Hitachi VTMX900EUK User manual

Videorecorder
VTMX900EUK
Operating instructions

The remote control
VTR/TV TV monitor : To switch between TV reception
and VCR playback
STANDBY mSwitch on or off : To switch set on or off,
interrupt menu function, interrupt a
programmed recording (TIMER)
0-9 Number buttons:0-9
SELECT Select: To select a function
CLEAR (CL) Delete : To delete last entry or clear a
programmed recording (TIMER)
REC/OTR nRecord: To record the programme selected.
Press REC/OTR nand Aat the same time
AButton to activate recording
STILL RStill picture : To stop the tape and show a still
picture
INDEX EIndex search: In combination with H/
I: to search for previous or next
recording on the cassette.
GPlayback : To play a cassette
HRewind : During STOP and STANDBY: rewind, during PLAYBACK: reverse
scanning
IForward wind: During STOP and STANDBY: forward wind, during PLAYBACK:
forward scanning
hPause/Stop: To stop the tape, except during TIMER-recording
;P+ Select: To select the next line or programme number
OK Store/Confirm: To store or confirm entry
MENU Menu : To call up or end main menu
P- =Select: To select the previous line or programme number
TIMER TIMER: To make a TIMER programming or to alter or clear a programmed
TIMER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN BRIEF
&

Front of the set
mStandby : To switch off or on, interrupt a function, interrupt a programmed recording
(TIMER)
VTR/TV TV monitor : To switch between TV reception and VCR playback
PROG rSelect: One line or programme number down.
PROG qSelect: One line or programme number up.
REC nRecord: To record the programme selected
?Pause/Stop, eject cassette: To stop the tape and eject the cassette
GPlayback : To play a cassette
IForward wind: During STOP and STANDBY: forward wind, during PLAYBACK: forward
scanning
HRewind : During STOP and STANDBY: rewind, during PLAYBACK: reverse scanning
Back of the set
4Mains socket: To connect the mains cable
AV1 EXT1 Scart socket 1: To connect the TV set (programme number ’E1’)
2Aerial input socket: To connect the aerial cable
3Aerial output socket: To connect the TV set
&

Thank you for buying a HITACHI video recorder. The
VT-MX900EUK is one of the most sophisticated and
simple-to-use video recorders (VCR) on the market. With this
VCR you can record and play VHS-standard cassettes.
Please take the time to read this operating manual before
using your video recorder.
Safety instructions and other notes
ADanger: High voltage!
Do not remove the top cover as there is a risk of an electrical
shock!
AThe video recorder does not contain any components that can
be repaired by the customer. When the video recorder is
connected to the power supply there are some components that
are constantly operational. To switch off the video recorder
completely you must disconnect it from the power supply.
BMake sure that air can circulate freely through the ventilation
slots on the video recorder.
BMake sure that no objects or liquids enter the video recorder. If
liquid is spilt into it, disconnect the video recorder immediately
from the power supply and call the After-sales Service for
advice.
BThe video recorder should not be used immediately after
transportation from a cold to a hot area or vice versa, or in
conditions of extreme humidity.
After unpacking the video recorder, it should be allowed to
acclimatize for at least three hours before installation.
CThis operating instruction has been printed on nonpolluting
paper.
CDeposit old batteries at the relevant collection points.
CPlease make use of the facilities available in your country for
disposing of the packaging of the video recorder in a way that
helps to protect the environment.
CThis electronic equipment contains many materials that can be
recycled. Please inquire about the possibilities for recycling
your old set.
So that you can identify your machine in the event of theft,
enter the serial number (PROD.NO) here. The serial number is
printed on the type plate fixed at the rear of the set.
MODEL NO. VT-MX900EUK
PROD.NO: ......
This product complies with the requirements of the Directive
73/23/EEC + 89/336/EEC + 93/68/EEC.
Interference
The Department of Trade and Industry operates a Radio
Investigation Service to help TV licence holders improve
reception of BBC and ITC programmes where these are being
spoilt by interference.
If your dealer cannot help, ask at a Main Post Office for the
booklet ’How to Improve Television and Radio Reception’.
Technical information
Voltage : 220-240V/50Hz
Power consumption : 12,5W
Power consumption (Standby) : less than 4W (clock display
on)
Winding time: Forward approx. 260 seconds, backward
approx. 170 seconds (Cassette E-180)
Measurements in cm (W / H / D): 38.0 / 9.3 / 26.0
Number of video heads:2
Recording/Playback time:4 Hours (Cassette E-240)
8 Hours (LP) (Cassette E-240)
List of accessories
•Operating instructions
•Remote control and batteries
•Aerial cable
•Mains cable
•Quick install guide
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS HITACHI VT-MX900EUK
1

1. CONNECTING YOUR VIDEO RECORDER 3..............
Placing the batteries in the remote control 3...........
Connecting your video recorder to the TV set 3.........
Connecting with a scart cable 3......................
Connecting without a scart cable 4...................
Connecting other equipment 4........................
2. INSTALLING YOUR VIDEO RECORDER 5...............
Initial installation 5..................................
Manual TV channel search 5.........................
Satellite receiver 5..................................
Special installation functions 5.......................
Automatic TV channel search 5......................
Monitor function 6..................................
Sorting and clearing TV channels manually 6...........
Setting the time and date 6...........................
3. IMPORTANT NOTES FOR OPERATION 7...............
General information 7...............................
Emergency interrupt 7...............................
The symbols on your video recorder display 7..........
4. PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS 8...........................
Playing a cassette 8.................................
Tape position indication 8............................
Searching for tape position with the picture (picture
search) 8..........................................
Still picture 8.......................................
Searching for tape position without the picture (wind
and rewind) 8......................................
Easy View 8........................................
Tape Finder 9......................................
Automatic search for a tape position (index search) 9...
Automatic search for a blank space on the tape 9......
Picture interference 9...............................
Tracking during playback 9..........................
Tracking during still picture 9........................
5. MANUAL RECORDING 10............................
Recording without automatic switch-off 10............
Recording with automatic switch-off (OTR
one-touch-recording) 10.............................
Protecting your recordings 10........................
Auto-assembling 10.................................
Selecting the recording speed (SP or LP) 10............
6. PROGRAMMED RECORDING (TIMER) 11...............
Programming a recording 11.........................
How to check or change a programmed recording
(TIMER) 12.........................................
How to clear a programmed recording (TIMER) 12......
7. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS 13.........................
Switching the TV system 13..........................
Child lock 13.......................................
Automatic switch-off 13.............................
Reducing picture disturbance - optimizing the
modulator 14.......................................
Switching off the modulator 14.......................
8. Before you call an engineer 15.......................
9. GLOSSARY 16......................................
Technical terms used 16.............................
CONTENTS
2

Important note
This machine is fitted with an approved moulded 13 Amp plug.
To change a fuse in this type of plug, please follow these
instructions.
1Take off the fuse cover and take out the fuse.
2Put in a new fuse which should be a BS1362 3A, A.S.T.A.
or BSI approved type.
3Refit the fuse cover.
If the plug fitted is not suitable for your socket, cut it off and fit
another type.
If the plug you fit contains a fuse, it should be a 3Amp fuse. If
you fit a plug which does not need a fuse, make sure the fuse
on your fuse box is not greater than 5 Amps.
Note: Note: Please destroy the plug you have cut off so that
it cannot be used in a 13 Amp socket somewhere else.
How to connect a plug
The wires in the lead from the video recorder are coloured as
follows.
* Blue - ’neutral’ (’N’).
* Brown - ’live’ (’L’).
4Connect the blue wire to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter ’N’ or coloured black.
5Connect the brown wire to the terminal in the plug which
is marked with the letter ’L’ or coloured red.
6Do not connect either of the wires to the terminal in the
plug which is marked with the letter ’E’, the symbol \or
coloured green or green and yellow.
Before you refit the plug cover, make sure that the grip at the
bottom of the plug is clamped over the plastic cover of the
lead, not just over the two wires.
Placing the batteries in the remote control
1Open up the battery compartment of your remote control
and place the batteries in it as shown in the picture.
2Close the battery compartment.
Connecting your video recorder to the
TV set
We recommend the use of a scart cable. This will give you the
best picture and sound quality.
If you install your video recorder for the first time, select one of
the following options:
•’Connecting with a scart cable’
If your TV set has a scart socket and you are using a scart
cable.
•’Connecting without a scart cable’
If you are not using a scart cable.
Connecting with a scart cable
1Switch off the TV set.
2Remove the aerial cable plug from your TV set and insert
it into the 2socket at the back of the video recorder.
3Plug one end of the aerial cable provided into the 3
socket on the video recorder and the other end into the
aerial input socket on your TV set.
4Plug one end of the scart cable into the AV1 EXT1 scart
socket at the back of the video recorder and the other
end into the suitable scart socket on your TV set (see
instruction manual TV set).
5Switch on the TV set.
6Insert one end of the mains cable into the mains socket
4at the back of the video recorder and the other end
into the wall socket.
1. CONNECTING YOUR VIDEO RECORDER
3

7When the TV has been tuned read the paragraph ’Initial
installation’ in the chapter ’INSTALLING YOUR VIDEO
RECORDER’.
Note: Many televisions automatically switch to programme
number ’EXT’ (EXTernal) ’0’ or ’AV’ (Audio/Video) when a
video cassette is played back.
If the television does not switch automatically, select
programme number e.g.: ’EXT’, ’0’, or ’AV’ on the TV set
manually.
Connecting without a scart cable
1Switch off the TV set.
2Remove the aerial cable plug from your TV set and insert
it into the 2socket at the back of the video recorder.
3Plug one end of the aerial cable provided into the 3
socket on the video recorder and the other end into the
aerial input socket on your TV set.
4Insert one end of the mains cable into the mains socket
4at the back of the video recorder and plug the other
end into the wall socket.
5Press and hold hon the remote control and while
holding that button, press and hold h/J on the video
recorder. After several seconds the dipslay on the video
recorder will show ’M583’ or a similar number.
6Switch on your TV set and select the programme number
that you have chosen for video playback (see instruction
manual TV set).
7Tune in the TV set until this picture appears.
8Switch off the video recorder with STANDBY m.
Note: If the picture quality of TV channels on your TV is
poor, please read the section ’Reducing picture disturbance
- optimizing the modulator’ in the chapter ’ADDITIONAL
FUNCTIONS’.
9When the TV has been tuned read the paragraph ’Initial
installation’ in the chapter ’INSTALLING YOUR VIDEO
RECORDER’.
Connecting other equipment
You can connect additional equipment to the AV1 EXT1 socket.
For instance: satellite receiver or camcorder.
Note: In the section ’Connecting without a scart cable’ you
can find information about how to connect your TV.
4

Initial installation
1Press MENU on the remote control.
The automatic TV channel search starts.
2Wait until all the TV channels have been found. This can
take several minutes.
3When all TV channels have been found, ’OK’ will briefly
appear in the video recorder display.
•Next, the year, for instance, ’2000’ will appear in the video
recorder display. Change it if required with the number
buttons 0-9 on the remote control.
2000
4Confirm with OK .
5If required, change the month, for instance ’M01’inthe
same way.
6Confirm with OK .
7If required, change the date, for instance, ’D01’inthe
same way.
8Confirm with OK .
9If required, change the time, for instance, ’20:00’ in the
same way.
0Confirm with OK .
’OK’ will briefly flash in the video recorder display.
The initial installation is now complete.
Note: In the section ’satellite receiver’ you can find
information about how to connect a satellite receiver.
Manual TV channel search
In certain cases the ’Automatic TV channel search’ may not be
able to find all of the TV channels (e.g. coded TV channels). In
that case, use this manual method to set the channels.
1Switch on the TV set. If required, select the programme
number for the video recorder.
2Press MENU on the remote control. ’CLK’ will appear in
the video recorder display.
3Select ’MAN’ (manual search) with ;P+ or P- =.
4Confirm with OK .
5Select the desired programme number, for instance,
’P01’ with P- =or ;P+ and confirm with OK .
6Confirm with OK .
’CH’ will flash in the video recorder display.
7Enter the channel of the desired TV channel with the
number buttons 0-9 .
Note: If you don’t know the channel of the desired TV
channel, hold ;P+ to start the automatic search.
Repeat the automatic search until have found the desired
TV channel. A changing channel number will appear in the
video recorder display.
8Press OK until ’OK’ appears in the display.
Note: If you want to search for further TV channels, start
again at step 4.
9To end, press MENU .
Satellite receiver
You can receive channels from the satellite receiver via the
scart socket AV1 EXT1 .
To do this, select the channel number ’E1’ with 0on the
remote control. You should select the channels to be received
by the satellite receiver on the receiver itself.
Special installation functions
You can select one of the following installation functions in
order to adapt the video recorder to your own specific
requirements.
Automatic TV channel search
The video recorder will search for all TV channels.
Note: If you want to start the automatic TV channel search
again, then follow the instructions below.
1Switch on the TV set. If required, select the programme
number for the video recorder.
2Press MENU on the remote control. ’CLK’ will appear in
the video recorder display.
2. INSTALLING YOUR VIDEO RECORDER
5

3In the display, select ’AUTO’ (Automatic TV channel
search) with P- =or ;P+ .
4Press OK . The ’Automatic TV channel search’ starts.
5When the TV channel search is complete, ’OK’ will
appear on the screen.
6To end, press MENU .
How to search for a TV channel manually, you can read in the
section ’Manual TV channel search’.
Monitor function
You can switch backwards and forwards between TV picture
and video recorder picture with VTR/TV . But this only works
when you use a scart cable to connect the video recorder to
your TV set and if your TV set responds to this switch-over.
You can also use VTR/TV on the video recorder.
Sorting and clearing TV channels manually
You can assign any programme number to a TV channel that
you have stored and you can also delete unwanted TV
channels.
1Switch on the TV set. If required, select the programme
number for the video recorder.
2Press MENU on the remote control. ’CLK’ will appear in
the video recorder display.
3In the display, select ’ALLO’ (Manual TV channel search)
with P- =or ;P+ .
4Press OK .
CH21
5With P- =or ;P+ , select TV channel to which you
want to give this the programme number, starting with
’P01’.
Note: If you want to delete a TV channel, press CLEAR (CL) .
6Confirm with SELECT .
7Repeat steps 5to 6until you have given a programme
number to all TV channels.
8Confirm with OK .
9To end, press MENU .
Setting the time and date
If the time in the video recorder display is not correct or if
’--:--’ appears in the display, please set the clock manually.
1Press MENU on the remote control. ’CLK’ will appear in
the video recorder display.
2Confirm the function ’CLK’ (time and date) with OK .
2000
3Next, the year, for instance, ’2000’ will appear in the
video recorder display. Change it if required with ;P+ or
P- =the number buttons 0-9 on the remote control.
4Confirm with OK .
5If required, change the month, for instance ’M01’inthe
same way. Confirm with OK .
6If required, change the date, for instance, ’D01’inthe
same way. Confirm with OK .
7If required, change the date, for instance, ’20:00’ in the
same way.
8Confirm with OK .
’OK’ will briefly flash in the video recorder display. Setting
the time and date is now complete.
9To end, press MENU .
6

General information
Note: You can switch on with STANDBY m, the number
buttons 0-9 or by putting in a cassette.
* If you have not used the video recorder for a few minutes,
it will switch to standby automatically. For more information,
please read the section ’Automatic switch-off’ in chapter
’additional functions’.
* If you have switched the video recorder off with
STANDBY m, the time will show in the display, for instance ,
’18:00’.
If the clock has not been set, ’--:--’ will appear.
* Keep your video recorder connected to the mains at all
times to ensure that programmed recordings can be made
and that the television works normally. Power consumption
less than 4W.
* If the video recorder is not plugged into the mains, it will
usually store TV channels for one year and timer and date
information for three hours.
Emergency interrupt
You can use STANDBY mon the video recorder or the remote
control to interrupt any function.
So if you are having operating problems, you can just interrupt
the function and start again.
And you can practise operating your set without any worries.
No matter which buttons you press, you cannot damage it.
The symbols on your video recorder display
These symbols can light up on your video recorder display:
This is where the current operating mode is shown
as a symbol.
LP When you have switched on the LP (Long Play)
function or when you play a tape that has been
recorded in LP (Long Play).
When you have switched on the child lock.
When you are making a recording.
kWhen you have programmed a recording or when
a programmed recording is being made.
When you have put a cassette in the video
recorder.
DATE When the date of the programmed recording is
shown.
START When the start time of the programmed recording
is shown.
PROG. When the programme number of the programmed
recording is shown.
END When the end time of the programmed recording
is shown.
Display of programme number / tape position /
channel name / function.
Tape position in seconds.
3. IMPORTANT NOTES FOR OPERATION
7