Hitachi DZ-MV350A - Camcorder User manual

Instruction Manual
DZ-MV350A
HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
HOME ELECTRONICS DIVISION
1855 Dornoch Court
San Diego, CA 92154-7225
Tel. 1-800-HITACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
HITACHI CANADA LTD.
DIGITAL MEDIA DIVISION
6740 Campobello Road
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8
CANADA
Tel. 1-800-HITACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. Please take time to become familiar with the manual and how it
is set up. Keep it handy for future reference.
QR34642 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 2003 Printed in Japan OM-F(I)

English
QR34642
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Important Information
For Your Safety
ThepowerswitchturnstheDVDvideocamera/recorderonandoff,leavingthedate/timefeatureunaffected.Ifthecamera/
recorder is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn it off .
The DVD video camera/recorder and AC adapter/
charger have the following caution marks.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFERSERVICINGTOQUALIFIEDSERVICE
PERSONNEL.
Precautions
WARNING: Many television programs and films
are copyrighted. In certain circumstances, copy-
right law may apply to private in-home
videotaping of copyrighted materials.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
Identifications of caution marks
This symbol warns the user that
uninsulated voltage within the unit
mayhavesufficientmagnitudetocause
electricshock.Therefore,itisdangerous
to make any kind of contact with any
inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that
important literature concerning the
operation and maintenance of this unit
has been included. Therefore, it should
be read carefully to avoid any problems.
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, USE THE
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, BE
SURETOUSETHESPECIFIEDACADAPTER/CHARGER
(DZ-ACS1).
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is made
by highly precise technology. More than 99.99%
of its picture elements (pixels) are effective, but
some (less than 0.01%) may appear as colored
bright dots. This does not indicate a fault as the
LCD panel stretches the limits of current
technology.
CLASS 1
LASERPRODUCT
CAUTION
This product contains a laser diode of higher
classthan1.Toensurecontinuedsafety,donot
removeanycoversorattempttogainaccessto
the inside of the product. Refer all servicing to
qualified personnel.

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Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows®98, Windows®98 Second Edition, Windows®Me, Windows®2000
Professional, and Windows®XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel®, Pentium®Processor, and Celeron®Processor are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
IBM®and PC/AT®are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Other company names and product names listed are trademarks or brand names belonging to each
individual company.
SD logo is a trademark.
Warning:This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuantto Part 15of the FCCRules. Theselimits aredesigned toprovidereasonableprotection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference toradio communications.However, thereis noguarantee that interference will notoccurin
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfromthattowhichthereceiverisconnected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution to the user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.

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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Inadditionto thecareful attentiondevotedtoquality standardsinthe manufactureofyour video product,safety isamajor
factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety is your responsibility too.
ThispagelistsimportantinformationthatwillhelptoassureyourenjoymentandproperuseofDVDvideocamera/recorder
and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for
future reference.
INSTALLATION
1Read and Follow Instructions — All the safety and
operatinginstructionsshouldbereadbeforethevideo
product is operated. Follow all operating and use
instructions.
2Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3Heed Warnings — Comply with all warnings on the
video product and in the operating instructions.
4Power Sources — This video product should be
operatedonlyfromthetypeofpowersourceindicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
powersupplytoyourhome,consultyourvideodealer
or local power company. For video products intended
to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
5Overloading—Donotoverload
wall outlets and extension cords
asthiscanresultinariskoffireor
electric shock. Overloaded AC
outlets and extension cords are
dangerous, and so are frayed
power cables, damaged or
cracked wire insulation and
brokenplugs.Theymayresultin
a shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord
and have it replaced by your service technician if
appearance indicates damage or deteriorated
insulation.
6Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walkedon orpinchedbyitemsplaceduponoragainst
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
7Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are
providedfor ventilationtoensurereliable operationof
the video product and to protect it from overheating.
Theseopenings mustnotbe blockedor covered.The
openings should never be blocked by placing the
video product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface. This video product should never be placed
near or over a radiator or heat register. This video
product should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation
is provided or the video product manufacturer's
instructions have been followed.
8Attachments — Do not use attachments unless
recommended by the video product manufacturer as
they may cause hazards.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline operated
equipment or accessories connected to this unit should
bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification mark on the
accessory itself and should not have been modified so as
to defeat the safety features. This will help avoid any
potential hazard from electric shock or fire. If in doubt,
contact qualified service personnel.
9WaterandMoisture—Donotuse thisvideoproduct
nearwater—forexample,nearabathtub,washbowl,
kitchensink,orlaundrytub,inawetbasement,ornear
a swimming pool, and the like.
10 Accessories —Donotplacethisvideoproductonan
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
videoproductmayfall,causingseriousinjurytoachild
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
followthemanufacturer'sinstructions,andshoulduse
a mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
kawaii koneko
MOMO
key to chise
mekoalbum
cat book
mother
diet
Zoo Docter
Part 1 Zoo Docter Part 2
sasaki akemi hirayamo akiko horie youji setuko kimio
auto moter
kabushiki
mitoniikikata
yakamashii
igarashi
Why?
kuro
abcdfevcdsz
kusano
mitono
kakurai
tadashiigenkou tadashiigenkou
oomori matuda
nurie
yohsinarish yohsinarishashin
mito
namemekogaikiteita
mito
momogatoiredemizubitashi
album
mame
1
funga funga funga funga
funga funga funga
metsuki
123
nyanko
1midori 3
okubyo
2
mother
Part2
tomodachi
3
junkaikun
2
momo
3
momo
2
momo
1
ebisu
2
ebisu
1
key
5
key
4
key
3
key
2
key
1
chise
5
chise
4
chise
3
chise
2
chise
1

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11 An appliance and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick
stops,excessiveforce,anduneven
surfaces may cause the appliance
and cart combination to overturn.
12 Power Lines — An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
or other electric light or power circuits, orwhere it can
fallintosuchpowerlinesorcircuits.Wheninstallingan
outside antenna system, extreme care should be
taken to keep from touching or approaching such
power lines or circuits as contact with them might be
fatal.Installingan outdoorantennacan behazardous
and should be left to a professional antenna installer.
USE
13 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.
14 Object and Liquid Entry — Never push objects of
any kind into this video product through openings as
theymaytouch dangerousvoltagepointsorshort-out
partsthatcouldresultinafire orelectricshock.Never
spill liquid of any kind on the video product.
15 Lightning — For added protection for this video
product during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the
antennaorcable-system.Thiswillpreventdamageto
the video product due to lightning and power-line
surges.
SERVICE
16 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.
17 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. Ifliquidhasbeenspilled,or objectshavefalleninto
the video product.
c. If the video product has been exposed to rain or
water.
d. If the video product does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions.Improperadjustmentofothercontrols
may result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore
the video product to its normal operation.
e. If the video product has been dropped or the
cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change
inperformance— this indicates aneedforservice.
18 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. Use of
replacements specified by the video product
manufacturer can prevent fire, electric shock or other
hazards.
19 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this video product, ask the service
techniciantoperformsafetychecksrecommendedby
the manufacturer to determine that the video product
is in safe operating condition.
20 Heat — The product should be situated away from
heatsourcessuchasradiators,heatregisters,stoves,
or other products (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
This product may contain lead and mercury.
Disposal of these materials be regulated due to
environmental considerations. For the disposal
or recycling information, please contact your
local authorities or the Electronics Industries
Alliance : “www.eia.org.”

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Cautions When Using
Handle the liquid crystal display (LCD) with care:
•TheLCDisaverydelicatedisplaydevice:Donotpressitssurfacewithforce,hititorprickitwithasharp
object.
•If you push the LCD surface, unevenness in display may occur. If unevenness does not disappear soon,
turn the DVD video camera/recorder off, wait for a few moments, and then turn it on again.
•Do not place the DVD video camera/recorder with the open LCD screen down.
•Close the LCD monitor when not using the DVD video camera/recorder.
Liquid crystal display and viewfinder:
•TheLCDscreenandviewfinderaretheproductsofhighlyprecisetechnology.Amongthe totalnumber
of pixels (approx. 120,000 pixels for LCD monitor and approx. 110,000 pixels for viewfinder), 0.01% or
less pixels may be missing (black dots) or may remain lit as colored dots (red, blue, green). This shows
the limitations of the current technology,and does not indicate afault thatwill interfere with recording.
•The LCD screen and viewfinder will be slightly dimmer than usual when the DVD video camera/
recorder is at low temperature, as in cold areas, or immediately after power is turned on. Normal
brightness will be restored when the temperature inside the DVD video camera/recorder rises.
Hold the DVD video camera/recorder correctly:
•Do not hold the viewfinder or LCD monitor when lifting the DVD video camera/recorder: The
viewfinder or LCD monitor could detach and the DVD video camera/recorder may fall.
Do not subject the DVD video camera/recorder to impact:
•ThisDVDvideocamera/recorderisaprecisionmachine.Takegreatcarethatyoudonotstrikeitagainst
a hard object or let it fall.
•DonotusetheDVDvideocamera/recorderonatripodinaplacewhereitissubjecttoseverevibrations
or impact.
No sand or dust!
•Fine sand or dust entering the DVD video camera/recorder or AC adapter/charger could cause
malfunctions or defects.
Nowateroroil!
•WateroroilenteringtheDVDvideocamera/recorderorACadapter/chargercouldcauseelectricshock,
malfunctions or defects.

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Heat on surface of product:
•Thesurfaceof theDVDvideocamera/recorderwillbe slightlywarm, but thisdoes not indicateafault.
Screen on connected TV:
•Never leave the discnavigation screen,still imageor camera image displayed on your TVto which the
DVD video camera/recorder is connected: Doing so could result in displayed image retention or
phosphor degradation of TV screen.
Be careful of ambient temperature:
•Using the DVD video camera/recorderin a place where the temperature is over 140ºF (40°C) or under
32ºF (0°C) will result in abnormal recording/playback.
•TakecarethatthetemperatureofthisDVDvideo camera/recorder, when connectedtoPCdoes notrise
excessively (reference for usage: approx. 30 minutes at about 86ºF (30ºC).
•Do not leave the DVD video camera/recorder on beach sand or in a closed vehicle where the
temperature is very high for a long time: This could cause malfunctions.
Do not point directly at the sun:
•If direct sunlightstrikes thelens or viewfinder, the DVD video camera/recorder could malfunction or
a fire could occur.
•DonotleavetheDVDvideocamera/recorderwiththeLCDscreenexposedtodirectsunlight:Thiscould
cause malfunctions.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near TV or radio:
•This could cause noise to appear on the TV screen or in radio broadcasts.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near strong radio waves or magnetism:
•If the DVD video camera/recorder is used near strong radio waves or magnetism, such as near a radio
wave tower or electric appliances, noise could enter video and audio that are being recorded. During
playback of normally recorded video and audio, noise may also be present in picture and sound.
At worst the DVD video camera/recorder could malfunction.
Do not expose the DVD video camera/recorder to soot or steam:
•Thick soot or steam could damage the DVD video camera/recorder case or cause malfunctions.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near corrosive gas:
•Usingitinaplacewherethereisdenseexhaustgasgeneratedbygasolineordieselengines,orcorrosive
gassuchashydrogensulfide,couldcorrodethebatteryconnectingterminals,whichcouldresultinloss
of power.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near ultrasonic humidifier:
•With some water in humidifier, calcium and other chemicals dissolved in water could scatter in the air,
and white particles could adhere to the optical head of the DVD video camera/recorder, which could
cause it to operate abnormally.
Do not expose the DVD video camera/recorder to insecticide:
•Insecticide entering the DVD video camera/recorder could dirty the lens in laser pickup block, and in
such a case theDVD video camera/recorder might not operate normally. Turn the DVD video camera/
recorder off and cover it with vinyl sheet, etc. before using insecticide.
Do not use a generally available 8 cm CD lens cleaner:
•Cleaning the lens is not necessary when using this DVD video camera/recorder in the usual way.
•Using 8 cm CD lens cleaner could cause this DVD video camera/recorder to be faulty.

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Be careful of moisture condensation:
•WhenyoumovetheDVDvideocamera/recorderbetweenplaceswherethedifferenceintemperatures
isgreat-such asenteringalodgefromaskislopeorgoingoutofacooledroomorvehicle-condensation
(vapor in air warmed or cooled to water droplets) could occur on the lens and/or inside the DVD video
camera/recorder.Ifcondensationoccurs,donotopenthecoverofdiscorcardinsertionblockifpossible.
If condensation occurs on thelens, wipe it off with asoft,dry cloth. Even ifthe external surface of DVD
video camera/recorder has dried, condensation may remain inside: Turn the DVD video camera/
recorder off and leave it in a dry place for at least 1-2 hours before using it again.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder for a long uninterrupted period of time:
•ThisDVDvideocamera/recordercannotbeusedforalongtimecontinuouslyasasurveillancecamera/
monitor. If you use the DVD video camera/recorder for a long continuous period of time, the
temperatureofDVDvideocamera/recordercouldexceedalimitandtherecording/playbackoperation
could be slowed down: In this case, turn it off and wait for a while before using it again.
DonotturntheDVDvideocamera/recorderoffwhiletheACCESS/PCindicatororCARD
ACCESS indicator is lit or blinking:
•TheACCESS/PCorCARDACCESSindicatorislitorblinking
to show that data is being written to disc or card, or being read
from it. At this time, do not do any of the following, so as not
to damage the data:
−Remove battery
−Disconnect AC adapter/charger
−Plug or unplug PC connection cable
−Remove disc or card
−Subject DVD video camera/recorder to severe vibrations or
impact.
−Violently open or close the LCD monitor
If you turn the DVD video camera/recorder off while the ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit
or blinking, turn it on again with the disc or card loaded in it: Repair of the disc or card will be executed
automatically (see page 149).
Do not wipe the DVD video camera/recorder case with benzene or thinner:
•The coating of case could peel off or the case surface could deteriorate.
•When using a chemical cleaning cloth, follow the instructions.
Also read the instructions attached with optional accessories:
•For optional accessories, observe the cautions and follow instruction manuals attached.
CARD
ACCESS
indicator
ACCESS/PC
indicator

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Cautions When Storing
Do not leave the DVD video camera/recorder in a place where the temperature is very
high for a long period of time:
•The temperature inside a closed vehicle or trunk canbecome very high ina hot season. Ifyou leavethe
DVD video camera/recorder in such a place, it could malfunction or the case could bedamaged. Also,
do not expose the DVD video camera/recorder to direct sunlight or place it near a heater.
Do not store the DVD video camera/recorder in a place where the humidity is high or in
a dusty place:
•Dust entering the DVD video camera/recorder could cause malfunctions. If the humidity is high, the
lenscouldbemoldy,andtheDVDvideocamera/recordercouldbecomeinoperable. Itisrecommended
that you put the DVD video camera/recorder with desiccant in a box when storing it in a closet, etc.
Do not store the DVD video camera/recorder in a place subject to strong magnetism or
intense vibrations:
•This could cause malfunctions.
Detach the battery from the DVD video camera/recorder and store it in a cool place:
•Leaving the battery attached or storing it at high temperature could shorten its life.
Suggestions and Restrictions
Make a trial recording:
•Always make a trial recording before doing actual recording to make sure that recording is normal. The
data thathave not been storednormally becauseof a defect in theDVD video camera/recorder cannot
be restored.
It is recommended that you use DVD-RAM disc from which recorded contents can be deleted for trial
recording.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder for professional applications:
•This DVD video camera/recorder is designed and produced for home-use recording and playback.
The recorded contents cannot be compensated for:
•Hitachi cannot compensate for any damages caused when recording is not made normally or recorded
contentscannotbeplayedbackbecauseofadefectintheDVDvideocamera/recorder,discorcard.Also,
Hitachi cannot be responsible for your recorded video and audio.
•If you or a third party make a mistake when handling this DVD video camera/recorder, disc, card, etc.,
the recorded contents may be lost. We cannot be responsible for compensation for damage due to loss
of recorded contents.
Copyright:
•Datarecordedonthediscor cardinthisDVDvideocamera/recorder usingotherdigital/analogmedia
or devices are protected by the copyright act and cannot be used without permission of the owner of
copyright,exceptforpersonalenjoyment.Beawarethatrecordingisrestrictedforsomedemonstrations,
performances and exhibitions, even for personal enjoyment.

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Read This First
To guide you, we've included following six chapters.
•The section on “Setups” explains how to set up
theDVDvideocamera/recorder,battery,andset
the date/time.
•The section on “Basic Techniques” explains the
basic operation of this DVD video camera/
recorder-recording of movies, still images,
externalinput, andplaybackofrecordedimages.
•The sectionon“AdvancedTechniques” explains
settings on this DVD video camera/recorder for
more advanced usage.
•The section on “Disc Navigation” explains
editing with Disc Navigation: Refer to this
section when finalizing DVD-R disc and
initializing DVD-RAM disc.
•Thesectionon“InstallingSoftware”explainsthe
contents of provided CD-ROM and how to install
the contained software included.
•“Subsidiary Information” includes an
introduction to products sold separately, proper
cleaning, and troubleshooting.
We want this manualto be as helpful as possible,
soitincludestwoeasywaystofindtheinformation
you need:
•A quick index for the information you use most
often (this page).
•A detailed table of contents directing you to
specific information quickly (see page 13-15).
Get to know your DVD video camera/recorder by
using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We
appreciate your business.
Quick Index
Available Discs ................................................22
Recording Movie..............................................50
Immediately Checking Recorded Scene .........67
Connecting to a TV..........................................72
Functions Available with Disc Navigation........99
Installing Software.........................................132
With this DVD video camera/recorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture
whether on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. Opening or closing the LCD monitorswitches the picture
to appear onthe LCD monitor or inthe viewfinder. The following text describes the operation assuming that
the viewfinder is used as a major monitor device.