.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Using VCR Plus+ to Record a Program Now that your channels are set up, you can take advantage of this quick and easy method of delayed recording. You will use the on-screen Easy Guide System, following the basic procedure for delayed recording outlined on page 37. See the section on Recording a Program for recording tips and programming priorities. You set up the delayed recording using the on-screen Easy Guide System. 1.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 7. Review the screen to be sure everything is set as you want, then press GUIDE to complete your programming or continue with additional programs. When you have set up all the timed recordings you want: Don't forget to load a videocassette (with the safety tab still attached) to record on. If using a cable box the VCR can control, turn on the cable box before the time the recording is to begin.
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 and cable converters, but will not work with every one made.
Advanced Operations listed, it is likely that you will not be able to program this remote control for your 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 1 LAST CH Sharp 2 DISPLAY Controlling the TV Once programmed, the VCR's remote control is ready to control the 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. Before you begin, take a close look at the back of your TV to see where cables are currently connected. You may need to reconnect them that way later.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Check all the TV and VCR functions. B. Advanced hookup (Cable Box to unscramble all channels) Use this hookup for slightly improved picture quality and more convenient operation use of VCR/TV button not required. 1. Connect as shown. This connection requires additional accessories not provided. 2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and cable box. You will tune the TV to its video input to watch the VCR.
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 VTM284A Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) 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.
Advanced Operations (Synchro Editing) Advanced Operations (Synchro Editing) Synchro Editing Tape copying is much easier if you can connect VCR1 and VCR2 with a synchro edit cable. This lets you use a single set of controls to govern both VCRs. We assume that VCR2 is your model VT-M284A. This is the playback VCR. The other VCR must be a Hitachi and must have a jack labeled EDIT. This is the recording VCR. You will need to purchase a synchro edit cable.
Advanced Operations (Synchro Editing) happen.
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) Illustration of Hookup Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 (Line) indicator appears in the VCR display. Press REC/IRT on the VCR to start recording. Press PLAY on your camcorder to start copying your tape.
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 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. 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 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) TV CAN RECOGNIZE. MECHANICAL SOUNDS DURING PLAYBACK. 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.