V.I.O. POV FAQ

POV.1

How much video can be stored on a 1GB SD card?
Video yield rates per GB are listed below. If you are using a 2GB card, simply double the times, or multiple by 8 for the maximum card size that the unit can accept.
  • 720 x 480 -- 42 min
  • 720 x 400 -- 51 min
  • 640 x 480 -- 48 min
  • 360 x 240 -- 162 min
  • 360 x 200 -- 192 min
  • 360 x 240 -- 180 min
  • 320 x 240 -- 472 min (7.8 hours at 15fps)
*Note: After the POV.1 has recorded a single continuous clip for 399 minutes (6.6 hours), the unit should be powered down to prevent the POV.1 from auto shutting down and possibly losing the clip.

What is the largest SD card I can use?
Currently the POV.1 can format cards that are 8GB or smaller. For more info on SD cards please go to www.sdcard.org.

Why did you choose to use 'AA' Batteries?
It is important for all of our customers, including commercial and 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 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.

How far away from the POV.1 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. 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.

How does the TAG feature work?
The TAG feature of the POV.1 is used to highlight certain important points in your video when using our POV Manager software.

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 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 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 will not only save the current clip, but it will also save the next clip as well.

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.

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 manufacturers warranty.
  • We created the POV.1 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. To buy one please go here to order one: http://www.vio-pov.com/allproducts.php

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.

Is the recorder HD? When will you offer it?
Not yet - The POV.1 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.

Does the POV.1 shoot in widescreen?
Yes, the POV.1 has wide aspect ratios, so you can integrate your POV footage with your HD content.

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 to meet your video quality needs.

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

What brand of SD cards do you recommend?
The POV.1 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). The specific card we recommend for optimal performance and quality is the SanDisk Extreme III SD card series.

Is the POV.1 waterproof? How deep can it go?
The POV.1 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 in an salt water environment (surfing, kayaking, etc), or plan to be in the water for more than 30 minutes, that you cover the recording unit with a dry bag.

Can the POV.1 wirelessly transmit video?
On its own the POV.1 cannot transmit video wirelessly. To transmit video wirelessly you will need a third party transmitter. Contact Customer Care for more information about transmitters.

What is the light sensitivity on the POV.1?
The POV.1 needs about 5 Lux worth of light in order to record properly. The Wide Angle camera head will need a little less light in order to record in color, and we also hope to eventually release a low-light capable POV.1 camera head.

What kind of microphone connection does the POV.1 have?
The POV.1 is equipped with a 3.5mm external microphone jack.

How big is the POV.1?

The recording unit of the POV.1: 168mm x 60mm x 37mm (6.61inch x 2.36inch x 1.46inch ), 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 (3.03inch x 0.94inch ), while the Wide Angle camera head is about 67mm x 24mm (2.64inch x 0.94inch ).

How long is the Digital AV cable?
The POV.1 comes with a Digital AV cable that is about 1.5m (~5ft) in length. We also offer a 5m (~16.5 ft) version as well.

What is the temperature range of the POV.1?
We recommend keeping the POV.1 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.

How can I tell if I have a Wide Angle Camera head?
The best way to find out which camera head you have would be to check the serial number of the camera head in the Settings Menu.

Wide Angle Camera Head: Serial Numbers beginning with 1V
Classic camera head: Serial Numbers beginning with 1M

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 Content Manager here: POV.1 Manager

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can the POV.1 work on a Macintosh?
The POV.1 will work on Macintosh computers. To access the videos you can connect the POV.1 to a Mac via the USB cable or you can use a third party card reader. The POV.1 and SD card will show up as a removable drive. Make sure to properly eject the SD card before removing the unit from the computer.

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 videos using iMovie you will need to convert the video first. A compatible free converter (MPEG Streamclip) is available from www.squared5.com.

I do not have a computer, or my computer will not support the POV.1 Content Manager, can I still access the videos I have recorded?
You can access the videos by either plugging the POV.1 into the PC via the USB cable, or via a third party card reader. When using this option the POV.1/Card reader should show up as a removable storage drive.

To view the videos stored on the POV.1 on a TV you can connect the POV.1 via the analog AV cable. The analog AV cable will connect to your RCA inputs on your TV.

What is the latest Software and Firmware versions?
The current version of the POV.1 Content Manager is 1.0.0.26. The current version of the POV.1 Firmware is 1.1

What codec does the POV.1 use?
The POV.1 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 content Manager. Audio is encoded using the MPEG 1 Layer II codec scheme.

Can I use it with Avid/Adobe Premier/Final Cut etc.?
Videos from a POV.1 can be edited with most 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.

How can I burn the videos to DVD?
If you wish to make Movie DVDs with videos shot from the POV.1 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.

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.