User’s
Manual
TM
Dear Parent,
Your child’s proudest moments are en a parent’s
proudest moments. ere is nhing more special than the
light a child’s es when th are proud something
that th create themselves. At VTech®, we know that
each child learns in their own unique way, that’s why we
created KidiCreative™, a line high-tech creative fun for
kids through hands-on electronic play. It’s a cool new way
to learn music or plore art and phography.
At VTech®, we are proud to provide parents with creative
alternatives to traditional play, while developing new and
innovative ways for children to learn while having fun.
We thank you for trusting VTech® with the important job
helping your child plore a new world learning!
Sincerely,
Julia Fitzgerald
Vice President, Marketing
Vtech Electronics, NA
To learn more about the KidiCreative™ and other VTech® toys, visit www.vtechkids.com
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM!
The KidiArt StudioTM is a unique interactive creative platform designed
especially for younger children. With the KidiArt StudioTM, children can
take off on wonderful journeys that unleash their creativity and imagination.
With a kid-friendly rotating camera, an interactive pen, and a removable,
touch-sensitive art pad, being creative has never been so easy. The KidiArt
StudioTM offers eleven activities, including drawing, stop motion movies,
fun paper crafts, custom E-cards, games and more. All of the activities
are done directly on the TV, and for an extra bonus, kids can even view,
manage, print and share their masterpieces by connecting the studio to a
PC. They can even send their favorite creations to friends and family!
Introduction
1
Adaptor Jack
Port to PC (In the back)
Cartridge Slot
Power On/Off Button
Port to TV
Exit
Help button
Stylus
Rotating Camera
Camera button
Table
TV Cable
PC Cable
Stool
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
for the table:
1. Insert the A, B, and C handles into the open slots on the left leg (as
shown above). Then insert the opposite ends into the open slots on the
right leg.
2. Make sure the handles are fully inserted into legs, and then screw the
6 nuts onto the outside of the handles (as shown above).
for the Stool:
Fully insert the top end of the 4 legs into the slots on the bottom of the
seat until they click into place.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
2
A
B
C
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
• KidiArt StudioTM main unit with a rotative camera, a touch sensitive art
pad and a touch sensitive pen.
• Desk Stand for the art pad and stool
• PC USB connection cable
• TV connection cable
• Game cartridge --- KidiArt Studio
TM
• CD-ROM --- KidiArt Studio
TM
• Two user manuals
WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire
ties and tags are not part of this toy and should be discarded for
your child’s safety.
GETTING STARTED
BATTERY INSTALLATION
• Make sure the panel is turned OFF.
• There are two sets of batteries, “Main batteries” and “Backup batteries.”
Locate the correct battery cover on the bottom of the panel:
Note:
1. Do NOT remove both sets of batteries at the same time. If both sets of
batteries need to be replaced, replace either set with new batteries rst
then the other set. Otherwise data saved in the main unit will be lost.
2. Remember to backup your artwork to the computer by connecting the
VTech® KidiArt StudioTM main unit to the PC before the batteries run
out.
3
Included In This Package & Getting Started
BACKUP BATTERIES MAIN BATTERIES
4
Battery Notice & Product Features
• Remove the battery cover.
• Insert 4 “AA”(AM-3 / LR6) batteries as
illustrated.
BATTERY NOTICE
• The use of new alkaline batteries is recommended for maximum
performance.
• Install batteries correctly observing the polarity (+, -) signs to avoid
leakage.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not mix batteries of different types: alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc)
or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium).
• Remove the batteries from the equipment when the unit will not be
used for an extended period of time. Please note: To prevent data
loss, copy all photos and movies from KidiArt Studio™ to a PC before
removing batteries.
• Always remove exhausted batteries from the equipment.
• Do not dispose of batteries in re.
• Do not attempt to recharge ordinary batteries.
• The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
• Only batteries of the same and equivalent type as recommended are
to be used.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF RECHARGEABLE
BATTERIES.
PRODUCT FEATURES
ON/OFF Button
Press this button to turn the unit ON. Press this button again to turn the unit
OFF. Always do this before inserting or removing a game cartridge.
Automatic Shutoff
If there is no input to the KidiArt StudioTM for several minutes, the unit
will switch off to save power.
Help Button
Press this button to hear the help instructions.
Exit Button
Press this button to exit the current page.
Internal Memory
The internal memory in the main unit is shared for all cartridges as artwork
storage. It can store approximately 25 pictures or 5 animations.
Note: Actual numbers may vary depending on graphics content.
TO BEGIN PLAY
CoNNeCt to a tV
You can play your VTech® KidiArt StudioTM by connecting to a TV through
the included A/V cable.
1. Make sure the main unit is turned OFF.
2. Insert a KidiArt StudioTM game cartridge into
the cartridge slot on the top of the camera. The
game cartridge should lock into place. Please
use care when removing the game cartridge
from the slot.
3. Connect the included A/V cable to your TV.
4. Connect the other end of the A/V cable to your
VTech® KidiArt Studio
TM
main unit.
To Begin Play
5
5. Turn on the KidiArt StudioTM by pressing the
ON/OFF button. The green LED light will light
up to indicate that the unit is now on.
6. Follow the voice instructions to begin play.
Please see the User Manual of the inserted
game cartridge for more details and user
instructions.
CoNNeCtING to a PC
You can connect your VTech® KidiArt StudioTM to a computer through
the included PC USB cable, and then backup your creations for printing
or sharing.
Hardware Requirements:
CPU: Pentium® 4 /1 GHz or above
Memory: 256MB
Video Adaptor: Graphic card with 1024 x 768 at 16 or 32 bit color
Monitor Resolution: 1024 x 768
USB 1.1 or higher
300MB Hard disk space
Windows® compatible sound card and speakers
Note: External USB hubs are not supported
Software Requirements:
Microsoft® Windows® 2000, XP or Windows Vista® Operating System
Internet Explorer® version 6 or above
Adobe® Flash® Player 9 (To acquire the latest version of Flash player,
please visit www.adobe.com)
Note: Windows® 98/Windows® ME/Windows® NT are not supported
Microsoft® Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and other countries. Adobe®, the Adobe logo,
Flash® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Intel®, Pentium®
are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other
countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
6
To Begin Play
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY ADOBE
SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, PUBLISHER OF FLASH.
PC Setup and Installation
1. Start Windows®2000/XP/Vista.
2. Insert the KidiArt StudioTM CD-ROM into the CD-ROM / DVD-ROM
drive of your computer.
3. If AutoPlay is enabled on your computer, the installation program will
be executed automatically. Please follow the on-screen prompts to
complete your installation.
4. If AutoPlay is not enabled, select Run from the Start menu and type
D:\setup.exe if your CD drive is D; if not, type the correct letter. Press
Enter and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Starting the KidiArt StudioTM PC Application
After installation is complete, there are two ways to use the VTech® KidiArt
StudioTM PC Application.
1. Start with the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM main unit connected:
• Connect the included PC cable to a USB port
on your PC.
Note: Please always use the USB port on your
PC. USB hub connection is not supported.
• Connect the other end of the PC USB cable to
your VTech® KidiArt Studio
TM
main unit.
• Turn on the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM main
unit by pressing the ON button. The PC
Application will start automatically.
• You can control the cursor by moving the touch
sensitive pen around the panel or by using the
PC mouse. Press down with the pen to select an object on the PC
screen (similar to pressing the PC mouse button).
2. If you have already backed up artwork to the PC, you can simply start
the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM PC application without connecting the
VTech® KidiArt StudioTM main unit to your PC.
Double click the VTech® Application Manager icon
on the PC
desktop and start using the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM application.
7
To Begin Play
Note: If the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM application does not start when
the VTech® Application Manager appears, press the KidiArt StudioTM
tab icon on the menu bar to start the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM
application.
USING THE PC APPLICATION
AUTOMATIC ARTWORK BACKUP
If you start the VTech® KidiArt StudioTM PC application with the main unit
connected and turned on, the automatic artwork backup will occur after
the opening animation.
When the artwork backup is completed, you will see a prompt asking you
to delete everything in the Studio. Press “Yes” if you want to clear all the
artwork in the main unit to free up space, or “No” to keep the artwork.
Note: Once you have transferred the artwork from the main unit to the
PC, you can always transfer it back to the main unit.
WARNING: Do not disconnect the main unit or close the VTech
®
KidiArt StudioTM application while the automatic artwork backup is
in progress.
MANAGE YOUR ARTWORK IN “MY COOL STUFF”
Step 1. Cartridge Folder Selection
You can see all the KidiArt StudioTM cartridges you previously backed up
and they will appear as different folders. Click any folder to start managing
your artwork.
Note: Additional KidiArt StudioTM cartridges will be sold separately.
8
Using The PC Application
Step 2. Cartridge Artwork
Once inside the folder, you can switch from Thumbnail Mode to Image
Mode by clicking on any of the individual artworks.
I. Thumbnail Mode II. Image Mode
Return Press to return to the Cartridge Selection
Screen.
Check Box Click the box to select that artwork. A checkmark
will be shown if that artwork is selected.
Share Press to share your selected artwork by saving
it on your PC. To use the shared files, please go
to the “My KidiCreations” folder on your Desktop.
From here, you can access your artwork at
any time, or send it as an attachment to your
friends.
Send Press to send the selected artwork to from your
PC to your Studio.
Note:
1. If you send the artwork without inserting the
correct cartridge, you will have to insert the
correct cartridge to use the artwork in TV
mode.
2. This function is not available if the main unit
is not connected to the PC.
9
Using The PC Application
Print Press to print the selected artwork.
Note:
1. Before printing, make sure your computer is
connected to a printer.
2. Be sure to set your printing paper size to
Letter Size.
Delete Press to delete selected artwork.
Backward Press to move backward.
Forward Press to move forward.
Animation Icon This indicates an animation file.
Thumbnail Mode Press to return to Thumbnail mode.
Disconnect If your system is Windows® 2000, you will see
this button on the left. Click this button before you
disconnect the main unit from the PC. Otherwise,
files sent to the main unit may be lost.
10
Using The PC Application
CARE & MAINTENANCE
1. Keep your KidiArt StudioTM clean by wiping it with a slightly damp
cloth. Never use solvents or abrasives.
2. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.
3. Remove the main batteries when not using it for an extended period of
time.
4. Avoid dropping it. NEVER try to dismantle it.
5. Always keep the KidiArt StudioTM away from water.
WARNING
A very small percentage of the public, due to an existing condition,
may experience epileptic seizures or momentary loss of consciousness
when viewing certain types of flashing colors or patterns, especially on
a computer.
While the KidiArt StudioTM does not contribute to any additional risks,
we do recommend that parents supervise their children while they play
games.If your child experiences dizziness, altered vision, disorientation,
or convulsions, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
Please note that focusing on a computer or TV screen at close range
and handling a pen for a prolonged period of time may cause fatigue
or discomfort. We recommend that children take a 15-minute break for
every hour of play.
11
Care & Maintenance
TROUBLESHOOTING
Connected to a TV
Problem Possible Reason Solution
The KidiArt
StudioTM
power light
does not
come on
when the
ON Button is
pressed.
Incorrect or missing
power connection.
Check that new batteries are
correctly installed, or an AC/DC
adaptor (9V 300mA, centerpositive) is properly connected to
the main unit.
Program needs to
be reset.
1. Disconnect all power supplies
(batteries and adaptor), then
reconnect them.
2. Remove the KidiArt StudioTM
Cartridge and then re-insert it.
The KidiArt
StudioTM
power light
is ON, but
there is no
picture on
the screen.
Incorrect TV
connection.
Make sure that the yellow plug of
the main unit is connected to the
video IN terminal (usually yellow)
of the TV.
Incorrect TV mode
selected.
Make sure that the TV is set to
“video” mode. Some TVs have
several video inputs - please
make sure you have selected
the video input that matches
the video port connected to the
KidiArt StudioTM main unit.
12
Troubleshooting
The KidiArt
StudioTM
power light
is ON, but
there is no
picture (or
incorrect
picture) on
the TV, and
pressing the
OFF Button
has no
effect.
Program needs to
be reset.
1. Remove the KidiArt StudioTM
cartridge and then re-insert it.
2. Disconnect all power supplies
(batteries and adaptor), then
reconnect them.
The TV
picture is
black and
white.
Non-matching
color system.
Make sure the TV is set to the
correct TV system (e.g. NTSC
or Auto).
Cable connection
problem.
Make sure that the video cable
is firmly connected to the video
input of the TV.
There is a
picture on
the TV, but
no sound.
TV setting Raise the volume of the TV, and
make sure it is not set to “Mute.”
Cable connection
problem.
Make sure that the white and/or
red plug is firmly connected to
the audio input of the TV.
The KidiArt
StudioTM
does not
work.
KidiArt StudioTM
was reconnected
after program
started.
Turn the unit OFF and then ON
again.
13
Troubleshooting
The
message
“File Error”
shows when
trying to
view or open
an artwork.
The artwork is
corrupted.
Delete the artwork.
Notes: Do not disconnect or
turn off the main unit when files
saving, uploading to or being
sent from PC.
The
message
“Not enough
space.”
shows when
trying to
create a new
creation.
The internal
memory of the
main unit is full.
1. Backup the artwork to PC rst.
2. Then return to TV mode and
delete some artwork.
Connected to a PC
Problem Possible Reason Solution
When
pressing
the ON/OFF
button,
nothing
happens.
Incorrect or
missing power
connection.
Check that new batteries are
correctly installed or the USB
cable is properly connected
between the PC and the main
unit.
14
Troubleshooting
15
Program needs to
be reset.
1. Disconnect all power supplies
(batteries and USB connection),
then reconnect all them.
2. Press the ON/OFF button.
3. If the problem persists, remove
the game cartridge. Inspect the
inside of the game cartridge
by pushing up the protective
sleeve on the bottom of the
cartridge. Clean the inside
piece with a dry, soft cloth.
Then, re-insert the cartridge
and press the ON/OFF button.
4. If the problem persists, use a
pen to press the Reset Slot to
reset the main unit.
The main
unit is ON,
but no sound
can be
heard.
PC volume
setting.
Increase the volume of the PC,
and make sure it is not set to
“Mute” in the PC play mode.
Troubleshooting
The main
unit is
ON and
connected
to the PC,
but nothing
happens
on the PC
screen.
Cable connection
problem.
Make sure the USB cable is
properly connected between the
panel and the PC.
PC program
installation
problem.
Make sure the KidiArt StudioTM
program has been installed on
your computer and is running, or
re-install it.
The main
unit is
connected to
the PC, and
the main unit
and PC are
both on, but
the screen
is frozen
and not
responding
to any input.
PC program
installation
problem.
Make sure the KidiArt StudioTM
program has been installed on
your computer and is running, or
re-install it.
Program needs to
be reset.
1. Restart your computer.
2. Disconnect all power supplies
(batteries and USB connection)
of the panel, then reconnect all
power supplies.
3. Press the ON/OFF button.
4. If the problem persists, remove
the game cartridge. Inspect the
inside of the game cartridge
by pushing up the protective
sleeve on the bottom of the
game cartridge. Clean the
inside piece with a dry, soft
cloth and re-insert the cartridge.
Press the ON/OFF button.
5. If the problem persists, use a
pen to press the Reset Slot to
reset the panel.
Troubleshooting
16
The main
unit is on
with a game
cartridge
inserted and
connected
to the PC,
but user
can’t use the
Studio
The matching CDROM program has
not been installed.
Make sure the matching KidiArt
StudioTM CD-ROM has been
installed.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have a problem that cannot be solved by using this manual, we
encourage you to visit us online or contact our Consumer Services
Department with any problems and/or suggestions that you might have.
A support representative will be happy to assist you. Before requesting
support, please be ready to provide or include the information below:
• The name of your product or model number. (The model number is
typically located on the back or bottom of your product.)
• The actual problem you are experiencing.
• The actions you took right before the problem occurred.
If you wish to buy additional cartridges for your KidiArt StudioTM , please
visit us online, or contact our Consumer Services Department.
Internet: www.vtechkids.com
Phone: 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S., or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada.
Technical Support
17
OTHER INFO
DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers assume
no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this
handbook. VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers
assume no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties that may
arise through the use of this software. VTech® Electronics North America,
L.L.C. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any damage or loss
caused by deletion of data as a result of malfunction, dead battery, or
repairs. Be sure to make backup copies of important data on other media
to protect against data loss.
Company: VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C.
Address: 1155 West Dundee Rd, Suite 130, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
USA
Phone: 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S., or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the 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 the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. 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.
• 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: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Other Info
18
VTECH® KIDIART STUDIOTM FAQS
QueStIoN 1:
Why won’t the animation files shared to the “My KidiCreations” folder on
my Desktop play back on my computer?
Answer:
There may be a problem with your computer’s display card. Contact the
display card manufacturer to see if there is an updated version of the
display driver you can install.
QueStIoN 2:
I have bought a KidiArt StudioTM, but it will not work with my PC - my
PC is looking for a driver. I have searched the Internet and cannot find a
VTech® camera driver. What can I do?
Answer:
There is no separate driver needed for the KidiArt StudioTM. It uses a
standard USB mass storage device driver. Such a driver comes standard
on all Windows operating systems starting with Windows® 2000 Service
Pack 4 (including Windows® XP and Vista). If your computer meets these
OS requirements and is still looking for a driver, please contact your PC
manufacturer for further assistance. For earlier operating systems that do
not support mass storage, a system upgrade or mass storage device driver
may be available. Again, please check with your PC manufacturer.
QueStIoN 3:
What is the ISO value (light sensitivity) of the camera in KidiArt
StudioTM?
Answer:
The camera in KidiArt StudioTM uses an auto-ISO value. It auto
adjusts the exposure time and light sensitivity depending on the lighting
environment.
QueStIoN 4:
I can’t install the KidiArt StudioTM software on Windows® XP and get a
message saying “check if you have permission to install the software”.
VTech
®
KidiArt Studio
TM
FAQS
19
Answer:
It sounds like your user account lacks the administrative rights to install
external software. Please check with your computer’s administrator to fix
the problem.
QueStIoN 5:
My KidiArt StudioTM main unit turns on then immediately shuts off.
Answer:
Please make sure you are using new batteries. If there is no bad contact
due to dirt on the contact spring/plate or deformation of the contact spring
or plate, the power should be able to turn on. If the problem persists after
normal battery installation, then you might have a defective unit.
QueStIoN 6:
Why are my pictures sometimes grainy and fuzzy? Is there anything I can
do to improve the picture quality?
Answer:
In a poorly lit environment, the frame rate (shutter speed) drops to allow
for a longer exposure time. The downside of this is that any movement
in the frame, or of the hand holding the Studio, can result in greater
blur. Furthermore, the camera sensor will soften the edges in low light
to counteract the darkness by reducing the image noise. This too can
sometimes result in a blurred picture. Try to improve the lighting to get
better results.
QueStIoN 7:
Can you delete a group of pictures at one time, or do they have to be
deleted one at a time on the TV camera?
Answer:
If you connect the KidiArt StudioTM to your PC and access it using the
bundled KidiArt StudioTM PC Application, you can select multiple pictures
to delete at any one time.
VTech
®
KidiArt Studio
TM
FAQS
20
QueStIoN 8:
Will changing batteries erase the unit’s internal memory?
Answer:
Battery replacement under normal operation as detailed in our instruction
manual should not cause data corruption or data loss in the built-in memory.
In order to avoid memory loss, be sure to turn off the unit before removing
the battery doors, and do not replace both Main Batteries and Backup
Batteries at the same time.
To prevent data loss, we recommend to always backup your artwork to
the PC Application.
QueStIoN 9:
When connecting the KidiArt StudioTM to the USB port, I get the message
“USB device not recognized, one of the USB devices attached to this
computer has malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize it.” I am
running Windows® XP.
Answer:
This is most likely a hardware or OS issue. A number of consumers have
reported this problem with their computers not recognizing mass storage
devices of all kinds. Please contact your PC manufacturer for support.
QueStIoN 10:
When I connect the KidiArt StudioTM to my computer, the KidiArt StudioTM
PC Application is started. However, I also see the Windows Autoplay
prompt. What am I suppose to do with this prompt?
Answer:
After you have connected the USB cable to your PC and the drive VTech
350 appears ready, some Windows may show the Autoplay prompt, at this
moment, please click cancel to skip this prompt. You should always use
the KidiArt StudioTM PC Application interface to manage your artwork.
Note: Do not try to change the content in the drive VTech® yourself, or
data corruption may occur.
VTech
®
KidiArt Studio
TM
FAQS
21
© 2008 VTech
Printed in China
91-002332-000
Loading...