Aiptek T15

How To Transfer A Movie To An Aiptek A-HD And Play Them Back On A TV

The Aiptek A-HD boasts a DVR function - this feature is one of the big reasons many people purchase them. The device is very tiny, and with the ability to hold up to 8GB SD cards, the DVR feature is very convenient. Plugging the device directly into a TV or DVD player allows the user to record live tv in upto 720p HD quality.

Unfortunately, most users discover when attempting to add movie files from a computer to the Aiptek, the device doesn't play them back onto the TV. In some cases, the video files are not even recognized. In others, the users can get the Aiptek A-HD to recognize the files, but they get an error when it is time to play them.

Most assume this means the player is only 'half DVR', or only able to record shows, but not play them. This, fortunately, is not true. The Aiptek A-HD camcorder can play back videos that are placed onto the device. This, however, has to be done with specific software that Aiptek offers with some of their A-HD sales. The reason for providing it with only random purchases is unknown. Fortunately, the software is available for purchase from Aiptek for $3 + $8 shipping and handling.

The software is called Arcsoft Total Extreme Media. If your Aiptek purchase included this software, it will be available on the installation CD in the case. The box of the case, a sticker inside the package, or a sticker on the CD will provide a serial key. If you cannot find a serial key, or the CD only offers an eManual and Photo Impressions, than you will need to purchase the TME software from Aiptek's website.

The purchase will include the installation CD plus a serial key and a carrying case for your Aiptek A-HD camcorder. Not a bad deal when you get a case thrown in, but not particularly convenient if you need to convert videos now.

To convert videos so they can play on the device, follow these simple steps:

1: Install the software onto your computer. Be sure to register it with the serial key that came with your purchase so you can use the software without limitation.

2: Download or rip the movie you would like to play on the Aiptek A-HD. This can be a DRM free video that you have downloaded, or a DVD that you have ripped using software such as DVDShrink.

3: Once the video is on your hard drive, open TME and load your video. You will need to convert it. Choose to convert the video to .MOV file type. The software will automatically choose the settings that are needed to play the device on your TV.

4: Once the file is finished, transfer it to your camcorder. You will need to rename it correctly depending on what is on your device already. If there is nothing on your camera, than name the file FILE0001. If there are already files on your camcorder, you will need to name the file with whatever the next number is the progression is. So, for example, if you camera already has files FILE0032 and FILE0033, you will need to rename your movie to either FILE0031 or FILE0034 to get the device to recognize it.

5: Hook your device up to a TV with either the HD out cable (red, blue, green), or the AV out cable (red, yellow, white), and look for your file. If you see the file with a thumbnail, than you converted it correctly. If you don't see the file, you did not name it correctly. If you see the file, but there is an X over the thumbnail, then you named it correctly but converted it wrong.