Vivitar DVR 426HDV3 User manual

DVR 426HDv3
Digital Camcorder
User Manual
© 2009-2012 Sakar International, Inc. All rights reserved.
Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

1
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2
What’s Included............................................................................................................................ 2
Parts of the Camcorder................................................................................................................ 3
Initial Camcorder Setup................................................................................................................ 4
Main Camcorder Modes............................................................................................................... 8
Camcorder Technical Specifications............................................................................................. 9
Computer System Requirements ............................................................................................... 10
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Camcorder.................................................................................11
Changing Camcorder Mode ....................................................................................................... 12
Navigating the Menus................................................................................................................. 13
ViviLink Feature.......................................................................................................................... 14
Video Capture Mode .................................................................................................................. 15
Video Playback Mode................................................................................................................. 29
Photo Capture Mode.................................................................................................................. 34
Photo Playback Mode ................................................................................................................ 49
Installing the Software................................................................................................................ 56
Connecting the Camcorder to the Computer.............................................................................. 57
Getting Photos and Videos from the Camcorder to the Computer ............................................. 58
Getting Started! .......................................................................................................................... 59
Transferring Images from the Camcorder to the Computer Manually......................................... 59
Connecting the Digital Camcorder to the TV.............................................................................. 61
Camcorder Maintenance............................................................................................................ 62
Sakar Warranty Card.................................................................................................................. 63
Technical Support....................................................................................................................... 64
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................... 64

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this digital video recorder. Everything you need to take quality digital
photos and videos is included with your digital video recorder.
Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible.
Note:
Your digital camcorder requires a Micro Memory card (up to 16GB) for normal use. Micro SD
Memory cards are not included and need to be purchased separately.
Important: You must use only a Class 4 Micro SD Memory card or higher.
This camera is a Plug and Play device. You can download the pictures and videos captured
by your camera without the software by directly accessing the camera’s memory card from
your computer. It is recommended however that you install the Vivitar Experience Image
Manager Software to enjoy the full Vivitar experience.
Please read this manual carefully first in order to get the most out of your digital camcorder.
What’s Included
1. Digital Camcorder
(with Built-in USB Connector,
not shown)
2. AV Cable
3. Vivitar Experience Image Manager
software Installation CD
4. Wrist Strap
Note: SD memory card and batteries not included.

3
Parts of the Camcorder
1. AV Out Port
12. Left / Resolution Button
2. Wrist Strap Connector
13. Shutter / OK Button
3. Tripod Mount
14. LCD Screen
4. USB Connector
15. Up / Zoom In Button
5. USB Lever
16. SD Memory Card Slot
6. LED Indicator Light
17. Power Button
7. Microphone
18. Delete Button
8. Lens
19. Right / ViviLink Button
9. Speaker
20. Down / Zoom Out Button
10. MODE Button
21. Battery Compartment
11. MENU Button

4
Initial Camcorder Setup
Installing the Batteries
Installing the Memory Card
Turning On the Camcorder
Using the Camcorder
Make sure the camcorder is
powered OFF.
Insert SD Memory card
(up to 16GB) before use.
Insert 3 X AAA (1.5V) batteries.
Alkaline batteries recommended
(not included).

5
When powering the camcorder ON for the first time the camcorder will take you through the
initial setup.
Powering the Digital Video Recorder ON
1) Batteries
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital video recorder.
Slide the battery compartment cover in a downward direction to open the cover.
Insert 3 x AAA (1.5V) batteries (not included) with the correct polarity, according to the
polarity illustrated inside the cover.
Note:
Alkaline batteries are recommended.
Remove the batteries from the camera when not in use for an extended period.
Do not mix alkaline and non-alkaline batteries.
Some camera features (such as Flash in some models) will not work if the battery power
level is low.
When the battery power is low the battery icon turns red and the camcorder will
automatically turn off a few seconds later.
The energy status of the power is displayed on LCD as shown below:
Full battery power Medium battery power Low battery power
2) SD Memory Card
Make sure the camcorder is powered OFF before inserting your SD/MMC/SDHC Memory
Card.
Make sure an SD card (up to16GB) has been inserted into your digital camcorder.
(SD Memory card not included.)
To properly insert the SD Card:
Push the SD card into the slot in the direction shown on the camcorder (see SD icon by
the SD card slot).
Push the SD card until you hear a slight clicking sound. This indicates the SD card has
been inserted correctly.

6
Note:
After the camera is powered on, an SD icon will appear on the LCD display. If you do
not see the SD icon on the display, please check if the card was inserted properly.
Make sure the SD card is not locked (check the lock switch on the side of the SD card). If
the SD card is locked this will prevent the camera from saving captured photos to the SDcard.
3) Power On
Press and hold the POWER button to turn on the camcorder.
Setting the Camcorder Language
You will first be prompted to select a language for the camera. The Language selection menu will
appear. Select the language of your choice by pressing the UP and DOWN direction control
buttons. Then press the OK button to confirm the selection.
After selecting a language, you will be asked if you would like to continue with the initial camera
setup. A message will appear: “Continue with Camera Setup?”
Select “Yes” to continue or “No” to exit the setup.
Note: If you select “No” and decide to leave the camera setup, the camera will be set to its default
settings. These settings can be adjusted at any time manually through the menus in the camera.

7
Setting the Date and Time
The next step in the initial camera setup is to set the date and time on the camera.
Set the Date and Time as desired by pressing the RIGHT and LEFT direction control buttons to
choose the specific setting and the UP and DOWN buttons to change each setting.
Once you have completed setting the time and date, press the OK button to confirm the selection
and move to the next part of the camera setup.
Setting the ViviLink Default Option
Once the Date and Time have been set, you will be asked to set the default ViviLink destination
for photos and videos taken with your camera.
The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camera’s photos and videos
to the social networks of your choice with the accompanying software application.
1) First you will be asked to choose the default ViviLink social network for Photos. Highlight the
desired default social network and press the OK button to confirm the selection.
2) Next you will be asked to choose the default ViviLink social network for Videos. Highlight the
desired default social network and press the OK button to confirm the selection.
3) After the ViviLink Video option is confirmed the camera is now ready to use.
Congratulations! Your digital video recorder is now ready to begin capturing videos and photos.

8
Main Camcorder Modes
Your digital video recorder has different modes for the various camcorder functions.
You can switch modes by pressing the MODE button on your digital video recorder after the
camcorder has been powered ON.
Video Capture Mode
Use this mode to capture videos with your digital video recorder.
This is the default mode when the camcorder is powered ON.
To take a video, aim your camcorder as desired and press the Shutter button to start
recording. A red record indicator appears on the LCD screen while the recording is in
progress. To stop recording, press the Shutter button again. The video is automatically
saved to your camcorder’s memory card.
To access the various menus for the Video Capture mode, press the MENU button while
in the Video Capture mode.
Photo Capture Mode
Use this mode to capture pictures with your camcorder.
After turning on your camcorder, press the MODE button once to open the Photo Capture
mode.
To take a picture, aim your camcorder as desired and press the Shutter button.
The picture is automatically saved to your camcorder’s memory card.
To access the various menus for the Photo Capture mode, press the MENU button while
in the Photo Capture mode.
Playback Mode (Photos & Videos)
Use this mode to view and manage the photos and videos on your camcorder.
After turning on your camcorder, press the MODE button twice to open the Playback mode
for photos and videos. You can scroll through the photos and videos that you’ve previously
taken to view and delete them as desired.
To access the various menus for the Playback mode for photos and videos, press the
MENU button while in the Playback mode.

9
Camcorder Technical Specifications
Image Sensor
CMOS Sensor
Image Resolution
2592x1944 (5.1MP), 2048x1536 (3.0MP),
1280x1024 pixels (1.3MP)
Video Resolution
1280 x 720 (HD), 640X480pixels (VGA 30fps)
File Format
JPEG/AVI
External Memory
SDRAM 4×16MB
SD Card Memory Card not included
LCD Display
1.77 Inch TFT
Lens
f=3.0mm F2.8
Zoom
4X Digital Zoom
Scene
Auto, Scenery, Portrait, Night Scenery, Night Portrait,
Sensitive, Sport, Beach, Party
Anti-Shake
Yes
Self-Timer
2, 5, 10 seconds delay; Off (Normal)
Multi Snapshot (Burst)
Yes
White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent
Light Exposure
-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV
ISO
Auto, 100, 200, 400
Frequency
50Hz, 60 Hz
Auto Power Off
1 min., 3 minutes, 5 minutes, Disable
Language
English, French
Microphone
Yes
Speaker
Yes
Interface
USB 2.0 (HS)
System Requirements
Window XP SP3 / Vista SP1/ Windows 7
Mac OS X v10.5.x or higher
Battery
3 x AAA (1.5V) Alkaline batteries
Batteries not included
Working Temperature
0~40 C

10
Computer System Requirements
To be able to download photos and videos to your computer using the Vivitar Experience Image
Manager Software, you will need the following minimum configuration:
WINDOWS OS
MICROSOFT®Windows XP with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 orWindows
7
Pentium® 4 processor (or above)
1 GB RAM, 250 MB available hard disk space
16-bit Color monitor, 1024 X 768 recommended screen resolution
CD-ROM Drive
QuickTime® 6 or higher
MICROSOFT ® Internet Explorer 7 or higher
Windows Media Player 10 or higher
DirectX 9 or higher
Internet connection required
MACINTOSH OS
Intel processor running MACINTOSH OS X v10.5.x or later
1 GB RAM, 250 MB available hard disk space
Display: 1024 x 768 or higher-resolution monitor
QuickTime® 6 or higher
CD-ROM Drive
Internet connection required
Note: Make sure the latest compatible Adobe® Flash® Player is installed on your computer.

11
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Camcorder
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital video recorder.
If your camcorder comes with a rechargeable lithium battery, make sure it is fully charged
before the first use.
Make sure an SD card has been inserted into your camcorder.
(SD card up to 16GB - SD Card not included)
Powering the Camcorder ON
Press the Power button to turn your camcorder ON.
The camcorder will be in Video Capture mode to start.
Powering the Camcorder OFF
While the camcorder is on, you can press the Power button again at any point to turn your
camcorder OFF. You will see a “Goodbye” splash screen and then the camcorder will power off
completely.
Note: When there is insufficient battery power, a “Low Battery” message will appear on the LCD
screen. The digital camcorder will automatically power off a few moments later.
Auto Power Off - Power Saving
Your digital camcorder also has an Auto Power Off feature that automatically turns off your
camcorder after a specific period of time that your camcorder is left idle. The Auto Power Off time
can be set from the ‘Auto Off’menu settings.

12
Changing Camcorder Mode
Your digital video recorder has three main modes:
1) Video Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture videos with your camcorder.
2) Photo Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture photos with your camcorder.
3) Playback Mode (for photos and videos) - Use this mode to view the photos and videos
you have already taken with your camcorder.
When the camcorder is first powered ON, the Video Capture Mode will be active. The icons that
appear on the LCD screen are the best default settings so that you can begin to capture and
enjoy clear quality videos and photos.
To change the active camcorder mode, make sure the camcorder is powered ON and press the
MODE button.
When in Video Capture Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display.
When in Photo Capture Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD
display.
When in Playback Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display.

13
Navigating the Menus
Each camcorder mode has a set of menus specific to that mode.
1) Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
1) Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control button to scroll between the various menus for
the current mode.
2) Press the UP or DOWN direction control button to highlight the desired menu selection.
3) Press the OK button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option.
4) If the selection can be remembered by the camcorder, a selection icon will appear to the
right of the selected menu option. Changes made to these options will remain as is until you
decide to change them again at a later time.
5) Some menu options are single-use functions that are not remembered by the camcorder
and do not display this icon when selected.
6) At any time you can press the MENU button to exit the menus and return to the previous
screen.

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ViviLink Feature
The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camcorder’s photos and
videos to the social networks of your choice with the accompanying Vivitar Experience Image
Manager application.
1) Press the RIGHT button while in Video or Photo Capture Mode.
This is the Quick Function Button to access the ViviLink Menu.
2) The ViviLink for Videos or Photos Menu appears with the following options:
ViviLink for Videos: YouTube, Photobucket, Flickr, None
ViviLink for Photos: Facebook, Twitgoo, Twitpic, Photobucket, Flickr, MySpace, Picasa, None
3) Press the UP or DOWN direction control button to scroll through the menu options.
4) Press the OK button to select and confirm the desired option.
A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
5) Once youhave selected a ViviLink, press the MENU button to return tothe current Mode.
6) The icon of the selected ViviLink destination appears on the LCD screen and the camcorder
is now set to capture your photo or video using the ViviLink feature.
Note:
The ViviLink feature is deactivated by default. A ViviLink destination can only be assigned to a
photo or video if you manually set it from this menu each time before you capture your photo
or video. Once activated the selected ViviLink destination appears on the LCD screen.
The selected ViviLink option remains the default selected option. This can be changed at any
time by choosing another option from the ViviLink menu. Remember that the ViviLink needs to
be activated by selecting it from the menu before capturing your image.
The icon of the selected ViviLink destination appears in the Playback Mode on each captured
image. If you have selected ‘None’ as your ViviLink, no icon appears.
The ViviLink destination applied to your captured image can be changed from the ViviLink
menu in Playback Mode.

15
Video Capture Mode
The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital video recorder. When the
camcorder is first powered ON, the Video Capture Mode will display by default.
Taking a Video
1) Power on the camcorder. The camcorder will be in Video Capture Mode, with the video
icon appearing on the top, left of the LCD screen.
2) While in Video Capture Mode use the LCD display to direct the camcorder at the scene you
would like to capture.
3) Press the UP-T/Zoom In and DOWN –W/Zoom Out buttons to better set the camcorder
display if desired. You can magnify your subject up to 4 times using the digital zoom while
capturing your photos and recording your videos.
The magnification indicator appears on the bottom, right of the LCD screen and displays the
selected magnification.
4) Press the SHUTTER button to start the video capture.
5) The elapsed recording time and a blinking, red indicator appear on the top of the LCD
screen indicating that the video capture is in progress.
6) To stop recording the video, press the SHUTTER button again.
7) The video is automatically saved to the camcorder’s SD memory card.
Taking a Video with the Flip Screen
You can also capture your videos using the Flip Screen.
When you would like to quickly and easily include yourself in the video, follow these simple steps:
1) Flip the LCD display out.
2) Hold the camera facing towards you. Make sure you can see yourself within the scene on
the LCD screen
3) Look at the lens, and then press the SHUTTER button to begin recording.
It’s as easy as twist and shoot!
Note: The amount of recording time available for the resolution selected appears on the top
center of LCD screen. The lower the resolution setting the more recording time is available.
However, videos recorded at lower resolution are of less quality than videos recorded at the
higher resolution. Remember, the amount of time that you can capture videos also depends on
the size of the SD memory card inserted as well as the video resolution and quality selected.

16
Deleting the Selected Image (Video or Photo)
1) Press the DELETE button to open the ‘Delete This File?’ menu.
2) Press the UP or DOWN button to select from the following options: Yes, No.
Yes: Automatically Deletes Image
Select ‘Yes’ then press the OK button to delete the image (video/photo) that was just
captured. The next captured image (video/photo) then appears with the Delete menu
options.
You can continue to delete captured images or exit by selecting ‘No’ or by pressing the
MENU button.
No: Exits the Delete Menu Without Deleting Image
Select ‘No’ then press the OK button to exit without deleting the selected image and
return to the current capture mode.
Video Capture Mode Quick Function Buttons
Your digital camcorder has a four-directional pad and additional buttons that serve as Quick
Function buttons.
Button
Function
LEFT
Resolution –Changes between HD and VGA Video Resolution
UP (T)
Zooms in
RIGHT
ViviLink for Videos –Opens the ViviLink Menu options for Videos
DOWN (W)
Zooms out
Other
OK/SHUTTER
- Starts and stops your video capture
- Confirms menu selection
MENU
- Opens the Video Capture Menu options
Note: To navigate through the Menus, use the LEFT, RIGHT, UP, and
DOWN directions control buttons.
- Exits the Video Capture Menu options
MODE
Toggles between the Video Capture Mode, Photo Capture Mode, and
Playback Mode
DELETE
Opens the ‘Delete This File?’ menu and allows you to delete the selected
image (photo or video) as seen on the LCD screen.

17
Video Capture Mode Menus
The following are the menus that appear in your camera’s Video Capture Mode:

18
Scene Menu
Using the Scene Menu you can choose scene settings that allow your camera to adapt properly
to your current environment.
1) Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2) Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control button to scroll and select the ‘Scene’ menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN direction control button to highlight the desired menu option.
4) Press the OK button to select and save the desired option.
5) A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6) Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
7) Press the MENU button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8) An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9) Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera’s default factory settings.
Resolution Menu
The Resolution menu allows you to choose the desired size of the images taken by your camera.
Keep in mind that images with a higher resolution will also take up more of your camera’s
memory.
1) Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2) Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control button to scroll and select the ‘Resolution’ menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN direction control button to highlight the desired menu option.
4) Press the OK button to select and save the desired option.
5) A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6) Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
7) Press the MENU button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8) An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9) Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera’s default factory settings.

19
Quality Menu
The Quality menu allows you to select the desired quality level of the images taken by your
camera. Keep in mind that images with a higher image quality level will also take up more
memory on your camera.
1) Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2) Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control button to scroll and select the ‘Quality’menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN direction control button to highlight the desired menu option.
4) Press the OK button to select and save the desired option.
5) A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6) Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
7) Press the MENU button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8) An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9) Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera’s default factory settings.
Anti-Shake Menu
The Anti-Shake feature reduces image corruption that can be caused by movement of the
camera while capturing the image.
1) Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2) Press the LEFT or RIGHT direction control button to scroll and select the ‘Anti-Shake’
menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN direction control button to highlight the desired menu option.
4) Press the OK button to select and save the desired option.
5) A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6) Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to select the next menu item.
7) Press the MENU button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8) An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
9) Remember that this setting will be saved by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera’s default factory settings.