Hitachi DZ-MV550A - Camcorder User manual

English
DZ-MV550A
DZ-MV580A
HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
HOME ELECTRONICS DIVISION
900 Hitachi Way
Chula Vista, CA 91914-3556
Service Hotline: 1-800-HITACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
HITACHI CANADA LTD.
DIGITAL MEDIA DIVISION
2495 Meadowpine Blvd.
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 6C3
CANADA
Service Direct: 1-800-HITACHI
(1-800-448-2244)
QR35303 ©Hitachi, Ltd. 2004 Printed in Japan OS-H(I)
Instruction Manual
DZ-MV550A DZ-MV580A
This manual was printed
with soy based ink.
Printed on recycled paper
DVDCAM PC Software Support Center
URL http://dvdcam-pc.support.hitachi.ca/
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.
Be sure to read page 187 before unpacking the provided CD-ROM.
The illustration of DZ-MV550A is shown on the front cover of this instruction
manual. The method for operating the DZ-MV550A is the same as that for
DZ-MV580A.

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2
Important Information
For Your Safety
The power switch turns the DVD video camera/recorder on and off, leaving the date/time feature unaffected. If the
camera/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.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE 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
may have sufficient magnitude to
cause electric shock. Therefore, it is
dangeroustomake anykind ofcontact
with any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that
important literature concerning the
operation and maintenance of this unit
hasbeenincluded.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
LASER PRODUCT
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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3
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: Thisdevice complieswithPart15oftheFCCRules.Operationissubjectto thefollowing 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,
pursuanttoPart15oftheFCCRules.Theselimitsaredesignedtoprovidereasonableprotectionagainst
harmfulinterferenceina residentialinstallation.Thisequipment generates,uses,andcanradiateradio
frequencyenergyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordancewiththeinstructions,maycauseharmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in 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 expresslyapproved by the manufacturer void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Inadditiontothecarefulattentiondevotedtoqualitystandardsinthemanufactureofyourvideoproduct,safetyisamajor
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 DVD video camera/
recorder and accessory equipment. Pleaseread it carefullybefore operating your video productand keep it in a handy
place for future reference.
INSTALLATION
1Read and Follow Instructions — Allthesafetyand
operating instructions should be read before the
video 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
onthemarkinglabel.Ifyouarenotsure ofthetypeof
powersupplytoyourhome,consultyourvideodealer
orlocalpowercompany.Forvideoproductsintended
tooperatefrombatterypower,orothersources,refer
to the operating instructions.
5Overloading — 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 cables, damaged or
cracked wire insulation and
broken plugs. They may result in 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
walkedonorpinchedbyitemsplaceduponoragainst
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
7Ventilation — Slotsand openingsinthe cabinetare
providedforventilationtoensurereliableoperationof
the video product and to protect it from overheating.
Theseopeningsmustnotbeblockedorcovered.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
suchas abookcaseorrackunlessproperventilation
is provided or the video product manufacturer's
instructions have been followed.
8Attachments — Do not use attachments unless
recommendedbythevideoproductmanufactureras
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 itselfandshouldnothavebeenmodifiedsoas
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—Donotusethisvideoproduct
near water — for example, near a bath tub, wash
bowl,kitchensink,orlaundrytub,inawetbasement,
or near a swimming pool, and the like.
10 Accessories—Donotplacethisvideoproductonan
unstable cart, 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.
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
fungafungafungafunga
fungafungafunga
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 Anapplianceandcartcombination
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 locatedin the vicinity of overhead power lines
orotherelectriclightorpowercircuits,orwhereitcan
fall into such powerlines or circuits. When installing
an outside antenna system, extreme care should be
taken to keep from touching or approaching such
power lines or circuitsas contact with them might be
fatal.Installinganoutdoorantennacanbehazardous
andshouldbeleftto aprofessionalantennainstaller.
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 kindinto this video product through openings as
theymaytouchdangerousvoltagepointsorshort-out
partsthatcouldresultinafireorelectricshock.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
productyourselfasopeningor removingcoversmay
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
17 ConditionsRequiringService—Unplugthisvideo
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,orobjectshavefalleninto
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. Improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often
requireextensiveworkbyaqualifiedtechnicianto
restore the video product to its normal operation.
e. If the video product has been dropped or the
cabinet has been damaged.
f. Whenthevideoproductexhibitsa distinctchange
inperformance—thisindicatesaneedforservice.
18 ReplacementParts—Whenreplacementpartsare
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
manufacturercanpreventfire,electricshockorother
hazards.
19 Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this video product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks recommended
by the manufacturer to determine that the video
product is in safe operating condition.
20 Heat — The product should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
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.eiae.org.”

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Cautions When Using
Handle the liquid crystal display (LCD) with care:
•The LCD is a very delicate display device: Do not press its surface with force, hit it or prick it with a
sharp object.
•IfyoupushtheLCDsurface,unevennessindisplaymayoccur.Ifunevennessdoesnotdisappearsoon,
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 (LCD) and viewfinder:
•TheLCDscreenandviewfinderaretheproductsofhighlyprecisetechnology.Amongthetotalnumber
ofpixels(approx.120,000pixelsforLCDmonitorand approx.110,000pixels forviewfinder),0.01%or
lesspixels maybe missing(black dots)ormayremainlit ascoloreddots (red,blue,green).This shows
thelimitationsofthecurrenttechnology,anddoesnotindicateafaultthatwillinterferewithrecording.
•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:
•This DVD video camera/recorder is a precision machine. Take great care that you do not strike it
against 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.
No water or oil!
•Water or oil entering the DVD video camera/recorder or AC adapter/charger could cause electric
shock, malfunctions or defects.

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Heat on surface of product:
•ThesurfaceoftheDVDvideocamera/recorderwillbeslightlywarm,butthisdoesnotindicateafault.
Screen on connected TV:
•Neverleavethediscnavigationscreen,stillimageorcameraimagedisplayedonyourTVtowhichthe
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:
•UsingtheDVDvideocamera/recorderin aplacewherethetemperatureisover104ºF(40°C)orunder
32ºF (0°C) will result in abnormal recording/playback.
•Take care that the temperature of this DVD video camera/recorder, when connected to PC does not
rise 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:
•Ifdirectsunlightstrikesthe lensorviewfinder,theDVDvideocamera/recordercouldmalfunctionor
a fire could occur.
•Do not leave the DVD video camera/recorder with the LCD screen exposed to direct sunlight: This
could 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:
•IftheDVDvideocamera/recorderisusednearstrongradio 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:
•If the DVD video camera/recorder is used in a place where there is dense exhaust gas generated by
gasolineordieselengines,orcorrosivegassuchashydrogensulfide,theexternalorinternalterminals
couldcorrode, disablingnormal operation,or the battery connecting terminals could corrode, so that
power will not turn on.
Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder near ultrasonic humidifier:
•Withsomewaterinhumidifier,calciumandotherchemicalsdissolvedinwatercouldscatterintheair,
and white particlescould adhere to theoptical head of the DVD videocamera/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 the DVD 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:
•When you move the DVD video camera/recorder between places where the difference in
temperaturesisgreat-suchasenteringalodgefromaskislopeorgoingoutofacooledroomorvehicle
-condensation(vaporinairwarmedorcooledtowaterdroplets)couldoccuronthelensand/orinside
theDVDvideocamera/recorder.Ifcondensationoccurs,donotopenthecoverofdiscorcardinsertion
blockifpossible.Ifcondensationoccursonthelens,wipe it off with a soft, dry cloth. Even if the 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:
•This DVD video camera/recorder cannot be used for a long time continuously as a surveillance
camera/monitor.IfyouusetheDVD videocamera/recorderfor alongcontinuousperiod oftime,the
temperature of DVD video camera/recorder could exceed a limit and the recording/playback
operation could be slowed down: In this case, turn it off and wait for a while before using it again.
Do not turn the DVD video camera/recorder off while the ACCESS/PC indicator or
CARD ACCESS indicator is lit or blinking:
•The ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator is lit or
blinkingtoshow thatdata isbeingwrittentodisc orcard, 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
litorblinking,turnitonagainwiththediscorcardloadedinit:Repairofthediscorcardwillbeexecuted
automatically (see page 165).
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:
•Thetemperatureinsideaclosedvehicleortrunkcan becomeveryhighinahotseason.Ifyouleavethe
DVDvideocamera/recorderinsuchaplace,itcouldmalfunctionorthecasecould 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
lens could be moldy, and the DVD video camera/recorder could become inoperable. It is
recommended 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:
•Alwaysmakeatrialrecordingbeforedoingactualrecordingtomakesurethatrecordingisnormal.The
datathathavenotbeenstorednormallybecauseofadefectintheDVDvideocamera/recordercannot
be restored.
Itisrecommendedthat youuseDVD-RAM discfromwhichrecordedcontentscanbe deletedfor 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:
•Hitachicannotcompensateforanydamagescausedwhenrecordingisnotmadenormallyorrecorded
contents cannot be played back because of a defect in the DVD video camera/recorder, disc or card.
Also, Hitachi cannot be responsible for your recorded video and audio.
•IfyouorathirdpartymakeamistakewhenhandlingthisDVDvideocamera/recorder,disc,card,etc.,
therecordedcontents maybelost. Wecannot beresponsiblefor compensationfor damagedue toloss
of recorded contents.
Copyright:
•Data recorded on the disc or card in this DVD video camera/recorder using other digital/analog
media or devices are protected by the copyright act and cannot be used without permission of the
owner of copyright, except for personal enjoyment. Be aware that recording is restricted for some
demonstrations, 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
the DVD video camera/recorder, battery, and
set the date/time.
•The section on “Basic Techniques” explains the
basic operation of this DVD video camera/
recorder - recording of movies, still images,
external input, and playback of recorded
images.
•Thesectionon“AdvancedTechniques”explains
settingsonthisDVDvideocamera/recorderfor
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.
•The section on “Connecting to PC” explains the
contents of provided CD-ROM and how to
install the software included.
•“Subsidiary Information” includes an
introductiontoproductssoldseparately,proper
cleaning, and troubleshooting.
Wewantthismanualto beashelpfulaspossible,
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.................................................25
Recording Movie..............................................49
Playing Back....................................................58
Connecting to a TV..........................................77
Functions Available with Disc Navigation.......109
Connecting to PC...........................................140
About This Manual
●Displays in this manual
Understand that the displays are different from those you will actually see in the viewfinder or on the
LCD screen.
●Notation of cancel button
Pressthe stop/cancelbuttontostopyouroperationmidway,orreturnthemenu screentothepreceding
one. The expression “press the Cbutton” will be used in this text.
●1, 2and 3marks beside headings
Some functions of this DVD video camera/recorder are unavailable with disc or card used. Refer to the
marks at right above eachfunction to identify whether the disc or card is compatible with the function.
Refer to these marks and identify the functions and operation to match the disc or card you use.
●Illustrations in this manual
Although the external appearances of DZ-MV550A and DZ-MV580A are different, the method of
operating both models is identical.
The illustrations of DZ-MV580A are used for the explanation in this text.
With this DVD video camera/recorder you can view the picture being recorded or the playback picture
whetherontheLCDmonitor orintheviewfinder. Openingorclosing theLCDmonitorswitchesthepicture
toappearontheLCDmonitororintheviewfinder.Thefollowingtextdescribestheoperationassumingthat
the viewfinder is used as a major monitor device.