HITACHI Video Deck VT-MX411AC Owner's Manual Your Complete Guide to Videocassette Viewing and Recording Using these quality features: Rotary 4-head Record/Playback System Bilingual on-screen menu display selectable in English or Spanish Infrared remote control Real time tape counter 181 channel capability PLL frequency synthesizer tuner with direct station call Auto power on and off system Auto counter reset Auto rewind when the end of a tape is reached Direct Button Operation 2 Step Picture Search Operati
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .................................................................................................................. 5 PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 8 LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................ 8 POWER SUPPLY .........................................................
COUNTER MEMORY ......................................................................................................................... 35 TO EXIT THE COUNTER MEMORY................................................................................................ 36 TIME SEARCH .................................................................................................................................... 36 INDEX SEARCH......................................................................................
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. THIS SYMBOL INDICATES THAT DANGEROUS VOLTAGE CONSTITUTING A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK IS PRESENT WITHIN THIS UNIT. THIS SYMBOL INDICATES THAT THERE ARE IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE. The caution marking is located on the rear of the cabinet.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 1. Read instructions-All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions-The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings-All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4. Follow Instructions-All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS on the marking Label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions. 11. Grounding or Polarization-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.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the VCR. c. If the VCR has been exposed to rain or water. d. If the VCR does not operate normally by following the operating instructions.
PRECAUTIONS PRECAUTIONS LOCATION For safe operation and satisfactory performance of your VCR, keep the following in mind when selecting a place for its installation: l l l 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 at the top and bottom of the VCR. Do not place the unit on a carpet because this will block the ventilation holes.
PRECAUTIONS Moisture condensation may occur inside the unit when it is moved from a cold place to a warm place, or after heating a cold room or under conditions of high humidity. Do not use the VCR at least for 2 hours until its inside is dry. CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. FCC WARNING- This equipment may generate or use radio frequency energy.
FEATURES FEATURES • 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 French • Infrared remote control • Real time tape counter- This shows the elapsed recording or playback time in hours, minutes, and seconds. The "-" indication will appear when the tape is rewound further than the tape counter position "0:00:00".
FEATURES tape. • Slow Motion- You can view the video program at a slower than normal playback speed. Slow speed can be controlled by pressing F.FWD button (faster) or REW button (slower).
VIDEO CASSETTE VIDEO CASSETTE 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, which can condense on the tape if it is moved from a cold place to a warm place. Before using a tape with these conditions, to avoid damage to the tape and your VCR, wait until the tape has warmed to room temperature and the moisture has evaporated.
VIDEO CASSETTE ERASE PREVENTION You can prevent accidental erasing of recording by breaking off the tab on the back edge of the cassette. If you decide to record on the tape again, cover the hole with plastic tape.
OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS FRONT VIEW illustration REMOTE CONTROL VIEW illustration 1. Cassette Compartment 2. REW button- Press to rewind the tape, or to view the picture rapidly in reverse during the playback mode. (Rewind Search) 3. PLAY button- Press to begin playback. 4. F.FWD button- Press to rapidly advance the tape, or view the picture rapidly in forward during playback. (Forward Search) 5.
OPERATING CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS press to determine your selection and proceed to a next step you want to input. Press to determine setting modes from on screen menu. Status function- Press to display the counter on the current channel number and current time on the TV screen. 17. COUNTER MEMORY button- Press to set counter memory on and off. 18. ADD/DELETE button- Press to add or delete channel numbers during channel preset. Press to cancel a setting of timer program.
PREPARATION FOR USE PREPARATION FOR USE CABLE CONNECTIONS For some of the most common types of connections, see the following drawings. 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 jack of your VCR. 3 Connect one end of the coaxial cable (supplied) to the ANT.
PREPARATION FOR USE SETTING A VIDEO CHANNEL If your TV does not have A/V terminals; When the VCR is in the Playback mode or when the VCR/TV button on the remote control is in the VCR position, your TV will receive the signals from the VCR on either channel 3 or 4. To use the VCR with your TV, set the selector switch to CH3 or CH4, whichever is not used or least used for normal broadcasts in your area. Then set your TV to that same channel.
PREPARATION FOR USE CONNECTING TO INPUT JACKS When you copy a video tape, or watch a program recorded on an another source, use audio/video input jacks. INPUT SELECT To use the external input jacks, select the AUX position. Press the CHANNEL or button or enter "00" with number button on the remote control so that "AUX" appears on the screen. Note: "AUX" is found before the lowest memorized channel.
PRESET FOR USE PRESET FOR USE Channel memory programming is NOT needed when connected to a cable box. You can program the tuner to scan only the channels you receive in your area. See page 32 for channel designations. NOTE: You must use the remote control for this procedure. AUTOMATIC CHANNEL PRESET (Without a Cable Box) NOTES: • Follow the steps below once. Repeat it only if there is a power failure or the VCR is unplugged for more than 30 seconds. (In these cases, the programmed channels are erased.
PRESET FOR USE 4 Select the VCR mode Press VCR/TV button so that "VCR" appears on the display 5 Select "ENGLISH" or "FRANCAIS" Select "ENGLISH" or "FRANCAIS=French" using CH/SET Then, press SELECT or MENU button. or button. 6 Begin channel preset Press SELECT button once. The tuner scans and memorizes all the active channels in your area. (TV mode: from CH2/ CATV mode: from CH1) • The VCR distinguishes between standard TV channels and cable channels.
PRESET FOR USE TO DELETE PRESET CHANNEL The channels you no longer receive or seldom watch can be deleted from the memory. (Of course, you can add the deleted channel into the memory again.) NOTE: You must use the remote control for this procedure. Make sure... • VCR power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH 3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display.
PRESET FOR USE 5 Enter the desired channel number or Press the number buttons or CH appears. (Example: CH02) button repeatedly until your desired channel number 6 Delete it from memory Press ADD/DELETE button so that "DELETE" flashes on the TV screen. • To delete another channel, repeat steps [5] and [6]. • If you press ADD/DELETE button again, the channel is memorized again. 7 Exit the preset mode Press MENU button to return to TV mode.
PRESET FOR USE 2 Select "INITIALIZE" Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "INITIALIZE". Then, press SELECT button. 3 Select "CHANNEL SET UP" Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "CHANNEL SET UP". Then, press SELECT button. 4 Select "TV" or "CATV" or button repeatedly to point to "TV" or "CATV". Press CH 5 Begin channel preset Press SELECT button once. After scanning, the tuner stops on the lowest memorized channel.
PRESET FOR USE NOTE: You must use the remote control for this procedure. Make sure... • VCR power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH 3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. 1 Select the main menu Press MENU button. 2 Select "INITIALIZE" Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "INITIALIZE". Then, press SELECT button.
PRESET FOR USE Press CH or button repeatedly until your desired day appears. (Example: 1st à 01) 6 Select the year Press CH or button repeatedly until your desired year appears. (Example: 1996) 7 Select the hour Press CH or button repeatedly until your desired hour appears. (Example: 05) 8 Select the minute or button repeatedly until your desired minute appears. (Example: 40) Press CH 9 Select "AM" or "PM" Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "AM" or "PM".
PRESET FOR USE NOTES: • When unplugging the AC-cord or if there is a power failure for more than 30 seconds, "--:--" flashes on the display. • If the display shows an abnormal reading or no reading, unplug the power cord for more than 30 seconds. Then plug it back in. TO CHANGE CLOCK SETTING If you want to change the clock, 1) Press MENU button. 2) Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "INITIALIZE". Then, press SELECT button. 3) Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "SETTING CLOCK".
PRESET FOR USE 5 Exit the Language select Press MENU button to return to TV mode.
ON SCREEN DISPLAY ON SCREEN DISPLAY To check the Counter, Clock and Channel number on the TV screen, press SELECT button.
PLAYBACK PLAYBACK NORMAL PLAYBACK Make sure... • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH 3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. 1 Insert a prerecorded tape Counter mode appears at counter 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 PLAY button.
PLAYBACK VERTICAL HOLD CONTROL When the picture begins to vibrate vertically, stabilize the picture by pressing CHANNEL (or CH) or button in the Still mode. NOTES: • When the picture is distorted or rolling vertically, adjust the vertical hold control on your TV. • Some latest TV's do not have a user adjustable vertical hold. TRACKING ADJUSTMENT • Tracking adjustment will be set automatically (Digital TRacking function) when you start playback "DTR" appears on the display.
PLAYBACK When the end of a tape is reached during recording, playback, or fast-forward, the tape will automatically rewind to the beginning. After that, the VCR will eject the tape and turn itself to off. NOTES: • The tape will not auto-rewind during timer recording or Instant Recording Timer. • When the Counter Memory is activated, the tape will rewind to the 0:00:00 and the VCR will be in the Stop mode.
SPECIAL PLAY BACK SPECIAL PLAY BACK Make sure... • VCR power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH 3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. • You must use the remote control for the following procedure. AUTO REPEAT PLAYBACK The VCR has the auto repeat function that allows you to repeat a tape indefinitely without touching the Play button.
SPECIAL PLAY BACK NOTES: • Once you select the repeat play mode, it stays in effect even after you turn off the VCR. • When the Counter Memory is activated, the tape will rewind to 0:00:00 and the VCR will be in the Stop mode. • If the Rental mode is set [ON], the "RENTAL PLAY " display has priority. TO STOP PLAYBACK Press STOP button. TO EXIT THE AUTO REPEAT MODE Repeat steps [1] to [3]. Then, press SELECT button. [ON] will then disappear from the menu. Press MENU button to return to TV mode.
SPECIAL PLAY BACK 4 Select "RENTAL" to [ON] Press SELECT button so that "RENTAL ON" will appear on the TV screen. NOTES: • Once you select the rental play mode, it stays in effect even after you turn off the VCR. • Selecting ON or OFF must be done in the play mode only. TO STOP PLAYBACK Press STOP button. TO EXIT THE RENTAL PLAY MODE Repeat steps [1] to [3]. Then, press SELECT button so that "RENTAL OFF" appears on the TV screen.
SEARCH SEARCH Make sure... • VCR power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH 3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. • You must use the remote control for the following procedure. • A video cassette must be inserted in the VCR for these functions to work. COUNTER MEMORY This feature can be used to memorize a beginning point that you want to review.
SEARCH TO EXIT THE COUNTER MEMORY When the counter appears on the TV screen, press COUNTER MEMORY button once and then the SELECT button twice so that the "M" and the counter disappears from the TV screen. TIME SEARCH The Time Search function makes it possible to quickly advance the tape to your desired position from any position by entering the exact amount of playback time of the part you want to skip. Example: To watch a program after 2 hour 50 minutes from present position to forward direction.
SEARCH 6 After Time Search When 0:00 is reached, the VCR will start playback automatically. NOTES: • Time Search can be set up to 9 hours 59 minutes (9:59). • This function will not operate in recording mode. • Procedures must be followed within 30 seconds, from steps [3] to [4]. Otherwise the Time Search mode will be cancelled. • Press STOP button to exit the Time Search mode.
SEARCH 4 Enter your desired number Press CH or button repeatedly until the number of programs that you want to skip appears. (Example: "03" for 3 programs) 5 Begin Index Search Press REW or F.FWD button. The VCR begins rewinding or fast forwarding to the beginning of desired program. Note: Every time an index signal is skipped, the number in the program indicator decreases by one. 6 After Index Search When the preset program is reached, the VCR will start playback automatically.
SEARCH Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "SEARCH SELECT". Then, press SELECT button. 3 Select "BLANK SEARCH" or button repeatedly to point to "BLANK SEARCH". Press CH Then, press SELECT button. • The VCR begins fast forwarding to the beginning of the blank part of the tape. 4 After Blank Search The VCR will automatically stop.
RECORDING RECORDING Make sure... • VCR power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH 3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. • Insert a cassette with its erase prevention tab in place. (If necessary, rewind or fast forward the tape to the point at which you want to begin recording.
RECORDING 4 Stop recording Press STOP button when recording is completed. SKIPPING SOME MATERIALS DURING RECORDING Press PAUSE button to temporarily stop recording. Press PAUSE or REC button to resume recording. NOTE: To prevent tape damage, after five minutes, the VCR will automatically switch to the Stop mode. You may review the time remaining with "n n" marks on the TV screen. Each "n n" mark shows one minute.
RECORDING RECORDING ONE PROGRAM WHILE VIEWING ANOTHER You can record one program while viewing another. To start recording, follow steps [1] to [3] under "VIEWING AND RECORDING THE SAME PROGRAM". NOTE: When you record with a cable converter box, you cannot record one program while viewing another. 4 Select the TV mode Press VCR/TV button on the remote control to select TV so that the "VCR" disappears from the display. 5 Select the channel on the TV Set the TV to the channel you want to watch.
RECORDING Make sure... • VCR Power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. • Insert a cassette tape with its erase prevention tab in place. (If necessary, rewind or fast forward the tape to the point at which you want to begin recording.
TIMER RECORDING 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: 6th May, 1996 SETTING TIME: from 7:30PM to 8:30PM CHANNEL: CH16 TAPE SPEED: SP PROGRAM NO: No. 1 NOTE: You must use the remote control for this procedure. Make sure... • VCR Power must be turned on.
TIMER RECORDING 1 Select the main menu Press MENU button. 2 Select "TIMER PROGRAMMING" Press CH or button to point to "TIMER PROGRAMMING". Then, press SELECT button. NOTE: If you have not yet set the clock, "SETTING CLOCK" appears. If so, follow the steps [4] to [10] on pages 14, 15. Then, set the timer recording. 3 Select your desired program number (1 ~ 7) Program number which is not set up flashes. Press CH or button repeatedly until your desired program number appears.
TIMER RECORDING For weekly recording: To record a TV program at the same time on the same channel every week. (Example: every Monday on channel 7 at 5:00PM) Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "WEEKLY". Then, press SELECT button. Make sure... • If you did not set your desired digit within 2 seconds after pressing CH or button during steps [5] to [8], the input mode will forward to next step.
TIMER RECORDING Then, press CH or button to point to AM or PM. (Example: PM) 8 Set the channel number Press CH or button repeatedly until your desired channel number appears. (Example: 16) 9 Set the tape speed Press CH or button repeatedly until your desired tape speed appears. (Example: SP) • "AUTO" is available only with Program No. 1. See "Just-In Time Recording" on page 25 for the use of "AUTO" setting. 10 Exit the program mode Press MENU button. Program 1 is now completed.
TIMER RECORDING Press STOP/EJECT button on the VCR. NOTE: STOP button on the remote control will not function in the Automatic Timer Recording mode. TO CANCEL OR CHECK THE START/END TIME 1) Repeat steps [1] to [2] previous page. 2) Select a program number you want to check using CH or button. The details of selected program appears on the TV screen. You may cancel the entire program by pressing ADD/DELETE button.
TIMER RECORDING Press CH or button repeatedly to point to "VCR SET UP". Then, press SELECT button. 3 Select "AUTO RETURN" or button repeatedly to point to "AUTO RETURN". Press CH 4 Select "AUTO RETURN" to [AUTO] Press SELECT button so that [AUTO] will appear next to "AUTO RETURN". 5 To return to TV mode Press MENU button. WATCH THE RECORDED PROGRAM Press POWER button to turn on the VCR. Then, press PLAY button.
TIMER RECORDING Notes: • Set the tape remainder switch ("~T60", "~T130" or "T140~") to the tape loaded. See "Setting the Remaining Time" on next page. • Even if SLP mode is selected, just-in time recording cannot compensate for a tape length which may be too short. • A momentary picture break up will occur at the point on the tape when the recording speed changes from SP to SLP.
SETTING THE REMAINING TIME SETTING THE REMAINING TIME You can set the remaining tape running time of your tape. Follow the steps below to correct the tape remaining indication. Make sure... • VCR power must be turned on. • Turn on the TV and set the TV channel to the same video output channel as located on the back of the VCR. (CH3 or 4) • Press VCR/TV button on the remote control so that "VCR" appears on the display. • You must use the remote control for the following procedure.
SETTING THE REMAINING TIME 5 To check the remain time Press SELECT button until REMAIN appears on TV screen. Note: • In the Remain Time Mode calculating will start when the cassette tape is inserted and PLAY button is pressed. While calculating, the TV screen shows as illustrated. REMAINING TAPE RUNNING TIME DISPLAY • Since the reel diameter and tape thickness are not common to all cassettes, the time count differs from cassette to cassette. Use the time display as an informative number only.
COPYING A VIDEO TAPE COPYING A VIDEO TAPE Connect the editing (recording) VCR, source (playing) VCR and your TV using the following diagram. EXAMPLE: The editing (recording) VCR is this unit. The source (playing) VCR is another VCR. 1) Insert a pre-recorded video cassette into the source (playing) VCR. 2) Insert a blank video cassette, or one you want to record over, into the editing (recording) VCR cassette compartment.
CONTROLLING YOUR TV WITH THE VCR'S REMOTE CONTROLLING YOUR TV 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 won't have to juggle two remotes. The remote control is compatible with the fifteen makers of TVs 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.
CONTROLLING YOUR TV WITH THE VCR'S REMOTE TV Brands Hitachi Zenith Sony Magnavox Sanyo Gold Star 1 Toshiba Gold Star 2 Panasonic 2 RCA Panasonic 1 Mitsubishi JVC Sharp 1 Sharp 2 Press TV and This Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 CH (up arrow) CH (down arrow) 100/ENT MEMORY SELECT CONTROLLING THE TV Once programmed, the VCR's remote control is ready to control the TV. NOTE: Be aware that not all of your TV's functions may work even though the remote control is correctly programmed.
CONTROLLING YOUR TV WITH THE VCR'S REMOTE chart). NOTE: If that button combination does not work, or if your brand is not on the chart, just go through all the button combinations until you find the one that works best. Cable Converters Jerrold 1 Jerrold 2 Jerrold 3 Hamlin Zenith Scientific Atlanta Pioneer Philips Press CATV and This Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TO OPERATE THE CABLE BOX ONCE THE REMOTE IS PROGRAMMED FOR IT. 1 Press CATV and then the button of the function you want.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE If you have followed the instructions contained in this manual and have difficulty in operating your VCR, locate the SYMPTOM in the left column below. Check the corresponding POSSIBLE CAUSE and CORRECTIVE ACTION columns to remedy the problem.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE OPERATED BY THE VCR’S REMOTE CONTROL. MECHANICAL SOUNDS DURING PLAYBACK. PROGRAMMED FOR YOUR TV? ADVANCED OPERATIONS TO PROGRAM THE REMOTE TO SIGNALS THAT YOUR TV CAN RECOGNIZE. IS REMOTE CONTROL SET TO CONTROL THE TV. PRESS THE TV DEVICE BUTTON, THEN PRESS THE BUTTON CORRESPONDING TO THE TV FUNCTION YOU WANT. HAS A LOADED CASSETTE BEEN STOPPED MORE THAN 5 MINUTES? NOTHING IS WRONG. THE TAPE PROTECTION MECHANISM IS WORKING.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SERVICING Should your VCR become inoperative, do not try to correct the problem by yourself. There are no user-servicable parts inside. Turn off, unplug the power cord, and take the unit to Hitachi Authorized Service Center for servicing. CABINET CLEANING • Wipe the front panel and other exterior surfaces of the VCR with a soft cloth immersed in lukewarm water and wrung dry. • Never use a solvent or alcohol. Do not spray insecticide liquid near the VCR.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Format: Video Signal System: Record/Playback System: Tape Speed: RF Input: Tuner: Type: Power Input: Power Consumption: Cabinet Size: VHS NTSC color EIA standard Video: 4 heads 33.35mm/sec (SP), 16.67mm/sec (LP), 11.12mm/sec (SLP) UHF/VHF 75 ohm 178 channel tuning ability *(122 cable channels) Auto programming frequency synthesis AC120V 60Hz 17 W nominal 14-1/4" (W) x 3-5/8" (H) x 10" (D) 36.0cm (W) x 9.2cm (H) x 25.2cm (D) Weight: 7.0 lbs. (3.