Question:
What types and sizes of SD cards does the Small Wonder support?
Answer:
The Small Wonder supports most SD cards up to 2 GB in size but it’s not compatible with SDHC cards (or cards greater than 2 GB in size). If your 2 GB or smaller SD card doesn’t work with the Small Wonder, please verify that it has been formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 by performing the following steps:
- Insert the SD Card into the Small Wonder
- Connect the Small Wonder to your computer via a USB port
- Once the Small Wonder is connected, press and briefly hold the red record button on the Small Wonder. Your Small Wonder is now acting as a memory card reader
- Left-click on the Start Menu
- From the Start Menu, left-click "My Computer" (or simply “Computer” in Windows Vista™)
- Locate the Small Wonder drive letter
- Right-click the Small Wonder drive letter (Windows OS) and left-click “Properties” to verify that the file system attribute reads FAT or FAT32.
If the file system attribute of your 2 GB or smaller SD card does not read FAT or FAT32, you may try to format the card on the Small Wonder. Please note that as with any digital content, we recommend backing up any existing data on your card before formatting it. To format the SD card within Microsoft Windows, perform the following steps:
- Right-click on the Small Wonder drive letter, a popup menu will appear
- From the popup menu, left-click “Format…”
NOTE: Performing a format WILL erase everything on the device, therefore please proceed with caution!
- Verify that FAT or FAT32 is selected under the “File system” combo box
- Left-click the “Start” button at the bottom of the Format Disk window (not the Start Menu button)
- Left-click OK on the following two prompts (one to verify you are sure you wish to format, one to notify you of completion)
- Close the “Format Disk” window once you are finished
NOTE: Due to the many configuration possibilities in Microsoft Windows, My Computer may or may not be accessible via the desktop or start menu. If you experience troubles, try right-clicking the Start Menu and then left-clicking “Explore”. You can access My Computer from there by scrolling to the top of the list that appears on the left side of the screen and left-clicking on it.
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Question:
How do I view videos saved to the SD card from the LCD screen on the EZ201 Small Wonder (or via a TV if using the AV cable)?
Answer:
To view the videos stored on an SD card from the LCD screen on the Small Wonder (or via a TV if using the AV cable), you must do the following:
- Ensure that the Small Wonder’s internal memory is full (look at the Time left attribute after powering the Small Wonder on, it should read 00:00).
- Press the red record button, wait a moment, then press it again.
The Small Wonder should now be utilizing the memory on the SD card. Use the left and right buttons to navigate through your video clips, pressing the Play/Pause button the play a desired clip.
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Question:
How can I view WMV files that were created by the EZ201 Small Wonder’s Memory Manager Application on Mac OS X?
Answer:
Though the Small Wonder Memory Manager application is not compatible with Mac OS X, it may still be possible to access and play videos that were converted by the Small Wonder’s Memory Manager Application when using OS X. One approach is to use the Flip4Mac™ which can be downloaded from http://www.flip4mac.com. After you have successfully completed the installation, you will be able to play back the converted videos using QuickTime.
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Question:
I found that I cannot properly operate my EZ201 Small Wonder using an older version of the Windows XP SP1 operating system. The packaging, quick start guide and the website state that I need “Windows XP SP2”, what does this mean?
Answer:
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is the name of a critical update for Windows XP. SP2 contains several major security fixes and as a result, the Small Wonder was designed to make full use of these much needed security changes.
To obtain more information about Windows XP SP2 (or to download it) please click on the link below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx
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Question:
Is the EZ201 RCA Small Wonder compatible with Windows Vista?
Answer:
Yes – please download the latest Memory Manager™ v1.5.0.0 update/restore utility at http://www.mysmallwonder.com/support/downloads.aspx to make your EZ201 RCA Small Wonder compatible with Windows Vista.
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Question:
How do I play videos recorded with the RCA EZ201 Small Wonder on Mac OS X?
Answer:
Though the Small Wonder Memory Manager application is not compatible with Mac OS X, it may still be possible to access and play videos stored on the EZ201 when using OS X. One approach is to use the DivX™ for Mac package which can be downloaded from http://www.divx.com/divx/mac. After you have successfully completed the installation, you could use the free DivX™ Player to play back your videos. Another approach is to use Perian which can be downloaded from http://perian.org. Perian adds native support for many video formats so you will be able to play your Small Wonder videos in QuickTime. Videos are located in the DCIM\100VIDEO folder on the EZ201.
DivX is a registered trademark of DivXNetworks, Inc.
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Question:
Where are my video files stored when I save them to the computer?
Answer:
Video files saved through the View Tab are stored at:
"My Documents/My Videos/RCA Small Wonder/ Saved Videos/Category"
(Category refers to the category that you assign to the video in the Video Details screen.)
Edited Videos are saved to:
"My Documents/My Videos/RCA Small Wonder/Edited Videos."
EZ Grab images are saved to:
"My Documents/My Pictures/RCA Small Wonder/EZ Grab Images"
For your convenience, the RCA Memory Manager software will also place a RCA
Small Wonder shortcut on the computer's desktop.
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Question:
Where are the contents of my SD card? I have an SD card inserted into my
camcorder, but I cannot see it as a video source while using the Memory Manager
software.
Answer:
Be aware that you cannot access both the internal memory and the SD card simultaneously.
Memory cards inserted into the camcorder are not available as a Video Source or separate drive letter on the PC, therefore to access videos on a memory card please follow these steps:
- Insert the memory card into the card slot on the side of the camcorder and then connect the camcorder to the PC using the retractable USB connector.
- Launch the RCA Memory Manager software.
- Press and hold the red record button on the camcorder until a small SD card icon appears on the camcorder's view screen. The Memory Manager software will now recognize the inserted memory card as the main video storage volume to access.
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Question:
What is HQ mode versus LP mode?
Answer:
HQ , or High Quality Mode, produces the best possible video resolution, giving
you 30 minutes of recording time. This higher resolution is recommended for
videos that may be archived to DVD or viewed on a TV connected to the
camcorder's output.
LP, or Long Play Mode, produces a alternative video resolution, offering 60
minutes of recording time. This resolution is recommended for longer recording
sessions or videos that will be shared over the internet.
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Question:
What video resolutions does my RCA Small Wonder use?
Answer:
Your camcorder records in two resolutions (LP and HQ). The RCA Memory
Manger software can also convert your videos into Windows Media Video (.wmv)
format for greater compatibility and ease of sharing. (See the table below for
more details.)
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Question:
Why am I able to record longer than the display shows?
Answer:
The RCA Small Wonder uses a variable bitrate recording method. The less
complex the subject being recorded (i.e. less movement, less colors, less light)
the less memory it takes to digitally represent it. (The recording time noted on
printed materials is based on "average" recording conditions.)
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Question:
Why does the Memory Manager software convert video format when I share?
Answer:
When sharing via email or Box.net, the video files are automatically converted
into the Windows Media Video (.wmv) format. As a result, the converted videos
are smaller in size, allowing you to share longer memorable moments.
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Question:
Can I email or upload the original, uncompressed .AVI video file?
Answer:
No, you cannot currently email or upload the original .AVI video file using
Memory Manager. If you wish to share the original files, simply save them to your
computer and either attach them to an email (from your preferred email program)
or login directly to www.box.net and upload them to your enhanced RCA-Box
account.
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Question:
I am unable to share my videos. Why?
Answer:
First, make sure your computer is connected to the Internet and your camcorder
is properly connected to a PC's USB port.
A router, firewall, or corporate proxy may prevent successfully making an
outbound connection needed for sharing. Please see the manufacturer’s help
documentation for further assistance or contact your system administrator.
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Question:
Why are my friends, family members and colleagues not receiving the
automatic notifications when I share video using Box.net?
Answer:
The shared video notification email is automatically created using html
formatting, which may be blocked by certain spam filters. Have the recipients
look in their default spam folder for the notification emails and check their email
provider's policies for spam filter adjustment.
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Question:
What is Box.net?
Answer:
Box.net is a online storage service that RCA has partnered with to allow for EZ
uploading and sharing of your memorable moments recorded with your Small
Wonder camcorder. Your RCA-Box account offers 1 GB of free online storage
and a maximum upload size of 35 MB per file.
You can learn more about your FREE Box account at http://www.box.net/rcasmallwonder2
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Question:
How long will my Box account be available?
Answer:
Your enhanced RCA-Box account will be available for 9 months from the date of
activation. During this time you will enjoy larger individual uploads and less
restrictions as an RCA Small Wonder camcorder owner.
After the 9 month period, you will then have the choice of switching to Box.net’s
standard free account or upgrading to a premium account. (See www.box.net for
actual terms of service, conditions, and offerings.)
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Question:
I've forgotten my Box.net login information. What should I do?
Answer:
Your account username is the email address that you originally provided during
Box.net registration. If you need any additional assistance recalling the
registered email address that you used, please contact Box.net directly.
To reset a password, go to http://www.box.net/reset.
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Question:
Why does the time remaining show less than the 30 minute (HQ) or 60 minute
(LP) capacity (even though the camcorder displays "Memory Empty" when I try to
play a video)?
Answer:
If you've loaded any incompatible files (i.e., documents, photos, music, etc.) onto
your camcorder using standard Windows Explorer, they will use up available
recording capacity, but may not be able to be played.
To fix this possible situation, please remove these added files from the
camcorder through Windows Explorer.
* DO NOT remove the "DCIM" folder. This is where your video files are stored. If
you delete this folder you will not be able to recover any lost videos.
* DO NOT remove the "system" folder, "autorun.inf", "ReadMe.txt", or
"RCAMemoryMgr.exe" files. (In the event that you accidentally delete these
important files, you may easily restore your camcorder's directory by visiting the
following link: http://www.rcasmallwonder.com/ez201/updates.html)
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Question:
Why can't I record any more videos?
Answer:
First, check to make sure you have some available memory left.
Make sure that you haven't loaded any non-video files onto the camcorder's flash
memory. (See the previous FAQ)
Also, the camcorder has a limit of 98 video recordings on the internal flash
memory or the optional memory card. If you reach this maximum file limit and try
to record another video, the LCD screen will present the message, "Camcorder
Full - Maximum Video Limit Reached."
To continue recording when this limit is reached you will have to either:
- Save the videos to your PC using Memory Manager's "Save All" function.
- Insert a memory card and copy the camcorder's contents onto it.
- Insert a memory card and record directly to it.
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Question:
What should I do when I plug my camcorder into my PC, but nothing happens?
Answer:
When you plug the USB arm into an available USB slot on your computer, it
should launch the standard autorun window. If it doesn't, unplug the camcorder
and plug it back in making sure the connection is firmly in place.
If making the connection again doesn't automatically launch the autorun window,
unplug the camcorder, restart your computer, and then after startup is complete -
reconnect your camcorder.
At this point, if the autorun window still doesn't appear, you may also try
navigating directly to the camcorder.
- Go to Start > My Computer and look for the drive called "EZ201."
- Double-click this drive icon to open your camcorder
- Then click "RCAMemoryMgr.exe" to launch the Memory Manager software
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Question:
Why do my videos (captured with the EZ201) playback unclear or "blotchy" on
the PC, or with sound only?
Answer:
It's possible that an incompatible MPEG4 decoder (i.e., DivX) has been
previously installed on the PC and is being invoked as the default decoder.
To remedy this situation:
- Turn off Support for Generic MPEG4 on DivX decoder by accessing the DivX Decoder Configuration Utility (as pictured below)
- Go to: START > ALL PROGRAMS > DivX > DivX Codec > Decoder Configuration Utility
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Question:
How do I archive the videos I have recorded with my EZ201 Small Wonder onto a CD-ROM or DVD?
Answer:
NOTE: Currently, to archive you must have access to a PC containing a
CD-ROM/DVD recorder as well as compatible recording software. Windows XP has built in software for burning to CD-ROM and Windows Vista has built in software for burning to both CD-ROM and DVD.
To archive your videos as described above, please perform the following steps:
- Save the videos you wish to include on the disc from your camcorder to your PC
- Launch your CD-ROM/DVD recording software
- Locate the video files you wish to use by accessing “My Computer/My Videos/RCA Small Wonder”, or any other location you saved your RCA Small Wonder Videos
- Drag and drop the desired files to your CD-ROM/DVD recording software
- Follow the instructions within your CD-ROM/DVD recording software to burn the files to disc
For more information on this topic, please see your CD-ROM/DVD recording software’s help files.
The RCA Memory Maker (expected in 2008) will also allow you to easily dock the Small Wonder camcorder and create a DVD with the push of a single button! Check the www.mysmallwonder.com for availability.
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Question:
How long should it take to convert videos with the Small Wonder Memory Manager application when sharing videos via email, uploading to Box.net or editing clips?
Answer:
Conversion time varies with each PC and is heavily dependent on the amount of available RAM. Generally, the faster the PC is the quicker conversion will take place. Please be patient when converting longer videos.
When tested on a PC running Windows XP SP2 with a 1.7 GHz Pentium 4 and
512 MB RAM the following results were obtained:
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Question:
I inserted an SD card into my Small Wonder. I recently tried to record over the 60 minute mark but the Small Wonder stopped recording even though I had free space on my SD card. Why?
Answer:
The Small Wonder cannot automatically switch to the SD card during recording. However, there are two ways to expand your record time with an SD card:
- When the internal memory is full, pressing the Record button will start recording to the SD card.
-
- Power on the Small Wonder and then insert an SD card. You will be asked if you want to copy the video clips stored on the Small Wonder’s internal memory to the SD card, as shown below:
- If you choose to copy the video clips to the SD card by pressing UP/+, you will be asked if you want to delete the videos from the Small Wonder’s internal memory once copying is complete. The display you will see is shown below:
- Deleting the videos by pressing and holding delete will remove all videos from the Small Wonder’s internal memory and thus free up more space for you to record on.
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Question:
How can I tell which version of RCA Memory Manager I have?
Answer:
You can easily find out which version of RCA Memory Manager you have by consulting RCA Memory Manager’s about window.
- To access the about menu, simply left-click the Small Wonder icon located in the top-left corner of the Memory Manager window. As shown below, a popup menu will appear:
- Next, left-click “About RCA SmallWonder Memory Manager” from the popup menu. The About window will appear, from here you will be able to view the version.
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Question:
Under the "Edit videos" tab, how many videos am I able to combine on "The Stage"?
Answer:
Currently, you may combine up to six video clips on "The Stage". This limit may increase in future Memory Manager releases.
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