ATO iSee 360i User Manual

Edition 1.7 May 4, 2006

iSee 360i

User’s Manual

ATO reserves the right to make improvements in the products described in this manual at any time without prior notice.

ATO makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, ATO reserves the right to revise this manual and to make changes in its content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revision or change.

Licenses and Trademarks

ATO and the ATO logo are trademarks of Advanced Technology Office LLC. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Contents

Section 1. Getting Started..................................................1

Getting iSee Information ...................................................1

Meet the iSee 360i ............................................................1

What You Can Do With the ISee 360i...........................1

Features of the ATO iSee 360i......................................2

What You Need to Use the iSee 360i ...............................2

Supported iPods............................................................3

PC Requirements ..........................................................3

iSee 360i Controls.............................................................4

Accessories.......................................................................5

Standard iSee 360i Accessories ...................................5

Optional Accessories.....................................................6

Precautions .......................................................................7

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee........................................9

Note the Serial Number and Register Your Product.........9

Step 1: Load the Battery in the iSee ...............................10

Step 2: Charge the iSee Battery .....................................12

Step 3: Install iSee files on your iPod .............................12

Enabling iPod Disk Use...............................................12

Disabling iTunes Auto-Launch ....................................13

Installation Options......................................................13

If Asked to Restart Your Computer .............................13

Step 4: Insert Your iPod in the iSee................................18

Plug In Headphones....................................................20

Step 5: Turn On the iSee Power.....................................20

A Final Step ....................................................................21

Battery Life and Battery Charging...................................22

Using the Battery Level Indicator ................................22

Battery Charging and the On/Off LED.........................22

Shutting Down the iSee ..................................................22

Normal Shutdown........................................................22

Emergency Shutdown and Reset................................23

Removing the iPod..........................................................23

iSee 360i User’s Manual -iii-

Table of Contents

Section 3. Using the iSee ................................................25

Using the iSee Control Panel .........................................25

Viewing the Main Screen................................................ 27

Navigating the iSee Menus............................................. 27

Navigating a Settings Menu ........................................... 28

Playing Videos................................................................ 29

Changing Audio Volume ............................................. 30

Onscreen Indicators.................................................... 31

Changing Video Settings ................................................ 31

Video Settings............................................................. 31

Video Browse Settings................................................ 33

Listening to Music........................................................... 34

Changing Music Settings................................................ 35

Music Settings............................................................. 36

Song List Settings ....................................................... 37

Viewing Photos and Slide Shows................................... 38

Adding Background Music to a Slide Show ................ 39

Changing Photo Settings................................................ 40

Photo Settings............................................................. 40

Changing System Settings ............................................. 42

Changing Mosaic Settings.............................................. 43

Section 4. Recording Video............................................. 45

Video Recording Setup................................................... 45

Video Recording to the iPod........................................... 46

If You’re Using a Camcorder .......................................... 47

Recorded Video File Size ............................................... 47

Recording from Battery Power .......................................47

Changing the Record Settings........................................ 48

Viewing with the Standard Dock..................................... 49

Section 5. Using iPod Play-Through Mode.................... 51

How iTunes and iSee Share Your iPod.......................... 51

Three Ways to Use iPod................................................. 51

Using iPod Play-through................................................. 52

Section 6. About VidiScape Software ............................ 55

Section 7. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ..............57

Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................57

iSee Firmware ................................................................ 58

Finding the Firmware Version..................................... 59

Updating iSee Firmware .............................................59

Viewing Release Notes............................................... 60

Troubleshooting Tips ...................................................... 60

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Appendix A: Specifications .............................................63

Mechanical Specifications ...........................................63

Communication and Interface .....................................63

Encoding and Decoding ..............................................64

Video and Audio ..........................................................65

Appendix B: Technical Support......................................67

Returning Your iSee........................................................67

Packing Your iSee ..........................................................67

Shipping Your iSee to ATO.............................................68

Appendix C: Warranty......................................................69

Index ..................................................................................71

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Table of Contents

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Section 1. Getting Started

Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the ATOTM iSeeTM 360i Video Recorder for the Apple iPod®. This remarkable, high-performance entertainment center turns your iPod mobile digital device into a full-featured video player and photo display with music. And together with its Standard Dock, your iSee turns into a personal video recorder (PVR) as well.

Getting iSee Information

• Look at the iSee Quick Setup Guide to get your iSee up and running in a hurry.

• Use this iSee 360i User’s Manual to learn how to record and play videos, listen to music, and view photos on your iSee 360i. You’ll find more installation details here, too.

• See the manual Using VidiScape with Your iSee to learn how to use VidiScape software to manage and convert music, video, and picture files and download them to your iSee.

Meet the iSee 360i

The iSee 360i is a mobile video accessory for the Apple iPod product line. Plugging your iPod into the iSee 360i lets you show video, view photos, and play music that you have placed on the iPod using software from the iSee’s accompanying application disc. The software lets you convert and compress video files and store them on the iPod, all ready for playback on the iSee. And besides playing files, the iSee also functions as a handheld Personal Video Recorder.

What You Can Do With the ISee 360i

• Record compressed video to the iPod for playback.

• Play videos with sound, using the iPod’s headphones or

external speakers.

• Show photos individually or in slide shows.

• Zoom in and pan your digital photos.

• Play MP3 music.

• View video and photos, and play music, on the iSee or on

your TV.

• Protect your iPod and charge its battery.

iSee 360i User’s Manual -1-

Section 1. Getting Started

Features of the ATO iSee 360i

• Elegant, lightweight mobile design: Look and feel of a single unit with iPod docked.

• Handy iPod-like control panel: Easy to operate for iPod veterans.

• 3.6” high-quality LCD screen: Watch high-quality content in a mobile environment.

• User-friendly graphical interface: Intuitive and easy to use for an effortless entertainment experience.

• Replaceable, rechargeable 2,200 mAh battery: Enjoy video, music, and pictures for up to four hours, while supplying additional power to the iPod.

• Double-duty AC adapter: Charges both the iSee and the iPod at the same time.

• Video in: Record from TV, DVD, VCR, TiVo, camcorder or other analog video source.

• Audio in: Record audio, along with video, from any analog source.

• Video out: View video and photos on any TV.

• Audio out: Listen to audio on any external sound system.

• Multiple video formats (MPEG-2 or 4, Windows Media 9

or 10): iSee transcodes video files into MPEG-4.

• Image decode (JPEG): Turn the iPod into a photo viewer.

• Slide show mode: Create personal slide shows for family

and friends.

• Powerful video and photo features: Fast forward, reverse, pause videos and slide shows; pan and zoom photos.

• iPod play-through mode: Allows listening to iPod’s original music content, and viewing iPod video and photos on the iSee’s larger screen.

• Software included: Software disc has VidiScape host application and ArcSoft software to convert video, audio and picture files for playing on the iSee.

What You Need to Use the iSee 360i

To use the iSee 360i you’ll need:

• A supported Apple iPod mobile digital device.

• An iPod USB cable to connect the iPod to your PC.

• PC running Windows XP or 2000 to load the VidiScape

software and download iSee-compatible video, music, and picture files to your iPod.

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Section 1. Getting Started

Supported iPods

You can use your iSee with most iPod models, including the following:

• iPod 20GB (clickwheel)

• iPod 20GB U2 Special

• iPod mini (with optional adapter)

• iPod nano (with optional adapter)

• iPod 30GB Video (with optional adapter)

A few iPod models are not supported. The following models won’t fit into the iSee:

• Older iPods without dock connectors

• 3rd generation iPods, which have a row of buttons along the

top rather than the click wheel

• iPod Shuffle

• iPod Photo

For the latest up-to-date list of iPods you can use with your iSee, visit www.isee-ato.com

PC Requirements

To install and use the VidiScape software for converting video, audio, and pictures, you need a PC with:

• Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, or later

• DirectX9 (DirectX9c recommended). You can install this from

the iSee software disc if you don’t already have it.

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Section 1. Getting Started

iSee 360i Controls

Front View

Control How to Use It

iPod/adapter lock

Viewing screen Watch video.

AC Adapter connector

Control panel Press to select and start video, slide

Secures a full-sized iPod, or an adapter for iPod mini, nano, etc. Press to the right (toward the connector) to unlock.

View slide shows.

Play music.

Connect iSee’s AC adapter here

show, or music, cycle through menus, and control the iSee and iPod.

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Top View

Section 1. Getting Started

Control How to Use It

Power On/Off button

Headphone jack Attach iPod headphones or external

Press to turn iSee on. Press again and hold for 1 second to turn it off. Press and hold for 5 seconds for an emergency shutdown (if the iSee is unresponsive).

speakers here.

Accessories

Accessories enhance the functionality of your iSee 360i and make it even more fun to use.

Standard iSee 360i Accessories

Every iSee 360i comes with:

• AC adapter

• Protective sleeve

• ATO iSee software disc

• iSee User’s Manual

• Using VidiScape with Your iSee and PC

• iSee Quick Setup Guide

• A/V (audiovisual) cables

• Standard Dock

iSee 360i User’s Manual -5-

Section 1. Getting Started

iSee Standard Dock

The Standard Dock offers a convenient stand for viewing your iSee screen and for charging its battery. The Standard Dock also lets you connect video and audio cables for recording directly to your iPod, and sending video, pictures, and music to a TV or media center.

iSee Standard Dock

Optional Accessories

Purchase these accessories separately to enhance your iSee 360i’s functionality:

• iSee mini Adapter: Lets you insert your iPod mini into the iSee 360i.

• iSee nano Adapter: Lets you insert your iPod nano into the iSee 360i.

• iSee video Adapter: A tray that allows your iPod video to fit perfectly into the iSee 360i.

iPod mini

adapter

iPod nano

adapter

iPod video

adapter

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Section 1. Getting Started

Precautions

Although it’s rugged, your iSee requires reasonable care in its installation and use.

• Clean the viewing screen only with a soft, lint-free cloth.

• Keep the area around your iSee clean from dust, smoke,

and other contaminants.

• Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids, to touch the iSee. Thinner, benzene, or alcohol-based solvents can mar the surface of your iSee.

• Do not drop or jolt the iSee.

• Do not attempt to open the iSee and service it yourself.

Removing the cover may damage the iSee and void your warranty. Entrust service to experienced service personnel only.

• Do not attempt to clean your iSee using solvent-based cleaners.

• Follow all instructions carefully when you’re using the Standard Dock or inserting or removing a custom adapter.

Caution: Be careful of static electricity. The iSee may stop working and have to be restarted if operated in a strong electrostatic environment.

iSee 360i User’s Manual -7-

Section 1. Getting Started

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Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Follow these simple instructions and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Note the Serial Number and Register Your Product

First, note the serial number and date of purchase of your iSee. Write the information here, so you’ll have a record:

My iSee 360i Serial Number Is:

The Date of Purchase Is:

You’ll need this information in case you need service, or if your iSee is lost. Also, be sure to register your iSee at our website: www.isee-ato.com

iSee 360i User’s Manual -9-

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Step 1: Load the Battery in the iSee

To load the battery:

1. Open the iSee’s battery compartment by pulling up and out on the battery cover.

Open the Battery Compartment

2. Unwrap the battery. Note the set of battery contacts.

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Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

3. Place the battery into the iSee so the battery’s contacts mate with those in the iSee.

Load the iSee Battery

4. Replace the battery cover.

iSee 360i User’s Manual -11-

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Step 2: Charge the iSee Battery

Before attempting to use the iSee, plug in the AC adapter and charge the battery for two hours.

Charge the iSee Battery for 2 Hours First

While your iSee battery is charging, you can start installing the iSee software on your computer.

Step 3: Install iSee files on your iPod

To install iSee software and sample files, you insert the iSee software disc in your computer, then follow the instructions on the computer’s monitor.

Enabling iPod Disk Use

As one of the steps, you are asked to enable disk use on your iPod. This allows your iPod to be used much like a hard disk. You enable disk use from the iTunes (The iSee installer explains how.)

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Edit | Preferences menu.

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Disabling iTunes Auto-Launch

If you’ve been using iTunes with your iPod, you know that iTunes usually auto-launches (launches automatically) whenever you connect your iPod to the computer. Disabling iTunes auto-launch is optional, but it’s more convenient if you do so, because the VidiScape installation replaces this iTunes auto-launch with its own auto-launch selector. (The iSee installer also explains how to disable iTunes auto-launch.) You can always launch iTunes manually, simply by double-clicking on the iTunes icon.

Installation Options

The installer displays several installation options. In most cases, you’ll want to install all of the software and files on the disc.

The installer places a VidiScape icon on your Windows desktop, and places a shortcut to VidiScape in your Start menu.

The iSee software disc contains:

• Driver files and other firmware that are installed on your iPod to let the iSee work with your computer.

• Sample video, pictures, and music—including a convenient tutorial video—that load automatically onto your iPod, so you can get started using your iSee right away.

• VidiScape software for your computer that lets you manage your media files (video, music, and photos) and download them to the iSee. VidiScape also converts those media files into formats that your iSee can play.

• ArcSoft MediaConverter software that is used by VidiScape to convert a wide variety of media files for the iSee.

• DirectX 9, which is required by VidiScape. You don’t need to install this if you already have DirectX 9 on your computer.

If Asked to Restart Your Computer

Depending on your computer’s current configuration and what you install, you may be asked to restart your computer when a particular installation step is complete. You can safely wait until you’ve installed all software on your computer before you restart. (In other words, you only have to restart once!)

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Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

To install iSee software on your computer:

1. Insert the iSee software disc in the computer. You see the iSee installer window.

Insert the iSee Software Disc

(If you don’t see the iSee installer window, use Windows Explorer to double-click the Setup.exe file on the iSee software disc.)

The iSee Installer Window

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Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

2. On the iSee installer window, click the Set Up iPod button and follow the prompts.

3. When prompted to connect your iPod, use a USB cable to connect your iPod to your computer, then click OK. (After connecting, you may have to wait a few moments before you can successfully proceed; the iSee installer has to recognize and evaluate your iPod.)

4. If iTunes launches, allow iTunes to update the iPod before proceeding.

Connect Your iPod to the Computer

Note: For connecting to a PC, use a USB cable. Do not use

a FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable.

The installer automatically copies iSee drivers and sample video and other files onto your iPod, ready for playing on the iSee.

5. When you see the

Configure iTunes text box, open iTunes if it

is not already open on your computer. (To open iTunes, go to the Windows

iTunes.)

Start menu, select Programs, and select

6. Move the iTunes go to

Configure iTunes text box out of the way, and in

Edit | Preferences and choose the iPod tab.

7. Under the iPod tab, select the Music tab, if it’s not already on the screen.

iSee 360i User’s Manual -15-

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

8. In the iTunes Music tab:

 Optional but recommended: Turn off (uncheck) the box

marked

 Required: Turn on (check) the box marked Enable disk

use

iPod when enabled for disk use, select

again

OK to proceed.

Open iTunes when this iPod is attached.

. (If you see a message about manually ejecting the

Do not warn me

and click OK.) If the box is checked but grayed, it’s

In iTunes, Disable Auto-Launch and Enable iPod Disk Use

9. When you’ve made the necessary changes, in the

Music tab

click OK.

10. When iTunes has finished updating the iPod with these new settings, close iTunes.

11. Go back to the iSee installer’s click

Done. (You don’t need to restart your computer after

this step.) You see the iSee installer window again.

Configure iTunes box and

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Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Note: Except for adding iSee files, this does not change the iPod in any way. All music, video, or pictures you’ve loaded with iTunes remain safe and undisturbed. Content from the iSee and content from iTunes coexist peacefully within your iPod.

12. In the iSee installer window, click on the Install VidiScape button and follow the prompts to install VidiScape. Don’t restart your computer or launch VidiScape yet.

13. Click the

Install MediaConverter button to install ArcSoft

MediaConverter. (You don’t need to restart your computer yet.)

14. Go ahead and install DirectX 9.

-orIf you know you already have DirectX 9 on your computer, go to the next step now to exit the installer.

15. When you see the installer window again, click the Exit

Installer

button to exit the installer.

16. Remove the iSee Software disc from the computer, click the

Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray,

wait for the iPod’s and disconnect your iPod.

Do not disconnect screen to disappear,

Note: From now on, you should manually eject iPod before each disconnect. To manually eject the iPod, you can either a) Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray; or b) Click VidiScape’s File | Eject Device command.

iSee 360i User’s Manual -17-

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Eject the iPod, Then Disconnect It

When You’re Done Installing Software

17. Restart your computer to complete the installation of VidiScape and other software.

Step 4: Insert Your iPod in the iSee

Now it’s time to insert your iPod into the iSee. If you have a standard iPod, it will slide right in. If you have another iPod, such as the iPod mini, iPod nano, or iPod video, you’ll need to use an adapter. Adapters are available for purchase where you bought your iSee, or at www.isee-ato.com

To insert a standard iPod:

1. Position the iPod so its screen is facing to the rear of the iSee, and the iPod’s USB connector is oriented toward the iSee.

2. Slide the iPod into the iSee until the connectors are mated securely.

Inserting a Standard iPod Into the iSee

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Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

To insert an iPod mini, iPod nano, or iPod video:

1. Make sure you have the correct adapter for your iPod. Each type of iPod has its own unique adapter. Adapters are optional accessories and are available from your iSee dealer.

Caution: If you have more than one type of iPod, be sure to remove the adapter before attempting to insert a different model iPod or adapter. Be especially careful if you have an iPod video adapter. This is a sled that rests in the iSee to position the iPod video correctly, and it’s easy to overlook.

2. With the iPod facing up, orient the adapter so its open surface is also up, and so its inner USB connector is positioned to mate with the iPod’s connector. (The iSee video adapter has no inner USB connector.)

3. Slide the adapter over the iPod until the connectors mate securely.

Using an Adapter with the iPod mini, nano, or video

4. Position the adapter so the iPod screen is facing to the rear of the iSee, and the adapter’s outer USB connector is oriented toward the iSee.

5. Slide the adapter into the iSee until the adapter clicks into place and the connectors are mated securely.

iSee 360i User’s Manual -19-

Section 2. Setting Up Your iSee

Plug In Headphones

To allow you to listen to music or video, plug your iPod’s headphones into the iSee headphone jack.

Plug the iPod Headphones Into the iSee

Step 5: Turn On the iSee Power

Press the on/off button to turn on the iSee. The on/off LED is illuminated, and you see the iSee logo in the iSee viewing screen, followed by the main menu.

Turn On the iSee

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+ 58 hidden pages

ATO iSee 360i User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Getting iSee Information

Meet the iSee 360i

What You Can Do With the ISee 360i

Features of the ATO iSee 360i

What You Need to Use the iSee 360i

Supported iPods

PC Requirements

iSee 360i Controls

Accessories

Standard iSee 360i Accessories

Optional Accessories

Precautions

Note the Serial Number and Register Your Product

Step 1: Load the Battery in the iSee

Step 2: Charge the iSee Battery

Step 3: Install iSee files on your iPod

Enabling iPod Disk Use

Disabling iTunes Auto-Launch

Installation Options

If Asked to Restart Your Computer

Step 4: Insert Your iPod in the iSee

Plug In Headphones

Step 5: Turn On the iSee Power