PhotoVu PV1040 User manual

PhotoVu Digital Picture Frame
PV1040 User Guide
PhotoVu, LLC
3090 Sterling Circle, #102C
Boulder, CO 80301 USA
www.photovu.com/support
+1 303.444.5566 Sales
Version Date: 8.10.2007 v6
©2003-07 PhotoVu, LLC

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Table of Contents
Getting Started ..................................................................................3
Package Contents ..............................................................................3
Key Features......................................................................................3
First Time Operation..........................................................................4
Product Overview...............................................................................5
Using Multiple Memory Cards ..................................................6
Remote Control .................................................................................6
Basic Operation .................................................................................7
Viewing Photos ........................................................................7
Full Screen and Letterboxing....................................................8
Listening to Music....................................................................8
Playing Video...........................................................................9
Playing Photos, Music and Videos Together .............................9
Advanced Operation ..........................................................................9
Photo Setup .............................................................................9
Music Setup .............................................................................9
Video Setup ...........................................................................10
Slideshow Setup.....................................................................10
Preferences............................................................................10
LCD Display Settings..............................................................10
Replacing the Remote Control Battery ..............................................11
Specifications ..................................................................................11
Care and Maintenance of Your PhotoVu............................................11
Servicing Your PhotoVu....................................................................12
Frequently Asked Questions.............................................................12

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Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing a PhotoVu digital picture frame.Get ready to experience
digital photography like never before!
We have created this user manual to assist you in using your PhotoVu digital picture
frame.The instructions are straight forward and simple. If you get to the end of this
document and still have questions, PhotoVu Technical Support is available at
www.photovu.com/support.
The PhotoVu PV1040 digital picture frame allows for the viewing of photos and
videos and the listening of music. The PV1040 uses memory cards commonly found
in digital cameras. All functions are controlled using the remote control. A computer
or Internet connection is not required.
Package Contents
Upon opening the PhotoVu shipping box, you should find the following items:
1. PV1040 Digital Picture Frame
2. Desktop Stand
3. AC Power Adapter and Geography specific Power Cord
4. Remote Control
5. User Manual
6. Your sales invoice and receipt.
Unpack and save all shipping materials. If there appears to be any shipping
damage, immediately contactPhotoVu Support at www.photovu.com/support.
Please DO NOT turn on or attempt to operate your PhotoVu. In case of a return or
warranty service, the original packaging must be used for return shipping to
PhotoVu.
Key Features
The PhotoVu PV1040 has several key features:
1. Simple Operation – Just insert your memory card into the PhotoVu and the
Photo Show will start to play. A computer or Internet connection is not
required.
2. Memory Card Support – Many popular memory cards are supported:
-SD™ -Secure Digital Card
-CF - Compact Flash® Type I
-MS -Memory Stick®
-MS Pro -Memory Stick PRO®
-XD™ Picture Cards
-MMC - Multimedia Card™
-SM - Smart Media®

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You will find that most cameras have CF, XD, or SD formats.
3. High Resolution LCD Display – The PV1040 has an impressive TFT-LCD
display with a wide view angle and rich color.
4. Remote Control - Easy to use remote control for displaying and managing all
of your media types: photos, videos, music.
5. Music Support – Plays MP3 files using the PV1040’s integrated speakers.
6. Video Support – Plays MPEG 1/2 files. Please note, a high-speed memory
card is recommended for video.
First Time Operation
To setup your PhotoVu, please use the following instructions:
1. Open the package and remove the protective foam. Also remove the
protective sleeve from the PhotoVu.
2. Connect the desktop stand.
3. Plug the power cord into the AC power brick then plug one end of the power
supply into the PhotoVu and the other end into a power outlet. The standard
power cord is North America. By your request, the power cord might be
replaced with the appropriate cord and plug for your geography.
4. Once you have photos, videos, and/or music on the memory card, insert the
card into the proper slot. Do not force the card into the slot. If it does not
fit, turn the card around and try again. For detailed instructions on memory
card usage, see the next section.
5. Press the power button. This is found on the right hand side of the frame.
6. The default behavior is to automatically start a Photo Show based upon the
JPEGs the PhotoVu sees on the memory card. The Photo play list will
automatically sort alphabetically by the file name including the folder name.
The first file in the sorted play list will be displayed first.
7. If you want to play a Photo Show with Music, Stop the Photo Show. Press
the Music button on the remote to show the stored music files. The first
music file will automatically start to play. Next, press Slideshow (the button
with the music notes on it). The PhotoVu will play your MP3s while playing
the Slideshow.
8. For the most consistent operation, please Power Off your PV1040 before
inserting or removing your memory card.

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Product Overview
The following product views describe the location of the PhotoVu’s controls and
memory card slots on the PV1040.
Back View Side View Bottom View
1. Landscape Mounting Points
2. Portrait Mounting Points
3. Removable Stand
4. Integrated Speakers
5. Auto LCD Adjust
6. LCD Menu
7. Up/Down Arrows
8. Power
9. Power Connector
10. Memory Cards
Memory Card Slots - Bottom View
Slot A
MS/MS Pro/SD/MMC
When inserting these memory
cards, please make sure the
card’s label faces toward the
LCD display
Slot B
XD & Smart Media
When inserting these memory
cards, please make sure the
card’s label faces away from
the LCD display
Slot C
Compact Flash (CF) Type I
When inserting this memory
card, please make sure the
card’s label faces toward the
LCD display
Memory cards can ONLY be inserted one way.If you find that the memory card
does not fit, please do not force it. Pull the memory card out and check to see that
you have the card in the proper position before you reinsert it. You can also try
turning the card around.

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Using Multiple Memory Cards
At any one time, you are able to insert up to three different types of memory cards
into the PV1040. When you use multiple memory cards, please keep the following in
mind:
1. Use the Card Selection or File button on the remote to switch between
memory cards.
2. When you Power On the PhotoVu, the slot order of priority is C, A, then B. If
you have cards in all three slots, the default card will be the CF in slot C.
3. If the PV1040 does not see your memory card, try turning the PV1040 power
off then on again.
4. If you do not see your files in the proper order when viewing them on the
PhotoVu, try reformatting your memory card. This will reinitialize the memory
card’s internal tables. This is a destructive process to please make sure you
backup your files.
5. Most but not all memory cards are compatible with the PV1040.
Incompatibilities can arise due to the age of the memory card or the
technology within it. Overall, name brand cards work the best.
Remote Control
Most features on the PhotoVu are controlled using the remote. The following table
briefly describes the remote control functions:
Button Description
Power Turn the PV1040 On or Off
Setup Open the setup menu
Display Display file information for
the current file
Card Selection Select a memory card
Music Display music files
Photo Display photo files
Movie Display video files
File Library of all folders & files
Rotate Rotate photo 90 degrees
clockwise on screen
Zoom Zoom 4x (photos only)
Repeat Repeat Folder Option
Slideshow Start a Music Photo Show
Rew Rewind videos
FF Fast-forward videos
Prev Go to previous file
Next Go to next file
+ (Volume) Increase volume
-(Volume) Decrease volume
Mute Mute volume
Effect Change Photo Show

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effects
Slide Interval Change Photo Show
delay: 1, 3, 5, 10 seconds
Up Arrow Move up on the menus
Down Arrow Move down on the menus
Left Arrow Move left on the menus
Right Arrow Move right on the menus
Play/Pause Play or pause a file
Stop Stop playing
Basic Operation
Once you have one or more memory cards installed, you are ready to explore all of
the features of your PhotoVu. Please the remote control for the following section.
Viewing Photos
When viewing photos, make sure you are using the JPEG format. This isthe
standard on most digital cameras. The PV1040 only supports JPEG images when
playing a Photo Show.
There are several ways to view your photos on the PV1040. Some of these options
are controlled by the Advanced Operation section below. It is important that you
read this and the next section together.
If you have changed any of the Advanced Operation settingsin the next section, your
results might differ from what is listed in this section.
Choose one of the following options:
1. Plug in a memory card and press the Power On button. The Photo Show will
automatically start.
2. Press the Photo button on the remote and you will enter the thumbnail mode.
Press Display to get information on the selected file. Press Display again to
turn this off. To start your Photo Show, press the Play/Pause button.
3. If you want to play a Photo Show with Music, Stop the Photo Show. Press
the Music button on the remote to show the stored music files. The first
music file will automatically start to play. Next, press Slideshow (the button
with the music notes on it). The PhotoVu will play your MP3swhile playing
the Slideshow.
4. Press File. In the File mode, you will use the arrow keys and press the
Play/Pause button to select an item. If you have more than one memory card
installed, you will see a selection at the top called Devices. Select Devices
and you will see the Device Library. This will list your memory cards per the
instructions above. Select a memory card and you will see a file and folder
view of that card. Once inside a folder, you can play a Photo Show, by
pressing Play/Pause. Once the Photo Show starts, press Repeat to toggle
the repeat folder option.
You also can use the Effect, Slide Interval, and Zoom buttons while playing a Photo
Show.

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Full Screen and Letterboxing
The native LCD screen resolution of your PhotoVu PV1040 is 640x480. This is
commonly referred to as a 4:3 or 1.33 ratio.
image width / image height = image ratio
640 / 480 = 1.33
Today, many digital cameras take photos in a 1.33 ratio but their image resolution is
significantly higher than 640x480. It is common to see a 6 mega-pixel digital camera
take 2816x2112 resolution pictures.
When the image ratio is640x480 and 1.33, you will always see the image at full
screen on the PhotoVu.
All of this leads to the question of…when don’t you see the image at full screen on
the PV1040? The simple answer is when the image’s ratio is not 640x480 and 1.33.
This happens with some high resolution images, when displaying a portrait photo,
pictures taken at a 1.5 ratio (many high-end cameras allow for this), or high
resolution scanned photos. In these cases, you will see letterboxing on the
top/bottom and/or left/right.
If needed, many photo management software programs provide features to bulk
resize your photos to 640x480.This will also increase the number of photos you can
store on your memory card.
Listening to Music
When listening to music, make sure you are using the MP3 format. The PV1040
only supports MP3s when listening to music. If you have another format, please
convert it to MP3 before copying it to your memory card.
There are several ways to play music on the PV1040. Some of these options are
controlled by the Advanced Operation section below. It is important that you read
this and the next section together.
If you have changed any of the Advanced Operation settingsin the next section, your
results might differ from what is listed in this section.
Choose one of the following options:
1. Plug in a memory card and press the Power On button. Press Stop to stop
the Photo Show. Press Music. You will see a list of songs and the first one
will automatically start to play.If you press Down or Up Arrow, the
next/previous song will play. If you press Stop, you will see the listing of
songs again. Press the Up or Down Arrow or Play key again to start playing
aMP3 file again.
2. Press File. Find the file or folder that contains your MP3 files. Use the arrow
keys to highlight the MP3 file and it will automatically start to play.Once the
music starts, press Repeat to toggle the repeat folder option. To controlthe
equalizer, press Effect and this will allow you to toggle through the options.
You can also use the Volume, Mute, Rewind, Fast Forward, Prev, and Next buttons
while playing music.

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Playing Video
When playing videos, make sure you are using the MPEG 1/2format. The PV1040
only supports MPEG 1/2 when playing videos. If you have another format, please
convert it to MPEG before copying it to your memory card.
There are several ways to play videos on the PV1040. Some of these options are
controlled by the Advanced Operation section below. It is important that you read
this and the next section together.
If you have changed any of the Advanced Operation settingsin the next section, your
results might differ from what is listed in this section.
Choose one of the following options:
1. Plug in a memory card and press the Power On button. Press Stop to stop
the Photo Show. Press Movie. You will see a list of videos. Press
Play/Pause to play the selected video file.
2. Press File. Find the file or folder that contains your video files. Press the
Play/Pause button. Once the video starts, press Repeat to toggle the repeat
folder option.
You can also use the Volume, Mute, Rewind, Fast Forward, Prev, and Next buttons
while playing videos.
If you plan to use the PV1040 to play video, a high-speed memory card is
recommended.
Playing Photos, Music and Videos Together
If you would like to play different types of media one file after another, create a single
folder on your memory card to hold your photos, music, and videos. Copy your
desired files to this folder. Remove the memory card from your card reader and plug
it into the PhotoVu. Power it on then press Stop on the remote once the Photo Show
starts to play. Press File then go into the folder you created in the first step. Press
Play on the remote. Each file will be played and the order is determined by the file
name. Once playing starts, press Repeat to toggle the repeat folder option.
Advanced Operation
As mentioned in the above section, there are several advanced settings that
influence the PhotoVu’s basic operation. Only the options listed here are supported
by the PV1040.Your menus might display additional selections.
To access these settings, press the File button then Setup. After you change one or
more of these settings, you might need to push the Card Selection button first then
press Music, Photos, or Movies.
Photo Setup
1. Repeat Mode – The Photo Show will automatically repeat.
Music Setup
1. Repeat Mode – The Music will automatically repeat.

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Video Setup
1. Repeat Mode – The Videos will automatically repeat.
Slideshow Setup
1. Slideshow Mode – Manual: Use this setting to manually advance the Photo
Show using the Prev and Next buttons. Auto: Will automatically advance
each photo based upon the Interval Time.
2. Interval Time – 1, 3, 5, or 10 second delay between photos.
3. Trans Speed – Select a speed of fast or slow.
4. Transition – Select a transition or Random.
Preferences
1. OSD Language – Please select your language.
2. OSD Message – Turn the OSD Message on or off.
3. Default – Reset your PV1040.
4. Auto Start – Automatically start playing a Photo Show when the PV1040 is
powered on and there is a memory card present.
LCD Display Settings
The LCD Display Settings do not use the remote. Press the menu button on the
PhotoVu to access the LCD display settings.
1. Contrast – Adjust the display’s contrast.
2. Brightness –Adjust the display’s brightness.
3. Image Setting –Adjust the phase, clock, horizontal and vertical positions.
4. Color Setting –Adjust the global Red, Blue, Green values.
5. OSD Setting –Adjust the position of the OSD menu.
6. Reset –Reset the PV1040’s display settings.

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Replacing the Remote Control Battery
1. Remove the battery compartment cover by pulling the
cover in the direction of the arrow.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Insert the replacement battery taking note of the
correct polarity (+/-).
4. Replace the cover.
Please Note:
1. Only use a 3V CR2025 battery.
2. Dispose of used batteries according to local ordinance
regulations.
3. Remove the battery when not using the PhotoVu for
prolonged periods.
Specifications
Size 10" x 12" x 1.57" (26 x 31 x 4 cm)
Display Size 10.4” (26cm) diagonal display, 8" width x 6" height
Resolution 640 x 480
Colors 256k
Brightness 300cd/m2 max.
Contrast angle 300:1
Viewing angle 140 (H) x 130 (V)
Input voltage AC110 - 240V, (50Hz -60Hz)
Operating Temp 0℃---50℃
Weight 3.3 lbs (1.5kg)
Media Types MPEG1/2, MP3/JPEG
Memory Cards CF Type I/MD Type I/MS/SD/MMC/SM/XD
Care and Maintenance of Your PhotoVu
Please note the following:
1. The PV1040 should only be used indoors only.
2. Do not drop your PhotoVu. Shock can and will damage your PV1040.
3. Always prevent exposure to any type of moisture. This will reduce the risk of
electrical shock or fire.

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4. The PhotoVu is convection cooled so make sure the top and bottom of therear
enclosure is exposed to air. Mounting the PhotoVu within an enclosure is not
recommended and will void your warranty.
5. If you need to clean the PhotoVu’s screen, please use a soft cloth and spray the
solution on the rag first. DO NOT spray the screen of the PhotoVu under any
circumstance.
Servicing Your PhotoVu
The PhotoVu enclosure is factory sealed -- there are no user serviceable parts and it
is not possible to open the unit without destroying it. Attempts to open the unit is
expressly prohibited by the “Terms and Conditions” agreed to when the unit was first
purchased. Any attempt to open the unit will void the warranty and make your digital
picture frame unusable. If yourunit needs servicing, please contact us directly for
RMA instructions. It’s a very simple process.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional information on the PV1040, please read the following FAQs:
1. I have tried all of the setting above but I still cannot get my files to be viewed or
played in order. What should I do?
As your last troubleshooting step, please format your memory card. This will
reinitialize your card’s internal storage tables. This is a destructive process to
please make sure you backup your files.
2. I don’t see my photos at full screen. Is there a way to change this?
Yes. Many photo management software programs provide the ability to “bulk”
resize your photos. The PV1040’s optimum resolution for full screen is 640 x
480. This will also allow you to store many more photos on your memory card.
3. What is the largest memory card you support?
This is dependent upon many factors, mainly the age of the card, the technology
used within the card, and the files you plan to store on the card. Generally, 1 or
2 GB memory cards work fine. Please see FAQ #4 for additional information.
The size, type, and number of files will determine the actual capacity that can be
used.
4. I get an “out of memory” error. What could be the problem?
There are many reasons this could happen. If you have a lot of files stored on
your memory card, PV1040 could have reached its internal limit. Generally, this
is between 500 and 1000 files. In some cases, it could be more. There isn’t an
exact way to calculate this since each photo, music or video file is a different file
size and each has its own internal memory requirements. Some times, the
memory card is not fully compatible with the PV1040. Please test this condition
by using another type of memory card, preferably a newer one. Overall, for
photos, a 640x480 size works the best. For audio and video, you will have to
change those source parameters to find a combination that works well with the
PhotoVu.
5. I see the hand on the top left of the LCD display or the remote will not respond
right away. What is the problem?

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If you see the hand, your PV1040 is busy or the button you pushed does not
apply to the mode you are in. If your PhotoVu does not respond right away to a
button push, please wait a few seconds. Most likely, the PhotoVu is busy
processing files and will respond once it is ready.
6. What is the difference between a Type I and II Compact Flash card? Which ones
do you support?
A Type I card is usually associated with a Compact Flash card. A Type II card is
thicker and is usually associated with a Micro Drive. Only the Type I cards work
with the PV1040.
7. Can I play more than one memory card at a time?
On the PV1040, you select onememory card to work with at a time even though
more might be installed. If you need to change cards, press the Card Selection
button on the remote.
8. Does the PhotoVu PV1040 have onboard memory?
The source for all media types the PV1040 uses come from memory cards that
are plugged into the PhotoVu. This provides much more flexibility since you
have a choice of memory capacity and card type.
9. Can I store and use photos, video, and music on the same memory card?
Yes. When you have multiple media types on a memory card, we recommend
you put these into separate folders for easier management.
10. Can I play the content of just one folder?
Yes. Press File then select the folder you would like to play. Once you are
inside that folder, press Play on the remote. Once your content starts to play,
press the Repeat button to toggle the repeat folder option.
11. When I Power On my PV1040, the Photo Show does not automatically start.
What could be the problem?
On the remote, press File then Setup. Go to Preferences and make sure Auto
Start is On.
12. The LCD display acts really funny after switching memory cards. What is
happening?
For the most consistent operation of your PV1040, please Power Off you
PhotoVu when removing or inserting memory cards.
13. How do I get photos, music, or videos from my computer to the PV1040?
You will need a memory card reader to transfer your files from the computer to
the memory card. Many computers have card readers built into them. There are
also card readers that plug into a USB port on your computer and are available at
any electronic or computer store for about $20.
14. My videos don’t play at full screen. What could be the problem?
The native resolution of the PV1040’s LCD display is 640x480. Many MPEG
videos are much lower resolution (320x240) and will not fill the screen. Please
check your video’s resolution and make the appropriate adjustments. Also make
sure you are using a high-speed memory card.