404 camcorder PORTABLE MUL TIMEDIA PLAYER
Ultra-compact and large screen Portable Multimedia Player with built-in camcorder
Capture videos in standard MPEG-4 format in VGA resolution (640 x 480) and upload to blog sites Enjoy bright, full size screen with 16 million colors, perfect for playing back videos Read all standard video formats* in full DVD resolution Playback DVD-quality video on TV with optional DVR Station Download or rent DVD-quality movies from VOD online stores Record directly from TV in high-quality MPEG-4 with optional DVR Station Extremely fast photo viewer with zoom, music and transition effect Play music and display track, artist, album and album cover Download or rent music from music online stores Large choice of convenient accessories for TV recording, direct digital photo transfers, hands-free video capturing, and more

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* Details on the back

Technical features

Capacity Display Video playback** 30 GB* Hard Drive to store up to 85 Movies, 130 hours of personal video, 300,000 photos or 15,000 songs (1). 3.5 TFT (320 x 240 pixels) 4/3, over 16 million colors. MPEG-4(2) (ASP@L5 AVI, up to DVD resolution). WMV (MP@ML, up to DVD resolution). With optional software plug-ins: - H.264 up to DVD resolution and AAC sound. - MPEG-2 MP@ML up to 10 Mbps (up to DVD resolution) and AC3 stereo sound. Stereo MP3 decoding @ 30-320 Kbits/s CBR & VBR, WMA, Protected WMA, WAV (PCM/ADPCM). With optional software plug-ins: - AAC(3) music files. - AC3 stereo sound files. JPEG, BMP, PNG. Transfer directly your photos from a digital camera with the optional Docking adapter. Read PDF documents. May not implement all PDF features. Integrated Camcorder : direct video recording on the 30GB* hard drive in MPEG-4 up to VGA resolution (640x480) @ 30 or 25 f/s, in AVI format. DSC use : photos up to 1,3 mega pixel resolution. Via the optional DVR Station: record in MPEG-4 SP with ADPCM stereo sound, resolution VGA (640x480) @ 30 or 25 f/s, in AVI format. Voice recording through the built-in Microphone. Via the optional DVR travel adapter or DVR Station: stereo line-in, WAV (IMA ADPCM or PCM) format. USB 2.0 High-Speed Device (compatible USB 1.1): Mass Storage class (MSC) and Media Transport Protocol (MTP). USB 2.0 Host : Mass Storage class (MSC) and Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) (with optional docking adapter). 3.5 mm stereo headphone mini-jack and TV output (AV cable sold separately). Dedicated connectors to connect optional adapters and DVR station. Music playback time: up to 11 hours(5). Video playback time: up to 3.5 hours(5) on built-in LCD. Internal: Lithium-Ion Polymer battery. External: charges via computer USB port, or faster with the optional docking adapter or DVR Station. Download firmware updates from www.archos.com. Approx. 100 x 78 x 15 mm 3.9 x 3 x 0.59 Approx. 190 gr. 6.75 oz ARCHOS 404 camcorder, headphones, dedicated USB 2.0 cable, DVR station adapter, pouch, QSG, legal and safety notice. For PC: Windows ME, 2000, XP, Media Center; Macintosh: OS X or higher (with USB Mass Storage Class support), Linux (with mass storage device support). USB port. For PlaysForSureTM video and subscription services: PC with Windows XP SP 2 or higher, Windows Media Player 10 or higher, USB 2.0 port. ARCHOS 404 camcorder 30GB EU: 500850 ARCHOS 404 camcorder 30GB US: 500867 ARCHOS 404 camcorder 30GB EU: 690590508507 ARCHOS 404 camcorder 30GB US: 690590508675

Audio Playback**

Photo viewer*** PDF viewer Video Recording (4)

Audio recording Interfaces
Connections Battery life Power source Scalability Dimensions & Weight Package includes Minimum System Requirement

PN UPC Code

All brands and product name are registred trademarks and the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Errors and omissions accepted. Images and illustrations may not always match contents. Copyright ARCHOS, August 2006. All rights reserved.

PN: 105207

* 1GB= 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity is less. ** Certain bitrates, resolutions, and/or file variations may not be compatible. ***Certain resolutions and file sizes may not be compatible. 1/ On average; based on 3.5 mins/song & 64 Kbits/s WMA (for better quality 128 Kbits/s or more recommended), on 500 Kbits/s MPEG-4 audio/video encoding and 1h30/movie (for near DVD Quality 1500 Kbits/s encoding or more recommended), on JPEG, VGA. 2/ MPEG-4 ASP@L5 AVI (up to DVD resolution) (MPEG-4: ISO standard by Moving Picture Experts Group ; AVI: audio/video file container by Microsoft) without GMC and Quarter Pixel. 3/ Does not read AAC protected files. 4/ External video output disabled for Macrovision-protected contents. 5/ Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings.

English

CAMCORDER & CAMERA FUNCTIONS Supplement to the ARCHOS404 User Manual Version 1.1
Please visit www.archos.com/manuals to download the latest version for this manual.

CAMCORDER

This manual contains information about the CamCorder and Camera functions of your ARCHOS 404 CamCorder device. These functions can be used by selecting the CamCorder and Camera icons. You can find instructions on how to use all other functions of this device in the ARCHOS 404 User Manual.
All the information contained in this manual was correct at the time of publication. However, as our engineers are always updating and improving our products, your devices software may have a slightly different appearance or modified functionality than presented in this manual.

Table Of Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARCHOS 404 CamCorder description. 3
1.Using the CamCorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.1Video Recording Procedure. 4 1.2CamCorder Settings. 5
2. Using the Still Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1Taking Photographs. 8 2.2Camera Settings. 9 2.3Taking Photos Using the Timer. 11
3. Controlling the Image Quality. . . . . 12
3.1Blurred images. 12 3.2Light/Exposure issues. 12
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 .

Introduction

ARCHOS 404 CamCorder description

Camera Sensor

On the Back of the Device: The optical sensor of the device. Be careful not to leave your fingers in front of it when taking a picture or shooting a video. Take all appropriate care to avoid scratching the lens: use the included protective pouch to carry the device.
ARCHOS 404 CamCorder Interface Description

Home Screen

The Home Screen of the ARCHOS 404 CamCorder has two more icons than that of the ARCHOS 404: CamCorder and Camera. Select an icon with the navigation pad and press OK to use the particular function.

1.Using the CamCorder

In the Home Screen, highlight the CamCorder icon and press OK to display the CamCorder pre-recording screen.
All CamCorder recordings made by your ARCHOS device are saved in the Video/Camcorder folder. If you wish to keep them in a different location, you can use the Move function of the Archos file browser after recording.
1.1 Video Recording Procedure
In the pre-recording screen, you can adjust the recording settings if you wish: press MENU, then select Settings to enter the CamCorder Settings Screen (see: CamCorder Settings). Before and during recording, you can: - zoom in and out using /. = no zoom / = zoom active. - adjust the recorded sound volume using /. - lock the exposure via the Lock exposure menu item (See Light/Exposure issues). - press to hide or display the on-screen display (menu, status bar, tabs, icons etc.).
Press OK to start recording. You can pause and restart your recording by pressing OK. You can adjust certain settings, such as Exposure and White Balance, during a recording: press MENU and select the Settings menu item. Press to stop recording. When pressing from the pre-recording screen, you will be taken to the Video/Camcorder folder so you can directly view your recordings.

1.2 CamCorder Settings

This screen allows you to adjust the CamCorder recording parameters to your personal taste. You can access the CamCorder Settings screen via the Settings menu item in the prerecording screen.
Use / to highlight a different parameter, then use / to select a different setting. When you have finished, press to return to the previous screen: your settings will be saved. Rename - Recorded files are automatically named CAM0000, CAM0001, CAM0002, etc. - this option allows you to define a custom filename before the recording begins, using the virtual keyboard. See: Using the Virtual Keyboard in the ARCHOS 404 User Manual. Resolution - Options: QVGA (320x240) / VGA (640x480). - Use this to set the resolution (fineness) of the recorded image. - You can leave this on QVGA if you intend to watch your recorded videos on the built-in screen of your ARCHOS device: the image will be smooth and the file size smaller. However, if you plan to watch your recordings on a TV, you should set this to VGA for a sharper image. Bitrate - Options: Low / Medium (default) / High. - Use this to set the level of compression of the recorded video file. - A higher bitrate will result in a higher-quality image, but will also take up more space on the hard drive. - The default setting (Medium) will be appropriate for most situations.

Exposure - Options: Brighter +2/+1,5/+1/+0,5 / Normal / Darker -0,5/-1/-1,5/-2. - This parameter allows you to adjust to bright or dark conditions. - Darker values will decrease the amount of exposure. - Brighter values will increase the exposure. - If your subject has a bright background, you may want to overexpose your image a little bit so that the persons face is more visible, thus you would set it to Brighter +1 or +2. - If you are recording a video where there is a lot of snow or the suns reflection on water, you may want to reduce the exposure, thus set it to Darker -1 or -2. White Balance - Options: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescent / Tungsten - This parameter lets the camera adjust to the ambient light source in order to best record the natural colors. Sampling - Options: 22 kHz / 32kHz / 44kHz / 48kHz. - The sound sampling rate. The higher value gives a higher sound quality but will take up more space on the hard drive. Reset - This will reset the values in this screen to the factory default settings.

2.Using the Still Camera

In the Home Screen, highlight the Camera icon and press OK to enter the still camera mode.
All photographs taken by your ARCHOS device are saved in the Pictures/Photos folder. If you wish to keep them in a different location, you can use the Move function of the Archos file browser after taking photos.

2.1 Taking Photographs

In this viewfinder screen, you can adjust the still camera settings if you wish: press MENU, then select Settings to enter the Camera Settings Screen (see: Camera Settings). You can zoom in and out using /. = no zoom / = zoom active. Lock the exposure via the Lock exposure menu item (See Light/Exposure issues). Press to hide or display the on-screen display (menu, status bar, tabs, icons etc.). Press OK to take a picture.
When pressing from the viewfinder screen, you will be taken to the Pictures/Photos folder so you can directly view your photographs.

2.2 Camera Settings

This screen allows you to adjust the Camera parameters to your personal taste. You can access the Camera Settings screen via the Settings menu item in the viewfinder screen. Use / to highlight a different parameter, then use / to select a different setting. When you have finished, press to return to the previous screen: your settings will be saved. Rename - Photographs taken with your ARCHOS device are automatically named PHOTO0000, PHOTO0001, PHOTO0002, etc. - This option allows you to define the filename before taking a picture, using the virtual keyboard. See: Using the Virtual Keyboard in the ARCHOS 404 User Manual.
Resolution - Options: VGA / 1.2 Megapixels - 1.2 Megapixels (1280x960) gives the best image quality but the largest file size. - VGA (640x480) will give a smaller file size, but the images will not be as sharp. Image Quality - Options: Basic / Normal / Fine - For the best possible image, set this parameter to Fine. Exposure - Options: Brighter +2/+1,5/+1/+0,5 / Normal / Darker -0,5/-1/-1,5/-2. - This parameter allows you to adjust to bright or dark conditions. - Darker values will decrease the amount of exposure. - Brighter values will increase the exposure. - If your subject has a bright background, you may want to overexpose your image a little bit so that the persons face is more visible, thus you would set it to Brighter +1 or +2. - If you are taking a photo where there is a lot of snow or the suns reflection on water, you may want to reduce the exposure, thus set it to Darker -1 or -2. White Balance - Options: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Fluorescent / Tungsten - This parameter lets the camera adjust to the ambient light source in order to best record the natural colors.

Timer - Options: Off / 5 seconds / 10 seconds - The timer setting allows you to delay the moment at which the photo is taken, for example if you want to include yourself in the picture. Reset - This will reset the values in this screen to the factory default settings.
2.3 Taking Photos Using the Timer
1. From the Home Screen, select the Camera icon. In the viewfinder screen, select the Settings menu item. 3. In the Camera Settings screen, highlight the Timer parameter and set it to 5 or 10 seconds. Press to return to the viewfinder screen. 4. The timer icon appears on the top of the viewfinder screen ( or ). Press OK: the ARCHOS device will count down to zero and then take the picture.
Note that the timer function will stay active for successive pictures you take, unless you return to the Home Screen or set the Timer setting to Off.
3.Controlling the Image Quality

3.1Blurred images

If you notice that some of your videos or photographs are blurred, it could be due to various reasons. As with any other camcorder or still camera, keep in mind the following: If you use the zoom, you must have a very steady hand to hold the ARCHOS 404 CamCorder when filming or taking a picture. Any shakiness is magnified and often renders the image blurry. Shooting in low light conditions requires more time so that the devices sensor can capture a sufficient amount of light. Thus, any camera movement or fast movement in the cameras sight will be blurred. Trying to film or take pictures of close objects may also give out-of-focus results.
3.2 Light/Exposure issues
When taking a photo against a bright light source (for example a window when you are inside, or the sun when you are in an open space), it can happen that the object or person appears too dark in the photo. This is because the bright background makes the camera select an exposure which is not appropriate to capture the person or object in the foreground. There are two ways of correcting this: Use the Exposure setting (see: CamCorder Settings or Camera Settings).
Use the Lock exposure menu item: - Point the ARCHOS 404 CamCorder away from the bright light, towards an area where the light conditions are similar to those around the person or object. - Select the Lock exposure menu item: the exposure settings become fixed and the exposure-locked icon will appear on top of the screen. Now if you take a picture against the bright light source, the exposure will stay fixed at the previous light adjustment. The image of the person or object should no longer appear as dark as before. - To return to automatic exposure, select the Auto exposure menu item.

Technical Specifications

These are specifications for the CamCorder functions only. For general specifications of the ARCHOS 404 series, please see the ARCHOS 404 user manual. Digital Still Camera: 1.2 mega pixels. CamCorder: 640x480 (300.000 pixels). CCD (Charge Coupled Device). MPEG-4 SP (QVGA or VGA resolution). Focale 4.31mm (equivalent to 36mm for a 35mm camera). F2.8
F number DEPTH FIELD FIELD OF VIEW CamCorder FILE FORMAT SENSOR RESOLUTION
0.50m to infinity. 5 settings: Auto - Daylight - Cloudy - Fluorescent Tungsten. Digital 2x.

ZOOM WHITE BALANCE

All brands and product names are registered trademarks and the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Errors or omissions excepted. Images and illustrations may not always match contents. All the information contained in this guide was correct at the time of publication. COPYRIGHT ARCHOS 2006. All rights reserved.