Hitachi Vme-555la - camcorder User manual

HITACHI

Instruction

Manual

EJ

Fi

fl

8mm

Video

Camcorder

FEY

Video

Camcorder

VM-E555LA

VM-H755LA

VM-H855LA

VM-H955LA

HITACHI

HOME

ELECTRONICS

HITACHI

(HSC)

CANADA

INC.

(AMERICA),

INC.

6740

Campobello

Road

1855

Dornoch

Court,

Mississauga,

Ontario

L5N

2L8

San

Diego,

California

92173

CANADA

Tel.

619-661-3441

Tel.

905-821-4545

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,

QR30891

©Hitachi,

Ltd.

1999

Printed

in

Japan

KK-H(N)

Important

Information

For

Your

Safety

The

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

turns

the

camcorder

on

and

off,

leaving

the

date/time

feature

unaffec-

ted.

If

the

unit

is

to

be

left

unattended

for

a

long

period

of

time,

turn

the

camcorder

off

and

close

the

lens

door.

F

|

EXPOSE

THIS

UNIT

TO

RAIN

OR

MOISTURE.

|

WARNING

:

TO

PREVENT

FIRE

OR

SHOCK

HAZARD,

DO

)

NOT

|

ies

p

mats

m

|

4

WARNING

:

TO

PREVENT

FIRE

OR

SHOCK

HAZARD,

USE

THE

REC-

|

OMMENDED

ACCESSORIES

ONLY.

|

The

camcorderand-

AG-adaptor

have

the

follow-

ing

caution

marks.

h

CAUTION

|

identifications

of

gadila

ee

|

RISK

OF

ELECTRIC

SHOCK

|

DO

NOT

OPEN

|

This

symbol

warns

the

user

that

unin-

sulated

voltage

within

the

unit

may

have

sufficient

magnitude

to

cause

electrical

shock.

Therefore,

it

is

danger-

ous

to

make

any

kind

of

contact

with

any

inside

part

of

this

unit.

This

symbol

alerts

the

user

that

import-

ant

literature

concerning

the

operation

and

maintenance

of

this

unit

has

been

.

included.

Therefore,

it

should

be

read

carefully

to

avoid

any

problems.

Precautions

WARNING:

Many

television

programs

and

films

are

copyrighted.

In

certain

circumstances,

copy-

right

law

may

apply

to

private

in-home

video-

taping

of

copyrighted

materials.

This

Class

B

digital

apparatus

complies

with

Canadian

ICES-003.

The

liquid

ee

1

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.

E2

CAUTION?

TO

REDUCE

THE

RISK

OF

ELECTRIC

SHOCK,

DO

NOT

OPEN.

NO

USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS

INSIDE.

REFER

SERVICING

TO

QUALIFIED

SERVICE

PERSONNEL.

WARNING:

TO

PREVENT

FIRE

OR

ELECTRIC

SHOCK,

MATCH

WIDE

BLADE

OF

PLUG

TO

WIDE

SLOT,

AND

FULLY

INSERT

PLUG,

Information

for

VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-

H955LA

This

camcorder

can

use

EI

and

FRE

video

cas-

settes.

It

automatically

determines

the

loaded

cas-

sette

is

E]

or

HiH

and

records

and

plays

it

back

correctly.

HITACHI

|

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.

|

i

Note:

This

equipment

has

been

tested

and

found

to

comply

with

the

limits

for

a

Class

B

digital

device,

pursuant

to

Part

15

of

the

FCC

Rules.

These

limits

are

designed

to

provide

reasonable

pro-

tection

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

to

radio

communications.

However,

there

is

no

guarantee

that

inter-

ference

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:

|

ji

l

|

—

Reorient

or

relocate

the

receiving

antenna.

|

—

Increase

the

separation

between

the

equipment

and

receiver.

|

—

Connect

the

equipment

into

an

outlet

on

a

circuit

different

from

that

to

which

the

receiver

is

con-

|

nected.

|

—

Consult

the

dealer

or

an

experienced

radio/TV

technician

for

help.

Caution

to

the

user:

Changes

or

modifications

not

expressly

approved

by

the

manufacture

could

|

void

the

user's

authority

to

operate

the

equipment.

“Note

to

CATV

system

installer:

This

reminder

is

provided

to

call

the

CATV

system

installer’s

attention

to

Article

820-40

of

the

NEC

that

provides

guidelines

for

proper

grounding

and,

in

par-

ticular,

specifies

that

the

cable

ground

shall

be

connected

to

the

grounding

system

of

the

building,

as

close

to

the

point

of

cable

entry

as

practical”.

Notes

*

This

unit

uses

8mm

video

format

cassettes.

*

Itrecords

and

plays

back

in

the

SP

mode

(14.3

mm/sec).

*

Jt

cannot

record

and

play

back

in

the

LP

mode

(7.2

mm/sec).

*

VM-H955LA

uses

a

Hi-Fi

stereo

sound

system.

When

a

tape

recorded

by

this

camcorder

is

played

by

a

conventional

8mm

camcorder,

monaural

sound

is

output.

When

a

tape

recorded

by

|

a

conventional

8mm

camcorder

is

played

this

machine,

monaural

sound

is

output.

MOISTU

RE

|

Avoid

operating

your

camcorder

immediately

after

moving

it

from

a

cold

place

to

a

warm,

humid

|

place.

Give

the

camcorder

2

to

3

hours

to

stabilize

in

the

ambient

conditions

of

the

surroundings

before

inserting

a

cassette.

When

moved

from

a

cold

place

to

a

warm,

humid

place,

moisture

may

|

condense

on

the

head

drum

inside

the

machine.

This

moisture

could

cause

the

tape

to

stick

to

the

|

headwheel

and

damage

the

headwheel

or

tape.

|

When

a

small

amount

of

moisture

is

sensed,

“TAPE”

flashes

in

the

viewfinder

or

on

the

LCD

moni-

l

tor.

Remove

the

cassette

and

set

the

CAM/OFF/

VIDEO

switch

to

OFF,

then

wait

for

about

one

|

hour.

|

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

E3

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

instrurnent.

But,

safety

is

your

responsibility

too.

This

page

lists

important

information

that

will

help

to

assure

your

enjoyment

and

proper

use

of

a

Video

camcorder

and

accessory

equipment.

Please

read

it

carefully

before

operating

your

video

product

and

keep

it

in

a

handy

place

for

future

reference.

INSTALLATION

1

Read

and

Follow

Instructions

—

All

the

safety

and

operating

instructions

should

be

read

before

the

video

product

is

operated.

Follow-all

operating

and

use

instructions.

2

Retain

Instructions

—

The

safety

and

operating

instruc-

tions

should

be

retained

for

future

reference.

3

Heed

Warnings

—

Comply

with

all

warnings

on

the

video

product

and

in

the

operating

instructions.

4

Polarized

Plug

—

This

video

product

is

equipped

with

a

polarized

alternating-current

line

plug

(a

plug

having

one

blade

wider

than

the

other}.

This

plug

will

fit

into

the

power

outlet

only

one

way.

This

is

safety

feature.

If

you

are

unable

to

insert

the

plug

fully

into

the

outlet,

try

reversing

the

plug.

If

the

plug

should

still

fail

to

fit,

contact

your

electrician

to

replace

your

obsolete

outlet.

To

prevent

electric

shock

do

not

use

this

polarized

plug

with

an

extension

cord,

recep-

tacle

or

other

outlet

unless

the

blades

can

be

fully

inserted

without

blade

exposure.

If

you

need

an

extension,

use

a

polarized

cord.

5

Power

Sources

—

This

video

product

should

be

operated

only

from

the

type

of

power

source

indicated

on

the

marking

label.

If

you

are

not

sure

of

the

type

of

power

supply

to

your

home.

consult

your

video

dealer

or

local

power

company.

For

video

products

intended

to

operate

from

battery

power,

or

other

sources,

refer

to

the

operating

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

a

shock

or

fire

hazard.

Periodically

examine

the

cord

and

have

it

replaced

by

your

service

technician

if

appearance

indicates

damage

or

deteriorated

insu-

lation.

E4

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.

8

Ventilation

—

Slots

and

openings

in

the

cabinet

are

pro-

vided

for

ventilation

to

ensure

reliable

operation

of

the

video

product

and

to

protect

it

from

overheating.

These

openings

must

not

be

blocked

or

covered.

The

openings

should

never

be

blocked

by

placing

the

video

product

on

a

bed,

sofa,

rug,

or

other

similar

sur

face.

This

video

product

should

never

be

placed

near

or

over

a

radi-

ator

or

heat

register.

This

video

product

should

not

be

placed

in

a

~builtirrinstallation-such

as

@

bookcase-or

rack

untess

proper

vente

lation

is

provided

or

the

video

product

manufacturer's

instructions

have

been

followed.

G

Attachments

—

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.

10

Water

and

Moisture

—

Do

not

use

this

video

product

near

water

—

for

example,

near

a

bath

tub,

wash

bowl,

kitchen

sink,

or

laundry

tub,

in

a

wet

basement,

or

near

a

swimming

pool,

and

the

like.

11

Accessories

—

Do

not

place

this

video

product

on

an

un-

stable

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.

11A

An

appliance

and

cart

combination

should

be

moved

with

care.

Quick

stops,

excessive

force,

and

uneven

sur-

faces

may

cause

the

appliance

and

cart

combination

to

overturn.

HITACHI

42

Outdoor

Antenna

Grounding

—

ifan

outside

antenna

or

cable

system

is

connected

to

the

video

product,

be

sure

the

antenna

or

cable

system

is

grounded

so

as

to

provide

some

protection

against

voltage

surges

and

built-up

static

charges.

Section

810

of

the

National

Electrical

Code,

ANSI/NFPA

No.

70,

pro-

vides

information

with

respect

to

proper

grounding

of

the

mast

and

supporting

structure,

grounding

of

the

lead-in

wire

to

an

antenna

dis-

charge

unit,

size

of

grounding

conductors,

location

of

antenna-dis-

charge

unit,

connection

to

grounding

electrodes,

and

requirements

for

the

grounding

electrode.

See

example

below.

EXAMPLE

OF

ANTENNA

GROUNDING

-

ANTENNA

7

LEAD

IN

WIRE

fe

eR

OUND

CLAMP

L

ANTENNA

„~

|

DISCHARGE

UNIT

(NEC

SECTION

810-20)

pe

TS.

GROUNDING

CONDUCTORS

En

p

Se

Cee

(NEC

SECTION

810-21)

><

Bere.

GROUND

CLAMPS

ELECTRIC

SERVICE

“

EQUIPMENT

=

POWER

SERVICE

GROUNDING

ELECTRODE

SYSTEM

INEC

ART

250,

PART

H}

NEC

—

NATIONAL

ELECTRICAL

CODE

43

Power

Lines

—

An

outside

antenna

system

should

not

be

located

in

the

vicinity

of

overhead

power

lines

or

other

electric

light

or

power

circuits,

or

where

it

can

fall

into

such

power

lines

or

circuits.

When

installing

an

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.

Installing

an

outdoor

antenna

can

be

hazardous

and

should

be

left

to

a

professional

antenna

installer.

USE

44

Cleaning

—

Unplug

this

video

product

from

the

wall

outlet

before

cleaning.

Do

not

use

liquid

cleaners

or

aerosol

cleaners.

Use

a

damp

cloth

for

cleanin

15

Object

and

Liquid

Entry

—

Never

push

objects

of

any

kind

into

this

video

product

through

openings

as

they

may

touch

dangerous

voltage

points

or

short-out

parts

that

could

result

in

a

fire

or

electric

shock.

Never

spul

liquid

of

any

kind

on.the

video

product.

16

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

antenna

or

cabie-system.

This

will

prevent

darnage

to

the

video

product

due

to

lightning

and

power-line

surges.

SERVICE

417

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.

If

liquid

has

been

spilled,

or

objects

have

fallen

into

the

video

product.

c.

lf

the

video

product

has

been

exposed

to

rain

or

water.

d.

lf

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

require

extensive

work

by

a

qualified

technician

to

restore

the

video

product

to

its

normal

operation.

e.

ifthe

video

product

has

been

dropped

or

the

cabinet

has

been

damaged.

When

the

video

product

exhibits

a

distinct

change

in

perform

ance

—

this

indicates

a

need

for

service.

“hy

419

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.

20

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

deter-

mine

that

the

video

product

is

in

safe

operating

condition.

21

Heat

—

The

product

should

be

situated

away

from

heat

sources

such

as

radiators,

heat

registers,

stoves,

or

other

products

(including

arnplifiers)

that

produce

heat.

VIV-ES55LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

ES

Before

You

Begin»

Any

problems

that

occur

as

a

result

of

any

of

the

following

conditions

will

not

be

covered

by

our

warranty.

@

Be

careful

that

no

water,

dust

or

sand

enters

the

camcorder

and

all

accessories.

W

When

you

shoot

at

a

scene

which

contains

an

extremely

bright

object

such

as

the

sun

or

a

light

source,

a

bright

vertical

bar

may

appear

in

the

picture.

Your

camcorder

is

functioning

properly,

but

the

solid-state

pickup

device

(C.C.D)

usually

causes

this

as

an

inherent

characteristic.

Try

to

avoid

shooting

an

excessive

bright

object

di-

rectly.

a

Read

This

First

===

To

guide

you,

we've

included:

*

An

“Important

Information”

section

containing

important

cautions

for

your

family’s

safety

as

well

as

instruction

for

getting

your

video

cam-

corder

ready

to

use.

Please

read

and

under-

stand

this

section

thoroughly

before

moving

on.

*

A

“Getting

Started”

section

to

familiarize

your-

self

with

the

controls

and

prepare

you

for

recording.

*

A

“Basic

Techniques”

section

to

allow

you

to

use

your

video

camcorder

quickly

and

confi-

dently

before

advancing

to

the

more

sophisti-

cated

features

of

the

Hitachi

VM-E555LA

/

VM-

H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA.

*

“Advanced

Techniques”

to

help

you

with

some

of

the

exciting,

sophisticated

features

of

the

Hitachi

VM-E555LA

/

VM-H755LA/VM-

H855LA/VM-H955LA.

We

hope

you

will

take

the

time

to

learn

about

these

functions

since

they

have

been

designed

for

you.

You

can

use

the

video

camcorder

without

reading

this

sec-

tion.

*

A

“General

Maintenance”

section

to

help

keep

your

purchase

in

good

repair.

EG

E

M@

Be

sure

not

to

leave

the

camcorder

in

a

place

where

the

temperature

exceeds

140°F

(60°C),

or

the

pickup

device

may

be

damaged.

Dangerous

includes:

*

Inside

a

car

with

the

windows

closed

and

in

direct

sunshine.

«

Near

heating

appliances.

E

Do

not

leave

the

viewfinder

lens

and

the

liquid

crystal

display

(LCD)

screen

facing

sunlight

for

a

prolonged

period,

or

the

phosphorescent

sur-

face

of

the

cathode

ray

tube

and

the

LCD

panel

may

be

damaged.

We

want

this

manual

to

be

as

helpful

as

possible,

so

it

includes

two

easy

ways

to

find

the

infor-

mation

you

need:

*

A

quick

index

for

the

information

you

use

most

often

(this

page).

*

A

detailed

table

of

contents

directing

you

to

spe-

cific

information

quickly

(page

8).

Get

to

know

your

video

camcorder

by

using

this

manual,

and

get

to

know

Hitachi.

We

appreciate

your

business.

Quick

Index

Charging

the

BOttery

ccc

cccceceececsecseenesie:

16

Setting

the

Date

and

TIME

neenu.

26

Making

a

Basic

Recording...

EER

Pavan

28

Zooming

E

T

AELE

E

a

NE

E

A

E

cteniee’

32

Using

the

Wireless

Remote

COntol

acra

52

Dubbing

from

Camcorder

to

VCR

ween

56

HITACHI

Aaaeeeaa

Features

meni

»

Easy

to

use

+

Digital

effect

*

Color

liquid

crystal

display

(LCD)

monitor

with

+

Stable

pix

(Electronic

Image

Stabilization

(EIS))

speaker

*

Fade

in/fade

out

*

Active

screen

*

Instant

zoom

*

Perfect

power

(Lithium-ion

battery)

*

Recorded

date

search

»

Active

light

(for

VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA)

*

Automatic

title

recording

*

100X

zoom

ratio

*

Video

effects

»

400X

digital

zoom

(with

instant

zoom)

>

Multi

playback

(PAL60

conversion)

E

Types

of

differences

|

__VM-ESS55A

VM-H755LA

VM-H855LA

l

VM-H955LA

System

Hil

HiB

HiH

Audio monaural

monaural

|

stereo

LCD

monitor

size

2.5-inch

3.0-inch

3.5-inch

r

E

F

iran

l

Active

light

No

Yes Yes

Program

AE

Auto

|___Auto

Auto/

Mode

select

|

*

This

instruction

manual

shows

the

illustrations

for

the

VM-H955LA.

With

this

camcorder

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

monitor

switches

the

picture

to

appear

on

the

LCD

monitor

or

in

the

viewfinder.

The

following

text

describes

the

operation

as-

suming

that

the

viewfinder

is

used

as

a

major

monitor

device.

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

E7

ERRES

Table

of

Contents

#2

Important

Information

..ssseserssrerireererrenererenre

2

For

Your

Safely

eroieriari

inni

rnini

2

Important

Safeguards

essesrererrerereererrerers

4

Before

YOU

Be@Gin........::ccccsccsessensessneneessaserees

6

Read

This

PSE

ern

opterei

taeda

E

a

E

AEAEE

6

POO

COG

ici

enra

e

ira

7

Getting

Started

Components

and

AcCESSOMIES

...cceceeeeeteeeeee

9

identifying

COntrOlS.s..sessesseerrsserirrurueerenrrenns

10

Loading

Clock

and

Remote

Control

Bateries

eira

iaei

Eaei

Ena

iE

15

Clock

Battery

i

rn

ceeds

aaie

15

Remote

Control

Batteries......cccsccessceeseceecees

15

Charging

the

Battery

........ccccseeccsceseseneeeeees

16

Removing

the

Battery

Pack........

a17

-Reference

of

Charged

tevek

aF

Charging

Time

esssseserressersrrererrens

i

Operating

TIME

...ssssersserrnrrreerrurenerirrernerenerrers

17

Checking

the

Battery’s

Charge

ssassn

18

Camcorder

Power

SOUICES.....cccccssesscceseees

19

Using

Battery

PaCK..ssessssessrrrerrreerraereannenre

19

Using

the

AC

Adaptor

....ccccccssccecsserecenereees

19

Using

a

Cat

Battery

ac

iec

tea

ye

aendecs

19

Inserting

and

Removing

Cassettes

nase.

20

Inserting

a

CaSSette......cccccccccseccreseereeseres

20

Removing

a

Cassette

......:ccccsecceceseeseessers

20

Protecting

Recorded

Material

........ccc0:

20

LECO

MONTO

ae

he

cederet

nu

dee

badd

dete

21

Opening

the

LCD

Monitor

........:cccseeceee

21

Adjusting

the

Brightness

of

the

ECD

SOLOS

cs

than

aeaee

r

e

21

Range

in

which

the

LCD

Monitor

can

be

PROVED

oereide

ayei

ee

EE

21

Range

in

which

the

LCD

Monitor

can

bë

moved

orn

ae

eae

ce

sat

asir

a

aiiis

21

Active

SCreeN

.esssersrsuriresreetrerrrreererarernnareransee

22

Adjusting

the

Electronic

Viewfinder

..........

22

Eyepiece

Adjustment

........::cccssccessssesesnees

22

Adjusting

the

Hand

Strap

sassercecrerne

23

Attaching

the

Shoulder

Strapaese

23

Remaining

Tape

cat

sti

saci

aA

A

24

Using

the

Linear

Time

Counter

nascesse

24

Display

in

Viewfinder

or

on

LCD

MONRNON

nenas

cteaeiedalabedivaaeess

24

Switching

the

Display

........cccesscseeseecsers

2D

Setting

the

Date

and

TIME

ssessceccereen

26

Basic

Techniques

Making

a

Basic

Recording

.......cccceeceerss

28

Using

Instant

REVIOW

....c:cccccccccssceerseeserecsers

28

Using

Auto

FOCUS

.e..essserserreeresssrnersurirersorensra

29

Using

Manual

Focus

.asssseersrerrrrereerrererereers

30

Using

the

Power

ZOOM

..eesesssrerereensrrererrresrs

30

Using

the

Digital

ZOOM

...........csscccssserecerrees

30

Using

the

INST.

ZOOM

(instant

Zoom)

BEE

EE

eae

eric

tanh

iy

cs

cers

cheer

E

dite

31

Using

Macra

orea

tacos

e

oieee

itita

ian

31

E8

Playback

ecen

tie

aie

Gielen

32

EISHAG

Stl

aradr

a

aoe

Using

Forward

and

Reverse

Search...

33

Playing

Back

Your

Recording

ön

Your

TN

aeiaaeeo

34

Connecting

to

a

Television

with

a

VCR

Attache

adii

oora

r

a

34

Connecting

to

a

Television

with

Audio

In

and

Video

In

Jacks

sessen

36

Connecting

to

a

Television

without

Audio

In

and

Video

In

Jacks

wee

38

Video

Effects

in

Playback

Mode

..........005

39

Multi

PI

AY

Dd

Gaus

cavvaesenetystvixcsicnccn.stasse

ileus

AO

Advanced

Techniques

Changing

the

Angle

of

the

LCD

Monitor

when

Recording

..eessssrsrrrrsrsrssrersrreerrernsenenne

42

-Date

Recording

...ssessesssrerseesenrecornsnennrnrrennere

43

Using

the

PROGRAM

AE

Dial

{only

for

VM-HI55

LAJ

erriren

ar

iia

44

Recording

by

Selecting

Recording

5106

[6

IEEE

TTA

44

Adjusting

Playback

Pictures

sesser

45

Digital

Effects

Recording

......--cceccceeereees

46

Activating

Digital

Effects

Recording.........

47

Using

Digital

Fade

...ssssesesserrrurenrerrserrnserersenns

48

Using

the

Electronic

Image

Stabilizer........

50

Using-

Quick

Ed

eee

danke

catatonia

deseo)

50

Attaching

the

Optional

Wide

or

Tele

Converter

LenS

iia

cer

eon

50

Date

SCA

Oki

csdoecdic

hee

ania

Oo)

USING

MENIONY

ecni

nrnna

tana

51

Using

the

Wireless

Remote

Control

T,

52

Creating

and

Recording

a

Title

sesser

52

Selecting

Stored

Title

(Prememo)

...........

53

Creating

a

TG

secesssisardeedlavsseisascasdeqataseanacs

54

Recording

Title

on

a

Tape

in

the

CamiCOROGT

aene

ees

eer

OS

Recording

a

Title

while

Transferring

a

TAOS

cata

r

E

I

aiina

55

Dubbing

from

the

Camcorder

to

a

VCR.....

56

Simple

Programmable

Edit

.......c:eeeeeeeee

58

Programming

the

Remote

Control

PORTA

VCR

marane

er

ee

ene

(IGT

AON

sees

oroesi

eir

iyi

eiiiai

60

Using

Audio/Video

Dubbing...

ere

63

Using

the

Active

Light

(only

for

VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA)..........

64

Demonstration

Mode

..sessssserrrenrererrenresrrerenes

64

General

Maintenance

Cleaning

the

Camcorder

Heads

asese

65

Cleaning

the

Lens

and

Picture

Tube

of

the

Electronic

Viewfinder

....ccccccccsen

65

Periodic

Maintenance

.......ccccceccscnertecenereees

66

Troubleshooting

erarnan

aedis

66

Specifications

...s.ssserrrererrerernnrerernnerenerrrranerens

68

Accessories

Add

Exci

tement

P

EAE

E

70

HITACHI

Components

and

Accessories

sss

Getting

Started

This

section

guides

you

through

the

initial

preparation

of

the

cam-

corder.

None

of

these

processes

are

complex.

Set

aside

some

time,

relax,

and

familiarize

yourself

with

this

quality

instrument.

Enjoy

getting

to

know

all

about

your

Hitachi

8mm

camcorder.

The

more

comfortable

and

familiar

you

are

with

the

machine

and

its

features,

The

more

you

can

make

it

do

for

you.

Let’s

get

started!

If is

crucial

that

you

read

and

understand

all

the

safety

instructions

before

you

begin.

If

you

haven't

read

the

safety

instructions

yet,

please

fake

the

time

to

do

so

now.

Check

that

you

have

all

the

following

components

and

accessories

before

proceeding.

1.

Q

N

A

Ue

w

W

Optional

RF

Converter

Unit

If

you

wish

to

connect

this

camcorder

to

a

tele-

“vision

that

does

not

have

audio/video

input

jacks

~

you

will

need

to

use

the

optional

RF

converter

unit

model

VM-RF86A(R).

.

20-pin

S

cable

(only

for

VM-H755LA/VM-

.

Battery

pack

.

AC

adaptor

.

Shoulder

strap

.

Battery

for

date/

title

.

Remote

control

.

Batteries

for

remote

control

Audio/Video

output

cable

*1

Cable

for

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-

H855LA

*2

Cable

for

VM-H955LA

H855LA)

VM-BPL13

VM-ACE5A

|

Part

No.TS14621

WARNING:

Kep)

|

this

battery

away,

|

from

en

T

|

Part

No.HL11045

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

Eg

Identifying

Controls

sess»

1.

Lens

Door

The

door

will

automatically

open

when

the

CAM/

OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

set

to

“CAM”.

Setting

the

switch

to

“OFF”

will

close

the

door.

2.

Infrared

Receiver

The

area

where

infrared

signals

from

the

wireless

remote

are

received.

Aim

the

remote

control

to

this

area

for

best

results.

3.

Record

Indicator

This

indicator

flashes

when

the

camcorder

is

recording.

4.

Active

Light

Switch

(for

VM-

H855LA/VM-H955LA)

When

this

switch

is

set

to

AUTO,

the

active

light

turns

on

or

off

automatically

according

to

the

brightness

of

the

object.

When

switch

is

set

to

ON,

the

active

light

turns

on.

Set

the

switch

to

OFF

to

turn

the

light

off

manually.

(“Using

the

Active

Light”,

p64)

5.

Microphone

Sensitive

to

sounds

coming

from

the

direction

in

which

the

camera

is

pointed.

6.

Active

Light

(for

VM-H855LA/

VM-H955LA)

When

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

in

the

CAM

position,

the

active

light

is

turned

on

and

off

automatically

or

manually

depending

on

the

posi-

tion

of

the

Light

switch.

Turn

the

active

light

off

after

use.

(“Using

the

Active

Light”,

p64)

Note:

The

active

light

will

not

turn

on

when

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

Is

set

to

VIDEO.

E10

Se

8

91011

12

13

14

r

f

j

16

17

181920

Note:

If

there

is

no

cassette

in

the

camcorder,

or

if

a

recording

prevented

cassette

is

inserted

with

the

active

light

switch

set

to

AUTO,

the

light

will

automatically

go

out

after

5

minutes.

7.

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

Power

Switch

This

switch

turns

the

camcorder

on

and

off.

Set

the

switch

to

CAM

for

camera

recording,

and

to

VIDEO

for

playback.

Hold

down

the

small

red

button

as

you

slide

the

switch

to

CAM

or

VIDEO.

You

do

not

need

to

hold

down

the

red

button

to

slide

the

switch

to

OFF.

8.

FFWD

Button

Use

this

button

to

fast

forward

tapes

or

for

visual

search.

During

visual

search

the

camcorder

fast

forwards

at

approximately

9

times

normal

play-

back

speed.

During

fast

forward,

press

and

hold

this

button

to

visually

scan

the

tape

forward

at

19

times

the

normal

playback

speed.

(“Using

Forward

and

Reverse

Search”,

p33)

Also

use

this

button

to

set

date

and

time

and

create

a

title

(“Creating

and

Recording

a

Title”,

p52).

9.

PLAY

Button

Use

to

play

back

recorded

tapes

and

create

a

title.

(“Creating

and

Recording

a

Title”,

p52)

10.

REW/REVIEW

Button

Use

this

button

to

fast

rewind

tapes

or

for

visual

search.

During

visual

search

the

camcorder

rewinds

at

approximately

7

times

normal

playback

speed.

During

rewind,

press

and

hold

this

button

to

visually

scan

the

tape

backwards

at

17

times

the

normal

playback

speed.

(“Using

Forward

and

Reverse

Search”,

p33)

Also

use

this

button

to

set

date

and

time

and

create

a

title

(“Creating

and

HITACHI

18

Behind

the

cover

|

SO

@

j

VIDEO

AUDIO

Output Output

Jack

Recording

a

Title”,

p52).

Furthermore,

use

this

button

to

review

the

last

few

seconds

of

the

tape

you

are

recording.

11.

STOP

Button

Use

this

button

to

stop

playback,

fast

forward,

or

reverse.

Also

use

this

button

to

set

date

and

time

and

create

a

title.

(“Creating

and

Recording

a

Title”,

p52).

12.

BATTERY

Release

Lever

Releases

the

battery

attached

to

camcorder.

13.

Charge

Indicator

When

the

battery

is

being

charged,

this

indicator

will

flash

or

light

to

show

the

charged

level

as

a

ref-

erence

(“Charging

the

Battery”,

p16).

14,

Electronic

Viewfinder

15.

Diopter

Control

To

use

the

electronic

viewfinder,

pull

the

eye

cup

all

the

way,

and

then

turn

this

control

for

your

opti-

mum

focus

adjustment

(“Eyepiece

Adjustment”,

p22),

16.

PROGRAM

AE

Dial

(only

for

VM-

H955LA)

Use

this

dial

to

select

the

exposure

that

suits

the

subject

condition.

Turn

the

dial

to

select

the

desired

recording

mode:

you

can

record

scenes

with

the

exposure

according

to

the

mode

(“Using

the

PRO-

GRAM

AE

Dial”,

p44).

During

playback,

this

dial

can

also

be

used

to

adjust

the

finer

details

of

playback

pictures.

(See

page

45

for

details.)

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

17.

Power

Supply

Attachment

Section

Attach

the

battery

here

(“Charging

the

Battery”,

p16).

18.

AUDIO/VIDEO

Output

Jacks

(Behind

the

jack

cover)

Use

this

jack

to

connect

the

camcorder

to

a

VCR

or

television

(“Playing

Back

Your

Recording”,

p34,

36,

“Dubbing

from

the

camcorder

to

a

VCR”,

p56).

*

Connect

the

yellow

plug

of

the

audio/video

cable

to

the

yellow

jack

(VIDEO

OUT)

and

the

white

plug

to

the

white

jack

(AUDIO

OUT).

19.

DC

IN

Jack

Plug

in

the

AC

adaptor

here

to

charge

a

battery

or

power

the

camcorder

from

AC

outlet.

In

addition,

connect

the

optional

car

battery

cord

to

this

jack,

in

which

case,

you

will

need

a

DC

cord

(optional).

20.

Shoulder

Strap

Slots

Attach

the

shoulder

strap

here.

21.

OPEN

Button

Push

this

button

to

open

the

LCD

monitor.

22.

Bright

Control

Buttons

Use

this

to

adjust

the

brightness

of

the

LCD

moni-

tor

screen

(“Adjusting

the

Brightness

of

the

LCD

Screen”,

p21).

23.

LCD

Monitor

You

can

view

the

pictures

as

they

are

being

re-

corded

and

play

them

back

immediately

after

recording

on

the

LCD

screen

(“LCD

Monitor”,

p21).

E11

24.

Cassetie

Holder

A

power

source

must

be

connected

to

the

cam-

corder

before

a

cassette

can

be

inserted

or

removed.

25.

EJECT

Button

Press

this

button

to

open

the

cassette

holder.

A

power

source

must

be

connected

before

cassettes

can

be

inserted

or

removed

though

the

CAM/

OFF/

VIDEO

switch

may

be

set

to

OFF

(“Inserting

and

Removing

Cassettes”,

p20).

Note:

The

EJECT

button

is

inoperable

unless

the

LCD

monitor

ls

completely

open.

26.

Speaker

You

can

listen

to

the

recorded

sound.

Note:

No

sound

is

heard

when

the

LCD

monitor

is

closed,

27.

FOCUS/VOL.

(volume)

Control

Buttons

When

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

set

to

CAM,

these

buttons

will

be

the

focus

control

but-

tons.

Press

them

simultaneously

to

select

manual

or

automatic

focusing.

To

control

focus

manually

(“Using

Manual

Focus”,

p30),

press

the

A

or

¥

button

to

bring

the

subject

into

focus.

When

man-

ual

focus

has

been

engaged,

“FOCUS”

will

appear

in

the

viewfinder

or

on

the

LCD

monitor.

When

you

are

viewing

playback

pictures

on

the

LCD

monitor

with

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

set

to

VIDEO,

these

buttons

can

be

used

to

control

the

volume

of

the

built-in

speaker

(“Playback”,

p32).

E12

BR

ae.

35...

36.37.38

28.

DATE/DISP.

Button

When

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

set

to

CAM,

this

button

can

be

used

as

the

DATE

or

DIS-

PLAY

button:

set

the

date

and

time,

and

select

the

date

display

you

want

to

record

(“Setting

the

Date

and

Time”,

p26

and

“Date

Recording”,

p43).

In

the

VIDEO

mode,

the

DATE/DISP.

button

is

used

as

the

DISPLAY

button

(“Display

in

Viewfinder

or

on

LCD

Monitor”,

p24).

Note:

Be

sure

to

insert

the

clock

battery

before

setting

the

date

and

time

or

creating

a

title.

29.

EFFECTS

Button

Use

this

button

to

digitally

process

the

image

you

are

going

to

record

or

the

playback

image.

During

recording,

you

can

select

among

six

modes:

16x9,

negative/

positive,

X400

digital

zoom,

half-mizror,

mosaic,

or

art

(“Digital

Effects

Recording”,

p46).

During

playback,

you

can

select

among

three

modes:

16x9,

art,

or

sepia

(“Video

Effects

in

Playback

Mode”,

p39).

30.

FADE

Button

The

FADE

button

features

six

modes;

white

fade,

wipe

fade,

mosaic

fade,

art

fade,

zoom

fade

and

black-and-white

fade

(“Using

Digital

Fade,”

p48).

31.

EIS

(Electronic

Image

Stabilizer)

Button

EIS

corrects

slight

shaking

of

an

image

(“Using

the

Electronic

Image

Stabilizer,”

p50).

HITACHI

32.

PAL60

Button

(Multi

Playback)

Use

this

button

when

connecting

the

camcorder

to

a

PAL

TV

which

handles

PAL60

mode

signal

and

has

vertical

sync

adjustment

circuitry

for

60Hz.

Notes:

*

Make

sure

“PAL60”

is

not

displayed

when

connecting

the

camcorder

to

an

NTSC

TV

for

playback,

or

monitoring

the

playback

picture

on

the

camcorder's

LCD

monitor.

If

“PALO”

is

displayed

in

the

above

cases,

no

color

will

appear

in

the

picture.

«

The

PAL6G

button

is

effective

during

play-

back

only.

*

See

TV

instruction

manual

for

detalls

about

setting

of

PAL6O

mode,

»

Depending

on

the

state

of

the

tape

re-

corded,

the

PAL60

button

may

not

operate

normally.

»

Tape

recorded

on

PAL

system

cannot

be

.

The

PAL6G

mode

will

be

released

when

the

camcorder

is

turned

off.

33.

Audio/Video

Output

Jack

(Behind

the

jack

cover)

For

VM-E555LA:

Use

this

jack

to

connect

the

cam-

corder

to

a

television

(“Connecting

to

a

Television

without

Audio

In

and

Video

In

Jacks”,

p38).

For

VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA:

Use

this

jack

to

connect

the

camcorder

to

a

VCR

or

tele-

vision

(“Playing

Back

Your

Recording

on

Your

TV”,

p34,

36,

38,

“Dubbing

from

the

Camcorder

to

a

VCR”,

p56).

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H355LA

34.

Start/Stop

Button

When

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

in

CAM

press

this

button

to

start

recording.

When

pressed

a

second

time

the

camera

pauses.

During

playback

use

this

button

to

stop

the

tape

temporarily.

Pressing

a

second

time

resumes

nor-

mal

playback.

35.

Hand

Strap

Refer

to

page

23.

36.

Clock

Battery

Compartment

Pull

the

battery

holder

and

install

the

clock

battery

(provided).

(See

“Loading

Clock

and

Remote

Control

Batteries”

on

page

15.)

37.

Power

Zoom

Control

Use

this

to

zoom

automatically

(“Using

the

Power

Zoan

p30).

a

nS

38.

INST.

ZOOM

(Instant

Zoom)

Button

Use

this

button

to

magnify

the

image

being

re-

corded

1.5

times.

39.

Tripod

Mounting

Threaded

Socket

Use

this

threaded

socket

to

mount

the

camcorder

to

a

tripod.

E13

40.

Recorder’s

Remote

Control

The

shaded

buttons

on

the

remote

control

have

the

same

functions

as

the

corresponding

buttons

on

the

camcorder.

41.

TITLE

ON/OFF

Button

(only

on

the

remote

control)

Use

this

button

to

create

and

record

titles

for

your

tapes

(“Creating

and

Recording

a

Title”,

p52).

42.

A/V

DUB

Button

(only

on

the

remote

control)

Use

this

button

to

record

new

audio

and

video

over

existing

audio

and

video.

43.

DISPLAY

Button

Use

this

button

to

select

the

viewfinder

or

LCD

monitor

and

TV

display

(“Display

in

Viewfinder

or

on

LCD

Monitor’,

p24).

This

button

can

be

used

instead

of

the

DATE/DISP.

button

on

the

cam-

corder

in

the

VIDEO

mode.

44,

COUNTER

RESET

Button

(only

on

the

remote

control)

Use

this

button

to

reset

the

linear

time

counter

to

“0:00:00”.

E14

HITACHI

Loading

Clock

and

Remote

Control

Batteries

sss

@

Clock

Battery

@

Remote

Control

Batteries

Install

the

battery

to

prevent

misplacing

it.

The

remote

control

requires

two

“AA”

batteries.

1

Pull

out

the

battery

holder

using

such

as

coins.

1

Slide

the

cover

in

the

direction

of

the

arrow

to

remove

it.

7

Insert

the

battery

with

the

“+”

terminal

facing

up.

“P”

Marking

3

Fully

insert

the

battery

holder

into

the

cam-

y)

Install

batteries.

corder.

Be

careful

to

install

with

correct

polarity.

WARNING:

KEEP

THE

BATTERY

AWAY

FROM

CHILDREN

AND

PETS.

0

g

p

IF

SWALLOWED

CONSULT

A

PHYSICIAN

IMMEDIATELY

FOR

EMERGENCY

TREATMENT.

Note:

Replace

the

battery

with

3V

micro

lithium

cells

such

as

Maxell

CR2025

or

its

equivalent.

Note:

Dispose

of

battery

safely

in

accordance

with

local

laws.

Do

not

dispose

ofin

fire.

. .

Note:

Do

not

short

circuit

the

battery.

Cautions

on

the

batteries

Note:

Do

not

take

apart

the

battery.

*

Do

not

use

the

old

and

new

batteries

at

the

same

time.

=

Donotmix

batteries

of

different

types.

3

Re-attach

the

cover

to

the

remote

control.

Note:

Do

not

hold

the

battery

with

the

metalic

weezer.

i

2

=

Do

not

short,

take

apart

or

dispose

of

batteries

|

Note:

Do

not

recharge

ine

battery.

throwing

them

into

aes

POTERIT

Note:

Keep

the

battery

in

a

dark,

cool,

dry

*

When

liquid

leaks,

wipe

it

off

completely

and

then

place.

i

insert

new

batteries.

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-HS55LA

E15

The

first

step

Is

to

set

the

battery

for

charging.

To

charge

the

battery,

attach

if

to

the

camcorder,

and

connect

the

VM-ACESA

AC

adaptor.

Charge

the

battery

at

a

temperature

range

of

50°F

(10°C)

~

86°F

(80°C)

to

prevent

damage

to

the

battery.

Note:

This

camcorder

operates

with

a

lithium

ion

battery

such

as

VM-BPL13/VM-BPL27/VM-BPL30/

VM-BPL6O,

Note:

We

cannot

be

responsible

for

any

malfunctions

of

the

camcorder

which

occur

when

you

use

bot-

tery

packs

other

than

those

specified.

CHARGE

Indicator

Charge

the

battery

on

a

flat

surface

this

Is

free

of

vibration,

|

Make

sure

the

CAM/OFF/VCR

switch

is

set

to

OFF

position.

VIDEO

#|

OFF

@

CAM

«||

2,

Attach

the

battery

pack

to

the

camcorder.

*

Align

the

bottom

of

the

battery

with

mark

»

on

the

camcorder

so

that

the

battery

fits

into

the

grooves.

Then

slide

the

battery

down-

ward,

as

illustrated,

|

N

Mark

>

Note:

Always

attach

a

battery

only

by

the

pro-

cedure

described

here.

Attaching

a

battery

forcibly

could

damage

ft.

3

Plug

the

AC

adaptor

power

cord

into

an

AC

outlet.

Make

sure

that

the

wide

blade

fits

into

the

wide

slot.

If

it

doesn’t

fit,

try

reversing

it.

If

the

blades

still

do

not

fit

fully

into

the

outlet,

either

contact

an

electrician

to

replace

your

obsolete

outlet,

or

use

a

polarized

cord

or

outlet

access-

ory.

Connect

the

AC

adaptor

DC

plug

to

the

DC

IN

jack

of

the

camcorder.

E16

To

DCIN

Jack

A

JE

mb

0

To

AC

Outlet

Charging

will

start

within

five

seconds.

During

charging,

the

CHARGE

indicator

of

the

cam-

corder

will

flash

or

light

to

give

you

a

reference

of

the

charged

level.

Note:

If

the

CHARGE

indicator

flashes

once

every

two

seconds,

the

battery

could

be

defective.

Note:

The

CHARGE

indicator

will

not

light

at

all

when

the

AC

adaptor

is

defective.

Note:

You

can

use

the

battery

before

It

is

com-

pletely

charged.

Note:

When

charging

is

complete,

the

CHARGE

indicator

on

the

camcorder

will

light.

IF

the

fully

charged

battery

is

removed

and

then

reattached,

the

camcorder

will

again

enter

the

charge

mode,

and

the

CHARGE

indi-

cator

will

flash.

It

will

take

a

few

minutes

for

the

camcorder

to

enter

the

charge

complete

status.

Note:

Charging

at

low

temperatures

will

decrease

charge

capacity,

_

After

charging

is

complete,

disconnect

the

AC

adaptor

DC

plug

from

the

camcorder.

6

Disconnect

the

AC

plug

from

the

AC

outlet.

7

Detach

the

battery

from

the

camcorder.

Note:

Always

remove

the

battery

from

the

camcorder

after

use.

Note:

Charging

is

not

done

when

the

CAM/

OFF/VIDEO

switch

of

the

camcorder

is

set

fo

CAM

or

VIDEO.

However,

if

recording

pause

continues

for

more

than

5

minutes

in

the

CAM

mode,

the

camcorder

will

automatically

turn

off,

after

which

charging

will

start,

Note:

if

the

DC

plug

Is

disconnected

when

the

battery

is

attached

and

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

set

fo

CAM

or

VIDEO,

the

camcorder

will

turn

off

once,

but

Then

automatically

turn

on

again,

Note

that

the

battery

will

discharge

if

the

camcorder

is

left

as

is.

HITACHI

AC

Adaptor

@

Removing

the

Battery

Pack

Slide

the

BATTERY

release

lever

in

the

direction

of

the

arrow

and

hold

it;

then

slide

the

battery

to

the

upper

side

and

remove.

BATTERY

Release

Lever

@

Reference

of

Charged

Level

You

can

know

the

approximate

charge

level

of

bat-

tery

by

observing

how

the

CHARGE

indicator

of

camcorder

flashes

or

lights:

|

Charge

level

CHARGE

indicator

Flashes

once

at

approx.

one-

second

intervals.

0-50%

charge

Flashes

twice

at

approx.

one-

50-75%

charge

|

second

intervals.

More

than

75%

charge

Full

charge

Flashes

three

times

at

approx.

one-second

intervals.

Steady

light

|

VM-

|

VM-

|

VM-

BPL27

|

BPL30

|

BPL6O

[90min

[20min

[amn]

@

Charging

Time

eS

Battery)

VM-

Full

charge

170

min.

175%

charge

|

100

min.

@

Operating

Time

The-camcorderoperating-time-depends-on-how-

often

you

turn

power

on/off

and

use

start/stop

and

zoom.

Continuous

Recording

EVF:

when

using

the

viewfinder

LCD:

when

using

the

LCD

monitor

Battery]

VM-

|

VM-

|

VM-

|

VM-

|

Camcorder

|

BPL13

|

BPL27

|

BPL30

|

BPL6O

a

VM-

|

EVE

|

160min.

[330

min.

|

370

min.

|

760

min.

|

ESSSLA

|

LCD

|

120

min.

|

260

min.

|

290

min.

|

630

min.

VM-

|

EVF

[160

min.

|

330

min,

1370

min.

ein

|

H755LA

[LCD

|

20min.

|

250:min.

|

280

min

|

360

min.

|

VM-

EVF

ee

|

ain

aia

730

min.

|

H8SSLA

|

LCD

|

110min.

|

240

min.

|

250

min.

|

520

min.

[

VM-

|

EVE

|

10min.

|

30min.

|

320min.

|

20min

|

H9SSLA

[TCD

|

10min.

|

20min

Amin

510

min

|

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

Typical

Recording

EVF:

when

using

the

viewfinder

LCD:

when

using

the

LCD

monitor

Battery

|

VM-

|

VM-

|

VM-

|

VM-

Camcorder

BPL13

|

BPL27

|

BPL30

|

BPL60

VM-

|

EVF

|

90min.

200

min.

|

420

min.

ESSSLA

|

ICD

70

min,

150

min.

|

170

min.

|

380

min.

190

min.

E

min.

f

[140

min.

|

160

min.

|

180

min.

|

190

min.

|

40min

|

130

min.

|

140

min.

|

290

min.

160

min.

|

180

min.

|

400

min.

120

min.

|

130

min.

|

280

pi

|

190

min.

=

|

420

min.

330

min.

VM-

H855LA

Mcp

VM-

|

EVF

|

70min.

|

H9SSLA

|

LCD

|

60min.

Notes

on

the

Battery

-itis

recommended

that

the

battery

always

be

left

in

the

discharged

state

when

not

in

use,

and

charged

before

you

use

f.

*

Avoid

storing

a

fully

charged

battery,

and

do

not

store

it

in

a

place

where

the

temperature

is

high:

this

will

damage

the

battery,

»

Do

noi

operate

the

battery

at

temperature

below

14°F

(-10°C)

or

above

113°F

(45°C),

At

extremely

low

temperatures

operation

time

decreases,

while

at

high

temperature

the

battery

may

be

dam-

aged,

»

Do

not

atach

a

hot

battery

to

the

camcorder,

Allow

if

to

cool,

60

min.

ed

min.

|

THERE

ARE

NO

USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS

INSIDE

THE

BATTERY

OR

AC

ADAPTOR.

THROWING

THE

BATTERY

INTO

FIRE

OR

EXPOSING

IT

TO

EXCESSIVE

HEAT

(ABOVE

140°F

[60°C])

ae

MAY-GAUSEINSURY——

SHORTING

THE

BATTERY’S

TERMINAL

INCREASES

RISK

OF

FIRE

OR

ELECTRICAL

SHOCK,

E17

Checking

the

Battery’s

Charge

es

A

battery

charge

indicator

is

located

on

the

upper

tight

corner

of

fhe

viewfinder

or

LCD

moni-

tor.

One

of

six

symbols

displays

when

the

battery

is

used,

Note:

The

battery

charge

indicator

does

not

appear

when

the

camcorder

is

powered

by

the

AC

adaptor.

Full

=

0:55:00

!

ram

et

This

flashing

symbol

indi-

kh

å

4

|

Y

|

M

7

|

=

cates

a

battery

nearly

out

of

Fo ge

A

power.

Use

an

alternative

power

source

or

charge

the

battery

before

continuing

to

use

the

camcorder.

Knowing

Remaining

Battery

Power

Time

lf

you

use

the

VM-BPL3O

lithium-ion

battery

(optional)

to

power

the

camcorder,

you

can

find-

ing

out

how

much

camcorder

operating

time

remains,

with

the

battery.

The

VM-BPL30

measures

the

battery

consumption,

calculates

the

remaining

battery

time,

and

displays

it

(in

minutes)

in

the

viewfinder

or

on

the

LCD

monitor.

Since

the

camcorder

power

consumption

varies

according

to

how

frequently

autofocusing

or

zooming

is

used,

the

displayed

time

may

decrease

or

increase

several

minutes

at

a

time,

or

may

not

change

for

some

time.

Note:

The

remaining

battery

time

will

appear

10-15

seconds

after

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

set

to

CAM:

if

will

not

appear

in

the

VIDEO

position.

Note:

When

the

remaining

time

decreases

fo

5

minutes

or

less,

the

time

display

will

disappear.

We

recommend

that

you

replace

the

battery

earlier.

Note:

If

you

connect

the

VM-BPL30

battery

with

the

remaining

battery

time

of

5

minutes

or

less,

the

time

will

not

be

displayed.

Note:

If

the

correct

remaining

time

does

not

appear

use

up

the

battery

attached

to

the

camcorder,

and

then

fully

charge

i.

Note:

if

you

repeat

charging

and

discharging

the

battery

before

using

if

up,

the

correct

remaining

time

may

not

be

displayed.

Note:

If

ine

battery

is

used

at

low

temperatures,

the

actual

operating

time

with

battery

will

be

substantially

different

from

the

displayed

time,

and

the

correc?

time

may

not

appear.

Note:

if

ine

battery

which

has

been

used

at

iow

temperature

is

subsequently

used

at

nor-

mal

temperature,

display

of

remaining

battery

time

will

be

incorect.

For

display

of

correct

remaining

time,

fully

charge

the

battery.

E18

Note:

The

remaining

battery

time

will

not

appear

when

you

are

recording

an

image

of

yourself,

or

the

LCD

monitor

is

put

back

to

cam-

corder

with

its

screen

facing

to

the

side.

Note:

if

you

eject

and

reinsert

cassette

after

the

battery

is

discharged,

power

will

shut

off

midway

and

ihe

camcorder

will

stop.

When

the

battery

is

discharged,

immediately

remove

it

from

the

camcorder

and

charge

it

again.

Note:

When

the

VM-BPL30

battery

is

used,

the

battery

charge

indicator

“Cm”

may

not

match

the

remaining

battery

time

display

(in

minutes).

in

this

case,

refer

to

the

remaining

time

display

when

using

the

camcorder.

To

display

the

correct

remaining

battery

time

on

camcorder

Fully

charge

the

battery

before

use.

Turn

the

camcorder

on

and

leave

it

pointing

at

a

still

subject

for

about

30

seconds.

Do

not

move

the

camcorder

during

this

time.

If

display

does

not

change

some

time,

open

and

close

the

LCD

monitor

while

you

are

using

the

camcorder.

HITACHI

Camcorder

Power

Sources

*

SSC

You

can

use

the

charged

battery

pack,

AC

adaptor

(provided)

or

car

battery

cord

(optional)

to

power

the

camcorder,

After

use,

be

sure

fo

remove

the

power

supply.

Using

Battery

Pack

;

Attach

the

charged

battery

pack

to

the

cam-

corder.

(See

pages

16

and

17

for

attachment

and

charging

of

battery

pack.)

Using

the

AC

Adaptor

Please

ensure

that

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

in

the

OFF

position

whenever

attaching

or

detaching

any

power

supply

(ie.

battery,

AC

adaptor,

etc.).

To

DC

IN

Jack

1

Plug

the

AC

adaptor

power

cord

into

an

AC

outlet.

Make

sure

that

the

wide

blade

fits

into

the

wide

slot.

If

it

doesn’t

fit

try

reversing

it.

If

you

still

cannot

make

fit

the

blades

fully

into

the

outlet

either

contact

an

electrician

to

replace

your

obsolete

outlet,

or

use

a

polarized

cord

or

outlet

accessory.

P)

Connect

the

DC

plug

of

the

AC

adaptor

to

the

DC

IN

jack

of

the

camcorder.

Using

a

Car

Battery

AC

Adaptor

JE

=>

O

To

AC

Outlet

Note:

The

AC

adaptor

can

be

used

around

the

world,

An

AC

plug

adaptor

is

required

in

some

forelgn

countries.

If

you

need

one

purchase

it

at

your

Hitachi

distributor.

-EE

-O

AC

Plug

Adaptor

AC

200

~

240V

{not

supplied)

The

camcorder

can

be

powered

with

a

car

battery

by

using

an

optional

car

battery

cord

(Hitachi

VM-

o

CC80A)

to

plug

the

camcorder

into

the

car's

cigarette

lighter

socket.

Please

ensure

that

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

is

in

the

OFF

position

whenever

attaching

or

detaching

any

power

supply

(ie.

battery,

AC

adaptor,

efc.).

Se

Z

DC

Plug

:

N

To

DC

IN

Jack

Car

Battery

Cord

|

DC

Cord

(optional)

|

$

>œ

/

Plug

the

car

battery

cord

into

the

car’s

cigarette

lighter

socket.

2

Connect

one

end

of

the

DC

cord

(optional)

to

the

DC

IN

jack

of

the

camcorder.

Connect

the

other

end

of

the

DC

cord

to

the

DC

OUTPUT

of

the

VM-E555LA/VM-H755LA/VM-H855LA/VM-H955LA

To

cigarette

lighter

socket

car

battery

cord.

Note:

Only

use

the

car

battery

cord

with

cars

having

12/24

volts

negative

ground

system.

Note:

You

cannot

use

the

car

battery

cord

to

charge

a

battery.

E19

iInsertin

g

and

Removin

g

Ca

SSE

OS

AORE

A

power

source

must

be

connected

before

inserting

or

removing

cassettes,

Once

connected,

cas-

settes

can

be

inserted

or

removed

whether

the

CAM/OFF/VIDEO

switch

Is

on

or

off.

@

Inserting

a

Cassette

|

Press

the

OPEN

button

to

open

the

LCD

moni-

tor

(“Opening

the

LCD

Monitor”,

p21).

Press

the

EJECT

button.

“

[60]

EJECT”

will

“appear

on

the

LCD

monitor,

and

the

cassette

Note:

If

“TAPE”

flashes

in

the

viewfinder

or

on

the

LCD

monitor,

remove

the

cassette

and

check

thot

the

tape

is

not

damaged,

is

not

slack

or

no

dust

adheres

to

it,

etc.

After

making

sure

that

there

is

no

abnormality,

reinsert

the

cassette.,

If

“TAPE”

reappears,

see

“Trouble-

door

will

open

automatically.

Caution:

Do

not

touch

the

cassette

door

when

a

cassette

is

being

loaded

or

unloaded.

If

your

shooting”

on

page

67.

Note:

if

ihe

tape

is

near

the

winding

end,

it

may

take

longer

fo

load

if.

finger

Is

caught

by

the

metal

section

of

holder,

it

could

be

cut.

Note:

Cassette

cannot

be

Inserted

or

elected

unless

the

LCD

monitor

is

open:

Open

the

moniter

until

it

is

at

right

angles

to

the

cam-

@

Removing

a

Cassette

Press

the

EJECT

button.

“

[66]

EJECT”

will

appear

on

the

LCD

monitor,

and

the

cassette

door

will

~~operrautomatically:-Remove

the

cassettes

@

Protecting

Recorded

Material

Protect

8mm

cassettes

from

accidental

erasure

by

sliding

the

tab

on

the

side

of

the

cassette

toward

the

opposite

side

until

the

tab

is

completely

visible.

Slide

the tab

in

the

opposite

direction,

until

the

tab

disappears,

to

record

on

the

cassette

again.

Place

the

cassette

in

the

cassette

holder

so

that

the

transparent

window

faces

away

from

the

body

of

the

camcorder

and

the

sprockets

toward

the

body

of

the

camcorder.

To

re-record

|

To

prevent

recording

me

R

4

Push

the

cassette

door,

which

is

embossed

PUSH,

until

it

“clicks”

into

place.

The

cam-

corder

automatically

closes.

Note:

The

camcorder

will

automatically

close

the

top

of

the

cassette

compartment.

Do

not

press

the

door

down,

or

you

may

damage

your

camcorder,

E20

HITACHI

Hitachi VME-555LA - Camcorder User manual

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