VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER VT-FX621A Owner's manual Using these quality features: • Super rewind and fast forward • Multi-channel TV sound (MTS). • 8-program/1-year preset recording. • Auto tracking system automatically adjusts the tracking so the picture is optimized. • Frequency synthesized tuner provides easy, preset tuning of up to 68 broadcast TV channels and 125 cable channels. • VHS Hi-Fidelity sound in playback. • On-screen programming guide. Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR YOUR SAFETY..................................................................................................................2 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.....................................................................................................3 CUSTOMER CONTROLS ..........................................................................................................7 REMOTE OPERATION .................................................................................................
This symbol warns the user that 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. 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 in order to avoid any problems. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
2 Retain Instruction -- 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.
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.
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.
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. CUSTOMER CONTROLS VCR Customer Controls Item No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Function POWER button Infrared receiver Cassette compartment REC/IRT button REW button F.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 STILL - play pause and frame advance 24 REM (tape remaining time) indicator 28 VCR, operate mode Audio indicators - record (flashes during record pause) Tape-in indicator 9 TV channel or Auxiliary (L) 43 Delayed recording indicator 31 31 37 Accessories supplied Check and identify the accessories supplied. If any are missing or appear damaged, consult your dealer.
Item No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Function Transmission window POWER button GUIDE - to recall OSD menu DISPLAY - to recall on-screen display CLEAR - clears time counter VCR/TV mode select button 100/ENT button VOL button - increase or decrease the audio volume PROGRAM (programming) button REW button - fast rewind or search PLAY button - playback REC - record button STOP button - stops play/ record function PAUSE button F.
18 19 20 AVX button - select L 4 Number buttons 17 VCR, TV, CATV - device buttons let you set the remote to control one of the three devices 8 REMOTE OPERATION Install batteries in the remote control The remote control requires two "AA" batteries. 1 Push the mark and hold it, then slide the cover in the direction of the arrow to remove it. Note: When replacing the batteries, remove the old batteries and keep the POWER button depressed for 10 seconds before inserting fresh batteries. 2 Install batteries.
Operating in the remote control 1 Make sure there is no obstacle between the remote control and VCR's infrared receiver. Note: You cannot operate the VCR if there is an obstacle (for example, coffee table, sofa, etc) between the VCR and remote control. 2 Point the remote control at the VCR's infrared receiver and press the required button on the remote control. Note: If the remote does not work even at close range, try replacing the batteries with two fresh "AA" batteries.
The VCR automatically enters the playback mode when a cassette without its safety tab is inserted. The VCR won't record on a tape without a safety tab and the cassette will be ejected if the REC or REC/IRT button is pressed. Be sure to check the safety tab before inserting a cassette. Insertion Push the video cassette gently into the slot on the front of the VCR. • The VCR automatically turns on and the "Tape-In" indicator turns on when the cassette is in place.
Switch the RF Channel 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. • When the power is turned on, press the POWER button to turn it off. Press the PLAY button on front of the VCR. Pressing the CHANNEL button alterantes between RFCH-03 (channel 3) and RFCH-04 (channel 4) in the VCR's display. Display the channel which is not used by a commercial channel in your area.
BASIC CABLE HOOKUP [C] WITH THIS HOOKUP YOU CAN... • WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS • RECORD AND WATCH THE SAME CHANNEL • RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER Hookup C Illustration Switch the RF Channel 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. • When the power is turned on, press the POWER button to turn it off. Press the PLAY button on front of the VCR.
Display the channel which is not used by a commercial channel in your area. ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -AV HOOKUP [D] WITH THIS HOOKUP YOU CAN... • WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS • RECORD AND WATCH THE SAME CHANNEL • RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER Hookup D Illustration BASIC CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX [E] WITH THIS HOOKUP YOU CAN... • WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS • RECORD AND WATCH THE SAME CHANNEL YOU CAN'T...
Switch the RF Channel 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. • When the power is turned on, press the POWER button to turn it off. Press the PLAY button on front of the VCR. Pressing the CHANNEL button alterantes between RFCH-03 (channel 3) and RFCH-04 (channel 4) in the VCR's display. Display the channel which is not used by a commercial channel in your area.
ADVANCED CABLE HOOKUP -WITH CABLE BOX AND SPLITTER [G] WITH THIS HOOKUP YOU CAN... • WATCH AVAILABLE CABLE CHANNELS • RECORD AND WATCH THE SAME CHANNEL • RECORD ONE CHANNEL AND WATCH ANOTHER TO RECORD, ALL CHANNEL SELECTIONS MUST BE MADE AT THE CABLE BOX. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR CABLE BOX MANUAL FOR THE CABLE BOX OUTPUT CHANNEL. Hookup G Illustration SETTING THE CLOCK Note: An antenna or cable must be connected to the VCR before you begin this operation.
Tips You'll need to set the clock when first hooking up your VCR, and any time the power goes out for more than 1 hour. When you first plug in the VCR or after a power outage, the clock display will read "--:--". To set the clock manually Remote illustration 1 Press the GUIDE button. The main on-screen menu will appear on the TV screen. Click to see remote control illustration. You may view all the on-screen instructions in English, French, or Spanish.
the screen. 4 Press the (1) button for AM or (2) for PM. For example, press the (1) button for AM. Click to see remote control illustration 5 Press the number buttons to fill in the number of the month, then the day then the year. • For dates with only one number (1-9) press the (0) button first, then the date. For example, if today is July 8 1997, press (0)(7)(0)(8)(9)(7). The correct day of the week will appear by itself. 8 Press the GUIDE button.
[A], [B], [C] or [D]) 1 Press the POWER button to turn on the VCR. 2 Turn on the TV and select the video channel (3 or 4). Or, if you are hooked up with an audio/video cable, set the TV to AUX or VIDEO. 3 Press the GUIDE button. Click to see remote control illustration. The main on-screen menu will appear on the TV screen. 4 Press the (4) button to select the CHANNEL PRESET operation.
7 Press GUIDE to return to regular viewing. Note: Your VCR is capable of receiving 68 broadcast TV channels (VHF 2-13, UHF 14-69) and cable channels (1-125). In some areas channels cannot be received when CATV1 is selected. In this case, select CATV2 in the receiving setup. When automatic presetting of channels are finished Press the CH (channel) button (or numbered buttons) to check the channels you can receive.
3 Press the (3) button to select "ADD/ERASE CHANNEL". 4 Use the number buttons to select the number of the channel you want to add or erase. 5 Press the STOP button to delete the channel, or press the PLAY button to add it. 6 Press the GUIDE button to return to regular viewing. Auto blue setting 1 Turn on the TV and select the video channel (3 or 4). Or, if you are hooked up with an audio/video cable, set the TV to AUX or VIDEO. 2 Press the GUIDE button. Click to see remote control illustration.
The main on-screen menu will appear on the TV screen. 3 Press the (2) button to select "VCR SETUP". 4 Press the (1) button to select AUTO BLUE "ON" or "OFF". ON: The screen becomes blue and mutes sound when a channel without a broadcast signal on the VCR or a channel on which broadcasting has finished. • If the signal is too strong, this function may not operate even if you specify . During playback this function does not operate. OFF: The AUTO BLUE feature is switched off.
3 Press the PLAY button to start playing the tape. Click to see remote control illustration. 4 Press the STOP button to end playback. Rewinding the tape When the video cassette reaches the end of the tape, the VCR will stop automatically and automatically rewind the tape. • If you press the POWER button while the tape is rewinding, the power will not shut off until the tape has been completely rewound. You may also rewind the tape manually at any time.
This function rewinds or fast-forwards T-120 tape for about 83 seconds. This time period will vary for different types of tape. Press the REW or F.FWD button, then press it again. To stop the tape, press the STOP button. Note: During super rewind/fast/forward, there will be an interval of 5 seconds between the time the stop button is pressed and the time the tape actually stops. This is designed to protect the tape. To stop the tape earlier, press the REW or F.
Still Playback (Pause) Press the PAUSE button on the remote control or PLAY/STILL on the VCR to still the tape during play. The picture will "freeze". You may see some minor noise or interference on the screen. This is normal. • To resume play, press the PLAY button or PAUSE button again. Note: The sound is muted and cannot be heard during "Special Playback Effects". Notes: • After 1 minute in the PAUSE mode, the VCR automatically switches to STOP mode to protect the tape.
2 Press the (6) button to view the picture one frame at a time. • Press the PAUSE button to resume play. Skip playback While playing back your tape you can skip forward by pressing the (6) button. The tape will search ahead about a minute then resume playing. Slow motion 1 Press the PLAY button. 2 Press the (4) button to slow the playback speed. 3 Press the PLAY button to return to play back at normal speed.
Press the STOP button to stop the tape. Notes: • Use the CH ( or ) button to minimize any visual noise bands on the screen. • After 1 minute in slow motion playback, the VCR will stop the tape automatically to prevent damage to the tape and VCR. Visual Search This function let you search backward and forward through the videotape while viewing it. During play: Press the REW button to search in reverse. Press the F.FWD button to search ahead. • Press the PLAY button to return to normal playback.
2 Press the (2) button to select the VCR SETUP operation. 3 Press the (4) button to select "HIFI" or "LINEAR". • Select Hi-Fi to playback sound recorded on the Hi-Fi track and for normal use. The L and R indicators will light in the VCR's display panel. • Select LINEAR to play back the sound recorded on the linear monaural track. Also, if the audio sounds distorted or unusual or there is no audio, select LINEAR. 4 Press the GUIDE button to end the setting.
1 Press the DISPLAY button in the stop mode. The index screen appears on TV. 2 Press the (7) button for rewind or the (9) button for forward to begin the index search. • The tape rewinds or fast forwards until an index mark is detected. During this search, the word INDEX is displayed at the top left corner of the screen. • When the VCR finds an index mark, it plays 15 seconds of the program that begins at that spot. 3 If this is the program you were looking for, press the PLAY button for normal playback.
Press DISPLAY while the on-screen display is displayed. The on-screen display switches in the order below together with the VCR's display. Remote Control Illustration Click to see on-screen and VCR displays Press the DISPLAY button to see the clock. Press the DISPLAY button a second time to see just the time counter. Notes: • 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.
1 Press the DISPLAY button two or three times. The counter will appear in the VCR's display. 2 Begin recording or playing back a tape. 3 At the point that you want to go back to, press the CLEAR button. This resets the counter to 0:00:00. 4 Press the STOP button when you are done recording or playing back the tape. 5 Press the REW button to rewind the tape. It will automatically stop at the stop where you cleared the counter in step 3. • Press the PLAY button to watch the tape from the selected spot.
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. In most cases, it is okay to record for personal use, as long as you do not sell the material.
4 Press (5) button to select SP (standard play, for the best picture quality) or EP (extended play, for the longest recording time on a single tape). 5 Press the CH ( / ) button or the number buttons to select the channel you want to record. Example: Select channel 8. • 100/ENT and (2) and (4) for channel 124. 6 Press the REC button on the remote control or the REC/IRT button on the VCR. Recording will start and the REC indicator on the VCR will appear.
Notes: • Recording will not start unless the cassette has the safety tab in place. If this tab has been removed, the VCR will eject the tape. • Press the PAUSE button to set the VCR to the recording pause mode. Press the button again to re-start recording. • If you stay in PAUSE mode for more than 5 minutes, the VCR automatically switches to STOP mode to protect the tape. 7 Press the STOP button to finish recording.
3 Press the PAUSE button to continue recording. Automatic Indexing Your VCR will automatically create an invisible "INDEX" mark every time you press the REC button while recording. During playback, the Index Search feature will let you move through a tape that has several recordings on it by searching for the "INDEX" mark. See Page 27, "Jump to an Index Mark with INDEX". To record a Second Audio Program (SAP) Some stations transmit a Second Audio Program - such as in a second language.
5 Press the GUIDE button to end the setting. 6 Follow the Step 1 through 5 on "Basic Recording Steps" on pages 30 and 31. Stereo vs. mono sound When you select the STEREO option in the initial setup operation, your VCR records in stereo any station that broadcasts stereo sounds. When a TV channel broadcasts in stereo, you'll see a stereo indicator on the TV screen. Set to MONO if the stereo signal is weak and the sound is too "noisy".
To stop recording while in the IRT mode: 1 Press the POWER button. 2 Press the STOP button within 10 seconds. • This can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control.
Note: The cassette safety tab must be in place in order to record. With the delayed recording feature, you can set this VCR so that it automatically turns on and records programs whenever you like - without your being around! You can record a program one time only, or you can automatically record a show every weekday or every week at the same time. You can preset as many as 8 timed recordings at once.
Types of Delayed Recordings ONE TIME Records one show at a particular date and time. DAILY Friday. Records a show at the same time every day of the week, Monday through WEEKLY Records a show at the same day and time every week. EXAMPLE: Set the VCR to record "one time", a program on Channel 8 that starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 6:30 PM on 7/10/97, at the EP recording speed.
display "-" for the incorrect digit, then reenter the correct digit. 6 Enter the start time by pressing (0), (6), (0) and (0) for 6:00. Remote Illustration 7 Press the (2) button for PM. 8 Enter the end time by pressing (0), (6), (3) and (0) for 6:30. The VCR automatically selects PM for you. 9 Enter the recording date by pressing (0), (7), (1) and (0) for 7/10/97. Click to see remote control illustration. 10 Press the (5) button to select the recording speed EP.
12 Press the POWER button to turn off the VCR. The delayed recording indicator will display on the VCR. This tells you that the VCR will automatically record at the times and dates you have programmed. • If you are using a cable box, you must select the channel you want to record on the cable box (in this case 08); and turn on the cable box. Note: You can correct any item entered as you go by pressing the CLEAR button repeatedly until the digit to be corrected changes to white dash "-" on the screen.
2 Press the (1) button for the PROGRAM REVIEW option. This brings up the screen setting for the first program. If you want to clear this program, press the CLEAR button to remove this program. 3 Keep pressing the (1) button to cycle through all the programs you have preset. • The screen will display the next program, if there are more, or it will switch back to the main menu. 4 Press the GUIDE button to end.
3 Press and hold the "TV" button. 4 Press the remote button corresponding to your TV brand as shown in the set-up chart. The TV channel will change to confirm that the remote control has been set.
control. PROGRAMMING THE VCR REMOTE TO CONTROL YOUR CABLE BOX The VCR remote control can be programmed to control many cable boxes that are remote controlled. YOu can easily change channels. 1 Turn on the cable box. 2 Point VCR remote control toward cable box. 3 Press and hold the "CATV" button. 4 Press the remote button corresponding to your cable box as shown in the setup chart. The cable box channel will change to confirm that the remote control has been set.
until the cable box changes channels. If the cable box channel does not change, you won't be able to program the remote for your cable box. Using the VCR remote to control your cable box Remote Control Illustration 1 Press the "CATV" button on remote control. 2 Point VCR remote control toward cable box. 3 Press the CH (channel / ) button.
2 Turn on stereo, and start the selection you wish to record. 3 Press the REC/IRT button on VCR or REC button on the remote control to start recording. 4 Press the STOP button or remote control to stop recording. COPYING TAPES FROM A CAMCORDER Hookup You may use your VCR to copy tapes from any camcorder onto standard VHS cassette tapes. NOTE: If your camcorder is not stereo (has only one audio plug), connect it to the AUDIO IN-L input on the front of the VCR.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN... Connect the camcorder's AV output cable to the audio/video jacks on the front of your VCR. Remote Control Illustration 1 Press the AVX button on remote control, to display L (line) on the TV display. 2 Press the REC, then PAUSE buttons on the VCR remote control. The VCR will go into Record/Pause. 3 Press the PLAY button on the camcorder. You will see the camcorder tape being played on the TV.
To copy from one VCR to another VCR 1 Press the AVX button on the remote control of VCR-1 so that L (line) appears in the display. 2 Press the REC, then PAUSE buttons on VCR-1. The VCR will go into Record/Pause. 3 Press the PLAY button on VCR-2. You will see the taped program being played on the TV. 4 When you see the part of the program you wish to record, press the PAUSE button on VCR-1 again to release pause and start recording.
• Press the STOP button to finish recording. PROBLEM GUIDE / MAINTENANCE Problem guide No power • Make sure the VCR is plugged into an AC outlet. Remote control doesn't work installed. Won't record automatically • Make sure the batteries are fresh, and properly • Safety tab has been removed from cassette (VCR will eject the tape). Won't play back • Make sure the TV/VCR switch is set to the VCR mode. • Make sure the TV is set to the VCR channel (3 or 4) or AUX (if using direct audio/video hookup).
Regular periodic maintenance is required to maintain optimum VCR performance. Such maintenance and adjustments should not be attempted by the user. Please consult your service dealer for further information. NOTE: Dirt accumulation on the video heads will cause the playback picture to become noisy.
You must state your zip code when calling In Canada MONTREAL TORONTO VANCOUVER 514-956-9882 905-821-4545 604-526-7881 52