Archos 400 User Manual
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Archos 400 User Manual

Archos 400 User Manual

Archos video player user manual 400
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English Language User Manual
Gmini™
400
Pocket Music / Photo / Games / Video
• MPEG-4 Video Player
• MP3 & WMA Music Player
• Photo Viewer
• USB 2.0 Hard Disk
• Game player
User Manual for ARCHOS Gmini™ 400
Version 1.1
Please visit our website to download the most recent manual and software for this product.
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Summary of Contents for Archos 400

  • Page 1 • MP3 & WMA Music Player • Photo Viewer • USB 2.0 Hard Disk • Game player User Manual for ARCHOS Gmini™ 400 Version 1.1 Please visit our website to download the most recent manual and software for this product.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    INTRO - Ports, Buttons and Connections INTRO - First Time Usage Plugging in the AC Adapter Turning on the Gmini 400 Shutting off the Gmini 400 and Battery saving features Changing the Language Foreign Character Sets Charging the Batteries Caring for the Gmini 400...
  • Page 3 Navigating the Directory Structure File Operations Folder Operations Copying and Moving Files and Folders 12.3 Using the Virtual Keyboard 13 Connecting/Disconnecting the Gmini 400 to/from your PC 13.1 Connecting the Gmini 400 Windows ME, 2000, XP (Home/professional) ® Macintosh™ OS 9.X Macintosh™...
  • Page 4 15 Updating the Gmini 400 Firmware Operating System (OS) Download the Update_Gmini400.AOS file Read the History.txt File Copy to Gmini 400 root and Update 16 Technical Support 17 Troubleshooting 17.1 USB Connection issues 17.2 Charging and Power issues 17.3 Gmini 400 locks up (freezes operation) or Stops 17.4...
  • Page 5 With this beautiful device in your pocket, you can enjoy digital music, digital photos, games, or digital video anytime and anywhere. We are sure that your Gmini 400 will give you years of listening and viewing enjoyment. Of course you can always use it as a regular portable hard disk too for all your personal computer files.

  • Page 6: Intro - Ports, Buttons And Connections

    Function button F2 – activates the on-screen function or command above it (m) Long press to switch display between built in screen and external TV Function button F3 – activates the on-screen function or command above it (n) ► – Hold for 3 seconds to turn on the Gmini 400...
  • Page 7 Multi-connect jack – for headphones, AV cable, or FM Remote control (optional accessory) Microphone – for making digital voice recordings CompactFlash™ slot – Type I compatible USB 2.0 port (USB 1.1 compatible) to connect the Gmini 400 to your computer Power Connector (Use only the supplied Archos power charger/adapter)

  • Page 8: Intro - First Time Usage

    • Use only the included ARCHOS charger/adapter. • Before using for the first time, charge the batteries completely. • You may use the Archos Gmini 400 while its battery is charging, but it will then take longer before the battery is completely charged.

  • Page 9: Changing The Language

    MP3 ID3 tags in various character sets (ex: Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, etc.). You can find the language files CodePage_name.4FZ in the font folder under /Data on the Gmini 400 hard disk or on the Archos website under the heading Software. If, for example, you would like to have the Korean language display, then you would copy the file...

  • Page 10: Caring For The Gmini 400

    The Gmini 400 is made with integrated batteries which are designed to last for the life of the Gmini 400. This means that you will not have to change them. If, in the exceptional case, the batteries need changing, this should only be done by an Archos technician.

  • Page 11: Music - Playing Music Files

    MUSIC - Playing Music Files When you click on this icon in the main screen, you will be sent directly to the Music folder. Use the direction buttons to highlight one of the factory installed music selections and then Click on PLAY ►. If you hear nothing at fi rst, make sure you have adjusted the volume control on the headphone cord.

  • Page 12: Playing Through Your Stereo System

    CD input that you plugged into on the back of your HiFi system. Press Play and then adjust the Gmini 400 volume (UP/DOWN buttons) in order to supply your stereo system with a signal that is neither too weak nor too strong.

  • Page 13: Artist, Album, Title

    Gmini 400 will display them on the screen when it plays the file. If they are not present, then the Gmini 400 will display in order, the name of the parent folder, the name of the current folder, and then the name of the file.

  • Page 14: Setting A Bookmark

    Gmini 400 hard disk without the ARCLibrary knowing about the new song. Thus, in order for your new songs to be indexed into the ARCLibrary, you must update it with the Update button as shown here in the Setup > Playmode screen. You have the following options to set the ARCLibrary.

  • Page 15: The Resume Function

    When you turn on your Gmini 400 you will sometimes notice that the icon which is highlighted on the main screen is not the Browser but rather the Resume icon. This icon is highlighted when the Gmini 400 can resume the last played audio or video file.

  • Page 16: Music - Playlists

    fi nd them. If you delete a Playlist from your Gmini 400, you are only deleting the list and not the music itself. Example of the contents of the .m3u Playlist fi le ‘Jazz Music’.

  • Page 17: Creating A Playlist

    Playlist. Click the function button F1 then choose Save. ATTENTION: Make sure that your left window is the Playlists folder, because the open window on the left is the location the Gmini 400 will be saving your Playlist to.

  • Page 18: Adding Songs To A Playlist While Listening To Music

    Close – Closes the windows and returns to the main menu screen. Rename – Renames the current playlist. Shuffle – Randomly shuffles the order of the songs in the current playlist. Clear – Clears the contents of the current playlist. Button Move –...

  • Page 19: Music - Recording Music

    MUSIC - Recording Music With the Gmini 400 series, you do not need a computer to create digital music files. It is capable of recording from the built-in microphone or an analog line source (ex: HiFi system, Boombox, CD Player, etc) into a...

  • Page 20: Recording Procedure

    Recording Procedure Before the actual audio recording begins, there is a pre-recording screen which will allow you to adjust your recording settings. 1. From the home screen, select Audio- Corder then click on ENTER/GO 3. Click on Settings to reveal the re- cording parameters screen as shown above.

  • Page 21: Microphone

    Microphone The built-in microphone is located on the top of the Gmini 400 unit next to the headphone jack. Make sure that you have selected Microphone as the input source in the pre-recording Settings screen. The microphone recording level is preset.

  • Page 22: Audio Editing

    Record, you will set the default record location to this folder. Now, each time you use the AudioCorder icon to start a recording, your recording will be saved in the folder /Music/Voice/Lectures. Audio Editing Audio fi les (microphone recordings / analog recordings / FM Remote Control (optional)) can be modifi...
  • Page 23 Highlight the file to edit and select Edit from the file menu. Only files which have been created with the Gmini 400 recording function will show Edit in the file menu. Files created from CDs or downloaded cannot be edited. Once you enter the edit mode, the audio file will...

  • Page 24: Installing Windows Media Player 9

    MUSIC - Using Windows your Gmini 400. WMP9 will encode each song into the WMA format (preferred compressed format of Windows connected Archos device. This Service Provider plug-in will also allow you to play purchased music from on-line music services such as Napster.com, MusicNow.com, BuyMusic.com, and Liquid.com.

  • Page 25: Copying Music To Your Gmini 400

    With music download services such as Napster.com, MusicNow.com, BuyMusic.com, and Liquid.com, you can purchase music on-line and then store it on your Gmini 400. These music fi les are protected with the Microsoft copy protection system. When they are downloaded to your ®...

  • Page 26: Music - Using Itunes™ With Your Gmini 400

    3.3 of this manual for an explanation of ID3 tags) of the MP3 file, and create a folder on the root of your Gmini 400 using the name of the Artist as the folder name. Then it will take the Album name ID3 tag, and create a subfolder with that album as its name.

  • Page 27: Games - Playing Mophun ® Games

    Just drag this .MPN file onto the Gmini 400 Hard disk in your file manager and it will place it in the top most directory (outside any folder). Once this file is copied, safely disconnect (section 13.2) the Gmini 400 from the computer.

  • Page 28: Playing A Game

    Even if that file gets lost, you can always go back to the Archos website and re-download your purchased game free of charge. You may notice that there is a folder on your Gmini 400 hard drive called Mophun. You should not delete this folder nor copy any files into it.

  • Page 29: Video - Playing Video

    Switch your television to auxiliary video input (often found just below channel 1 – sometimes called L1 or L2). If you don’t see a clear color image, you may have to set your Gmini 400 to your...

  • Page 30: Setting A Bookmark

    When you turn on your Gmini 400 you will sometimes notice that the icon which is highlighted on the main screen is not the Browser but rather the Resume icon. This icon is highlighted when the Gmini 400 can resume the last played audio or video file.

  • Page 31: Display Format Settings

    MPEG4 codecs. If you have video files of these other types that you would like to view on your Gmini 400, they will have to be converted first. You will have to use the software MPG4 Translator included on the Gmini 400 hard disk to re-encode them into the proper XviD or DivX™...

  • Page 32: Video - Creating Mpeg4 Video Files With Your Computer

    Internet are encoded in many different ways. If not already in the proper MPEG4 Simple Profile format, transforming these videos into this format readable by the Gmini 400 requires use of the below mentioned software tools. This is due to the relatively new nature of the ISO (International Standards Organization) MPEG4 video format.

  • Page 33: Installing The Pc Software

    For the Gmini 400, you will need to create an AVI file that is MPEG4 Simple Profile with a maximum resolution of 640 x 400 and a sound track that is stereo MP3 or WAV.

  • Page 34: Mp3 Sound Codec

    MP3 Sound Codec If MPG4 Translator detects a suitable MP3 codec on your PC, it will use it, and your video file sound track will be MP3. Otherwise, it will use the standard IMA ADPCM codec. There are MP3 encoders (usually packaged together as an encoder and decoder) available on the Web for you to download.

  • Page 35: Using Mpg4 Translator

    If the Virtual dub program has not been installed, you will also be notifi ed, and you should install it (either with the Archos Installation Utility or the Virtual Dub website). If you have placed the Virtual Dub program in a folder other than the default, it will ask you to locate the fi...

  • Page 36: Target & Priority

    file that is 800x600 in resolution and 30 frames per second, this is beyond the maximum resolution that the Gmini 400 can play. Thus, the MPG4 Translator program will have to decrease the resolution. Choosing LCD optimizes the final video format for viewing on the built in LCD screen.

  • Page 37: Photo - Viewing Photos

    11.1 Viewing Photos When you click Enter ► on a highlighted image file, the Gmini 400 will display the image in the carrousel, either alone, within a group of 4 images, or within a group of 9 images. A red rectangle will surround the selected photo.

  • Page 38: Magnifying Photos

    Viewing a slideshow Rotate picture 90° left Rotate picture 90° right By clicking on Slideshow, the Gmini 400 will present each picture in the current folder for a set amount of time and then go on to the next picture. You can set the amount of time that each picture stays on the screen under Setup >...

  • Page 39: Transferring Photos To Your Gmini 400

    11.3 Transferring photos to your Gmini 400 When you insert the card, the Gmini 400 will recognize it and open up two browser windows. The left window will show the contents of your CompactFlash™ (CF) card* and the right window will show the contents of your Gmini 400’s hard drive.
  • Page 40 Gmini 400. *If your camera uses SmartMedia™, Memory Stick or Secure Digital™ (SD) memory cards, you can purchase the optional Archos 4-1 CompactFlash™ adapter which will allow these card types to be read by the Gmini 400.

  • Page 41: Browser - Using The Browser

    BROWSER - Using the Browser The browser is used to navigate the fi le system on the Gmini 400. The fi le system is FAT32, the same type of fi le system that is found on Windows hierarchical system which includes folders and subfolders.

  • Page 42: Navigating The Directory Structure

    Browser. Attention, there is a setting in the Setup > System menu called Show all fi les. If this is set to Off, the Gmini 400 will only display fi le types .mp3, .jpg, .avi, etc. That is, it displays only the fi le types that it knows how to play.

  • Page 43: Copying And Moving Files And Folders

    Copying and Moving Files and Folders By using the unique Archos double browser system, you can copy or move files from one location in the file structure to another (1000 files per folder maximum). You simply click on the RIGHT button, and a second browser window will open.

  • Page 44: Using The Virtual Keyboard

    Using the Virtual Keyboard It is recommended that you create folders and rename fi les or folders from your computer when it is connected to the Gmini 400. The computer keyboard is much easier. Often times, however, you are not near your computer and you must enter the text directly with the Gmini 400.

  • Page 45: Connecting/Disconnecting The Gmini 400 To/From Your Pc

    Connecting/Disconnecting the Gmini 400 to/from your PC Note that when the Gmini 400 is connected to a computer, it will use more energy than usual. Your battery power will be consumed at a higher rate than normal. If the Gmini 400 looses power while connected to your computer you could damage your directory structure and/or loose data.

  • Page 46: Macintosh™ Os 9.X

    If you have Mac OS X before the 10.2 upgrade, you will find that version 10.1 may mount the Gmini 400 as a hard disk on your desktop, but ONLY after a very long wait, up to 10 minutes. Version 10.0 of OS X does not have the ability to properly recognize a mass storage device such as the Gmini 400.

  • Page 47: Windows

    1. The safe remove icon is in the system tray next to the clock. Windows ® 2. Click on the icon to eject (unmount) the Gmini 400 from the computer and select the ‘Safely remove’ message. Windows XP & 2000 ®...

  • Page 48: Macintosh

    Macintosh ® Drag the Gmini 400 hard disk icon towards the trashcan, the trashcan will become a big arrow as shown in the screen shot to the left (Mac OS 9.x will still retain the trashcan icon. This is OK, don’t worry.) Drop the hard disk icon onto the arrow (or trashcan).

  • Page 49: Settings

    SETTINGS From the home screen, select the Setup option to reveal the menu options for various settings. 14.1 Sound Settings If you would like to customize the sound quality, you can adjust the Bass, Treble, and other audio settings to suit your particular taste.

  • Page 50: Play Mode Settings

    14.2 Play Mode Settings If you would like the Gmini 400 to play through an entire folder of songs, play songs at random (shuffle), or any of the other playing options, you can set these parameters in the PlayMode settings.
  • Page 51 Playlist section to prepare multiple songs to play. Once the current track is finished playing, your queued track will be played. If you do not queue another track at this time, the Gmini 400 will play the next song in the directory.

  • Page 52: Clock Settings

    14.3 Clock Settings The Gmini 400 has an internal real time clock. The time of day is shown on the top right of the screen in either 24 hour or 12 hour display mode. To set it, go to Setup then select Clock.
  • Page 53 Setting Language The Gmini 400 can be set to English (default), French, German or Spanish. NTSC (USA), PAL (Europe). In order to view images or vid- TV Standard eos on an external television, select one option to send the video signal compatible with your country’s television system.

  • Page 54: Power Settings

    When the power adapter is plugged in, you do not need to conserve energy and thus keeping the Power on and the Backlight on makes using the Gmini 400 more agreeable. Increasing the hard disk value beyond the default may actually discharge the battery even when the Charger/adapter is plugged in.

  • Page 55: System Settings

    Each Gmini 400 device has a unique product key number. It is an ID needed for plug-ins and games. Hard Disk Displays the amount of free and used space on the Gmini 400’s hard disk. The total is less than 20 GB due to space taken by formatting. Description...

  • Page 56: Updating The Gmini 400 Firmware Operating System (Os)

    file to a convenient place, such as My Documents, in order to later copy this file to your Gmini 400. If your Gmini 400 is connected to your PC, you can even save it directly to the Gmini 400.
  • Page 57 file onto the Gmini 400 Hard disk in your file manager and it will place it in the top most directory (outside any folder). If there is already an older version of the Update_Gmini400.AOS file on your Gmini 400, Windows ask if you want to overwrite the current file.

  • Page 58: Technical Support

    Archos website should fill out the form on the website under Support: Product Returns. • There is an FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions section at the ARCHOS Website www.archos.com, Support: FAQ that can help answer many of your questions.
  • Page 59 ARCHOS Technology 3, Goodyear - Unit A Irvine, CA 92618 USA Phone: 1 949-609-1483 Fax: 1 949-609-1414 United Kingdom ARCHOS (UK) Limited 3 Galileo Park Mitchell Close West Portway Andover SP103XQ Andover United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 1264 366022 Fax: +44 (0) 1264 366626 Worldwide Offi...

  • Page 60: Troubleshooting

    Problem: I cannot get my Gmini 400 to be recognized by the computer. Solutions: • Shut off and reboot the computer and the Gmini 400 and then try connecting again in the preferred order mentioned in section 13.1. • Only if using Windows 98SE, you must first install the Windows98SE drivers.

  • Page 61: Charging And Power Issues

    A freeze up could also be caused by electrostatic phenomena. That is, static electricity has temporarily knocked out the Gmini 400. Hold down on the STOP/OFF button for 15 seconds and the Gmini 400 will shut off. Restart it normally now.

  • Page 62: The Computer Locks-Up (Freezes Operation) Or Stops

    Setup on the main screen and you will find a parameter called Show all files. If you set it to on, the Gmini 400 will show all files, even if it cannot play the file (you must browse via the browser mode from the main menu screen).

  • Page 63: Windows ® 98Se & Me Running Scan-Disk (Error Checking)

    Disk) program to try to fix your problem. If this doesn’t fix your problem and you are sure you must reformat the Gmini 400 hard disk, then go to the screen Setup > System and press and hold the Right function button for three seconds.

  • Page 64: Windows ® Xp & 2000 Running Check Disk Utility (Chkdsk)

    XP & 2000 Running Check Disk Utility (ChkDsk) ® If you still have problems with the file system on your Gmini 400 you can try to fix it using the DOS utility, check disk (chkdsk). Do the following; • Make sure external AC adapter is powering the Gmini 400.

  • Page 65: Technical Specifications

    Video output in PAL (EU) or NTSC (US) standard Playback Autonomy*** Up to 10 hours audio and up to 5 hours video Scalability Free Operating System updates downloadable from ARCHOS website Ports CompactFlash™ slot to read CompactFlash™ type I memory cards AV Connections Audio/video Multi-connect jack.

  • Page 66: Legal

    The above exclusion may not apply to you. In no event will ARCHOS’s licensor(s), and their directors, officers, employees or agents (collectively ARCHOS’ licensor) be liable to you for any consequential, incidental or indirect damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use of inability to use the licensed materials even if ARCHOS’...

  • Page 67: Warnings And Safety Instructions

    Warnings and Safety Instructions CAUTION To prevent risks of electric shock, this unit must only be opened by qualified service personnel. Power off and disconnect the power supply cable before opening the unit. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Use of this product is for personal use only.

  • Page 68: Electrostatic Discharge

    A single dot stuck off is the least noticeable. All three dots of a pixel stuck on is the most noticeable. Archos guarantees that its Gmini 400 screen will have no more than 1 defective pixel (regardless if that pixel has one or more defective dots).

This manual is also suitable for:

500637 - gmini 400

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