iFOR YOUR SAFETY 1HITACHI i Vide0 Deck VT-F391A Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: VHS hi-fidelity sound in playback Automatic tape head cleaning Up to 8 delayed recording programs Auto tracking for improved picture in playback Frequency synthesizer quartz tuner Remote control for use with your VCR and TV, and cable converter On-screen programming guide Multi-channel TV sound (MTS) HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC.
FOR YOUR SAFETY TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR YOUR SAFETY ................................................................................................................................. Read This First ........................................................................................................................................ IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .................................................................................................................. 4 6 7 Getting Started ...............
iFOR YOUR SAFETY Setting the VCR to Record Later ..................................................................................................... Reviewing What You Have Programmed ....................................................................................... Programming Priorities ...................................................................................................................... Advanced Operations ..........................................................................
iFOR YOUR SAFETY POWER SUPPLY: AC 120V, 60 Hz ONLY. The POWER switch turns the VCR on and off, leaving the clock/timer unit is to be unaffected. left unattended for a long period, it is recommended that the unit be completely off and unplugged. Illustrated below is the label on the back of your unit. If the switched uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this unit.
iFORYOUR SAFETY CAUTION: TO PREVENT SLOT, FULLY INSERT. i ELECTRIC SHOCK. MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE 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 :- 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 :- 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 :- 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 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 :- 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.
:_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 :- by a qualified technician to restore the video product to its normal operation. 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 need for service. a 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.
Relax. Using a VCR is very straightforward. This sections explains how to hookup the VCR, quick tour of the controls, first-time operation using on-screen menus, and videocassette tapes. Enjoy getting to know all about your Hitachi VCR. Let's get started. set up for 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). Place the VCR near your TV but not on top of it.
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 VCR UNPLUGGED WHILE HOOKING THEM UP. 3 Hook up the AudioWideo If your TV is a fairly on the back of your They will be labeled not sure, look at the _L SAFETY, LEAVE YOUR TV AND Signal recent model, you probably have both audio and video jacks.
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). 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.
provided by this equipment. External or Internal 300 Ohm Antenna If you have either an external or internal (rabbit ears) antenna may have 300 ohm connectors like these. In this case, you will need special shown below. (You may already 1. Remove the antenna line from take it from where it comes in on 2. Considering the three pictures it into your VCR. If you have rather than cable, you adapters to make the 75 ohm round wire connection have one on your TV.
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. Use the supplied 75 ohm cable to connect the VCR to the TV. \ Now continue with the hookup: 1.
ii O 7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV on either channel channel 4. You need to select the appropriate channel. 3 or Turn the power on to both the TV and the VCR, and look for a switch on the back of the VCR. Set the switch to 3 or 4, whichever is not a commercial channel in your area. Your basic hookup is now complete.
Getting Started (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, controls on the VCR that will come in handy too. but there are some When you're familiar with these basic controls, proceed to Initial Setup (page 20).
:_Getting Started (controls) GUIDE Brings up an on-screen DISPLAY Used in on-screen setup and programming programming and indexing. CLEAR Used in on-screen programming VCR/TV Switches viewing through VOLUME MUTE Increase between or decrease guide, the Easy Guide System. and indexing. the VCR and not viewing through the VCR. the audio volume. Turns off the audio until you press MUTE again. REW Rewinds the videotape. PLAY Starts playing a loaded cassette.
:_Getting Started (controls) If You Just Want to Watch TV For normal TV viewing, you do not need to disconnect are already on, press POWER on the remote control. will stay on. the VCR. When the TV and VCR The VCR will shut off, but the TV If you are recording on the VCR but want to watch a different channel on the TV, press the VCR/TV button to switch back and forth between the TV channel and the recording channel. VCR Controls POWER Turns VCR power on and off. STOP/EJECT tape.
:_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 6 or 7 for the other language options.
:_Getting Started (Initial setup) :- 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. Initial Setup Options Press GUIDE, then press 4 to bring up the Initial Setup screen.
:_Getting Started (Initial setup) :- Internal or external antenna Ordinary cable Alternate cable (if CATVl 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 . 3 HIFI/LINEAR Press 3 to control how the audio signal is processed and .
:_Getting Started (Initial setup) :- 2 for PM. Continue pressing buttons to set the date. For example, if today is July 8, 1995, press 0, 7, 0, 8, 9, and 5 to get 07/08/95. When you're done, press GUIDE twice to return to regular viewing. 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 (Initial setup) :- Press GUIDE, then press 4 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Item 8 lets you add or delete channels. Use the number buttons to enter the channel you want to change, then press STOP to delete it or press PLAY to add it. Choosing a Mode for Audio Playback Choose between hi-fi and linear modes, depending on your needs. HIFI is the preferred setting because it works for all tapes whether they were recorded in hi-fi or linear modes.
:_Getting Started (videOtapes) 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) Loading and Ejecting 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. II_h'w 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.
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 t. To play Back a Recorded Tape 1. Insert the cassette, arrow-side forward, into the slot at the front of the VCR. The power comes on automatically and the tape indicator lights on the display. 2.
tracking. 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.
mode and then press the 1 or 4 button on the remote control to minimize the noise bars. 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.
screen for 5 seconds. Before the 5 seconds is up, press DISPLAY a second time to see just the counter. It will stay on the screen. Press DISPLAY a third time to to see the counter on the VCR display as well. 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.
Jump to an Index Mark with INDEX A quick way to access specific program segments is with the index search feature. This lets you move through a tape that has several recordings on it by searching for the 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).2that the page is 33. The correct page is 35.
:_Basic operations (Rec0rding):. Before you Record The VCR must be hooked beginning of this manual. up properly for recording. Copyright Infringement See the Simple Hookups at the 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 anyway (Recording):- to be sure you're recording what you think you are. 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):- When this is set, the VCR records the second audio program. Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT) The Instant Recording Timer (REC/IRT button on the VCR) will let you make a simplified timer recording without having to use the programming timer. In order to set the IRT properly the clock must be set before starting. Follow the steps 1 through 5 on "Basic Recording Steps" on page 33.
:_Basic operations (Recording):- Channel to be recorded Blank or erasable videocassette (safety tab intact) Delayed Recording Steps You set up the delayed recording using the on-screen Easy Guide System. Press GUIDE, then press 2 for DELAYED RECORDING. Press number buttons 1.2 or 3 for ONE TIME, DAILY, or WEEKLY RECORDING. Follow the flashing instructions on screen to complete the programming. Remember to press 0 before single-digit channel numbers, times, and dates--for example, 0 and 6 for channel 6.
:_Basic operations (Recording):- Select channel 8 by pressing 0 and 8 on the remote control. Enter the start time by pressing 0,6,0, and 0 for 6 o'clock. Then press 2 for PM Enter the end time, half past six, as 06:30. The VCR automatically selects PM for you. The screen shows today's date, so no changes are needed on that line. Press 5 to switch to SP because you want the best quality picture for this recording. Everything is as you want it, so press GUIDE to set the program in memory.
iAdvanced 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. Compatibility The remote control is designed to be compatible with many televisions and cable converters, but will not work with every one made.
iAdvanced operations Also, if your brand of TV is not listed in the chart, try all the number buttons. One of them may work for you. 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) The cable box brings all the advantages of pay cable, but finding a satisfactory can be challenging. To sort out what to do, we suggest a step-by-step approach installation. You will need RF TV splitters, coaxial cable jumpers, and possible RF switches various configurations. These are not furnished with your VCR because each installation will have different needs and require different cable lengths.
:_Advanced Operations (Cable Box HookuPs) 2. Using the 75 ohm coaxial cable supplied with your VCR, connect either end to the VCR's OUT TO TV upper jack. 3. Connect the other end of the 75 ohm cable to the TV, in the same place where you removed the cable line. CABL_ BOX / _M CABLE COMF'AP,Pt L_ Check all the TV and VCR functions. with Option 2. If you don't get all the functions you want, proceed Option 2--All Channels Unscrambled 1.
:_Advanced Operations (Cable Box HookuPs) 1. Disconnect the splitter. 2. Using a coaxial that you just freed 3. Using a second switch. 4. Using the cable B switch. cable from the cable box and attach it to the input line of the 1-into-2 jumper, reconnect one of the splitter outputs to the cable box's input up. coaxial jumper, connect the other splitter output to the A of the a-or-B box output line, connect the cable box receptacle 5. Using a third coaxial jumper, the VCR.
:_Advanced Operations (Cable Box HookuPs) To operate the cable box once the remote is programmed for it: Press CATV and then the button of the function you want. Press VCR to operate your VCR with the remote again.
:_Advanced Operations (Stereo syStem):- There are several reasons VCR. to consider hooking up your stereo system with your TV and If your TV does not have stereo, you can get stereo quality from your VCR by hooking it to your stereo receiver. Even if your TV does have stereo, you can get better sound by taking advantage of your stereo's better speakers. You can record stereo audio on your VCR for longer play times, or use the VCR as an extra tape deck for dubbing.
:_Advanced Operations (Stereo syStem):- setting gives you reasonable quality and a longer tape program. Press AVX on the remote control to turn the LINE (L1) indicator on. Press REC/IRT on the VCR and start the stereo playing. To stop recording, press STOP. To play back the recording, rewind the tape and press PLAY.
Advanced Operations (Sec0nd 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 VTF391A Hitachi as VCR2 and the other unit as VCR1.
Advanced Operations (Sec0nd VCR) :. happen. Copying Tapes From a Camcorder If you would like to copy a video tape shot in your camcorder to do it. Connect Camcorder Press appears Press Press the camcorder's Hookup AV output cable to your VCR. onto your VCR here's how (see diagram below) Illustration the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 (Line) indicator in the VCR display. REC/IRT on the VCR to start recording. PLAY on your camcorder to start copying your tape.
:_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. 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.
: Care and Servicing (Problems) Often Encountered Problems Problem Things No Power. Power cord plugged Delayed recording not work. does Solution to Check in? Program set to the correct channel? Connect the power cord to AC outlet. Reset the delayed recording. Program time and date set Reset the delayed recording. correctly? VCR power turned off? Turn power off to activate the timer.
: Care and Servicing (Problems) TV cannot be operated by the VCR's remote control. Is VCR remote control pro-Follow instructions in 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.
: Care and Servicing (Problems) * 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) Warranty Limitations The Limited Warranty provided by Hitachi does not cover: A. Cabinet (exterior finish items), Battery Packs, Accessories, Tape Damage, or TV Set Modifications. Head Cleanings, Video 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. Unpacking, instruction.
:_HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) Retain your sales receipt for warranty purposes. Please complete your records as it may be needed in the event of loss. Attach sales receipt to this card. VIDEO PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY the section below for REGISTRATION (for your record) Model No. Serial No.
i:HiTACHi WARRANTY ::CANADA ONLY CARD (Fr0nt) NOT VALID IN U. S. A. HITACHI VIDEO PRODUCTS GOLD CARD WARRANTY * See inside for the GOLD CARD advantages HITACHI EXCEPTIONAL HITACHI 3300 Trans Canada PERFORMANCE (HSC) CANADA Highway, and how to get it. INC. 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.
i:HiTACHi WARRANTY ::CANADA ONLY CARD (Fr0nt) repaired, without charge at any authorized the Protection Plan Card. Hitachi Service Center upon presentation D - This Protection Plan is applicable to the product accessories such as cables, batteries, etc. E - THIS PROTECTION mentioned excluding (3) External etc....
i:HiTACHi WARRANTY ::CANADA ONLY (10) Cleaning CARD (Fr0nt) the video heads. F - All repair costs must be claimed from Hitachi, at all times, through an authorized Hitachi Service Center. The Plan Owner should never directly pay the authorized Service center unless given special authorization from Hitachi. No repair costs will be reimbursed directly to the Plan Owner.
:_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, control of Hitachi. 4. Batteries, tape cassettes, as cabinet and knobs. 5. PRODUCTS 6. Products PURCHASED earphones, acts of God, or other events beyond the antennas, OUTSIDE accessories parts such CANADA. used outside Canada. 7. In transit damage claims, improper handling by carrier or post offices. 8. Products defaced. or parts thereof which have had serial numbers 9. Products used for commercial 10.
:_HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) City Province See graphics for warranty card 6O
