Copyright: © 2002 Prime Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Citation: © 2002 Prime Entertainment. All rights reserved.


Frequently asked questions

Tips for making better movies

What types of files can I import and export?

Why don't I see the first frame of an animation in the storyboard?

How loud should the sound in my scene be?

What does `muting' do to my video clip?

How do I…?

. . . download pictures

. . . email my movie to a friend

. . . put text in a scene

. . . mute the sounds in my video clip

. . . use another microphone with the camera

. . . add background music to a scene

. . . add my own sound effects

. . . flip an animation

. . . move an animation

. . . change the size of an animation

. . . get to the different screens to edit and share my movie

. . . combine two storyboards into a longer movie

. . . start over and make a new movie

. . . undo the last clip in a stop motion animation

. . . know when the camera memory is full

. . . know when the batteries are low


Tips for making better movies

These general tips for images and sounds will help you improve the quality of the movies you make with the Digital Blue™ PC PC Digital Movie Creator.  Because this is a digital camera, it’s easy to experiment and try different lighting and sounds.  If you don’t like the results, you can delete the scenes and try again. There is no waiting to develop film and then throwing it away if you don’t like the results.  There are many factors that contribute to good photography and movie-making, so check the Activity Guide for more information.

For the best images:

•	Make sure that the source of light is behind or to the side of the person holding the camera, rather than in front of the camera.  The camera person should not be looking into a light source.

•	When filming a movie, hold the camera steady. If you need to move, adopt a firm stance and turn your body from the waist up.  When taking a snapshot, hold the camera as still as possible (holding your arms close to your body helps to do this).  You can also put the camera in its base.

•	When taking snapshots, hold the camera steady until you hear the snapshot sound.  If you are taking snapshots with moderate to dim lighting, this may take up to 2 seconds.

•	While it’s fun to experiment with different kinds of lighting and scenery, know that extremely bright lights or settings without much color contrast can result in gray, washed out video clips or video clips with flickering bars.

•	Always take a slightly longer shot than what you think you need, so you’ll be sure to get all the action captured on film.  You can trim the ends of the scene using the PC Digital Movie Creator software.

For the best sounds:

•	To reduce noise from the person holding the camera, try to hold the camera steady and be as quiet as possible -- the mic will easily pick up heavy breathing, camera handling noise, gum chewing, etc.

•	The best range for audio depends on how loud the scene is and how much background noise there is.  You'll need to experiment with the best range for your scene, starting at around 6 feet from the scene.  Depending on the dialog between the actors, you may need to move closer or further away to record the clearest sound.  After you download your pictures, preview them to check the sound.

•	Make sure the volume of sounds you are recording, such as a conversation between two people, is at a moderate level.  If you or the camera operator can’t hear the sounds clearly, move the camera closer to the action.

•	Very loud sounds can overwhelm other sounds you may want to capture in your audio.

•	Very low frequency sounds, such as the wind, street traffic, riding in a car, and very loud sounds may not record well.

  More FAQs


How do I combine two storyboards into a single movie?

1	Export each movie as an AVI file.

2	Import each AVI file back into the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software.

3	Open the Create screen by clicking

4	Add each clip to the storyboard.

5	Save your new movie by clicking the save button below the storyboard:

  More FAQs


What Types of Files Can Be Imported or Exported?

Import supports the following file formats:

•	Movies:  AVI files

•	Pictures:  JPG and BMP files

•	Sounds:  WAV files

Export supports the following formats:

•	Movies:  AVI and WMV files

•	Pictures:  JPG and BMP files

See also  Importing a movie or picture, importing sounds, exporting a movie or picture, email a movie to a friend.

  More FAQs


How do I email my movie to a friend?

To email a Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator movie or still image to a friend, you must export the file.  Movies can be exported as WMV or AVI files; still images can be exported as JPG or BMP files.  Longer movies and larger still images may take a long time to export.

Note

WMV works best if you want to send a movie as an email attachment because the file is smaller. However, this means that the display size of the exported movie is also smaller.

1	In any screen, click on the Collection button:

2	Use the Forward or Backward arrows to find the movie or picture you want to export.

3	Click to select the file that you want to export.

4	Click the Export button.

5	Navigate to the location on your hard drive where you want to save the file.

6	Select the file format you want for this file.  Movies should be saved as WMV or AVI files, pictures should be saved as JPG or BMP files.

7	Click the Export button.

8	Open your email program and send the file as an attachment to a mail message.

Note

Depending on the size of the exported movie and the speed of your Internet connection, sending movies via email can take a while.  Also, your Internet Service Provider may have a limit for how large attachments can be.  If your movie is long, it may exceed your ISP’s size limit.

  More FAQs


How do I use another microphone with the camera?

If you don’t want to use the camera’s microphone when the camera is connected to your computer, use the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator Audio Setup Wizard to select another microphone.

1	Click Start > Programs > Digital Blue PC Digital Movie Creator > Audio Setup Wizard

2	In the Available Microphones list, choose the soundcard to which you want to connect a microphone.

3	Click OK.

4	Be sure to connect a microphone to that sound card, using the microphone jack on your computer.

For detailed help on connecting a microphone to your computer, see your sound card documentation or Windows Help.

  More FAQs


Why don't I see the first frame of an animation in the storyboard?

Some animations won’t show an image in the first frame of a video clip.  For example, the alien walking and other animations that move across the frame, you’ll only see a very small part of the animation and the bounding box when you look at the still frame.  As soon as you play the scene, you’ll see the whole animation, moving into the scene, across and out of the scene.

  More FAQs


How loud should the sound in my scene be?

As you film a scene, if you or the camera operator is having trouble hearing the sound in a scene, such as dialog, move the camera closer to the action or ask the actors to speak a little more loudly.  If you can hear clearly and comfortably (not too loud), the camera will too.

See also Tips for making the better movies

  More FAQs


What does muting do to my video clip?

Muting turns off the audio that is part of your video clip. Muting does not affect any sound effects you added with the Sounds tool in the Create screen.

After you mute a video clip, you can add sound effects or just have a silent scene.  Use this feature if you want to record a narration for the scene or record your own sound effects.

  More FAQs


How do I download pictures again, without restarting the software?

1	Go to the Live screen by clicking the Live screen button:

2	Put the camera in its base.  (Make sure the camera base’s cable is connected to a USB port on your computer.)

3	The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software automatically detects that there are pictures in the camera.

4	Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer the images to the Temporary collection on your computer.

5	You can transfer the images to the Permanent collection if you want to keep them.

  More FAQs


Why can't I find the printing features in the software?

To print pictures in the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software, you must have a printer installed and connected to a printer port or USB port on your computer. If you don’t see the Print menu in the Share screen, you need to:

1	Check the Printing preferences to see whether printing has been turned off.

2	If the printing preferences are turned on, shut down the PC Digital Movie Creator software by clicking the Quit button in the upper right corner of the screen.

3	Set up a printer for your computer.

4	Restart the PC Digital Movie Creator software.

  More Troubleshooting


How do I undo the last clip in a stop motion animation?

While you are creating a stop motion animation, you can only delete the most recently captured frame.  To delete the last frame, click the Trash can button in the Live screen:

After you save the stop motion animation movie, you cannot change any of its frames.

  More FAQs


Troubleshooting

We have made every effort to ensure that your camera and software will function properly with any computer that meets the minimum system requirements.  However, it is impossible to test all possible system configurations or foresee all possible environments in which this product will be used.  If you have problems with the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera (or software) please look at these topics before contacting Technical Support:

Camera issues

My camera doesn't work

The camera's display is blank

The PC Digital Movie Creator software works slowly

The PC Digital Movie Creator software can't find an audio input device

I put my camera in the camera base but I wasn't asked to download the images

Error message "the camera is not connected to your computer"

Image issues

The PC Digital Movie Creator software or the video stream in the software is black or has streaks

My video clips looked gray and washed out

My video clips are shaded red

My video clips have flickering bars or moving color bands

My video clips have jerky action and the audio is out of sync with the video

The subject in my video or still image looks very dark

My video clip looks smaller when I export it as an AVI file

Other issues

I can't play WMV files

I don't hear movie sounds when I play back any movie

I can't import a file

I can’t print a picture in the software

Other places to look for information

This online help file contains a FAQ (frequently asked questions) and detailed instructions about how to use the camera and the software, so check the other topics to see if there is an answer to your question.

Also check the Quick Start Guide, which includes helpful information about how to use the camera and the software.  The ReadMe file, located on your computer hard drive, contains descriptions of known technical issues at the time of release.  Visit our support web site at http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help.

If you are still experiencing problems and are unable to make your PC Digital Movie Creator function properly, contact Technical Support.


Error message "the camera is not connected to your computer"

When you start the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software the first time, you may see a camera connection error message, even though you connected the camera to your computer using the camera base.

Try these suggestions:

•	Restart your computer and pay attention to the camera for the following signals:

⇒	If you hear the camera beep and see the spinning ring on the camera display, your camera is properly connected to your computer and the problem should be resolved.

⇒	If you hear only the camera beep and don’t see the spinning ring, restart your computer.  This restarts the camera software on your computer and should resolve the problem.

⇒	If you don’t hear the camera beep, double-check the camera cable connections on each end once more.  The cable fits into the camera and the computer’s USB port only one way.  Press each end gently but firmly until you hear a beep, and then check for the spinning pattern as above.

If double-checking the cable connections and restarting your computer does not work, try the following:

•	Connect the camera cable to another USB port on your computer.

•	If you are using a USB hub (an external device that lets you connect more USB devices to your computer), disconnect the camera from the hub.  Then, connect the camera cable directly into a USB port on your computer. If the camera works when plugged directly into your computer, there may be a problem with your USB hub, or it may not be supplying enough power to run the camera.

•	Try connecting another USB device into the port.  If the device does not work, the USB port may not be working properly, so contact your system manufacturer or the manufacturer of your USB card.

•	Check Windows* Device Manager for the Digital Movie Creator camera.  If the camera appears in the ‘Other Devices’ category or in the ‘Imaging Devices’ category with a ? or ! symbol, try this:

a)	Select the camera and click the Remove button.

b)	Disconnect the camera from your computer.

c)	Connect the camera again.

If none of these suggestions work, check the Prime Entertainment Customer Support web site for up-to-date information on resolving USB problems at http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help

  More troubleshooting


The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software works slowly

If the software seems to work slowly, try this:

1	Press Alt +Tab on your keyboard to switch to other open applications and close them.

2	Lower your video display settings to 16-bit color, as follows:

A.	Right-click anywhere on the Windows Desktop and choose Properties.

B.	In the Display Settings dialog, click the Settings tab.

C.	From the Colors list, choose High Color (16-bit).

D.	Click OK.

  More troubleshooting


I can't import a file

If you are not able to import a file into the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software, try this:

•	Make sure the file type is supported by the PC Digital Movie Creator (WAV, AVI, JPG and BMP).

•	Try viewing or playing the file on your computer with a drawing tool or media player. If you can’t open the file on your computer, you won’t be able to import it into the PC Digital Movie Creator software.

  More troubleshooting


My camera doesn't work

Try these suggestions:

If the camera is not connected to your computer:

•	Press any of the buttons on the camera – this starts the camera if it is in sleep mode.

•	If the camera doesn’t respond, remove and re-insert the batteries.  Make sure the + and – on the batteries matches the + and – signs inside the battery compartment.

•	The batteries may be dead  Try inserting new batteries.

If the camera is connected to your computer:

•	Make sure your computer is turned on.

•	Disconnect and reconnect the camera and its base. Make sure each end of the camera base’s cable is properly and firmly connected.  The camera fits into the camera base only one way and the camera base cable fits into computer’s USB port only one way.  Press each gently but firmly until you hear a beep, and then check for the spinning pattern on the camera display.

•	Restart your computer and pay attention to the camera for the following signals:

⇒	If you hear the camera beep and see the spinning ring on the camera display, your camera is properly connected to your computer and the problem should be resolved.

⇒	If you hear only the camera beep and don’t see the spinning ring, restart your computer.  This restarts the camera software on your computer and should resolve the problem.

•	If you don’t hear the camera beep, double-check that the camera is properly inserted into the camera base and the camera base’s cable is properly connected to the USB port on your computer.  Press each end gently but firmly until you hear a beep, and then check for the spinning pattern as above.

If double-checking the cable connections and restarting your computer does not work, try the following:

•	Connect the camera base’s cable to another USB port on your computer.

•	If you are using a USB hub (an external device that lets you connect more USB devices to your computer), disconnect the camera base cable from the hub.  Then, connect the camera base cable directly into a USB port on your computer. If the camera works when connected directly to your computer, don’t use the USB hub.  There may be a problem with your USB hub or it may not be able to supply enough power to run the camera.

•	Try connecting another USB device into the port.  If another device does not work, the USB port may not be working properly, so contact your system manufacturer or the manufacturer of your USB card.

•	Check Windows* Device Manager for the Digital Movie Creator camera.  If the camera appears in the ‘Other Devices’ category or in the ‘Imaging Devices’ category with a ? or ! symbol, try this:

a)	Select the camera and click the Remove button.

b)	Disconnect the camera from your computer.

c)	Connect the camera again.

If your tried of these suggestions and your camera still doesn’t work, check the Prime Entertainment Customer Support web site for up-to-date information on resolving USB problems: http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help

  More troubleshooting


The camera display is blank

If the camera is not connected to your computer:

•	Press any of the keys on the camera to turn on the camera.  The camera may have gone into sleep mode after around 3 minutes of not using the camera.

•	Check the batteries.  Make sure the batteries are new and that they are properly inserted.  The + and – on the batteries must match the + and – signs inside the battery compartment..

•	The batteries may be dead  Try inserting new batteries.

If the camera is connected to your computer:

•	Make sure your computer is turned on.

•	Disconnect and reconnect the camera and its base. Make sure each end of the camera base’s cable is properly and firmly connected.  The camera fits into the camera base only one way and the camera base cable fits into computer’s USB port only one way.  Press each gently but firmly until you hear a beep, and then check for the spinning pattern on the camera display.

•	Restart your computer.

If double-checking the cable connections and restarting your computer does not work, try the following:

•	Connect the camera base’s cable to another USB port on your computer.

•	If you are using a USB hub (an external device that lets you connect more USB devices to your computer), disconnect the camera base cable from the hub.  Then, connect the camera base cable directly into a USB port on your computer. If you hear the camera beep and the camera display shows the spinning pattern when the camera is connected directly to your computer, don’t use the USB hub.  There may be a problem with your USB hub or it may not be able to supply enough power to run the camera.

•	Try connecting another USB device into the port.  If another device does not work, the USB port may not be working properly, so contact your system manufacturer or the manufacturer of your USB card.

•	Check Windows* Device Manager for the Digital Movie Creator camera.  If the camera appears in the ‘Other Devices’ category or in the ‘Imaging Devices’ category with a ? or ! symbol, try this:

a)	Select the camera and click the Remove button.

b)	Disconnect the camera from your computer.

c)	Connect the camera again.

If your tried each of these suggestions and your camera still doesn’t work, check the Prime Entertainment Customer Support web site for up-to-date information on resolving USB problems: http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help

  More troubleshooting


The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software or the video stream in the software is black or has streaks

This can happen with older models of video cards.  Try the following:

•	Lower your video display settings to  16-bit color and 800x600 resolution:

a)	Right-click on the Windows Deskptop and choose Properties.

b)	Click the Settings tab.

c)	In the Colors list, click High (16-bit).

d)	Move the Screen Area slider to 800 x 600.

e)	Click OK.

•	Make sure that you are using the latest driver for your video card.  Check the Web site for the video card manufacturer to obtain the latest driver.

  More troubleshooting


I don't hear the movie sounds when I play back any movie

•	Make sure your computer speakers are turned on and are connected to the computer.

•	Make sure the audio volume is not turned all the way down on the speakers or in the Windows* Control Panel.

•	Check your soundcard settings.  The soundcard may be set to half-duplex audio, instead of full-duplex.  If your soundcard supports half-duplex audio only, you may be able to gain the full-duplex setting by updating the driver for your soundcard.  For assistance in configuring your soundcard or updating the driver for your soundcard, contact your system manufacturer or manufacturer of your soundcard.

•	Make sure you have selected the Intel Play Digital Movie Creator camera as the audio source.  Use the Audio Setup wizard to check and change the audio input:  click Start > Programs > Digital Blue PC Digital Movie Creator > Audio Setup Wizard

  More troubleshooting


I can't play WMV files

WMV files may not work with some versions of Windows* Media Player and the Windows operating system.  To update the files needed to play a WMV file, try this:

1	Open your Internet connection

2	Start Windows Media Player: click Start >Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Windows Media Player.

3	Open the WMV file in Windows Media Player. The required files are updated automatically.

  More troubleshooting


My video clips look grey and washed out
My video clips look gray and washed out

The most common causes are:

•	Extremely bright lights near the camera lens

•	Not enough contrasting colors in the scene your are filming (white walls, tan furniture, lots of sunlight…)

Try adjusting the lighting in the scene and filming the scene again.

  More troubleshooting


My video clips are shaded red

This can happen when you film in very low lighting conditions,  Increase the surrounding lighting in the scene and film the scene again.

  More troubleshooting


My video clips have flickering bars

This is usually caused by one of two things:

•	Extremely bright lights near the camera lens.  Move the lights away from the camera or dim the lights, if possible.  Try adjusting the lighting or filming the scene in another location with different lighting.

•	The 50-60Hz switch has been set to 60Hz; open the battery compartment with a small Philips screwdriver and move the switch to 50Hz.  To see whether your location uses 50Hz or 60Hz lighting, click here.

  More troubleshooting


My video clips have moving color bands

This can be caused by how light reflects on vertical or horizontal patterns in your scene, such as venetian blinds or certain garage door designs.  You can try filming the scene again in High Quality mode or choose another background for filming.

  More troubleshooting


My video clips have jerky action and the audio is out of sync with the video

This can happen when filming in low light.  Increase the light in the scene and film the scene again.

  More troubleshooting


The subject in my video or still image looks very dark

This can happen when you position your subject with front very bright lights behind them.  Try these suggestions and film the scene again:

•	Make sure the subject is framed in the center of the camera’s viewfinder.

•	Move the camera off to one side, to change the angle at which you’re capturing the image.

•	Dim or block the light behind the subject.

  More troubleshooting


The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software can't find an audio input device

This can happen if your sound card is not properly connected to your computer.  Check your sound card documentation or contact your system manufacturer for more information.

  More troubleshooting


My video clip looks smaller when I export it as an AVI file

When you export a normal quality video clip as an AVI file, it appears smaller during play-back.  You can make the viewing area larger in Windows* Media Player.  If you include the video clip in a movie and export the movie as an AVI file, the video clip will play back in a larger viewing format.

  More troubleshooting


To find your location, scroll down.

Albania	50
Algeria	50
Argentina	50
Australia	50
Austria	50
Bahrain	50
Bahrain - Awali	60
Belarus	50
Belgium	50
Belize	60
Bolivia	50
Brazil	60
Brunei Darussalam	50
Bulgaria	50
Canada	60
Chile	50
Colombia	60
Costa Rica	60
Croatia	50
Czech Republic	50
Denmark	50
Ecuador	60
Egypt	50
El Salvador	60
Estonia	50
Faeroe Islands	50
Finland	50
France	50
Germany	50
Greece	50
Guatemala	60
Honduras	60
Hong Kong	50
Hungary	50
Iceland	50
India	50
Indonesia	50
Ireland	50
Islamic Republic of Pakistan	50
Israel	50
Italy	50
Japan - Hiroshima	60
Japan - Kawasaki	50
Japan - Kyoto	60
Japan - Nagoya	60
Japan - Osaka	60
Japan - Sapporo	50
Japan - Sendai	50
Japan - Yokohoma	50
Jordan	50
Kenya	50
Kuwait	50
Latvia	50
Lebanon	50
Liechtenstein	50
Lithuania	50
Luxembourg	50
Macau	50
Malaysia	50
Mexico	60
Morocco	50
Netherlands	50
New Zealand	50
Nicaragua	60
Norway	50
Oman	50
Panama	60
Paraguay	50
People's Republic of China	50
Peru	60
Peru - Arequipa	50
Poland	50
Portugal	50
Republic of Macedonia	50
Republic of the Philippines	60
Romania	50
Russia	50
Saudi Arabia	60
Serbia	50
Singapore	50
Slovak Republic	50
Slovenia	50
South Africa	50
South Korea	60
Spain	50
Sweden	50
Switzerland	50
Syria	50
Taiwan Region	60
Thailand	50
Tunisia	50
Turkey	50
U.A.E.	50
Ukraine	50
United Kingdom	50
United States	60
Uruguay	50
Venezuela	60
Venezuela - Maracay	50
Venezuela - Valencia	50
Viet Nam	50
Yemen	50
Zimbabwe	50


Introducing the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator

Congratulations on your purchase of the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator!  With the PC Digital Movie Creator, you make movies just like they do in Hollywood! You can…

•	Go on location to film scenes for your movie

•	Film scenes with the camera connected to your computer

•	Take snapshots

•	Add transitions between scenes

•	Trim individual scenes or snapshots to remove things you don’t want to see

•	Add animations, titles and credits and sound effects

•	Create a screen-saver or wallpaper for your computer

•	Create a stop-motion animation

•	Share your movie or animation with your friends

The camera includes a built-in microphone, self-timer button, video-record button, snapshot button, image quality button and a display to show you information about the camera, such how many images you have filmed, how much memory has been used and whether the batteries are low.

If you need more help while using the PC Digital Movie Creator Camera or Software, press F1 in any screen for more information about that screen, or press the Question Mark Button to open Online Help.  You can also find more information in the Activity Guide and Quick Start Guide.


Navigating in the software

There are three main screens in the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software:

•	The Live screen – when the camera is connected to your computer, use this screen to take snapshots or film video; you can access the color quality tools and preview files in the collections.  You can also create a stop-motion animation in this screen.

•	The Create screen – contains tools and features for editing your scenes to create a movie;

•	The Share screen – lets you show your movie, as well as create a screen saver or wallpaper

To move from screen to screen, use the navigation tool bar in the upper left corner:


Camera buttons and controls

Click on each label to scroll to a description.

•	Snapshot Button- Use the Snapshot button to take snapshots both when the camera is tethered to a computer and when you are roaming in the field.

•	Viewfinder- Center your target in the viewfinder.

•	Self-Timer Button- Use the Self-Timer button when you want to set a delay to take video clips or snapshots.

•	Built-in Microphone– automatically records sounds as you capture video clips.

•	Camera Lens- Make sure to keep the camera lens clear when trying to capture images. Don't put your finger in front of the lens or you won't capture any images!  Keep the lens clean to keep your images clear.

•	Camera Base- The camera base’s USB cable connects to your computer.  When the camera is in the base and the software is running, you can download pictures, capture video clips in the Live screen.

•	USB Cable – Connects your camera to your computer, so you can download images to your computer when the camera is in the base.

•	Eyepiece- Look through the eyepiece to center your target in the viewfinder.

•	Display– Shows icons that indicate memory usage, low batteris, number of images, image quality and whether you are filming video or taking snapshots.

•	Delete Button- Use the Delete button to erase images from your camera memory.

•	Image Quality Button- Use the Image Quality button to change the quality of your images.  You can capture more images between downloads when you use normal quality.

•	Video Record Button- Use the Video Record button to film video clips, both when the camera is tethered to a computer and when you on location


Icons on the camera display

Click on each icon label to scroll to the icon’s description.

•	Memory Progress Bar– When your camera is not connected to a computer, this icon shows how much camera memory has been used to film videos and snapshots.  As you record images, the memory progress bar moves around the display.  When the bar forms a complete circle, there is no more memory left to film new videos, although you may have room to take one or two snapshots. If the memory progress bar is a complete circle and the Counter number (see below) flashes, you must download or delete images to continue filming.

When your camera is connected to a computer, the memory progress bar spins to show you the camera is ready to film more images.

•	Snapshot Icon-  Shows when you take a snapshot. The snapshot icon shows until you film a video clip.

•	Low Battery– Shows when you need to change the batteries.  If you want to keep the images you have filmed, download them before changing the batteries.

•	Video Icon– Shows when you film a video clip. The video icon shows until you take a snapshot.  The video icon flashes when the camera is connected to the computer and the Live screen is visible.  This indicates that the camera is streaming video to the PC Digital Movie Creator software.

•	Counter– Shows the number of images you have captured.

•	Self-timer– Flashes when the self-timer is counting down to automatically take a snapshot or film a video clip.

•	Quality– Shows whether the camera is filming in Normal Quality or High Quality.  Press this button to change the image quality.

•	Delete– Flashes as you delete images from the camera.


Going on location with the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator

To film scenes on location, you can disconnect the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator from your computer.  When the camera is not connected to your computer, it can record 4 minutes of normal quality video and 1 minute of high quality video.  You can easily change the image quality.  The camera has a built-in microphone to record audio while you film.  You can also take snapshots with the PC Digital Movie Creator.  To get the best results, check out these tips for making better movies.

Before you go on location, you have fresh batteries. If the batteries run out while you are on location, all images in your camera’s memory will be lost.  If you need to change the batteries, be sure to download the video clips and snapshots you want to keep BEFORE you remove the batteries.

Note

When using the camera on location in the rain or under similar conditions, be careful not to get your camera wet.

When you are finished filming on location, you can download the video clips and snapshots to your computer and use the PC Digital Movie Creator software to edit scenes, create transitions between scenes, add titles and credits and enhance the sound track.


Filming with the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera connected to your computer

You can film scenes with the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator connected to your computer.  You can record as many 4-minute videos or snapshots as you want directly to your computer hard-drive.  When you shoot scenes with the camera connected to your computer, the built-in microphone captures the sounds in the scene. You can also connect another microphone to your computer.

If you need more help while using the camera or software, press F1 in any screen for more information about that screen, or press the Question Mark Button to open Online Help.  You can also find more information in the Activity Guide and Quick Start Guide.


Changing the batteries

Your camera operates only with 4 AAA size batteries (not included) when the camera is not connected to your computer. If you don't plan on using the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera for a long time, remove the batteries from the camera.  When you change the batteries, be sure to dispose of the old batteries properly.

Note

Be sure to always download your images to your computer before removing or replacing your batteries.  If the batteries die while you are using the camera, all images in the camera’s memory are lost.

1	Open the battery compartment on the camera with a very small Phillips screwdriver.

2	Remove old batteries and replace with new batteries.  Make sure the + and - symbols on the battery align to those in the battery compartment.

3	Close the battery cover and replace the screw on the bottom of the camera.

Important!

When you change the batteries, the image quality automatically resets to High Quality.  If you want to take pictures at Normal Quality, press the Image Quality button on the camera.

You can use your camera without batteries by connecting the camera to your computer.


Installing the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software

If you are re-installing software, complete the installation and restart your computer before you connect the camera to your computer.

1	Insert the software CD into your CD-ROM drive and wait for Setup to start.

2	Click the Install button.

3	Follow the on-screen instructions.

4	When the installation is complete, you can register your Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator online if you have a modem. (If you can't or don't want to register online, click the Cancel button, continue with the next step, and please complete the registration later.)

5	Adults, follow the instructions on the e-registration screen to register the PC Digital Movie Creator.

6	If prompted, restart your computer.

If Setup does not start automatically, go to the Windows* desktop and double-click on the My Computer icon.  Double-click the icon for the CD-ROM/DVD drive that contains the PC Digital Movie Creator software. Double-click on setup.exe and follow the on-screen instructions.


Connecting the camera to your computer

The camera connects to your computer through the camera base.  The camera base provides a stable platform for filming or taking snapshots using the camera software.  You can also tilt the base several degrees to center the scene in the camera viewfinder.

1	Connect the camera base’s cable to a USB port on your computer.

2	Put the camera in the base and gently press it into place.  The camera beeps when it is properly connected to your computer.

3	Start the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software by double-clicking the desktop icon.

The first time you start the software, you are asked to choose an audio input device.  Choose the PC Digital Movie Creator camera in the list and then click OK.

4	If you have pictures to transfer from the camera, follow the on-screen instructions.

You can leave the base connected to your computer to make it easier to transfer pictures the next time.

Notes

•	 You can connect only one PC Digital Movie Creator camera at a time.

•	The cable is 8 feet long, so be careful not to strain the cable if you move around with the camera.  Straining the cable can damage the USB connectors on the camera, your computer or both.


Uninstalling the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software

Click Start > Programs > Digital Blue PC Digital Movie Creator > Uninstall PC Digital Movie Creator


Starting and stopping the software

To start the program:

•	Double-click the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator icon on the Windows* desktop

OR

•	Click Start > Programs > Digital Blue PC Digital Movie Creator > PC Digital Movie Creator

To close the program:

1	If you want to keep any or all images in the temporary collection, move the images to the permanent collection.  When you close the program, all images are deleted from the temporary collection.

2	If you have been working on a movie in the story board, to keep your changes, click the Save button and give the movie a name:

3	If you have been working on a stop-motion animation, click the Finish button to save your changes:

4	Click the Quit button in the upper right corner of any screen.


How to know when camera memory is full

On the camera display, the memory indicator bar shows how much memory you have left in your camera.  As you take videos and snapshots, the bar grows, indicating how much memory you have used.  When this bar turns into a ring around the display, as shown below, it means your camera memory is full:

You can also check the number of images captured by the camera. When there is no more room to film more video or take another snapshot, the image number flashes. The camera will also beep to let you know that there isn’t enough memory left.

To film more video or snapshots, you need to promptly download the images to a computer or delete some of the images from the camera.


How to know when the batteries are low

The camera display’s low battery Indicator, shown below, appears near the top of the display:

When you see the Low-Battery Indicator you need to change the batteries soon.

Note

Download all images before changing batteries. Any images in the camera's memory are erased when you remove the batteries.

Auto power-off function

If you do not use the camera for about 3 minutes, your camera goes into sleep mode to conserve the batteries.  Just before going into sleep mode, the camera will play a sound.  To use the camera again, push any button on the camera to turn it on.  A sound will play to signal that the camera is on and ready to record a photo or video clip.

Using the cable to power your PC Digital Movie Creator camera

Whenever your computer is turned on and the camera is connected to the computer, the cable provides power to run the camera, so the batteries aren’t drained. There’s no need to remove the batteries if you plan on going on location soon.


Taking snapshots on location

1	Make sure your subject is well lit.

2	View and center your subject through the viewfinder.

3	When you have a good view of your subject, push and release the Snapshot button on top of the camera to capture a snapshot.  Hold the camera steady until you hear the ‘shutter’ sound.
Note  If there is not enough memory to take a picture, the camera beeps. You need to download your pictures or delete some images from the camera memory.

4	The counter in the camera's display will increase by one.


Filming video on location

When you film on location, you can record up to 4 minutes of Normal Quality video and 1 minute of High Quality video.  When you’ve been filming on location and the camera memory is full, promptly download the images to your computer.

1	View and center your subject through the viewfinder.

2	Push and hold the Video Record button on the camera handle to capture a video clip.  A beep will sound and the camera will begin to record video.

3	To stop recording, release the Video Record button.

4	The counter in the display will increase by one, showing that a successful video has been recorded.

Note

If the camera memory is full when you try to record a video, an error sound plays.  If the error sound plays while you are recording video, it means that the camera memory is full and you need to download images to your computer before you can continue filming.


Changing the image quality

You can change the image quality of the videos and snapshots your take and define how clear and detailed your pictures appear.  For example, you take a snapshot in High Quality, and then record video in Normal Quality.

1	Push the Image Quality button on the camera to use one of these quality settings:

  Normal quality – about 4 minutes of video

  High quality – about 1 minute of video

2	A sound effect plays as the quality icon on the camera display changes to show the current quality setting.


Deleting images from the camera

Use the Delete button on the camera to erase images from the camera memory. As you delete images from the camera, the camera display shows you the image number and whether it is a video clip or snapshot.  The camera also makes a ‘swooshing’ sound as each image is deleted.  Before you delete an image from the camera, be sure you do not want the image anymore.  After you delete the image, you cannot get it back.

To delete the last image you captured with the camera:

1	Press and hold down the Delete button for 3 seconds to delete the last item that you took.

2	The counter in the Display will decrease by one, showing that a snapshot or video clip has been erased from the memory.

3	To delete the next image, keep holding the Delete button for another 3 seconds.

To delete several images quickly:

1	Press and hold down the Delete button.  After 6 seconds, images are erased one by one.

2	The counter in the display decreases by one as each image is erased.

3	To stop deleting the images, release the Delete button.

Important!  As you continue to hold the Delete button, images are erased at a slightly faster rate.  Watch the camera display to see which image is being deleted, so you can stop if you want to keep the next image.

To delete all the images in the camera:

Press and hold down the Delete button for about 15 seconds.  All of the items in your camera's memory are erased.


Using the self-timer on the camera

When you use the camera’s self-timer, an image is captured about 10 seconds after you press the Snapshot or Video Record button.

1	Place your camera in the camera base on a sturdy surface.

2	Look through the viewfinder and leave room for you to be in the frame.

3	Push and release the Self-timer button.  The timer icon on the LCD will turn on and begin to blink. Both the video icon and the snap shot icon will turn off.

4	Push the Snapshot button on top of the camera if you want to take a snapshot, or push the Video button if you want to capture a video.

5	As soon as you release either button, you have 10 seconds before the camera takes a snapshot or begins recording a video clip.  A sound will play as your time runs out.  When the sound stops, a final sound will play, signaling that the camera is about to take a snapshot or begin recording the video.

6	The camera will continue to record a video until either all the memory is used up or you push any other button on the camera to stop the recording.


Downloading images from the camera

To download images, the camera must be connected to your computer with the camera base. Downloading removes all the images from the camera’s memory and stores them in the Temporary collection.   As long as the camera is connected and it contains images, you will be asked whether you want to download them every time you open the Live screen.

Important

When you’ve been filming on location and the camera memory is full, promptly download the images to your computer.

1	Put the camera in the camera base and if the software is already running, open the Live screen by clicking

2	If the PC Digital Movie Creator software isn’t running, start it by clicking: Start > Programs > Digital Blue PC Digital Movie Creator > PC Digital Movie Creator.  Then, open the Live screen.

3	If there are images in the camera memory, you are asked whether you want to download.  Click OK to start.

Watch the progress bar in the download dialog to see how many images remain to be downloaded. When all the images have been transferred from the camera, the download box closes automatically.

4	The Temporary collection opens automatically, where you can preview them or move them to the Permanent collection.


How images are stored on your computer

Your movies, snapshots and animations are stored in Collections on your computer.  Use the Temporary collection to look at new images, so you can decide whether to keep them.  Use the Permanent collection to store and organize those images you want to keep.

Note

The Temporary collection is emptied every time you shut down the software program.  If you decide to keep an image, you must move it to the Permanent collection or Storyboard before shutting down the software.  If you move an item to the Storyboard, the software program will automatically save the image into the Permanent Collection.

When you save snapshots, videos or movies, they are given a default file name based on the date you recorded the image.  The file is named as follows: "Month Day Counter."  So, if you take a video or snapshot on February 15th, it will appear as Feb15_01.  If you take a second video or snapshot on that day, it will appear as Feb15_02, and so on.


Camera care and cleaning

You should take care of your Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera so it will last a long time.  There are several things you can do to keep your camera working for a long time.

Clean the camera display

Wipe the screen surface with a cleaning cloth (not supplied) to remove fingerprints, dust, etc.

Clean the surface of the camera

Clean the camera surface with a soft cloth slightly moistened with water, then wipe the surface dry.  Do not use any type of solvent or cleaner, such as thinner, detergent, or alcohol, as this may damage the camera's outer shell or inner electronic parts.

Clean the viewfinder and lens

Do not use cleaning solutions unless they are designed specifically for camera lenses.  Wipe the lens gently with a soft, lint-free cloth or an untreated lens-cleaning tissue.

Avoid water

When taking pictures outdoors in the rain or under similar conditions, be careful not to get your camera wet.  Do not place the camera in water or under running water.

Avoid extreme heat or cold

Don’t leave the camera in direct sunlight or in a hot environment for an extended period.  Also, avoid leaving the camera in a cold environment for an extended period.

Remove batteries when not using the camera for long periods of time

Remove the batteries if you are not going to use the camera for more than two weeks. Batteries can sometimes leak and these fluids could damage the inner parts of the camera.  Make sure to always download any images from your camera before removing or replacing the batteries.


Viewing the online Help from the software

•	Click the Question Mark button on any of the screens.

OR

•	Press F1 for more information about the screen you are currently working in.


Changing Preferences

Preferences include settings for printing, sound effects that play as you use the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software, sound volume and tool tips.

To change the software preferences in any screen, click the Preferences button [image] and then change the settings.  Click the OK button.

To restore the original settings, click the Preferences buttons and then click the Reset button.

To close preferences without saving your changes, click the Cancel button.


Turning printing on or off

You can turn off the ability to print images in the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software.

1.	From any screen, click the Preferences button:

2.	Under the 'Printing' label, click either the On or Off buttons.

3.	Click the OK button to apply the changes and close the preferences screen.


Turning sound effects on or off

The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software has cool sound effects that play as you click on buttons and other parts of the screens.  You can turn these sound effects off.  These settings do not affect the sounds that you add to your movies.

1	From any screen, click the Preferences button:

2	Click the On or Off buttons under the Sound Effects label.

3	Click the OK button to apply the changes and close the preferences screen.


Adjusting the sound volume

Use the sound volume preferences to adjust the volume of the sounds that play when you use the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software.  These settings do not affect the volume of sounds that you add to your movies.

1	From any screen, click the Preferences button:

2	Click any of the choices under the Sound Volume label to adjust or turn off the Sound Volume.

3	Click the OK button to apply the changes and close the preferences screen.


Turning tool tips on or off

Tool tips are the small descriptions that appear when you point your mouse at the buttons and other features in the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software.

1	From any screen, click the Preferences button:

2	Click On or Off under the Tool Tips label to switch Tool Tips on or off.

3	Click the OK button to apply the changes and close the preferences screen.


Resetting all preferences to the original settings

If you changed several preferences and you don’t like the settings, you can restore all the settings.

1	From any screen, click the Preferences button:

2	Click the Reset button to set your preferences to the original (default) setting.

3	To keep the original settings, click the OK button to apply changes and close the preferences screen.

4	To cancel your changes to the preferences screen, click the Cancel button to cancel any changes and close the preferences screen.


Switching between collections

1	Open the collections by pressing the Collections button in any screen

2	Click the Temporary tab at the top of the screen to switch to the Temporary collection.

3	Click the Permanent tab at the top of the screen to switch to the Permanent collection.


Adding video clips and snapshots to the storyboard

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create screen button:

2	Click the Collection button:

3	Select the collection where the picture or movie is stored (either the Temporary or the Permanent collection).

4	Click the Forward or Backward buttons (if needed) to page through your files in the collection.

5	To start a new movie, double-click the thumbnail for each video clip or snapshot you want to edit in the storyboard.  You can drag any video clip or snapshot to another position on the storyboard later.

6	To open a movie that you have already edited in the storyboard, double-click its thumbnail.  This opens each video clip and snapshot in the movie so you can make changes. If you are working on a new movie in the storyboard and you open a saved movie, the contents of the storyboard are automatically replaced.  If you want to keep your current changes, click the Save button before opening the other movie:
(bmct save button.shg}

Note

When you move a file from your Temporary collection to the Storyboard, the file is automatically moved to your Permanent collection.

To learn about combining storyboards, click here.


Exporting a movie or picture

You can export movies and pictures from the collection.  When you export a file, you save the file in a common file format, such as AVI, WMV, JPG or BMP.  You cannot export sound files.

To Export a file from the collection:

1	Click on the Collection button at the top of any of the screens to open the Collection:

2	Click the collection where the file is stored.

3	Use the Forward or Backward arrows to find the movie or picture you want to export.

4	Click to select the file that you want to export.

5	Click the Export button to bring up the Export dialog.

6	Navigate to the location on your hard drive where you want to save the file.  By default, exported files are saved to the My Documents folder on your computer.

7	Select the file format you want for this file.

8	Click the Save button.

Note

Depending on the length of the movies or snapshots being exported, it may take a long time for a file to export.


Importing sounds

You can import sounds (.WAV files) into the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software to use in your movies.  Imported sounds are accessible from the Sound Effects button in the Create screen.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Click the Sound Effects button:

3	To Import Sound Effects (which play only within a clip), click on the green My Sound Effects button.

4	To Import Background Music (which will loop continuously throughout a movie), click on the blue My Music button.

5	To import Narration tracks (which play only within a clip), click the red Narration button.

6	Click the Record button on the bottom right of the sound palette to bring up the Import/Record dialog.

7	Click the Import button in the Import/Record dialog.

8	Navigate to the location of the .WAV file on your hard drive.

9	Click the Open button to start importing the file.  Large sound files may take a long time to import, so be patient.


Importing movies and pictures

You can import movies and pictures into your collections.  You can import AVI movies, JPG images and BMP images.  The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software converts the file to the PC Digital Movie Creator format.

1	Click the Collection button at the top of any screen to open the Collection:

2	Choose the Collection where you want to import the file (either Temporary or Permanent).

3	Click the Import button to bring up the Import dialog.

4	Navigate to the location of the file on your hard drive.

5	Click the Open button to start importing the file.  Movies and large image files may take a long time to import, so be patient.


Moving files to the Permanent collection

To move a file to the Permanent collection:

1	From any screen, click on the Collection button to open the Collection screen:

2	Select the Temporary collection by clicking the word Temporary at the top of the screen.

3	Click the Forward or Backward buttons (if needed) to page through your files in the collection.

4	When you see the picture or movie that you want to move, click on it to highlight it.

5	Click the Move Item to Permanent Collection button to move the highlighted file to the Permanent collection.

To move all your files to the Permanent collection:

1	From any screen, click on the Collection button to open the Collection screen.

2	Select the Temporary collection by clicking the word Temporary at the top of the screen.

3	Click the Move All Items to Permanent Collection button to move all the files to the Permanent Collection.


Sorting files in a collection

1	From any screen, open the collection by clicking the Collections button:

2	To sort your files by name, click the Sort Alphabetically button to sort your files in alphabetical order.

3	To sort your files by type, click the Sort By Type button to sort your files by type.  Your files are now ordered by type of file.

4	To sort your files by the date they were saved, click the Sort By Date button to sort your files by the date they were created.  Files are now ordered with the latest files appearing before the older files.


Previewing images in a collection

1	Open the collection by clicking the Collection button on any screen:

2	Use the Page Forward or Page Back arrows to locate the clip you want to preview. When you find the clip, click it to highlight it.

Note  If you are having problems finding your clip, it might be in the other Collection.  To switch the other collection, click the appropriate collection tab at the top of the screen.

3	When you have highlighted a clip to preview, click the Preview Item button:

4	The Clip will begin to play. When finished, the clip rewinds to the beginning.

Note  Movies are played at 15 frames per second, so some content could result in perceptible screen flicker.

5	 If you want to delete a clip you are previewing, click the Trash Can button in the preview screen.

6	When you are finished previewing the clip, you can return to the Collection by clicking the Back to Collection button.

7	You can move the clip from the Temporary to the Permanent collection by clicking the Transfer to Permanent button.


Deleting items from a collection

1	From any screen, open the collections by clicking the Collection button at the top of the screen:

2	Click the Forward or Backward buttons (if needed) to find the movie, picture or sound you want to delete.

3	Click the file to highlight it.

4	Click the Delete button to delete the file.


Navigating within a collection

1	From any screen, click the Collection button to open the Collection screen:

2	Select the Temporary or Permanent collection.

3	Click the Page Forward button to move forward through the collection, or click the Page Back button to move backward in the collection until you see the file you want.


Closing a collection

To close a collection screen, click the Close Collection button at the bottom of the Collection screen:


Taking a snapshot using the software

You can take snapshots when your camera is connected to your computer. You can use the snapshots in your movies or use them to create a screen-saver or wallpaper.

In the Live screen, you can take snapshots of anything around you and the image is automatically added to the Temporary collection.  In the Create screen, you can capture a single frame in a video, which is automatically added to the Permanent collection.

To take a snapshot using the DMC software:

1	To steady the camera, put the camera in its base before you take the snapshot.

2	Open the Live screen by clicking [image] or the Create screen by clicking

3	If you are in the Live screen, look through the camera viewfinder to frame what you want to capture.

4	If you are in the Create screen, open the video clip to the storyboard and use the Fast Forward button to advance to the frame you want:

5	Click and release the Snapshot button in the screen:

You can also take snapshots on location.


Fliming video in the Live screen
Filming video in the Live screen

When the camera is connected to your computer, you can film video in the Live screen.  You can use the software features or the camera’s buttons.  To film in the Live screen, the camera must be connected to your computer.

Note

Use the software to start and stop video capture if you don’t want to jiggle the camera.

To film video using the software:

1	Place the camera in the camera base to steady your shot.

2	Look through the camera viewfinder to frame what you want to capture.

3	If you are using the camera microphone, you can leave the camera near your computer. If you are using your computer's microphone to record audio, place it near your subject.

4	Click and release the Record Video button on the Live screen:

5	To stop recording, click the Record Video button again or you can let the camera record video up to 4 minutes.  After 4 minutes, the camera automatically stops recording.

6	The video clip downloads to your Temporary collection and the first frame of the clip is visible in the preview window.

To film video using the camera buttons:

1	Place the camera in the camera base to steady your shot.

2	Look through the camera viewfinder to frame what you want to capture.

3	If you are using your computer's microphone to record audio, place it near your subject. If you are using the camera microphone, make sure your subject is at least 4 to 6 feet from the camera.

4	Press and hold the Video Record button on the camera to record video.

5	To stop recording, release the Video Record button.  Or, you can let the camera record video up to 4 minutes.  After 4 minutes, the camera automatically stops recording.

6	The video clip downloads to your Temporary collection and the first frame of the clip is visible in the preview window.

Note

If you are using your computer’s microphone to record sounds as you film, you may want to adjust the sound card settings for volume and/or quality of the sounds your microphone records.   You can see these settings from the Windows* Control Panel.

If you are using the microphone in the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera, you don't need to make changes to your sound card settings.


Using the self-timer in the Live screen

Using the self-timer in the Live screen, you have 10 seconds to take a snapshot or record a video automatically, so you can get into the picture.

To use the self-timer to take a snapshot:

1	Open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Place the camera in the camera base and use the viewfinder to frame the snapshot. Make sure to leave room for yourself in the picture!

3	Press the Self-Timer button on the camera.

4	Press the Snapshot button either on the camera or on the screen:

5	A 10-second audible countdown begins.  At the end of count-down, the camera takes a picture.

To use the self-timer to record a video clip:

1	Place the camera in the camera base and use the viewfinder to frame the snapshot. Make sure to leave room for yourself in the frame!

2	Press the Self-Timer button on the camera.

3	Press the Video Record button on the camera or the Record button on screen:

4	A 10-second audible countdown begins. At the end of the count-down, the camera starts to record video.

5	To stop recording, click the Video Record button (or the Record button on screen) again.  Or, you can let the camera record video up to 4 minutes.  After 4 minutes, the camera automatically stops recording.


Previewing video clips and snapshots in the Live screen

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Record a movie or take a snapshot.  The image displays in the Mini-Preview Window below the Central Viewing Area.

3	Use the Play, Fast Forward and Rewind buttons to preview the video clip:

•	The Play button in the center runs the entire video clip.

Note  Movies are played at 15 frames per second, so some content could result in perceptible screen flicker.

•	The Fast Forward and Rewind buttons on either side of the Play button advance or rewind the video clip one frame at a time.

4	Click and hold the buttons to advance or rewind to the end or the beginning of a video clip.

Note

When you reach the end of the video clip, it automatically loops back to the beginning.


Deleting video clips or snapshots in the Live screen

Deleting a snapshot or video clip in the Live screen automatically deletes the image from the Collections, too.

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Record a movie or take a snapshot—it will display in the Mini-Preview Window below the Central Viewing Area.

3	While the item is still visible in the Mini-Preview Window click on the Trash Can button:


Adjusting the contrast in video clips and snapshots

Contrast is the level of light polarity in a snapshot or video clip. Items with greater contrast will appear more sharp and distinct than items with low contrast.

To adjust contrast levels in a snapshot or video clip:

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Click the Color Control button:

3	Click the Contrast button on the menu.

4	Press the Plus button to add polarity to the image displayed in the central viewing area. The light colors will get lighter and the dark colors will get darker.

5	Press the Minus button to subtract polarity in your snapshot or video clip.  The light and dark colors will become more alike in shade.

Now, whenever you record video or take snapshots with the camera connected to the computer, the images are recorded with this contrast, until you change it again.


Adjusting the color saturation in video clips and snapshots

Color saturation is the color depth and purity in an image.

To adjust color saturation in a snapshot or video clip:

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Click the Color Control  button:

3	Click the Saturation button on the arc.

4	Press the Plus button to make the color of the image in the central viewing area appear deeper and more pure.

5	Press the Minus button to decrease the purity value of colors in your snapshot or video clip and make the colors appear more muted.  The more you press the minus button, the less pure your colors will appear, until the purity values approach gray/black.

Now, whenever you record video or take snapshots with the camera connected to the computer, the images are recorded with this color saturation, until you change it again.


Adjusting the brightness of video clip or snapshot

Brightness is the level of light in a snapshot or video clip.

To adjust brightness levels in a snapshot or video clip:

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Click the Color Control  button:

3	Click the Brightness button on the arc.

4	Press the Plus button to lighten the image in the central viewing area.

5	Press the Minus button to darken the image in the central viewing area.

Now, whenever you record video or take snapshots with the camera connected to the computer, the images are recorded with this brightness, until you change it again.


Adjusting the hue in a video clips and snapshots

Hue is the level of color in a snapshot or video clip.

To adjust hue levels in a snapshot or video clip:

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Click the Color Control  button:

3	Click the Hue button on the arc.

4	Press the Plus button to shift to orange, red and purple hues in the image in the  central viewing area.

5	Press the Minus button to shift to yellow, green and blue hues in the image in the central viewing area.

Now, whenever you record video or take snapshots with the camera connected to the computer, the images are recorded with this hue, until you change it again.


Resetting color control in an image

To reset color control levels to the default settings:

1	With the camera connected to your computer, open the Live screen by clicking the Live button:

2	Click the Color Control  button:

3	Click the Reset button on the arc.

Now, whenever you record video or take snapshots with the camera connected to the computer, the images are recorded with original settings until you change any of the color settings (hue, brightness, saturation or contrast) again.


Trimming a video clip or snapshot

Use the Trim tool in the Create screen to lengthen or shorten how long a video clip or snapshot is displayed in a movie.  Although the trim tool "trims off" segments of a video clip or snapshot that you don’t want displayed in your movie, the video clip or snapshot itself is not shortened.  This way, if you decide later that you wish to add any of the trimmed parts back into your movie, you need only return to the trim tool and adjust the sliders.

To trim a video clip

You can use the trim tool to show any portion of a video clip in your movie, by controlling at which frame the video starts and stops. The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera’s records up to 4 minutes of video but you can import video clips that are up to 15 minutes long.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Open a video clip or movie in the Storyboard.

3	In the storyboard, click the video clip you want to trim, so you can see the green border.

4	Click the Trim button:

5	In the Trim box, there are two sliders:

•	The top arrow on the slider moves through the video clip several frames at a time. In a longer video, use this slider to get close to where you want to start and stop the video clip.  Then, if you want, use the top slider to move to an exact frame position.

•	The bottom arrow on the slider moves through the video clip frame by frame.  Use this slider to start and stop the clip at an exact position.

6	To save your changes, click the OK button.

To trim a snapshot

Trimming a snapshot controls how long the snapshot is displayed during a movie.  You can show the snapshot anywhere between 1 second and 60 seconds; the default time is 4 seconds.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Open a snapshot in the Storyboard.

3	In the storyboard, click the snapshot you want to trim, so you can see the green border.

4	Click the Trim button:

5	In the Trim box, click and drag either arrow on the slider to the control where the snapshot starts and ends.

6	To save your changes, click the OK button.


Changing the position of an item in the storyboard

While you are putting together your movie, it’s easy to change the order of scenes by clicking and dragging video clips and snapshots within the Storyboard.

To move a video clip or snapshot within the storyboard

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Drag and drop a movie or several video clips and snapshots to the Storyboard and close the collections by clicking:

3	Click and drag an item to another position on the storyboard.  When you drag a thumbnail onto another existing thumbnail, the dragged and dropped thumbnail will be inserted in front of the thumbnail onto which it was dragged.  This makes it easier to add introductory footage to the beginning of your creation.

4	To move a thumbnail to the end of the Storyboard, click and drag it to the last visible position in the storyboard.  If your movie has more than seven items in it, you will have to scroll through the Storyboard until the item you’re moving is in the first visible thumbnail slot, then click and drag the item to the last position.  For longer Storyboards, you will have to repeat this step several times.


Previewing a movie

1	In the Create screen, press the Play button to preview the movie on the Storyboard:

2	Press the Fast Forward or Rewind buttons on either side of the Play button to advance or rewind the movie by one frame.

3	To advance to the end of the movie, click and hold the Fast Forward button.

4	To rewind to the beginning of the movie, click and hold the Rewind button.

Note

Movies are played at 15 frames per second, so some content could result in perceptible screen flicker.


Deleting an item from the storyboard

If you don’t want a video clip or snapshot in your movie, you can delete it from the storyboard.  When you delete an item from the Storyboard, it is not deleted from the collection where it is stored.

1	Close any open menus. You can only delete an item from the Storyboard when the menus are closed.

2	Click on an item on the Storyboard to highlight it. A green border should appear around the selected image.

3	Click the Trash Can button below the storyboard:

Note

To delete any items added to a scene with the Tools, Special Effects or Sound Effects menu, you must open the menu for that item.  Then click on the item in the video clip or snapshot, so it has a green border around it.  Then, click the Trash can button below the storyboard to delete the item.

If you delete an animation that has a sound associated with it, you must also open the Sound Effects menu to delete that specific sound.


Saving a movie

As you work on your movie in the Create screen, you may want to save the movie periodically.

 Click the Save button below the storyboard:

This saves the contents of the Storyboard to the Permanent collection as one item.


Starting a new movie

To start a new movie, you need to clear the storyboard. You can save the movie currently in the storyboard before you start over.

 	In the Create screen, click the Start Over button on the right end of the storyboard:


Adding or replacing transitions

The storyboard in the Create screen lets you add transitions between scenes in your movie.  Transitions are special effects between the end of one scene and the start of another.  For example, you can gradually fade the new scene over the old scene.  The cut transition is automatically inserted between each item in the storyboard. There are 11 transitions to choose from, so you can experiment to find the one you like best.

To add a transition between two scenes:

1	Make sure there are at least two items on the Storyboard.  Click the Transition icon between two storyboard items.

2	Click on a transition in the palette to add it to the storyboard.  The transition palette closes automatically.

To replace a transition between two scenes:

1	Click the transition that you want to replace.

2	From the Transition palette, click the first transition (the Cut transition) to have no special transition effect or choose another transition.  The transition palette closes automatically.


Changing the size of a selection

After you have pasted a selection on the screen, a box is drawn around the selection.  In the lower right corner of the box is the Resize button.

1	Click on the Resize button. Small scaling squares will appear on the corners of the box.

2	Click and drag on these squares to adjust the size of your selection.

3	Click the Resize button to close it.

Note:  If you make a selection too large, it will not look as detailed.  Try not to make your selections larger than one quarter of the screen.


Flipping a selection

After you have pasted a selection on the screen, a box is drawn around the selection.  The Flip Horizontal button is in the upper right corner. The Flip Vertical button is in the upper left corner.  Click on either Flip button to cause your selection to flip on its axis.


Copying and pasting a selection

After you have created a selection on the screen, a border is drawn around the selection.  The Copy button is located in the upper left corner of the border.

1	In the Create screen, click on the image in the Storyboard to make it appear in the Central Viewing Area.

2	Click the Tools button

3	Click the Selection tool.

4	Click the Rectangular Selection tool to select a rectangular portion of your image, -OR-  click the Freehand Selection tool to select a shape of your own.

5	Click and drag on the screen to select a portion of your image.  A box will appear around your selection, with the Copy button in the lower left corner.

6	Click the Copy button. A copy of your selection is sent to the Clipboard. The Clipboard is the small viewing area under the Selection Tool Menu. This area contains the last selection you copied.

7	You can now close the Tools Menu and go to the Storyboard item where you want to paste your selection. You can place your copy in any item currently in your Storyboard, or add a new item from your Collections.  If you open the Collection before pasting your selection, you will need to re-open the Selection Tool palette.

8	When you find the image where you want to paste your selection, click the Paste button.  The image in the Clipboard will be pasted into the center of the image you are working with and will be surrounded by a green editing border.

9	You can now edit your selection: flip, scale, and even re-copy the image after performing the other two actions.  You can also move your selection around on the screen by dragging the edges of the green border not occupied by buttons.

10	 Clicking anywhere else in the Central Viewing Area permanently adds the [edited] selection to the drawing canvas layer of that particular Storyboard item.

11	As long as the Selection Palette has remained open, you can click the Undo button to remove the last selection pasted to the Central Viewing Area.

Note

When you select and copy a screen, all elements of that screen are copied: video/still, text, animations, painting, and filters.  Sounds are not copied.


Adding text and titles to a movie

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a snapshot, video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection to open the item into the Storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the Close Collection button:

4	Select a snapshot or video clip in the storyboard.

5	Click the Tools button:

6	Click on the Text tool.  The Text Options Palette opens.

7	Select a color or pattern from the Colors and Patterns palette. When you select a color, it will appear in the Color Chip  (the circle on the right of the Color swatches).

8	Choose a text style by clicking on one of the three Select Font buttons.

9	Choose whether the text should be left, center or right justified by clicking the Alignment buttons.

10	Use the Text Duration slider to adjust the length of time your text will show on screen.

11	To type your text, click the Plus button to open a text box where you may type.

12	Drag the text box around by its green border to position it in the scene.

13	Use the Resize button in the lower right corner of the text box to change the text box’s size.

14	Click anywhere outside the text box to accept the text as you have created it.

Note

To achieve the best results, experiment with the Text Duration Slider and the length of your movie. Ideally the text should appear long enough on screen to be read but not so long that the movie ends without playing all the text.


Changing text in a movie

You can change text that you have placed in a movie.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, which opens the file in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	Select a picture or movie in the storyboard.

5	If necessary, use the playback controls to stop your video when the text is visible.

6	Click on the Tools button:

7	Click on the Text Tool.  The Text Options Palette opens.  In the central viewing area, all existing text objects are highlighted with a blue border.

8	Click on any of your text blocks to highlight it.

9	Click on any of the three Select Font buttons to change the font style.

10	Use the Text Size slider to change the size of the text.  Move the slider to the left to make the text smaller, or to the right to make it larger.

11	Use the Color and Patterns palette to choose new color for your text.  Note:  Patterns cannot be used with text, so they are not open from the Color and Patterns palette.

12	Click anywhere outside of the text box to save your changes.

Note

Remember to highlight the text box you want to change prior to using the Text Options.


Painting over an image

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a video clip, snapshot or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection to open the item in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	Select a video clip or snapshot in the storyboard.

5	Click on the Tools button:

6	Click the Paint tool.

7	Select a color or pattern to paint with from the Color and Patterns swatches.  Scroll between the color swatches by using the Left and Right scrolling arrows.  There are 96 colors and 25 patterns to choose from.  When you select a color or pattern, it appears in the Color Chip (the circle on the right of the Color swatches).

8	Use the Transparency slider to control the opacity/translucency of the paint color you have highlighted. The Transparency slider is right under the Color Chip.

9	Select a Brush Size to paint with. There are three sizes to choose from.

10	In the central viewing area, click and drag over the image in the viewing area to apply paint to the item in the storyboard.

11	To remove the last paint stroke you applied, click the Undo button.  This button will only remove the last paint stroke, so use it as soon as you make a mistake.

Note

Painting over an image doesn't change the image itself, so you can use the Eraser tool to remove your painting.


Erasing an image

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a snapshot, video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, to open the item into the Storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the Close Collection button:

4	Select a snapshot or video clip in the Storyboard.

5	Click on the Tools button:

6	Click the Eraser tool.

7	To erase all of the drawing and pasted selections, click on either Clear to White, or Clear to Movie.  The first option fills the screen with white; the second clears the screen and restores the video clip or still to its original appearance.

8	If you wish to erase only selected areas, click on either Erase to White or Erase to Movie. Select one of the three eraser sizes, then click and drag over the image in the viewing area to erase portions of it.

9	To restore the last thing you erased, click the Undo button.  This button will only remove the last eraser stroke, so use it as soon as you make a mistake.

Note

Erasing an image doesn't change the image itself. The eraser only affects painting and pasted selections. Any added sound effects, animations, special effect filters and text are not affected by the eraser.


Adding or removing filter effects

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a snapshot, video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, to open the item into the Storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the Close Collection button:

4	Select a snapshot or video clip in the Storyboard.

5	Click on the Tools button:

6	Click the Filter Effects tool.

7	Use the Up and Down arrows to scroll through the different Filter Effects.  Click one of the Filter Effects to select it.

8	Click a different effect button to apply a different filter.

9	To remove all filters from your movie, either select the first filter option (No Filter), or click on the Reset button at the bottom of the Filter Effects palette.


Adding or deleting animations

To add an animation to a movie:

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a snapshot, video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection to open the item in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	Select a video clip or snapshot in the storyboard.

5	Click on the Special Effects button:

6	Click on one of the animation group buttons to show a list of animations in that category.  You can scroll through the animations using the Up or Down buttons, if necessary.

7	Use the Rewind or Fast Forward buttons to move through your movie to the exact point where you want to start the animation.

8	To place an animation, select the animation in the list and click the Add Effect button.

Note  Animations contain sound effects. When you add an animation to a movie, you also add the sound effect that go with it.

To delete an animation from a movie:

1	Open your movie in the Create screen.

2	Use the playback controls to stop your movie where the animation is located.

3	Click in the frame to place your animation in the viewing area.

4	Click the animation in the viewing area to select it, so it has a green border.

5	Delete the animation by clicking the Trash Can button at the bottom of the screen:

Note

If an animation includes sound, you need to open the Sound Effects Tool to delete the sound also.


Changing the size of animations

In the Create screen, you can resize animations that you add to a video clip.

1	Open the video clip with the animation.  If you need to, use the forward button to show the video clip frame that has the animation.

2	Click the animation to see its green border.

3	Click and drag the Resize button to adjust the size of the animation.

4	When you are satisfied with the new size, release the mouse button.

Note

If you make an animation too large, it may not look as detailed. Experiment with resizing each animation to get the size and degree of detail you want.


Flipping an animation

In the Create screen, you can flip an animation in a scene.  You can turn it upside down or turn it in the opposite direction.

1	Open the scene with the animation.

2	Click the animation to see its green border.

3	To turn the animation upside down, click the Flip Vertical button in the upper left corner.

4	To turn the animation in the opposite direction (change the movement from left to right or from right to left), click the Flip Horizontal button.


Moving an animation

In the Create screen, you can move animations around in a scene.

1	Open the scene with the animation.

2	Click the animation to see its green border.

3	Click anywhere in the animation or on the green border.

4	Drag the animation to another position in the scene.

5	When you are satisfied with the new location, release the mouse button.


Adding or recording a narration for a movie

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a video clip, snapshot or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection to open the item in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	In the storyboard, select the video clip or snapshot to which you want to add the narration.

5	Click the Sound Effects button:

6	Click the Narration button on the arc.

7	To scroll through the list of existing narrations, use the Up and Down scroll arrows. If you have created a narration, you can add it to your movie by dragging it to the central viewing area.

8	To record a new narration, click the Record button.

9	The Recording screen appears. It contains the following items:

•	Record/Stop Record button: Press this button to start recording your narration. Press again to stop recording.  When you press record, the clip will play in the viewing area. This way, you can record your narration based on what is happening onscreen.

•	Play/Pause button: Press to play back the sound you just recorded. Press again to pause the sound while it is playing.

•	Name Entry box: Enter a name for your sound in this box.  The name of your sound must be unique. If you have another sound in your list with the same name, you won't be allowed to enter the same name for the new sound.

•	Import button: Clicking this button brings up a screen to import .WAV files into the PC Digital Movie Creator program.  Navigate on your hard drive to the sound you want to import and click OK.  You can then change the name of your imported sound in the Name Entry box.

•	OK button:  This button saves the recorded/imported sound.

•	Cancel button: This button returns you to the Create screen without adding any recorded sounds to your list.

•	Progress Bar and Slider: This shows you where you are within the length of the sound.

•	AVI Sounds On/Off button:  By default, when you record a movie, all sounds are turned on and the sound recorded with your video clip is played. When you click the AVI Sounds Off button, shown below, any sounds recorded with your video clip are muted when you play back the video.  Turning off AVI Sounds does not remove the sound from your video clip.

You can hear the sounds again by clicking the AVI Sounds On button:

Note  Muting AVI sounds does not affect any sound effects or animations that you have added to the scene.

To remove narration from a movie:

1	Open the movie in the Storyboard.

2	Select the video clip or snapshot in the storyboard that contains narration by clicking it. The frame appears in the central viewing area with a highlight around it.

3	Click the Sound Effects menu:

4	Select the icon of the sound you wish to remove.

5	Press the Trash Can button to delete the narration from your movie.

Note

To remove a narration from the list of available narrations, select it and click the Remove button at the top of the Narration palette.


Muting the sound in a video clip

If you don’t like the sounds that were recorded with your video clip, you can mute them.  After you mute the sound, you can add a narration or other sound effect.  If you have already added narration or sound effects to the video clip, muting will only affect the sounds originally recorded with the clip.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection to open the item in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	In the storyboard, select the video clip that you want to mute.

5	Click the Sound Effects button:

6	Click the Narration button on the arc.

7	Click the AVI Sounds button:

8	Click OK.

You can turn the original sounds back on at any time by returning to the narration dialog, clicking the AVI Sounds button again and clicking OK.


Adding or replacing a sound effect

You use the sounds effects in the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software or record your own sound effects.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a video clip, snapshot or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, which opens the file in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	Select the video clip or snapshot in the storyboard.

5	Use the Fast Forward or Rewind buttons to advance your image to the frame where you want to add your sound effect.

6	When you find the individual frame where you want to add or replace a sound effect, click the Sound Effects menu.

7	Click the category that contains the sound effect you want to add.  For instance, click Sci-Fi Effects to add a Science Fiction sound effect to your image.

8	Use the Up and Down scrolling arrows to find the actual sound effect you want to add.

9	To add the sound effect, double-click on it.  A small Sound Effect Icon will appear on the Central Viewing Screen, with the name of the added sound listed after it.

Note  When you add a sound effect onto a frame that already has three sound effects, the first  (oldest) sound effect that was added will be replaced by the new sound effect you are adding.  This is true of both sound effects added through the Sound Effects menus as well as sound effects added as part of Special Effects animations.

To remove sound effects:

1	Open the movie in the Storyboard.

2	Use the Fast Forward or Rewind buttons to advance your image to the frame where you want to add your sound effect.

3	Click the Sound Effects tool:

4	Select the icon of the sound effect you wish to remove.

5	Press the Trash Can button to delete the sound effect from your movie.


Recording your own sound effects

When you record your own sound effects, they appear in the Sound Effects menu, so you can add your sound effects to your movie.

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a video clip, snapshot or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, which opens the file in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	Select a picture or movie in the storyboard.

5	Click the Sound Effects button:

6	Click the Record Sounds button in the Sound Effects arc.

7	Click the Record button at the bottom of the palette.  The Recording screen will open. This screen contains the following buttons:

•	Record/Stop Record button: Press this button to start recording your sound effect. Press again to stop recording.

•	Play/Pause button: Press to play back the sound you just recorded. Press again to pause the sound while it is playing.

•	Name Entry box: Enter a name for your sound in this box.  The name of your sound must be unique. If you have another sound in your list with the same name, you won't be allowed to enter the same name for the new sound.

•	Import button: Clicking this button brings up a screen to import .WAV files into the PC Digital Movie Creator application.  Navigate on your hard drive to the sound you want to import and click OK.  You can then change the name of your imported sound in the Name Entry box.

•	OK button:  This button saves the recorded/imported sound.

•	Cancel button: This button returns you to the Create screen without adding any recorded sounds to your list.

•	Progress Bar and Slider: This shows you where you are within the length of the sound.


Adding or replacing your own sound effects

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a video clip, snapshot or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, which opens the file in the storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

4	Select a video clip or snapshot in the storyboard.

5	Use the Fast Forward or Rewind buttons to advance your image to the frame where you want to add your own sound effect.

6	When you find the individual frame where you want to add or replace your sound effect, click the Sound Effects button:

7	Click the Record Effect button.  The Record Effect button shows you a list of the sound effects you have recorded or imported.  You can scroll through this list using the Up or Down arrows.

8	Double-click the sound you want to add.  A small sound Effect icon and the name of the sound effect appear in the central viewing area.

Note

When you add a sound effect onto a frame that already has three sound effects, the first  (oldest) sound effect that was added will be replaced by the new sound effect you are adding.  This is true of both sound effects added through the Sound Effects menus as well as sound effects added as part of Special Effects animations.

To replace your own sound effect:

1	Open the movie in the Storyboard.

2	Use the Fast Forward or Rewind buttons to advance your image to the frame where you want to add your sound effect.

3	Click the Sound Effects tool:

4	Select the icon of the sound effect you wish to remove.

5	Click the Trash Can button to delete the sound effect from your movie:

Note

To remove a narration from the list of available narrations, select it and click the Remove button at the top of the Narration palette.


Presenting a movie in the Screening Room

1	Open the Share screen by clicking the Share button in the upper left corner:

2	In the collection, double-click the movie that you want to watch.

3	To start the video, click the Screening Room button:

4	To close the screening room, click anywhere on the screen.

Note

Movies are played at 15 frames per second, so some content could result in perceptible screen flicker.


Creating wallpaper for your computer

1	Open the Share screen by clicking the Share button in the upper left corner:

2	Select a snapshot, video clip or movie from the collection and close the collection by clicking

3	To select a frame from a video clip or movie, advance to the frame you want to use as wallpaper.

4	Click the Screen Saver button:

5	Select the Wallpaper tool.

6	Click the Tile button to make your image tile all over your desktop. Click the Center button to place your image once in the center of your desktop.

7	Click the OK button to turn your current picture into your desktop wallpaper.


Creating a screen-saver

1	Open the Share screen by clicking the Share button in the upper left corner:

2	Select a snapshot, video clip or movie from the collection and close the collection by clicking

3	To select a frame from a video clip or movie, advance to the frame you want to include in the slide show.

4	Click the Screen Saver button:

5	Click the Screen Saver tool.

6	Click the OK button to add the current picture to your screen saver slide show. A screen will pop up to confirm that this has been done.

To add more images to your screen saver slide show, repeat the same steps.


Removing images from a screen-saver slide show

You will need to remove the images from the Screen Saver picture list.  You can find this folder inside the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator folder created when you installed the application.  This is the drive letter, PC Digital Movie Creator\User Files\Screen Saver.

Open the screen saver folder and delete any images you no longer want in your screen saver slide show.


Printing images

1	Click the Share button, located in the upper left corner of the screen:

2	Open the collection by clicking the collection button:

3	Select a snapshot, video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection.

4	Close the collections by clicking the collection button:

5	In the case of a video clip or movie, navigate to the frame you want to print.

6	Click the Print button.  A Print Setup screen appears.  Use the Print Setup screen to decide how you want to print your image.  You can print it on different-sized paper or in portrait or landscape orientation.

7	Make sure there's paper in your printer. You might want to have an adult help you put paper in the printer if it's empty.

8	When you have highlighted the settings you want for printing, click the OK button to print your image.  Your image will print full-size on the page.


Using collections to manage images

Your storyboard movies, snapshots and video clips are stored in two collections on your computer:

•	The Temporary Collection - This collection is where your images are automatically placed when you download them from the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera.  The Temporary collection is a place to store and organize new images, so you can decide whether to keep them permanently.

Note

The Temporary collection is emptied every time you shut down the software program.  If you decide to keep an image, you move it to the Permanent collection before shutting down the software.

•	The Permanent Collection - This collection is for images you want to keep. It is like a library for your snapshots, videos and movies.

Each collection can contain up to 10,000 items, displayed 24 thumbnails at a time.  The name of each file is beneath each thumbnail image.  You can change the names of these files by clicking on the name and typing another name.

What would you like to do?

•	Switch between collections

•	Add files to the storyboard to make a movie

•	Import video clips and still images to use in a movie

•	Export movies, video clips and still images to share with friends

•	Move files from the temporary collection to the permanent collection

•	Sort files in a collection

•	Preview files in a collection

•	Delete files in a collection

•	Navigate within a collection

•	Close the collections


Temporary collection

This collection is where your images are stored when you take snapshots or record video clips in the Live screen, while your camera is tethered to the computer. It is also where your images are stored when you download them from your Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator camera.  The Temporary collection is a storage place for images you do not plan on saving.

Note

All files in the Temporary collection are erased when you shut down the software program.  If you want to keep an image file, move it to the Permanent collection.

Using the Temporary Collection, you can:

•	Switch between collections

•	Add files to the storyboard to make a movie

•	Import video clips and still images to use in a movie

•	Export movies, video clips and still images to share with friends

•	Move files from the temporary collection to the permanent collection

•	Sort files in a collection

•	Preview files in a collection

•	Delete files in a collection

•	Navigate within a collection

•	Close the collections


Permanent collection

This collection is for files you plan to keep. It is like a library for your snapshots, video clips and movies.  You can store up to 10,000 files in your Permanent collection!

Using the Permanent Collection, you can:

•	Switch Between Collections

•	Add files to the storyboard to make a movie

•	Import video clips and still images to use in a movie

•	Export movies, video clips and still images to share with friends

•	Sort files in a collection

•	Preview files in a collection

•	Delete files in a collection

•	Navigate within a collection

•	Close the collections


Live Screen

Live is the screen you use to capture snapshots or video when the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator is connected to a computer.

Using the Live screen, you can:

•	Download images from the camera

•	Take a snapshot

•	Record a video clip

•	Preview video clips and snapshots

•	Delete images

•	Use the self-timer to capture images of yourself

•	Access online Help

•	Change your software preferences

•	Close the program

Using the Stop-Motion Menu:

•	Create a stop-motion animation

Using the Color Control Menu:

•	Adjust image contrast

•	Adjust the color saturation of images

•	Adjust brightness of images

•	Adjust image hues

•	Reset color control settings


Create Screen

The Create screen has the tools to combine video clips and snapshots into a movie using the story board at the bottom of the screen.  The Create screen is where you can perform the creative tasks of trimming scenes, adding transitions, special effects, animations, text and sound.  You can also paint over parts of an image, copy and past parts of an image or delete part of an image.

Using the Create screen, you can:

•	Create a movie by adding video clip or snapshot to the storyboard

•	Trim a video clip or snapshot

•	Add transitions between scenes on the storyboard

•	Delete images from the storyboard

•	Preview a movie on the storyboard

•	Save movies

•	Start a new movie

•	Change preferences

•	Access the online Help

•	Close the program

Using the Tools Menu:

•	Change the size of a selection

•	Copy and paste a selection

•	Flip a selection

•	Add text to a movie

•	Change text in a movie

•	Paint over images

•	Erase parts of an image

•	Add or replace filter effects in images to change how they display

Using the Special Effects Menu:

•	Add or delete animations from movies

•	Change the size of animations

•	Flip an animation

•	Move an animation

Using the Sound Effects Menu:

•	Add or record narration for a movie

•	Add or replace sound effects

•	Add or replace your own sound effects

•	Record your own sound effects

•	Add background music to a movie

•	Mute the sounds recorded with the video clip


Share Screen

The Share screen has tools you can use if you want to share your creations with family and friends. You can use the Share screen to present your movie to a group, print snapshots or frames from video clips and movies, to create wallpaper for your computer’s desktop, or a screen saver slide show.

Using the Share screen, you can:

•	Change your software preferences

•	Access online Help

•	Close the program

Using the Screening Room Menu:

•	Present your movie

Using the Screen Saver Menu:

•	Create a screen saver slide show

•	Remove images from a screen saver slide show

•	Create desktop wallpaper from your images

Using the Printing Menu:

•	Print an image


Adding your own background music to a movie

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Double-click a snapshot, video clip or movie in the Temporary or Permanent collection, to open the item into the Storyboard.

3	Close the collections by clicking the Close Collection button:

4	Click the Sound Effects button:

5	Click the My Music button on the menu. Displayed on this palette is a list of the background tracks you have recorded and imported. You can scroll through this list using the Up or Down arrows.

6	To record a new piece of music, click the Record button. The Recording screen appears. It contains the following items:

•	Record/Stop Record button: Press this button to start recording your music. Press again to stop recording

•	Play/Pause button: Press to play back the sound you just recorded. Press again to pause the sound while it is playing.

•	Name Entry box: Enter a name for your music in this box.  The name of your music must be unique. If you have another sound in your list with the same name, you won't be allowed to enter the same name for the new sound.

•	Import button: Clicking this button brings up a screen to import .WAV files into the PC Digital Movie Creator application.  Navigate on your hard drive to the music you want to import and click OK.  You can then change the name of your imported music in the Name Entry box.

•	OK button:  This button saves the recorded/imported sound.

•	Cancel button: This button returns you to the Create screen without adding any recorded sounds to your list.

•	Progress Bar and Slider: This shows you where you are within the length of the sound.

7	–OR-, click the Background Music button on the menu. Displayed on this palette is a list of background tracks provided with the product. You can scroll through this list using the Up or Down arrows.

8	To add a background music track, you may either click and drag the icon to the Central Viewing Screen, double-click on the sound, or click once on the sound and then select the Add button.   A small Background Music Icon will appear on the Central Viewing Screen, with the name of the added sound listed after it.

Note

When you add a background music track to a Storyboard, it loops over and over again, playing throughout the length of the Storyboard movie.  There can be only one Background Track per Storyboard movie.


Adding stock background music to a movie
Adding or removing stock background music to a movie

The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software includes tracks you can use as background music in movies.  You can also record and add your own background music to use in a movie.

To add background music to a movie

1	Open the Create screen by clicking the Create button:

2	Open the collections by clicking the collections button:

3	Select a movie and open it to the storyboard.  Navigate to the clip where you want to add the background music

4	Click the Sound Effects button

5	Click the Background Music button on the menu.

6	Use the Up and Down arrows to scroll through the list of available music tracks

7	When you find the music track you want, click the Add Effect button.

To remove background music from a movie

1	Open the movie in the storyboard.

2	Select a portion of the movie by clicking it. The frame will appear in the viewing area with a highlight around it.

3	Select the icon of the background music.

4	Click the Trash button to delete the music track from the movie.


Creating a stop-motion animation

Stop-motion animation is a series of still images combined together to make a movie.  Often, people use pose-enabled figures to make stop-motion animations.  They position the figure, take a snapshot, change the position of the figure slightly and take another snapshot, and so on.

It takes 15 frames to make 1 second of a stop-motion animation, so you will need to capture a lot of frames!  Use the Frame Counter to see the number of frames you have captured.  You can see how long your stop-motion animation is by looking at the Movie Length, which tells you how many seconds your animation will last when played.

Note You can only delete the most recently captured frame using the Trash can button below the central viewing area:

After finish the stop-motion animation, you cannot delete any of its frames.

1	Put the camera into the camera base and connect it to your computer.

2	Click the Stop-Motion Animation button:

3	Place any object in front of the camera and capture 2 or 3 frames of it by clicking on the Frame Capture button:

4	Move the object a slight amount, just a fraction of an inch, and then capture 2 or 3 more frames by clicking the Frame Capture button again.

5	Move the object slightly again and again until you have captured a lot of frames (try for at least 60 frames; this will give you a 4 second movie).

6	When you feel like you have enough frames for a complete movie clip, click on the Finish button to save the movie:

7	To preview the stop-motion animation in the mini-preview window, click the Play button:

Note

Before you can play your stop-motion animation, you must click the Finish button.


Contacting Customer Support

Prime Entertainment Technical Support

Before contacting Prime Entertainment Technical Support, we suggest that you check the following sources for information and additional troubleshooting tips:

Online Help and Quick Start/Activity Guide

This online Help file includes a Troubleshooting and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, as well as detailed instructions for using the software and camera to make movies.  The Quick Start/Activity Guide contains basic information about installing the product and making movies.

Prime Entertainment ReadMe File

The Read Me file contains important, late-breaking information about this product. To open the Read Me file, click Start > Programs > Digital Blue ™ PC Digital Movie Creator > ReadMe

Checking for Product Updates

Check our website for the latest information for any product updates:

http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help

Contacting Prime Entertainment Customer Support

Available 24 hours a day, every day, visit the Prime Entertainment Customer Support web site for the latest technical support information:

http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help

If you don’t have access to automated services

Contact your local retailer or call Prime Entertainment Customer Support.

Prime Entertainment Technical Support Technicians

Important!  At the time of your call, please be at your computer and have available your PC Digital Movie Creator camera and CD-ROM, and your Windows* CD-ROM.

Note  Support is provided in the English language:

North America:	 	1 (888) 800-0502

For the most current information on support center offerings and hours, refer to:

http://www.PlayDigitalBlue.com/help


FCC Compliance statement and other regulatory information

Tested to comply with FCC standards.  For home or office use.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Prime Entertainment could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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.

Industrie Canada Regulatory Information:

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur:

"Appareils Numériques", NMB-003 édictée par le Ministre Canadien des Communications.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled: "Digital Apparatus," ICES-003 of the Canadian Department of Communications.


Prime Entertainment Limited Hardware Warranty

Limited Warranty

Prime Entertainment warrants that the Hardware Product if properly used and installed, and the CD-ROM on which the accompanying software is provided, will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year after the date of purchase.

If the Hardware Product or the CD-ROM which is the subject of this Limited Warranty is defective in material or workmanship during the warranty period, Prime Entertainment, at its option, will:

•	REPAIR the Hardware Product by means of hardware and/or software; OR

•	REPLACE the Hardware Product or CD-ROM with a replacement Hardware Product or CD-ROM; OR,

•	If Prime Entertainment is unable to repair or replace the Hardware Product or CD-ROM, REFUND** the then-current value of the Hardware Product or CD-ROM.

** Countries outside North American countries will need to return to their Place of Purchase (POP) for a refund.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY EXIST UNDER STATE LAW, APPLY ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AND LAST ONLY FOR AS LONG AS SUCH PURCHASER CONTINUES TO OWN THE HARDWARE PRODUCT AND CD-ROM.

Extent of Limited Warranty.

This warranty does NOT cover the performance or functionality of any computer software included in the package with the Camera Hardware Product, this warranty only covers defects in the CD-ROM media such as a broken CD-ROM or a defect in the CD-ROM that would prevent the CD-ROM from being read by your personal computer's CD-ROM drive.  PRIME ENTERTAINMENT MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED WITH THIS HARDWARE PRODUCT WILL FUNCTION WITHOUT INTERRUPTION OR OTHERWISE BE FREE OF ANOMALIES, ERRORS OR "BUGS".  PRIME ENTERTAINMENT MAKES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO ANY SOFTWARE PROVIDED WITH THIS HARDWARE PRODUCT UNLESS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH OTHERWISE IN A LICENSE AGREEMENT ACCOMPANYING SUCH SOFTWARE.

This limited warranty does not cover any costs relating to removal or replacement of any Hardware Product, CD-ROM, or software installed on your computer.

This limited warranty does not cover damages due to external causes, including accident, problems with electrical power, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, repair, or improper installation.

How To Be Eligible For Warranty Coverage.

In order to be eligible for warranty coverage, you must submit proof of purchase including the cash register receipt with the price of the product clearly marked.

How to Obtain Warranty Service.

To obtain warranty service, you must return the Hardware Product to Prime Entertainment.  Before returning the Hardware Product to Prime Entertainment, you must contact Prime Entertainment's Customer Support Group:

Note  Support is provided in the English language.

North America:  	1 (888) 800-0502

If you obtain warranty service from Prime Entertainment, upon Prime Entertainment's verification that the Hardware Product or CD-ROM may be defective, you will be issued a Return Material Authorization (RMA)***.  When you return the Hardware Product and CD-ROM to Prime Entertainment, you must include the RMA number on the outside of the package.  Prime Entertainment will not accept any returned Hardware Product or CD-ROM that has no RMA number on the package.

*** Countries outside the North American Countries will not be required to setup an RMA.  Please contact your local customer support center for details on how to receive replacement(s) of defective product(s).

If you return the Hardware Product and/or CD-ROM to Prime Entertainment, you must assume the risk of damage or loss during shipping.  You must use the original packaging or the equivalent, and you must pay the postage.

Prime Entertainment may elect to replace or repair the Hardware Product and/or CD-ROM with either a new or reconditioned product.  The returned product shall become Prime Entertainment's property on receipt by Prime Entertainment.

The replacement Hardware Product and/or CD-ROM is warranted under this written warranty and is subject to the same limitations and exclusions for the remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) days, whichever is longer.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS.

THESE WARRANTIES REPLACE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  PRIME ENTERTAINMENT MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES BEYOND THOSE STATED HERE.  PRIME ENTERTAINMENT DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD.  NO WARRANTIES APPLY AFTER THAT PERIOD.  SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY.

PRIME ENTERTAINMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THIS, OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, IS LIMITED TO REPAIR, REPLACEMENT OR REFUND, AS SET FORTH ABOVE.  THESE REMEDIES ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.  PRIME ENTERTAINMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS, DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE TO OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY, AND ANY COSTS OF RECOVERING, REPROGRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH A SYSTEM CONTAINING YOUR HARDWARE PRODUCT CD-ROM OR ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.


 Battery disposal

•	Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries.

•	Remove rechargeable batteries before recharging under adult supervision

•	Do not mix new and old batteries, or different types of batteries.

•	Only use the same or equivalent batteries, as recommended

•	Insert the batteries with the correct polarity.

•	Remove dead or exhausted batteries and recycle if your community supports it.

•	Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.


Name or brand may be claimed by another company


Health note

Movies are played at 15 frames per second, so some content could result in perceptible screen flicker.


 Using the Tools menu

Use the Tools menu to edit a video clip or snapshot in the storyboard.  You can…

•	Copy and paste part of the video clip or snapshot

•	Add text, including changing the font, its color, its size, where it appears and whether it scrolls

•	Paint using a solid color or pattern

•	Erase part or all of a painted effect

•	Add or remove a filter effect

For more information about working in the Create screen, click here.


Using the Animations menu

The Animations menu has nearly 50 animations (many with sounds) that you can add to a video clip or snapshot in the storyboard.  Animation themes include Sci-fi, People , Vehicles, Creatures, Wacky, and Pyrotechnics.  It’s to try out each animation by clicking and dragging an animation to the central viewing area above the storyboard.

You can…

•	Add or delete an animation

•	Flip an animation vertically or horizontally

•	Change the size of an animation

•	Move an animation

For more information about working in the Create screen, click here.


Using the Sound Effects menu

The Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator includes about 40 sound effects that you add to video clips and snapshots in the storyboard.  It’s easy to try out sound effects by  clicking and dragging a sound effect to the central viewing area above the storyboard.  There are typical home sounds, city sounds, nature sounds, Sci-Fi sounds, people sounds and background music.  You can also record and import sound effects and music.

You can

•	Add or delete a stock sound effect

•	Record and use your own sound effects

•	Import a sound to use as a sound effect

•	Record a narration

•	Record and use your own music

For more information about working in the Create screen, click here.


Changing Preferences

Preferences affect several aspects of the Digital Blue™ PC Digital Movie Creator software:

•	printing   controls the ability to print images in the PC Digital Movie Creator software

•	sound effects   affects only the sounds that play as you use the PC Digital Movie Creator software; the sound effects added to your movies are not affected.

•	sound volume   adjust the volume of the sounds that play when you use the PC Digital Movie Creator software.  These settings do not affect the volume of sounds that you add to your movies.

•	tool tips   tool tips are the small descriptions that appear when you point your mouse at the buttons and other features in the PC Digital Movie Creator software.

To change preferences

1	Click the setting you want to change.

2	When you are finished changing the settings, click the OK button.

The new settings take effect right away and will remain in effect until you change them again, no matter how many times you use the software.

3	To restore all the original settings, click the Reset button.


Recording a narration

To record a new narration, use the following buttons:

•	Record/Stop Record button: Press this button to start recording your narration. Press again to stop recording.  When you press record, the clip will play in the viewing area. This way, you can record your narration based on what is happening on-screen.

•	Play/Pause button: Press to play back the sound you just recorded. Press again to pause the sound while it is playing.

•	Name Entry box: Enter a name for the narration.  The name must be unique. If you have another sound or narration in your list with the same name, you won't be allowed to enter the same name for the new sound.

•	OK button:  This button saves the new narration.

•	Cancel button: This button returns you to the Create screen without adding the narration to the sounds list.

•	Progress Bar and Slider: This shows you where you are within the length of the recording.

•	AVI Sounds On/Off button:  By default, when you record a movie, all sounds are turned on and the sound recorded with your video clip is played.  When you click the AVI Sounds Off button, shown below, any sounds recorded with your video clip are muted when you play back the video.  Turning off AVI Sounds does not remove the sound from your video clip.

You can hear the sounds again by clicking the AVI Sounds On button:

Note  Muting AVI sounds does not affect any sound effects or animations that you have added to the scene.


Trimming a video clip or snapshot

You can use the trim tool to show any portion of a video clip in your movie, by controlling at which frame the video starts and stops.  Trimming a snapshot controls how long the snapshot is displayed during a movie.  You can show the snapshot anywhere between 1 second and 60 seconds; the default time is 4 seconds.

1	In the Trim box, there are two sliders:

•	The top arrow on the slider moves through the video clip frame by frame.  Use this slider to start and stop the clip at an exact position.

•	The bottom arrow on the slider moves through the video clip several frames at a time. In a longer video, use this slider to get close to where you want to start and stop the video clip.  Then, if you want, use the top slider to move to an exact frame position.

•	To trim a snapshot, click and drag either slider to control where the snapshot starts and ends.

2	To save your changes, click the OK button.


Recording and importing sounds

To record sounds

1	Click the Record button.

2	To stop recording, press the Stop Recording button.

3	Enter a name for the recording in the Name Entry box.  The name of your sound must be unique. If you have another sound in your list with the same name, you won't be allowed to enter the same name for the new sound.

4	To play back the new recording, click the Play button.

5	To pause the new recoding, press the Pause button.

6	To save the new recording, click the OK button.

7	To return to the Create screen without saving, click the Cancel button.

To import sounds

1	Click the Import Button.

2	Navigate to the folder on your hard drive with the .WAV file that you want to import and click OK.

3	To change the name of the file, type a new name in the Name Entry box at the top of the sounds dialog.

4	Click OK to import the file

5	Click Cancel to return to the Create screen.


Recording scenes for a stop motion animation
Recording scenes for a stop-motion animation

Stop-motion animation is a series of still images combined together to make a movie.  Often, people use pose-enabled figures to make stop-motion animations.  They position the figure, take a snapshot, change the position of the figure slightly and take another snapshot, and so on.  It takes 15 frames to make 1 second of a stop-motion animation, so you will need to capture a lot of frames!

1	Place any object in front of the camera and capture 2 or 3 frames of it by clicking on the Frame Capture button

2	Move the object slightly, just a fraction of an inch, and then capture 2 or 3 more frames by clicking the Frame Capture button again.

3	Move the object slightly again and again until you have captured a lot of frames (try for at least 60 frames; this will give you a 4 second movie).

Note  The Movie Length counter, which tells you how long the finished stop-motion animation will be, advances 1 second for each 15 frames you capture.

4	When you feel like you have enough frames for a complete movie clip, save the stop-motion animation by clicking the Finish button:

Note

Before you can play your stop-motion animation, you have to click the Finish button.


System Requirements

•	Intel® Pentium™ or Celeron™ processor 300 MHz or faster (or equivalent)

•	Windows* XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98SE or Windows 98

•	64MB RAM

•	300MB free hard disk space

•	SVGA 800x600 resolution video support (minimum 16-bit)

•	4x CD-ROM drive

•	USB interface/port enabled

•	16-bit Windows-compatible sound device


Film scenes with the camera connected to your computer