FOR YOUR SAFETY 1 HITACHI Video Deck VHS VT-F392A 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 Illuminated remote control for use with your VCR and TV On-screen programming guide Multi-channel TV sound (MTS) Auto clock set feature VCR Plus+** for easy timed recording *
FOR YOUR SAFETY TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR YOUR SAFETY................................................................................................................................. 3 Read This First ........................................................................................................................................ 5 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .................................................................................................................. 5 Getting Started......................
FOR YOUR SAFETY Recording Tips.................................................................................................................................... 33 Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT)........................................................................................ 34 Setting the VCR to Record Later ..................................................................................................... 34 Reviewing What You Have Programmed ..........................................
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.
Read This First "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". 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.
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 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
Getting Started determine that the video product is in safe operating condition. 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.
Getting Started 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. 3 Hook up the Audio/Video Signal If your TV is a fairly recent model, you probably have both audio and video jacks. Look on the back of your TV for three jacks--possibly color-coded yellow, white and red.
Getting Started 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 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 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.
Getting Started (Controls) 7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch When the VCR is on, its video signal can come into your TV on either channel 3 or channel 4. You need to select the appropriate channel. 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, but there are some controls on the VCR that will come in handy too. When you're familiar with these basic controls, proceed to Initial Setup (page 20).
Getting Started (Controls) REW Rewinds the videotape. PLAY Starts playing a loaded cassette. REC Starts recording on the station the VCR is set to. VCR, TV (MODE SELECT) Device buttons let you set the remote to control one of the two devices. LIGHT Illuminates key function buttons for a few seconds. 0 to 9 Number buttons used in on-screen programming. Can also be used to change channels.
Getting Started (Controls) 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 Cancels any videotape action, and when pressed a second time, ejects tape. PLAY Play the loaded videotape. DISPLAY Shows time, channel, and status indicators. CHANNEL Up and down arrows for selecting channels. REC/IRT To begin recording. F.FWD Fast forwards the videotape. REW Rewinds the videotape.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 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) The screen shows the default settings on your VCR. The default settings are the ones that are preset at the factory. They come up on the VCR every time the power goes out for more than 1 hour--for example, during a storm or when you unplug the VCR. Look at each item to see if it matches your own setup: To change a setting, press the button that has the same number as that item. This will cycle you through several options.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 7 CABLE BOX SET Press 7 to set up your cable box if you receive all channels through a cable box. 8 AUTO CHANNEL SET Press 7 to automatically program the VCR to receive all the channels that come in on your antenna or cable. 9 ADD/ERASE CHANNEL Press 8 to bring up a screen that lets you add new channels or limit the channels to the ones you most often watch. Note: Option 7 CABLE BOX SET is not enabled unless CATV 1 or CATV 2 has been selected in option 1 CHANNEL setting.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) If the displayed time drifts from the current time by more than one hour, select your correct time zone and set the DST (See page 24). When the VCR is hooked up via a cable box: Before you begin: Set up your cable box (See page 47). 1. Press GUIDE, then press 6 to bring up the CLOCK SET screen. 2. Check that item 1 is specified "CLOCK SET: AUTO". If "CLOCK SET: MANUAL" is displayed, press 1 to switch it to "CLOCK SET: AUTO". 3. Press 2.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) 2. Press one of button 1-7 to select your local time zone. 3. Press GUIDE to bring up the CLOCK SET screen. Press 4 to bring up the DST SETTING screen. 4. Choose one of the following options: Press 1 to specify DST SETTING ON. The time advanced from the Standard Time by one hour is displayed from the first Sunday of April through the last Sunday of October. Press 2 to specify DST SETTING OFF. The Standard Time is displayed throughout the year.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) Press the number buttons on the remote control to set the current time--two digits for the hour and two for the minutes. Then press 1 or 2 for AM or PM, respectively. For example, if it is now 2:15 PM, press 0, 2, 1, and 5 for hours and minutes, and press 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.
Getting Started (Initial Setup) You may not want to keep all the stations the auto-programmer selects, since you may prefer to have only a few favorite channels in the tuner's memory. Or, you may want to delete from memory a weak or unused channel that the tuner picked up. Erased channels cannot be selected by the up and down CHANNEL buttons but can still be selected by using the numbered buttons 0 to 9 and 100/ENT.
Getting Started (Videotapes) broadcasting station together with a TV program, a station identifier is displayed on the TV screen. 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.
Basic Operations 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. 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 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. Turn on the TV and select the video channel (3 or 4) using the number buttons on the TV's remote control. 3. Press PLAY to start the tape. 4. Press STOP to end play. Direct Video Input to the TV Normally you would select channel 3 or 4 on the TV to receive a signal from the VCR.
Basic Operations Rewinding the Tape When you are done watching a video, you can rewind the tape automatically or manually. If the videocassette reaches the end of the tape, the VCR will stop and automatically rewinds the videocassette. If you press POWER while the tape is rewinding, the power will shut off automatically after the tape has completely rewound. Manual Rewind Press STOP and REW. The VCR rewinds the tape all the way to the beginning, then stops. Press STOP/EJECT on the VCR to release the tape.
Basic Operations Use the 1 or 4 button to minimize any visual noise bands on the screen. After 5 minutes in slow motion playback, the VCR will stop the tape automatically to prevent damage to the tape and the VCR. To return to playback at a normal speed, press PLAY. To stop the tape, press STOP. To Find Specific Sections on a Tape Visual Search This function lets you search backward and forward through the videotape while viewing it.
Basic Operations the counter. (Notice it moves just past the marker and then back to it.) Press PLAY to watch the tape from that preselected spot. Press DISPLAY to take the counter display off. The spot is still in memory until you set a new one or until the tape is ejected. Jump Forward or Backward with GO-TO Using the time counter, you can search for a spot a certain number of minutes before or after your current position on the tape.
Basic Operations (Recording) will move to the next mark and play a part of that program. The VCR will continue searching until you press STOP or reach the end of the tape. When you find the program you want and press PLAY, the VCR returns to PLAY mode. To stop the index search before an index mark is reached, press STOP. If there are no index marks on the tape, the VCR will just rewind to the beginning or fast forward to the end.
Basic Operations (Recording) Recording Tips To Watch the Same Program While Recording To view what you are recording, press VCR/TV so that the VCR is selected--the VCR indicator will light up on the VCR's display. You'll want to do this the first few times anyway 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) station broadcasts in SAP, the SA indicator will Display on your TV screen. You can set the VCR to record a second audio program by activating the SAP option through the Easy Guide System. Press GUIDE, then press 5 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Press 5 to set the SAP option to ON. Make sure that STEREO/MONO selection is set to STEREO. When this is set, the VCR records the second audio program.
Basic Operations (Recording) Your VCR can record up to 8 programs at different days and times, or up to 8 programs on the same day. Before You Begin Assemble the information you need for timed recording: Be sure that the clock is set to the correct time. Date and day of the program Starting time Ending time 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.
Basic Operations (Recording) Now fill in the blanks: 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.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Shows with Different Starting Times If the programs start at different times, the VCR records the show scheduled to start earliest, records the entire show, then moves on to the show with the next earliest starting time. To avoid recording only bits and pieces of different overlapping shows, review your programming and delete those shows that are not essential.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) newspaper TV section. Notice the small numbers to the right of the station name. These are the VCR Plus+ channel numbers that you will use in the channel setup procedure. 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.
Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Home Antenna If your VCR is connected directly to your home antenna, chances are you don't have to do any special channel setup. To find out, compare the VCR Plus+ channels in your TV program guide to your list of channels that you receive at home. If any channel numbers don't match, follow the steps (page 46) to assign your local channel numbers to VCR Plus+ numbers.
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 40. See the section on Recording a Programmed for recording tips and programming priorities. You set up the delayed recording using the on-screen Easy Guide System. 1.
Advanced Operations 5. 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 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. If your TV or cable box does not respond the way it should when you program it as explained below, this remote may be incapable of operating it. Once you have programmed the remote, you won't have to do it again until you change the batteries.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Sony 3 Magnavox 4 Sanyo 5 Gold Star 1 6 Toshiba 7 Gold Star 2 8 Panasonic 2 9 RCA 0 Panasonic 1 CHANNEL (up arrow) Mitsubishi CHANNEL (down arrow) JVC 100/ENT Sharp 1 LAST CH Sharp 2 DISPLAY Controlling the TV Once programmed, the VCR's remote control is ready to control the TV. First press TV to change to the TV function mode, then press the button of the TV function that you want.
Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) memory, use masking tape to label each cable and connection. Position Cable Box Position a remote-controllable cable box on the top of the VCR as shown. Be sure not to block any of the VCR's ventilation holes. A. Basic Hookup Use this hookup for a simple connection which requires fewer accessories. 1. Set the CH3 CH4 switch on the back of VCR to either channel 3 or 4. You will tune the TV to this channel and use the VCR/TV button to watch the VCR. 2.
Advanced Operations (Stereo System) press the AVX button to select L1 as the output channel of the cable box (see page 47). C. Advanced Hookup (Cable box to unscramble only pay channels) 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. All pay channels are viewed through the VCR.
Advanced Operations (Second VCR) tracks record as monaural. Recording from Your Stereo System With the hookup just shown, you can use your VCR to record a custom program of selections from your stereo library. The videotape recording will give you excellent stereo quality and a long-running tape. In this case no video will be recorded, so you can do the whole thing without turning on the TV. Assemble the selections you want to record on the stereo, and insert a blank VHS cassette into the VCR.
VCR Care and Servicing Insert a blank or erasable tape (with the safety tab intact) into VCR1. Press AVX on VCR1--the LINE indicator will display. Press REC on VCR1, and press PLAY on VCR2. To monitor the picture as you record, VCR1 must be connected to your TV (follow instructions in the other VCR's manual). Press the VCR/TV button on the remote. The VCR indicator will light on VCR1's display and you can view the picture being recorded.
VCR Care and Servicing It also self-cleans during fast-forward and reverse play. You will hear a mechanical sound during auto head cleaning. Even with the auto head cleaning system, dirt can build up on the heads. If the picture is blurry during playback, or is occasionally interrupted or blanks out, try playing different cassettes to see whether you get the same picture problems. If the picture problems persist, the heads may need to be cleaned professionally.
Care and Servicing (Problems) Power Input: Power Consumption: Cabinet Size: Weight: Storage Temperature: Operating Temperature: Accessories: AC120V 60Hz 22W nominal 14-15/16" (W) x 3-11/16" (H) x 12-5/8" (D) 38.0cm (W) x 9.3cm (H) x 32.0cm (D) 9.9 lbs. (4.5kg) -4º F to 131º F 41º F to 104º F 1 coaxial cable (Part No. 5857952) 1 remote control unit (Part No. HL10323), 2 AA batteries * Check your cable company's compatibility requirements.
Care and Servicing (Problems) recording does not work even when the clock is set correctly. than one hour occurred? function is operating, the time may be reset even after a power failure of more than one hour. However, programmed delayed recordings will have been cleared and must be reset. Does not record when you press REC. Safety tab removed from Put cellophane tape over the the videocassette? tab area, or use a videocassette with the safety tab intact. TV program cannot be viewed or recorded.
Care and Servicing (Problems) sponding 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. Eject the cassette if you are done viewing. Otherwise, no action is necessary. Hitachi Service Hotline Authorized Hitachi service facilities are available throughout the US and Canada.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) used for replacement are warranted for the remainder of the original Limited Warranty period. For 90 days from the date of original purchase, Hitachi will provide labor for the repair or replacement of defective parts without charge, subject to the following conditions: 1. Owner must provide verification of the date of purchase when requesting Limited Warranty Service. (Dated Sales Receipt Required) 2. All repairs must be performed by a Hitachi Authorized Service Facility.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY States or its possessions. F. Product used for a commercial or industrial purpose. NO PERSON, AGENT, DISTRIBUTOR, DEALER, SERVICE FACILITY, OR COMPANY IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE, MODIFY, OR AMEND THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IN ANY MANNER OR FASHION WHATSOEVER, EXCEPT AND TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, HITACHI MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTY REGARDING THIS HITACHI PRODUCT.
HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY 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 accessories such as cables, batteries, etc. E - THIS PROTECTION PLAN DOES NOT COVER: (1) Damage caused by incorrect use or negligence, unauthorized alteration, improper storage or repairs done by an unauthorized service depot; (2) Damage caused by fire, flood, lightning, acts of God or other events beyond the control of Hitachi; (3) External parts such as the cabinet, knobs, remote control case, antenna, cords, etc....
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) 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. G - The Plan Owner will receive a PLATINUM CARD which is the only valid document to be presented at the time of repair to an authorized Hitachi Service Center. THIS PROTECTION PLAN IS NOT TRANSFERABLE NOR REFUNDABLE.
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) Camera, camcorder, AC Adaptor, Charger, 1 year parts and labour. All goods returned to either Hitachi or a Hitachi Authorized Service Center must be shipped on a "PREPAID BASIS". To avoid any damage to the returned goods, please ensure that proper packaging procedures are followed. A short written description of the problem along with proof of warranty should accompany the product returned for repair.
HITACHI CANADA WARRANTY CARD (Back) 13. The replacement of the video camera pickup element if the pickup element has been OVER EXPOSED to an intense source of light. 14. Products sold in Canada by any organization other than HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. IMPORTANT: This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees, or agreements whether express or implied, and no person, dealer or company is authorized to change, modify, or extend its terms in any manner whatsoever.