Hitachi VT-F382A owner manual Head Cleaning, Periodic Maintenance, Dont Attempt Repairs Yourself

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.

Head Cleaning

The heads are tiny mechanisms in the VCR that pick up the video signal as a videotape passes over them. In time, a residue of electromagnetic dust builds up on the heads because of contact with the tape. 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. It also self-cleans during fast-forward and reverse play. You will hear a mechanical sound during auto head cleaning.

Even with the auto head cleaning system, dirt can build up on the heads. If the picture is blurry during playback, or is occasionally interrupted or blanks out, try playing different cassettes to see whether you get the same picture problems.

If the picture problems persist, the heads may need to be cleaned professionally. Consult your VCR dealer for the name of trained service technician near you.

Periodic Maintenance

Your Hitachi VCR is a precision electro-mechanical device which requires professional maintenance after a period of normal use.

Usually no maintenance other than head cleaning is required during the warranty period, unless the VCR is used either heavily or infrequently. Defective parts are covered during the warranty period, but normal maintenance is your responsibility.

Consult your VCR service center to find out what they recommend as normal maintenance based on your location, how you use the VCR and the age of the machine.

Many operational problems are easily remedied by reviewing the instructions in this manual and trying out some different controls and settings. The chart on page 62 covers the more common problems that new VCR owners encounter.

Don't Attempt Repairs Yourself

Do not remove the cover or the back of the VCR - this will void the warranty and 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 service problems to