Hitachi VT-M281A 27

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.

Make sure you are familiar with the Easy Graphic Menu for on-screen programming (page 18) and the basics about videocassettes and VCR safety.

Most television programs and films are copyrighted. This means that someone has legal rights governing the reproduction and distribution of this material. In certain circumstances, copyright law may apply to private in-home taping of copyrighted materials. In most cases, it is okay to record for personal use, as long as you do not sell the material. You must act responsibly in this area - check into the matter if you are unsure.

Basic Recording Steps

1.Load the videocassette into the VCR with the label side up and the arrow pointing toward the VCR. The power comes on automatically when the tape is fully inserted.

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.

3.Press TAPE SPEED on the remote control to select SP (standard play, for the best picture quality) or EP (extended play, for longest recording time on a single tape). An indicator on the VCR's display shows which speed is active.

4.Set the VCR to the channel you want to record from. Use the up and down CHANNEL buttons to flip through the channels, or use the number buttons to go directly to the channel you want.

5.To begin recording, press REC and PLAY on the remote control at the same time or REC/IRT on the VCR. Start recording at least 10 seconds before the program starts, to make sure you catch the beginning frames. Recording will start unless the cassette is protected with the safety tab. If this tab has been removed, the VCR will eject the tape to prevent recording over what is there. (See About Videocassette Tapes for more about preventing tape erasure.)

Recording Tips

To Watch the Same Program While Recording

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.

To Watch One Program While Recording Another

Once you have set the VCR for recording, press VCR/TV on the remote control. 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