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Product Q&A

General Questions

What are the specifications of the camcorder?

Dimensions

Height: 4.125"
Width: 2.25"
Depth: 1.25"
Weight: 4.9 oz.
LCD Screen: 1.4"

Video storage capacity:

30-minute camcorder: 512 MB of internal flash memory
60-minute camcorder: 1 GB of internal flash memory

Lens:

Focus: Fixed-focus
Aperture: f/2.4
Focal length: 35mm equivalent
Zoom: 2x digital zoom

Viewfinder

Electronic LCD-based color viewfinder (280 × 220)

Image sensor:

¼ inch 4:3 VGA-format (640 × 480) CMOS sensor
Active area: 3.58mm (H) × 2.69mm (V)
5.6 µm square pixels
Superior low-light sensitivity (>2.0V/lux-sec)
Preprogrammed auto exposure
Automatic white balance
Automatic black level calibration

Video capture:

Resolution: Full frame VGA resolution (640 × 480), 30 frames per second (fps), progressive scan
Format: MPEG-4 Part 2, Advanced Simple Profile (ASP), saved as an AVI file

TV output:

NTSC

Audio:

Microphone: Built-in microphone (on front of camcorder)
Speaker: Built-in speaker (on back of camcorder)

Battery:

Uses two AA batteries (Standard Alkaline or Energizer® e²® Lithium
Automatic power-off if inactive for more than 90 seconds

Connection Interface:

USB 2.0 connector via flip-out arm

Software:

On-board Flip Video program
- Runs from camcorder when connected to computer
- View, save and organize videos
- One-click video emailing
- Instant online video publishing
- Simple editing and movie making
- Capture still photos from videos

Accessories Included:

Two AA alkaline batteries
TV connection cable (audio/video)
Wrist strap
Protective carrying pouch
Quick Start Guide

Can I expand the amount of memory in the camcorder with a memory card or stick?

No, the camcorder features built-in flash memory, which cannot be expanded.

What is the resolution, format and number of megapixels of the video that the camcorder captures?

The quality of digital video is measured differently than digital photos, where photo quality is typically described in terms of megapixels. In technical terms, the Flip Video camcorder records or "captures" video in MPEG-4 advanced simple profile format, saved as an AVI file, with full VGA resolution of 640 × 480, at a full video frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps). This recording quality is sometimes commonly referred to as "TV quality" resolution because it matches the resolution and frame rate seen in TV broadcasts. What you see, then, when you watch videos from the Flip Video camcorder, is that the quality is crisp and the action is seamless. This is because the video matches the high quality of a TV screen, and there are no drops in the number of video frames shown per second.

In comparison, some video captured by a standard digital camera or webcam is captured at a lower resolution (e.g. QVGA resolution is 1/4^th the resolution of VGA), and/or at less than the full frame rate (e.g. drops from full frame rate during complex scenes). Overall, this can result in video that is more blurry and/or choppy than the high quality of the Flip Video camcorder.

Why does the camcorder record in a format that requires the installation of video compatibility software (a "codec")? Why doesn't it just record in a format that is more easily compatible?

Different compression formats provide different tradeoffs in video quality versus compatibility and file size. The Flip Video camcorder uses the MPEG-4 format for recording and playback as it presents very high quality video, but results in a file size that is not as large as other high quality formats (e.g. MPEG-2), maximizing the space on your camcorder's memory as well as your hard drive.

For playback on a computer, videos recorded using a high-quality compression format can only properly playback after installation of video compatibility software (a "codec") onto your computer. The Flip Video program that runs from the camcorder's memory includes the automatic installation of this video compatibility software for your convenience (as long as your system meets the minimum requirements).

If I want to convert my videos into a video format other than MPEG-4/AVI, how do I do that?

The videos recorded with your Flip Video camcorder are captured in MPEG-4 format, saved as an AVI file. To convert the videos into another format, you will need to use a 3^rd party video editing program or codec that supports the import of MPEG-4 ASP encoding and AVI format, and then use the program or code to convert your videos into the output format you are interested in using.

How do I obtain warranty service?

Pure Digital warrants the Flip Video camcorder for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. In the unlikely event that your camcorder develops a problem during your warranty period, please follow the warranty service procedures outlined in our website.

How is the product registration information used?

Registering your product allows Pure Digital to contact you about any product upgrades or recalls. Personal information you provide may also be used for such purposes as responding to your requests for certain products and services, communicating with you about special offers, and customizing the content you see on the Pure Digital website(s). We never sell or rent your personal information to any third parties. We will not share or intentionally release personal information other than to you, Pure Digital Technologies and its subsidiaries and agents, who are employed to perform functions on our behalf.

How do I get more help if these Questions & Answers do not answer my question or do not resolve an issue I am having?

If you still have questions or are still having problems with the Flip Video camcorder or program, please send an email to inquiry@puredigitalinc.com, and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.

How do I provide general feedback or suggestions about the Flip Video program?

We value your feedback about this product. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send an email to tellus@puredigitalinc.com. We may not be able to reply to every email, but we promise that we will read them all.

Camcorder Setup & Power

I pressed the power button. Why didn't the camcorder turn on?

Occasionally, if you press the power button but release it too soon, the camcorder will not turn on. When pressing the power button, try holding it down for a couple of seconds.

If that does not work, turn the camcorder off and check the batteries. Open the battery door to ensure that two fresh AA batteries are in place, and ensure that the "+" and "-" ends are correctly aligned, as indicated on the battery door.

Why is a battery symbol flashing on the display screen?

A battery symbol flashing on the display screen indicates that your batteries are too low and need to be replaced with fresh batteries. If you do not replace the batteries when you see the battery symbol start to flash, the camcorder will eventually turn itself off as the batteries diminish.

How do I change the batteries?

To change the batteries, slide the battery door down to open (following the arrow on the battery door). Remove the used batteries and replace with two fresh AA batteries. Align the "+" and "-" ends as indicated on the battery door. Close the battery door and slide up to lock.

Why does my camcorder turn itself off if I don't use it for a little bit?

In order to conserve battery life and maximize your camcorder's use time, the camcorder automatically shuts off after 90 seconds of inactivity.

Why does my camcorder suddenly keep turning itself off while I'm using it?

If the camcorder suddenly shuts off during usage, you may be experiencing very low batteries. Replace them with batteries that you know are fresh, and the problem should be resolved.

If you replace the batteries but continue to experience these problems, you may be experiencing problems with the camcorder or its software. If that is the case, you may need to return your camcorder to Pure Digital in order for us to troubleshoot it. Please follow the warranty service procedures for returning your camcorder.

Why are my video clips all dated incorrectly?

The date and time on the camcorder are set to U.S. Central Time during manufacturing. You can reset the camcorder's date and time by taking your camcorder to an authorized Pure Digital Retailer to get a DVD. When the camcorder is processed, its clock is reset to your local date and time.

How do I change the date or time on the camcorder?

How do I attach the wrist strap?

To attach the wrist strap, thread the short loop of the wrist strap through the connection hook on the bottom corner of the camcorder. Then, thread the long end of the wrist strap through the short loop and pull it until it's secure.

Recording & Capturing Video

How Do I Record & Capture Video?

To record:

Wait for Ready to appear in the top left corner of the display screen before recording
To begin recording, press and release the red Record button
While recording, the red "•" symbol will appear and flash in the top left corner of the display screen, and the red LED light on the front of the camcorder will turn on.
To stop recording, press the red Record button again

Why is the camcorder not recording?

Before you begin recording, ensure that Ready appears in the top left corner of the display screen, and that there is enough time left on the camcorder for you to record videos. When Ready appears in the top left corner of the display screen, the amount of time left on your camcorder appears in the bottom left corner of the display screen.

When you are recording, ensure that the red "•" symbol appears and flashes in the top left corner of the display screen and the red LED light on the front of the camcorder is on. Also, ensure that the battery symbol is not flashing on the display screen. A battery symbol flashing on the display screen indicates that your batteries are too low and need to be replaced.

When there is zero time remaining to record additional videos, you will see Camcorder Full on the display screen. At that point, you will need to delete videos from your camcorder in order to record any additional videos, first saving any videos you would like to keep.

Do I have to hold the red Record button while recording?

No, you do not need to hold the red Record button while recording. In fact, it is preferred that you press and release the Record button to start recording and then press it again to stop. This will prevent accidental button presses while you are recording.

How do I zoom in while recording a video, and then how do I zoom out to return to the original setting?

To zoom in, press "+" before or during recording. To zoom out, press "-" before or during recording.

Why is my 30-minute camcorder "full" after recording less than 30 minutes of video?

Your camcorder has either 512 MB of built-in memory, which stores an average of 30 minutes of video, or it has 1GB of built-in memory, which stores an average of 60 minutes of video. However, the exact number of minutes you can record varies, depending on the complexity of content that you are recording. Complex subjects such as fast moving objects or intricate details increase the size of video files when saved on your camcorder's built-in memory, and this can reduce the recording time available for other videos.

During playback, I accidentally pressed the red Record button. Did I record over the video that I was playing?

No, the video you were playing is still safely stored on your camcorder. If you press the red Record button while playing a video, the camcorder stops playback, but does not begin recording immediately. Recording can only begin immediately when no other features are in use and Ready appears in the top left corner of the display screen.

In addition, recorded videos are stored indefinitely on your camcorder unless you delete them. There is no way to record over any existing videos. The only way to delete videos is to use the DELETE button on your camcorder or use the Delete Videos feature within the Flip Video program.

When I connect my camcorder to a TV or computer and press the red Record button, why doesn't the camcorder respond?

The camcorder will not record when connected to a TV or computer.

Playing Videos On My Camcorder

How Do I Play Videos On My Camcorder?

To play back videos you have recorded:

Press PLAY to playback last video recorded
- Note: "►" will appear in the top left corner of the display screen
Press PLAY again to stop playback
To select another video to play back — see Skip Forward/Backward
To play all videos, press and hold down PLAY for 3 seconds

While I am playing a video, can I fast forward or rewind through it?

No, you cannot fast forward or rewind a video during playback. You can only skip forward and backward from video to video in order to find the one that you want.

How do I skip forward or backward from video to video in order to find the one that I want to play?

To skip forward and backward through the videos you have recorded, press "◄" and "►". When you find the video that you want to play back, press PLAY.

Deleting Videos From Your Camcorder

How Do I Delete Videos From My Camcorder?

To delete a video you have recorded:

Press DELETE and the last video recorded or played will appear on the display screen
- Delete video? will appear on the display screen
Press DELETE again to confirm
Press any other button to cancel your delete action, or simply wait for the action to cancel itself
To select another video to delete — see Skip Forward/Backward

To delete all videos you have recorded:

Press and hold down DELETE for 3 seconds
- "Delete all videos?" will appear on the display screen
Press DELETE again to confirm
Press any other button to cancel your delete action, or simply wait for the action to cancel itself

How do I skip forward or backward from video to video in order to find the one that I want to delete?

To skip forward and backward through the videos you have recorded, press "◄" and "►". When you find the video that you want to delete, press DELETE to begin deleting it.

I accidentally pressed DELETE on my camcorder, but I do not want to delete this video. What are my options?

If you press DELETE, but then do not want to delete a video, you can press any other button to cancel your delete action, or simply wait for the action to cancel itself. The delete action will automatically cancel itself after 5 seconds of inactivity.

I accidentally deleted a video from my camcorder. Can I get it back?

No, unfortunately, once a video has been deleted from your camcorder, it cannot be retrieved. The information is permanently erased from the camcorder's memory.

Adjusting The Audio Volume On My Camcorder

How Do I Adjust Audio Volume On My Camcorder?

To control the volume of your videos while playing them on your camcorder:

Press "+" to increase the volume
Press "-" to decrease the volume

You cannot control the recording volume of your camcorder. You can improve the recording volume and quality of your videos by moving the microphone closer to your subjects. Your camcorder's microphone is located on the front of your camcorder.

When playing back videos on my camcorder, the sound is not as strong as when I play back the videos on my TV or computer. Is there something wrong with my camcorder?

The sound quality and volume when playing videos on your TV or computer will likely be much higher than when playing videos on your camcorder, mainly due to the larger size of your TV or computer speakers. The speaker on your camcorder is much smaller in comparison.

When playing back videos on my TV, I can barely hear the sound. How do I adjust the volume?

To control the volume of your videos while playing them on your TV, first set the camcorder's volume controls to their highest setting. Then, use your TV's controls to adjust the volume as you normally would.

When playing back videos on my computer, I can barely hear the sound. How do I adjust the volume?

To control the volume of your videos while playing them on your computer, use your computer speakers' controls to adjust the volume as you normally would. When your camcorder is connected to your computer, the camcorder's volume controls do not affect the volume level of your computer.

Viewing Videos On My TV

How Do I View Videos On My Tv?

To view videos on your TV:

Turn off both your TV and camcorder.
Plug in TV connection cable: Insert single-connector end to camcorder. Connect triple-connector end to corresponding video (yellow) and audio (white and red) color input jacks on your TV. On some TVs, these input jacks can be found on the front of the TV, while on other TVs they are found on the back.
Power on both your TV and camcorder
Switch the mode on your TV to select the appropriate video input (see your TV manual for instructions on changing or selecting video inputs).
- Note: Camcorder display screen will turn off when TV connection is activated.
Play back and delete videos on TV using the camcorder buttons
- Note: Camcorder will not record when TV connection is activated.

When I connect my camcorder to my TV, I cannot see my videos on the TV. How do I see the videos?

To view videos on your TV, first ensure that the TV connection cable is properly connected on both ends. Then, ensure that the input and channel settings on your TV are correct for viewing a device connected via the TV video and audio input jacks. You will need to consult your TV's manual for more specific instructions, as the switching of input settings is handled differently per TV model.

When I connect my camcorder to my TV, can I eliminate the text that appears on the TV?

The text you see on your TV screen when your camcorder is connected to your TV should only appear when you are navigating through the videos. Once you start playing back a video, the text should disappear after about 5 seconds of playback. The reason the text appears on the screen in the first place is that it is the only way to display information about the videos you are navigating. The camcorder's own display screen is turned off during a TV connection, so you cannot see the information there.

Connecting And Disconnecting The Camcorder To/From My Computer

How Do I Connect And Disconnect The Camcorder To/From My Computer?

To connect the camcorder to your computer:

Turn the camcorder off
Slide latch down to release the USB connector arm on your camcorder
Insert the camcorder USB arm into a powered USB port on your computer
- Note: Use a USB extension cable (purchased separately) if the USB arm is obstructed or space does not permit connection.

Note: Camcorder will not record when connected to a computer.

To disconnect the camcorder from your computer:

When you would like to disconnect your camcorder, you must fully exit the program and use your computer's eject utility to stop the camcorder safely, before physically unplugging it from your computer. Unsafely removing the camcorder, even once, may cause unrecoverable corruption of the camcorder, its program files, or your videos.

To disconnect the camcorder from your Windows 2000 computer:

Exit the Flip Video program by clicking Close (X) in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Wait for the program screen to close completely.
Open Settings > Control Panel. Double-click Add/Remove Hardware. This will open the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard. Click Next.
Select Uninstall/Unplug a device, and then click Next.
Select Unplug/Eject a device, and then click Next.
Select the camcorder as the device you want to unplug/eject, and then click Next. Note: The name of the camcorder may generically appear as USB Mass Storage Device.
Click Next to confirm that you want the camcorder unplugged/ejected.
Click the check box next to Show Unplug/Eject icon on the taskbar and click Finish.
Remove the camcorder USB Connector Arm from the USB port on your computer.

The next time you want to unplug or eject the camcorder, you can use the icon on the taskbar instead of using the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard in the Control Panel.

To disconnect the camcorder from your Windows XP computer:

Exit the Flip Video program by clicking Close (X) in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Wait for the program screen to close completely.
Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on your Windows taskbar. A small pop-up window will appear.
Click Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device in the pop-up window. Once your computer has safely ejected your camcorder as a device, a pop-up window will appear with a message confirming that it is safe to unplug your camcorder.
Remove the camcorder USB Connector Arm from the USB port on your computer.

To disconnect the camcorder from your Macintosh computer:

Exit the Flip Video program by clicking Close Window (X) in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Wait for the program screen to close completely.
Select the FLIPVIDEO icon on your Desktop and choose File > Eject. Alternatively, you can drag the FLIPVIDEO icon to the Trash icon in the Dock. (While you drag, the Trash icon changes to an Eject icon.) Once the FLIPVIDEO icon disappears from your Desktop, it is safe to disconnect your camcorder.
Remove the camcorder USB Connector Arm from the USB port on your computer.

The USB connector on the camcorder does not fit properly into the port on my computer, OR the USB port on my computer is located in the back and I am having difficulty connecting my camcorder.

If the USB connector arm on your camcorder is obstructed or space does not permit its direct connection to your computer, use a USB extension cable to connect. A USB extension cable is not included with your camcorder, but you can purchase one at your local computer accessories retailer. To ensure the fastest and most reliable signal quality, it is best to use a USB 2.0 cable that meets the USB 2.0 Electrical and Timing Specifications.

I purchased a USB extension cable to connect the camcorder to my computer, but it does not seem to work and I just see an error message. What could be wrong?

If the USB cable you are using does not seem to be compatible with your camcorder, you may be using a cable that is faulty or one that is not conveying the signal with full integrity. To ensure signal quality, it is best to use a cable that meets the USB 2.0 Electrical and Timing Specifications.

After connecting the camcorder, nothing happened, and I could not find the camcorder or FLIPVIDEO icon on my computer. What should I do?

If you cannot find the FLIPVIDEO icon on your computer, your computer may not be recognizing the camcorder. First, ensure that you are inserting your camcorder into a high-powered USB port, as your Flip Video camcorder needs electrical power in order to run in its connected mode.�Some USB ports are low-powered or are not powered at all (e.g. the USB port on a Macintosh keyboard is not powered), so you should try another USB port on your computer if this is the case.

Secondly, ensure that your camcorder is turned OFF before connecting it to your computer. Then, after inserting the camcorder's connector arm into the USB port on your computer, you should hear a small beep from the camcorder as it turns on in its connected mode. You should also see the word Connected on the camcorder's display screen when the camcorder is properly connected.

If you do not hear a beep or see Connected on the display screen, then your camcorder may be experiencing a problem with that USB port. Try to use a different USB port with your camcorder. If no USB ports on your computer work with the camcorder, ensure that other USB devices work with your computer — try to connect a different device to your USB ports, such as a memory stick, an iPod or a standard digital camera.

If other devices work with your USB ports, but your camcorder still does not work, you may be experiencing a problem with the USB connector arm on your camcorder. If this is the case, please consult the warranty service procedures for repairing or replacing your camcorder.

Starting The Flip Video Program On My Computer

How Do I Start The Flip Video Program On My Computer?

On Windows computers:

After connecting the camcorder to your Windows computer, a Windows dialog should appear asking you to choose what you want to do with the disk or device
- Choose View your Flip Camcorder Videos using the program on the device, and click OK.
- When the Flip Video program starts for the first time, a window will appear requesting your acceptance of the license agreement, and the automatic installation of software that allows your computer to play your videos. Click the I Agree button and wait for the installation to complete. Upon completion, the program will automatically start.
- You are now ready to use the Flip Video program to play back, save, share, edit and make movie mixes of your videos.
If you do not see this dialog or the program does not start automatically:
- Open My Computer and double-click the FLIPVIDEO icon
- A window should appear that displays the contents of your camcorder.
- Double-click the Flip Video for PC icon to start the Flip Video program
- When the Flip Video program starts for the first time, a window will appear requesting your acceptance of the license agreement, and the automatic installation of software that allows your computer to play your videos and make custom movie mixes. Click the I Agree button and wait for the installation to complete. Upon completion, the program will automatically start.
- You are now ready to use the Flip Video program to play back, save, share, edit and make movie mixes of your videos.
Please note that the camcorder must remain connected to your computer for you to use the program with your videos.

On Macintosh computers:

After connecting the camcorder to your Macintosh, double-click the FLIPVIDEO icon on your Desktop. A window should appear that displays the contents of your camcorder.
Double-click the Mac Users folder.
Double-click the Install Flip Video for Mac icon. This will open a new folder called Flip Video Program for Mac, which contains the program files.
Drag the Flip Video Program for Mac folder to your Desktop, and double-click the folder to open it
Double-click the Flip Video for Mac icon to start the Flip Video program
- When the Flip Video program starts for the first time, a window will appear requesting your acceptance of the license agreement, and the automatic installation of software that allows your computer to play your videos. Click the I Agree button and wait for the installation to complete. Upon completion, the program will automatically start.
- You are now ready to use the Flip Video program to play back, save, share, edit and make movies of your videos.
Please note that the camcorder must remain connected to your computer for you to use the program with your videos.
The next time you want to use the program, you may simply connect your camcorder and then launch the program you have already installed by double-clicking the Flip Video for Mac icon. You do not need to install the program each time you want to use it.

After double-clicking the FLIPVIDEO icon to view the contents of my camcorder, I could not find the folders or files mentioned in the instructions. What should I do?

After double-clicking the FLIPVIDEO icon, a window should appear that displays the contents of your camcorder. You should see the following folders and files:

DCIM	[folder]
Mac Users	[folder]
System	[folder]
autorun.inf	[file]
Flip Video for PC.exe	[file]
ReadMe.txt	[file]

If you do not see the System or Mac Users folders on your camcorder, or they are empty, then the program is missing or has been deleted from your camcorder, and there is no way to reinstall it yourself. Please return the camcorder to Pure Digital for repair using the warranty service procedures and we will reinstall the program for you.

I tried to start the Flip Video program myself, but it won't start. What should I do?

If you are having trouble starting the Flip Video program, first ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to use the program. The program requires the following minimum hardware and software to be installed correctly on your computer in order to function properly:

Users Running Microsoft Windows Computers:

The Flip Video program requires the following minimum hardware and software to be installed correctly on your Windows computer in order to function properly:

Intel Pentium III 800 MHz computer or faster, with at least 128 MB of RAM
Microsoft Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4 or later) or Windows XP
SVGA display monitor
Sound Card
Video Card, with display set to screen resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels or higher, and color quality/depth set to 24-bit or higher (to check/change setting, open Control Panel > Display > Settings)
Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
Microsoft DirectX 8.1 or later
Installation of the video compatibility software automatically installed by the Flip Video program

The Make Movie Mix feature requires the following later version of Microsoft DirectX in order to function properly:

Microsoft DirectX 9.0 or later

To download a free upgrade of Windows Media Player or Microsoft DirectX, go to www.microsoft.com. We also recommend that you install the latest service packs and updates to obtain the highest performance and reliability on your computer. For Windows updates, go to the Start menu and select Windows Update.

Users Running Macintosh Computers:

The Flip Video program requires the following minimum hardware and software to be installed correctly on your Macintosh computer in order to function properly:

Macintosh computer 400 MHz PowerPC G3 or faster, or Intel Core processor, with at least 128 MB of RAM
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
SVGA display monitor
Sound Card
Video Card, with display set to resolution of 1024 × 768 or higher, and color set to Millions or higher (to check/change setting, open System Preferences > Displays)
QuickTime 7 or later
Installation of video compatibility software included on the camcorder (see installation instructions below)

To download a free upgrade of QuickTime, go to www.apple.com. We also recommend that you install the latest service packs and updates to obtain the highest performance and reliability on your computer. For Macintosh updates, go to the Apple menu and select Software Update.

If your computer meets the minimum requirements, but you are still having trouble with the program, please exit, restart your computer, and try again.

Does the Flip Video program run on the new Windows Vista operating system?

Unfortunately, the Flip Video program does not provide support for the new Windows Vista operating system. The timing of the Windows Vista release required our support for it to be implemented in a future release.

If you try to run the Flip Video program on Windows Vista, you will likely have trouble starting the program or using many of the program's features. This is because the program will likely have trouble installing the necessary video compatibility software (or "codec") needed to and view and use your videos.

If the program doesn't run on Windows Vista, can I still use the videos with another program?

Because the Flip Video program is not able to install the appropriate video compatibility software (or "codec"), you may have problems importing or viewing your videos in other programs. Even though a program may be able to open your videos' AVI container format, many programs use installed codecs to decode the videos (via Windows DirectShow). If an appropriate codec is not available or is not registered with Vista, the video will not properly import or play in such programs.

To use your videos with another program on Windows Vista, you should install a commercially available codec that supports it, such as DivX Community Codec (www.divx.com).

Can I save the Flip Video program onto my computer?

No, the Flip Video program can only be used from your camcorder. You cannot install the program onto your computer.

What is the ReadMe File that I see stored on my camcorder when I connect to my computer?

The ReadMe file is a document on your camcorder's memory that provides troubleshooting information for the Flip Video program if you are having trouble starting it or using it with your computer. The file is saved in TXT format, and can be opened using any word processing program on your computer. All of the information in the ReadMe file is also included in this online Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the DCIM folder that I see stored on my camcorder when I connect to my computer?

The DCIM folder on your camcorder is the location where all the recorded video files on your camcorder are stored. If you would like to save these videos to your computer, it is best to use the Save Videos feature in the Flip Video program. If you use your operating system to move or delete files from the DCIM folder to your computer, you may no longer be able to view them with the program. You will still be able to play them using a media player, however, as long as you have first installed the video compatibility software.

Why do I have to install the Flip Video program on my Macintosh computer, but not on my Windows computer?

Unlike Windows, the Macintosh operating system doesn't easily allow programs to run self-contained off of a CD, DVD or other external memory without first installing some amount of software onto the computer. Pure Digital is investigating ways to work around this difference between the Macintosh and Windows versions, but we do not have a projected date for this change.

I've successfully used the Flip Video program with my Macintosh computer, but now have two icons on my desktop. Which of these can be deleted or moved?

The two icons on your Macintosh Desktop represent your camcorder and the camcorder's video program, depending on what you are doing:

Flip Video Program for Mac folder: This folder includes the files that must be installed on a Macintosh computer in order to use the program that runs from the camcorder. After installation, you can move this folder to your Applications folder in order to unclutter your Desktop. Alternatively, you can delete it, but you would need to reinstall it every time you want to use the program, and that is obviously makes usage more cumbersome.
Flip Video for Mac icon: This icon represents your camcorder whenever it is actively connected to your computer. When you disconnect your camcorder from your computer's USB port, this icon should disappear from your Desktop.

Viewing Videos Using The Flip Video Program

How Do I View Videos Using The Flip Video Program?

To browse videos:

In Your Library, click the name of the album you want to browse. A group of videos will appear. The default view displays up to four videos per group.
Click Next or Back to page forward and backward.
To view a specific page, click on a number in the bar at the bottom of the viewing screen.

To view videos in the default view:

In the default view, click Play to view a video from start to finish. During playback, click Stop to end video playback.

To view a video in other ways:

Enlarge a video's playback size by clicking Edit below the video you want to watch. (Clicking Smaller restores it to the smaller playback size in the default view.)
Immediately below the video viewing window, there are onscreen controls similar to those found on CD and DVD players:
- Play >
- Pause ||
- Step Forward |>
- Step Backward <|
- Fast Forward to End >|
- Rewind to Start |<
To view a video from start to finish, click Play >. During playback, click Pause || to pause the video.
To forward or rewind a video to a specific point, drag the playback slider along the time bar and stop at the point you would like.
To forward or rewind a video in small steps, click Step Forward |> to advance, and Step Backward <| to move in the reverse. Each click moves the video forward or backward a single step.
To rewind to the video's beginning, click Rewind to Start |<. If you click this during playback, the video will rewind to the beginning and begin playing automatically. If you click this while the video is paused, the video will rewind to the beginning and remain paused.
To forward to the end of the video, click Fast Forward to End >|.

I'm having trouble viewing my videos using the Flip Video program, is there still a way I can view the videos without it?

If the Flip Video program cannot or does not run on your computer, you can manually install the video compatibility software and then use your videos with the standard features of your computer.

To install the video compatibility software on your Windows computer:

Connect the Flip Video camcorder to an available USB port on your computer
Open My Computer and double-click the FLIPVIDEO icon. A window should appear that displays the contents of your camcorder.
Double-click the System folder
Double-click the INSTALL folder
Double-click the 3ivx icon in that folder. This will launch the installer for the video compatibility software (3ivx D4 Video Decoder for Windows) that you need to play back your videos.
Follow the instructions to complete the one-time installation.
Restart your computer, and you are now ready to play back and use your videos as detailed in the section below.

To install the video compatibility software on your Macintosh computer:

Connect the Flip Video camcorder to an available USB port on your Macintosh.
Double-click the FLIPVIDEO icon on your Desktop. A window should appear that displays the contents of your camcorder.
Double-click the Mac Users folder.
Double click the Install Flip Video for Mac icon. This will open a new folder called Flip Video Program for Mac, which contains the program files.
Drag the Flip Video Program for Mac folder to your Desktop.
Double-click the folder to open it, and double-click the Install folder.
Double-click the 3ivx icon in that folder. This will launch the installer for the video compatibility software (3ivx D4 Video Decoder for Macintosh) that you need to play back your videos. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Follow the instructions in the screens to complete the one-time installation.
Restart your computer, and you are now ready to play back and use your videos as detailed in the section below.

To play back and use videos without the Flip Video program, after installing the video compatibility software:

Connect the Flip Video camcorder to an available USB port on your computer
Open My Computer and double-click the FLIPVIDEO icon. A window should appear that displays the contents of your camcorder.
Double-click the DCIM folder.
Double-click the 100VIDEO folder. All your videos are stored in this folder. For each video you recorded, you will find a video file in .AVI format.
- To play back your videos, double-click on any video file. Your video will play back in the default media player installed on your computer.
- To save videos, select the videos that you would like to save and drag them to the folder or location where you would like to save them on your computer. NOTE: Manually saving videos from your DCIM folder to your computer may result in videos that can no longer be viewed via the Flip Video program.
- To share videos, upload them to a video sharing website such as YouTube (www.youtube.com) or Grouper (www.grouper.com), and use the sharing features on the website to email links to your family and friends.

Please Note: Attaching your video files to an email message is not a recommended method for emailing videos. Large email attachments are not reliably delivered by most email systems, and recipients of your videos will not be able to view your videos without first purchasing and installing video compatibility software (3ivx D4 Video Decoder).

On my Intel Macintosh, I'm having trouble viewing videos in QuickTime, iMovie and other programs, though I can hear the audio. Is there something I can do to fix this problem?

If�you choose to�use your�videos with�other programs on your Intel Macintosh, you will need to first�start the Flip Video program at least once, so that it is able to install the video compatibility software (a.k.a a "codec") which makes the videos compatible with your computer.

On Macintosh computers with Intel Core processors, you also need to adjust�your other programs so that they run via Rosetta instead of natively, as the codec installed by the Flip Video program is not a Universal version, so cannot itself run natively.�To adjust the QuickTime Player or another program to run via Rosetta:

From the Finder menu, choose Go > Applications to open the Applications window. Click once on the name of the program to select it.
From the Finder menu, choose File > Get Info or type Command-I to open the Info for the program.
In the General section, select the checkbox named Open using Rosetta.
Close the Info for the program.
Double-click the program to start it, and it will now run via Rosetta and should open or play back your videos successfully.

Alternatively, if your program does not support the option to run via Rosetta (e.g. some versions of iMovie can only run natively on Intel processors), or you are still having trouble using the videos in your program, you can install a commercially available Universal codec such as DivX Community Codec (www.divx.com). If you do this, you should also return to running your program natively, by deselecting the checkbox named Open using Rosetta in the Info for the program.

For more information on Universal applications, plug-ins and Rosetta on Intel-based Macintoshes, please review the following support information on Apple.com: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303120

I put a video clip from another camcorder onto my Flip Video camcorder, but it won't play back and I can't see it within the Flip Video program. What's wrong?

The Flip Video program is only intended to provide viewing and sharing capabilities for videos recorded by the Flip Video camcorder. It is not a general-purpose program for use with all video files on your computer. It ships with the camcorder and requires your camcorder to be connected to your computer in order to use it. It cannot be purchased separately to be used with videos of your choice. To view non-Flip Video files on your computer, try using the standard media player that comes with your operating system (e.g. Windows Media Player or the QuickTime Player).

Saving Videos Using the Flip Video Program

How Do I Save Videos Using The Flip Video Program?

To save a video on your computer using the Flip Video program:

In Your Library, click on an album.
In Features, click Save Videos. The Save Videos screen will appear.
Select videos by clicking on thumbnails. Each selected video will be highlighted. To select all your videos, click Select All.
To save videos to your computer, click Save to Computer. The Save to Computer screen will appear. You can save to an existing album or create a new album.
To create a new album, click Create New Album, then click Save. Enter the name of the new album where prompted, then click OK. Note: Saving a video to a new location does not delete it from its original location.
To save videos to your camcorder, click Save to Camcorder for DVDs. There is limited space on your camcorder, but you can save as many videos as space permits. After you have saved, you can take your camcorder to a local Pure Digital retailer to get a DVD made.

NOTE: On Windows computers, actual video files are saved in the My Flip Video Library folder in My Documents. On Macintosh computers, actual video files are saved in the My Flip Video Library folder in Documents.

After I save videos on my computer, are they still stored on my camcorder?

Yes, your videos are stored on your camcorder until you specifically delete them using the DELETE button on your camcorder, or using the Delete Videos feature in the Flip Video program. Once deleted from either your camcorder or your computer, your videos are permanently erased and cannot be retrieved.

When I save videos to my computer, how much space do they take up on my hard drive?

If you save 30 minutes of video on your computer using the program's Save feature, it will use approximately 512 MB of space on your computer's hard drive. If you save 60 minutes of video, it will use approximately 1 GB of space.

I'm having trouble saving my videos using the Flip Video program. Is there another way to save videos?

If you are having trouble saving videos using the Flip Video program, you can save your videos with the standard features of your computer. Access your camcorder through your computer and double-click the DCIM > 100VIDEO folder. All of your videos are stored in this folder. For each video you recorded, you will find a video file in .AVI format. To save videos, select the files that you would like to save and drag them to the folder or location where you would like to save them on your computer. NOTE: Manually saving videos from your DCIM folder to your computer may result in videos that can no longer be viewed via the Flip Video program.

How do I save or upload videos to a blog or other website?

To upload videos to an online blog or other website, follow the blog or website instructions for uploading your videos, and browse to the videos on your camcorder (open FLIPVIDEO > DCIM > 100VIDEO), or to the videos you have saved on your computer. On Windows computers, saved video files are located in the My Flip Video Library folder in My Documents. On Macintosh computers, saved video files are located in the My Flip Video Library folder in Documents.

Can you recommend a product that I can use to store videos from my camcorder without using a computer?

Videos recorded by the Flip Video camcorder can be saved or moved to any type of memory storage medium. However, Pure Digital does not specifically recommend one memory product over the other, mainly due to our inability to test and certify the breadth of third party memory products on the market. However, we do receive anecdotal information from consumers who have had success using a variety of storage products with their camcorder. Again, we do not endorse or recommend any products, nor have we tested them ourselves, but you might find information on message boards or reviews that attest to user success with specific products.

When I save videos onto my computer, where are the files actually located?

On Windows computers, saved video files are located in the My Flip Video Library folder in My Documents. On Macintosh computers, saved video files are located in the My Flip Video Library folder in Documents. You can always access your videos in the Your Library area of the Flip Video program, and it is best to use the program to copy, move, delete or rename your videos, rather than perform these actions using your operating system. Altering or deleting folders or video files using your operating system may cause problems with the albums and videos that you can see in Your Library.

When I save videos onto my computer, why are the files so large?

In comparison, video captured by some standard digital cameras or webcams results in much smaller file sizes. However, this video is typically captured at a lower resolution (e.g. QVGA resolution is 1/4^th the resolution of VGA), and/or at less than the full frame rate (e.g. it drops its frame rate during complex scenes). This can result in video that is more blurry and/or choppy than the high quality of the Flip Video camcorder.

The MPEG-4 ASP format of the Flip Video Camcorder balances high quality with file size. To reduce the size of your video files further, try using the Edit feature in the Flip Video program to trim any unwanted footage from your videos.

Deleting Videos Using The Flip Video Program

How Do I Delete Videos Using The Flip Video Program?

To delete videos one at a time using the Flip Video program:

In Your Library, select an album.
Enlarge a video's playback size by clicking Edit below the video you want to delete.
To erase a video permanently, click Delete immediately below the video viewing window.

To delete multiple videos using the Flip Video program:

In Your Library, click on an album.
In Features, click Delete Videos. The Delete Videos screen will appear.
Select videos by clicking on thumbnails. Each selected video will be highlighted. To select all your videos, click Select All.
To erase selected videos permanently, click Delete.

How do I delete unwanted videos saved on my computer?

If you saved the videos on your computer using the Flip Video program, you can delete them simply by using the Delete Videos feature in the program. If you manually saved your videos onto your computer, you can find and delete them as you would any other file. Please select and delete videos carefully. Once you delete videos from your computer, they are permanently erased and cannot be retrieved.

I accidentally deleted a video. Can I get it back?

No, unfortunately, once a video has been deleted from your camcorder or computer, it cannot be retrieved. The information is permanently erased from the memory on your camcorder or computer.

I accidentally deleted the DCIM folder on my camcorder with all my videos in it. Can I get my videos back?

No, unfortunately, once you delete videos from your camcorder, they cannot be retrieved. The information is permanently erased from the camcorder's memory. A new DCIM folder will automatically be created when you record new videos, but none of your deleted videos will be contained in that new folder.

Sharing Videos Using The Flip Video Program

How Do I Share Videos Using The Flip Video Program?

To share videos, you must have the following:

An active Internet connection
An email address for yourself
One or more email addresses for recipients of your videos

To share videos:

Connect to the Internet.
In Your Library, click on an album.
In Features, click Share Videos. The Share Videos screen will appear.

To share by email:

From the three sharing options, click Share by Email.
Select videos by clicking on thumbnails. Each selected video will be highlighted. To select all your videos, click Select All.
Enter information in the Send To, Subject, and Message fields, and click Continue.
Enter your name and email address where prompted, and click Send.

NOTE: Your recipients are emailed a link. No attachments are sent.

To share by greeting:

From the three sharing options, click Share Greeting.
Select a video by clicking on a thumbnail. The selected video will be highlighted. You can send only one video at a time within a greeting card.
Enter information in the Send To, Subject, and Message fields, and click Continue. Your message will appear as part of the email message, not within the window space of the card itself.
Enter your name and email address where prompted, and click Send.

NOTE: Your recipients are emailed a link. No attachments are sent.

To share videos online:

From the three sharing options, click Share Online.
Select videos by clicking on thumbnails. Each selected video will be highlighted. To select all your videos, click Select All.
Choose a website option, and click Continue. Enter information where prompted.

NOTE: Videos shared online are shared publicly on the Internet.

When I email or upload videos, and then view them on Grouper or YouTube, the video quality isn't as good as what I see when I play the original videos on my computer. Is there something wrong with the videos?

When you use the Flip Video program's Share Videos features, the program first converts each video into a more compact size and format (WMV), making it easier to upload over the Internet, as well as making it more compatible with video streaming and playback technology on websites such on Grouper and YouTube. Large video files in MPEG-4 format cannot be reliably streamed from a website in their raw format. Because quality necessarily decreases when videos are converted and reduced in size, you will see a reduced video quality on Grouper, YouTube or any video sharing website, than when you view the original videos within the program on your computer.

I attached a video to an email message using my email program, but my recipients are having trouble watching them. What's wrong?

If you use your email program to attach videos in their original MPEG-4 format to an email message, your recipients may experience problems receiving or viewing the videos. They may have trouble receiving the large files into their email inbox, or they may not be able to view the videos without first installing video compatibility software that supports MPEG-4 video playback. You do not experience playback problems on your own computer because the Flip Video program automatically installs this video compatibility software onto your computer for your convenience.

When you want to email a video, it is best to use the Flip Video program's Share by Email feature. The program's Share by Email feature first converts videos into a more compact size and format (WMV), and then uploads them to Grouper.com, where they are privately posted. Your email recipients are emailed a link to the videos instead of being sent attachments. Their email inbox is not burdened with the large video files, and they can watch the videos on the Grouper website from any computer they choose.

If you still want to use your email program to email videos via attachment, your recipients can purchase a copy of video compatibility software that supports playback of your videos from www.3ivx.com. Alternatively, there are a number of other commercially available codecs that also support the MPEG-4 format.

I'm having trouble emailing my videos using the Flip Video program. Is there another way to email videos?

If you are having trouble emailing videos using the Flip Video program, you can share videos by uploading them to a video sharing website such as YouTube (www.youtube.com) or Grouper (www.grouper.com), and use the sharing features on those websites to email links to your family and friends.

It is not recommended that you email videos using a regular email program to attach your video files. Large email attachments are not reliably delivered by most email systems, and recipients of your videos will not be able to view your videos without first purchasing and installing video compatibility software.

Is there any cost for sharing videos online?

There is no cost to share videos online, and they are typically posted indefinitely, per the policies of the individual websites.

Editing Videos With The Flip Video Program

How Do I Edit Videos With The Flip Video Program?

On Windows computers, you can edit or "truncate" a video by changing its start and end times. This feature is not available on Macintosh computers. To edit videos on Windows computers:

In Your Library, click on an album.
Below the video that you want to edit, click Edit to enlarge the video viewing window. The video's original start time appears at the leftmost side of the time bar. Its end time appears at the rightmost side of the time bar.
Immediately below the time bar, there are Start and End sliders, along with additional controls on the ends of each slider:
- Step Forward |>
- Step Backward <|
Setting a new start time:
- To change the start time using the Start slider, drag it along the time bar and stop at the new start time you would like.
- To change the start time forward in small steps, click Step Forward |> on the Start slider. To change the start time backward in small steps, click Step Backward <| on the Start slider. Each click moves the start time forward or backward a single step.
Setting a new end time:
- To change the end time using the End slider, drag it along the time bar and stop at the new end time you would like.
- To change the end time forward in small steps, click Step Forward |> on the End slider. To change the start time backward in small steps, click Step Backward <| on the End slider. Each click moves the end time forward or backward a single step.
To view a video with the start and end times you have set, begin playing it by clicking Play > immediately below the video viewing window. To pause the video during playback, click Pause ||.
To save the edited video, click Save New, and save your video to an existing album or create a new album.

When I edit a video, does it change what I can do with it in the Flip Video program?

When you trim video footage using the Edit feature in the Flip Video program, edited videos are saved in the same format as your original videos. You can view, share or delete edited videos just as you would any other video. You can also include them in a movie mix, for a more polished presentation of multiple videos.

Once I edit a video, can I undo the edits and go back to the video's original version?

When you edit a video and save it using the Edit feature in the Flip Video program, it creates a brand new video file and your original video file is not altered. You cannot undo the edits in your new video file, but you can always return to the original video file, unless you specifically delete it from your camcorder or computer.

Once I edit a bunch of videos, can I then splice them together to create a new video?

On Windows computers, you can mix videos together using the program's Make Movie feature. If you would like to mix videos together with no further editing of the video content, choose the Full-Length style when creating your movie mix. If you would like the program to create a movie mix that creatively chooses and mixes the best scenes from your video content, choose one of the other creative movie styles.

I'm having trouble importing Flip Videos into a separate video editing program I'd like to use. What's wrong?

First, ensure that your computer meets the program's system requirements, and ensure that you run the Flip Video program at least once. When you first run the Flip Video program, it installs video compatibility software onto your computer that enables you to view your videos. Video compatibility software (aka a 'codec') is also typically used by video editing programs to read video files when they are imported. Therefore, even if you do not plan to use the Flip Video program regularly, you should run it at least once in order to install the necessary codec that will make the videos compatible with other programs.

If you are still having trouble importing videos into your video editing program, it may not provide the appropriate support for the format and encoding used to record Flip Videos. The Flip Video camcorder records or "captures" video in MPEG-4 advanced simple profile format, saved as an AVI file.

To get around this, you may be able to re-encode the video or audio using a separate video codec, such as Windows Media Encoder, and then import the video or audio into your video editing program. For a free download of Windows Media Encoder, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia

Creating Movies With The Flip Video Program

How Do I Create Movies With The Flip Video Program?

On Windows computers, you can create and save Movie Mixes where the program creatively chooses and mixes the best scenes from your video content, and automatically combines them with graphics and music to create a unique mix.
To create a Movie Mix on a Windows computer:

In Your Library, click on an album.
In Features, click Make Movie. The Make Movie Mix screen will appear.
Select videos by clicking on thumbnails. Each selected video will be highlighted. To select all your videos, click Select All.
In Movie Styles, browse the six styles using the scrolling arrows. To select a movie style, click its thumbnail.
For background music, you have a choice of using the default music included in each movie style, choosing no background music, or choosing a music file stored on your computer. To select the type of background music you would like to include, click one of these choices.
If you choose to use your own music file for background music, click Select to choose an MP3, WAV or WMA music file without digital rights protection. Note: You cannot use other types of music files when creating a Movie Mix.
To start creating your Movie Mix, click Make Mix. Note: It may take several minutes for your Movie Mix to be created.
When your Movie Mix is ready for viewing, it will begin to play automatically.
To save a Movie Mix, click Save. Enter the name of the new Movie Mix where prompted, then click OK. If you do not save and name a Movie Mix by clicking Save, the Movie Mix will be saved automatically with a default name. Movie Mixes are always saved in the Movie Mixes album in Your Library.

On Macintosh computers, you can create Movies whereby selected videos automatically play in sequence.
To create a Movie on a Macintosh computer:

In Your Library, click on an album.
In Features, click Make Movie. The Make Movie screen will appear.
Select videos by clicking on thumbnails. Each selected video will be highlighted. To select all your videos, click Select All.
To start creating your movie, click Begin.
When your movie is ready for viewing, it will begin to play automatically.

NOTE: The Make Movie Mix feature on Windows computers is not available for the Macintosh.

Can I splice videos together to create a different video?

On Windows computers, you can mix your videos together using the program's Make Movie feature. If you would like to mix videos together with no further editing of the video content, choose the Full-Length style when creating your movie mix. If you would like the program to create a movie mix that creatively chooses and mixes the best scenes from your video content, choose one of the other creative movie styles.

Can I edit a movie mix to cut out parts that I do not want?

No, you cannot edit a movie mix once you have created it. If you want to remove unwanted footage, use the program's Edit feature to trim individual videos before using the Movie Mix feature to mix the individual videos together.

Are there other movie mix styles I can use if I do not like the styles offered in the program?

The Flip Video program utilizes a starter version of muvee AutoProducer for its movie mixing features, through a partnership with muvee Technologies. For a greater selection of editing features and styles, you can upgrade to the full version of AutoProducer via a special offer from muvee. The full version of AutoProducer allows you to choose from a much larger selection of visual styles, include photos with your videos, and output and share movie mixes in any format. For more details about the special offer to upgrade to the full version of muvee AutoProducer, go to www.makemuvee.com.

Capturing Photos With The Flip Video Program

How Do I Capture Photos With The Flip Video Program?

To capture a photo from a video:

In Your Library, click on an album.
Below the video from which you want to capture a photo, click Edit to enlarge the video viewing window. Immediately below the video viewing window, there are onscreen controls similar to those found on CD and DVD players:
- Play >
- Pause ||
- Step Forward |>
- Step Backward <|
- Fast Forward to End >|
- Rewind to Start |<
Find the point in your video that you want to capture as a photo:
- To view a video, click Play >. During playback, click Pause || to pause the video.
- To forward or rewind the video using the playback slider, drag it along the time bar.
- To forward or rewind a video in small steps, click Step Forward |> to advance, and Step Backward <| to move in the reverse. Each click moves the video forward or backward a single step.
When you are paused on the point in your video that you want to capture as a photo, click Snap.
Save the photo in the location you want on your computer. The photo will be saved as a JPEG file.

NOTE: You cannot view captured photos using the Flip Video program.

When I capture a specific frame of video, where is it saved on my computer?

When you use the program's Snap feature, you can save the resulting JPEG photo in any location on your computer. To view the photo, open it from its saved location.

When I capture a specific frame of video, can I use it with a photo viewing or editing program such as Paint, iPhoto or Photoshop Elements?

When you use the program's Snap feature, the resulting photo is a standard JPEG photo file that you can open in any photo viewing or editing program that supports the JPEG format.

What is the resolution of captured photos?

The JPEG photo files you can capture using the program's Snap feature have a resolution of 424 × 318 pixels, with full 24-bit color depth.

Can I print captured photos on my photo printer?

When you use the program's Snap feature, the resulting photo is a standard JPEG photo file that you can print on any photo printer that supports the JPEG format.

Outputting Videos To DVD Or VHS

What is the easiest way to make a DVD of my videos?

The Flip Video program does not include features to write or author DVDs directly. However, the easiest way to get a professional-quality DVD of your videos is to take your camcorder to an authorized Pure Digital retailer. It's easy, convenient, and fast, and a Pure Digital DVD can keep your videos archived forever and be used with any home DVD player. You can even get extra DVDs made for family and friends. To locate a store near you and for more information, go to www.theflip.com/dvd.

If I don't want to go to a Pure Digital retailer, can I make a DVD using the writer/burner in my computer?

You can create a DVD using the DVD writer/burner on your computer, but you must first decide how you want to use the DVD before deciding how you will create it. There are some very simple ways to write DVDs yourself, but they can limit the features of the DVD, e.g. it may not play back on the home DVD player in your living room. On the other hand, there are third party DVD authoring programs available that can help you create a complete, professional-quality DVD, but you will need to purchase such a program separately and follow its instructions. (You may already have such a program installed with the DVD writing hardware that came with your computer. For more information, please consult the documentation that came with your computer or DVD hardware.). Following are your options for making a DVD other than going to a Pure Digital retailer:

The simplest option is to write your camcorder's videos directly to a DVD just as you would write a CD, using the utilities on your computer. You do not need to purchase an additional program for this, and it is a fairly simple process. Writing files onto�a DVD�disc is�a good form of�archival storage;�however, the�drawback is that the resulting DVD will have�very limited playback capabilities.�The videos on your camcorder are recorded in MPEG-4 format saved as AVI files, and require video compatibility software (a "codec") to play them back. Although you will be able to play back such a DVD on your own computer, it is unlikely that your living room DVD player supports this playback. In addition, writing a DVD in this manner does not create menus or other browsing mechanisms that you would expect to use with a DVD running on your home DVD player. This option, then, is a�good, simple way to archive your videos, but the resulting DVD has very limited use for playback.
The second option is to convert your videos into a format that is compatible with a wider variety of computers and home DVD players, and then write your DVD using the utilities on your computer. There are a number of commercially available video conversion utilities and these utilities are fairly low-cost products. This is a good option for creating a DVD for both archival storage and some playback on home DVD players. However, the first drawback of this option is that video conversion can be a fairly laborious and technical process, depending on which utility or application you choose — it can be tricky to choose the right conversion format, understand bit rates, etc. Secondly, this process still does not create menus or any other browsing mechanisms, which you would expect to use with a DVD running on your home DVD player.
The third option is to purchase or use a program that allows for complete DVD authoring. This can be the most time-consuming and costly option, but it will result in a professional-quality DVD such as the one that your Pure Digital retailer can produce for you. DVD authoring programs can be time-consuming to understand and use, and are typically higher-cost programs, but they do enable you to convert videos into the appropriate format for universal playback, and to author all the menus, titles, and navigation needed for a professional-quality DVD, so that it plays on any standard home DVD player. Most DVD authoring programs also allow you to edit your videos. You can typically shorten and splice videos, and add creative transitions to produce your own movie-like experience. This option requires the most time and cost, but also provides you with a DVD closest to a professional-quality DVD.

Again, the easiest option for creating fully compatible, professional-quality DVDs is to take your camcorder to your nearest Pure Digital retailer. Processing your camcorder at a Pure Digital retailer eliminates all of the difficulty, time and expense of creating DVDs on your own. To locate a store near you and for more information, go to www.PureDigitalDVD.com.

If I go to a Pure Digital retailer to have a DVD made, how long will it take?

If you take your camcorder to an authorized Pure Digital retailer to get your videos on DVD, retailers typically offer overnight processing time to fulfill your DVD order. Your retailer will only need your camcorder for a few minutes, however, in order to copy the videos from your camcorder's memory. You will not need to leave your camcorder for the full processing time.

How do I make a VHS tape of my videos?

You can use the TV connection cable included with your camcorder to connect it to your VCR, and record your videos to VHS tapes:

Plug in the TV connection cable: Insert single-connector end to camcorder. Connect triple-connector end to corresponding video (yellow) and audio (white and red) color input jacks on your VCR.
Turn on your VCR and the camcorder.
To begin recording, press PLAY on the camcorder while simultaneously pressing Record on your VCR.
To stop recording, press Stop on your VCR or press PLAY again on the camcorder.

Flip Video

Need help with your camcorder?inquiry@puredigitalinc.com