Vivitar DVR 942HDv3 User manual

DVR 942HDv3
Digital Camcorder
User Manual
© 2009-2013 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
What’s Included ....................................................................................................................................2
Parts of the Camcorder.........................................................................................................................3
Initial Camcorder Setup ........................................................................................................................4
Main Camcorder Modes........................................................................................................................9
Camcorder Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................10
Computer System Requirements........................................................................................................11
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Camcorder.........................................................................................12
Changing Camcorder Mode................................................................................................................13
Navigating the Menus .........................................................................................................................14
Camcorder Features: ViviLink, LED Light...........................................................................................17
Video Capture Mode...........................................................................................................................18
Video Playback Mode .........................................................................................................................27
Photo Capture Mode...........................................................................................................................33
Photo Playback Mode.........................................................................................................................43
Camcorder Setup Menus....................................................................................................................50
Slide Show..........................................................................................................................................53
Connecting the Digital Camcorder to the TV and HDTV.....................................................................54
Installing the Software.........................................................................................................................55
Connecting the Camcorder to the Computer.......................................................................................57
Getting Photos and Videos from the Camcorder to the Computer......................................................57
Getting Started!...................................................................................................................................58
Transferring Images from the Camcorder to the Computer Manually .................................................59
Camcorder Maintenance.....................................................................................................................60
Sakar Warranty Card ..........................................................................................................................61
Technical Support ...............................................................................................................................61
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................62

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this digital camcorder. Everything you need to take quality digital photos and
videos is included with your digital camcorder.
Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible.
Note:
Your digital camcorder needs an SD Memory card (up to 32GB) for normal use. SD Memory cards
are not included and need to be purchased separately.
Important: You must use only a Class 4 SDHC Memory card or higher.
This camera is a Plug and Play device. You can download the pictures and videos without the
software by directly accessing the camcorder’s memory card from your computer. However it is
recommended 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
2) Lithium Battery
3) USB cable
4) TV Cable
5) Vivitar Experience Image Manager Software
Installation CD
6) AC Charger
7) Lens Cover Strap
Note:
Hand Strap included (not shown).
Class 4 (or higher) SDHC Memory card not included.

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Parts of the Camcorder
1. Power Button
15. USB Port
2. Home Button
16. LCD Screen
3. Zoom In / Zoom Out
17. Light Compensation Button
4. Photo Shutter Button
18. Speaker
5. MODE Button
19. Lens
6. Reset
7. Video Record Button
8. Hand Strap Connector
9. Hand Strap
10.Battery Compartment
11.Battery Clip
12.SD Memory Card Slot
13.HD Out
14.TV Out
20. Lens Cover
21. Lens Cover Strap
22. LED Ligth
23. IR Remote Control Interface
24. Tripod Mount
25. Microphone
26. Charging Light
27. Power Light

4
Initial Camcorder Setup
INSTALLING AND CHARGING THE BATTERY
To Insert the Battery:
1) Push the battery latch open and insert the battery in the direction as shown above.
2) Make sure to insert the lithium battery all the way into the battery compartment and then release
the latch.
To Charge the Battery:
1) Upon first use make sure the battery is fully charged.
2) To charge the battery, insert the battery correctly into the camcorder and make sure the camcorder
is powered off.
3) Proceed with one of the following steps below to charge the battery:
A. Charge the battery using the supplied USB connection cable, your camera and your computer:
- Connect the smaller end of the USB cable into the USB port on your camera.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on your computer.
- The charge light turns on when the battery is charging.
- The charge light turns off when the battery is fully charged.

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B. Charge the battery using the USB connection cable (included) and the AC Charger (included).
This is the recommended method of recharging the battery.
- Connect the smaller end of the USB cable into the USB port on your camera.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to the AC Charger and then plug the AC Charger into
a power socket.
- The charge light turns on when the battery is charging.
- The charge light turns off when the battery is fully charged.
Note:
Some camera features will not work if the battery power level is low.
When the battery power is empty the battery icon turns red and ‘Low Battery’ flashes on the LCD
screen. The camcorder automatically turns 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
INSTALLING THE SD MEMORY CARD

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IMPORTANT: You must use only a Class 4 SDHC Memory card or higher.
Make sure a Class 4 (or higher) SD card (up to 32GB) has been properly inserted into your camera.
SD card not included.
To properly insert the SD Card:
1) Open the SD memory card compartment door.
2) Push the SD card into the slot in the direction as shown by the SD card icon on the camera.
See images below: 1 and 2.
3) Push the SD card until you hear a slight clicking sound. This indicates the SD card has been
inserted correctly. See images below: 3 and 4.
4) Close the SD card compartment door.
Note:
After the camera is powered on, the 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 SD card.

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POWERING ON THE CAMCORDER
1) Flip open the LCD screen.
2) The camcorder automatically powers on.
Alternatively, press the POWER button to turn on the camcorder.
CAMERA INITIAL SETUP
After powering the camcorder ON for the first time, the camcorder takes you through the Initial
Camcorder Setup that allows you to select the camcorder’s language, date/time and ViviLink. See
below for details.
Setting the Camcorder Language
1) You will first be prompted to select a language for the camcorder.
The Language options appear. Drag up or down to scroll and view the menu options.
2) Select the language of your choice and tap SAVE & EXIT to confirm the selection.
3) After selecting a language, you will be asked if you would like to continue with the initial camcorder
setup. The following message appears: “Continue with Camcorder Setup?”
Tap “Yes” to continue or “No” to exit the setup.
Note: If you select “No” and decide to leave the camcorder setup, the camcorder will be set to its
default settings. These settings can be adjusted at any time manually through the menus of the
camcorder.

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Setting the Date and Time
The next step in the initial camcorder setup is to set the date and time on the camcorder.
1) Drag up or down to scroll and view the Date and Time options.
2) Set the Date and Time as desired and tap SAVE & EXIT to confirm the selection and move to the
next part of the camcorder 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 camcorder.
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 software application.
1) First you will be asked to choose the default ViviLink social network for Photos.
Drag up or down to scroll through and select the ViviLink for Photos option and then tap SAVE &
EXIT to confirm your selection.
2) Next you will be asked to choose the default ViviLink social network for Videos. Drag up or down to
scroll through and select the ViviLink for Videos option and then tap SAVE & EXIT to confirm your
selection.
Congratulations! Your camcorder is now ready to use.
USING THE CAMERA

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

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Camcorder Technical Specifications
Image Sensor
CMOS Sensor
Image Resolution
3648x2736 (10M), 3264x2448(8MP), 3648x2048 (7MHD)
2592x1944 (5MP), 2048X1536 (3MP), 1920x1080 (2MHD)
640X480 (VGA)
Video Resolution
1440x1080 (FHD), 1280x720 (HD), 640x480 (VGA),
320x240 (QVGA)
File Format
JPEG (Photo), MOV (Video)
Internal Memory
32*16MB DDR2 –1 test photo
External Memory
Class 4 (or higher) SDHC Memory card (up to 32GB)
LCD Display
2.7 Inch Touch Panel –opens 90 degrees, swivel panel
Lens
f=5.0~60mm, F2.8-4.8
Zoom
12X Optical Zoom
Exposure
-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV
White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent
ISO
Auto, 100, 200, 400
Scene
Auto, Scenery, Portrait, Night Scenery, Night Portrait, High
Sensitivity, Beach
Language
English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian,
Russian, Polish, Greek
Flash
LED Flash lamp
Self-Timer
2, 5 or 10 second delay ; Off
Anti-Shake
Yes
Print Photos
Yes
Face Detect
Yes
Auto Power Off
1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, Off
Microphone
Yes
Speaker
Yes
Interface
USB 2.0 High Speed
System Requirements
Windows XP (SP 3), Vista (SP1) and Windows 7 ;
Mac OSX v10.5.x and above
Battery
Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
Working Temperature
0~40C

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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 ServicePack 3,WindowsVista 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.

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Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Camcorder
Make sure the battery has been properly installed and charged.
Make sure the Class 4 SD Memory card has been installed properly into your camcorder.
SDHC Class 4 card up to 32GB - SD Card not included.
POWERING THE CAMCORDER ON
Flip open the LCD display panel. The camcorder automatically powers on. Alternatively, 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.
Alternatively:
Close the LCD panel and the camcorder automatically powers off.
You can press the HOME button and then tap the Power Off icon. Tap ‘YES’ to select to
power off the digital camcorder or ‘NO’ to return to the Home Main Menu Screen and continue
using your camcorder.
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. This helps to save the battery power of
your camcorder. The Auto Power Off time can be set from the Setup/Auto Off menu settings.

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Changing Camcorder Mode
Your camcorder 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 digital 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 digital camcorder mode:
Make sure the digital camcorder is powered ON.
Press the HOME button.
Tap one of the following icons to select the active camcorder mode:
Camera
Video
Playback
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

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Navigating the Menus
You camcorder includes the following menus:
Home Menus
Camcorder Mode Menus
Camcorder Setup Menus
HOME MENUS
The Home screen menu allows you quick access to the camcorder modes and settings as well as to
the photo slide show and the power off features.
1) Press the HOME button located on the left side of the LCD touch screen.
2) The following menu options appear on the Home screen:
Camera
Tap to enter Photo Capture Mode
Video
Tap to enter Video Capture Mode
Playback
Tap to enter Playback Mode
Setup
Tap to enter Camcorder General Settings
Slide Show
Tap to begin Photo Slide Show
Power Off
Tap to Power off your digital camcorder

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CAMCORDER MODE MENUS
Each camcorder mode has a set of menus specific to that mode.
To access and use the camcorder mode menus:
1) Enter the Main Menu Screen from Video Capture, Photo Capture or Playback Mode:
Tap MENU as seen on the bottom left of the LCD touch screen to open the Mode Main
Menu options for the current mode.
2) Select a Main Menu Option:
Drag up or down to scroll and view the Mode Main Menu options.
To select a menu, tap the desired menu icon to open the various options for that menu.
Note: To exit the Main Menu screen without selecting a menu, tap Exit and return to the
current mode.
3) Select a Mode Sub-Menu Option:
Once you have selected the menu option, drag up or down to scroll and highlight the desired
sub-menu option.
Tap SAVE & EXIT to confirm and select the highlighted option.
4) Return to the Mode Main Menu Screen / Exit:
Once you have confirmed your selection, the Mode Main Menu options appear.
Tap another menu icon to select and open a different menu item or tap Exit to return to
the current Mode.
5) The selected option icon appears on the touch LCD screen.
Note:
Changes made to these options will remain until you decide to change them at a later time or
restore the camcorder’s default factory settings.
Some menu options are single-use functions that are not remembered by the camcorder and do
not display an icon on the LCD screen.
For more details regarding specific menu options, please refer to the menu information listed for each
mode.

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CAMCORDER SETUP MENUS
The general settings for your digital camcorder can easily be changed at any time.
1) Press the HOME button to open the Home screen options.
2) Tap the Setup icon to enter the Setup Main Menu options for your camcorder general
settings.
3) Select a Setup Main Menu Option:
Drag up or down to scroll and view the main Setup Main menus.
To select a Setup menu, tap the desired menu icon to open the various options for that menu.
Note: To exit the Setup screen without selecting a menu, tap Exit and return to the Home
Menu screen.
4) Select a Setup Sub-Menu Option:
Once you have selected the Setup menu option, drag up or down to scroll and highlight the
desired sub-menu option.
Tap SAVE & EXIT to confirm and select the highlighted option.
5) Return to the Setup Main Menu Screen / Exit:
Once you have confirmed your selection, the Setup Main Menu appears.
Tap another menu icon to select and open a different menu item or tap Exit to return to
the Home Menu screen.
Note: Changes made to these options will remain until you decide to change them at a later time or
restore the camcorder’s default factory settings.
For more details regarding specific camcorder setup menus, please refer to the ‘Camcorder Setup
Menus’section of this manual.

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Camcorder Features: ViviLink, LED Light
VIVILINK OPTION
The ViviLink technology allows you to quickly and easily upload your camcorders photos and videos to
the social networks of your choice with the accompanying Vivitar Experience™ Image Manager
application. A ViviLink destination can be assigned to a photo or video in Capture mode prior to
capturing your image or in Playback Mode.
ViviLink: Video or Photo Capture Mode
Tap the ViviLink icon on the LCD screen to toggle between the ViviLink options. Your selected ViviLink
destination appears as an icon on the LCD screen and your camera is now ready to capture your
photo or video with the selected ViviLink destination.
Alternatively, tap the MENU icon on the LCD screen, then tap the ViviLink option to select a ViviLink
destination.
Note: The ViviLink feature is deactivated by default and needs to be activated prior to capturing each
photo or video.
ViviLink: Playback Mode
A ViviLink destination can be added or changed to a captured image by accessing the ViviLink menu
in Playback Mode. Simply select an image, tap the MENU icon on the LCD screen, and then tap the
ViviLink option to select a ViviLink destination.
.
LED FLASH LIGHT OPTION
To increase the lighting in dark situations while capturing videos and photos, use the LED Flash Light
on the front of the camcorder below the lens.
LED ON:
Press the LED Light button to activate the LED Lights.
LED OFF:
Press the LED Light button again to turn off the LED lights.

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Video Capture Mode
The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital camcorder.
When the camcorder is first powered ON, the camcorder will be in Video Capture Mode.
TAKING A VIDEO
1) While in Video Capture Mode use the LCD display to direct the camcorder at the scene you would
like to capture.
2) You can magnify your subject using the zoom while capturing your photos and recording your
videos.
Push the Zoom button towards the Tto Zoom IN on part of the scene.
Push the Zoom button towards the W to Zoom OUT of the scene.
Alternatively, you can touch and hold the T or W icons on the right side of the LCD screen to zoom
in and out.
Note: The zoom indicating bar moves up when you Zoom In (T) and moves down when you Zoom
Out (W).
3) Press the Video Record button to START the video capture.
4) A red, blinking icon and ‘REC’ text appears at the top of the LCD screen indicating that the
recording is in progress.
On the top right of the LCD screen, the recording time appears, indicating the amount of elapsed
time as the video is being captured. In addition, the LED power light indicator blinks green while the
recording is in progress.
5) To STOP the video record, press the Video Record button again.
6) The video is automatically saved to the camcorder’s SD memory card.
Note: You can also capture your videos using the Flip Screen. When you would like to quickly and
easily include yourself in the video, simply turn the swivel LCD display around and hold the
camcorder facing towards you. Make sure you can see yourself within the scene on the LCD
screen, look at the lens, then press the Video Record button to begin recording. It’s as easy as
twist and shoot!

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VIDEO CAPTURE MODE: LCD SCREEN ICONS
ICON
FUNCTION
1
VIDEO CAPTURE MODE
Indicates Camcorder is in Video Capture Mode
2
SCENE
Tap to toggle between the Scene Menu options (Auto, Night Portrait,
Night Scenery, Portrait, Scenery, High Sensitivity, Beach)
3
VIVILINK
Tap to toggle between the ViviLink for Videos Menu options (YouTube,
Photobucket, Flickr, None)
4
MENU
Tap to open the Video Capture Mode Menus
5
MEMORY CAPACITY
Standby Mode: Indicates the memory capacity –the time remaining to
capture videos according to the resolution and quality
Record Mode: Indicates the elapsed recording time
6
ZOOM IN
Tap and hold to Zoom In
7
ZOOM INDICATOR
Displays the current, selected zoom
8
ZOOM OUT
Tap and hold to Zoom Out
9
RESOLUTION
Tap to toggle between the Resolution options (FHD, HD, VGA, QVGA)
10
RECORD INDICATOR
Indicates the video recording is in progress (flashes while recording)
11
MEMORY CARD
Indicates the memory card has been properly inserted
12
IMAGE QUALITY
Indicates the selected Image Quality (Super Fine, Fine, Normal)
13
AWB (WHITE BALANCE)
Indicates the selected White Balance (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy,
Fluorescent, Incandescent)
14
IMAGE SHARPNESS
Indicates the selected Image Sharpness (Sharp, Normal, Soft)
15
LIGHT EXPOSURE
Indicates the selected Light Exposure (-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV)
16
ISO
Indicates the selected ISO (Auto, 100, 200, 400)
17
METERING
Indicates the selected Metering (Center, Multi, Spot)
18
BATTERY LEVEL
Indicates the camcorder battery level (Full, Medium, Low)
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