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FAQ

POV.HD questions

Hardware questions

Software and Sharing Questions


I’m recording with my POV.HD and get blank or invalid clips

  • Power down - A sudden power loss, such as removing the batteries or POV Power while recording may result in an invalid clip.
    - Side note: Alkaline batteries lose voltage as they discharge, and the POV.HD uses this predictable curve to determine battery level. NiMH rechargeable batteries do not have this predictable battery loss rate and thus the POV.HD may power off suddenly when it is out of power.
  • Sudden SDHC card removal - Removing the SD card while recording may produce an invalid clip.
  • Low quality SD card - Using a low quality or low speed SDHC card may produce invalid clips due to the insufficient write speeds on lower quality/speed cards. Please see below for recommend SDHC cards.

The POV.HD does offer recovery software to repair damaged files. It is not able to repair all files every time.

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What is the FOV for 1080p? 720p?
1080p has a Field of View of 142 degrees. 720p has a field of view of 95 degrees. The difference in field of view is caused by the amount of sensors pixel area that is used.

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What are the specs if I use the camera in still photo mode? Mega Pixels?
Still photo's are in jpeg format, resolution is 1920x1080, file size is greatly dependent on the image content (500 -1200 KB), we use a low quantizer factor to have a near lossless compression. For 300dpi image size is 6.4 x 3.6 inch – 16,25 x 9,14 cm. Currently we only store the image in jpeg format.

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Is there a way to keep the battery status on all the time?
At this time the battery display will be shown for about 4 seconds whenever the mode is changed (from Playback to Record etc).

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Date/Time reset
The Date/Time will reset on the POV.HD if the batteries are removed from the unit while it is powered on. To avoid this please power the unit down before replacing batteries. Also if the POV.HD has no power source for more than 1 hour the Date/Time will reset.

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Proper power up/waiting before re-powering up
To properly clear the capacitor on the POV.HD, please wait 5 seconds between powering off the POV.HD and powering the unit back on. This will allow the unit to power all components properly. When powering up the unit, hold the power button for approximately 1-2 seconds until the status LED turns bright red.

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Card formatting - SD Card organization formatter for PC/Mac
For best performance please reformat SDHC cards in the POV.HD. If you must reformat SDHC cards on a PC, please use this program from the SD Association: www.sdcard.org Mac OS X users should use the built in Disk Utility.

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What operating systems does V.I.O. support?
At this time, V.I.O., Inc supports playback and editing on Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.5 only for the POV.HD.

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Deletes on Macintosh - need to empty trash or they are not really deleted
To delete files off of the SD card properly when the unit is attached to a Mac, please be sure to empty the Trash bin before unit removal.

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SD Card performance - Class 6 For optimal use with the POV.HD, V.I.O recommends SDHC cards rated at class 6 or above. Cards that are below class 6 may experience dropped frames, especially when recording Loops or video shot using the Very High (16 mbit/s) setting. To know which class your SD card is please look for one of the following symbols:



If you plan to use the Very High Settings for video quality (16 mbit/s) a class 10 SDHC card is recommended. As of this version of the FAQ we have seen best results with Sandisk and Lexar SDHC cards.

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NCD handling for various error codes/behaviors

Lock to Video Failed - LVDS has not locked on – This error code is often caused by POV power up failures. Please see the above section on powering up/re-powering up the unit and follow the instructions carefully. If the issue remains, contact customer care, as you may have an issue with your camera head.

No Video Detected – This indicates a data flow error – Please contact customer care, as you may have an issue with your camera head.

Communication Failed - Often caused from a lack of cable connection. This message appears when the cable has been removed, or if connector pins have been damaged. If the cable is connected and this message occurs, please contact customer care to discuss if pins are damaged, or whether the whole unit may need to be replaced.


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VIO recommends the following video editors:s

  • Adobe Premier Elements 9
  • Adobe Premier Pro CS5 or later
  • Final Cut Express 4
  • Windows Live Movie Maker
  • iMovie ’09 or later


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What is the difference between the POV.1 and the POV.1.5?
The POV.1.5 includes the following changes from the POV.1:

  • Removed POV.1 Mounts (C-Clamp, Wide Flange Base, Tubular Rail Mount)
  • Added Star Mount and Double Hook and Loop Mount
  • Removed 1.5m Digital AV Cable and 110 degree black camera head
  • Added the red 110 degree Tethered Camera head
  • Updated firmware to 1.3 – allows the POV.1.5 to use 8GB SDHC cards

 


How much video can be stored on an 8GB SDHC card?
Video yield rates per 8GB are listed below. If you are using a 4GB card, simply halve the times. All record times are with the FPS set at 30 unless otherwise noted.

Resolution Video Quality Recoding Time
720×480 High 5.6 hours
720×400 High 6.8 hours
640×480 High 6.4 hours
360×240 High 21.6 hours
360×200 High 25 hours
360×240 High 24 hours
320×240 High 62.9 hours *at 15fps

*Note: After the POV.1.5 has recorded a single continuous clip for 399 minutes (6.6 hours), the unit should be powered down to prevent the POV.1.5 from auto shutting down and possibly losing the clip.

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What is the largest SD card I can use?
The POV.1.5 supports any SD/SDHC cards that are 8GB. Please be sure to use cards that have a class rating of 4 or higher. Class 2 cards may still work with the POV.1.5, but you may experience corrupted/invalid clips from the use of the slower cards.

For more info on SD cards please go to www.sdcard.org.

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Why did you choose to use ‘AA’ batteries?
It is important for all of our customers, including commercial & tactical, to be able to power this device anywhere around the world at anytime. Different types of AA batteries may be used including:

  • Lithium for longer use time
  • Rechargeable NiMH for an environmentally friendly solution

Battery run time is dependent on several factors, including internal settings and external environment. When using the POV.1.5 in a cold environment, the battery life will be reduced. With that understanding, standard alkaline should last about 4-5 hours and the Energizer™ Lithium will last about 10 hours.

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How far away from the POV.1.5 can I be to use the remote control?
The remote control is designed for close range use, such as remote on handlebar or wrist and recorder in pack or on belt. The general distance for the remote to work is about 3ft (1m) in any direction from the POV.1.5. Anything in the way of the remote will reduce the effective range, as will metal and other radio interference. If you want to stretch it to its limits, it will work to about 15 feet away depending on your environment.

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How does the TAG feature work?
The TAG feature of the POV.1.5 is used to highlight certain important points in your video when using our POV Manager software.

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How does LOOP mode work?
Recording in LOOP mode allows you to save captured video of events after they have happened. When in LOOP mode, POV.1.5 keeps a video clip in its memory (length of clip is set in the settings menu) and will save the clip only if the user presses the TAG button. If the TAG button is not pressed, the particular clip is not saved. If the user presses TAG during the first third or last third of the clip the POV.1.5 will save the adjacent clip as well.

Example: If LOOP mode is set to 3 minute clips, and the user hits tag at 2 minutes 20 seconds the POV.1.5 will not only save the current clip, but it will also save the next clip as well.

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Why did you choose to have a separate recorder and camera head?
Although an all-in-one concept is compelling, our research has shown that its industrial design limits features and functionality and are heavier on your head than a tethered system provides.

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Can I upgrade my POV.1.5?
Yes, We have released a new firmware for the POV.1 and POV.1.5. To purchase the new firmware, or for more information please go to the Firmware product page.

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Can I change the lens to get a wide angle or telephoto shot?

  • We ask that you do not open the head to change the lens as it could degrade its waterproof status.
  • Opening the camera head will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • We created the POV.1.5 with flexibility in mind and new heads and mounts (and other accessories, for that matter) for specific purposes will be available soon to optimize your experience.
  • We do have a Wide Angle camera head available. The camera heads can be purchased from our store.

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Can I zoom?
Not yet – our first head is optimized for wearable functionality, especially when you are moving. We will continue to explore different ways to add flexibility in FOV options.

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Is the recorder HD? When will you offer it?
Not yet – The POV.1.5 does not shoot in HD, but at its highest settings, it records at 720 x 480, which is NTSC (USA) broadcast quality. HD is another feature we will explore in future product iterations.

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Does the POV.1.5 shoot in wide screen (16:9) aspect ratio?
The POV.1.5 has several resolution options, one them being 720×400, which is close to 16:9. This resolution/aspect ratio was designed to allow for better integration of your POV footage with your HD content in post editing.

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Is this DVD quality video?
Yes. We know our customers are looking to record the best footage possible, so we have created the POV.1.5 to meet your video quality needs.

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Can I use your camera head with other recorders?
No – our camera head is digitally optimized to work with our recording device.

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What brand of SD cards do you recommend?
The POV.1.5 needs to be able to write to the SD card at a speed of 3.5 Mb/s. We recommend you use cards rated at least 66x (10 Mb/s) or Class 4. The specific card we recommend for optimal performance and quality is the SanDisk Extreme III SD card series.

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Is the POV.1.5 waterproof? How deep can it go?
The POV.1.5 has an IP67 rating, which means it is water proof to a depth of 1 meter (~3 ft) for 30 minutes. It is recommended that if you plan to use the POV.1.5 heavily in an aquatic environment (surfing, kayaking, etc) that you protect the POV Recording Unit with the POV H2O Pouch.
Purchase the POV H2O Pouch

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Can the POV.1.5 wirelessly transmit video?
On its own the POV.1.5 cannot transmit video wirelessly. To transmit video wirelessly you will need a third party transmitter.

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What is the light sensitivity on the POV.1.5?
The POV.1.5 needs about 5 Lux worth of light in order to record properly. We are currently working to release a possible Firmware update that will allow the POV.1.5 to better work in low light conditions by controlling the auto exposure.

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What kind of microphone connection does the POV.1.5 have?
The POV.1.5 is equipped with a 3.5mm external microphone jack.

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How big is the POV.1.5?
The recording unit of the POV.1.5: 168mm x 60mm x 37mm (6.61in x 2.36in x 1.46in ), and weighs 328 grams (11.57 oz.). This is roughly about the size of a 20 oz. pop bottle.
The Classic camera head is about 77mm x 24mm (3.03in x 0.94in ), while the Wide Angle camera head is about 67mm x 24mm (2.64in x 0.94in ).


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How long is the digital AV cable?
The POV.1.5 comes with a digital AV cable that is about 1.5m (~5ft) in length. We also offer the 5m (~16.5ft) AV cable, as well as extension cables in 1.5m and 3.5m (~11.5ft) lengths. You can purchase them from our online store.

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What is the temperature range of the POV.1.5?
We recommend keeping the POV.1.5 recorder within an operating temperature range of 0°C – 70°C (32°F – 158°F). While the camera head can withstand temperatures ranging from about -40°C – +80°C (-40°F – +185°F) we do not recommend prolonged exposure to those temperatures.

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Is there a way to extend the length of the digital AV cable?
Yes. Extension cables are available, and they work for both the POV.1 and the POV.1.5. However, the maximum length between the camera head and the recording unit cannot exceed 6.5m (~21ft). To order one please go to our online store.

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How can I tell what type of camera head I am using?
The easiest way to find out which camera head you are using is to check the serial number of the attached camera head. You can do this by going to the info screen in the settings menu.

  • 70° (Narrow Focus) camera heads all begin with 1M
  • 110° (Wide Angle) camera heads begin with 1W or 1V (later production units may have a different letter)
  • Tethered camera heads are all red and have a 110° Field of View.

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Will all of my POV.1 accessories work with the POV.1.5?
All accessories that work with the POV.1 will work for the POV.1.5. The only exception is that some of the mounts designed for the larger 70° camera head may be larger than the tethered camera head. Putting tape on the inside of the mount should secure the tethered head.

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Where can I download the latest version of the POV Manager?
Install the version of the POV Manager from your CD and launch the software. If a new version is available, you will be prompted to download and install it. If you have lost your CD, or do not have one available, you can download the current POV.1.5 Content Manager here: POV.1.5 Manager

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What are the system requirements for the POV Manager?
The POV Manager requires the following minimum system configuration:

  • Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista Note: Manager is only compatible with the 32 bit versions of Windows XP and Vista
  • Microsoft .Net 2.0 Runtime Environment
  • At least 256 MB of RAM
  • 10 MB of available hard disk space
  • The DivX codec (supplied on the POV.1.5 CD-ROM)
  • CD-ROM drive
  • An Internet connection if you want to share videos online

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Is there a cost to post or share my videos for friends to see?
Nope. This is a complimentary feature built into our POV Manager software.

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Can everyone view my video, or is it private?
When you choose to distribute your video via our POV Manager software, it is exclusive to those who receive your email. However, your clip may get forwarded to another party. The POV Manager also makes it easy to post to your favorite Internet site, making the world your audience.

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Can I delete the video from your server?
Once shared, video cannot be deleted from the server unless it is automatically deleted by V.I.O.

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How long will the video link be active?
Video links will be active for a minimum of 30 days, although V.I.O. presently has no plans to remove video from the server.

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Can the POV.1.5 work on a Macintosh?
The POV.1.5 will work on Macintosh computers. To access the videos you can connect the POV.1.5 to a Mac via the USB cable or
you can use a third party card reader. The POV.1.5 and SD card will show up as a removable drive and should be ejected after use.
We recommend that you install the Perian plug-in from www.perian.org in order to watch the videos in QuickTime.

Note: If you wish to edit POV.1.5 videos using iMovie '08/09 you will need to convert the video first. A compatible free converter (MPEG Streamclip) is available from www.squared5.com.

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I do not have a computer, or my computer will not support the POV.1.5 Content Manager, can I still access the videos I have recorded?
You can access the videos by either plugging the POV.1.5 into the PC via the USB cable, or via a third party card reader. When using this option the POV.1.5/Card reader should show up as a removable storage drive.
To view the videos stored on the POV.1.5 on a TV you can connect the POV.1.5 via the analog AV cable. The analog AV cable will connect to your RCA inputs on your TV.

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What are the latest Software and Firmware versions?
The current version of the POV.1.5 Content Manager is 1.0.0.26. The current version of the POV.1.5 Firmware is 1.1

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What codecs does the POV.1.5 use?
The POV.1.5 uses the Xvid codec to record video onto the SD card. The video is converted in to the similar Divx codec when edited with the POV.1.5 content Manager. Audio is encoded using the MPEG 1 Layer II codec scheme.

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Can I use it with Avid/Adobe Premier/Final Cut ™
Videos from a POV.1.5 can be edited with some Non-linear video editors as long as the proper codecs are installed. We recommend checking with the publisher of your editing program to find out how to best do this.

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How can I burn the videos to DVD?
If you wish to make Movie DVDs with videos shot from the POV.1.5 you will need to use a third party program to encode and burn you DVDs. Most customers use either Nero or Roxio on the PC. For the Mac we recommend Toast.

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How can I add text and music to my video?
To add text or music to your video you will want to use Windows Movie Maker on the PC, and iMovie on the Macintosh.

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My firmware update is not working properly on my Macintosh Laptop. Why?
Please be sure to make sure that your laptop is plugged into a power source, and that you have tried all of the USB ports.
Some Macintosh Laptops do not supply power through all of the USB ports, leading to connection issues.

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My unit will not power on after attempting a Firmware update. What do I do?
Please remove the batteries from the POV 1/1.5 and reinsert them.
The POV is powered, but has locked up due to something going wrong with the update.
The most common cause of this is extra files on the SD card.
Mac users will encounter this issue frequently due to the fact that OS X puts hidden files on the SD card when it is accessed.

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Copyright 2010, V.I.O., Inc.
100 North Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855 | phone: 888.579.CAMS (2267) | email: customer.care@vio-inc.com