Hitachi DZ-BX31A User Manual

English
DZ-GX20MA/DZ-MV780MA
DZ-MV750MA/DZ-BX31A
Instruction Manual
DVD-RAM DVD-RW DVD-R
English
Instruction manual
To obtain the best performance and ensure years of
trouble-free use, please read this instruction
manual completely.
Mode d’emploi
Des performances optimales et un fonctionnement
à long terme seront assurés en appliquant les
présentes instructions après avoir entièrement lu
ce mode d’emploi.
Manual de instrucciones
Para obtener el mejor funcionamiento y asegurar
muchos años de utilización exentade problemas,
lea todo este manual de instrucciones.
DZ-GX20MA DZ-MV750MA
DZ-BX31A
DZ-MV780MA

Hitachi DZ-BX31A Specifications

General

Type	HDD camcorder
LCD Screen Size	2.7 inches
Image Stabilizer	Electronic
Video Format	MPEG-2
Audio Format	Dolby Digital
Battery	Li-ion
Recording Media	HDD, SD Card
Aperture	F1.8
Interface	USB 2.0

Summary

Important Information

For Your Safety

Provides safety precautions for using the DVD video camera/recorder.

Precautions

Lists important precautions for using the DVD video camera/recorder.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Cautions When Using

Handle the liquid crystal display (LCD) with care

Advises on careful handling of the delicate LCD screen to prevent damage.

Liquid crystal display (LCD) and viewfinder

Explains limitations of LCD pixels and viewfinder brightness.

Hold the DVD video camera/recorder correctly

Instructs on the correct way to hold the device to prevent detachment.

Do not subject the DVD video camera/recorder to impact

Warns against subjecting the precision machine to impact or dropping it.

No sand or dust!

Advises on preventing sand and dust from entering the device.

No water or oil!

Warns against water or oil entering the device.

Cautions When Storing

Do not leave the DVD video camera/recorder in a place where the temperature is very high for a long period of time

Advises against storing in high temperatures to prevent damage.

Do not store the DVD video camera/recorder in a place where the humidity is high or in a dusty place

Advises against storing in humid or dusty places.

Do not store the DVD video camera/recorder in a place subject to strong magnetism or intense vibrations

Advises against storing near strong magnetism or vibrations.

Detach the battery from the DVD video camera/recorder and store it in a cool place

Recommends detaching and storing the battery in a cool place.

Suggestions and Restrictions

Make a trial recording

Recommends making a trial recording before actual recording.

Do not use the DVD video camera/recorder for professional applications

States the device is for home use only and not for professional applications.

The recorded contents cannot be compensated for

Hitachi is not responsible for loss of recorded contents due to defects or mishandling.

Copyright

Informs about copyright protection and restrictions on recorded data.

Read This First

Introduction

Checking Provided Accessories

Names of Parts

Try Recording and Playing Back using Disc (Video and Photo)

Before You Begin

Advises on preparing for trial recording with a DVD-RAM disc.

Try Recording and Playing Back using Card (Photo)

Discs and Cards

Discs and Cards (cont.)

AVAILABLE DISCS

Lists the types of discs compatible with the DVD video camera/recorder.

INFORMATION ON DVD-R DISC

Provides details and limitations for using DVD-R discs.

Discs and Cards (cont.)

EXAMPLES OF DISCS THAT CANNOT BE USED ON THIS DVD VIDEO CAMERA/RECORDER:

Lists various disc types that are not compatible with the device.

HANDLING DISCS

Using discs

Offers cautions and advice for using discs to ensure proper operation.

Storing discs

Provides guidelines for storing discs to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

DISC CLEANING

AVAILABLE CARDS

COMMON CAUTIONS FOR DISC AND CARD

Storage Capacity on Disc or Card

RECORDABLE TIME OF MOVIE (VIDEO)

Shows the recordable time for movies based on recording quality.

RECORDABLE STILLS (PHOTOS) ON DVD-RAM

Details the number of photos recordable on DVD-RAM discs.

Storage Capacity on Disc or Card (cont.)

RECORDABLE STILLS (PHOTOS) ON CARD

Lists the number of photos recordable on various memory card capacities.

SIZE AND QUALITY OF PHOTOS

Setups

Setting Up the DVD Video Camera/Recorder

Explains how to set up the DVD video camera/recorder for use.

Setups (cont.)

ATTACHING SHOULDER STRAP

Details how to attach the shoulder strap for carrying the device.

ATTACHING LENS CAP

Explains how to attach the lens cap to protect the lens.

Setups (cont.)

INSERTING BATTERY INTO REMOTE CONTROL

Guides on inserting the battery into the remote control.

REMOVING BATTERY FROM REMOTE CONTROL

Guides on removing the battery from the remote control.

Using Remote Control

VIEWING IMAGE ON LCD MONITOR SCREEN

Open the LCD monitor

Explains how to open the LCD monitor.

Range where the LCD monitor can be moved

Describes the different angles and positions the LCD monitor can be adjusted to.

CLOSING LCD MONITOR

VIEWING SUBJECT THROUGH VIEWFINDER

Pull out the viewfinder

Instructs on how to pull out the viewfinder.

Turn the diopter control knob to adjust the focus to suit your eyesight

Explains how to adjust the viewfinder focus using the diopter control.

SETTING DATE AND TIME

CHANGING DISPLAY FORMAT OF DATE AND TIME

Setting Up the Battery

CHARGING BATTERY

Details the steps for charging the battery using the AC adapter/charger.

Setting Up the Battery (cont.)

Battery charged status

Explains how to check battery charge status via the indicator.

Reference for time required to charge battery

Provides estimated charging times for different battery models.

ATTACHING BATTERY TO DVD VIDEO CAMERA/RECORDER

REMOVING BATTERY

Continuously recordable time with fully charged battery (with no zoom operation, etc.)

BATTERY REMAINING LEVEL INDICATOR

EFFICIENT USE OF BATTERY

Charge battery immediately before using DVD video camera/recorder

Recommends charging the battery just before use for optimal performance.

When not using the DVD video camera/recorder for an extended period

Advises on battery maintenance for long-term storage.

Store in cool, dark place

Provides guidance on storing the battery in a cool, dark place to preserve its life.

Battery life

Discusses factors affecting battery life.

Power save and discharge of battery

Explains the power save function and battery discharge.

USING DVD VIDEO CAMERA/RECORDER WITH AC ADAPTER/CHARGER

Turning DVD Video Camera/Recorder On and Off

Inserting and Removing Disc

INSERTING DISC

Step-by-step guide on how to insert a disc into the device.

Inserting and Removing Disc (cont.)

When using brand-new DVD-RW/DVD-R disc

Details the process for using new DVD-RW/DVD-R discs, including formatting.

REMOVING DISC

Inserting and Removing Card

Basic Techniques

Recording Movie

Guides on how to record movies using the device.

Basic Techniques (cont.)

Recording Stills

Guides on how to record still images using the device.

On-Screen Information

INFORMATION DISPLAY DURING RECORDING

Details the various information displayed on screen during recording.

On-Screen Information (cont.)

Switching the information display mode

Explains how to switch between full and minimum display modes for on-screen information.

On-Screen Information (cont.)

Display when recording an image of yourself

Describes display behavior when recording oneself with the LCD screen facing forward.

Interpreting symbols on LCD screen when recording with the screen facing the same direction as the lens

Explains the meaning of symbols shown on the LCD screen in a specific recording mode.

Zooming

MACRO RECORDING

RECORDING SUBJECTS FOR STRONGER WIDE-ANGLE OR TELEPHOTO EFFECT

Playing Back

PLAYBACK FROM START OF DISC OR CARD

SEARCH PLAYBACK OF MOVIE

FRAME ADVANCE/FRAME BACK/SLOW PLAYBACK OF MOVIE

SKIP PLAYBACK OF MOVIE

PLAYING BACK STILLS

JUMPING TO SPECIFIED POINT (GO TO)

Specifying the point to view

Guides on how to specify a particular point for playback.

On-Screen Information Display

Switching the information display mode

Explains how to switch display modes for on-screen information.

Checking Flow of Quick Menu

Operating Menu

FLOW OF QUICK MENU WHEN RECORDING MOVIE:

Record Functions Setup

Shows the menu path for setting record functions when recording a movie.

Date Setup

Shows the menu path for setting the date and time.

FLOW OF QUICK MENU WHEN RECORDING PHOTO (DISC):

Record Functions Setup

Shows the menu path for record functions when recording photos on disc.

Initial Setup

Shows the menu path for initial setup procedures.

FLOW OF QUICK MENU WHEN RECORDING PHOTO (DISC): (cont.)

Date Setup

Shows the menu path for date setup.

Initial Setup

Shows the menu path for initial setup.

FLOW OF QUICK MENU WHEN RECORDING PHOTO (CARD):

Record Functions Setup

Shows the menu path for record functions when recording photos on card.

Date Setup

Shows the menu path for date setup.

Initial Setup

Initial Setup

Shows the menu path for initial setup.

Disc Navigation Functions

FLOW OF QUICK MENU (WITH DVD-RAM DISC):

Scene

Details the quick menu flow for scene operations with DVD-RAM.

Disc

Details the quick menu flow for disc operations.

Others

Details the quick menu flow for other operations.

FLOW OF QUICK MENU (WITH DVD-RW DISC):

Scene

Details the quick menu flow for scene operations with DVD-RW.

Disc

Details the quick menu flow for disc operations.

FLOW OF QUICK MENU (WITH DVD-R DISC):

Disc

Details the quick menu flow for disc operations with DVD-R.

Others

Details the quick menu flow for other operations with DVD-R.

FLOW OF QUICK MENU (WITH CARD):

Manually Focusing Subject

FOCUSING DURING RECORDING

Explains how to manually focus the subject while recording.

Focusing range

Specifies the focusing range of the lens in different zoom modes.

Adjusting Brightness of Image to be recorded (Exposure)

Compensating for Backlight

Using External Microphone

Built-in Video Flash (for DZ-GX20MA only)

Optional Video Flash (for DZ GX20MA or DZ-MV780MA only)

Information about an optional video flash accessory.

Viewing on TV Screen

CONNECTING TO A TV

Details how to connect the DVD video camera/recorder to a TV for viewing.

VIEWING ON TV SCREEN

Playback on DVD Recorder/Player

PLAYING BACK DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) DISC

How to play back DVD-RAM/DVD-RW discs on other devices.

PLAYING BACK DVD-RW (VF-mode)/DVD-R DISC

How to play back DVD-RW (VF-mode)/DVD-R discs on other devices.

Recording (Dubbing) Images

RECORDING (DUBBING) IMAGES FROM OTHER VIDEO DEVICE

Guides on recording video from external devices.

RECORDING (DUBBING) IMAGES FROM OTHER VIDEO CAMERAS

RECORDING (DUBBING) IMAGES ON OTHER VIDEO DEVICES

Advanced Techniques

Checking Flow of Normal Menu

Explains how to navigate the normal menu for advanced settings.

Advanced Techniques (cont.)

Flow of Normal Menu

Outlines the structure of the normal menu for accessing various functions.

Camera Functions Setup

Shows the menu path for setting camera functions.

Record Functions Setup

Shows the menu path for setting record functions.

Date Setup

Shows the menu path for date setup.

LCD/EVF Setup

Shows the menu path for LCD and EVF settings.

Initial Setup

Shows the menu path for initial setup.

Setting Up Camera Functions

SELECTING SHOOTING MODE TO MATCH THE SUBJECT (SWITCHING PROGRAM AE MODE)

Guides on selecting the appropriate shooting mode for optimal image quality.

RECORDING DARK SUBJECTS USING LCD MONITOR LIGHT

ADJUSTING COLOR (WHITE BALANCE)

ADJUSTING COLOR (WHITE BALANCE) (cont.)

Setting white balance manually

Details how to manually set the white balance for accurate color reproduction.

USING THE ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZER (EIS)

REDUCING WIND NOISE DURING RECORDING (MIC.FILTER)

Setting Up Record Functions

SWITCHING MOVIE QUALITY (VIDEO MODE)

Guides on selecting movie quality settings like XTRA, FINE, or STD.

SETTING TO WIDE TV SCREEN MODE (16:9 MODE)

SWITCHING QUALITY OF STILL IMAGE (QUALITY)

RECEIVING IMAGE FROM ANOTHER DEVICE (INPUT SOURCE)

SWITCHING EXTERNAL INPUT RECORDING METHOD (PHOTO INPUT)

SELF-TIMER

SETTING ON-SCREEN DISPLAY OUTPUT ON OR OFF (OSD OUTPUT)

LCD/EVF Setup

SETTING BRIGHTNESS OF LCD SCREEN (LCD BRIGHTNESS)

Details how to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

SETTING BRIGHTNESS OF VIEWFINDER (EVF BRIGHTNESS)

Details how to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.

SETTING COLOR DENSITY (COLOR LEVEL)

ALWAYS DISPLAYING IMAGE IN VIEWFINDER

Initial Settings

SWITCHING OPERATING SOUND ON OR OFF (BEEP)

Explains how to turn the operating sound (beep) on or off.

TURNING DVD VIDEO CAMERA/RECORDER OFF AUTOMATICALLY (POWER SAVE)

Details the power save feature for automatic shutdown.

Initial Settings (cont.)

TURNING RECORD LED ON OR OFF (RECORD LED)

Explains how to turn the recording indicator LED on or off.

CHANGING DISPLAY LANGUAGE (LANGUAGE)

Guides on changing the menu and information display language.

RESETTING MENU SETTINGS TO DEFAULTS (RESET)

Disc Navigation

STARTING OR TERMINATING DISC NAVIGATION

How to start and stop the Disc Navigation feature.

Disc Navigation (cont.)

PLAYING BACK FROM DISC NAVIGATION SCREEN

Guides on how to play back scenes from the Disc Navigation screen.

SELECTING MULTIPLE SCENES

SELECTING CONSECUTIVE SCENES TOGETHER

FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE WITH DISC NAVIGATION

UNDERSTANDING FLOW OF DISC NAVIGATION MENU

DELETING SCENES (EDIT – DELETE)

Editing using submenu

DIVIDING MOVIES (EDIT – DIVIDE)

COMBINING MULTIPLE SCENES (EDIT – COMBINE)

ARRANGING ORDER OF SCENES (EDIT – MOVE)

DIRECTING SCENES EFFECTIVELY (EFFECT – FADE)

PLAYING BACK BY SKIPPING SCENES (EFFECT – SKIP)

Releasing Skip

CHANGING IMAGES FOR THUMBNAILS (EFFECT – THUMBNAIL)

COPYING STILLS ON DVD-RAM DISC TO CARD (COPY)

LOCKING SCENES ON CARD (LOCK)

SELECTING SCENES USING MENU SCREEN (SELECT)

Deselecting selected scenes

DISPLAYING INFORMATION USING MENU SCREEN (DETAIL)

Program

WHAT IS “PROGRAM”?

Defines what a "Program" is in the context of the device.

SWITCHING TO THUMBNAIL DISPLAY OF SPECIFIC DATE (SWITCH)

How to display scenes for a specific date by switching programs.

PLAYING BACK PROGRAM (PLAY)

CHANGING TITLE OF PROGRAM (TITLE)

Play List

WHAT IS “PLAY LIST”?

Defines what a "Play List" is and its purpose.

CREATING NEW PLAY LIST (CREATE)

Guides on how to create a new play list by selecting and programming scenes.

SWITCHING TO DISPLAY OF EACH PLAY LIST (SWITCH)

Editing on play list

PLAYING BACK A PLAY LIST (PLAY)

ADDING SCENES TO PLAY LIST (EDITING PLAY LIST)

DELETING SCENES FROM PLAY LIST (EDITING PLAY LIST)

ADDING SCENES USING SUBMENU FOR EDITING (EDITING PLAY LIST)

DELETING SCENES USING SUBMENU FOR EDITING (EDITING PLAY LIST)

SELECTING SCENES USING SUBMENU FOR EDITING (EDITING PLAY LIST)

ARRANGING ORDER OF SCENES (MOVE)

CHANGING TITLE OF PLAY LIST (TITLE)

DELETING PLAY LIST (DELETE)

Go To

TOP (END)

How to jump to the beginning or end of scenes/play lists.

Disc or Card Management

INITIALIZING DISC OR CARD (FORMAT DISC. FORMAT CARD)

Guides on how to format discs or cards to delete contents.

PROTECTING DISC FROM WRITING (PROTECT DISC)

VERIFYING REMAINING FREE SPACE ON DISC OR CARD (CAPACITY)

UPDATING CONTROL INFORMATION OF DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) DISC (UPDATE CONTROL INFO.)

FINALIZING DVD-RW/DVD-R DISC (FINALIZE DISC)

Others

DISPLAYING MOVIES OR STILLS INDEPENDENTLY (CATEGORY)

How to display movies or stills separately.

PLAYING BACK SCENES REPEATEDLY (REPEAT PLAY)

Explains how to set scenes for repeated playback.

SLIDE SHOW (CONTINUOUS PLAYBACK OF STILLS)

Connecting to PC

THE FOLLOWING ARE AVAILABLE WHEN CONNECTING TO PC

Lists the capabilities when connecting the device to a PC.

Using, on PC, the photos recorded on DVD-RAM disc or card in this DVD video camera/recorder

How to use photos from discs/cards on a PC.

Viewing, on PC, DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) disc recorded on this DVD video camera/recorder

How to view discs on a PC.

Viewing, on PC, DVD-RW (VF-mode)/DVD-R disc recorded on this DVD video camera/recorder

How to view specific discs on a PC.

Copying contents on DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) disc recorded on this DVD video camera/recorder to another DVD-RAM disc using PC

How to copy disc contents to another disc using a PC.

Connecting to PC (cont.)

Using PC to edit images on DVD-RAM disc recorded on this DVD video camera/recorder

How to edit images from DVD-RAM discs on a PC.

Capturing into PC, images on DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) disc recorded on this DVD video camera/recorder, and creating a DVD video (DVD-RW/DVD-R) (see page 150)

How to capture scenes to PC and create DVD videos.

Capturing into PC, the images on DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) disc recorded on this DVD video camera/recorder (see page 150)

How to capture images from discs to PC.

Connecting to PC (cont.)

To Copy Still Data on PC

Guides on how to copy still images from the device to a PC.

Contents on Provided CD-ROM

Lists the contents of the provided CD-ROM, including software and drivers.

Connecting to PC (cont.)

DVD-MovieAlbumSE

Information on the DVD-MovieAlbumSE software.

DVDfunSTUDIO

Information on the DVDfunSTUDIO software.

UDF driver (DVD-RAM driver)

Information on the UDF driver for DVD-RAM.

Requirements of available PC

Lists the PC system requirements for the provided software.

Installing Software

No software is provided with DZ-BX31A.

States that no software is included with the DZ-BX31A model.

Before installing the UDF driver (DVD-RAM driver) provided with this DVD video camera/recorder, check to see if another UDF driver* has already been installed in your PC.

Advises checking for existing UDF drivers before installation.

DISPLAYING INSTALLER SCREEN

Steps to display the software installer screen.

Installing Software (cont.)

INSTALLING SOFTWARE

Guides through the process of installing the provided software.

Creating DVD Video (DVD-RW/DVD-R) from DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-mode) Disc Recorded on DVD Video Camera/Recorder

INSERTING 3D TITLE IMAGES

INSERTING 3D TITLE IMAGES (cont.)

If no image appears on DVD-MovieAlbumSE

Provides solutions if no images appear in DVD-MovieAlbumSE.

CREATING A DVD VIDEO (DVD-RW/DVD-R) USING SCENES RECORDED ON MULTIPLE DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-MODE) DISCS

CAPTURING SCENES ON DVD-RAM/DVD-RW (VR-MODE) INTO PC

Capturing in DVD-VR format

How to capture scenes in DVD-VR format to PC.

Capturing in MPEG2 file format

How to capture scenes in MPEG2 file format to PC.

DVD-MovieAlbumSE HDD MODE

REUSING A RECORDED DVD-RW

Uninstalling Software

Cautions When Using DVD Video Camera/Recorder by Connecting It to PC

Introduction to Video Editing Software

For Mac

Information about PIXELA CORPORATION's Pixe VRF Browser for Mac.

Subsidiary Information

Introduction to Optional Accessories

Introduces optional accessories available for the camera.

Removing Disc from Its Package

REMOVING AND REPLACING FROM/IN ROUND DVD HOLDER

Details how to remove discs from a round DVD holder.

REMOVING DISC FROM CARTRIDGE

Removing disc from caddy case

Cleaning

Cleaning LCD screen and camera lens

Instructions for cleaning the LCD screen and camera lens.

If dust adheres to the viewfinder lens, remove it using a cotton swab, etc.

How to clean dust from the viewfinder lens.

Do not use benzene or thinner to clean DVD video camera/recorder case

Warns against using certain chemicals for cleaning the device case.

Changing Setting of Demonstration

Terminology

DISC PROTECT

Defines the Disc Protect feature.

DOLBY DIGITAL

Defines Dolby Digital audio format.

DVD PLAYER

Defines a DVD Player.

DVD-R DISC

Defines a DVD-R disc.

DVD-RAM DISC

Defines a DVD-RAM disc.

DVD RECORDER

Defines a DVD Recorder.

DVD-RW DISC

Defines a DVD-RW disc.

DVD VIDEO (DVD-VF) FORMAT

Defines the DVD Video format.

DVD VIDEO RECORDING (DVD-VR) FORMAT

Defines the DVD Video Recording format.

Terminology (cont.)

FINALIZE

Defines the finalization process for DVD discs.

HOWLING

Explains the phenomenon of howling during audio output.

INFRARED SENSOR

Defines the infrared sensor's function.

LASER PICKUP BLOCK

Defines the laser pickup block component.

LINEAR PCM

Defines the Linear PCM audio format.

SCENE

Defines what constitutes a "scene" for video and photos.

Terminology (cont.)

SD MEMORY CARD

Defines SD memory cards.

SLOT-IN TYPE PC

Defines a PC with a slot-in type drive.

SUSPENDING PC

Defines the suspending PC function.

THUMBNAIL

Defines a thumbnail image on Disc Navigation.

UDF2.01 FORMAT

Defines the UDF2.01 format.

VIDEO SELECTOR

Defines a video selector device.

Troubleshooting

Check 1 No movie can be recorded

Solutions for when movie recording is not possible.

Check 2 No still can be recorded

Solutions for when still image recording is not possible.

Check 3 Skip or search playback does not work well

Solutions for issues with skip or search playback.

Check 4

Troubleshooting steps for ACCESS/PC or CARD ACCESS indicator issues.

Troubleshooting (cont.)

Check 5 No DVD video camera/recorder operation

Solutions for when the device does not operate.

Check 6 No image in viewfinder

Solutions for when no image appears in the viewfinder.

Check 7 No image appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder

Solutions for when no image appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.

Trouble Messages

Troubleshooting (cont.)

Power supplies

Troubleshooting tips related to power supply issues.

Troubleshooting (cont.)

During recording

Troubleshooting tips specifically for issues during recording.

Troubleshooting (cont.)

During playback

Troubleshooting tips for issues encountered during playback.

When the DVD video camera/recorder is connected to PC

Miscellaneous

System Reset

List of setting items

Lists the settings that are reset during a system reset.

Major Specifications

To Order in the United States

To Order in the Canada

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

License Agreement

Warranty Limitations

Important Notice

Important notice regarding sales receipts for warranty purposes.

HITACHI CANADA LTD WARRANTY POLICY

WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

Lists items and conditions not covered by the warranty.

TERMES ET GARANTIE DES PRODUITS HITACHI

Details Hitachi's warranty terms and conditions for video products in French.

CETTE GARANTIE NE S’APPLIQUE PAS DANS LES CAS SUIVANTS:

Lists warranty exclusions in French.