Chapter 1 :: Welcome

Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing the Rio Karma. Small and powerful, the Rio Karma can store thousands of tracks on its hard drive. The Rio Karma includes an AC adapter, earphones, a backlit LCD, a long lasting built-in battery, and a docking station that enables RCA, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 connectivity.

Learning More

Refer to the Quick Start Poster for the basics on how to set up and start using your Rio Karma. Visit the Rio website at www.rioaudio.com.

:: Tour of the Rio Karma

PLAY/PAUSE
Select with the RioStick to play or pause playback.

ROTARY WHEEL

Press or rotate to control menu navigation.
Press to turn the player on. Press and hold to turn the player off.
VOLUME + and Press to adjust the volume level.

RIOSTICK

Press to select menu options. Move to control menu navigation. In Player mode, press and hold to access About Track. Move to control PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, FORWARD, and REVERSE playback functions.
Press to enter Menu mode. Press and hold to enter the Play Music menu. When in Menu mode, press to return to Playback mode.

FORWARD and REVERSE

Select with the RioStick to stop playback.
Select with the RioStick to skip to the next or previous track. Select and hold to scan forward or reverse.

invisible text

LOCK/UNLOCK
Slide into the LOCK position to disable buttons and prevent accidental operation.

Connects to AC adapter.

RESET HOLE
Insert pin to reset the player.
Connects to supplied USB cable.

DOCK CONNECTOR EARPHONES

Connects to earphones and optional remote control. Connects to the Rio Karma Docking Station.
:: Tour of the Rio Karma Docking Station

RCA RIGHT and LEFT

Connects to external audio system.

ETHERNET LEDs

Light and blink when an Ethernet connection is present.

ETHERNET

Connects to Ethernet cable.

Connects to USB cable.

:: LCD Overview

Menu Mode

Menu Title

Selected Option

Press MENU to access the Main Menu. Press and hold the RioStick to access the About Track View. Press the RioStick to access the Running order View.

Options

About Track View

Track Information Scroll Bar

Running Order View

Currently Playing Track
Power Indicator Scroll Bar

Selected Track

The first track in the running order is located at the top; the last track in the running order is located at the bottom.
Volume Indicator Current Track/ Total Tracks

clear text

Playback Modes
A/B Loop Indicator Shuffle Indicator IntroScan Indicator Repeat All Indicator

Repeat Track Indicator

Ethernet Indicator
Use Menu mode to set Playback and Play Screen options.

Play Screen Views

Progress View

Profile View

VU View
Chapter 2 :: Basic Connections

Connections

This chapter describes how to connect the Rio Karma and the Rio Karma docking station to power adapters, USB cables, and additional accessories. Basic connections include:

AC Adapter

Connect the AC power adapter to the DC IN port on the bottom of the player or the back of the docking station. The power adapter recharges the battery from 0% capacity to 60-70% capacity within two hours. 3 Plug the AC adapter into an electrical outlet. Connect the AC adapter to the docking station. Place the Rio Karma in the docking station.

POWER INDICAOR

Battery
The Rio Karma uses a built-in lithium-ion rechargable battery that lasts many hours per charge. Lithium-ion batteries drain at a very slow rate even when they are not being used. If you have not used your Rio Karma in a long period of time you will need to recharge the battery. The battery should be charged for at least five hours during its initial charge. The player will recharge anytime the AC adapter is plugged into the player or the Rio Karma is placed in the docking station and the docking station is connected to the AC adapter. The Rio Karma may be left in the docking station for extended periods of time without fear that the Rio Karmas lithium-ion battery will be overcharged.
Low Full (AC adapter connected) Charging Empty (indicator flashes)

Docking Station

The docking station provides RCA Out and additional DC In, Ethernet, and USB ports to the player. When Rio Music Manager is active, the docking station also can be used to automatically synchronize audio content on your computer with content on the Rio Karma.

Earphones

Connect earphones to the Earphones port on the top of the player.

Artist Album Track Playlist Rio DJ Genre Year
If the Rio Karma does not power on after POWER has been pressed, check the LOCK/UNLOCK switch and confirm it is in the UNLOCK position.

:: Artist

To play tracks from a specific artist please follow these steps: 7 Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Artist. Select the first letter of the artist name. Select an artist. If present, select a single album or Play All Albums. Select a single track or Play All Tracks to begin playback.

:: Album

To play tracks from a specific album please follow these steps: Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Album. Select the first letter of the album name. Select an album. Select a single track or Play All Tracks to begin playback.

:: Track

To play a specific track please follow these steps: 5 Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Track. Select the first letter of the track name. Select a track or Play All Tracks to begin playback.

:: Playlist

To play tracks from playlists created on the Rio Karma or using Rio Music Manager please follow these steps: Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Playlist. Select a playlist or Play All Playlists to begin playback.
Please refer to Rio Music Manager Help Topics for instructions on creating playlists using Rio Music Manager.

:: Rio DJ

Use Rio DJ to create innovative track running orders based on ID3 tag information. To access Rio DJ: Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Rio DJ. Select a Rio DJ mode. Select Rio DJ mode settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Rio DJ menu.
Rio DJ offers the following running order generators:
Entertain Me! Play All Top Tunes New Music Memory Lane Sounds Of. Forgotten Gems Dj Vu Random Mix

Contents

Entertain Me! Select to create a running order composed of the most frequently played tracks. The track running order plays for a selectable amount of time. Settings include 15 minutes (the default setting), 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, and Everything. Play All Select to create a running order that sorts all of the tracks on the player into basic categories. Settings include Album (the default setting), Artist, Genre, and Year. The track running order generated is ordered alphabetically or chronologically, based on the selected Play All setting. Top Tunes Select to create a running order composed of a set number of the most frequently played tracks. The most frequently played tracks are played first. Settings include 10 (the default setting), 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, and 250. New Music Select to create a running order composed of the most recently loaded tracks during a set amount of time. The most recently played tracks are played first. Settings include 1 day (the default setting), 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. Memory Lane Select to create a running order composed of the least frequently played tracks during a set amount of time. The least recently played tracks are played first. Settings include 1 day (the default setting), 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year.

Sounds Of. Select to create a running order composed of tracks from a specific decade. Settings include 1940s (the default setting), 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s. Forgotten Gems Select to create a running order composed of the most popular, but least recently played, tracks during a set amount of time. The most recently played tracks are played first. Settings include 1 day (the default setting), 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. Dj Vu Select to create a running order composed of the most popular and most recently played tracks during a set amount of time. The most frequently played tracks are played first. Settings include 1 day (the default setting), 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. Random Mix Select to create a running order composed of all tracks, in random order, on the player. The track running order will play for a set amount of time. Settings include 15 minutes (the default setting), 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, and Everything.

:: Genre

To play tracks from a specific genre (e.g. Alternative, Brit Pop, Classical, etc.) please follow these steps: Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Genre. Select the first letter of the genre name. Select a genre. Select a single track or Play All Tracks to begin playback.

:: Year

To play tracks from a specific year please follow these steps: 5 Press MENU. Select Play Music. Select Year. Select a year or Play All Years. Select a single track or Play All Tracks to begin playback.
Chapter 5 :: Advanced Features
Advanced features of the Rio Karma include:

Advanced Features

Equalizer Organize Bookmarks Settings Features About Track About Rio Karma

:: Equalizer

The sound of tracks played on the Rio can be adjusted using various preset and fully customizable equalizer settings.
Bass & Treble EQ Off Rock Pop Jazz Classical Trance EQ Mode Custom EQ Setup Special

Bass & Treble

The Bass & Treble feature can be used to adjust bass and treble a total of 12 decibels (dB), from -6dB to +6dB. The Bass & Treble option is only available when the EQ Mode has been set to Bass & Treble. 5 Press MENU. Select Equalizer. Select Bass & Treble. Select an option by scrolling ROTARY WHEEL. Use RIOSTICK to adjust options. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Equalizer menu.

Options include 10k, 2.5k, 600, 150, and 40 hertz frequencies.

EQ Setup

Custom equalizer settings function the same way as preset equalizer settings but are set according to personal preferences and offer a greater range of customization based on center and width adjustments. EQ Setup options are only available when the EQ Mode has been set to 5-Band Parametric. 5 Press MENU. Select Equalizer. Select EQ Setup. Scroll ROTARY WHEEL to adjust center and width settings Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Equalizer menu.
EQ Setup options include: Center Ranges include 40 Hz through 20kHz. 12 kHz, 4 kHz, 1 kHz, 250 Hz, and 80 Hz are the default frequency settings. Width Editable ranges include.2 through 4.0 octaves. EQ Setup adjustments will dramatically alter audio settings. Only users confident about the changes they will make should alter EQ Setup settings.

Special

Additional audio filters are available in the Special menu. 5 Press MENU. Select Equalizer. Select Special. Select an option by scrolling ROTARY WHEEL. Use RIOSTICK to adjust options. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Equalizer menu.
Special options include: Auto Gain Control Gain settings affect the overall gain of the audio to make the audio sound more consistent by automatically adjusting the volume. Auto Gain Control is great for keeping sounds clear, without being too strong, even in noisy external environments. Settings include Off (the default setting), Low, Medium, and High. Stereo Separation Many albums recorded in stereo during the early days of studio production separated all instruments to one side and all vocals to another. This type of extreme stereo separation is found on many Beatles and Buddy Holly albums. The Stereo Separation option merges the left and right stereo channels together to compensate for stereo effects that may sound strange when played on headphones. Settings include Off (the default setting), and All tracks.

:: Organize

Use the Organize menu to create custom playlists or delete tracks without using Rio Music Manager. 3 Press MENU. Select Organize. Select My Playlists or Delete Content.
Organize options include: My Playlists Options include Create, Edit, Delete, and Rename. To create a playlist: 5 Select Create. Name the playlist. Select DONE using the index list or press RIOSTICK. Select tracks using Artist, Album, Genre, Year or Track methods. Press MENU to navigate up to change track selection methods if desired. When done, press MENU to navigate out of the Create menu and confirm that you want to save the newly created playlist.

Delete Content Select Delete Content to select an Album, an Artist, a Track, or Everything! to delete from the player and create room for new content.

:: Bookmarks

Bookmarks store specific player settings, including the current running order, the current track, the current time position of the track, the repeat setting, and the shuffle setting. Users can save these settings in a bookmark and restore them whenever they use the player. Bookmarks are great for: Placing digital bookmarks in digital audio books or other extended length tracks. Maintaining positions in long term running orders. Sharing your player with others without losing personal settings. 3 Press MENU. Select Bookmarks. Select a Bookmark option.
Bookmark options include: Set Name and set a new bookmark. Select Select a bookmark. Press the ROTARY WHEEL to restore the selected bookmark. Update Select a bookmark. Press the ROTARY WHEEL to replace the bookmark with the current player settings. Delete Select a bookmark. Press the ROTARY WHEEL to delete the selected bookmark. The Rio Karma automatically saves user settings when it is turned off. These settings are automatically restored when the Rio Karma is turned on. Settings saved automatically are not saved as a bookmark.

:: Settings

Playback Play Screen Power Display Resume Time & Date Language Network Orientation Audible Prompts Menu Button

Playback

Various playback settings can be used to modify the way the Rio Karma plays tracks. Tracks can be shuffled at random, repeated continuously, or blended together to create seamless playback. 5 Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Playback. Adjust Shuffle Mode, Repeat Mode, and/or Cross Fade settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Settings menu.
Plackback options include: Shuffle Mode Set track running orders to play in standard or random order. Settings include Off (the default setting) and On. Previously played tracks are always placed behind the current position in the running order. Repeat Mode Set the Rio Karma to repeat the playback of the entire running order, the current track, or a select portion of the current track. Settings include Off (the default setting), All, Track, and A/B Loop. Set A/B loop points using ROTARY PRESS. Cross Fade Set Cross Fade settings that can seamlessly merge the playback of tracks during the end of one track and the beginning of another. Settings include Off (the default setting), 1 Second, 2 Seconds, and 3 Seconds.

Play Screen

When the Rio Karma is in playback mode, pressing RIOSTICK will cycle the display through various Play Screen visualizations. Visualization and timer options can be set using the Play Screen menu. 5 Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Play Screen. Adjust Current Track View, Timer Direction, and/or Timer Mode settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Settings menu.
Play Screen settings include: Current Track View Set the Rio Karmas visualization mode to one of three settings. Settings include Progress Indicator (the default setting), Profile Indicator, and VU Meters. Timer Direction Settings include Count Up (the default setting) and Count Down. Timer Mode Settings include Single Track (the default setting) and All Tracks.
By adjusting standby mode times the player can conserve energy when not in use. 5 Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Power. Adjust Auto Standby settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Settings menu.
Power options include: Auto Standby after set time of no activity Set the player to enter standby mode, after a specific amount of time. When in standby mode, the player conserves energy and behaves as if it is shutdown, but maintains the ability to power on immediately. Settings include Never (the default setting), 2 Minutes, 5 Minutes, 15 Minutes, and 30 Minutes.

Display

By adjusting Display settings, the player can conserve energy used to power the LCD and extend the amount of playback time during each battery charge. 5 Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Display. Adjust Screen Backlight and/or Contrast settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Settings menu.
Display options include: Screen Backlight Set the backlight on the player to shut itself off after a specific amount of time. Settings include Always Off (the default setting), 1 second, 2 Seconds, 5 Seconds, 10 Seconds, and Always On. To conserve battery life, the Always On setting should only be used when the Rio Karma is connected to an AC adapter. Contrast Use the contrast slider to set how light or dark the images on the LCD will appear. Setting the contrast too light will result in washed out images. Setting the contrast too dark will result in images too dark to read.

Resume

Use the options in the Resume menu to set the track that the player will play whenever the player restarts. 5 Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Resume. Adjust Track to Resume and/or Position Within Track settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Settings menu.
Resume options include: Track to Resume Set the player to begin playback of the last track played before shutdown, or the first track in the running order when the player restarts. Settings include Current (the default setting) and First. Position Within Track Set the player to begin playback of the last track played at the point the track was at during shutdown or at the start of the track. Settings include Current (the default setting) and Start.

Time & Date

Use the options in the Time & Date menu to set the players internal clock. Establishing a connection between the Rio Karma and Rio Music Manager will (re)set Time & Date settings according to the Date/Time Properties currently running on the host computer. Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Time & Date. Select Set Time, Set Date, and/or Time & Date Format. Adjust settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Time & Date menu.
Time & Date settings include: Set Time Options include Hour, Minute, and AM / PM. (The AM / PM option is only available if the Time & Date Format setting is set to the 12 hour format.) Set Date Options include Month, Day, and Year. Time & Date Format Options include 12 hour (the default setting) and 24 hour time formats and USA (the default setting), Europe, and Japan date formats.

Language

The Rio Karmas menus can be set to display one of five languages in addition to two spelling formats (US and UK English). Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Language. Select a Language setting.
Language settings include: English (US) (the default setting) Set the player display language to English (US). English (UK) Set the player display language to English (UK). Deutsch Set the player display language to German. Franais Set the player display language to French. Espaol Set the player display language to Spanish. Set the player display language to Japanese.

Network

The Network menu contains options that configure the players Ethernet settings. Automatic or Manual settings can be accessed via the DHCP menu. 5 Press MENU. Select Settings. Select Network. Select Network settings. Select Done to apply settings or Cancel to return to the Network menu.

Contents Can I charge the Rio Karma using the USB cable? What should I do if the display permanently locks up or will not display? No. The AC adapter must be used to charge the Rio Karma.
If you cannot read the display, or the display has become locked onto a particular screen, the player firmware may be corrupted. Corrupted firmware may be caused by a failed firmware update. If the players firmware becomes corrupted for any reason, follow these steps to start the player in Recovery Mode and proceed with the firmware update. Reset the player by inserting a pin or needle into the RESET HOLE next to the DC IN port. Press POWER. The player should power on as normal. If the player continues to lock up or does not display properly: 3 Reset the player by inserting a pin or needle into the RESET HOLE next to the DC IN port. Press and hold MENU + POWER until UPGRADER is displayed on the screen. Connect the Rio Karma player to the computer using the USB cable. Proceed with the firmware upgrade.
Why wont the Rio Karma play secure, dated, or other DRM (digital rights management) encoded files?
DRM files may not work properly if the Rio Karmas internal clock is no longer accurate. This can happen if the rechargeable battery becomes completely drained for any period of time. Make sure the batteries are fully charged, then follow these steps: Connect the Rio Karma to the computer using the USB cable. Connect to the secure service where the DRM encoded files came from. The Rio Karmas clock should reset. DRM files should now play correctly.
Contents Can I upgrade the firmware on the Rio Karma?
Yes. If available, firmware for your Rio can be downloaded and installed automatically using Rio Music Manager or downloaded and installed manually from the Rio Audio website. Note: Quit all applications before running the firmware update. While running the firmware update, do not close the program, turn off the player, or unplug the USB cable. 3 Downloading the update manually Click the following link: www.rioaudio.com/support Click the link to the Rio Karma. Click Firmware. Select and download the latest software. Download the software that is specific to the operating system you use on your PC: *.exe (Windows) *.hqx (Mac) *.zip (Windows; must use WinZip to open) *.txt (All operating systemsa text file including update information and instructions.) 3 Installing the update (PC) Connect the player to your computer with the USB cable. Turn the player on. Double-click the file that you downloaded from the Rio website. The update should take approximately 30 seconds to load.

Warranty Service

To obtain service under this warranty, you must contact a Digital Networks North America, Inc. Customer Care Center within the applicable warranty period to receive a warranty service authorization. You will be required to provide a dated original proof of purchase. Products shipped to Digital Networks North America, Inc. must be shipped postage-paid and packaged appropriately for safe shipment. Digital Networks North America, Inc. is not responsible for products received without a warranty service authorization and may be rejected. Repaired or replacement products will be shipped to you at Digital Networks North America, Inc.'s expense. All products or parts that are replaced become the property of Digital Networks North America, Inc.
Scope of and Limitation on Warranty
This warranty does not cover damage caused by abuse, misuse, unauthorized attempts to open, modify, or repair the product, moisture, extreme heat or cold, corrosive environments, shipping, or high voltage surges from external sources such as power line, telephone line, or connected equipment. This warranty does not cover wear and tear on covers, housing or wiring. This warranty also does not apply to any product with an altered or defaced serial number. Digital Networks North America, Inc.'s liability is limited to the repair or replacement of this product. In no event will Digital Networks North America, Inc. be liable for any amount greater than the currently suggested retail price of this product. We will not be liable to you or anyone else for any damages that result from the failure of this product or from the breach of any express or implied warranties. These include damage to other equipment, lost data, lost profits, or any consequential, incidental, or punitive damages. This written warranty represents the entire warranty agreement between Digital Networks North America, Inc. and you. This warranty is given in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including without limitation implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. This warranty is limited to the term specified above. No warranties, either express or implied, will apply after this period. This warranty may not be altered in any way other than in writing by an officer of Digital Networks North America, Inc. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state. Some states limit what warranties may be excluded as well as how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

:: FCC and Industry Canada Compliance
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Industry Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numrique de la classe B est conforme la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

:: Safety

Warning
TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SHOCK OR INJURY, DO NOT USE or OPERATE THIS DEVICE IN OR NEAR WATER OR WET LOCATIONS.

CAUTION

RISK OF EXPLOSION, DAMAGE OR BATTERY LEAKAGE IS POSSIBLE IF BATTERY IS REPLACED INCORRECTLY OR BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE A NON-RECHARGEABLE ALKALINE BATTERY. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTIONS OR LOCAL LAWS. Use of headphones while operating a vehicle is not recommended and is unlawful in some states and areas. Be careful and attentive while driving. Stop operation of the player if you find it disruptive or distracting while operating any type of equipment. Listening to audio at full power over extended periods of time can be damaging to the hearing of the user.

Symbols

+/- 2 5-band EQ 30
about Rio Karma 52 about track 51 AC adapter 7 accessories 9 advanced features 25 album 19 artist 19 audible prompts 46
definition 61 FLAC 62 MPOGG 63 WMA 64 contrast 39 controls 17 copying tracks 14 custom equalizer settings 30 customer service information 53
FLAC 62 forward 2, 17 frequently asked questions 54

network 43

Ogg Vorbis 63 organize 33 orientation 45
genre 24 getting started 1 glossary 61
package contents ii play/pause 2, 17 play screen 37 play screen views 6 playback 36 playlist 20 power button 2 power settings 38 pop 28 profile indicator 37 progress indicator 37

help 53

DC in 3 display 39 docking station 8
backlight 39 basic operations 13 bass definition 61 menu option 27 battery indicator 7 installation 55 bitrate definition 61 bookmarks 34 buttons and controls 2

ID3 tag 62 introscan 62

earphones 8 encoding 14 EQ off 28 EQ mode 30 EQ setup 31 equalizer 26 Ethernet 8

jazz 29

language 42 liquid crystal display LCD 5 limited warranty 65
RCA 8 RealOne Player 12 regulatory information 67 resume 40 reverse 2, 17 Rio DJ 21 Rio Music Manager 11

classical 29 codec

features 48 firmware 62

menu mode 5 MP3 62

Contents Rio Taxi 48 rip and encode 63 rock 28 running order view 5
technical support 53 time & date 41 track 20 track details 5 track format 5 trance 29 transferring tracks RealOne Player 16 Rio Music Manager 15 treble
definition 63 menu option 27 Troubleshooting 53
volume +/- 2 VU meters 37
safety information 68 settings 35 special 32 stop 2, 17 stopwatch 49
upgrading firmware 57 USB 8

W,X,Y,Z

warranty 65 Web interface 50 WMA 64 year 24
variable bitrate 63 VBR 63
2600 San Tomas Expy. Santa Clara, CA 95051-0953