Cisco PDS3121 User manual

User Manual for Cisco
PDS3121 Set-Top Box
Cisco Systems, Inc.
5030 Sugarloaf Parkway, Box 465447
Lawrenceville, GA 30042

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
Remote control
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1. TV - Switch to TV operating mode
2. POWER - Power on/o
3. STB - Switch to D3 set-top box operating mode
4. OPT - Access additional options in the D3 mode
and AV options in the TV mode
5. TEXT - Teletext on/o
6. SEARCH - Search
7. My DVR - Access recorded content
8. LIVE - Switch to live broadcast
9. RADIO - List of radio stations
10. FAV - List of favorite channels
11. EPG - Electronic Program Guide
12. INFO - Display detailed information about
programs
13, 14, 16, 17. - Navigation buttons
15. OK - Display the channel list/display options/
confirm the selected option
18. EXIT - Exit the menu
19. BACK - Return to the previous menu/switch to
the previous channel
20. MENU - Main menu
21, 24. VOLUME +/- - Volume adjustment
22. MUTE - Mute the sound
23, 26. CHANNEL +/- - Switch between channels
25. VOD - Video on Demand
27. REWIND - Rewind
28. PLAY/PAUSE - Play/pause
29. FAST FORWARD - Fast forward
30. RECORD - Record
31. STOP - Stop
32. Red button - Apps (additional applications)*
33. Green button - Content (content center)*
34. Yellow button - Previous channel
35. Blue button
36-44. Alphanumeric keys, 1-9, a-z
45. DELETE - Delete
46. 0 - Number 0/space
47. View from Start

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
CONTENTS
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Front panel ....................................................................................................... 4
Back panel ........................................................................................................ 4
Connecting the set-top to entertainment devices ................................................. 5
Initial setup ....................................................................................................... 5
Picture settings ................................................................................................. 5
Audio settings .................................................................................................. 5
PIN Code .......................................................................................................... 6
Reset settings ................................................................................................... 6
Channel blocking ............................................................................................... 6
Parental lock ..................................................................................................... 6
Accounts .......................................................................................................... 7
Favorite lists ..................................................................................................... 7
Program information ......................................................................................... 8
Options ............................................................................................................ 8
Recording – DVR options ................................................................................... 8
Recorder cache ................................................................................................. 9
Main menu .......................................................................................................10
TV and radio ....................................................................................................10
Video club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Recordings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Apps ............................................................................................................... 13
Settings .......................................................................................................... 13
View missed programing and View from start ...................................................... 14
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 15

User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
4
BACK PANEL
1. Cable In - Signal input
2. Ethernet - Output for connecting the set-top box to another set-top box*
3. Video (composite) - Connect to the composite input on your TV set
4. Stereo audio (L R) - Connect to an audio input on your TV or another device
5. Component video (Y PB PR) - Port to connect to the component input on your TV set.
6. S/PDIF - Port to connect to a digital audio input on your TV or another device
7. HDMI - Port to connect the set-top box to an HDMI port on TV
8. USB - Port for connecting storage devices*
9. IR - Extension for the remote-control sensor
10. DC In – Connection for device power adapter
FRONT PANEL
1. USB - Port for connecting storage devices*
2. Link LED indicator - Illuminated green when an IP connection is established. If a connection is unavailable, the LED
indicator will blink.
3. Standby LED indicator - Illuminated orange when the set-top box is in standby mode.
4. IR/RECORD LED indicator - Illuminated red when receiving the infrared signal from the remote control. When
recording a program, the indicator stays on.
5. Channel +/- - Switch between channels
6. Guide - Display the EPG
7. OK - Display the list of channels/Display options/Confirm the selected option
8. Volume +/- - Adjust volume
9. Standby button - Toggle between On and Standby modes

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
CONNECTING THE RECEIVER TO ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
Connect the cable delivering the cable TV signal to the Cable In input on your set-top box. You can connect the receiver to
your TV in three ways: using an HDMI cable, using the composite video out (in combination with the stereo audio signal)
and using the component video output (in combination with the stereo audio signal). Surround systems can be connected
using the S/PDIF out. Plug the receiver’s power cable into a power source.
INITIAL SETUP
When you turn the set-top box on for the first time, you first need to run a channel scan by pressing the <OK> key. After
the scan is complete, press the <OK> key again to check for the availability of a new software version. After the check is
complete, which could take a few minutes, you need to select the language and TV screen settings.
In the first window that opens, select the language in which menus will be displayed. Confirm the selected language by
pressing the <OK> button in the language selection window and then select Next. A new window will open, where you
can set the screen characteristics, such as resolution and aspect ratio. You need to confirm each change by pressing the
<OK> button. Select Next to open the next window. You can then similarly set the primary and secondary languages for
subtitles and audio record. When you finish, the system will again check for software updates.
If you wish to change these initial settings later, you can select the option Revert to Factory Settings, and the receiver will
revert the settings back to default/factory settings.
PICTURE SETTINGS
Picture settings can be changed in the Settings > Technical Settings > HDMI-YUV Output menu. Here, you can set the
resolution and aspect ratio and set video conversion from 16:9 to 4:3 and vice versa.
You can choose between the following resolutions: 576i, 576p, 720p (HD) and 1080i (HD). The Picture aspect ratio can
be set at 16:9 or 4:3.
You can also change the picture format in the Options window, which opens when you press the <Opt> key while you
are watching a program.
SOUND SETTINGS
Sound settings can be changed in the Settings > Technical Setting > HDMI-YUV Output menu, where you can choose
between PCM and EDID options under Sound preprocessing method. The EDID option represents the direct transfer
of sound in its original format, while choosing the PCM option will convert the audio signal into the PCM format. If the
device (TV or audio device) to which the receiver is connected using an HDMI cable supports the original format (AC3)
and you select the EDID option, sound will be transferred in its original format and you cannot adjust it using the set-top
box remote control. The S/PDIF out transfers the sound in its original format and cannot be adjusted using the receiver’s
remote control. When using the original sound signal, volume can be controlled via the TV or audio device to which the
receiver is connected.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
PIN NUMBER
You can change the PIN number by selecting the Change PIN option, which you will find in the Settings > Viewer settings
> Accounts menu. You can use it to change the master account PIN number. When you open this menu for the first time,
the set-top box will ask you to enter the default PIN number (1234).
RESET SETTINGS
If you wish to revert the set-top box to default/factory settings, you can do so in the Settings > Technical settings >
System information > Reset settings menu. To select this option from the menu, you will need to enter the PIN number.
Note: If you revert to default/factory settings, all your settings, reminders and planned recordings will be deleted.
CHANNEL BLOCKING
If you wish, you can block access to certain channels. Channels can be blocked in the Settings > Viewer settings > Channel
blocking menu. The same menu is also used to unblock channels. To access the Channel blocking feature, you need to enter
the PIN number. If you blocked a channel, a message will open together with the window for entering the PIN number.
The channel can also be blocked in the Options window, which you can open by pressing the <Opt> button when viewing
programs.
PARENTAL CHECK
Parental check allows you to set age ratings (6, 10, 12, 16 or 18). This means that the PIN code needs to be entered to view
programs that are rated as unsuitable for certain ages. You can also disable parental check. Parental control is enabled in
the Settings > Viewer settings > Accounts menu.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
ACCOUNTS
User accounts let you set dierent user permissions, related to parental checks, permissions to watch blocked channels,
permissions to change settings and permissions to change other user accounts. TheAccounts option is located in the menu
under Settings > Viewer settings. Here, you can add new accounts in addition to the master user account, which cannot
be deleted. Once you’ve added a new account, you must assign it a PIN number, which cannot be the same as the PIN for
the master user account or other user accounts. The master user has the broadest permissions and can change all settings.
If there are several user accounts with dierent parental check age ratings, a window will appear for entering the PIN
number when viewing certain programs, if such programs are rated for ages that are higher than the set parental check
age limit of any of the user accounts. If the PIN number is entered by a user whose age rating is set higher than the one set
for the selected program, they may view the selected program after entering the PIN. If a user doesn’t have the permission
to view the program, they will not be able to view it even after entering their PIN.
When a user enters the PIN number, whether this is done for parental check reasons or because the program is blocked,
they also need to set for how long the PIN will be valid.
FAVORITE LISTS
Using the Settings > Viewer settings > Favorite lists menu you can create a list of favorite channels or rename, edit or
delete an existing list. You can change or select a list by pressing the <Fav> key while watching a channel.
 • Ifyouwishtocreatealist,youmustrstenteranameandconrmitbypressingthe<OK> key.
 • YoumustthenopenthelistandselecttheEdit option, where you can select the channels you wish to include in
the list.
 • Onceyounishediting(adding/deletingchannelsfromthelist),pressthe<Back> key, which will save all the
changes you’ve made.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Program information is automatically displayed on the screen each time you change the channel. You can also display the
information by pressing the navigation key (up), the<Info> button or by choosing the menu option Playing now. Using the
arrow keys, you can view and search for information about the program that is currently playing, and you can also view
information about future programs on the selected and other channels. The duration the information will be displayed
on the screen depends on your settings. Pressing the <OK> key during a selected program will display the options that
are available for this program.
OPTIONS
To access the Options menu, press the <Opt> key on the remote control. Depending on which window is open, the options
allow you to: access teletext, access sound and subtitle settings, change aspect ratio, block the currently selected program
and edit the favorites list. The EPG gives you additional options, such as setting the day and period you wish to display
and editing options for the favorites list.
RECORDING - DVR OPTIONS
If you wish to use the recording options, you must connect the set-top box to a suitable storage device – an external USB
hard drive (the port is located on the front or back panel of the receiver). You need to connect just one recording device to
record content. When you first connect the storage, the screen will show a notification about disk formatting. You should
choose the option to format the disk, because this is the only way you can use it for recording.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Formatting the disk will delete all data from the device. You cannot play the recorded material
on other devices. You can only playback the content on the set-top box that was used to record it.
There are two ways of recording: recording a program or recording at a specific time.
To record a program, press the <Record> key on the remote control, if there is information available about the channel, or
choose the Record option in the menu under EPG, Detailed description of the program, Channels and Program information.
You can set safety intervals or set the time that needs to be recorded before and after the program in the Settings >
Viewer settings > Basic recording settings menu. If a program is a part of a series, you can choose to record just one
program or an entire series.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
You can also record a program you are currently viewing or while you are playing content from a storage device. If two
planned recordings overlap, the notification about recording conflict will display.
You can set the recording for a specific time by pressing the <Record> button on the remote control, if there is no information
about the program available, or by selecting the Record option in the Planned recordings submenu. When choosing this
option, select the channel and set the recording start and end times and the name of the recording. Advanced settings
also allow you to set how frequently the content will be recorded.
RECORDER CACHE
The cache function is available, if an appropriate storage device is connected. This function allows you to store up to 120
minutes of the program you are viewing. This means that the set-top box with an appropriate storage device connected
lets you store content temporarily. This way, you can pause a live broadcast or rewind it and watch it later (up to 120
minutes) without having to record it. The cache function records constantly (it is not turned on by the user). It records the
content of the program you are currently viewing from the moment you switched to this channel. The previously stored
content is deleted at this time.
The cached content is thus deleted and the recorder starts saving video again as soon as you switch to a new channel.
If the same channel is displayed for more than 120 minutes, the old content will be replaced by the new content, so that
no more than 120 minutes of programming will be stored at one time. You can return to live broadcast by pressing the
<Live> or the <Stop> button. The grey area in program information denotes the period that you cannot watch again. The
area marked in red denotes the cached period.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
MAIN MENU
To access the main menu, press the <MENU> button on the remote control. The main menu contains the following submenus:
TV and radio, Video Club, Recordings, Settings, Apps and Games.
TV AND RADIO
The TV and Radio menu contains the following options: Playing Now, EPG, Channel List, My Reminders and Search.
The Playing Now option displays information about the channel and the currently viewed program. You can also display
program information by pressing the Up arrow key or by pressing the <Info> key.
The EPG displays the schedule for the current day and for the preceding and the following days. You can also access the
EPG by pressing the <EPG> key. You can move through the EPG using navigation keys and the <Opt> key. The text in grey
shows programs that have already finished streaming. The text in white shows current and future programs. Pressing
the <OK> key during a selected program will display the options that are available for this program. If you select Info, a
detailed description of the program is displayed.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
The Channel list displays 3 channels and 3 programs, so you can see the previous, the current and 2 upcoming programs.
To open the Channel list, press <OK> at any time while viewing a program.
The Radio option lets you view radio channels. It is also available by pressing the <Radio> key.
The Set reminder option is available when selecting future programs in the EPG or when viewing a detailed program
description, the channel list and program information. The My Reminders option contains all the programs you have
selected this way. Here, you can also view a detailed description of a program or turn o the reminder. A message
window will appear one minute before the start of the show for which you set the reminder. At that time, you can select
the desired channel or program. The reminder will remain on the screen until the program starts, after which the system
will automatically switch to the channel for which you set the reminder, if you don’t perform any action in the meantime.
The Search option can be accessed from the menu or by pressing the <Search> key. The user can choose one or more
categories that they wish to search through using keywords, which can be entered in the provided search field. The results will
show all programs with the entered search word(s) in their title. The results are sorted by the category in which they appear.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
VIDEO CLUB
Video Club lets you search for titles you wish to view, watch trailers, purchase certain content and playback content you
already purchased. You can access video on demand by pressing <VOD> or from the VOD menu, if you select the Catalogue
option. Choose a genre you want to search through. Once you find the desired title, you can view its detailed description
by pressing <OK>. To purchase Video Club content, you must enter the PIN number of the master user account. While
viewing content, you can use the rewind or fast forward functions, pause it and continue viewing it or stop playback.
RECORDINGS
The Recordings menu contains the following submenus: Episodes, Series, Planned recordings and Search. In the top right
corner of any submenu screen the number shows how much storage space is still available. The Episodes menu contains
all the recorded content, unsuccessfully recorded content and content that is still being recorded. The Episodes submenu
doesn’t display the programs that are part of a series. Standalone programs can be viewed by pressing the My DVR key.
If a program is part of a series, it is marked with a plus sign under the name of the program in the EPG. If you set the
recording of all programs or several programs using the Advanced recording settings or if you select the Record series
option, the recorded content will be displayed in the Series menu. The Series menu also contains the stored content
that was recorded several times in a row at a certain set time. The recorded programs classified as ‘adult content’ are
not displayed on the recordings list. You need access the ‘hidden menu’ by pressing the <Opt> key, then enter the PIN
number for parental control.
The Planned recordings* submenu contains the option to plan recording for a specific time and displays all the planned
recordings and recording-related conflicts, if there are any.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
APPS
The Apps menu contains the Messages menu. If the operator sends you a message, an envelope will appear in the bottom
right corner of the screen and you can use this option to view the received messages. Once you open the message, the
envelope disappears.
SETTINGS
The Settings menu contains three submenus: Viewer settings, Technical settings and Help.
VIEWER SETTINGS
The Viewer settings submenu contains: Language - options for setting the menu, sound and subtitle languages and
changing the sound channel; Basic recording settings; Accounts; Favorite lists; Channel blocking; Other - here, you can
set how long the program information will stay on the screen at the beginning of program playback, how long the PIN
number stays valid and the time before the system should switch to standby mode.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
TECHNICAL SETTINGS
The Technical settings submenu contains the technical characteristics and data about the receiver, such as: Signal - data
on signal strength and quality; Software - various software programs and applications; CAS - hardware data; Video on
Demand information - data about the service area and connection status. These items cannot be changed and are only
intended for information purposes in the event of technical issues. The items than can be set: HDMI-YUV output - changing
the resolution and aspect ratio; System - changing the EPG source, checking whether a newer software version is available,
restarting the receiver and reverting to factory settings; External device - disk formatting option.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Formatting the disk will delete all data from the device.
VIEW MISSED PROGRAMMING AND START OVER
You can view certain programs that were broadcast within the last 72 hours again by using the View missed option (a program
that has already finished streaming) and the View from start option (a program that is still streaming). Programs where
one of these options is available are displayed with a blue line in the EPG, the Channel list and Program information. If you
select a program you are able to view again in the EPG, Detailed program description, Channel list or Program information
menus, you will also be able to select the View missed and View from start options. By selecting the latter option, you will
be returned to the beginning of the selected program. You can also view a program from the start by pressing the <Start-
over> (circular arrow) key on the remote control. The grey color in the EPG, the Channel list and Program information
denotes the past period for which this option is not available. The white color denotes the future period.
NOTE: When selecting the View from start option, the system will start playing the program that was streamed on the
selected channel at the start time of the selected program.
GAMES
The following games are available: Animal Memory, PlanetBloxx, Sharksweeper, Snowballs and Sudoku.

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User Manual for Cisco PDS3121 Set-Top Box
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you run into any problems using the set-top box, try restarting the device first. We have also included a few tips for
handling certain problems.
RESTARTING THE SET-TOP BOX
• Youcanrestartthedeviceinthefollowingtwoways:
• ByDisconnectingandreconnectingthepowercablefromthepoweroutletorthedevice,or
• UsingtheSettings>Technicalsettings>System>Rebootmenu.
NO PICTURE
• VerifythattheTVandthereceiverarepluggedintoanelectricaloutletthatisnotcontrolledbyawallswitch.
• Verifythatbothdevicesareturnedon.
• VerifythattheTVandtheset-topboxareproperlyconnected.
• VerifythattheTVissettotheproperinputchannel.
NO COLOR
• VerifythatthecurrentTVprogramisbroadcastincolor.
• AdjusttheTVcolorcontrols.
• Verifythatallcablesareproperlyconnected.
NO SOUND
• Verifythatallcablesareproperlyconnected.
• VerifythattheTVissettotheproperinputchannel.
• VerifythatthevolumeisturnedonbothdevicesandthattheMutefunctionisnotturnedon.
THE SET-TOP BOX IS NOT RESPONDING TO THE REMOTE CONTROL
• Removeanyobstaclesbetweentheremotecontrolandtheset-topbox.
• Checkthebatteriesandreplacethem,ifneeded.
• Placethereceiverclosertotheedgeoftheshelf.
• SomeTVs(particularlyplasmas),caninterferewiththeoperationoftheremotecontrol,becausetheyalsotransmitIR
signals. Try to move the set-top box.

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