TaoTronics Car DVR

User Manual

Model NO.: TT-CD05

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Table of Contents

About Car DVR...................................................................... 5

Cautions................................................................................ 5

Key Functions ........................................................................ 5

Loop Recording ................................................................................. 5
G-Sensor ............................................................................................. 5
Motion Detection .............................................................................. 6
Auto Power On/Off with Ignition ..................................................... 6
Package Content ................................................................. 6

Product Diagram .................................................................. 7

DVR ....................................................................................................... 7
Mounting Bracket ............................................................................... 8
Control Functions.................................................................. 9

LED Indicators ...................................................................... 9

Operation Instruction .......................................................... 9

Insert TF Card .......................................................................................... 9
Power On/Off ........................................................................................ 10
Video / Camera / Playback Mode ................................................... 10
Video Mode .......................................................................................... 10
Start Video Recording ....................................................................... 10
Video Mode Setting .......................................................................... 11
a. Resolution .............................................................................. 12
b. Loop Recording Time Setting ............................................... 12
c. WDR ......................................................................................... 12
d. Motion Detection .................................................................... 12
e. Auto Power On/Off ............................................................... 12
f. Power Off Delay ..................................................................... 13
g. Power ON Delay .................................................................... 13
h. Record Audio ........................................................................ 13
i. Date Stamp ........................................................................... 13
j. Collision Sensor Sensitivity Setting .............................................. 14

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 Camera Mode ............................................................................... 14
Camera Mode ................................................................................... 14
Camera Setting ................................................................................. 15
a. Camera resolution ................................................................. 15
b. Capture Mode ...................................................................... 15
c. Sequence ............................................................................... 16
d. Image Quality ....................................................................... 16
e. Sharpness ............................................................................... 16
f. Color ...................................................................................... 16
g. Quick Preview ....................................................................... 17
h. Date Stamp ........................................................................... 17
Playback Mode ............................................................................... 17

System Setting..................................................................... 18

1. Set Date/Time ............................................................................ 18

2. Plate Number on Video ............................................................. 19
3. Auto Power Off ............................................................................. 20
4. Beep Sound ............................................................................... 20
5. Language .................................................................................. 20
6. TV Mode ..................................................................................... 20
7. Light Source Frequency ............................................................. 20
8. Screen Saver .............................................................................. 21
9. Exposure ....................................................................................... 21
10. White Balance ............................................................................ 21
11. Format ........................................................................................ 21
12. Default Setting ............................................................................ 21
13. Version ........................................................................................ 22

Installation .......................................................................... 22

Mounting and Removal ................................................................... 22

Cable Layout .................................................................................. 24

Connect to Computer ........................................................ 24

HDMI Connection ............................................................... 24

Specifications ..................................................................... 25

Warranty ............................................................................ 25

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Thank you for choosing TaoTronics TT-CD05 Car DVR. Please read this
manual carefully and keep it for future reference. If you need any
assistance, please contact TaoTronics support by email at
support@taotronics.com.

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About Car DVR

TaoTronics Car DVR integrates video recording, picture taking and

external storage into a multi-function high-resolution digital recorder
with HDMI and media output. It is widely used for providing recorded
footage for purposes of accident compensation / insurance, but can
also be used to record driving for fun and leisure.

Cautions

 For your own safety, please do not install or operate while driving
 Before first time use, we recommend format the DVR memory card
 Built-in battery life is around 30 minutes; please connect to power
source for daily use
 Before mounting the DVR, make sure both the suction cup and the
mounting area are dry and clean
 Low power may result in an unstable screen connection. To resolve
this issue, please recharge the device
 Do not remove the DVR mount with force
 Do not dismantle or open the DVR
 Do not put any weight on the DVR as it may damage the screen
 Do not scratch with sharp objects
 If camera is not responding, please try to reset it by pressing the reset
button
 Please keep the camera and lens clean

Key Functions

Loop Recording

The DVR will keep recording until the storage is full. When this happens,
the DVR will overwrite the earliest recording with new footage. This
feature enables the DVR to record non-stop with limited storage space.

G-Sensor

The DVR comes with G-sensor, which detects movement, acceleration

and deceleration. In the event of a collision or unexpected acceleration
the DVR will protect the most recent footage from being overwritten.
During normal recording, press the MENU button will protect the current
recording from being overwritten by other recordings. Press again to
clear this setting.

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Motion Detection

When motion detection is on, the DVR will automatically record any
movement that is detected in front of the camera. This feature MUST be
turned off during normal driving / recording. The primary purpose of
motion detection is for video surveillance. When parking your car on the
street, power the DVR via any USB power source, and let the DVR record
any movement in front of the camera. This function is also useful when
you install the DVR at home for anti-theft purpose when away or
on-holiday.

Auto Power On/Off with Ignition

When connected with the car charger (provided), TaoTronics DVR will
automatically power on with car ignition. After turning off the car, the
DVR will also save current recording and turn off.

Package Content

1. TaoTronics Car DVR (Model: TT-CD05)

2. Windshield Mount
3. Car Charger

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4. USB Cable
5. TF Card
6. User manual

Product Diagram

DVR

1. Camera
2. Screen
3. Power Button
4. Up Button
5. Menu Button
6. OK/Confirm Button
7. Mode Button
8. Down Button
9. TF Card Slot
10. HDMI Connector
11. Microphone

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 12. Speaker
13. Reset Button
14. GPS (GPS Module is optional)
15. AV-OUT
16. Mount
17. USB

Mounting Bracket

1. Release Tab
2. Suction Cup
3. Locking Lever
4. Adjusting knob

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Control Functions

POWER Press and hold to turn On / Off

Press to enter menu. In recoding mode, press to activate

MENU
SOS file protection
Switch between different modes, short press to take photo
MODE
when video recording

UP Up/Previous/Zoom In

Down/Next/Zoom out, short press to mute when video

DOWN
recording

OK OK

Press the reset hole with a needle-like object when system

RESET
is not responding

LED Indicators
Power indicator, becomes red when connected to power
Red
source

Blue Work indicator, slowly flashes when video recording

Operation Instruction

Insert TF Card

Please insert the TF card into the TF card slot with care. It supports up to
32 GB of storage.

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Power On/Off

 Battery Powered - Press and hold the POWER button to turn the DVR
On/Off;
 Auto Power On/Off with Ignition – If powered by the car charger, the
DVR will automatically turn on when you start your car. When turning
off your car, the DVR will automatically turn off after the preset delay
time (change in setting)

Note: when not connected to any power source and battery level is low,
the DVR will automatically save and turn off.

Video / Camera / Playback Mode

When powered on, the DVR will enter video mode by default. Press the
MODE button to cycle through Video / Camera / Playback mode.

Video Mode

- Start Video Recording

 Manual Video Recording - When battery powered (not connected
to car charger), turn on the DVR by pressing and holding the POWER
button. Press the OK button to start/stop recording;
 Automatic Video Recording- When powered by car charger, the
DVR will automatically turn on and start recording when car is
started.

Note: Remember to insert TF card before video recording.

1. Video Mode
2. Loop Duration

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3. Motion Detection
4. WDR
5. G-Sensor
6. Exposure
7. TF-Card
8. Date / Time Stamp
9. Charging
10. Sound Recording
11. Recording time
12. Resolution

Note: Icons in the diagram will vary according to settings

- Video Mode Setting

Press the MENU button inside video mode to enter video setting. If the
DVR is recording, please press OK button first to pause recording and
press MENU button to enter Video Mode Setting page.

Function Description
Resolution Select from: 1080FHD/720P/WVGA/VGA
Loop Select length of loop recording: off / 2 min / 3 min /5
Recording min
Wide Dynamic Recording, enable this feature will
WDR
improve video quality
Motion When motion is detected, the camera will start
Detection recording automatically.
Auto Power When enabled, DVR will automatically power on and
On/Off start recording when power is supplied.
Power Off Set the interval between power cut and automatically
Delay turning off: OFF/10s/20s/30s
Power ON Set the interval between power is supplied and
Delay automatically turning ON: OFF/10s/20s/30s
Record
Record sound with video: On/Off
Audio
Date Stamp When enabled, video will have date stamp
G-Sensor Set the sensitivity of collision sensor：
Setting Off/Low/Medium/High

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a. Resolution
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to select resolution. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to select
resolution, and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode
button to exit the setting.
This setting is to set video resolution, the higher the resolution, the better
the video quality.
b．Loop Recording Time Setting
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set loop recording. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to set
appropriate length of loop recording. Then press OK button to confirm.
Press Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
This function is to set the length of loop recording as off / 2 min / 3 min
/5 min.
Loop recording will not activate when this function is turned off. It is
suggested to always activate loop recording function. Otherwise,
recording will not be processed when the TF card is full.
c． WDR
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set WDR. Press OK button to
enter the setting page and Up/Down button to enable/disable WDR.
Then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to exit the
setting.
d． Motion Detection
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set motion detection. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to
enable/disable motion detection. Then press OK button to confirm.
Press Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
When motion detection is on, the DVR will automatically activate and
record any movement that is detected in front of the camera. It will also
lock the recording and protect it from being overwritten. This feature
MUST be turned off during normal driving / recording.
e． Auto Power On/Off
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set auto power on/off. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to
enable/disable this function. Then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.

Once activated, the DVR will automatically turn on and start recording
with the ignition of the car. Once this feature is turned off, it needs to be

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manually activated at the restart of the DVR. Keep this feature on during
normal driving.
f． Power Off Delay
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set power OFF delay. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to
enable/disable this function, and then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
Set the interval between power cut and automatically turning off as
OFF/10s/20s/30s.
g．Power ON Delay
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set power ON delay. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to
enable/disable this function, and then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
Set the interval between the time when power is supplied and the time
it automatically turns on. Options are OFF/10s/20s/30s. If set 10 seconds,
the DVR will power on in 10 seconds after the engine is started.
h． Record Audio
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set record audio. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to
enable/disable this function, and then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
When activated, audio will be recorded alongside video recording.
During video recording, press the down button can enable/disable
audio recording.
i． Date Stamp
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set Date Stamp. Press OK button
to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to enable/disable this
function. Then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to
exit the setting.
When enabled, video will have date stamp on the lower right corner of
the recorded footage. No time stamp will be shown when this feature is
turned off.

Note:
The date and time shall be manually set before first use. Please refer to
System Setting – Date/Time for instructions.
j． Collision Sensor Sensitivity Setting
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set Collision Sensor Sensitivity.

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Press OK button to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to
enable/disable this function, and then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.

Set the sensitivity of collision sensor: Off/Low/Medium/High accordingly.

Camera Mode

- Camera Mode

In video standby mode, press mode button to enter camera mode and
press OK button to take camera shots. In video mode, press OK button
to pause video recording, and then press the mode button to enter
camera mode. Every press will take one photo.

1. Camera Mode
2. Exposure
3. White Balance
4. ISO Auto
5. TF-Card
6. No. of shots left
7. Charging
8. Picture Quality
9. Resolution
10. Sequence
11. Timer

Note: Icons in the diagram will vary according to settings

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- Camera Setting

Press the MENU button inside camera mode to enter Camera Setting

Function Description
Set camera resolution：
Image Size
3M/2MHD/VGA/1.3M/12M/10M/8M/5M
Set capture mode：single shot / 2 sec timer / 5 sec
Capture Mode
timer / 10 sec timer
Sequence Take 3 consecutive shots: enable / disable

Quality Set picture quality: Fine / Normal / Economy

Sharpness Set picture sharpness: Strong / Normal / Soft

Color Normal / Black & white / Sepia

Quick Preview Preview photo when taken: Off / 2 sec / 5 sec

Date Stamp Add date stamp to photos: Off / Date / Date Time
Power indicator, becomes red when connected to
Red
power source
Blue Work indicator, slowly flash when video recording

a． Camera resolution
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set resolution. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to select
resolution, and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode
button to exit the setting.
This setting is to set photo resolution, the higher the resolution, the better
the photo quality.
b． Capture Mode
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set capture mode. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to select
single shot or timer shot and then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
This setting determines if camera is taking an instant shot or delayed

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shot. If single shot is selected, the camera will take one photo every time
OK button is pressed. If delayed shot is selected, the camera will wait for
2/5/10 seconds depending on setting before taking the shot.
c． Sequence
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set burst mode. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to enable
or disable the function and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu
or Mode button to exit the setting.
Once set in burst mode, the camera will take 3 shots in a row every time
the OK button is pressed. Otherwise, the camera only takes one photo
every time OK button is pressed.

d． Image Quality
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set image quality. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to choose
Fine / Normal / Economy, and then press OK button to confirm. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
This setting determines picture quality. We suggest choose Fine for
better quality photos.

e． Sharpness
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set sharpness. Press OK
button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to choose
Strong / Normal / Soft sharpness, and then press OK button to confirm.
Press Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
This setting determines the sharpness of pictures taken. Higher
sharpness means stronger contrast on picture details, and usually
means clearer picture too. Please choose accordingly.

f． Color
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set color. Press OK button to
enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to choose color, and
then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to exit the
setting.
This setting determines picture color mode. You can set Normal / Black
& white / Sepia.

g． Quick Preview
Press Up/Down Button in camera mode to set quick preview. Press OK

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button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to
enable/disable quick preview, and then press OK button to confirm.
Press Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
This setting sets the preview time of picture taken. If it is turned off, the
camera will return to camera mode instantly every time a photo is taken.
If preview time is set, when a photo is taken, the camera will show the
photo for preset amount of time before returning to camera mode.
During preview, the camera cannot take any photos.

h． Date Stamp
Press Up/Down Button in video mode to set Date Stamp. Press OK button
to enter the setting page and Up/Down button to choose and
enable/disable date stamp/date & time stamp, and then press OK
button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to exit the setting.
With this feature on, date stamp or date/time stamp will be shown on
the lower right corner of the shot. No time stamp will be shown when this
feature is turned off.

Playback Mode
Switch to Playback mode in camera mode by pressing the MODE
button. In video recording mode, press Mode button to switch to
camera mode and press Mode button again to switch to preview Mode.
Use the UP/DOWN buttons to select file, and press the OK to start
playback. When playing video, use the OK button to pause/resume;
and use the UP/DOWN button to fast-forward / rewind.

1. Photo File
2. Total no. of files
3. Video File

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System Setting

In Camera / Video Mode, press the MENU button twice to go into

System Settings

Function Description

Date / Time Set system date / time

Show vehicle number plate on recorded
Plate Number on Video
videos
Time Zone Setting Set your local time zone
Automatically power off in standby mode:
Auto Power Off
Off / 3 min / 5 min / 10 min
Make a beep sound when pressing any
Beep Sound
button
Japanese / English / French / Spanish /
Language
German / Italian
TV Mode NTSC / PAL

Frequency 50HZ / 60HZ

Turn off screen when DVR is working:
Screen Saver
Off / 30s /60s
Exposure +2/3 +1/3 +0.0 -1/3 -2/3 -1.0 -4/3 -5/3 -2.0
Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Tungsten /
White Balance
Fluorescent
Format Format memory card

Default Setting Restore default settings

Version System Version

1. Set Date/Time
Press Up/Down button in System Setting to enter date/time setting page.
Press OK button to set date/time.

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On Date/Time setting page, there are three rows as in date, time and
date format. Set date first by pressing Up/Down button. Press OK after
done and move the cursor to the next spot on the right. Adjust date and
hour/minute/second from top to bottom. On the third row, press
Up/Down button to set date format and then press OK. Press Menu or
Mode button to return to System Setting Page, press again to exit the
page.
This setting is to set correct date and time on the DVR for video
recording and camera shooting.
2. Plate Number on Video
Press Up/Down button in System Setting to select Plate Number setting.
Press OK to edit plate number.

Start from the left, press Up/Down button to select the character on the
cursor, it can be letter, number or blank space on each character. Press
OK after each input and the cursor will move to the right. If you set the
number plate but still haven’t reached the last digit, press OK button
until the cursor reaches the last digit. And then press OK again to

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confirm and exit setting. Press menu or mode button to exist system
setting.
When previewed on computer, plate number will be shown on the
bottom right corner of the recorded video footage. Having a plate
number on your video recording can help identify the source of
recording. Number plate setting supports letter, number and space. If
your number plate contains other characters, please use either a letter
or number to replace.
3. Auto Power Off
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Auto power off page.
Press OK button to enter auto power off setting and press Up/Down
button to disable or set the time for auto power off, and then press OK
button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to exit the page.
This setting determines the time it takes to automatically turn off the DVR
if no action is performed. For example, if set to 3 minutes, the DVR will
automatically power off if it is not recording and no button is pressed in
3 minutes.
4. Beep Sound
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose beep sound page.
Press OK button to enter Beep Sound setting and press Up/Down button
to enable/disable this feature, and then press OK button to confirm.
Press Menu or Mode button to exit the page.
This setting enables/disables a beep sound when any button is
pressed.
5. Language
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Language. Press OK
button to enter Language page and press Up/Down button to select
target language and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or
Mode button to exit the page.
This setting determines the language used for DVR setting and
interface.
6. TV Mode
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose TV mode. Press OK
button to enter TV mode page and press Up/Down button to choose
between NTSC/PAL, and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or
Mode button to exit the page.
7. Light Source Frequency
Press Up/Down button in system setting to select video frequency.
Press OK button to enter video frequency setting and press Up/Down

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button to choose between 50Hz/60Hz, and then press OK button to
confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to exit the page.
8. Screen Saver
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Screen Saver. Press
OK button to enter Screen Saver page and press Up/Down button to
choose and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode
button to exit the page.
This setting determines how long it takes for the DVR to turn off screen.
For example, if set for 30 seconds, the DVR will turn off the screen in 30
seconds if no button is pressed. However, the DVR is still running. Press
any key to turn on the screen. When driving at night, this helps to reduce
screen brightness.
9. Exposure
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Exposure option.
Press OK button to enter Exposure setting page and press Up/Down
button to appropriate exposure value, and then press OK button to
confirm. Press Menu or Mode button to exit the page.
In darker environment, increasing exposure value will enhance the
image brightness. In bright environment, decrease the value to dim the
image.
10. White Balance
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose White Balance.
Press OK button to enter White Balance setting page and press
Up/Down button to appropriate setting, and then press OK button. Press
Menu or Mode button to exit the page.
11. Format
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Format option. Press
OK button to enter Format setting page. Press OK button to format the
memory card and press Up/Down button to confirm or cancel format
operation, and then press OK button to confirm. Press Menu or Mode
button to exit the page.
Note: All files will be deleted in format mode.
To enable the micro SD card works immediately after installation, we
recommend format the micro SD card on DVR before DVR installation.
12. Default Setting
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Default setting.
Press OK button to enter the setting page and press Up/Down button to
confirm or cancel default setting, and then press OK button to confirm.
Press Menu or Mode button to exit the page.

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In default setting, all user information set before will be cleared. When
you encounter any problem with the DVR, you can try to fix it by restore
back to default setting.
13. Version
Press Up/Down button in system setting to choose Version setting.
Press OK button to check Version No. Press Menu or Mode button to exit
the page.

Installation

Mounting and Removal

- Mounting

Connect the mount and the camera as indicated by the diagram

Press the suction cup against windshield and press the locking lever

Unscrew the adjusting knob to adjust the view angle in both horizontal
and vertical positions. Screw it tight once the angle is set.

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- Removal

Pull up the locking lever and pull the release tab to detach the mount
from windshield

Unlock the mount from camera by pushing the mount in the direction of
the arrow, as shown by the following diagram

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Cable Layout

Please refer to the following diagram for DVR optimal installation

position.
1. Position the DVR behind the rear-view mirror. Make sure it does not
block your driving view.
2. Lay the cable as indicated by the following diagram
3. Connect the USB cable with car charger
Note: you can lay the cable differently as long as it does not block your
driving view.

1.Optimal installation position

2. Power cable path

Connect to Computer

With TF card inserted, when connected to computer, two options will be

available: Storage or Video. Storage allows the TF card to be accessed
via computer as an external storage. Video mode allows the DVR to
function normally while charging via computer

HDMI Connection

You can connect the DVR with TV / Monitor via HDMI cable (not
provided). This allows you to view the high-resolution recording on TV /
Monitor

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Specifications

DSP NOVATEK
Video
1080P/720P/WVGA/VGA
Resolution
Camera
3M/2MHD/VGA/1.3M/12M/10M/8M/5M
Resolution
Screen 2.7 inch

Camera 150° A+ Grade Wide angle camera

Video: MOV
File Format
Camera: JPG

Storage External TF card up to 32 GB

English / German / Japanese / French / Italian /
Language
Spanish
HDMI Supported

Battery Size 400mAh

Power 5V/1.5A

Warranty

TaoTronics provides 12 months limited warranty for this product from

the date of its original purchase. Warranty is only valid for purchase
from TaoTronics or TaoTronics authorized dealers and retailers. If the
product becomes defective, please contact TaoTronics by email at
support@taotronics.com. We will help you with the
return/replacement process.

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NORTH AMERICA

E-mail : support@taotronics.com(US)
support.ca@taotronics.com(CA)
Tel : 1-888-456-8468 (Monday-Friday: 9:00 – 17:00 PST)
Address: 2228 Junction Ave, San Jose, CA 95131

EUROPE

E-mail:
support.uk@taotronics.com(UK)
support.de@taotronics.com(DE)
support.fr@taotronics.com(FR)
support.es@taotronics.com(ES)
support.it@taotronics.com(IT)
EU Importer: ZBT International Trading GmbH, Lederstr 21a, 22525
Hamburg, Deutschland

ASIA PACIFIC

E-mail : support.jp@taotronics.com(JP)

www.taotronics.com

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