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Hitachi VMH-81A Owners Guide

Hitachi VMH-81A - Camcorder Manual

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Hitachi VMH-81A | Owners Guide - Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1HITACHI Instruction Manual 8mm Video Camcorder VM-H81A Hitachi Home Electronics (America), HITACHI (HSC) CANADA, INC. Inc. 3300 Trans Canada Highway, Pointe Claire, 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093 Quebec, H9R1B1, CANADA Tel. 404-279-5600 Tel.
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...4 MOISTURE...5 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS 6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER 10 Read This 17 Using an Optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi VM-CA500A 19 Adjusting the Electronic Viewfinder 20 any abnormality or trouble occurs 37 Connecting to a Television with Audio In and
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Using Auto Focus ...43 Using Manual Focus 44 Using the Electronic Troubleshooting ...60 Specifications ...62 Accessories Add Excitement 64 To Order in the United States 65 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Front 66 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back 67 HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (Front) CANADA ONLY 69 HITACHI
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unit has been included. Therefore, it should be read carefully to avoid any problems. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG
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. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation
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video products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions. 6 Overloading -- Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result have it replaced by your service technician if appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation. 6
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provided or the video product manufacturer's instructions have been followed. 9 Attachments -- electric shock or fire. If in doubt, contact qualified service personnel. 10 Water and Moisture -- Do not use this to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
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and disconnect the antenna or cablesystem. This will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning and power-line surges. 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
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by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other Safety Check -- Upon completion of any service or repairs to this video product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks recommended by
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(2) battery and (3) product using battery. 3. Also read all instructions on pages 4 and 5. 4. Caution -- To reduce risk of . 12. Do not disassemble charger: take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock
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First To guide you, we've included A "Before You Begin" section containing important cautions for your family's safety as well as instruction for getting ). Get to know your video camcorder by using this manual, and get to know Hitachi. We appreciate your business. Quick Index Charging the Battery
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Before You Begin Before You Begin Any problems that occur as a result of any of the following conditions will not be covered by our warranty. Be careful that no water, dust or sand
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can also be purchased by mail by sending either cheque, money order or your credit card information to the following address: IN U.S.A. Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Parts Division 401 West Atresia Blvd. Compton, California. U.S.A. 90220 For more information concerning the purchase of
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Before You Begin CAUTION How to Handle the Water-resistant Packings Inspect the water-resistant packings constantly to check that there are no scratches or chipping as they could cause water to enter. Check that no foreign matter adheres to the water-resistant packings before closing the cases. If
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Before You Begin 3. To close the case, hold the left and right cases tightly and close the snap until a click is heard. Note: Lock the case securely using the snap. Otherwise, it could allow water to enter. How to Open and Close the Battery Compartment Cover 1. Push the BATT EJECT lever in the
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Before You Begin NOTE: The plug can easily be inserted and pulled out when the post on the cover is inserted into the hole. NOTE: Release the post from the hole to close the jack cover. 3. To close the jack cover, Press the two sections marked "PUSH" and make sure that a click is heard. Also check
Hitachi VMH-81A | Owners Guide - Page 17
getting to know all about your Hitachi 8mm camcorder. The more comfortable and familiar you are with the machine and its features, the more you can make it do for you. Let's get started! It is crucial that you read and understand all the safety instructions before you begin. If you haven
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Getting Started Note: The CHARGE light on the AC adapter/charger does not turn on. Note: The CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch must be in "OFF" position to charge the battery inside the camcorder. Note: The camcorder becomes warm during charging, but this is normal. Note: If the battery is left in the camcorder,
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8.5 hours (maximum) Using an Optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi VM-CA500A) 1. Connect the car adapter/charger to the not done when it is set to "CAM" or "VIDEO". Note: Read the instruction manual of the car adapter/charger carefully before charging. Additional Information The battery has a green
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to the AC adapter/charger. Allow it to cool. Do not use a battery with a crack or any abnormalities in its appearance. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE BATTERY OR AC ADAPTER/CHARGER. THROWING THE BATTERY INTO FIRE OR EXPOSING IT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT (ABOVE 149°F (65°C)) MAY CAUSE INJURY
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Getting Started strap to carry the camcorder. Attaching the Optional Wide or Tele Converter Lens 1. To remove the lens hood, turn it counterclockwise. 2. Remove both caps of the converter lens. 3. Screw the lens into the threads on the camcorder lens assembly. Note: The wide and tele converter
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Getting Started WARNING: KEEP THE BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. IF SWALLOWED CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT. Note: Replace the remote control battery with 3V micro lithium cells such as Maxell CR2025 or its equivalent. Note: Dispose of battery safely in accordance
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Getting Started 3. Close the cover firmly. Note: Check that the BATT EJECT lever is aligned with the mark and the red mark of the lever cannot be seen. If the cover is not closed securely, water or dust may enter the battery compartment. Removing the Battery 1. Push the BATT EJECT lever to open the
Hitachi VMH-81A | Owners Guide - Page 24
distributor. Using a Car Battery The camcorder can be powered with a car battery by using an optional Car Adapter/Charger (Hitachi VM-CA500A) to plug the camcorder into the car's cigarette lighter socket. Please ensure that the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in the OFF position
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or no dust adheres to it, etc. After making sure that there is no abnormality, reinsert the cassette. If TAPE reappears, see "Troubleshooting" on page 63. Removing a Cassette Press the EJECT button. The cassette door opens automatically. Remove the cassette. Protecting Recording Material Protect 8mm
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Getting Started Using the Linear Time Counter The linear time counter displays the tape run in hours, minutes, and seconds helping you to keep track of how long you've been filming or time you have left to film before running out of tape. Turn the camcorder on to display the linear time counter. The
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Getting Started some tape that you have already watched, you continue recording but do not care to watch the tape you recorded earlier. The memory feature returns you to the beginning of the most recent recording. 1. Press the DISPLAY button on the remote control so the linear time counter with
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Getting Started 3. Pressing the F.FWD button gives you higher numbers while the REW button gives you lower numbers. Select the right month and press STOP button. Use the F.FWD, REW and STOP buttons to select the proper day, year, hour, minute, and AM or PM. 4. After setting the AM/PM, press the DATE
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Getting Started run. Note: When the remaining tape time becomes less than about three minutes, TAPE END flashes in the viewfinder. Lens Cap Attach the lens cap to protect the lens when carrying or storing the camcorder. During shooting attach the lens cap as shown in the figure to prevent it from
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Getting Started Using the Remote Control Bag The remote control is not water-resistant. If you use the remote control for recording when it rains or snows or where it could be splashed by water, insert the remote control into the bag with the infrared transmission window forward as shown in the
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that the date and time display is in the viewfinder they are recorded on your tape. 12. FOCUS Select Button Press this button to select manual or automatic focus. When using manual focus, FOCUS appears in the viewfinder. When FOCUS is not displayed, focusing is automatic. 13. Focus Control For
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Getting Started - Identifying Controls 14. B.LIGHT Button When the subject is lit from behind, press and hold this button to compensate for the backlighting. Right side / Battery compartment / Jack cover Illustration 15. 16x9 Button With this button the picture format can be switched from 4:3 (
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Getting Started - Identifying Controls 25. Start/Stop Button When the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch is in CAM and the record mode select switch is in the START/STOP position, press this button to start recording. When pressed a second time the camera pauses. When the record mode select switch is in the HOLD
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Getting Started - Identifying Controls W: Picture becomes wider gradually. T: Picture becomes telescopic gradually. Note: The zoom switch on the remote control cannot change the zoom speed, but provides only low-speed zooming. 38. S.EDIT (Synchro Edit) Button (only on the remote control) Use this
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of time to ensure connections are correct. This section guides you through basic recording and playback. Practice the basic features with less stress. et's get started! Making a Basic Recording The Hitachi VM-H81A uses PROGRAM AE auto exposure that automatically selects the optimum shutter
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mode in modes other than recording. Playing Back Your Recording with AV Optical Link System Playback of your video tapes is free of connection problems with AV optical link system. The system converts picture and sound from the tape into infrared signals and transmits them to the optical receiver
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occurs: If you find any abnormality or trouble, immediately unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet and consult the video store from whom you purchased the camcorder. When you go for servicing, take both the AV optical receiver and camcorder. WARNING: Be sure to use the specified AC power adapter
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Basic Techniques the optical receiver will light (red) to show that the receiver is in the standby mode. Operations 1. Make sure that the power lamp of the AV optical receiver lights (red) to show that the receiver is in the stand-by mode. 2. Turn the TV on and select video input. 3. Connect a power
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Basic Techniques Note: Use the AV optical receiver and its AC power adapter indoors. Note: The picture and sound may be interrupted or noise may occur when the AV optical receiver is exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light from a fluorescent light, etc. or when infrared light from a TV
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Basic Techniques Note: Some VCRs have an S-VIDEO IN jack. Connect the black S-VIDEO plug to the VCR instead of the yellow VIDEO plug. 2. Connect the free square plug to the AV IN/OUT jack of your camcorder. 3. Insert the previously recorded cassette into the camcorder. 4. Hold down the red button on
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Basic Techniques 1. Insert the cassette ("Inserting and Removing Cassettes," p.21). 2. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO. 3. Press the PLAY button and enjoy your video. 4. Press the STOP button when finished. Using Still To view a still picture
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Advanced Techniques Advanced Techniques The Hitachi VM-H81A offers a diverse group of features that add interest and excitement to your video. Adding fades to smooth transitions creates videos with a professional look.
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control (AUTO/MAN) buttons simultaneously to return to auto focus. The auto focus will not work under the following conditions and you must focus manually: Objects outside the center of the viewfinder Objects at different distances in the center of the viewfinder Brightly lit objects such as a neon
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the auto focus with subjects 1.2 inches away from the lens and further away to infinity. Using Manual Focus 1. Press the FOCUS select button. FOCUS displays in the viewfinder. You can adjust the focus manually. 2. Use the power zoom T control to zoom up completely to your subject. If you don't use
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Advanced Techniques While you walk around. While you record from inside a moving vehicle. 1. Press the EIS button. The EIS icon appears in the viewfinder. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording. When EIS is engaged the viewfinder image shakes with a slight delay. Note: EIS may not
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Advanced Techniques Zoom fade: Fades in while zooming from a white screen or fades out while zooming to a white screen. appears in the upper left corner of the viewfinder. Fading In 1. Use the FADE button to select a fade option before recording. 2. Press the Start/Stop button to start recording;
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Advanced Techniques 47
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Advanced Techniques Using Quick Edit Use quick edit to search for the end of previously recorded material, find a particular spot on your tape, begin editing, or record new material. While the camera is in record/pause mode hold down the F.FWD, REW, or PLAY button and visually search the tape.
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control won't work if an obstacle blocks the infrared rays. Note: The remote control code of this camcorder is Hitachi code VCR2. If you have a VCR with the same code you Hitachi VCR may malfunction when you use the camcorder's wireless remote control. Note: The remote control cannot be used to
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Advanced Techniques 7. Complete the title by repeating steps 5 and 6. 8. When you complete your title, press PLAY to create a second title as required, or press the TITLE ON/OFF button on the remote control to store the title in memory and remove the title graphics from the viewfinder. Note: As long
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edit to record only segments of a previously recorded tape when dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR. This requires an optional synchro edit cable. The Hitachi VM-H81A uses a flying erase head to eliminate glitches or rainbow noise that sometimes occurs between edits. Your VCR must have the EDIT IN
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Advanced Techniques 6. Press the S.EDIT button on the remote control and the last few seconds of the recorded tape reviews in the viewfinder and then the camcorder is placed in playback. The recording VCR starts recording automatically. 7. Press the F.FWD, REW, STOP and Start/Stop buttons to pause
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remote control code of your VCR. Refer to the VCR's instruction manual. If the channel still does not change after you have changed the VCR's remote control code, the edit remote control cannot operate your VCR. VCR Brands Hitachi
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Advanced Techniques Note: If sunlight or strong artificial light strikes the camcorder's infrared receiver, the editing operation may not be possible. In this case, attach the microphone cap to cover the receiver, then try to operate the edit remote control again. Programmable Edit Hookup
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Advanced Techniques Note: After the simple programmable edit is finished, the programmed data is erased. If you want to continue editing other segments, repeat steps 5 ~ 12. Note: If you make a mistake in the middle of programming or want to correct the programmed data, start again from the
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listed, it is likely that you will not be able to program this remote control for your TV. TV Brands Press CH ( ) and This Button Hitachi AVX Zenith VOL ( ) Sony ZOOM.(W) Magnavox REW Sanyo PLAY Gold Star 1 F.FWD Toshiba AV DUB Gold Star 2 STOP NEC PAUSE (START/STOP) RCA DISPLAY
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Advanced Techniques Audio/Video Dubbing operation Illustration 1. Hold down the red button on the CAM/OFF/VIDEO switch while sliding the switch to VIDEO. 2. Connect the provided AV stereo output cable to the AUDIO IN and VIDEO IN jacks of your television. Connect either the right or left audio plug
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Advanced Techniques Note: If the tape is played back while the AV input cable is left connected to the camcorder, noise may appear in the picture. In this event, press the STOP button to stop the camcorder, unplug the AV input cable and play back the tape again. Note: To monitor the picture being
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a dry type head cleaner to clean the heads. If after cleaning the heads the picture does not clear up consult your nearest dealer or VCR service center for professional head cleaning. Maintenance And Storage after Use How to Maintain 1. Position the microphone cap as shown in the figure and put it
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Troubleshooting Quality is very important at Hitachi. We inspect and check every camcorder carefully at the factory under the most rigid quality control and inspection systems. If problems develop please check the following possible solutions before inquiring about professional service filter
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General Maintenance PLAYBACK OF PRE-RECORDED CASSETTE Symptom Check Point & Correction "PLAY" button cannot be engaged. Set the power switch to "VIDEO" position. No picture appears on television Set the television to the screen when "PLAY" button is pressed. camera/recorder channel (3 or 4)
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week, 24 hours a day 800 HITACHI 1-800-448-2244 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Hitachi has made every effort to assure you hours of trouble free operation from your unit. However, should you require service, a network of Hitachi Authorized Service Facilities has been established in all 50
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Specifications 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd Norcross, GA 30093 Tel 404-279-5600 Hitachi Sales Corporation of Hawaii 3219 Koapaka St./Honolulu, HI 96819 Tel 808-836-3621 63
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Accessories Add Excitement Accessories Add Excitement We know that once you discover how much your Hitachi VM-H81A can add to your life you will want to use these accessories for even more excitement. Converter lenses, adapters for synchro editing, and
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use Canadian order form in French version of this manual - Page 69. By Phone To place an order by phone, have your VISA, MASTERCARD, or AMERICAN EXPRESS card ready and call Hitachi's toll-free number anytime: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-HITACHI By Mail Complete the order form on page 69
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concerning repairs, operation, technical assistance or for referral to the location of your nearest Authorized Service Facility or Parts Distributor, call 1-800-HITACHI (1-800-448-2244) HITACHI HOME ELECTRONICS (AMERICA), INC. 3890 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, GA 30093 Tel: 404-279-5600
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, or any other cause beyond the control of Hitachi. C. Unpacking, set-up or installation, adjustment of customer operated controls, user instruction. D. Any product with Serial Numbers altered or removed. E. New products purchased or service performed outside of the continental United States or its
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HITACHI WARRANTY CARD (USA Back) HITACHI 68
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PLAN WILL BE IN FORCE ONLY AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE NORMAL PURCHASER'S WARRANTY. During the normal warranty the only valid proof required for servicing the product is the Hitachi GOLD CARD or the bill of purchase. The Protection Plan Card cannot be used as proof of warranty. Only after the expiration
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. G - The Plan Owner will receive a PLATINUM CARD which is the only valid document to be presented at the time of repair to an authorized Hitachi Service Center. THIS PROTECTION PLAN IS NOT TRANSFERABLE NOR REFUNDABLE. H - This Protection Plan can be renewed as long as the request is made before the
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or a Hitachi Authorized Service Center must be shipped on a "PREPAID BASIS". To avoid any damage to the returned goods, please ensure that proper packaging procedures are followed. A short written description of the problem along with proof of warranty should accompany the product returned for
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if the pickup element has been OVER EXPOSED to an intense source of light. 14. Products sold in Canada by any organization other than HITACHI (HSC) CANADA INC. IMPORTANT: This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees, or agreements whether express or implied, and no person, dealer