Home | Support | Frequently Asked Questions | Pocket DV F.A.Q.'s (Windows 98SE /ME /2000)

Q: What are the items that should be included in my package?

A: Your package should include the following:

Pocket DV camera
Two CD’s (Pocket DV [includes supplementary programs and camera driver] and Ulead Video Studio)
USB cable
Installation guide
Tripod
Wrist Strap

Q: My Pocket DV was missing some of the accessories when I purchased it, how can I replace them?

A: If you are missing any items, we suggest you return it to the purchase location for a complete package. If you are unable to exchange your camera, then please contact Technical Support for assistance.

Q: What is the resolution of my Pocket DV and how many pictures can I take?

A: The following are the Specifications for the Pocket DV:

Sensor Type:

300,000 pixel CMOS Image Sensor

Multi-Functions:

Digital still camera mode: 640 x 480 (VGA)/ 320 x 240 (SIF)
PC-Camera video mode: 640 x 480/320 x 240/160 x 120
AV recording mode: 320 x 240
Voice Annotation

Memory and Images:

Built in 16 MB of SDRAM *Note: 8 Megabytes = 64 Megabits
VGA up to 450 pictures
SIF up to 2000 pictures

Video and Audio Recording:

AV recording: up to 3 minutes, 20 seconds at approximately 10 frames per second
Voice annotation: up to 30 minutes

Q: What are my computer system requirements to run the Pocket DV ?

The requirements are:

Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
Pentium 266 MHz (or equivalent) processor or higher
64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)
Video card with 4 MB of RAM for a minimum of 24-bit (high color) display
4x speed CD-ROM
An available USB port.

Q: What do the images on the Screen Display (LCD) stand for?

A: Please consult the following for information:

Q. What does the Quality mean?

A. Quality is referring to the Resolution of your pictures. Please consult the following for further information:

H: High Quality (Lower Compression)
L: Lower Quality (Higher Compression)
2 Stars: VGA (640x480) Resolution
1 Star: CIF (320 x 240) Resolution

Q: I do not have a USB port on my computer, is there an adapter?

A: The camera requires direct power from the USB port; the camera will not work with any adapters. Your best option is to install a USB PCI card. This will provide you with 2 USB ports. We recommend that you check with your computer manufacturer for compatibility. You can also contact a local computer repair store and have them help you.

Q: Will the Pocket DV work with Windows 95?

A: No, the driver is only compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.

Q: Is this camera compatible with Windows NT?

A: No. The Pocket DV requires a USB power connection and Windows NT does not support USB.

Q: Is this driver compatible with Macintosh computers?

A: No, the Pocket DV is only compatible with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. We do not have any Macintosh drivers for this camera or any of our cameras. You may be able to install the camera on your system if you were to install third party software, such as Virtual PC, which allows you to run Windows on a Macintosh computer. Please note that although we have had users confirm that the Pocket DV will work with Virtual PC’s Windows 98, we cannot offer support for Macintosh users, nor can we guarantee that it will work.

Q: Will this camera work with my existing imaging (scanners/other cameras) devices?

A: If you are unable to use the Pocket DV or your existing camera or scanner properly, uninstall both devices, and then reinstall the Pocket DV first. We recommend that our camera be installed first to avoid any driver conflicts. For troubleshooting steps, refer to the following instructions according to operating system.

Follow these steps to refer to the Device Manager for Windows 98 and Windows ME:

Go to your start button
Choose settings
Select control panel
Open up system
Go to the device manager’s tab
If the camera is installed correctly, you should have an icon called imaging device. Also, when you click the plus sign it should list your camera.

Follow these steps to refer to the Device Manager for Windows 2000:

Go to your start button
Choose settings
Select control panel
Open up system
Go to the hardware tab
Click on device manager
If the camera is installed correctly, you should have an icon called imaging. Also, when you click the plus sign it should list your camera.

Follow these steps to refer to Multimedia properties for Windows 98 and ME:

Go to your start button
Choose settings
Select control panel
Open multimedia, for Windows ME it would be sounds and multimedia
Go to the devices tab
Scroll down to video capture devices
Click the plus sign.
This will give a listing of all of the active video capture devices.

Follow these steps to refer to Multimedia properties for Windows 2000:

Go to your start button
Choose settings
Select control panel
Choose sounds and multimedia
Go to the hardware tab
Double click legacy video capture devices
Go to the properties tab.
Here it will give a listing of all of the active video capture devices.

Q: Where is the CD-Key that I need to install for the Video Live Mail, and the Video Kanoid programs?

A: Both of the CD-Keys are printed on the outer edge of the Pocket DV installation CD that was provided in your package. All programs should be listed, please refer to the program you are trying to install. Right after the name of the program it should list any Key you need.

Q. My camera isn't turning on, what am I doing wrong?

A. Please make sure that you are holding down only the mode button and not both the audio and mode button. Also, make sure you press the shutter button after you hear your camera beep.

Q: When I connect my camera to the computer or I try to get a live view, I get an error that says "Video Device is not attached", what do I do to fix this?

A. If you have a TV/Tuner card and do not want to disable it, then please try using another program like Netmeeting or Imaging for Windows. Those programs will allow you to use the camera as a camcorder. Otherwise try the steps provided below:

Follow these steps for Windows 98 and ME:

Go into your Control Panel and into Multimedia.
Click on the Devices tab.
Find Video Capture Devices and expand it by clicking the "+" next to it.
You should see all video capture devices there.
Look at the properties of each device. For all devices other than our camera, choose "Do not use this video capture device" and place a check in the "Do not map through this device" box.
Then click OK. You may need to restart your PC.
Once the PC has restarted (if necessary), try using the camera again. If the devices were properly disabled, you should be working fine.

Follow these steps for Windows 2000:

Open your Control Panel.
Double click on Sounds and Multimedia.
Click on the hardware tab and select legacy video capture devices.
Click on the properties button and then click on the properties tab.
You should see the available capture devices.
Look at the properties of each device. For all devices other than our camera, choose "Do not use this video capture device" and place a check in the "Do not map through this device" box.
Then click OK. You may need to restart your PC.
Once the PC has restarted (if necessary), try using the camera again. If the devices were properly disabled, your camera should be working fine.

Q: When I record my video from the Pocket DV Manager I do not get any sound.

A: The Pocket DV Manager does not have a sound recording feature. However, if you have a microphone, you can accomplish this using Video Live Mail or Ulead Video Studio.

Q. When I use my camera as a web cam, I do not get any sound.

A. In order to get sound while you're using the Pocket DV as a web cam, you will need a separate microphone.

Q: My picture quality is grainy.

A: Generally, this happens when there is insufficient lighting or battery life is low. First, try taking snapshots in a brighter environment such as outdoors. If this does not resolve the problem, replace the batteries.

Q. Why are my pictures coming out blurry?

A. If your pictures are coming out blurry, it may be because you did not adjust the focus lens. Locate the arrow on your focus lens and line it up with your preferred option.

For extreme close ups - Line up to the flower
For people/mid size shots - Line up to the middle
For landscape/people shots - Line up to mountain

Q: Is there a flash I can add onto my Pocket DV, if not how can I take pictures in poor lighting?

A: We do not offer, nor are we aware of any accessory flash for the Pocket DV.

Q. How do I create a new album?

A. To create a new album please follow the steps below:

Open up your Pocket DV Manager
Open the Album Manager (there will be a small blue arrow, toward the bottom of the screen)
Click on New
Type in your new album name
Locate the "..." button beneath the Delete button and click on it
You should be able to type in your path or browse through folders to choose one
Try clicking on your C:\ drive, then type in an album name
Click OK, you will be asked if you would like to create the folder, click yes
Click on Update, then highlight your new album and click open album
Once you have your new album created and opened, transfer your pictures into it.

Q. How can I edit or print my pictures?

A. In order to print or edit pictures (saved in your manager), you will need to open an imaging program, such as MSPaint or Imaging. Then open the picture from there. If you are not familiar with opening files in MSPaint or Imaging, please follow the steps provided below

Open your Camera Manager
Open the Album Manager (small arrow towards the bottom of the screen)
Left click once on your album to select it
On the bottom half of that window locate where it says "Path"
Take note of what is there, exactly word by word
Close your album manager and mega manager
Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, Paint/Imaging
Click on File, then Open
Where it says Look in:, click on the drop down arrow to the right.
From there look at the path you wrote down and follow it, by locating the folders it names and clicking on them
Once you get to MyAlbum, locate where it says "File Types" on the bottom of the window.
Click on the drop down arrow to the right and select "All Files"
That should bring up your picture files.
From there, double click on a picture file and that should open your picture up.
From here you can do what you like with your pictures
To print: click on File then print.

Q: Why does the Pocket DV manager close when I try to get a Live View?

A. Please make sure you meet all requirements for your system. If you have a TV/Tuner card and do not want to disable it, then please try using another program like Netmeeting or Imaging for Windows. Those programs will allow you to use the camera as a camcorder. Otherwise try the steps provided below:

Access your Device Manager
Locate any question marks or exclamation marks
Double click on it and select to reinstall the driver, select it.
Go through the installation and select what is recommended
You will be prompted with a total of 3 installations, follow through with all 3

If your computer cannot locate the drivers for your camera or asks you to connect to the internet, click on back and follow with the steps below:

Choose to specify the location and click next
Select to include this location and click on the browse button beneath it
Locate my computer and click on it
Locate your C:\ drive and click on it
Locate Windows (if it is not listed locate WINNT) and click on it
Locate Setup500 and select it
Click on OK, then Next
That should locate the driver for your camera
You will be prompted with a total of 3 installations, follow through with all 3

Q. Why does it say "Cannot Connect Camera" or "Failed to Connect Camera", when I try to use my camera with the Manager?

A. Please follow the same steps as indicated in the question above.

Q: Why can’t I send email directly from the Pocket DV manager?

A: Some Internet providers’ email format, such as AOL, is incompatible with the Pocket DV manager mail feature. You will need to send your pictures as attachments. Every e-mail provider has the option to do so. Follow the steps below:

Open up an e-mail
Click on the attachment button
Locate your pictures and click insert.

Q: Why can't I get the email function from Video Live Mail to work?

A: There are several reasons why Video Live Mail may not work. You should contact your Internet Service Provider to configure the email functions for Video Live Mail. The alternative is to send your pictures and video as attachments. Virtually every email provider supports this option.

Q. How can I tell if my batteries are low?

A. When your camera is turned on, you will see a battery symbol on the LCD display. That indicates your battery power.

Q: How long will my batteries last?

A. The average battery life of the camera is approximately 1 week. When the LCD display turns off, the camera enters standby mode; the camera does not actually power off. In order for the memory to function, whether you have pictures stored in the camera or not, the RAM must have a constant current of power. We recommend that you do not store the pictures on the camera longer than necessary. Download your pictures as soon as possible.