Home | Support | HD Camcorder F.A.Q.'s

Recording Quality Video

Hold the camera as still as possible and do not make any sudden movements. It is best to perform a slow and smooth gradual movement while panning during your recording. It is recommended to use a tri-pod for best results. Also, make sure you have sufficient lighting and to adjust the white balance settings according to the lighting condition. Click here to purchase a Tripod

Capturing Quality Photos

Hold camera as steady as possible until 2-3 seconds after you hear the snapshot sound from the camera. Make sure your subject does not make any sudden movements or is in an active motion during this period. Using a tri-pod is highly recommended. Also, make sure to use the flash and adjust the white balance settings according to the lighting condition.

Playing Back Files on HDTV or Standard TV

The packaging includes the Component cable and AV Cable to connect to your HDTV or Standard TV.

*VIDEO: See video for connecting your HDTV

*VIDEO: SEE ALL HD VIDEO FAQ's

*VIDEO: See video for connecting your Standard TV

Note: GVS, Action HD, A-HD+, A-HD, High Speed HD, P-HD, HD-1, and GO-HD+ “Automatically Detect” when plugging into your HDTV and or Standard TV. When connecting to your HDTV use both provided cables. Do not plug the yellow plug in during HDTV hook-up.

PC File Transfer

Power the camera on before connecting to the system.

Look in My Computer or Computer for a Removable Disk Drive that represents the camera/ card.

For models with internal memory, the card will have it’s own drive letter. ( Ex. Removable Disk: F for the SD card & G for the internal)

Note: If you do not see a Disk Drive representing the camera, unplug it, turn it on again and try reconnecting. Also try plugging into all available USB ports in the front/back of the system.

Open the Removable Disk and you should find a DCIM folder. Open the DCIM folder and you will find a 100media folder. Inside the 100media folder you will find any pictures/videos/audio recordings you have taken. To save these files to your Computer, you will have to copy or move them to a folder. One way to do this is to click the Edit menu, choose Select All, then click the Edit menu again and choose Copy or Move to folder. On Vista you click on the Organize menu, choose Select All, then go back to Organize and pick Copy.

Note: Copying leaves a copy of the file on your camera/card) After choosing one of these options, choose a location and create a new folder. Note: It is best to create a new folder each time you do this)

Mac File Transfer

Simply power the camera on and plug the unit into a USB port. Look on the desktop for the creation of new drives related to the camera. (Note: MAC OS versions such as 10.4 or 10.5 may refer to the drives as Media, Internal, Untitled, or No Name.)

Computer Video File Playback

For file playback try using the latest version of VLC Player that can be downloaded from www.videolan.org or the most recent version of QuickTime Player at www.apple.com

Converting your HD Files

We currently offer the DVD creator program Arc-Soft Total Media Extreme with some of our HD models. Other suggested programs like Nero 9 can also be used. There is also the option of using converters to change the file to make it more suitable for VISTA /WINDOWS XP based free programs like Movie Maker. We recommend using the FREE bundled TOTAL MEDIA EXTREME DVD CREATOR software.

Total Media Extreme File Export

1. In the main page of TME choose the CREATE NEW VIDEO option.

2. Use the pop up box to locate and open your files.

3. After the files are located the video enhancement screen will appear. This is the section that will allow you to
add or remove items from the file.

4. At the bottom of the screen select EXPORT.

5. To make the file more suitable to work with MOVIE MAKER on VISTA as well as XP select from the drop down
list on the left of the screen .ASF as the format.

6. For converting files with this version of TME please choose .ASF as a file option when working with MOVIE
     MAKER on both Windows XP and VISTA. For INTERNET friendly file uploads to sites like YOUTUBE consider
     720X480-.ASF.

     NOTE: On the WINDOWS VISTA EDITION of MOVIE MAKER 1280X720P-30FPS .ASF is a possible
     alternate resolution that can be used for editing. For MOVIE MAKER file format compatibility check with
     MICROSOFT support

7. Also consider using converters like WIN-AVI the latest version to convert to AVI as well other numerous
converters that can be found at places like www.downloads.com

For versions of Arc-Soft Total Media Extreme with SHOW BIZ

1. In the main page of TME choose the Show Biz option.

2. Select the open folder icon to locate your movie files on your system.

3. From the work area Drag/Drop the file into the storyline located at the bottom of the page.

4. Make sure the file is highlighted.

5. At the top of the page click the Share option.

6. Next Create file.

7. 720P / 30FPS - WMV is suitable for Windows Movie Maker on Vista. If looking to upload to YOUTUBE use
720x480 - .ASF or even MPEG-4. Also use 720x480 - .ASF for Movie Maker on XP.

Note: Verify with the software vender that the DVD creator program or converter that you wish to use supports H.264.MOV 720P/1080 30FPS/60FPS so that the program can format the files correctly for future DVD burning.

Editing Programs for your HD Files

Magix Pro Editor 12, 14, 15 or Adobe Elements 4 are some examples of programs that are updating to support the H.264 standard.

Note: Users with MAC 10.4 or above should have no problems editing the files and burning DVD’s. You can edit and burn your HD clips with software like “iMovie HD”. Please verify that the programs support 720P/1080P before use .Individual results will vary.

Media Impression Videos: Upload to YouTube with Media Impression Converting Files with Media Impression

Memory Card Compatibility

The GVS, Action-HD, A-HD+, High Speed HD, P-HD, HD-1, A-HD, and GO-HD+ models can use an SD card up to 32GB standard SD or SDHC up to Class 6. We suggest using the SD Card brands Dane Elec. or San Disk. Mini SD and/or adaptor cards are not compatible. Click here to purchase an SD Card

Charging my HD Camcorder Battery

The battery can be charged 3 ways:

A. Be sure the camera is turned off and the LCD closed. Plug the AC adaptor into the power outlet and USB end into the
camera. The indicator light will turn red. The light will turn green when the battery is charged.

B. The camera must be turned off and the LCD closed. Plug the USB cable into the end of the camera and the other end into
the USB port on your computer. The indicator light will turn red. The light will turn green when the battery is charged.

C. You can also purchase an external charger. Click here to purchase a Charger

Note: Charging time can vary between 3.5 to 4 hours. 1800MAH battery can only charge using options one & two.

Battery Charge Life

The package includes a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Depending on usage, the battery can last approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Note: The 1800MAH Lithium-ion rechargeable battery can last approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. (1800MAH battery cannot be used withy the GVS, High Speed HD, P-HD, or HD-1 models)

Click here to purchase additional batteries or a charger

Where Can I find the Serial Number or Model Number?

Remove the battery and look inside the battery compartment to find a label containing an S/N number and Model number.

How to Record from a TV/VCR/DVD Player to the Camera?

The models Action HD, A-HD+, A-HD, and Go-HD+ only. The GO-HD does not offer this feature.

Please make sure that the AV cable is connected to the AV OUTPUT jacks on your TV/VCR/DVD Player.

Once these are connected, you should be able to see the TV/VHS/DVD on the camera’s LCD screen.

Press the record button to start/stop recording.

What are the Buttons on the LCD Panel for?

These buttons are for Video Playback Control. They can be used during video playback to Skip Back, Play/Pause, and Skip Forward.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

The Camera is not Powering ON or Functioning Properly:

See section on charging battery. Try powering on through wall adapter. Also, if using a SD card, remove it and try powering it on and testing it again.

I Receive Memory Card Related Error Messages, such as “CARD PROTECT” while trying to use the Camera:

First check the memory card to see if the lock tab is in the UNLOCK position. On the top left of the memory card is a slide the moves up and down. The slide should be in the up position for it to be unlocked. A locked memory card could cause the camera to read a CARD PROTECT error message.

If you still receive an error message, verify that you are inserting the card correctly so that the spring locks in as you fully insert it. When performed correctly an Icon will appear in the lower right hand corner of the LCD screen. Also try inserting the card while the camera is on.

The memory card may also need to be formatted through the camera’s settings.

Note: Formatting will delete all files, so be sure to transfer any important files to your computer before doing so.

To Format: Insert the memory card into the camera and press the mode button to get to the mode screen. Enter into Tools/SETTINGS and find FORMAT. Once you select format you will receive a YES or NO option. Select YES and you will see a FORMATTING message. Once the formatting is complete, see if the camera reads the card and functions properly.