Hitachi VT-M273A Owner's Manual

Hitachi video deck vt-m273a owner's manual
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1
HITACHI
Video Deck
VT-M273A
Owner's Manual
Your Complete Guide
to Videocassette Viewing
and Recording
Using these quality features:
Up to 8 delayed recording programs
Auto tracking for improved picture in playback
Cable-compatible frequency synthesizer quartz tuner
Remote control for use with your VCR, TV, and cable converter
All basic playback functions on the VCR
On-screen graphic programming guide
VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording
* VCR Plus+ and Plus Code 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.,
Claire, Quebec
Norcross, GA 30093
Tel. 404-279-5600
P4708821 © Hitachi, Ltd. 1993
F(N)
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
H9R 1B1, CANADA
Tel. 514-697-9150
Printed in Malaysia KM-
1

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Summary of Contents for Hitachi VT-M273A

  • Page 1 All basic playback functions on the VCR On-screen graphic programming guide VCR Plus+* for easy timed recording * VCR Plus+ and Plus Code are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp. VCR Plus+ system is manufactured under license from Gemstar Development Corporation.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3 Hook Up the Audio/Video Signal ... 12 4 Hook Up the RF Signal... 12 5 Attach the TV and VCR to the Power Supply ... 15 6 Install Batteries in the Remote Control ... 15 7 Set the RF or Video Channel Switch ... 16 Getting Started (Controls) ...
  • Page 3 Channel Setup ... 39 Using VCR Plus+ to Record a Program... 43 Advanced Operations (Remote Control of TV) ... 46 Controlling Your TV with the VCR's Remote ... 46 Programming the Remote Control ... 46 Controlling the TV... 47 Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups) ... 48 Hooking Up to a Cable Box ...
  • Page 4: For Your Safety

    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 FOR YOUR SAFETY CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, AND FULLY INSERT PLUG. This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
  • Page 6: Read This First

    READ THIS FIRST 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. Keep it handy for future reference, too.
  • Page 7: 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 8 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.
  • Page 9 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
  • Page 10 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 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.
  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Be sure your chosen location allows for proper ventilation, stability, and protection from heat and moisture (see Important Safeguards). Place the VCR near your TV but not on top of it. For convenience in using the remote control, locate them no more then three feet apart.
  • Page 12: Hook Up The Audio/Video Signal

    TV for two jacks - possibly color-coded yellow and white. They will be labeled AUDIO IN, or Video IN. (If you are not sure, look at the back of your VCR - you will see two sets of these jacks.
  • Page 13 Otherwise, take the wire that comes in from the wall. 2. Screw this round wire into the IN FROM ANT. lower jack on the back of your VCR. 3. Using the 75 ohm cable supplied with your VCR, slide on either end to the OUT TO TV upper jack on the back of the VCR.
  • Page 14 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 (not provided with VCR) to make the 75 ohm round wire connections shown below. (You may already have one on your TV.) 1.
  • Page 15: Attach The Tv And Vcr To The Power Supply

    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 Now continue wit the hookup: 1.
  • Page 16: Set The Rf Or Video Channel Switch

    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.
  • Page 17: Getting Started (Controls)

    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 18: Remote Control Buttons

    Getting Started (Controls) Remote Control Buttons Illustration of remote POWER Turns the VCR on and off. VCR1, TV, CATV, VCR2 Device buttons let you set the remote to control one of four devices. MUTE Turns off the audio until you press Mute again.
  • Page 19: When The Remote Doesn't Work Right

    Top button switches to the next higher channel, bottom button switches to the next lower channel. For these to operate, you must have preset your channels. Starts recording on the station the VCR is set to. (Press REC and PLAY at the same time.) F.FWD...
  • Page 20: Vcr Controls

    POWER on the remote control. The VCR will shut off, but the TV will stay on. If you are recording on the VCR but want to watch a different channel on the TV, press the VCR/TV button to switch back and forth between the TV channel and the recording channel.
  • Page 21: Display Indicators

    Display Indicators Meet Your On-Screen Guide Your Hitachi VCR has 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 22: Getting Started (Initial Setup)

    When everything is set up as you want, press GUIDE again to back out of the Easy Guide System. You need to set items 1 and 2 the first time you set up your VCR and any time you have a lengthy power interruption. The rest of the items can be set later as needed.
  • Page 23: Setting The Clock

    Setting the Clock This is easy to do and important for your later timed recordings. You'll need to set the clock when first hooking up your VCR, and any time the power goes out more than 5 seconds. When you first plug in the VCR or after a power interruption, the clock display will read "--:--".
  • Page 24: More About Channel Selections

    For convenience, the TV channel numbers should match those programmed into the VCR. If your TV has automatic channel programming, set it on the same mode - ANT, CATV1, or CATV2 - and let it reprogram to match the VCR.
  • Page 25 Getting Started (Initial Setup) from memory. To Add or Erase Channels Press GUIDE, then press 5 to bring up the Initial Setup screen. Item 3 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 26: Getting Started (Videotapes)

    T-160 160 min. You may have noticed that there is also an LP speed. Your 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 27: Loading And Ejecting

    Resist the temptation to leave them lying flat on top of the VCR. Tapes will last longer - and so will your VCR - if you store them properly. Remember, dust, dirt, and liquids are enemies of your tapes and VCR.
  • Page 28: 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!
  • Page 29: Rewinding The Tape

    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 then REW. The VCR rewinds the tape all the way to the beginning, then stops. Press STOP/EJECT on the VCR to release the tape.
  • Page 30 If you want to minimize noise in slow motion playback, first set the VCR in still playback and press VCR1 or VCR2, then press either of the tracking buttons ( ) to minimize vertical shaking.
  • Page 31: To Find Specific Sections On A Tape

    Before the 5 seconds are up, press DISPLAY a second time to see just the counter. It will stay on the screen. Press DISPLAY a third time to see the counter on the VCR display as well. ("M" will display below the counter on the TV screen.) Press DISPLAY a fourth time to end the on-screen display.
  • Page 32 Press DISPLAY again and "M" will display below the counter on the TV screen. This indicates that the counter's memory function is engaged. The counter also appears on the VCR's display. Now when you rewind the tape, it will automatically stop at the spot where you cleared the counter.
  • Page 33: Basic Operations (Recording)

    2. Turn the TV to channel 3 or 4 (the one you set the switch to on the back of your VCR). Or, if you are hooked up with a direct audio/video cable, set the TV to AUX or VIDEO.
  • Page 34: Recording Tips

    To view what you are recording, press VCR/TV on the remote control 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 want.
  • Page 35: Setting The Vcr To Record Later

    Friday. WEEKLY Records a show at the same day and time every week. 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:...
  • Page 36 Your delayed recording settings take effect when you turn off the power on the VCR. When the power is off, 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.
  • Page 37: Reviewing What You Have Programmed

    When you have set up several timed recordings, it may occur that some of their times overlap. For example, this can happen if your VCR are set up to record shows on a daily or weekly basis, and a special show comes on that you try to record during the same time slot.
  • Page 38 Basic Operations (Recording) 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 overalpping shows, review your...
  • Page 39: Basic Operations (Vcr Plus + Recording)

    Here's a sample page from TV Guide showing PlusCodes next to each program. To get ready to record with VCR Plus+ you need to assign your local broadcast and cable channels to the VCR Plus+ channel codes already stored in your VCR's memory.
  • Page 40 5. Now you're ready to assign your local channels to VCR Plus+ channels in the VCR's memory. The way you do this depends on how your VCR is hooked up to the incoming RF signal. Decide which hookup you have from the diagrams below, and follow the setup instructions for your type of hookup.
  • Page 41 VCR Plus+ numbers. Cable (No Cable Box) This is the channel setup to use if your VCR is hooked up directly to cable without a cable box. Compare your local TV channel listing to your cable company's channel directory to find channels that need to be assigned to the VCR Plus+ codes.
  • Page 42 1. Press GUIDE, then press 4 to select VCR PLUS SETUP. 2. Press 2 to answer "YES" to the question "Is a cable box being used with the VCR for all channels?" You will then see this screen: 3. Use the number buttons to enter the cable box's output channel.
  • Page 43: Using Vcr Plus+ To Record A Program

    4. You would assign HBO like this: 3. Press GUIDE to end the setup procedure. 4. You are ready to begin timed recording with VCR Plus+. But you will need to use the A-or-B switchbox to select whether you will record from the unscrambled or scrambled channels.
  • Page 44 (If not, you need to check your VCR Plus+ channel setup.) Remember, if you are recording through a cable box, the screen will show the channel as 03 or 04.
  • Page 45 Basic Operations (VCR Plus + Recording) VCR. Caution on the VCR Plus+ recording The VCR Plus+ feature allows you to program the VCR for timer recording by simply entering a PlusCode number up to 8 digits. To prevent erroneous channel and/or time recording.
  • Page 46: Advanced Operations (Remote Control Of Tv)

    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 47: Controlling The Tv

    CHANNEL (down arrow) Sharp 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.
  • Page 48: Advanced Operations (Cable Box Hookups)

    (Your cable company can tell you more about this.) After each hookup, power up the VCR and the TV. Use the Initial Setup screen (page 20) to select option CATV1 or CATV2. Then check out the system using these questions as a guide.
  • Page 49 Consult the cable company or the cable converter manual for assistance in using the VCR with a cable converter. You will probably need to set the VCR to channel 3 or 4 and then use the cable converter to switch stations. There may be additional procedures for picking up pay-for-view or scrambled channels, which the cable company will gladly help you with.
  • Page 50: Remote Control Of The Cable Converter

    5. Using a third coaxial jumper, connect the output of the A-or-B switch to the IN FROM ANT lowerjack on the back of the VCR. 6. Take the coaxial cable that is still connected to the television and hook it to the VCR's OUT TO TV upperjack.
  • Page 51 Jerrold 3 Hamlin Zenith Scientific Atlanta Pioneer Philips To operate the cable box once the remote is programmed for it: Press CATV and then the button of the function you want. Press VCR to operate your VCR with the remote again.
  • Page 52: Advanced Operations (Second Vcr)

    Second VCR Hookup Illustration 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 Setup screen.
  • Page 53: Copying Tapes From A Camcorder

    VCR indicator will light on VCR1's display and you can view the picture being recorded. 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.
  • Page 54: Vcr Care And Servicing

    VCR Care and Servicing VCR Care and Servicing The VCR is fairly self-servicing, but you'll want to keep an eye on a few things as you go. In addition, you may sometimes have troubles with your VCR. We offer some suggestions for care to prevent problems, ways to troubleshoot, and places to contact when you cannot solve the problems yourself.
  • Page 55 VCR Care and Servicing endanger your safety. The exposed uninsulated voltage in this unit may be high enough to cause electrical shock. It is dangerous to make contact with any inside part, and none of these parts are intended to be serviced by an untrained user. To be safe, refer...
  • Page 56: Care And Servicing (Problems)

    Poor picture quality (“noise”) during playback. No picture during playback. TV cannot be operated by the VCR’s remote. (Not all TV brands are compatible.) THINGS TO CHECK SOLUTION Power cord plugged Connect the power cord to AC outlet.
  • Page 57: Hitachi Service Hotline

    Mechanical sounds during the STOP 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...
  • Page 58: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications Technical Specifications Recording: Video: Cassette: Heads: Tape Speed: Tape Width: RF Output: RF Input: Tuning Range: Video Input: Video Output: Audio Input Audio Output Video Recording S/N: Horizontal Resolution: lines (EP) Audio Response: Audio S/N: Power Input: Power Consumption: Cabinet Size: Weight: Accessories:...
  • Page 59 Specifications 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. Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

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