Arris DCX525 User manual

USER GUIDE
DCX525
All-Digital, High-Definition Set-top

©ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means
or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from
ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. (“ARRIS”). ARRIS reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in content from time
to time without obligation on the part of ARRIS to provide notification of such revision or change. ARRIS and the ARRIS logo
are all trademarks of ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. MoCA is a registered trademark of Multimedia over Coax Alliance. HDMI is a
trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. This product incorporates copy protection technology that is protected by U.S.
patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copy protection technology must be authorized by Rovi Corporation,
and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Rovi Corporation. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either
the entities claiming the marks and the names of their products. ARRIS disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names
of others.
ARRIS provides this guide without warranty of any kind, implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. ARRIS may make improvements or changes in the
product(s) described in this manual at any time.
The capabilities, system requirements and/or compatibility with third-party products described herein are subject to change
without notice.

Important Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
•Read these instructions.
•Keep these instructions.
•Heed all warnings.
•Follow all instructions.
•Do not use this apparatus near water.
•Clean only with dry cloth.
•Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
•Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
•Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
•Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
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Important Safety Instructions
Important Safety Considerations
•The main plug is the main disconnect device. It shall remain readily accessible and operable.
•The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.
During Transportation to the Subscriber Home
•Transport the cable terminal in its shipping box or an equally padded container.
•Do not expose the terminal to rain or moisture.
During Installation
•Do not place the terminal in an enclosed area where the cooling vents are blocked or impede the flow of air through
the ventilation openings.
•Install the terminal so that its position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, do not place the
terminal on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the ventilation openings.
•Install the terminal away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers and stoves. Installation of the terminal
near consumer electronics devices, such as stereo receiver/amplifiers and televisions, is permitted as long as the air
surrounding the terminal does not exceed 40º C (104º F).
•Place the terminal on a flat surface not prone to vibration or impact.
•Do not install the terminal in an area where condensation occurs.
•To prevent the temporary loss of guide data and cause a temporarily non-responding terminal, do not plug the AC
power cord into a switched power outlet.
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Important Safety Instructions
FCC Compliance
Note: 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.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ARRIS for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: one This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
FCC Declaration of Conformity
ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 3871 Lakefield Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024, 1-215-323-1000, declares that the DCX525 set-top complies with
47 CFR Parts 2 and 15 of the FCC rules as a Class B digital device.
Industry Canada (IC)
This Class B digital device complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Caring for the Environment by Recycling
When you see this symbol on an ARRIS product, do not dispose of the product with
residential or commercial waste.
Recycling your ARRIS Equipment
Please do not dispose of this product with your residential or commercial waste.
Some countries or regions, such as the European Union, have set up systems to
collect and recycle electrical and electronic waste items. Contact your local
authorities for information about practices established for your region.
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Software License
Software License
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS SOFTWARE LICENSE (“LICENSE”) CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU USE ANY SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE
AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION (“SOFTWARE”) PROVIDED WITH THE ARRIS DIGITAL CABLE RECEIVER OR HOME THEATER
SYSTEM (EACH SHALL BE REFERRED TO IN THIS LICENSE AS A “RECEIVER”). BY USING THE RECEIVER AND/OR USING ANY OF THE
SOFTWARE, YOU INDICATE YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF EACH OF THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE. UPON ACCEPTANCE, THIS LICENSE
WILL BE A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND ARRIS. THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE APPLY TO YOU AND TO ANY
SUBSEQUENT USER OF THIS SOFTWARE.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE (I) DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE AND (II) RETURN THE RECEIVER
AND THE SOFTWARE (COLLECTIVELY, “PRODUCT”), INCLUDING ALL COMPONENTS, DOCUMENTATION AND ANY OTHER
MATERIALS PROVIDED WITH THE PRODUCT, TO YOUR POINT OF PURCHASE OR SERVICE PROVIDER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR A
FULL REFUND.
The Software includes associated media, any printed materials, and any “on-line” or electronic documentation. Software provided by
third parties may be subject to separate end-user license agreements from the manufacturers of such Software. The Software is
never sold. ARRIS licenses the Software to the original customer and to any subsequent licensee for personal use only on the terms
of this License. ARRIS and its third party licensors retain the ownership of the Software.
You may:
USE the Software only in connection with the operation of the Product.
TRANSFER the Software (including all component parts and printed materials) permanently to another person, but only if the person
agrees to accept all of the terms of this License. If you transfer the Software, you must at the same time transfer the Product and all
copies of the Software (if applicable) to the same person or destroy any copies not transferred.
TERMINATE this License by destroying the original and all copies of the Software (if applicable) in whatever form.
You may not:
one Loan, distribute, rent, lease, give, sublicense or otherwise transfer the Software, in whole or in part, to any other person, except
as permitted under the TRANSFER paragraph above. (2) Copy or translate the User Guide included with the Software, other than for
personal use. (3) Copy, alter, translate, decompile, disassemble or reverse engineer the Software, including but not limited to,
modifying the Software to make it operate on non-compatible hardware. (4) Remove, alter or cause not to be displayed, any
copyright notices or startup message contained in the Software programs or documentation. (5) Export the Software or the Product
components in violation of any United States export laws.
The Product is not designed or intended for use in on-line control of aircraft, air traffic, aircraft navigation or aircraft communications;
or in design, construction, operation or maintenance of any nuclear facility. ARRIS AND ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS DISCLAIM ANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR SUCH USES. YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU SHALL NOT USE THE
PRODUCT FOR SUCH PURPOSES.
Title to this Software, including the ownership of all copyrights, mask work rights, patents, trademarks and all other intellectual
property rights subsisting in the foregoing, and all adaptations to and modifications of the foregoing shall at all times remain with
ARRIS and its third party licensors. ARRIS retains all rights not expressly licensed under this License. The Software, including any
images, graphics, photographs, animation, video, audio, music and text incorporated therein is owned by ARRIS or its third party
licensors and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in this License, the copying, reproduction, distribution or preparation of derivative works of the Software, any portion of the
Product or the documentation is strictly prohibited by such laws and treaty provisions. Nothing in this License constitutes a waiver of
the ARRIS rights under United States copyright law.
This License and your rights regarding any matter it addresses are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
without reference to conflict of laws principles. THIS LICENSE SHALL TERMINATE AUTOMATICALLY if you fail to comply with the
terms of this License.
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Software License
ARRIS is not responsible for any third party software that is provided as a bundled application, or otherwise, with the Software or that
is downloaded to, or otherwise installed on, the Product.
U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS
The Product and documentation is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. The use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is
subject to restrictions as set forth in subdivision (c)(1)(ii) of The Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at 52.227-
7013. The contractor/manufacturer is ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 3871 Lakefield Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024.
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Contents
Contents
Important Safety Instructions
........................................................................................................................ i
Software License
.......................................................................................................................................... iv
Tables
.......................................................................................................................................................... vii
Figures
......................................................................................................................................................... vii
Introduction
.................................................................................................................................................. 1
Front Panel ..........................................................................................................................................................................2
Rear Panel............................................................................................................................................................................3
Operation
...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Turning Power On and Off...............................................................................................................................................4
Changing Channels............................................................................................................................................................4
Adjusting the Volume........................................................................................................................................................4
Interactive Program Guide ..............................................................................................................................................4
Connecting Your DCX Set-top
....................................................................................................................... 5
Cable-In Connection..........................................................................................................................................................5
Video Connection Options...............................................................................................................................................6
HDMI — HDTV and SDTV .........................................................................................................................................6
RF OUT (coax) — SDTV..............................................................................................................................................6
Connecting an HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio...................................................................................7
HDMI .............................................................................................................................................................................7
Connecting an SDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio....................................................................................8
Connecting an SDTV and VCR/DVD Recorder.............................................................................................................9
Connecting an A/V Receiver, SDTV and VCR/DVD Recorder..................................................................................10
Recording Your Connections
...................................................................................................................... 12
On-Screen Graphics
.................................................................................................................................... 13
Configuring the User Settings
..................................................................................................................... 14
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................14
Configuring the User Settings Menu Screen .............................................................................................................14
Native Mode Settings Screen........................................................................................................................................20
Additional HDMI Settings Screen .................................................................................................................................23
Additional Closed Caption Settings Screen ...............................................................................................................25
Subtitle and DVS Settings Screen ................................................................................................................................27
Advanced Audio/Video Settings Screen .....................................................................................................................29
Troubleshooting
.......................................................................................................................................... 31
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Tables
Tables
Table 1: Front Panel Features .........................................................................................................................................2
Table 2: User Settings Menu Field Descriptions.......................................................................................................17
Table 3: Native Mode Settings Field Definitions .......................................................................................................21
Table 4: Additional HDMI Settings Field Definitions.................................................................................................23
Table 5: Additional Closed Caption Settings Field Definitions...............................................................................26
Table 6: Subtitle and DVS Settings Field Definitions................................................................................................28
Table 7: Advanced Audio/Video Settings Field Definitions.....................................................................................30
Figures
Figure 1: Front Panel .........................................................................................................................................................2
Figure 2: Rear Panel ..........................................................................................................................................................3
Figure 3: Connecting an HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio..................................................................7
Figure 4: Connecting an SDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio ..................................................................8
Figure 5: Connecting an SDTV and VCR/DVD Recorder............................................................................................9
Figure 6: Connecting an A/V Receiver, SDTV, and VCR/DVD Recorder................................................................11
Figure 7: User Settings Menu—No HDMI Connection............................................................................................14
Figure 8: Default User Settings Menu When an HDMI Connection is in Place..................................................15
Figure 9: User Settings Menu—Available Options Illustrated ...............................................................................16
Figure 10: Native Mode Settings menu screen.........................................................................................................20
Figure 11: Additional HDMI Settings screen..............................................................................................................23
Figure 12: Additional Closed Caption Settings menu screen ................................................................................25
Figure 13: Subtitle and DVS Settings Menu Screen .................................................................................................27
Figure 14: Advanced Audio/Video Settings Menu Screen ......................................................................................29
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Introduction
Introduction
Congratulations on receiving an ARRIS DCX525 High-Definition All-Digital Cable Set-top box, one
of the most advanced interactive digital cable set-tops available today. ARRIS has merged the
extraordinary features of digital cable — the seemingly endless programming options,
interactive program guides, Video on Demand (VOD), and the incredible picture quality and
sound of High-Definition TV (HDTV).
This set-top includes an “Entertainment Package” that enables a direct digital connection to
consumer audio and video devices through the HDMI™ interface. Dolby® Digital Plus is
supported by the HDMI interface and provides 7.1 channels and beyond of enhanced-quality
audio.
This User Guide introduces you to the basic features, outlines important safeguards, and
provides several options for integrating this component into your current entertainment system.
Please take a few moments to read through this User Guide; the configuration diagrams, on-
screen menu description and troubleshooting section will help you make the most of your home
entertainment experience.
To determine which features of digital cable are provided in your service area, please check with
your local cable operator. They will be happy to provide instructions for these optional services.
Features
•HDMI, RF Output, Ethernet
•1080p 30 video decode and 1080p60 (HDMI) output support
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Introduction
Front Panel
Figure 1: Front Panel
Table 1: Front Panel Features
1
Power LED— Illuminates when the DCX525 is powered on and blinks to indicate IR command
received from the remote control.
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Introduction
Rear Panel
Figure 2: Rear Panel
1
Cable In — Connects to cable signal from the service provider
2
RF Out — Ch 3/4 modulated audio/video (SDTV) to TV or VCR
3 HDMI™ — High-Definition TV (HDTV) connector (Provides Dolby® Digital Plus (7.1) audio, Dolby®
Digital 5.1 audio or PCM output, volume controlled)
4
Ethernet* — Network connection
5
Ext IR Input — Connects to a remote control receiver accessory cable
6
Power connector
* Availability of certain features is dependent upon application support.
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Operation
Operation
Turning Power On and Off
Press power on the remote control to turn the DCX set-top on or off (standby). Be sure the
remote control is in cable mode by pressing cable before pressing power.
Changing Channels
You can change channels in three ways:
•Press channel + or – on the remote control to step through the channel selection.
•Enter the number of the channel you wish to view using the number keys on the remote
control.
•Select the channel in the Interactive Program Guide.
Adjusting the Volume
Press volume + or – on the remote control to adjust the volume. When you adjust the volume,
the volume scale is displayed on the screen. Press mute on the remote control to toggle the
sound on and off.
Interactive Program Guide
The Interactive Program Guide displays information about TV programs and enables you to
access features such as Parental Control or Pay-Per-View. Interactive program guides can vary
with each cable service provider. Refer to the Interactive Program Guide’s instruction manual for
detailed instructions.
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Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Instructions and diagrams are included for the following connections:
•High-Definition TV (HDTV)
•High-Definition TV (HDTV) and A/V receiver
•Standard-Definition TV (SDTV)
•Standard-Definition TV (SDTV) and VCR/DVD Recorder
•A/V receiver, Standard-Definition TV (SDTV), and VCR/DVD Recorder
Before you move or change components on your entertainment system, review the following:
•For basic cable connections, use 75-ohm coaxial cables equipped with F-type connectors
•Disconnect power from your equipment before connecting or changing cable connections
Caution Do not place anything on top of your DCX set-top, especially other home entertainment
components. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
Cable-In Connection
The first step for all connection options is to connect an RF coaxial cable to the cable wall outlet
and the Cable In connector on the DCX set-top.
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Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Video Connection Options
The DCX set-top offers two different video connection options. HDMI allows you to view both
High-Definition and Standard-Definition TV programming. RF OUT (coax) connection allows you
to view only Standard-Definition TV programming.
To determine whether your TV features HDMI, or RF (coax) video, check the manual supplied
with your TV.
Use the guidelines below to determine the best video connection for your home entertainment
system.
Note: Only one video connection to the TV is required. HD video can only be viewed with HDMI video
connections.
HDMI — HDTV and SDTV
•HDMI offers higher quality HD video than RF Out (coax) video.
•If your TV has an HDMI input, this is for both audio and video. Connect a standard HDMI
cable to the TV and to the HDMI connector on your DCX set-top.
•HDMI output provides video and audio, so no separate audio connections are required if
you plan to use your TV’s speakers as the primary audio source.
Note: ARRIS recommends certified standard (category 1) HDMI cables for 1080i or 720p resolutions. A
certified high speed (category 2) HDMI cable is recommended for resolutions of 1080p.
RF OUT (coax) — SDTV
The RF OUT (coax) connector on your DCX set-top provides an SDTV video connection.
Note: RF OUT (coax) provides video and audio, so no separate audio connections are required.
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Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Connecting an HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio
HDMI
If your TV has an HDMI input, this is for both audio and video if you are using the TV speakers.
Connect a standard HDMI cable to the TV and to the HDMI connector on your DCX set-top.
Figure 3: Connecting an HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio
Note: Only one HDTV video/audio connection needs to be made to an HDTV.
Note: Solid lines indicate optimum connections.
Note: Optional HDMI connection to A/V Receiver shown but not required.
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Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Connecting an SDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio
1. Connect an RF coax cable to the RF OUT connectors on the DCX set-top and Cable/Antenna
IN input connector on the Standard-Definition TV (SDTV).
This video connection method does not support HD video. If you have an HDTV, see Connecting
an HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio
Figure 4: Connecting an SDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio
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© ARRIS Enterprises, Inc. 2015 All rights reserved. 365-095-25821 x.2

Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Connecting an SDTV and VCR/DVD Recorder
1. Connect an RF (coax) cable to the RF OUT connector on the DCX set-top and the
Cable/Antenna IN input connectors on the VCR/DVD recorder.
2. Connect a stereo audio cable to the audio L/R output connectors on the VCR/DVD recorder
and the audio L/R input connectors on the Standard-Definition TV (SDTV).
3. Connect a composite video cable to the composite video output connector on the VCR/DVD
recorder and the composite video input connector on the Standard-Definition TV (SDTV).
Note: You can also connect the TV to the VCR/DVD using the S-Video connectors (not shown) or RF
(coax) cable if supported by your VCR/DVD recorder and SDTV.
These video connection methods do not support HD video. If you have an HDTV, see Connecting an
HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio.
Figure 5: Connecting an SDTV and VCR/DVD Recorder
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Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Connecting an A/V Receiver, SDTV and VCR/DVD Recorder
1. Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI output connector on the DCX set-top and the HDMI
input connector on the A/V receiver.
2. Connect a stereo audio cable to the VCR/DVD recorder audio L/R output connectors on the
A/V receiver and the audio L/R input connectors on the VCR/DVD recorder.
3. Connect a stereo audio cable to the audio L/R output connectors on the VCR/DVD recorder
and the VCR audio L/R input connectors on the A/V receiver.
4. Connect a composite video cable to the composite video input connector on the VCR/DVD
recorder and the composite video VCR output connector on the A/V receiver.
5. Connect a composite video cable to the composite video output connector on the VCR/DVD
recorder and the composite video VCR input connector on the A/V receiver.
6. Connect a composite video cable to the composite video input connector on the Standard-
Definition TV (SDTV) and the TV/monitor composite video output on the connector on the
A/V receiver.
Note: These video connection methods do not support HD video. If you have an HDTV, see Connecting
an HDTV — Single Connection for Video/Audio
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Connecting Your DCX Set-top
Figure 6: Connecting an A/V Receiver, SDTV, and VCR/DVD Recorder
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