Archos DIGITAL MINI CAM User Manual

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ARCHOS

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM FOR AV 500

Contents

ARCHOS

English Language User Manual

User Manual for ARCHOS™DIGITAL MINI-CAM for AV 500 series
Version 1.2
Please visit our website to download the most recent manual and software for this product

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM FOR AV 500

AV 500 not included

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Contents

English

1 ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM and Camera controller 3
2 Recording with your ARCHOS

2.1 Connecting your ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM to your AV 500 4

2.2 Making a recording using the camera controller 4

2.3 Making a recording using the VideoCorder application of your AV 500 5

2.4 Checking the status of the ARCHOS

2.5 Where is the recording saved? 6

2.6 Notes on the ARCHOS

3 Precautions 7
4 Technical Support 8
5 Technical specifi cations 1 1

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM 4

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM 5

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM 6

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6 Legal 12

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1 ARCHOS

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and Camera controller

2 Recording with your ARCHOS

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1 ARCHOS

Camera controller
a Red light - Recording status
b Green light - Connection status
c Microphone
d Status/Information button
e Start/Stop recording button
Connectors
f USB Host connector plug
g Multi-connect plug

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM

and Camera controller

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2 Recording with your ARCHOS

2.1 Connecting your ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM to your AV 500

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2.2 Making a recording using the camera controller

Y ou can connect your camera to your AV 500 before switching on the device or once it is running.
Plug the USB connector plug into the USB host port of your AV 500 and the multi-connect plug into its multi-

connect jack. Your ARCHOS
fully when intending to make longer recordings.

You can clip the controller of your ARCHOS
camera itself is typically fi tted into the headband and worn so that you record what you see.

The next two sections explain the two options for making a recording:

1. Making the recording using the camera controller.

2. Making a recording using the VideoCorder application of your AV 500.
Using the Camcorder application lets you set a number of parameters.

Once your camera is correctly connected, making a recording using the camera controller is straight forward.
Press fi rmly on the Start/Stop button on your camera controller. The red light will go on briefl y, and on the screen
of your AV 500, you will see a message indicating that a video signal is detected. The image transmitted from the
camera will then be displayed and the recording will start.

To stop recording, press the Start/Stop button on the camera controller again. This time, the green light will go
on briefl y. This indicates that the recording has stopped. The AV 500 will now save your video fi le and take you
to the folder where the video is saved (see the section Where is the recording saved? for information on the
default location).

Refer to the section Checking the state of the ARCHOS
whether your camera is making a recording.

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM will be powered through your AV 500, so be sure to charge it

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM for example onto your shirt pocket. The

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM for information on how to check

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Pressing the Start/Stop button on the controller will also start and stop a recording while the buttons of your
AV 500 are locked. You can thus conveniently make a recording while carrying your AV 500 in a backpack for
example.

2.3 Making a recording using the VideoCorder application of your AV 500

On the Main menu, select the VideoCorder icon and press Play/Enter/On o to open the VideoCorder
application. Your AV 500 now powers the camera. On the screen, you see the image the camera is currently
seeing. This preview screen thus permits you to adjust for example the position or direction of the camera before
you start your recording.

A number of settings, for example resolution and bitrate, can be adjusted. Normally you need not change these
settings. The action icon Settings lets you access these recording parameters and you can return to the pre­recording screen by pressing the AV 500’s Stop/Escape/Off x button.

Time Stamp ON or OFF. If set to ON, the image will contain information on the date and time of

For information on the other settings, please refer to the section on making a video recording in the complete

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Adobe
pre-determined by the camera. For the same reason, the parameter Source can only be set to Composite or
Black & White.

T o start the recording, press the A V 500’s Play/Enter/On o button again. You can also select the action icon Start
recording. On the screen of your AV 500, you can see the images recorded by the camera. In order to stop and
save your recording, press Stop/Escape/Off x. Using the Play button, you can also pause your recording.

Alternatively, you can press the Start/Stop button on your camera controller to start and stop the recording.

PDF user manual of the AV 500. Please note that the parameter Format does not exist as the setting is

recording.

2.4 Checking the status of the ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM

In order to fi nd out whether the ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM is idle or recording, press the Status Button. The
lights will indicate the status of the AV 500 as shown below:

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Red and green The ARCHOS™ AV 500 is presently making a recording.

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Green The ARCHOS

No light The ARCHOS

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be started.

switched off.

2.5 Where is the recording saved?

The default location for video recordings is the folder called Video. If you click on the Video icon in the main
menu, you will go to this folder. Notice that one of the action icons on the Video Browser screen is labeled
VideoCorder. Each time you use this action icon to record a video instead of going through the VideoCorder
icon on the main menu, you set the recording default location to the current folder. For example, let’s say you
have a folder called /Video/Holiday. If you go to this folder and then make a recording using the action icon
VideoCorder, you will set the default record location to this folder. Now, each time you use the VideoCorder
icon or Start/Stop button on the camera controller to start a recording, your recording will be saved in the folder
/Video/Holiday.

When pressing the ESC/STOP button from the pre-recording screen/VideoCorder application, you will be taken
to the current default recording folder so you can directly view your recording.

DIGITAL MINI-CAM is connected correctly to the AV 500 and a recording can

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DIGITAL MINI-CAM is not connected properly to the AV 500 or the AV 500 is

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2.6 Notes on the ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM

- Do not be concerned if the controller’s lights are not lit while your ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM is in use.
This is normal.

- The loudspeaker of your AV 500 will be disabled during the recording as this could result in audio feedback
(unpleasant noises). The microphone integrated into the camera controller will record the sound. Therefore
make sure that it is not covered in order to obtain the best possible sound for your recording.

- If images look distorted, you might be too close to the object you are fi lming. This effect is also referred to as “fi sh
eye effect”. The range for obtaining undistorted images is between 1.5 and 10 meters. Beyond 10 meters, details
cannot be recorded. If you are experiencing problems with the image quality, you might also want to try increasing
the resolution or sampling rate.

- While the camera is connected to your AV 500, the VideoCorder icon in the main menu will by replaced by the
CamCorder icon and the Scheduler icon disappears.

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3 Precautions

4 Technical Support

3 Precautions

Please note the following points in order to avoid damage to your ARCHOS™ DIGITAL MINI-CAM:

- Do not attempt to take the camera apart. There are no customer-serviceable parts inside, and you could receive
an electric shock.

- Handle the camera with care. A violent shock, for example through a fall, could damage it.

- Use the camera in moderate conditions. Avoid cold or hot temperatures, humidity over 85%, and dust or sand.

- The same precautions apply to the controller.

- Please be aware that the camera and controller are not water-proof and should be kept away from water.

- To clean the camera only use products specifi cally designed to clean optical lenses (such as eye glasses).

- NEVER direct the camera at the sun!

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4 Technical Support

In case you should encounter any technical diffi culties using your product, we suggest you go through these
steps in order to resolve any issues as effi ciently as possible:

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1) Please read carefully through the appropriate sections of this manual and the full Adobe® PDF user manual
of the AV 500 on its hard drive. Some subject areas may be treated in two different chapters depending on
how the device is being used.

2) Look at our Support section on the ARCHOS™ website (www.archos.com). Here, you will fi nd Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) for our different products, and there is a chance that somebody else has already
asked your question.

3) If these steps do not help you to resolve your technical diffi culty, you can always contact us either via e-mail
or by calling the helpline. Telephone support will be provided in the language of the countries listed below.
For other countries, please use e-mail technical support.

DO NOT USE phone or e-mail support for marketing and sales ques­tions. These numbers are to aid those who have technical diffi culties /
malfunctions.

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• For warranty and services purposes, keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase.

• If technical support (Telephone or E-mail) determines that your product needs to be returned, please contact
the place of purchase to have your product repaired or replaced (depending on problem type). Customers who
purchased directly from the ARCHOS

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website should fi ll out the RMA return request form on the website.

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Telephone Support

Canada 949-609-1400 Nederland 020-50 40 510

Danmark 35 25 65 67 Norge 22 57 77 71

Deutschland 069-6698-4714 Schweitz/Suisse 442 004 1 11

España 09-1745-6224 Suomi 09 2311 3434

France 01 70 20 00 30 Svenska 08 579 290 80

Ireland 01-601-5700 UK 0207-949-0115

Italia 02-4827-1143 USA 877-300-879 (toll free)

E-mail Support

[e-mail]

English (United States and Canada customers)
[e-mail]
English or French (Europe and the rest of the planet)

[e-mail]

German (Germany)

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WWW.ARCHOS.COM

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United States & Canada Europe & Asia

ARCHOS
3, Goodyear - Unit A
Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

United Kingdom Germany

ARCHOS
PO Box 1420
Southampton
SO15 1WF
United Kingdom

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Technology

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(UK) Limited

Worldwide Offi ces

ARCHOS™ S.A.
12, rue Ampère
91430 Igny
France
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

ARCHOS™ Deutschland GmbH
Business Park Vierwinden
Konrad-Zuse-Str. 22
41516 Grevenbroich
Germany

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Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

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Tel: + 49 21 82 – 570 41-0
Fax: [phone]

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5 Technical specifi cations

6 Legal

5 Technical specifi cations

DIGIT AL MINI-CAM for A V 500

Resolution 420 TV Lines
CCD 1/4-inch SONY Super HAD color CCD
Lens Fixed Pinhole 3.6mm
Field Of View 72.5 degrees
Depth of Field 1.5 to 10 meters
White balance Automatic
Light Sensitivity 1.0 Lux / F 1.2
Power Supply Power by AV 500
Recording resolution
With AV 500 512 x 384 (Optimal) or 640 x 480 (VGA)
Recording Autonomy* With AV 500 30GB model: up to 4 hours
With AV 500 100GB model: up to 4 Hours
With AV 500 100GB with Super Pack battery model: up to 12 Hours
Weight 82 g – 28,9 oz
Dimensions 20.5 mm (Ø) x 72 mm (L)
CCD resolution Model NTSC: 512 x 492
Model PAL: 582 x 500
Operating temperature approx. 5°C to 35°C/approx. 41°F to 95°F

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*Depending on usage (stop/start/writing)

All brands and product names are registered trademarks and the property of their respective owners. Specifi cations are subject to change
without notice. Errors or omissions excepted. Images and illustrations may not always match contents. Copyright® 2005. ARCHOS. All rights
reserved.

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6 Legal

Warranty and Limited Liability

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This product is sold with a limited warranty and specifi c remedies are available to the original purchaser in
the event the product fails to conform to the limited warranty. Manufacturer’s liability may be further limited in
accordance with its sales contract.

In general, the manufacturer shall not be responsible for product damages caused by natural disasters, fi re, static
discharge, misuse, abuse, neglect, improper handling or installation, unauthorized repair, alteration or accident.
In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for loss of data stored on disk media.

MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCI­DENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. EVEN IF INFORMED OF THE
POSSIBILITY THEREOF IN ADVANCE.

ARCHOS
warranties of merchantability and fi tness for a particular purpose, regarding the licensed materials. ARCHOS’s
licensor(s) does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of
the licensed materials in terms of its correctness, accuracy, reliability, correctness or otherwise. The entire risk as
to the results and performance of the licensed materials is assumed by you. The exclusion of implied warranties
is not permitted by some jurisdictions. The above exclusion may not apply to you.

In no event will ARCHOS’s licensor(s), and their directors, offi cers, employees or agents (collectively ARCHOS’
licensor) be liable to you for any consequential, incidental or indirect damages (including damages for loss of
business profi ts, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use of inability
to use the licensed materials even if ARCHOS’ licensor has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Because some jurisdiction do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental
damages, the above limitations may not apply to you.

Please see your sales contract for a complete statement of warranty rights, remedies and limitation of liability.

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licensor(s) makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied

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Furthermore, warranty does not apply to:

1. Damages or problems resulting from misuse, abuse, accident, alteration or incorrect electrical current or
voltage.

2. Any product tampered-with or damaged warranty seal or serial number label.

3. Any product without a warranty or serial number label.

4. Batteries and any consumable items delivered with or in the equipment.

The end user is required to use this product only in conformity with its original purpose and is strictly forbidden
to make any technical modifi cations that could potentially impinge on the rights of third parties. Any modifi cation
to the hardware, software, or physical enclosure of the product must be approved in writing by ARCHOS. Non
approved modifi ed products are subject to the withdrawal of any or all guarantee clauses.

Warnings and Safety Instructions

CAUTION
To prevent risks of electric shock, this unit must only be opened by qualifi ed service personnel.

WARNING
To prevent fi re or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

Use of this product is for personal use only. Copying CDs or loading music, video, or picture fi les for sale or
other business purposes is or may be a violation of copyright law. Copyrighted materials, works of art, and/or
presentations may require authorization to be fully or partially recorded. Please be aware of all such applicable
laws concerning the recording and use of such for your country and jurisdiction.

FCC Compliance Statement

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

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However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

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• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION : Modifi cations not authorized by the manufacturer may void users authority to operate this device.
FCC Part 15 - Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired

operation.

Electrostatic Discharge

Normal functioning of the product may be disturbed by ESD. If so, simply reset the product to resume normal
operation by following the instruction manual. During fi le transmission, please handle with care and operate in a
static-free environment.

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Copyright Notice

Copyright ARCHOS
This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any

electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent, in writing, from ARCHOS. All brands and
products names are registered trademarks and the property of their respective owners. Specifi cations are subject
to change without notifi cation. Errors and omissions accepted. Images and illustrations may not always match
contents. Copyright ® ARCHOS. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer of warranty: to the extent allowed by applicable law, representations and warranties of non-infringement
of copyrights or other intellectual property rights resulting from the use of the product under conditions other than
as here above specifi ed, are hereby excluded.

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© 2005 All rights reserved.

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Environmental Considerations

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Protection of the environment is an important concern to ARCHOS
actions, ARCHOS
entire cycle of its products; from fabrication to consumer usage, to fi nal disposal.

Batteries : If your product contains a detachable battery pack, you should only dispose of it in a designated
collection point for used batteries.

The Product : The crossed-out garbage can symbol on your product signifi es that it falls into the category of
electric/electronic equipment. Products of this type contain substances that are potentially dangerous to the
environment and to human health. Therefore, you should not dispose of the ARCHOS electronic device in a
regular trash. As such, the current European directives ask that this device be collected:

- At places of distribution in the case of a purchase of a similar electronic product.

- At locally created disposal areas (waste disposal centers, sorted trash system, etc.)

By doing this, you are actively participating in the reuse and recycling of disposed electronic and
electric equipment that could have potential effects on the environment and human health.

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has consciously included a set of methods that favor a respect for the environment into the

. In order to put this concern into tangible

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