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VCR Care and Servicing
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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.
Routine Cleaning
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
2
1 year parts.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.
If the VCR Doesn't Work Right
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 58 covers
the more common problems that new VCR owners encounter.