HITACHI Video Deck VT-FX6500A Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: n Hi-Fi system n Rotary 4-head Record/Playback System n Bilingual on-screen menu display selectable in English or Spanish n Infrared remote control n Real time tape counter n 181 channel capability PLL frequency synthesizer tuner with direct station call n Digital Display n Auto power on and off system n Auto counter reset n Auto rewind when the end of a tape is reached n Di
TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .......................................................................................... 4 PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................................................. 6 LOCATION .................................................................................................................... 6 POWER SUPPLY ...........................................................................................................
TIMER RECORDING ...................................................................................................... 35 AUTOMATIC TIMER RECORDING ......................................................................... 35 HINTS FOR TIMER RECORDING ............................................................................ 38 TO CHECK THE AUTOMATIC TIMER PROGRAM. .............................................. 38 TO CORRECT OR CANCEL AN AUTOMATIC TIMER PROGRAM ....................
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The caution marking is located on the rear of the cabinet.
. 14. Lightning-For added protection for this video product during a lightning storm, or when it is 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 powerline surges. 15.
PRECAUTIONS LOCATION For safe operation and satisfactory performance of your VCR, keep the following in mind when selecting a place for its installation: • Shield it from direct sunlight and keep it away from sources of intense heat. • Avoid dusty or humid places. • Avoid places with insufficient ventilation for proper heat dissipation. Do not block the ventilation holes on the sides of the VCR. • Install unit in a horizontal position. • Avoid locations subject to strong vibration.
FEATURES • Hi-Fi system- The Hi-Fi stereo recording system offers you excellent sound quality with a dynamic range of 80dB, frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, and 0.005% wow and flutter •Rotary 4-head Record/Playback System- Rotary 4-heads to ensure excellent picture quality and special effects playback. • Bilingual on-screen menu display selectable in English or Spanish • Infrared remote control • Real time tape counter- This shows the elapsed recording or playback time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
VIDEO CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION This VCR will operate with any cassette that has the VHS mark. For best results, we recommend the use of high-quality tapes. Do not use poor quality or damaged tapes. PRECAUTIONS • Avoid moisture. Moisture condensation may occur on the tape if it is moved from a cold place to a warm place or vice versa. Before using a tape with these conditions, to avoid damage of the tape and your VCR, wait until the tape has warmed to room temperature and the moisture has evaporated.
OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS NOTE: • We do not recommend the use of universal remote controls. Not all of the functions may be controlled with a universal remote control. If you decide to use a universal remote control with this unit, please be aware that the code number given may not operate this unit. In this case, please call the manufacturer of the universal remote control. -VCR FRONT PANEL -REMOTE CONTROL 1. Cassette Compartment 2.
+100 button- When selecting cable channels which are higher than 99, press this button first, then press the last two digits. (To select channel 125, first press "+100" button then press "2" and "5"). (only on the remote control) ENTER- For details, see pages 34-35. (only on the remote control) 12. TAPE SPEED button- Press to choose the desired recording speed : SP/SLP. (only on the remote control) 13. MENU button- Press to display the menu on the TV screen. Press to exit the menu on the TV screen.
PREPARATION FOR USE ANTENNA/CABLE CONNECTIONS For some of the most common types of connections, please follow the drawings below. Use only one connection. For any further complex connections, please contact your local dealer or other qualified persons. (You may need additional accessories which are not supplied). 1 Disconnect the antenna or cable from your TV. 2 Connect the antenna or cable to the ANT. IN (Top jack) of your VCR.
Fig. 4: Cable Box and Satellite Box You can ONLY record and view the SAME channel when using this connection. There are no exceptions. The same goes for Automatic Timer Recording and IRT. Note: Channel memory programming is NOT needed when using this connection. RECORDING HINTS 1 ) Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. 2) Turn on the TV and Cable Box or Satellite Box. 3) Set the channel to be recorded on the Cable Box or Satellite Box.
Fig. 6: This connection is good only if none of your channels are scrambled. You can record one channel while viewing another. Scrambled channels can not be recorded with this connection. RECORDING HINTS 1 ) Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. 2) Turn on the TV and Cable Box. 3) Set the channel to be recorded on the VCR. 4) Set the TV and Cable Box to channel 3 or 4. 5) Set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel set on the TV.
INPUT SELECT OF FRONT OR REAR To use the audio/video input jacks, select the "LineIn Rear (L1)" or "LineIn Front (L2)" position. 1) Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. 2) Turn on the TV and set the TV to channel 3 or 4. Now set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel selected on the TV. 3) Connect the audio/video cables to the audio/video input jacks on the back of the VCR.
SET UP FOR USE You can program the tuner to scan only the channels you receive in your area. You must use the remote control for this procedure. NOTES: • Channel memory programming is NOT needed when connected to a cable box or satellite box as in Fig 4 on page 11 or Fig 5 on page 12. In this case with your remote, select the VCR to channel 3 or 4 the same channel as located on the back of VCR (CH3 or CH4). Then the channel you wish to record or view may be selected on the cable box or satellite box.
4 Select 'ENGLISH" or "ESPANOL" Select "ENGLISH" or "ESPANOL"=Spanish by using the PLAY/ or STOP/ button. Then, press the F.FWD/ button. NOTE: This function effects only the language on the screen menu and not the audio source. LANGUAGE SELECT → ENGLISH ESPANOL [ON] 5 Begin Channel preset Press the F.FWD/ button once. The tuner scans and memorizes all active channels in your area. • The VCR distinguishes between standard TV channels and cable channels.
CLOCK SET UP Set the clock accurately for proper automatic timer recording. • If the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) is available in your area, the VCR set the clock automatically by using it at "CHANNEL SET UP" on page 14. (Auto Clock Setting feature) Once the clock is set by this feature, the VCR will get automatically the current time from your local PBS channel, using a new service called Extended Data Service (EDS) whenever turning the VCR off, at 12:00AM and 12:00PM.
4 Select the PBS channel First, press the PLAY/ or STOP/ button to point to "MANUAL". Then, press the F.FWD/ button. or STOP/ button to select the PBS channel. Next, press the number buttons or PLAY/ • If you leave it set to "AUTO" when the clock is not set yet, the VCR read your local PBS channel once time every 10 minutes until the VCR get the current time. AUTO CLOCK AUTO →MANUAL [ON] CH -- 5 The VCR begin to get the current time Press the F.FWD/ button. "AUTO CLOCK" flashes on the TV screen.
2 Select "CLOCK SET" Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ Then press the F.FWD/ button to point to "CLOCK SET". button. MENU TIMER PROGRAMMING AUTO REPEAT [OFF] PICTURE SELECT CHANNEL SET UP →CLOCK SET LANGUAGE SELECT 3 Select "MANUAL" If [ON] appears beside "MANUAL", press the F.FWD/ button. or STOP/ button to point to "MANUAL". • If it is not, press the PLAY/ Then, press the F.FWD/ button twice. • When you press the F.FWD/ • Press the REW/ button during steps [4] to [8], you may move forward to the next step.
4 Select the month Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ (Example: March → 03) Then, press the F.FWD/ button until the desired month appears. button. CLOCK SET MONTH DAY YEAR 03 /-- ---HOUR MINUTE AM/PM -- : -- 5 Select the day Press the PLAY/ button until the desired day appears. (Example: 20th → 20) or STOP/ Then, press the F.FWD/ -- button. CLOCK SET MONTH DAY YEAR 03/20 ---HOUR MINUTE AM/PM -- : -- 6 Select the year Press the PLAY/ (Example: 2000) or STOP/ Then, press the F.
8 Select the minute Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ (Example: 40) Then, press the F.FWD/ button repeatedly until your desired minute appears. button. CLOCK SET MONTH DAY 03/01 YEAR HOUR MINUTE MON2000 AM/PM 05 : 40 -- 9 Select "AM" or "PM" Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ (Example: PM) button to point to "AM" or "PM" CLOCK SET MONTH DAY 03/01 YEAR MON1999 HOUR MINUTE AM/PM 05 : 40 PM AM →PM 10 Start the clock Press the RESET/EXIT or F.FWD/ button.
DAYLIGHT-SAVINGS TIME Select this feature and the VCR's clock automatically will advance one hour in April, then reverse one hour in October. Follow the steps below when you want to use this feature even if you set the AUTO CLOCK to ON.
TO DELETE OR ADD CHANNELS The channels you no longer receive or seldom watch can be deleted from the memory. (Of course, you can later add the deleted channel into the memory again.) • Use the remote control for this procedure. • Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV to channel 3 or 4. Now set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel selected on the TV.
MANUAL SET UP CHANNEL 30 [TV] ADD - MEMORIZED 6 Exit the preset mode Press the RESET/EXIT button on the remote control to return to TV mode. NOTE: To confirm that channel(s) has been deleted or added, press the CHANNEL(CH) button. or CHANNEL SET UP AGAIN Remember: If your cable box or satellite box is connected as in Fig 4 on page 11 or Fig 5 on page 12, you DO NOT have to set up the channels.
MTS (Multi-Channel Television Sound) SYSTEM You can record or listen to a program in MTS stereo, by using a stereo amplifier and speakers. Connect your VCR to your stereo amplifier using the following diagram. CHECKING THE SELECTED MTS MODE When you play a VHS tape, or receive a broadcast on the VCR tuner channel you are watching, the status shown below will appear when you press the DISPLAY button on the remote control.
SELECTING THE MTS SYSTEM • Be sure to check that the "PWR" and "VCR" indicators are both on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV to channel 3 or 4. Now set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel selected on the TV. TO SELECT THE HIFI MODE 1 Select main menu Press the MENU button until the MENU 2 appears. MENU 2 AUDIO OUT TV STEREO SAP [ON] 2 Select "AUDIO OUT" Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ button to point to "AUDIO OUT". Then, press the F.FWD/ or STOP/ button to point to "HIFI".
PLAYBACK NORMAL PLAYBACK • Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV to channel 3 or 4. Now set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel selected on the TV. 1 Insert a prerecorded tape Counter mode appears at 0:00:00 on the TV screen. If the erase-protection tab has been removed, the VCR will start playback automatically. 2 To begin playback Press the PLAY button.
TRACKING ADJUSTMENT • Tracking adjustment will be set automatically (Digital Tracking function) when you start playback. However when playing pre-recorded tapes or tapes recorded on units other than your own, noise lines (black and white streaks) may appear on the playback picture. If this occurs, you can adjust the tracking control manually by pressing CHANNEL or button on the VCR until the streaks disappear. To return to the DTR function, stop the tape once and start playback again.
SPECIAL PLAYBACK • Use the remote control for the following procedure. • Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to 3 or 4. Now set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel selected on the TV. . AUTO REPEAT PLAYBACK The VCR has the auto repeat function that allows you to repeat a tape indefinitely without touching the PLAY button. Make sure to insert a prerecorded tape.
INDEX SEARCH This feature provides a method of indexing a recordings starting point so that it can be easily returned to in either fast forward or rewind mode. • The index mark will be made automatically when the REC button is pressed. It will also be marked at the starting point of Timer recording and IRT. • The index mark will not be recorded if the PAUSE button on the remote control is pressed and released during recording.
TO VIEW AT NORMAL SPEED Press the PLAY button. The Quick-Find is cancelled. • A video cassette must be insert in the VCR for this function to work. • This function will not operate in the recording mode. • When you want to cancel the Quick-Find while in progress, press the STOP button. • When the end of a tape is reached during the Quick-Find, the tape will automatically rewind to the beginning. After rewinding finishes, the VCR will eject the tape and turn itself to off.
RECORDING · Please refer to the connection you are using, through pages 10, 11, or 12 on "ANTENNA/CABLE CONNECTIONS" before continuing. • Be sure to check that the "PWR." and the "VCR" indicators are both on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV to channel 3 or 4. Now set the CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the VCR to match the channel selected on the TV. . • Insert a cassette tape with its erase prevention tab in place.
SKIPPING UNWANTED SCENES DURING RECORDING Press the PAUSE button on the remote control to temporarily stop recording. Press the PAUSE or REC button to resume recording. Press the PAUSE or REC button to resume recording. PAUSE nnnnn NOTE: When the VCR is in the Pause mode, you may view the time remaining with n marks on the TV screen. Each n mark represents one minute. After five minutes, the VCR will automatically switch to the Stop mode to prevent tape damage.
NOTE: If you have a cable box or satellite box connected to this VCR, please refer to "ANTENNA/CABLE CONNECTIONS" on pages 11 and 12 before proceeding to the next step. 1 Select the channel to be recorded Press the number buttons on the remote control or the CHANNEL(CH) or button. 2 Select the tape speed Press the TAPE SPEED button on the remote control to select the desired tape speed (SP/SLP). 3 Begin IRT Press the REC/IRT button on the VCR as many times as needed.
TIMER RECORDING AUTOMATIC TIMER RECORDING You may set the VCR to start and end a recording while you are away. You can set seven programs to record on specific days, daily or weekly within a 1 year period. In the example below, the timer is being set to record: DATE: May 4th, 2000 SETTING TIME: from 7:30PM to 8:30PM CHANNEL: CH16 TAPE SPEED: SP PROGRAM NO: No. 1 · Please refer to the connection you are using, through pages 10, 11, or 12 on "ANTENNA/CABLE CONNECTIONS" before continuing.
2 Select your desired program number (1-7) Program number which is not set up flashes. Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ button until your desired program number appears. (Example: 1) Then, press the F.FWD/ button. PROGRAM NUMBER 1 DATE -- / -START TIME -- / -- -END TIME -- / -- -CHANNEL -REC SPEED -- 3 Select once, daily, or weekly recording For once recording: Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ button to point to "ONCE", and then press the F.FWD/ button.
5 Set the start hour Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ Then, press the F.FWD/ button until the desired hour appears. (Example: 07) button. ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM NUMBER 1 DATE 05/04 THUR START TIME 07: -- -END TIME -- : -- -CHANNEL -REC SPEED -- 6 Set the start minute Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ Then, press the F.FWD/ Next, press the PLAY/ F.FWD/ button until the desired minute appears. (Example: 30) button. or STOP/ button to point to "AM" or "PM". (Example: PM) Then, press the button.
ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM NUMBER 1 DATE 05/04 THU START TIME 07: 30 PM END TIME 08: 30 PM CHANNEL 16 REC SPEED -- 10 Set the tape speed Press the PLAY/ or STOP/ button until the desired tape speed appears. (Example: SP) ONE TIME PROGRAM PROGRAM NUMBER 1 DATE 05/04 THU START TIME 07: 30 PM END TIME 08: 30 PM CHANNEL 16 REC SPEED SP →SP SLP 11 Finish setting the program Press the F.FWD/ button. Program 1 is now completed. • To set another program, repeat steps [2] to [11].
TO CORRECT OR CANCEL AN AUTOMATIC TIMER PROGRAM 1) Turn the power on. 2) Press the MENU button. The details of the your program appear on the TV screen. TIMER PROGRAMMING → 1 3 5 DATE STA/END 05/04 07:30 PM THU 08:30 PM 05/11 10:00 PM W THU 10:54 PM 05/21 11:00 PM DAILY 11:30 PM CH 16 SP 125 SLP 40 SLP 3) Select the program which you want to correct or cancel using the PLAY/ or STOP/ button.
COPYING A VIDEO TAPE You can make copies of video tapes made by friends or relatives for your enjoyment. Warning: Unauthorized recordings of copyrighted video tapes may be an infringement of copyright laws. Connect the editing (recording) VCR (this unit), source (playing) VCR (another VCR) and your TV using the following diagram. NOTE: • You can use the audio and video input jacks on the front panel of the editing (recording) VCR instead of using the jacks on the back.
ON SCREEN DISPLAY NOTE: VCR power and the "VCR" indicator must be on. • To check the Count, Clock and Channel number, press the DISPLAY button on the remote control. Each time you press the DISPLAY button , TV screen will change as shown below. • It is normal for the status display (STOP, PLAY etc.) and the tape speed display (SP, LP, (playback only), or SLP) to disappear after 5 seconds. 1. PWR. (power) indicator- Lights up when the power is turned on. 2.
CONTROLLING YOUR TV OR CABLE CONVERTER WITH THE VCR'S REMOTE This Hitachi remote control can be used with your TV as well as the VCR, as long as your TV comes with a remote control. This feature comes in handy--you don't have to juggle two remotes. The remote control is compatible with the fifteen makers of TV's listed below--but don't be alarmed if yours is not on our list. You may still be able to program the remote for your TV.
REMOTE CONTROL OF THE TV PROGRAMMING THE REMOTE CONTROL OF THE TV 1 Turn on the TV Turn on the TV (any channel is okay). 2 Program the remote control Aim the VCR's remote control at your TV set. Hold down the TV button (not the VCR/TV button) while you press the number corresponding to your brand of television as shown in the chart. For example; If you have an RCA television, press the TV and 0 at the same time.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE If you have followed the instructions contained in this manual and have difficulty in operating your VCR, locate the PROBLEM in the left column below. Check the corresponding CORRECTIVE ACTION columns to remedy the problem. PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION No power. • Make sure the AC cord is connected to an AC outlet. • Make sure the power is turned on. Timer recording is not possible. • Make sure the timer recording is set correctly. • Make sure the power is off.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Format: Video Signal System: Record/Playback System: VHS NTSC color EIA standard Video: 4 heads Audio: VHS Hi-Fi stereo record/playback system Tape Speed: 33.35mm/s (SP), 16.67mm/s (LP)(Playback Only), 11.12mm/s (SLP) RF Input: UHF/VHF 75 ohm Tuner: 181 channel tuning ability *(125 cable channels) Type: Auto programming frequency synthesis Power Input: AC120V 60Hz Power Consumption: 14 W nominal Cabinet Size: 14-1/4" (W) x 3-5/8" (H) x 8-3/4" (D) 36.0cm (W) x 9.2cm (H) x 22.
CABLE CHANNEL DESIGNATIONS If you subscribe to cable TV, the channels are displayed as 1-125. Cable companies often designate channels with letters or letter-number combinations. Please check with your local cable company. The following is a chart of common cable channel designations. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY with FCC Rules for Electromagnetic Compatibility Products: Video Deck Models: VT-FX6500A Trade Name: HITACHI This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules.