Hitachi VM-E230A User manual

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Camcorders
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User manual

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Table of Contents
HITACHI
Instruction Manual
8mm Video Camcorder
VM-E230A
HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
(AMERICA), INC. 6740 Campobello Road
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2L8
Tel. 770-279-5600 CANADA
Tel. 905-821-4545
HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF
HAWAII, INC
3219 Koapaka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
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 feature reference.
QR16731 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1997 Printed in Japan KN-H(N)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................2
For Your Safety...........................................................................................................................................7
Important Safeguards ..................................................................................................................................9
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER ......................................13
Read This First..........................................................................................................................................14
Before You Begin......................................................................................................................................15
Features...............................................................................................................................................15
Components and Accessories..........................................................................................................15
Optional RF Adapter..........................................................................................................................16
Lens Cap..............................................................................................................................................16
Using the lens cap string:..................................................................................................................16
Removing the lens cap......................................................................................................................16
Getting Started...........................................................................................................................................18
Charging the Battery..........................................................................................................................18
Additional Information........................................................................................................................19
Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder.................................................................................................19
Eyepiece Adjustment.........................................................................................................................20
Adjustment the Hand Strap...............................................................................................................20
Loading Batteries................................................................................................................................20
Clock Battery.......................................................................................................................................21
Remote Control Batteries..................................................................................................................21
Camcorder Batteries Using Battery Pack.......................................................................................22
Removing the Battery Pack..............................................................................................................23
Checking the Battery's Charge.........................................................................................................24
Using Alkaline Dry-Cell Batteries.....................................................................................................24
Using Alternative Power Sources....................................................................................................26
Using the AC Adapter/Charger.........................................................................................................26
Using a Car Battery............................................................................................................................26
Inserting and Removing Cassettes..................................................................................................27
Inserting a Cassette...........................................................................................................................27
Removing a Cassette.........................................................................................................................28
Protecting Recorded Material...........................................................................................................28
Using the Linear Time Counter........................................................................................................28
Remaining Tape .................................................................................................................................28
Setting the Date and Time................................................................................................................29
Correcting the Date and Time ..........................................................................................................30
Getting Started, Identifying Controls........................................................................................................31
Basic Techniques.......................................................................................................................................34
Making a Basic Recording................................................................................................................34
Playing Back Your Recording...........................................................................................................35
Connecting to a Television with a VCR Attached..........................................................................35
Connecting to a Television with Audio In and Video In Jacks.....................................................35
Connecting to a Television without Audio In and Video In Jacks...............................................36
Simple Playback (Using the Electronic Viewfinder)......................................................................36
Using Still.............................................................................................................................................37
Table of Contents
Using Forward and Reverse Search...............................................................................................37
To Play Back a Recording at Double the Normal Speed.............................................................37
Advanced Techniques ...............................................................................................................................39
Date Recording...................................................................................................................................39
Using the Power Zoom......................................................................................................................40
Using the Digital Zoom ......................................................................................................................41
Using the INST. ZOOM (Instant Zoom) Button..............................................................................41
Using Auto Focus...............................................................................................................................42
Using Manual Focus..........................................................................................................................43
Using Instant Review.........................................................................................................................43
Using Quick Edit.................................................................................................................................44
Using Macro ........................................................................................................................................44
Date Search.........................................................................................................................................44
Dubbing from the Camcorder to a VCR..........................................................................................45
Remote Control Range......................................................................................................................45
Using Memory.....................................................................................................................................46
Using the Display Button...................................................................................................................47
Creating and Recording A Title........................................................................................................47
Creating a Title....................................................................................................................................48
Correcting Errors ................................................................................................................................48
Recording Title on a Tape in the Camcorder.................................................................................48
Recording a Created Title while Transferring a Tape...................................................................49
Using Audio/Video Dubbing..............................................................................................................50
Simple Programmable Edit (The edit remote control is optional)...............................................50
Programming the Remote Control for the VCR.............................................................................50
Operation.............................................................................................................................................52
To End Programmable Simple Edit.................................................................................................53
Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens...................................................................54
Attaching the Optional DC Camera Light .......................................................................................54
Removing the DC Camera Light......................................................................................................55
Replacing the DC Camera Light Bulb.............................................................................................55
Viewfinder Bright, Color and Tint Control.......................................................................................56
General Maintenance.................................................................................................................................57
Cleaning the camcorder Heads........................................................................................................57
Cleaning the Lens and Picture Tube of the Electronic Viewfinder.............................................57
Periodic Maintenance........................................................................................................................57
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................58
CAMERA RECORDING....................................................................................................................58
Symptom..............................................................................................................................................58
Check Point & Correction..................................................................................................................58
Picture does not appear in the viewfinder......................................................................................58
Remove the lens cap.........................................................................................................................58
Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to CAM....................................................................................58
The camcorder cannot go into the recording mode, even when the start/stop button is
pressed. ...............................................................................................................................................58
Check the record protect tab on the cassette................................................................................58
Push the cassette holder embossed PUSH LOCK to close it.....................................................58
Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to CAM....................................................................................58
Picture is out of focus. .......................................................................................................................58
Table of Contents
Make sure that FOCUS does not appear in the viewfinder. If it is displayed, press FOCUS
Control buttons to erase it.................................................................................................................58
Auto-Focus does not operate if a special effects filter is attached.............................................58
The created title does not appear....................................................................................................58
Insert the clock battery, then create a title......................................................................................58
Do not remove the clock battery after creating a title...................................................................58
PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE...........................................................................58
Symptom..............................................................................................................................................58
Check Point & Correction..................................................................................................................58
“Play” button cannot be engaged.....................................................................................................58
Set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO...................................................................................58
No picture appears on television screen when “PLAY” is pressed. ...........................................58
(TV is connected to the camcorder by using RF output adapter................................................58
Set the television to the camcorder channel.(3 or 4) depending upon the selected channel in
the RF channel select switch of the RF output adapter...............................................................58
Interference on playback picture......................................................................................................58
When you see the playback picture on your TV, adjust fine tuning knob on television set to
obtain best picture..............................................................................................................................58
Picture bends at the top of the TV screen......................................................................................58
TV receiver is of older type. It needs to be modified to work properly with camcorder..........58
Tape is damaged. Try another cassette........................................................................................59
Color of your TV screen is too bright, too faint or change...........................................................59
TV set has VIR circuit. Turn if off during playback.......................................................................59
Date search function does not operate...........................................................................................59
Slide the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to VIDEO................................................................................59
Insert the clock battery, set the date and time, then start recording..........................................59
Do not remove the clock battery after recording. ..........................................................................59
Do not eject the recorded cassette. Leave it in the camcorder..................................................59
The playback picture moves rapidly and noise appears. Also sound speeded up from
normal is heard...................................................................................................................................59
The camcorder is set to the double speed playback mode. Pressing the playback button to
restore the normal playback mode. The sound also returns to the normal speed. ................59
Noise appears in the picture during double speed playback, but this does not indicate a fault.
...............................................................................................................................................................59
BATTERY CONDITION.....................................................................................................................59
Symptom..............................................................................................................................................59
Check Point & Correction..................................................................................................................59
The (
) indication in the electronic viewfinder flashes to indicate battery is discharged......59
Try another battery or charge the battery.......................................................................................59
NO OPERATION IS ACCEPTED....................................................................................................59
Symptom..............................................................................................................................................59
Check Point & Correction..................................................................................................................59
Power is turned on, but no button operation are accepted..........................................................59
Remove the power source and the date/title battery. And after about one minute, the display
in the viewfinder will be reset. Then set the information again..................................................59
The camcorder does not operate when alkaline batteries are inserted.....................................59
Check that the polarities (+,-) of the batteries are correct. ..........................................................59
Insert six batteries..............................................................................................................................59
Specifications......................................................................................................................................60
General Specifications.......................................................................................................................60
Table of Contents
Video Recorder Specifications.........................................................................................................60
Camera Specifications.......................................................................................................................60
Accessories Add Excitement.....................................................................................................................62
Available Accessories........................................................................................................................62
To Order in the United States...........................................................................................................62
By Phone .............................................................................................................................................62
By Mail..................................................................................................................................................62
FOR AUTHORIZED HITACHE SERVICE IN CANADA...............................................................62
Table of Contents
For Your Safety
For Your Safety
The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch turns the camcorder on and off, leaving the date/time
feature unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period of time, turn the
camcorder off and attach the lens cap.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The camcorder and AC adapter/charger have the following caution marks.
Identifications of caution marks
This symbol warms the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have
sufficient magnitude to cause electrical shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind
of contact with any inside part of this unit.
This symbol alerts the user that important literature concerning the operation and
maintenance of this unit has been included. Therefore, it should be read carefully to avoid
any problems.
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.
WARNING: Many television programs and films are copyrighted. In certain circumstances,
copyright law may apply to private in-home videotaping of copyrighted materials.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
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.
Warning: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
For Your Safety
reasonable protection 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 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.
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
-- 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 particular, 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.
• It records and plays back in the SP mode (14.3 mm/sec).
• It cannot record and play back in the LP mode (7.2 mm/sec).
MOISTURE
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. Remove
the cassette and set the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch to OFF, then wait for about one hour.
Important Safeguards
Important Safeguards
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of
your video product, safety is a major factor in the design of every instrument. But, safety
is your responsibility too.
This page lists important information that will help to assure your enjoyment and proper
use of a Video 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 instructions 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 a 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, receptacle 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 insulation.
Important Safeguards
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 provided 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 surface. This video product
should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This video product
should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the video product manufacturer's instructions have been
followed.
9 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 unstable card, 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 surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to
overturn.
12 Outdoor Antenna Grounding -- If an outside antenna or cable system is
connected to the video product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as
to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section
810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides information with
Important Safeguards
respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-
in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
electrode. See example below:
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING
13 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
14 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.
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 spill liquid of any kind on the video
product.
16 Lightning -- For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or
when it its left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable-system. This will prevent damage to the
video product due to lightning and power-line surges.
SERVICE
17 Servicing -- Do not attempt to service this video product yourself as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
18 Conditions Requiring Service -- Unplug this video product from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions.
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into 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 require extensive work
by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal operation.
Important Safeguards
e. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f. When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a
need for service.
19 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
determine 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 amplifiers) that produce heat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER
1. Save these Instructions -- This page contains important safety and operating
instructions for AC Adapter/Charger Model VM-AC 85A.
2. Before using AC Adapter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on
(1) AC Adapter/Charger, (2) battery and (3) product using battery.
3. Also read all instructions on pages 4 and 5.
4. Caution -- To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable battery, VM-BP82G, VM-
BP82 or VM-BP84.
Other types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.
5. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
6. Use of an attachment nor recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer
may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
7. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.
8. Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise
subjected to damage or stress.
9. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug - replace them immediately.
10. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If
extension cord must be used, make sure:
A. The pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those
of plug on charger.
B. That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and
C. That wire size should be met below:
Minimum
AWG size Length of extension cord (feet)
18 Equal to or less than 100
16 Equal to or less than 150
11. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise
damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.
12. Do not disassemble charger: take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair
is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
13. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.
Read This First
Read This First
To guide you, we've included:
A "Before You Begin" section containing important cautions for your family's safety as
well as instruction for getting your video camcorder ready for use. Please read and
understand this section thoroughly before moving on.
• A "Getting Started" section to familiarize yourself with the controls and prepare you for
recording.
• A "Basic Techniques" section to allow you to use your video camcorder quickly and
confidently before advancing to the more sophisticated features of the Hitachi VM-
E230A.
• "Advanced Techniques" to help you with some of the exciting, sophisticated features
of the Hitachi VM-E230A. 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 section.
• A "General Maintenance" section to help keep your purchase in good repair.
We want this manual to be as helpful as possible, so it includes two easy ways to find
the information 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 (page 10).
Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We
appreciate your business.
Quick Index
Charging the Battery.....12
Making a Basic Recording.....25
Playing Back Your Recording.....26
Using Power Zoom.....33
Using Digital Zoom.....33
Dubbing from camcorder to VCR.....38
Before You Begin
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.
 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 directly.
 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.
 Do not leave the viewfinder lens facing sunlight for a prolonged period, or the liquid
crystal display (LCD) panel may be damaged.
Features
• Easy to use
• Instant zoom
• 24x zoom ratio
• Recorded date search
• Automatic title recording
Components and Accessories
Check that you have all the following components and accessories before preceding.
1. Audio/Video output cable
2. Battery pack
3. AC adapter/charger
4. Batteries for date/title
5. DC cord
6. Lens cap string
7. Remote control
+8. Batteries for remote control
Before You Begin
Optional RF Adapter
If you wish to connect this camcorder to a television that does not have audio/video
input jacks you will need to use the optional RF adapter model VM-RF86A (R).
The RF adapter can be purchased by calling the telephone number below. For your
convenience Visa, Master Card, and American Express credit cards are accepted. The
RF adapter can also be purchased by mail by sending either money order or your credit
card information to the following address:
HiTRON, Inc.
675, Old Peachtree RD.
Suwanee, GA 30174
Tel: 1-800-995-4500
For more information concerning the purchase of camcorder accessories, please see
the optional accessory listing on page 59.
Lens Cap
Using the lens cap string:
Pass the string through the lens cap and grip belt and attach it as shown in the figure.
Removing the lens cap
Always attach the lens cap to protect the lens when carrying or storing the camcorder.
Before You Begin
During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from being lost.
Getting Started
Getting Started
This section guides you through the initial preparation of the camcorder. 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!
It is crucial that you read and understand all the safety instructions before you begin. If
you haven't read the safety instructions yet, please take the time to do so now.
Charging the Battery
The first step is to set the battery to charge. It takes approximately an hour (VM-
BP82G), enough time to familiarize yourself with some of the basic features of the
camcorder. Once fully charged the battery will give an operating time of approximately
60 minutes, but this is reduced to a half to one-third depending on how often you use
zoom and start/stop functions.
Charge the battery at a temperature range of 50°F(10°C) - 86°F(30°C) to prevent
damage to the battery.
1. Plug the AC adapter/charger 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.
2. To insert the battery into the charger align the reference arrow on the battery with the
reference arrow on the AC adapter/charger. Push the battery till it is flush with the AC
adapter/charger sliding it in the direction of the arrow as shown in the figure.
3. The CHARGE light remains on while the battery charges, turning off when charging
completes.
Note: Remove the DC cord from the AC adapter/charger before attempting to charge the
battery. The CHARGE light flashes if the DC cord remains connected while you attempt to
charge the battery.
Note: Do not operate the battery at temperature below 14°F (-10°C) or above 95°F (35°C).
At extremely low temperatures operation time decreases, while at high temperature the
battery may be damaged.
After charging set the mark switch to red so that you may quickly identify
whether the battery is charged or uncharged.
Note: The marker switch does not guarantee the batteries charge status.
Getting Started
Additional Information
To use a battery in optimum condition:
• Use the battery until the low charge light ( ) flashes. Using a battery for a short time
and then recharging it may shorten the operation time.
• It is recommended to refresh a battery before recharging it when it has not been used
for long time; otherwise its operation time becomes short. Press the refresh button.
After refreshing is complete, the REFRESH light turns off and the CHARGE light turns
on and charging begins automatically.
Refreshing a fully charged battery takes approximately 4 hours (VM-BP82G), adding
considerable time to battery charging.
With repeated normal charging and use the battery will gradually lose operating time.
When operation time becomes too short to be useful, replace the battery.
If the POWER light begins to flash during charging, remove the battery and then
reattach it to the AC charger/adapter. If the POWER light continues to flash after several
attempts to attach it, the battery is unable to take a charge and must be replaced.
Do not attach a hot battery to the AC adapter/charger. Allow it to cool. Attaching a hot
battery to the AC adapter/charger causes the POWER light to flash.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE BATTERY OR AC
ADAPTER/CHARGER.
THROWING THE BATTERY INTO FIRE OR EXPOSING IT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT
(ABOVE 149°F [65°C]) MAY CAUSE INJURY.
SHORTING THE BATTERY'S TERMINAL INCREASES RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
ATTENTION:
The product that you have purchased contains a rechargeable battery. The battery is
recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be
illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local
solid waste officials for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal.
Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder
The electronic viewfinder adjusts simply by pivoting it to a position where it is
comfortable and easy to see through. Place the viewfinder back in its original position
Getting Started
before storing the camcorder in its case or carrying the camera recorder around to avoid
damaging the viewfinder or camcorder.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the unit by the electronic viewfinder when carrying as this could cause a
malfunction.
Eyepiece Adjustment
To use the electronic viewfinder, turn this control for your optimum focus adjustment.
Adjustment the Hand Strap
Adjust the hand strap to best fit your hand. After adjustment, hook the hand strap's pad
securely.
Loading Batteries
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Hitachi VM-E230A User manual

Category
Camcorders
Type
User manual
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