Hitachi VT-M284A Owner's Manual
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Hitachi VT-M284A Owner's Manual

Hitachi owner's manual video deck vt-m284a
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HITACHI
Video Deck
VT-M284A
Owner's Manual
Your Complete Guide
to Videocassette Viewing
and Recording
Using these quality features:
Automatic tape head cleaning
Up to 8 delayed recording programs
Auto tracking for improved picture in playback
Cable-compatible frequency synthesizer quartz tuner
Illuminated remote control for use with your VCR and TV
All basic playback functions on convenient shuttle control
On-screen programming guide
VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording
* VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp. VCR Plus+
system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
HITACHI HOME
ELECTRONICS
(AMERICA), INC.
3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd.,
Norcross, GA 30093
Tel. 404-279-5600
QR10581 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994
VT-M284A
HITACHI SALES
CORPORATION
OF HAWAII, INC.
3219 Koapaka Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
Tel. 808-836-3621
HITACHI (HSC)
CANADA INC.
3300 Trans Canada Hwy.
Pointe Claire, Quebec
H9R1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in Malaysia

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  • Page 1 Gemstar Development Corporation. HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Tel. 404-279-5600 QR10581 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1994 VT-M284A HITACHI SALES CORPORATION OF HAWAII, INC. 3300 Trans Canada Hwy. 3219 Koapaka Street...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Introduction ... 4 FOR YOUR SAFETY ... 4 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 6 Getting Started... 10 Simple Hookups... 10 1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR ... 10 2 Decide Which Hookup Method to Use... 10 3 Hook up the Audio/Video Signal ... 11 4 Hook up the RF Signal ...
  • Page 3 Recording Tips... 31 Using the Instant Recording Timer (IRT)... 32 Setting the VCR to Record Later ... 33 Reviewing What You Have Programmed ... 35 Programming Priorities ... 35 Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording)... 36 Easy Delayed Recording with VCR Plus +... 36 About VCR Plus+...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction Introduction 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.
  • Page 5 Read This First Thank you for buying a Hitachi product. You've chosen the best VCR for you, and we want to help you make the most of your purchase. Please take time to become familiar with this manual and how it is set up.

  • Page 6: Important Safeguards

    IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
  • Page 7 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS broken plugs. They may result in shock or fire hazard. Periodically examine the cord and have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation. 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.
  • Page 8 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.
  • Page 9 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.

  • Page 10: Getting Started

    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. Simple Hookups 1 Decide Where to Put Your VCR Be sure your chosen location allows for proper ventilation, stability, and protection from heat and moisture (see Important Safeguards).

  • Page 11: Hook Up The Audio/Video Signal

    Getting Started We will guide you through this process. But first, turn the TV and the VCR around so you are looking at their backs. Note the various input and output receptacles, their shapes, and how they are labeled. Then read through the rest of this hookup section before proceeding to an actual hookup.

  • Page 12: Hook Up The Rf Signal

    Getting Started 4 Hook up the RF Signal 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).
  • Page 13 Getting Started 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.

  • Page 14: Attach The Tv And Vcr To The Power Supply

    Getting Started 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 Now continue with the hookup: 1.

  • Page 15: Set The Rf Or Video Channel Switch

    Getting Started 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.

  • Page 16: Getting Started (Controls)

    Getting Started (Controls) Getting Started (Controls) Quick Tour of the 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.

  • Page 17: Remote Control Buttons

    Getting Started (Controls) Remote Control Buttons POWER Turns the VCR on and off. GUIDE Brings up an on-screen setup and programming guide, the Easy Guide System. VCR/TV Switches between viewing through the VCR and not viewing through the VCR. CLEAR Used in on-screen programming and indexing. DISPLAY Used in on-screen programming and indexing.

  • Page 18: Vcr Controls

    Getting Started (Controls) If the remote is not working even at close range, try putting in two fresh AA batteries. When replacing the batteries, remove the old batteries and press the POWER button on the remote and hold it for about 10 seconds, then insert two fresh batteries. Objects in the Way There may be objects between the remote and the VCR - for instance, a stack of books on the coffee table, your 2-year-old child, the dog.

  • Page 19: Display Indicators

    Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has as a special feature called the Easy Guide System. This feature guides you through simple setup and programming tasks right on the TV screen. With the TV and VCR turned on, press GUIDE on the remote control. You will see this screen: You may view all the on-screen instructions in English, French or Spanish.

  • Page 20: Getting Started (Initial Setup)

    Getting Started (Initial Setup) Getting Started (Initial Setup) Setup for First-Time Operation Before you use your VCR to watch or record from your TV, you need to "tell" the VCR whether your TV uses cable or antenna input and let it program itself to receive your TV's channels.

  • Page 21: Setting The Clock

    Getting Started (Initial Setup) 2 MOVIE Press 2 to select whether you want prerecorded movies (safety tab removed) to play automatically when loaded, and then rewind, eject and turn off the power when done. Options are <ON> and <OFF>. 3 CODE Press 3 to enable the remote control to control a second VCR.

  • Page 22: More About Channel Selections

    Getting Started (Initial Setup) Tips: The item to be changed will blink on the screen as you go. The clock uses the 12-hour system. You set it for AM or PM. An illogical time (like 13 for the hour or 20 for the month) will not be accepted. A question mark displays instead of the illogical number.
  • Page 23 Getting Started (Initial Setup) removed from memory. To Add or Erase Channels Press GUIDE, then press 5 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Item 9 lets you add or delete channels. Use the number buttons to enter the channel you want to change, then press STOP to delete it or press PLAY to add it.

  • Page 24: Getting Started (Videotapes)

    T-160 160 min. You may have noticed that there is also an LP speed. You Hitachi VCR does not record at this speed, but it can play cassettes that were recorded in LP mode. No special setting is required for playback.

  • Page 25: Tape Storage

    Getting Started (Videotapes) 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.

  • Page 26: Basic Operations

    Basic Operations Basic Operations Practice starting and stopping a video you've rented - play it through, see how it automatically rewinds. Get a blank tape and try recording a TV show. Then you'll know how to use the VCR when you need to - or where in the manual to find the instructions you forgot. Let's go! Viewing a Videocassette To play Back a Recorded Tape 1.

  • Page 27: Rewinding The Tape

    Basic Operations If you press the DISPLAY button when viewing a videocassette, the display, as shown, appears for several seconds so you can see the functions of the number buttons on the remote control. 1: TRACKING + 3: SLOW + 4: TRACKING - 6: SLOW - 9: FRAME ADVANCE...

  • Page 28: To Find Specific Sections On A Tape

    Basic Operations time. Press PAUSE to resume play. Skip Playback While playing back your tape you can skip forward by pressing the 9 button. The tape will search ahead for about a minute and then resume playing. Slow Motion To slow the playback speed to exactly the pace you want, press PLAY, then then press 3 or 6 button.
  • Page 29 Basic Operations Press PLAY and turn the dial to the far right or left to search forward and backward. Searching with the Time Counter During playback (and recording), a counter keeps track of how many hours, minutes, and seconds the tape has run. When you first start playback, the counter shows briefly in the TV screen's upper right corner.
  • Page 30 Basic Operations Select minutes by pressing buttons 0 to 9 - one digit for hours, then two digits for minutes. If you enter a wrong digit, press CLEAR and enter the correct one. Then press F.FWD if you want to move that many minutes ahead, or REW if you want to move that many minutes backward.

  • Page 31: Basic Operations (Recording)

    Basic Operations (Recording) Basic Operations (Recording) Recording a Program Before you Record The VCR must be hooked up properly for recording. See the Simple Hookups at the beginning of this manual. Most television programs and films are copyrighted. This means that someone has legal rights governing the reproduction and distribution of this material.

  • Page 32: Using The Instant Recording Timer (Irt)

    Basic Operations (Recording) To Watch One Program While Recording Another Once you have set the VCR for recording, press VCR/TV. Now, you will be viewing through your TV only. Switch channels using your TV controls or the VCR remote, if it's programmed to control your television (see Advanced Operations).

  • Page 33: Setting The Vcr To Record Later

    Basic Operations (Recording) automatically stop and the VCR will turn itself off. To stop recording while in the IRT mode, press the POWER button and then press the STOP button (this can be done either on the VCR or with the remote control) within 10 seconds.
  • Page 34 Let's say you were interviewed today by a local TV reporter. You're eager to see yourself on the evening news tonight. The news comes on channel 8 at 6 0'clock--but you've got a meeting scheduled during that time. Luckily you just purchased this Hitachi VCR.

  • Page 35: Reviewing What You Have Programmed

    Basic Operations (Recording) indicator on the VCR's display. Prepare to admire yourself on the evening news. If using a cable box the VCR can control, turn on the cable box before the time the recording is to begin. If using a cable box the VCR cannot control, turn on the cable box and tune it to the channel you want to record before the time the recording is to begin.

  • Page 36: Basic Operations (Vcr Plus + Recording)

    Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) Easy Delayed Recording with VCR Plus + About VCR Plus+ This handy feature makes timed recordings a snap. You don't need to enter the specific channel, date, time, or duration of a program. All you enter is its PlusCode--a number of up to eight digits.
  • Page 37 Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 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. This should list all the channels as you receive them in your home, for example: Channel 34 Arts and Entertainment Network Channel 35 Turner Network Television...
  • Page 38 Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 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 43) to assign your local channel numbers to VCR Plus+ numbers.
  • Page 39 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.
  • Page 40 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.

  • Page 41: Using Vcr Plus+ To Record A Program

    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 37.
  • Page 42 Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) 7. Review the screen to be sure everything is set as you want, then press GUIDE to complete your programming or continue with additional programs. When you have set up all the timed recordings you want: Don't forget to load a videocassette (with the safety tab still attached) to record on.

  • Page 43: Advanced Operations

    Once you have programmed the remote, you won't have to do it again until you change the batteries. 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.

  • Page 44: Controlling The Tv

    Advanced Operations listed, it is likely that you will not be able to program this remote control for your TV. TV Brands Press TV and This Number Hitachi Zenith Sony Magnavox Sanyo Gold Star 1 Toshiba Gold Star 2 Panasonic...

  • Page 45: Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups)

    Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Hooking Up to a Cable Box The cable box brings all the advantages of pay cable, but finding a satisfactory hookup can be challenging. To sort out what to do, we suggest a step-by-step approach to installation.

  • Page 46: Advanced Hookup (Cable Box To Unscramble All Channels)

    Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) Check all the TV and VCR functions. B. Advanced hookup (Cable Box to unscramble all channels) Use this hookup for slightly improved picture quality and more convenient operation - use of VCR/TV button not required. 1.

  • Page 47: Advanced Operations (Second Vcr)

    Illustration of Hookup To Control Both VCRs with the Remote Control If the second VCR that you've hooked up is also a Hitachi, you can set your remote to operate both VCRs. Press GUIDE, then press 5 to bring up the Initial Setup screen.
  • Page 48 Advanced Operations (Second VCR) 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.

  • Page 49: Advanced Operations (Synchro Editing)

    This lets you use a single set of controls to govern both VCRs. We assume that VCR2 is your model VT-M284A. This is the playback VCR. The other VCR must be a Hitachi and must have a jack labeled EDIT. This is the recording VCR.
  • Page 50 Advanced Operations (Synchro Editing) happen.

  • Page 51: Advanced Operations (Camcorder)

    Advanced Operations (Camcorder) Advanced Operations (Camcorder) Copying Tapes From a Camcorder If you would like to copy a video tape shot in your camcorder onto your VCR here's how to do it. Connect the camcorder's AV output cable to your VCR. (see diagram below) Illustration of Hookup Press the AVX button on the VCRs remote control so that the L2 (Line) indicator appears in the VCR display.

  • Page 52: Vcr Care And Servicing

    This dust interferes with the signal being picked up. Your Hitachi VCR automatically cleans the video heads whenever a cassette is loaded or ejected and when a cassette is already inside the VCR when you turn the power off.

  • Page 53: Don't Attempt Repairs Yourself

    * Check your cable company's compatibility requirements. For information about how to obtain these accessories, please call TOLL FREE 1-800- 448-2244 for your nearest Hitachi Authorized Parts Distributor in the continental United States. For ALASKA and HAWAII, please contact the nearest Hitachi Regional office.

  • Page 54: Care And Servicing (Problems)

    Care and Servicing (Problems) Care and Servicing (Problems) Often Encountered Problems PROBLEM NO POWER DELAYED RECORDING TV PROGRAM CANNOT BE VIEWED OR RECOREDED? POOR PICTURE QUALITY. NO PICTURE DURING PLAYBACk? TV CANNOT BE OPERATED BY THE VCR’S REMOTE CONTROL. THINGS TO CHECK SOLUTION POWER CORD PLUGGED CONNECT THE POWER...
  • Page 55 MECHANICAL SOUNDS DURING PLAYBACK. Hitachi Service Hotline Authorized Hitachi service facilities are available throughout the US and Canada. For the location nearest you, call the Hitachi Service Hotline at one of these numbers: In the continental U.S.A. In Canada QUEBEC...

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