TABLE OF CONTENTS HITACHI Video Deck VHS VT-M292A Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: n Automatic tape head cleaning n Up to 8 delayed recording programs n Auto Tracking for improved picture in playback n Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner n Remote control for use with your VCR and TV n On-screen programming guide n VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording * VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ 2 FOR YOUR SAFETY................................................................................................................................. 4 Read This First ............................................................................................................................................ 6 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..
TABLE OF CONTENTS Basic Recording Steps ...................................................................................................................... 32 Recording Tips.................................................................................................................................... 32 Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT)........................................................................................ 33 Setting the VCR to Record Later ....................................
FOR YOUR SAFETY FOR YOUR SAFETY POWER SUPPLY: AC 120V, 60 Hz ONLY. The POWER switch turns the VCR on and off, leaving the clock/timer unaffected. If the unit is to be left unattended for a long period, it is recommended that the unit be completely switched off and unplugged. Illustrated below is the label on the back of your unit. This symbol warns the user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
FOR YOUR SAFETY CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. Caution to user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Read This First Read This First Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best VCR for you, and we want to help you make the most of your purchase. Please take time to become familiar with this manual and how it is set up. Keep it handy for future reference, too. To guide you, we've concluded: "Must read" sections containing important cautions for your family's safety as well as the basic facts you need to use the VCR.
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 Cassette Recorder and accessory equipment. Please read it carefully before operating your video product and keep it in a handy place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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 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 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
Getting Started Getting Started Relax. Using a VCR is very straightforward. This sections explains how to hookup the VCR, quick tour of the controls, set up for first-time operation using on-screen menus, and videocassette tapes. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi VCR. Let's get started. Simple Hookups 1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR Be sure your chosen location allows for proper ventilation, stability, and protection from heat and moisture (see Important Safeguards).
Getting Started We will guide you through the process. But first, turn the TV and the VCR around so you are looking at their backs. Note the various input and output receptacles, their shapes, and how they are labeled. Then read through the rest of this hookup section before proceeding to an actual hookup. DO NOT TURN ON THE POWER YET. FOR YOUR SAFETY, LEAVE YOUR TV AND VCR UNPLUGGED WHILE HOOKING THEM UP.
Getting Started record off TV channels. 4 Hook up the RF Signal Look at the back of your TV for a connector that looks like one of these, and follow the corresponding hookup option. If you have any sort of cable box, see the hookup options in Advanced Operations (page 42). 1Cable box hookup info begins on page 50. Simple Antenna/Cable 75 Ohm Hookup This is an easy hookup that you can use if your cable or antenna has a 75 ohm round wire connector. You will need the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR.
Getting Started Capabilities: With this hookup, you should now be able to perform all the basic functions provided by this equipment. External or Internal 300 Ohm Antenna If you have either an external or internal (rabbit ears) antenna rather than cable, you may have 300 ohm connectors like these. In this case, you will need special adapters to make the 75 ohm round wire connection shown below. (You may already have one on your TV.) 1.
Getting Started Separate UHF and VHF antenna wires, both 300 ohm flat wire 300 ohm flat UHF and 75 ohm round VHF If you have "rabbit ears" (an antenna on top of your TV), you will need an additional adapter and 75 ohm extension to make your leads reach from the antenna to the VCR. This connection will work only if you have a strong, clear picture on the TV, indicating a strong signal. Connect the antenna to the adapter, and use the cable extension to go from the adapter to the VCR.
Getting Started 5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply Plug in the TV and VCR power cords to the wall outlet or an appropriate extension cord or surge protector. See Important Safeguards for further precautions (page 6). 6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control The remote control requires two fresh "AA" batteries. On the back of the remote, a plastic cover slides off in the direction shown by the arrow.
Getting Started (Controls) Getting Started (Controls) Quick Tour of the Controls Study these pictures carefully to learn about the buttons and controls that you'll need for everyday operation. Various controls are explained throughout this manual as they are needed, but now is a good time to get familiar with their locations. Most of the time, you'll be directing the VCR from the remote control, but there are some controls on the VCR that will come in handy too.
Getting Started (Controls) GUIDE Brings up an on-screen setup and programming guide, the Easy Guide System. DISPLAY Used in on-screen programming and indexing. CLEAR Used in on-screen programming and indexing. VCR/TV Switches between viewing through the VCR and not viewing through the VCR. VOLUME Increase or decrease the audio volume. MUTE Turns off the audio until you press MUTE again. REW Rewinds the videotape. PLAY Starts playing a loaded cassette. REC Starts recording on the station the VCR is set to.
Getting Started (Controls) on the coffee table, your 2-year-old child, the dog. Hold the remote so that it points at the VCR with nothing in the way. If You Just Want to Watch TV For normal TV viewing, you do not need to disconnect the VCR. When the TV and VCR are already on, press POWER on the remote control. The VCR will shut off, but the TV will stay on.
Getting Started (Controls) Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has as a special feature called the Easy Guide System. This feature guides you through simple setup and programming tasks right on the TV screen. With the TV and VCR turned on, press GUIDE on the remote control. You will see this screen: You may view all the on-screen instructions in English, French or Spanish. When you first set up your VCR, it will be set to English. Press number 8 or 9 for the other language options.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Getting Started (Initial Setup) Setup for First-Time Operation Before you use your VCR to watch or record from your TV, you need to "tell" the VCR whether your TV uses cable or antenna input and let it program itself to receive your TV's channels. It's also a good idea to set the clock so you can do timed recording later. With your TV and VCR hooked up, turn them both on and follow these steps using the remote control.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Ordinary cable Alternate cable (if CATV1 doesn't give you the channels you expect) 2 MOVIE Press 2 to select whether you want prerecorded movies (safety tab removed) to play automatically when loaded, and then rewind, eject and turn off the power when done. Options are and . 7 CABLE BOX SET Press 7 to set up your cable box if you receive all channels through a cable box.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) referring to the procedure in "Matching Broadcast CH numbers to VCR Plus+ channels" on page 43. You may set the VCR Plus+ channels after you are familiar with your VCR. Tips: The item to be changed will blink on the screen as you go. The clock uses the 12-hour system. You set it for AM or PM. An illogical time (like 13 for the hour or 20 for the month) will not be accepted. A question mark displays instead of the illogical number.
Getting Started (Videotapes) Getting Started (Videotapes) About Videocassette Tapes Types The best thing you can do for your VCR is use the best quality tapes available. This VCR uses VHS tapes only, which are the most common type. Look for the VHS mark on new or prerecorded tapes you buy. Tapes are marked either T-120 or T-160, which signifies how many minutes of programming they can hold at standard recording speed (SP). To get the best quality picture, record at standard speed.
Getting Started (Videotapes) When you load a videocassette into the VCR, there is only one right way! Most tapes show you the way with a little arrow on the top side which should go in first. Push the videocassette gently into the slot on the front of the VCR. You will feel the VCR take it in. When the cassette is all the way in, the VCR powers up automatically and a TAPE-IN indicator shows on the display. It may also start playing immediately if the safety tab has been removed.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Practice starting and stopping a video you've rented--play it through, see how it automatically rewinds. Get a blank tape and try recording a TV show. Then you'll know how to use the VCR when you need to--or where in the manual to find the instructions you forgot. Let's go! Viewing a Videocassette To play Back a Recorded Tape 1. Insert the cassette, arrow-side forward, into the slot at the front of the VCR.
Basic Operations If you press the DISPLAY button when viewing a videocassette, the display, as shown, appears for several seconds so you can see the functions of the number buttons on the remote control. 1: TRACKING + 3: SLOW + 4: TRACKING 6: SLOW 9: FRAME ADVANCE The above functions always work when you are viewing a videocassette even if the display, as shown, is not displayed. Rewinding the Tape When you are done watching a video, you can rewind the tape automatically or manually.
Basic Operations If the screen jitters during PAUSE, press either 1 or 4 button to minimize it. To resume play, press PLAY or PAUSE again. Frame Advance While in PAUSE mode during playback, press 9 button to view the video one frame at a time. Press PAUSE to resume play. Skip Playback While playing back your tape you can skip forward by pressing the 9 button. The tape will search ahead for about a minute and then resume playing.
Basic Operations Press DISPLAY a fourth time to end the on-screen display. The linear time counter operates only if there is something recorded on the tape. The counter changes to 0:00:00 when the tape is ejected. Marking with the Time Counter If there is one part of the video that you know you are going to want to return to, you can set the time counter to memorize that spot. Begin in either STOP or PLAY mode. Press DISPLAY twice to show the counter on the TV screen.
Basic Operations INDEX "mark." This function only works with recordings that have been set up with indexing. You create an INDEX mark every time you press the REC button while recording. For more on how this gets recorded, see the section on Recording a Program (page 33). This VCR's indexing system is based on the VHS Index Search System (VISS). The new system may not recognize index marks on tapes recorded on older VCRs. If the VCR is in PLAY mode, press STOP. Press DISPLAY.
Basic Operations (Recording) Basic Operations (Recording) Recording a Program Before you Record The VCR must be hooked up properly for recording. See the Simple Hookups at the beginning of this manual. Copyright Infringement Warning Most television programs and films are copyrighted. This means that someone has legal rights governing the reproduction and distribution of this material. In certain circumstances, copyright law may apply to private in-home taping of copyrighted materials.
Basic Operations (Recording) To Watch One Program While Recording Another Once you have set the VCR for recording, press VCR/TV. Now, you will be viewing through your TV only. Switch channels using your TV controls or the VCR remote, if it's programmed to control your television (see Advanced Operations). The recording will continue as set on the VCR.
Basic Operations (Recording) At the end of your recording the display will read "0:00"; recording will then automatically stop and the VCR will turn itself off. To stop recording while in the IRT mode, press the POWER button and then press the STOP button (this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control) within 10 seconds.
Basic Operations (Recording) You can correct any item entered as you go by pressing the CLEAR button repeatedly until the digit to be corrected flashes on the screen. Then, punch in the correct number. Illogical times and dates won't be accepted. If you want to record from external equipment, press AVX button to select LINE1 or LINE2 instead of the channel number. When everything is set as you want (even though some items may still be flashing), press GUIDE to program your settings into memory.
Basic Operations (Recording) recording is to begin. If using a cable box the VCR cannot control, turn on the cable box and tune it to the channel you want to record before the time the recording is to begin. Reviewing What You Have Programmed You can look back over any of the recordings you have preset, and if you need to, clear out any of the programs. Normal programs will clear automatically once recording is complete, but daily and weekly settings must be cleared out manually.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Easy Delayed Recording with VCR Plus + About VCR Plus+ This handy feature makes timed recordings a snap. You don't need to enter the specific channel, date, time, or duration of a program. All you enter is its PlusCode--a number of up to eight digits. This special code is easy to find in your favorite TV program guide or a daily newspaper. Here's a sample page from TV Guide showing PlusCodes next to each program.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 3. If you don't get cable TV, make a list of all the broadcast channel numbers you receive on your TV--for example, channel 4 WTTV (Ind.), channel 20 WFYI (PBS). 4. If you subscribe to cable TV, have your cable company's channel directory handy. This should list all the channels as you receive them in your home, for example: Channel 34 Arts and Entertainment Network Channel 35 Turner Network Television Channel 36 ESPN 5.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) program guide to your list of channels that you receive at home. If any channel numbers don't match, follow the steps (page 43) to assign your local channel numbers to VCR Plus+ numbers. Cable (No Cable Box) This is the channel setup to use if your VCR is hooked up directly to cable without a cable box. Compare your local TV channel listing to your cable company's channel directory to find channels that need to be assigned to the VCR Plus+ codes.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 4. Repeat step 3 for all channels that need to be assigned. 5. Press GUIDE to end the setup procedure. You are ready to begin delayed recording with VCR Plus+. Cable with a Cable Box or Cable with a Cable Box and Splitter Setup Use this setup procedure if you receive all channels through a cable box. CABLE BOX SET tells the VCR how to record or to view programs from the cable box.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 8. Press GUIDE to display the CABLE BOX TYPE message on the TV screen. 9. Enter your cable box type from the chart below by pressing two numbers. 10. Press GUIDE to enter your cable box type. The VCR will change the cable box from channel 02 to channel 09 when you enter the correct code for your cable box. 11. Cable box tuned to channel 9: Press number 2 on the remote. Your cable box and VCR are now set for VCR Plus+ program recording.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Using VCR Plus+ to Record a Program Now that your channels are set up, you can take advantage of this quick and easy method of delayed recording. You will use the on-screen Easy Guide System, following the basic procedure for delayed recording outlined on page 37. See the section on Recording a Program for recording tips and programming priorities. You set up the delayed recording using the on-screen Easy Guide System. 1.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Press number buttons 1, 2, or 3 to select ONE TIME, DAILY, or WEEKLY RECORDING. Important: Programming does not take effect unless you select one of these options. 6. When the next screen comes up, choose between standard or extended tape speed by pressing the 5 button. This is also a good time to check the channel number-- it should be the one on which you usually watch the program at home. (If not, you need to check your VCR Plus+ channel setup.) 7.
Advanced Operations Advanced Operations This section explains how to use the VCR's remote control to operate your TV. It also shows you how to hook up a cable box and how to connect a stereo or a second VCR for a complete home entertainment system. Controlling Your TV with the VCR's Remote Compatibility The remote control is designed to be compatible with many televisions and cable converters, but will not work with every one made.
Advanced Operations If the TV channel still doesn't change after going through all the button combinations listed, it is likely that you will not be able to program this remote control for your TV.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Hooking Up to a Cable Box The cable box brings all the advantages of pay cable, but finding a satisfactory hookup can be challenging. To sort out what to do, we suggest a step-by-step approach to installation. Before you begin, take a close look at the back of your TV to see where cables are currently connected. You may need to reconnect them that way later.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Check all the TV VCR functions. B. Advanced Hookup (Cable box to unscramble all channels) Use this hookup for slightly improved picture quality and more convenient operation use of VCR/TV button not required. 1. Connect as shown. This connection requires additional accessories not provided. 2. Plug in power cords of VCR, TV, and cable box. You will tune the TV to its video input to watch the VCR.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) Advanced Operations (Second VCR) Integrating a Second VCR With another VCR hooked up, you can copy videotapes as needed, and you can get fancy with multimedia programming. For this discussion, we refer to the model VTM292A Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) to do it. Connect the camcorder's AV output cable to your VCR. (see diagram below) Illustration of Hookup Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 (Line) indicator appears in the VCR display. Press REC/IRT on the VCR to start recording. Press PLAY on your camcorder to start copying your tape.
VCR Care and Servicing VCR Care and Servicing The VCR is fairly self-servicing, but you'll want to keep an eye on a few things as you go. In addition, you may sometimes have troubles with your VCR. We offer some suggestions for care to prevent problems, ways to troubleshoot, and places to contact when you cannot solve the problems yourself. Routine Cleaning Head Cleaning The heads are tiny mechanisms in the VCR that pick up the video signal as a videotape passes over them.
VCR Care and Servicing Don't Attempt Repairs Yourself Do not remove the cover or the back of the VCR--this will void the warranty and endanger your safety. The exposed uninsulated voltage in this unit may be high enough to cause electrical shock. It is dangerous to make contact with any inside part, and none of these parts are intended to be serviced by an untrained user. To be safe, refer service problems to qualified service personnel.
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VCR Care and Servicing NO POWER POWER CORD PLUGGED IN? CONNECT THE POWER CORD TO AC OUTLET DELAYED RECORDING PROGRAM SET TO THE CORRECT CHANNEL? RESET THE DELAYED RECORDING. IF USING VCR PLUS+, CHECK DOES NOT WORK THE CHANNEL SETUP. PROGRAM TIME AND DATE SET CORRECTLY? RESET THE DELAYED RECORDING/ VCR POWER TURNED OFF? TURN POWER OFF TO ACTIVATE THE TIMER? SAFETY TAB REMOVED FROM THE VIDEOCASSEETTE? PUT CELLOPHANE TAPE OVER THE TAB AREA, OR USE A VIDEOCASSETTE WITH THE SAFETY TAB INTACT.
VCR Care and Servicing MECHANICAL SOUNDS DURING PLAYBACK. HAS A LOADED CASSETTE BEEN STOPPED MORE THAN 5 MINUTES? NOTHING IS WRONG. THE TAPE PROTECTION MECHANISM IS WORKING. EJECT THE CASSETTE IF YOU ARE DONE VIEWING OTHERWISE NO ACTION IS NECESSARY b area, or use a videocas- Clock set to "--:--"? sette with the safety tab intact. Set the time, then program delayed recording. Delayed recording does not work even when the clock is set correctly.
VCR Care and Servicing operated by the VCR's remote control. grammed for your TV? Advanced Operations to program the remote to send signals that your TV can recognize. (Not all TV brands are compatible.) Is remote control set to Press the TV device button, control the TV? then press the button corresponding to the TV function you want. Mechanical sounds during the STOP mode. Has a loaded cassette Nothing is wrong. The tape been stopped more than 5 protection mechanism is minutes? working.
VCR Care and Servicing * VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER * CAMCORDER * AC ADAPTER CHARGER * 90 DAYS LABOR (Carry-in) * 1 YEAR PARTS (Except Battery) Conditions of Hitachi Limited Warranty Hitachi Video Products are warranted to be free of defects in parts and workmanship at the time of purchase by the original owner. If this product is found to be defective, Hitachi will repair or replace defective parts at no charge to the original owner.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) Warranty Limitations The Limited Warranty provided by Hitachi does not cover: A. Cabinet (exterior finish items), Battery Packs, Accessories, Head Cleanings, Video Tape Damage, or TV Set Modifications. B. Any defect, malfunction, or failure caused by or resulting from improper service, maintenance, repair, use of Video Cleaning Cassettes, or from abuse, neglect, accident, or any other cause beyond the control of Hitachi. C.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. Important Notice: Retain your sales receipt for warranty purposes. Please complete the section below for your records as it may be needed in the event of loss. Attach sales receipt to this card. VIDEO PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY REGISTRATION (for your record) Model No. Serial No.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY NOT VALID IN U. S. A. HITACHI VIDEO PRODUCTS GOLD CARD WARRANTY * See inside for the GOLD CARD advantages and how to get it. HITACHI EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, Quebec H9R 1B1 IMPORTANT NOTICE: This warranty will not apply to products purchased outside of Canada OR sold by any organization other than HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY the Protection Plan Card. D - This Protection Plan is applicable to the product mentioned excluding the accessories such as cables, batteries, etc.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY PROTECTION PLAN IS NOT TRANSFERABLE NOR REFUNDABLE. H - This Protection Plan can be renewed as long as the request is made before the expiry date of the Plan. Hitachi, however, reserves the right to refuse any renewal. I - Hitachi reserves the right to cancel the Protection Plan in case of abuse by the owner, in such case, Hitachi will reimburse the owner the portion of the plan cost, based on the period used. J - This plan does not constitute an insurance policy.
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) Hitachi VIDEO PRODUCTS are guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship and material. If any failure resulting from either workmanship or material defect should occur under normal and proper usage within the period stated hereunder from the original provable date of purchase, such failure should be repaired at no cost to the buyer, provided the defective product is brought to a HITACHI AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER in Canada.
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) 3. Damage caused by fire, flood, lightning, acts of God, or other events beyond the control of Hitachi. 4. Batteries, tape cassettes, earphones, antennas, accessories and external parts such as cabinet and knobs. 5. PRODUCTS PURCHASED OUTSIDE CANADA. 6. Products used outside Canada. 7. In transit damage claims, improper handling by carrier or post offices. 8. Products or parts thereof which have had serial numbers removed, altered or defaced. 9.
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) City Province 67