Vivitar DVR 943HDv2 User manual

DVR 943HDv2
Digital Video Recorder
User Manual
© 2009-2011 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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Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
What‟s Included .........................................................................................................................3
Parts of the Camera...................................................................................................................4
Initial Camera Setup..................................................................................................................5
Main Camera Modes .................................................................................................................8
Camera Technical Specifications...............................................................................................9
Computer System Requirements –WINDOWS OS.................................................................10
Computer System Requirements –MAC OS...........................................................................10
Using Your Digital Camcorder.................................................................................................. 11
Changing Camera Mode.......................................................................................................... 11
Navigating the Menus..............................................................................................................12
Video Capture Mode................................................................................................................13
Video Playback Mode..............................................................................................................28
Photo Capture Mode................................................................................................................32
Photo Playback Mode..............................................................................................................50
Connecting the Digital Video Camera to a TV or HDTV...........................................................56
Installing the Software..............................................................................................................58
Connecting the Camera to the Computer................................................................................59
Getting Photos and Videos from your Camera to Your Computer............................................60
Get started!..............................................................................................................................61
Transferring Images Manually .................................................................................................62
Camera Maintenance ..............................................................................................................63
Sakar Warranty Card...............................................................................................................64
Technical Support....................................................................................................................65
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................65

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this digital video recorder. Everything you need to take quality digital
photos and videos is included with your camera.
Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible.
Please read this manual carefully first in order to get the most out of your digital camera.
Note:
A Class 4 SD card or higher is required.
Most SD cards have a symbol with a “C” and a number within. Make sure the number
inside is a 4 or higher, .
Your digital video recorder supports a Class 4 SD Memory Card - up to 32GB.
In order to use your digital video recorder normally, it is strongly recommended to insert
the SD Memory card before use.
Class 4 SD Memory cards are not included and need to be purchased separately.
What’s Included
1. Digital Camcorder
2. Lithium Battery
3. USB cable
4. TV Cable
5. Vivitar Experience Image Manager
software Installation CD
6. Lens Cover Strap
7. Hand Strap (not shown)
Note: SD Memory Card not included.

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Parts of the Camera
1. Power Button
15. LCD Screen
2. Zoom Out / Zoom In
16. Optical Lens
3. Photo Shutter Button
17. LED Light
4. ViviLink Button
18. USB Port
5. Menu Button
19. AV-Out
6. MODE Button
20. HDMI Port
7. Up / EV+ Button / Slideshow
21. SD Memory Card Slot (Inside the Battery Compartment)
8. Video Shutter Button
22. Battery Compartment
9. Right Button / Delete Button
23. Wrist Tripod Socket
10.Joystick/ OK Button / LED Light On-Off
24. Hand Strap
11.Down / EV- Button
25. MODE Indicating Lamp
12.Left / Self-Timer Button
26. Lens Cover
13.Speaker
27. Lens Cover Strap
14.Microphone

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Initial Camera Setup
Installing the Battery
Installing the Memory Card
Charge before using your camera for the first
time.
To Charge the Lithium Battery:
1. Power Off the camcorder.
2. Make sure the battery is inserted correctly.
3. Connect the camcorder with the USB cable
to the computer or supplied AC Adapter
(which you then plug into an electrical outlet).
4. Allow the battery to charge for at least 4
hours before using the first time.
5. The charge light will turn off when the
battery is fully charged.
Turning On the Camera
Using the Camera
Important: You must
use a Class 4 SD card
or higher SD card
only.
Insert SD Memory
card (up to 32GB)
before use.

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When powering the digital video recorder ON for the first time the digital video recorder will take
you through the initial setup.
Powering the Digital Video Recorder ON
1. Make sure the lithium battery has been charged and inserted properly.
To charge the lithium battery:
- Connect the USB cable (supplied) to camcorder and the other end of the cable either to
your computer USB slot or to the supplied AC Adapter (which you then plug into an electrical
outlet).
- Charge light will turn off when battery is fully charged.
2. Make sure an SD card has been properly inserted into your digital video recorder (inserted
until a click sound is heard).
Note: After the digital video recorder 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.
Important - You must use a Class 4 SD card or higher SD card only. Insert SD
Memory Card (up to 32GB) before use.
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.
3. Flip open the LCD screen and press the POWER button , located on the inside wall, to
turn on the digital video recorder.
Setting the Language
1. You will first be prompted to select a language for the camera. The Language selection
menu will appear. Select the language of your choice and press the OK button to confirm the
selection.
2. After selecting a language, you will be asked if you would like to continue with the initial

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camera setup. A message will appear: “Continue with Camera Setup?” Select “Yes” to
continue or “No” to exit the setup.
Note: If you select “Cancel” 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 using
the menus in the camera.
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 and 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 Language has been set, you will be asked to “Confirm ViviLink Photo and Video Social
Network site” 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.
2. Highlight the desired default social network and press the OK button to confirm the selection.
3. Next you will be asked to choose the default ViviLink social network for Videos.
4. Highlight the desired default social network and press the OK button to confirm the selection.
5. After the ViviLink Video option is confirmed the camera is now ready to use.

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Main Camera Modes
Your camera has different modes for the various camera functions.
You can switch modes by pressing the MODE button on your camera after the camera has been
powered ON.
Video Capture Mode
Use this mode to capture videos with your digital camera.
This is the default mode when the camera is powered ON.
To take a video, aim your camera as desired and press the Video Shutter button to start the
record. A red record indicator will appear on the LCD screen while record is in progress. To
stop the record, press the Video Shutter button again. The video will be automatically saved
to your camera‟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 camera.
After turning on your camera, press the MODE button once to open the Photo Capture mode.
To take a picture, aim your camera as desired and press the Photo Shutter button.
The picture will be automatically saved to your camera‟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 camera.
After turning on your camera, 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, edit or 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.

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Camera Technical Specifications
Image Sensor
CMOS Sensor
Image Resolution
(12.1M) 4032 x 3024 pixels, (10M) 3648 x 2736 pixels,
(8MP) 3264 x 2448 pixels, (7MP HD) 3648 x 2048 pixels,
(5MP) 2592 x 1944 pixels, (3MP) 2048 x 1536 pixels,
(2MP HD) 1920 x 1080 pixels and (VGA) 640 x 480 pixels
Video Resolution
(FHD) 1440 x 1080, (HD) 1280 x 720 (default), (VGA) 640X480
pixels (30 fps), (QVGA) 320X240 pixels (30 fps)
File Format
JPEG/AVI
External Memory
SD Card (up to 32GB)
LCD Display
2.7 Inch TFT
Lens
f=5.5mm-66mm, F 3.9~4.4
Zoom
12X Optical Zoom
Exposure
-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV
White Balance
Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent , Incandescent
Scene
Auto / Scenery / Portrait / Night Scenery / Night Portrait / High
Sensitivity / Sport / Beach / Party
Color Effect
Standard, Sepia, Monochrome, Vivid
Anti-Shake
Yes
Face Detect (Photo only)
Yes
Smile Capture (Photo only)
Yes
Microphone
Yes
Speaker
Yes
Self-Timer
2, 5 or 10 second delay
Multi Snapshots (Burst)
Yes
Language
English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Russian,
Turkish, French
Interface
USB 2.0 High Speed
System Requirements
Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1 or Windows 7/ Mac OSX 10.5.x and
above
Battery
NP40 Lithium (supplied)
Working Temperature
0~40℃

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Computer System Requirements –WINDOWS OS
To be able to download photos and videos to your PC, you will need the following minimum
configuration:
Microsoft®Windows XP with Service Pack 3,Windows Vista with Service Pack1 orWindows 7
Pentium® 4 processor (or above)
512 MB of RAM, with 250 MB of free 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
Computer System Requirements –MAC OS
Intel processor running Mac OS X v10.5.x or later
256 MB RAM, 250 MB free hard disk space
Display: 1024 x 768 or higher-resolution monitor
QuickTime® 6 or higher
Internet connection required

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Using Your Digital Camcorder
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital camera.
If your camera comes with a rechargeable lithium battery, make sure it is fully charged before
the first use.
Make sure a proper SD card has been inserted correctly into your camera.
Powering the camera ON
Press the Power button to turn your camera ON.
The camera will be in Video Capture mode to start.
Note: Once you flip open the LCD screen –your camera automatically turns on.
Powering the camera OFF
While the camera is on, you can press the Power button again at any point to turn your camera
OFF. You will see a “Goodbye” splash screen and then the camera will power off completely.
Note: Your digital camera also has an Auto Power Off feature that will automatically turn off
your camera after a specific period of time that your camera is on and left idle. The
Auto Power Off settings can be set from the Auto Power Off settings menu.
Also, once you close the LCD screen, your camera automatically turns off.
Changing Camera Mode
Your camera has three main modes:
1. Video Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture videos with your camera.
2. Photo Capture Mode - Use this mode to capture photos with your camera.
3. Playback Mode (for photos and videos) - Use this mode to view the photos and videos
you have already taken with your camera.

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When the camera 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 camera mode, make sure the camera 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
Navigating the Menus
Each camera mode has menus that show the settings and options specific to that mode.
1. Press the MENU button, located on the LCD panel, to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll between the various menus for the current
mode.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. If the selection can be remembered by the digital video camera, a selection icon will appear
to the right of the selected menu option. Changes made to these options will remain until you
change them again at a later time.
6. Some menu options are single-use functions that are not remembered by the digital video
camera and do not display the selection icon when selected.
7. At any time you can press the MODE button to exit the menus and return to the previous screen.

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Video Capture Mode
The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital video camera. When the
digital video camera is first powered ON, the camera will be in Video Capture Mode.
Taking a Video
1. While in Video Capture Mode, use the LCD display to direct the digital video camera at the
scene you would like to capture.
2. Press the T/Zoom In and W/Zoom Out buttons (on the top section of the digital
video camera) to better set the camera display if desired.
Note: The actual shape of these buttons may vary per camera model.
3. Press the Video Shutter button to START the video capture.
4. You will see a red blinking icon at the top of the LCD indicating that the record is in progress.
The elapsed video record time is shown as you record at the top right corner on the LCD screen.
5. To STOP the video record, press the Video Shutter button again.
6. The video will automatically be saved to the SD Memory card.
Note: Once you have finished recording, the total time you have left for recording additional video
is shown at the top right corner on the LCD screen.
Video Capture Mode Quick Function Buttons
Your digital video camera has Quick Function buttons controlled by the OK joystick button.
Button
Function
Right
Delete
Opens the Delete menu to the „Delete This Video?‟ option
Left
No Function in Video Mode
EV + Up
Light Exposure (-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV)
Increases the Light Exposure +
EV-Down
Light Exposure (-3.0EV ~ +3.0EV)
Reduces the Light Exposure -
OK
LED Light
Turns the LED Flash On / Off

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ViviLink Button:
The ViviLink button (located on the inside wall of your digital video camera) allows you to easily and
quickly define which social network your captured video will be uploaded to when using the
software application.
1. While in Video Capture mode, press the ViviLink button.
2. The ViviLink for Videos Menu opens.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and save the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item and you will return to the previous
mode.
6. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.
7. Once you have selected the ViviLink destination site, the selection applies only to the current
video you are capturing.
Remember: The ViviLink feature is deactivated by default, therefore select the ViviLink
destination before capturing a video. A ViviLink destination will only be assigned to a photo or
video if you manually set it from the ViviLink menu.
Changing the ViviLink destination site will also make the selected site the new default ViviLink
option. A new default can be selected at any time using this menu.
After you have captured a video and would like to add the ViviLink (or change the ViviLink if it
already has one) you can do so by viewing the captured video(s) in the Video Playback Mode
and pressing the MENU button to access the ViviLink for Videos Menu.
Hide/Show the LCD Icons
The display of the icons on the LCD screen can be hidden or visible as desired.
1. Hold the MODE button for 2 seconds to hide the display of the icons on the screen.
2. Press the MODE button again to redisplay the icons on the screen.

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Video Capture Mode Menus
The following are the menus that appear in your digital video camera‟s Video Capture Mode:

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Scene Menu
The Scene Menu allows you to 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 joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Scene menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE 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 digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Image Size Menu
The Image Size menu allows you to choose the desired size of the images taken by your digital
video 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 joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Image Size menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.

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9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
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 joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Quality menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE 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 digital video 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.
Note: The Anti-Shake menu may not be available in some versions of this camera.
1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Anti-Shake menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.

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5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE 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 digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
White Balance Menu
The White Balance feature allows your camera to adjust the coloring of the captured images
depending on the type of light source in the current environment.
Properly adjusting the White Balance setting to match your current environment will allow the
camera to properly balance the colors in the images that are taken with your camera.
1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the White Balance menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE 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 digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Color Effect Menu
You can choose to add a color effect to the images taken with your camera.
1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.

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2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Color Effect menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Image Sharpness Menu
Image Sharpness sets the level of sharpness in the images taken with your digital video camera.
The sharpness level dictates if the edges of objects in the image are more or less distinct.
1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Image Sharpness menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE 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 digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Light Exposure Menu
The Light Exposure setting helps you control the amount of light that enters your camera‟s lens.
This setting should be adjusted when the environment is lighter or darker than normal.

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When the environment has more light than is needed, reduce the exposure setting (by using the
negative - count) to reduce the amount of light allowed into the lens by your camera.
If the environment has less light (darker) than is needed, increase the exposure setting (by using
the positive + count) to increase the amount of light allowed into the lens by your camera.
1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Light Exposure menu.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option.
4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item.
7. Press the MODE 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 digital video camera until you manually change
the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
ISO Menu
The ISO menu allows you to set the level of sensitivity that your camera has to light in the
surrounding environment. When the ISO level is increased, the image sensor in your camera will be
more sensitive to light and allow you to capture images in lower-light situations. The higher
sensitivity to light however, may reduce the quality of the images that are taken.
When the ISO is reduced, the image sensor in your camera will be less sensitive to light and will
optimize the image quality in environments with bright lighting.
1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the ISO menu.