Vivitar DVR 947HD User manual

DVR 947HD Digital Video Camera
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.

1
Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
What‟s Included ....................................................................................................................................2
Camera Technical Specifications ..........................................................................................................3
Computer System Requirements –Windows........................................................................................4
Computer System Requirements –Macintosh......................................................................................4
Parts of the Camera..............................................................................................................................5
Initial Camera Setup .............................................................................................................................6
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Video Camera......................................................................................9
Changing DVR Mode............................................................................................................................9
Navigating the Menus .........................................................................................................................10
Video Capture Mode...........................................................................................................................11
Video Playback Mode .........................................................................................................................25
Photo Capture Mode...........................................................................................................................29
Photo Playback Mode.........................................................................................................................44
Connecting the Digital Video Camera to a TV and HDTV...................................................................50
Installing the Software.........................................................................................................................52
Connecting the Camera to the Computer............................................................................................53
Getting Photos and Videos from Your Camera to Your Computer.......................................................54
Get started! .........................................................................................................................................55
Transfer media from my camera to my computer manually ................................................................55
Camera Maintenance..........................................................................................................................57
Sakar Warranty Card ..........................................................................................................................57
Technical Support ...............................................................................................................................58
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................58

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Everything you need to take quality digital photos
and videos is included with your digital video camera.
Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible.
Note: Your digital video camera 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 a Class 4 SD card or higher SD card only.
Please read this manual carefully first in order to get the most out of your digital video camera.
What‟s Included
1) Digital Video Camera
2) USB cable
3) TV Cable
4) Vivitar Experience Image Manager Software
Installation CD
5) Lens Cover Strap
Note: Class 4 (or higher) SD Memory card not included.

3
Camera Technical Specifications
Image Sensor
CMOS Sensor
Image Resolution
4032x3024(12M) / 3648x2736(10M) / 3648x2048(7MHD) /
2592x1944(5M) / 2048x1536(3M) / 1920x1080(2M-HD) /
640x480(VGA)
Video Resolution
1280X720 (HD), VGA 640X480, QVGA 320X240
File Format
JPEG/AVI
External Memory
SD Card (up to 32GB);
Class 4 SD card or higher SD card only
LCD Display
2.7 Inch TFT; 90 degrees
Lens
f=5.7mm, F2.8
Zoom
4X Digital 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 /
Dutch / Italian / Russian / Turkish
Flash
2 LED Flash lamps
Self-Timer
2 / 5 or 10 second delay
Anti-Shake
Yes
Print Photos
Yes
Face Detect
Yes
Multi SnapShots
Yes
Macro Switch
Yes (manually)
Interface
USB 2.0
System Requirements
Windows XP (SP 3), Vista (SP1) and 7 /
Mac OSX v10.5.x and above
Battery
4 * AAA (1.5V) batteries
Working Temperature
0~40C

4
Computer System Requirements –Windows
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 Pack 1 or Windows 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 –Macintosh
To be able to download photos and videos to your Macintosh, you will need the following minimum
configuration:
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

5
Parts of the Camera
1. Power Button
2. EV+ / Up / Slide Show Button
3. EV- / Down Button
4. Self-Timer / Left Button
5. Delete / Right Button
6. SET / LED On - Off Button
7. MODE Button
8. MENU Button
9. ViviLink button
10. Lens Cover
11. Digital Lens
12. Macro Switch
13. Speaker
14. Shutter Button
15. Zoom Out / Zoom In
16. LED Indicator Light
17. USB Port
18. HDMI Port
19. Hand Strap
20. Tripod Mount
21. SD Memory Card slot
22. Battery Compartment
23. LED Flash
24. Microphone
25. LCD Screen

6
Initial Camera Setup
Flip open the LCD screen. When powering the camera ON for the first time the camera will take you
through the initial camera setup.
Powering the Camera ON
1) Installing the Batteries
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital camera, according to the
polarity shown inside the battery compartment.
Use 4 x AAA (1.5v) batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended. (Batteries not included.)
Note:
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 (Flash) will not work if the battery power level is low.
When the battery power is low the battery icon turns red and the camera 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

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2) Installing the SD Memory Card
IMPORTANT: You must use a Class 4 SD card or higher SD card only.
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:
- Press the SD card into the slot in the direction shown on the camera.
- Press the SD card until you hear a slight clicking sound. This indicates that the SD card has been
inserted correctly.
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 tothe SDcard.
3) Powering ON the camera
Press the POWER button to turn on the camera.

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Setting the Camera 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 SET button to confirm the selection.
2) 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.
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 SET 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 SET 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 SET button to confirm the selection.
After the ViviLink Video option is confirmed the camera is now ready to use.

9
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Video Camera
Make sure the batteries have been inserted properly into your digital camera.
Make sure an SD card (Class 4 or above) has been inserted into your camera.
(SD card up to 32GB - SD Card not included)
Powering the camera ON
Press the Power button to turn your camera ON.
The camera will be in Video Capture mode to start.
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 video 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 left idle. The Auto Power Off settings can be
set from the „Auto Power Off‟settings menu.
Changing DVR Mode
Your digital video 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.
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 photos.
To change the active camera mode, make sure the camera is powered ON and press the MODE
button.

10
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 a set of menus specific to that mode.
1) Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
2) Press LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll between the various menus for the current mode.
3) Press UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
Alternatively, you can also push the T/Zoom In and W/Zoom Out button up or down to highlight
the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu option.
5) If the selection can be remembered by the camera, 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.
6) Some menu options are single-use functions that are not remembered by the camera and do not
display this icon when selected.
7) At any time you can press the MODE button to exit the menus and return to the previous screen.

11
Video Capture Mode
The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital video camera.
When the 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 camera at the scene you would like
to capture.
2) Press the T/Zoom In and W/Zoom Out buttons to better set the camera display if
desired.
Note: The actual shape of these buttons may vary per camera model.
3) Press the Shutter button to START the video capture.
4) You will see a blinking red light at the top of the LCD indicating that the record is in progress.
5) To STOP the video record, press the Shutter button again.
6) The video will automatically be saved to the camera‟s SD memory card.
Video Capture Mode Quick Function Buttons
Your digital video camera has a four-directional control button that functions as Quick Function
buttons.
Quick Function Button
Function
Left
No function in Video Capture Mode
EV + Up
Light Exposure –Changes the Light Exposure Setting
Right
Delete - Opens the „Delete This Video‟option and allows you
to view and delete the last video taken as well as previously
captured videos
EV -Down
Light Exposure –Changes the Light Exposure Setting
Other
Shutter
STARTS/STOPS the video capture
ViviLink
ViviLink - Opens the ViviLink for Videos menu

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MENU
Opens the menu options for Video Capture Mode
MODE
Toggles between the Video Capture Mode, Photo Capture
Mode, and Playback Mode
Exits the menu screen
SET
Turns On/Off the LED Lights
Saves your selected option in the Menu view
T/Zoom In
Zooms In
W/Zoom Out
Zooms Out
ViviLink Button
The ViviLink button (located under the LCD screen) allows you to easily and quickly define which
social network your captured image (video or photo) 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 UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu option.
4) Press the SET button 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.

13
Macro Switch /
MACRO ON:
Your camera contains a Macro Switch that allows you to manually enable or disable the Macro mode
on your camera. While using the Macro mode, you can capture images at close range (15 ~ 30 cm).
To turn the Macro mode ON, slide the Macro Switch on the side of your camera UP to the flower
icon .
When enabled, the Macro mode will allow your camera to focus on an object that is close to the
camera.
The flower icon will appear on the LCD and indicates that the Macro mode is ON.
MACRO OFF:
To turn the Macro mode OFF-
Slide the Macro Switch on the side of the camera DOWN to the mountain icon.
The mountain icon will appear on the LCD display.
When Macro mode is off, images can be captured from 1.5m - ∞(infinity).
Note:
The Macro mode must be turned OFF when you want to use the following photo features of
your camera: Face Detect.
To Turn the Macro mode OFF: Slide the Macro Switch down to the mountain icon to turn
Macro mode OFF.
The mountain icon will appear on the LCD display.
LED Flash Option
To increase the lighting in dark situations, press the SET button to activate the 2 LED Flash Lights
on the front of the camera below the lens.
Press the SET button again to turn the LED Lights off.
Hide/Show the LCD Icons
The display of the icons on the LCD screen can be hidden or visible as desired.
Hold the MODE button for 2 seconds to hide the display of the icons on the screen.
Press the MODE button again to redisplay the icons on the screen

14
Video Capture Mode Menus
The following are the menus that appear in your camera‟s Video Capture Mode:

15
Scene Menu
The Scene Menu allows you to choose scene settings that let 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 button to scroll and select the Scene menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered by your 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 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 button to scroll and select the Image Size menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.

16
Image Quality Menu
The Image 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 button to scroll and select the Image Quality menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered 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 button to scroll and select the Anti-Shake menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.

17
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 LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the White Balance menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered by your 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.
2) Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the Color Effect menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8) Remember that this setting will be remembered by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.

18
Image Sharpness Menu
You can set the level of sharpness in the images taken with your 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 LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the Image Sharpness menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered by your 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.
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 LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the Light Exposure menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode.
8) An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen.

19
9) Remember that this setting will be remembered by your 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 LEFT or RIGHT button to scroll and select the ISO menu.
3) Press the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired menu selection.
4) Press the SET button to confirm and select the highlighted menu 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 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 remembered by your camera until you manually change the
setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
Metering Menu
The Metering setting will affect how your camera focuses when capturing an image. Depending on
your selection, the camera will be more sensitive to focusing on particular areas in the display and
adjust the image color and lighting accordingly.