DVR 940HD Digital Video Camera User Manual © 2010 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.
Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3 What‟s Included ......................................................................................................................... 3 Parts of the Digital Video Camera .............................................................................................. 4 Initial Setup ..........................................................................
Introduction Thank you for purchasing this digital video camera. Everything you need to take quality digital videos and photos is included with your digital video camera. Vivitar makes capturing those special moments as easy as possible. Please read this manual carefully first in order to get the most out of your digital video camera. Note: Your digital video camera supports an SD Memory Card (up to 32GB).
Parts of the Digital Video Camera 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Power Button Photo Shutter Button Video Shutter Button LCD Screen Power LED Light Zoom Out / Zoom In ViviLink Button Mode Button Menu Button OK Joystick Button Self-Timer / Left Button EV+ / Up / Slideshow 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
Initial Setup Installing the Battery Installing the Memory Card To Charge the Battery: Insert the battery (as shown above). Insert SD Memory card (up to 32GB) before use. Power Off the camera. Connect the camera with the USB cable either to the AC adapter or to the computer. Charge light will turn on when the battery is fully charged.
When powering the digital video camera ON for the first time the digital video camera will take you through the initial setup. Powering the Digital Video Camera ON 1. Make sure the charged lithium battery have been inserted properly into your digital video camera. To charge the lithium battery: Insert the battery into the camera. Power Off the camera. Connect the camera with the USB cable either to the AC adapter or to the computer. A charge light will turn on when the battery is fully charged.
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 when finished press the OK button on the joystick 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.
Main Digital Video Camera Modes Your digital video camera has different modes for the various functions. You can switch modes by pressing the MODE button after the digital video camera has been powered ON. Video Capture Mode Use this mode to capture videos with your digital video camera. This is the default mode when the digital video camera is powered ON. To take a video, aim your digital video camera as desired and press the Video Shutter button to start the record.
Playback Mode (Photos & Videos) Use this mode to view and manage the videos and photos on your digital video camera. After turning on your digital video camera, press the MODE button twice to open the Playback mode for videos and photos. You can scroll through the videos and photos that you‟ve previously taken to view, edit or delete them as desired. To access the various menus of the Playback mode for videos and photos, press the MENU button while in the Playback mode.
Technical Specifications Image Sensor Image Resolution Video Resolution File Format External Memory LCD Display Lens Zoom Exposure White Balance ISO Scene Microphone Speaker Self-Timer Smile Capture Print Photos Face Detect Interface Auto Power Off System Requirements Language Battery Working Temperature Digital video camera Dimensions (mm) CMOS Sensor 3264x2448（8MP）4:3, 3648x2048 (7MP) 16:9 HD, 2592x1944 (5MP) 4:3, 2048x1536 (3MP) 4:3, 1920x1080 (2MP) 16:9 HD, 640x480 (VGA) 4:3 1280x720(HD:15/30fps ) , 64
Computer System Requirements - WINDOWS OS To be able to download photos and videos to your PC, you will need the following minimum configuration: Pentium 4 processor or above with Windows XP service pack 2, Windows Vista or Windows 7 512 MB RAM, with 150MB of free disk space 1024 x 768 Recommended screen resolution 16-bit color or higher display adaptor CD-ROM Drive Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or higher Windows Media Player 10 or higher Internet connection required Computer
Powering ON/OFF Your Digital Video Camera Make sure the lithium battery has been charged and properly inserted into your digital video camera. Make sure an SD card (up to 32GB) has been inserted properly into your digital video camera. Powering the Digital Video Camera ON Press the Power button , located on the inside wall, to turn your digital video camera ON. The digital video camera will be in Video Capture mode to start.
To change the active digital video camera mode, make sure the camera is powered ON and press the MODE button. When in Video Capture Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display When in Photo Capture Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display When in Playback Mode, this icon will display on the top-left corner of the LCD display Navigating the Menus Each camera mode has menus that show the settings and options specific to that mode. 1.
Video Capture Mode The Video Capture Mode allows you to capture videos with your digital video camera. When the digital video camera is first powered ON, the camera will be in Video Capture Mode. Taking a Video 1. While in Video Capture Mode, use the LCD display to direct the digital video camera at the scene you would like to capture. 2. Press the T/Zoom In and W/Zoom Out buttons (on the top section of the digital video camera) to better set the camera display if desired.
ViviLink Button: The ViviLink button (located on the inside wall of your digital video camera) allows you to easily and quickly define which social network your captured video will be uploaded to when using the software application. 1. While in Video Capture mode, press the ViviLink button. 2. The ViviLink for Videos Menu opens. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and save the highlighted menu option. 5.
Video Capture Mode Menus The following are the menus that appear in your digital video camera‟s Video Capture Mode: 16
Scene Menu The Scene Menu allows you to choose scene settings that allow your camera to adapt properly to your current environment. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Scene menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Image 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.
5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen. 9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Color Effect menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8.
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.
3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen. 9.
7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8. An icon reflecting your selection will display on the LCD screen. 9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Language Menu You can select your digital video camera‟s language setting by selecting the desired language from the Language menu. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2.
To Enable/Disable the Timestamp: 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Date/Time menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Audio menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8.
Frequency Menu The options in the Frequency menu represent the frequency of the electrical current in fluorescent lighting sources in your locale. If your digital video camera is set to a frequency that does not match your country‟s electric current, you may see flickering or waves on the images taken by your digital video camera. 50Hz – UK, Europe and Australia 60Hz – US, Canada and South America 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2.
6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Format Memory Menu You can use the Format Memory menu to delete all of the content that is currently on your digital video camera‟s SD Memory card.
Firmware Settings (Restore Factory Settings) Menu Use this menu to view the Firmware version on your digital video camera or to reset your camera settings to the Factory Default Settings. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Restore Factory Settings menu. 3. To reset the digital video camera‟s settings to the Factory Default Settings, press OK button on the joystick to select „RESTORE Factory settings‟.
Video Playback Mode When you first turn on the digital video camera, the camera will be in Video Capture mode by default. Press the MODE button twice to open the Playback Mode. The Playback mode will allow you to review photos and videos that you‟ve already taken with you camera. Playing Videos on Your Digital Video Camera 1.
3. Press the OK button on the joystick to enlarge the selected image full size. 4. Once the video is full size you can play and view the video. Video Playback Mode Quick Function Buttons Your digital video camera has Quick Function buttons controlled by the OK joystick button.
ViviLink Menu 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 Vivitar Experience Image Manager application. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the ViviLink menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4.
8. Any image that is locked will display a lock symbol on the LCD screen when viewing that image in the Playback mode. Videos that are not locked will not display the lock symbol. Remember: Locked videos cannot be deleted. Delete Menu While in the Playback mode, you can delete videos and photos from your digital video camera using the Delete menu. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Delete menu. 1.
Photo Capture Mode The Photo Capture mode allows you to capture pictures with your digital video camera. Taking a Picture 1. While in Photo Capture mode, use the LCD display to direct the digital video camera at the scene you would like to capture. 2. Press the T/Zoom In and W/Zoom Out buttons (on the top section of the digital video camera) to better set the camera display if desired. Note: The actual shape of these buttons may vary per camera model. 3.
ViviLink Button: The ViviLink button (located on the inside wall of your digital video camera) allows you to easily and quickly define which social network your captured photo will be uploaded to when using the software application. 1. While in Photo Capture mode, press the ViviLink button. 2. The ViviLink for Photos Menu opens. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and save the highlighted menu option. 5.
Photo Capture Mode Menus The following are the menus that appear in your digital video camera‟s Photo Capture Mode: 35
Scene Menu The Scene Menu allows you to choose scene settings that allow your camera to adapt properly to your current environment. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Scene menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Image 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.
Beeping sounds will indicate the countdown until the photo is taken - according to the time you have selected: 2 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds. NOTE: The Self-Timer can also be quickly activated by simply pressing the joystick button LEFT. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Self-Timer menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Face Detect Menu The Face Detect feature when set to „On‟ allows the camera to use a subject‟s face as the basis for balancing the other colors and focus in the camera‟s display. This feature is meant to ensure that the color and focus of your pictures will be consistently sharp and high-quality.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Smile Capture Menu The Smile Capture feature when set to „On‟ allows the camera to automatically take a picture when it detects that a subject in the picture is smiling. To properly use the Smile Capture feature, please ensure the following: Anti-Shake - Ensure that the Anti-Shake option is set to „On‟.
White Balance Menu The White Balance feature allows your camera to adjust the coloring of the captured images depending on the type of light source in the current environment. Properly adjusting the White Balance setting to match your current environment will allow the camera to properly balance the colors in the images that are taken with your camera. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the White Balance menu. 3.
Multi SnapShots Menu When enabled, the Multi SnapShots feature allows you to take five rapid snapshots in a row with a single click of the Photo Shutter button. This feature can be effective when trying to capture a particular moment in a sporting event or other scenes with quick movements. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Multi SnapShots menu. 3.
9. Remember that this setting will be saved by your digital video camera until you manually change the setting or restore the camera‟s default factory settings. Light Exposure Menu The Light Exposure setting helps you control the amount of light that enters your camera‟s lens. This setting should be adjusted when the environment is lighter or darker than normal.
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.
Spot – Meters the area within the spot point frame at the center of the LCD to set the exposure on the subject in the center of the monitor. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Metering menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5.
Date/Time Menu When you capture an image with your camera, the image will include a time stamp with the date and time that the image was taken. The Date/Time menu allows you to set your camera‟s date and time as desired. You can also disable the timestamp for future images that will be taken with your camera. On – The timestamp will appear on photos taken. Off – The date stamp will not appear on photos taken. To Enable/Disable the Timestamp: 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode.
6. If you would like to exit the Date/Time menu without changing the settings, press the MODE button at any time to exit the menu and return to your previous screen. Silent Mode Menu You have the option of activating the digital video camera‟s Silent mode to disable all of the sound effects that the digital video camera emits when performing functions. NOTE: The Silent Mode is not active when using the Self-Timer feature.
2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Auto Power Off menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5. A selected option icon will appear on the selected item. 6. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to select the next menu item. 7. Press the MODE button to exit the menu and return to your previous mode. 8.
TV Mode Menu TV Mode allows you to select the TV option appropriate for you to view your captured images on your television. See “Connecting the Digital Video Camera to a TV or HDTV” section of your manual for further information on how to connect your digital video camera to your television. NTSC – television and video standard used in America, Canada PAL – television and video standard used in Europe 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2.
4. To Format the Memory Card: If you would like to proceed with the format, select „Yes‟ and press the OK button on the joystick to confirm. The memory card will be completely formatted. A message will appear confirming that your memory card format has completed. You will automatically exit the menu and return to the previous mode. If you would like to exit the format without formatting the memory card, select „Cancel‟ and press the OK button on the joystick. 5.
Note: Selecting the system Language is required after resetting to the Factory settings. After you have RESET to the Factory Default Settings, and you immediately continue using the digital video camera, the language will be set to the default: English. To change the system Language: - Press the MENU button to open the menus. - Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Language Menu. - Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to select the language you would like.
1. Press the W/Zoom Out button. All the images on your camera will appear in the Thumbnail View. 2. Use the UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT buttons on the joystick to scroll and select the image you wish to view. 3. Press the OK button on the joystick to enlarge the selected image full size. Photo Playback Mode Quick Function Buttons Your digital video camera has Quick Function buttons controlled by the OK joystick button.
Photo Playback Mode Menus The following menus appear in your digital video camera‟s Photo Playback Mode: Note: The order of the menus options may vary. ViviLink Menu 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 Vivitar Experience Image Manager application. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2.
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. Rotate Menu Use this menu to rotate the pictures that you have taken 90, 180, or 270. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Rotate menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4.
Protect/Lock Menu Pictures and Videos taken with your camera can be protected or “locked” to prevent any deletion or alteration being made to the files. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Protect/Lock menu. 3. Press the joystick button UP or DOWN to highlight the desired menu option. 4. Press the OK button on the joystick to select and confirm the highlighted menu option. 5.
5. To delete all the videos and photos you have saved on your SD Memory card, select “Delete All Images?” and press the OK button on the joystick. If you would like to proceed with deleting all the videos and photos, select „Yes‟ and press the OK button on the joystick to confirm. All of your images will be permanently deleted. A black „No File‟ screen will appear. Press the MODE button to exit the „No File‟ screen and return to Video Capture mode.
Slide Show Menu The Slide Show menu allows you to set the interval length of time that each picture will display during the slide show. Note: While in Playback mode, press the UP Quick Function button to initiate the slide show. Press any button to exit the slide show and return to the previous mode. 1. Press the MENU button to open the menus for the current mode. 2. Press the joystick button LEFT or RIGHT to scroll and select the Slide Show menu. 3.
2. Turn On the TV and the digital video camera, and then set the TV to “AV” mode. 3. Set the TV format on the digital video camera to suit the TV format of your TV set (NTSC or PAL). In the Video and Photo Capture Menus, use the TV Mode Menu to select the appropriate TV format. 4. When the digital video camera is set to Video or Photo Capture mode, you can preview what you would like to record on the TV screen and view the recording on the TV. 5.
Installing the Software You must be connected to the internet to install and run the Vivitar Experience Image Manager software. 1. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The installation screen should automatically open. 2. On PC: The Vivitar Experience Image Manager Installer window appears. If the window does not appear, open the application‟s CD/DVD drive and click on “Setup.exe” to launch the installer. 3.
Note: If you do not have internet access, you can still download media from the camera. Click the “How to transfer photos and videos from my camera to my computer” button for instructions. 5. If you have internet access, the “Choose your language” window opens, choose your language and click “Next” to open the next window. 6. Select your camera model from the list and click “Next” to open the next window. 7. Click “Next” to confirm your camera model selection and to install the application. 8.
Getting Photos and Videos from your Camera to Your Computer The SD card must be inserted in the digital video camera. Do not disconnect the cable during transfer. Doing so will cancel the transfer of any files on their way to your computer. 1. Select the “Get Images” button from the Main menu. 2. The “Get Images from device” window opens. 3. You can select to download photos, videos or both. 4. Select your camera (removable disk) from the device window.
9. A media download progress bar appears on the bottom left showing the number of media files downloading to your computer. A message appears when the download is complete. 10. The photo and video files that you selected are now downloaded to your computer to the selected folder and albums ready for your use.
Transferring Images Manually Transferring Images from my Camcorder to my Computer Manually: WINDOWS 1. Use the USB cable that came with your camcorder to connect your camcorder to your computer. 2. MSDC appears on the LCD. 3. A window appears with a list of options, select “Open folder to view files” and click OK. 4. Open the DCIM folder and the folder inside to view the media files. 5. Select the media and copy the files from this folder into your computer.
Sakar Warranty Card This warranty covers for the original consumer purchaser only and is not transferable. Products that fail to function properly UNDER NORMAL USAGE, due to defects in material or workmanship will be repaired at no charge for parts or labor for a period of one year from the time of purchase.
Technical Support For technical support issues please visit our website at www.vivitar.com. You can find manuals, software and FAQ‟s at the website. Can‟t find what you are looking for? E-mail us at support@vivitar.com and one of our technical support team members will answer your questions. For phone support in the US please call 1-800-592-9541, in the UK call 0800 917 4831, in Australia call 1800-006-614. If you would like to call from anywhere else, please visit www.vivitar.
