Contemporary Research 232-ATSC User manual

Product Manual
232-ATSC
HDTV Tuner
January 19, 2009
S12 Control Version 1.8
HD Processor Version 0.68
17630 Davenport Road, Suite 113 • Dallas, TX 75252
Phone: [phone] • Toll-Free: 888-972-2728 • Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail] • Website: www.crwww.com

Contemporary Research 2 232-ATSC Digital HDTV Tuner
Table of Contents
Overview..............................................................................................................................................................3
Specifications.......................................................................................................................................................4
Physical......................................................................................................................................................................4
Front Panel.................................................................................................................................................................4
Rear Panel..................................................................................................................................................................4
Tuning .......................................................................................................................................................................5
Includes.....................................................................................................................................................................5
Options ......................................................................................................................................................................5
Trademarks................................................................................................................................................................5
Quick Setup Guide................................................................................................................................................6
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................................7
Front Panel Setup ................................................................................................................................................8
HD2-RC IR Remote ..............................................................................................................................................9
On-Screen Menus...............................................................................................................................................10
Main Menu ...............................................................................................................................................................10
Channel Menus.........................................................................................................................................................10
Caption Menus..........................................................................................................................................................12
V-Chip Settings Menus ..............................................................................................................................................12
Setup Menus ............................................................................................................................................................13
Pop-Up Menus ..........................................................................................................................................................15
RS-232 Control Protocol ....................................................................................................................................16
Control Commands....................................................................................................................................................17
Terminal Communication Commands .........................................................................................................................18
HD2-RC Remote Emulation........................................................................................................................................19
Response Strings ...............................................................................................................................................20
Response Strings ......................................................................................................................................................20
RS-232 Cable Connections.................................................................................................................................21
Rack Mounting...................................................................................................................................................22
Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................................23
Limited Warranty...............................................................................................................................................24

Overview
The 232-ATSC HDTV Tuner is an integrator-friendly universal HDTV tuner, controllable via two-way RS-232
and discrete IR commands. Able to fit two-across in a 2RU rack space, the compact tuner outputs HDMI,
RGB/Component, and composite video simultaneously. NTSC broadcasts are upscaled for HD display. Digital
audio is available from HDMI, coax, and optical connections, as well as variable-level stereo audio. Setup is
a snap, employing on-screen menus, included IR remote, front-panel programming, and RS-232 control
commands.
For home theater applications, the 232-ATSC offers no-compromise full-bandwidth image quality of local
HDTV broadcasts and can access multi-channel programs - features not supported by over-compressed cable
and satellite "HD" programming.
For commercial installations, the 232-ATSC tunes in today's and tomorrow's programming, and can receive
conventional cable channels as well as local HDTV broadcasts from an off-air antenna.
•Universal Tuning – Handles a mix of ATSC, clear QAM and NTSC channels
•Pro Integration - Features 2-way RS-232 control and feedback with simple ASCII commands, as
well as discrete IR and wired IR - AMX and Crestron modules available
•Dual Channel RF – Tune channels from switchable Cable and Off-Air RF inputs
•Fast Tuning - Changes analog and digital channels instantly with improved RF reception
•Total Video - Simultaneous HDMI, RGB/Component, and composite video output (RGB and
Component switchable)
•Total Audio - Simultaneous digital Dolby 5.1/PCM/Variable PCM HDMI, coax, and optical outputs, as
well as variable-level analog stereo
•HD Scaling - Upscales NTSC broadcasts for HD output
•Easy Set-up - Front-panel programming supported by LCD display, on-screen menus using HD2-RC
IR remote (included), and RS-232 control commands
•Closed Captioning - Displays analog and digital captioning text
•On-Screen Menus - Setup, Electronic Program Guide, Channel, Favorites, and Program Information
menus
•Compact Rack Mounting - Mounts in 2RU single RK1-HD or dual RK2-HD 19” rack kits
•Includes - HD2-RC IR wireless remote, 12 VDC switching power supply
•Green Machine - Meets RoHS safety and California energy standards
Versions
•S12 V 1.3, HD V 0.62 – Added front-panel options, improved compatibility with monitors with DVI
connections, menu option for variable-level PCM output, Zoom option for 4:3 display of 16:9 video
•S12 V1.4, HD V 0.62 – Adds Air/Cable and channel scanning to front-panel setup
•S12 V1.5 – Disables closure inputs during firmware download (enables use of fully wired COM cable)
•S12 V1.7, HD V 0.68 – Selective digital/analog scanning, overscanning, channel add and delete
•S12 V1.8 – AMX Device Discovery
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Specifications
Physical
Size (HWD): 8.5” [216mm] wide x 2.43” [62mm] height (2RU) x 8.0” [203mm] deep
Weight: 2.25 lbs [1 kg]
Enclosure: Steel with black powder coat paint
Mounting: Rack mounting for one or two units side-by-side optional (RK1-HD, RK2-HD)
Front Panel
LEDs: DC Power (Green), RS-232 RX (Yellow), RS-232 TX (Red)
Control: Power, Volume Up/Down, Channel Up/Down
Display: Red LED Channel Display, dot separated major and minor channel numbers,
Air: Dot at end of display indicates Off-Air tuning
IR: IR sensor
Rear Panel
RF In: 2 'F', female, 75 ohm impedance, Off-air and cable
User can switch between inputs
Video Output: Simultaneous HDMI, Component/RGB, NTSC video out
VideoOut:RCA composite video output, 1V p-p at 75 ohm impedance, 480i
ComponentOut: 3 RCA Y, Pr, Pb outputs (1080i/720p/480p/480i)
RGB Out: RGBHV DB-15 female (1080i/720p/480p)
HDMI:HDMI receptacle, Type A, HD video and digital audio, version 1.2 (1080i/720p/480p), HDCP
Use PCM mode if HDMI audio connection is used
Audio Output: Simultaneous HDMI, Coax, Optical, and Stereo
Digital Audio SPDIF: Coax and TOSlink optical output, Dolby 5.1 AC3/PCM/Variable PCM
Analog Audio Out: Stereo RCA audio, Mono, Stereo, or SAP, variable level
RS-232 Control: DB-9 male, RS-232 data link to control system or PC, up to 9 tuners, 300-19,200 baud
IR In: 3.5mm stereo jack for optional IR-RXC IR Receiver
Sleeve= DC power+ from power jack input, limited to less than 100mA
Ring=DC power– (GND)
Tip= IR data signal
Power In: 2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive)
1.3 A maximum, 11.5 to 15 VDC, 12 VDC typical
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Tuning
Frequency Range: ATSC and Clear QAM (cable) television 55.25 to 801.25 MHz
TV System: ATSC, NTSC, Cable, and Clear QAM (1080i/720p/480p/480i)
Tuning: Off-air 2-69 (NTSC and 8-VSB) and CATV 1-135 (Analog, 64QAM, 256QAM, 8-VSB)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 (Digital), 4:3, 16:9, Zoom (Analog channels)
Captioning: DTV and analog, set by program or customized for size, font and display attributes
Lock: Parental option for channels and/or rating
Captioning
All outputs, including composite video, display digital and analog captioning
The composite video also carries Line 21 coding when tuned to digital sources
Includes
HD2-RC IR Tuner Remote, 4 AAA batteries
Power Supply, 1.5A maximum, 12 VDC
Options
IR-RXC External IR Receiver
RK1-HD Single Rack Kit
RK2-HD Dual Rack Kit
CC-232 RS-232 Cable
Trademarks
•VGA and XGA are trademarks of International Business Machines
•SVGA is a trademark of the Video Electronics Standard Association
•HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories, Dolby and the double-D symbol are
trademarks of Laboratories
Contemporary Research 5 232-ATSC Digital HDTV Tuner

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Quick Setup Guide
Setup Step Options Notes
Front-Panel Programming
Tuning
Baud Rate
Unit #
Panel Lock
Power-Up Volume
IR Receive
Digital Audio
HD Out
HD Resolution
Hold Power button, then press
Volume Up
0.0 = Cable
1.6 = 9600 baud
2.1 = Unit 1
4.0 = Unlocked
5.0 = Restore to previous level
15.9 = On
47.0 = AC-3 (Dolby 5.1)
48.0 = RGB
49.0 = 1080i
Channel Up/Down = Mode
Volume Up/Down = Options
Default Settings, change if needed.
See Front Panel for other setting
options.
Tip: Use Volume Down to access list
in reverse for HD and Audio settings
On-Screen Menus Channels
Time
Audio
Aspect Ratio
Use included HD2-RC Remote
Menu/Channel/AutoScan
Signal
Menu/Channel/Add-Delete
Press List
(You can also set Air/Cable and scan
from front-panel programming,
Modes 0 and 6)
Menu/Setup/Time
Menu/Setup/Audio/Digital
Menu/Setup/Screen Format
You can scan for Air and Cable
View channel signal strength
Add/Remove from Chan Up/Down
Add to Favorite channel list
Fine Tune and Noise Reduction
available for analog channels
Set DST and Time Zone
AC-3 (Dolby 5.1) or PCM
4:3 or 16:9
Quick Tips
Front-Panel Options
Touch Panel Setup
Switch between Air and Cable
Mute On/Off
Press both Channel buttons
Press both Volume buttons
Include menu functions in touch
panels for installer/user setup
options.

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Troubleshooting
POWER/VIDEO OUTPUT
Symptom: Tuner appears to be on, channel display is lit, but unresponsive, no video/audio out
•This often occurs when a 232-ATSC is used to replace an old 232-series analog tuner.
•The solution is to not use the old 500 Ma power supply, and use the 1.5 Amp power supply that
comes with the ATSC. The old supply has enough juice to light up the front panel LEDs, but nothing
else.
Symptom: No video on Component Out
•The RGB and Component outputs are switchable, and the tuner ships set to RGB. Use Front Panel
Mode, next section to switch the HD analog video to Component.
HDMI
Symptom: No Video or Signal
•Most monitors accept HDMI in the RGB and Component color space, but there are exceptions. Try
switching from RGB to Component (Front panel mode 48).
•Switch between 720p and 1080i, or down to 480P or 480i for old DVI sets. (Front panel mode 49)
•If you’re connecting via a Cat5 interface, HDMI receiver, or switcher, some delay the HDCP signal
slightly out of range. Call CR Support on how to extend the delay on HDMI.
Symptom: No audio or fluttering sound in display speakers connected via HDMI
Change ATSC digital audio to PCM or PCM variable (most displays do not use Dolby 5.1)
RGB/Component
Symptom: No RGB or Component Video output
Check the RGB or Component output setting in Front Panel mode 48 (48.0 is RGB, 48.2 is Component).
Symptom: No output display on VGA input
Some monitors or projectors do not support 1080i or 720P operation on the RGB port. Set resolution in Front
Panel mode 49 (49.2 for 480P).
Composite Video
Symptom: Composite video out has small image in 16:9 setting, analog channels
•For a 4:3 set, tune to an analog channel and press RATIO on the remote to set to 16:9. Image will
fill left to right, you’ll always have a black band top and bottom.
•Set to 4:3 if you’re only feeding video to 4:3 TVs.
•Set output ratio on a digital channel as well - this a different setting than for analog channels.
•If the tuner is used for 16:9 displays and analog TVs, choose the best setting for the widescreen,
and the NTSC will have to be a compromise. Most of the time, setting the RATIO while tuned to an
analog channel and again for a digital channel will provide the best result.
IR Control
Symptom: IR remote won’t control tuner
Hold down IR remote Select, press 9, and release both. Front-panel setting should be 15.9.
Line 21 (analog) Captioning on Video Output
Symptom: Video out does not include captioning
The 232-ATSC does not pass on closed captioning codes when tuned to an analog channel. However, all
captioning from digital TV channels is converted to analog captioning on the video output.

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Front Panel Setup
To Enter a Front Panel Programming Mode:
1. Press and hold the Power button, then press the Volume Up button.
2. Release all buttons, the 232-ATSC will now be in the front-panel programming mode. The Air LED
will flash, indicating programming mode.
3. The first two digits show the mode, the second show the option.
4. Changes are saved in non-volatile memory as they are entered.
5. The Volume up/down buttons scroll through programming modes, forward and reverse.
6. The Channel up/down buttons scroll through possible options for each mode.
To Exit the Front Panel Mode
Push and release the Power button.
Mode 0-9 Parameters
RF Tune 0.0 0=CATV (Default) - Switches tuner to Cable, sets Scan mode (See mode 6)
1=Off-Air - Switches tuner to Air, sets for Off-Air channel scan
2=IRC - Switches tuner to Cable, sets Scan mode
3=HRC - Switches tuner to Cable, sets Scan mode
4=Cable Auto - Switches tuner to Cable, sets Scan mode
Baud Rate 1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
300
600
1200
2400
4800
9600
19200
Unit Number 2.1 1-9, default is 1
Not Used 3.0
Panel Lockout 4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
None
Channel up/dwn
Volume up/dwn
Channel & Volume up/dwn
Power
Channel up/dwn & Power
Volume up/dwn & Power
All
Power-up Volume 5.0 Restore previous level (default)
Firmware Version 6.17 Ex: Version 1.7 – Other options:
Hold Channel Up, then Power to restore tuner to default settings
Hold down Channel Up and Down, then press Power to scan channels, see Mode 0
to set Air and Cable
Captions 10.0 0= Captioning off (default), 1= Captioning on
Caption Mode 11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.X
1=Caption 1 (default)
2=Caption 2
3=Caption 3
4=Caption 4
5-8= Text 1-4 (rarely used)
Video Detect 12.3 No AV mute (fixed)
AV Status 13.0 No AV status (default)
Label Mode 14.2 Numeric (fixed)
IR Receive 15.9 0= Off, 9=Receive IR
Not Used 16.0
Digital Captions 17.1 1-6, Default is 1
Digital Audio 47.0
47.1
47.2
0 = AC-3– Dolby 5.1 (Default)
1 = PCM (use this or Variable for audio through HDMI)
2 = PCM Variable
HD Output 48.0
48.2 RGB (Default) Component
HD Format 49.0
49.1
49.2
49.3
0=1080i (Default)
1=720p
2=480p
3=480i

HD2-RC IR Remote
The HD2-RC IR Remote included with the 232-ATSC can be used to setup the tuner and for daily operation.
All of the functions on the remote have equivalent commands in RS-232, Ethernet, and Wired IR formats. In
addition, the 232-ATSC front panel buttons can perform Power, Channel, and Volume control.
Power
Turns tuner on and off. Discrete on and off IR commands are
available as well.
Volume Control
Use the Vol+, Vol- and Mute buttons.
Channel Selection
The key change in digital tuning is the need to add a dash (-) and
number after the traditional channel number. Analog channels are
accessed using XX-0, digital channels using XX-1 (or -2, -3, etc).
Ch+, Ch- and PrevCh can be used to access and recall channels.
Menu Operation
Press Menu to access the on-screen menus.
•Use the directional Arrows, Select and Exit to navigate the
menus.
•List displays the list of all channels, arrow keys add/remove
channels, set Favorite Channel list
•Exit steps backwards out of menus
•Enter selects menu choice
Special Functions
•CC steps through available closed-captioning options
•Audio selects audio and SAP modes
•Signal displays channel signal level
•Ratio steps through aspect ratios, options depend on
channel and output types
•Info launches on-screen information window
•A/C selects Air or Cable tuning
•Fav Displays list of favorite channels
•Guide displays on-screen Guide
Features of many of the Special Function commands depend on
whether the current channel is analog or digital.
Tip: The output rules behave differently for digital and analog
channels. When you set up the tuner, use the RATIO button to set
image output for a digital channel, then tune to an analog channel
and set that to 16:9 or 4:3. The same rule applies to the
Menu/Setup/Screen Format menus. Set for analog and digital.
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On-Screen Menus
Main Menu
Selects sub-menus.
•Arrow keys highlight option
•Select (or Enter) chooses option
•Menu steps back or exits menus
•Exit exits all menus
•Some options are only available if you are currently
tuned to an analog or digital channel
Channel Menus
Sub-Menu for Channels offers options for:
•Channel Auto-Scan
•Favorite Channel Selection
•Add/Delete Channels
•Fine Tune (If tuned to an analog channel)
•Signal Strength Meter
Auto-Scan
Starts scan of analog and digital channels for:
•Air – looks for NTSC and ATSC channels
•Cable Auto – looks for analog and digital QAM cable
channels, as well as all frequency plans
•Cable STD - standard cable spacing
•Cable HRC – HRC cable spacing
•Cable IRC – IRC cable spacing
•
Tip:
Normally, use Auto. Most cable channels will be in standard
frequencies. If all the channels tune in STD but channels 5
and 6, scan for IRC. If few channels can be found, scan for
HRC.
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Favorite Channels
Menu is also displayed from the List command, selects
channels advanced by the FAV favorite channel command.
Use the Up, Down arrows to move through the list, press
Select to add a channel to Favorites.
Channel Add/Delete
This menu can add or delete a channel accessed from Channel
Up and Down.
You can tune to a channel you want to delete, then press
Menu/Channel/Add-Delete. Press Select to delete the channel.
You can also keep the page on screen as you step through
channels, adding and deleting as desired. If the channel has a
good signal, it will be displayed in the background.
Note that HDTV channels are broadcast on UHF frequencies.
The Add/Delete will show the name of the digital channel, as
well as the actual UHF channel used for broadcasting.
You can delete one of a digital channel’s sub-channels without
affecting the others.
Signal Strength
This page also displays from the Signal remote command. The
graphic shows the current signal strength, and changes in real
time. This allows you to monitor the strength of a channel as
you adjust the antenna for best reception.
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Caption Menus
This menu accesses captioning features:
•On/Off – turn captions on/off – other options are not
available if captions are off.
•Analog Mode - CC 1-4 and Text 1-4
•Digital Mode – Service 1-6
•Digital Font Options
•Size – Standard (15 pixels), Large (21 pixels), or
Small (11 pixels)
•Style – 1-6
•Color – 8 shade of background, foreground and
edge colors
•Opacity – foreground and background
•Edge – 6 style options
Version displays current version of tuner firmware
V-Chip Settings Menus
Manages access to programming for US and Canadian
standards.
The default PIN number for access is 0000 (four zeros.
Change PIN
Enter and confirm new PIN for access.
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US Rating
Use arrows and Select functions to select level of Movie and TV
rating allowed.
Canada Rating
Use arrows and Select functions to select level of Movie and TV
rating allowed.
Setup Menus
This series of menus select the options for tuner operation:
•Screen Format – 16:9 or 4:3
NOTE: Set when tuned to a digital channel, again when
tuned to an analog channel – these are two different
settings! You can use RATIO on the remote – does the
same setting.
•Time
•Sound Settings
•Video Noise Reduction - On/Off (if tuned to analog)
Set to On – helps to clean up analog channels
•Menu Language – English, Spanish, French
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Screen Format
Selects between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. The Ratio
command can also adjust the settings.
•4:3 Display offers three options for 16:9 video: 16:9,
4:3 (stretched vertically), and Zoom (cropped sides)
•16:9 Display offers three options for 4:3 video: 4:3
(small centered), 16:9 (stretched horizontally), and
Zoom (stretched vertically and horizontally) – or 4:3
and 16:9 if the video is 16:9
Time
Sets time settings for:
•Daylight Saving – Select and choose on or off
Note – The DST trigger comes from the broadcast
stations, and may not be in sync with the new US
standards. Use On/Off or time zone to offset time
•Time Zone – Select local time Zone
Time Zone
Use left-right cursors to select the time zone, Select enters the
current zone.
Sound
Selects a variety of options, each is only active when you are
currently tuned into an analog or digital channel:
•Analog MTS – Mono, Stereo, SAP (same as Audio)
•Multi-Track – English, French, Spanish
•Digital Out – AC-3 (Dolby 5.1), PCM, or variable-level
PCM. Set to PCM when using audio through the HDMI
connection – most displays cannot decode AC-3 (Dolby
5.1).
•Auto Volume – On or off
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Pop-Up Menus
Info
Activated from Info command.
•Channel – Analog or digital, Mode, Name
•Time – current time and date
•Program – Times and name (if digital)
•Details – Resolution, Audio Mode, Captions, Rating
Guide
Shows the day’s programming guide for current station. Use
Up or Down arrows to move through Guide.
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RS-232 Control Protocol
Overview
The 232-ATSC full duplex RS-232 enables a system programmer to control all TV Tuner functions as well as
monitor TV Tuner status. All commands are sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters or
commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and buffered.
The 3 status groups are: Channel/Source Select, Audio Levels/Mode and Front Panel. The Power button-
function status from the 232-ATSC front panel has been grouped with the Channel/Source for simplicity in
the most common modes of operation. Each of the groups has one ASCII status response string containing
all of the status data for that group. The current status string of a group is sent from the 232-ATSC
whenever a valid command for that group is received by the 232-ATSC RS-232 port or front panel. A group's
status may be requested at any time via the RS-232 port. Status of all 3 groups is sent at power up. The
format of each group's status response string remains the same always.
Up to 9 232-ATSC units may be cabled together and addressed for individual control from a single RS-232
port. Each 232-ATSC is assigned a unique unit code.
Communications parameters (Front Panel Mode 1) are 300 to 19200 baud, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop
bit. Factory default is 9600 baud, Unit#1.
All settings are saved to NVRAM in the 232-ATSC.
The tuner will accept non-standard RS-232 control such as voltage that swings from 0 to +5 VDC, commonly
found when IR ports are used to send RS-232 commands.
General protocol specifications
Characters in command strings to the 232-ATSC are common ASCII keyboard characters.
Command strings sent to the 232-ATSC begin with the ASCII > (greater than symbol) as an 'Attention'
character and end with carriage return - ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard Enter - as an 'End-of-command'
character.
Responses from the 232-ATSC begin with the ASCII < (less than symbol) as an 'Attention' character and end
with a carriage return followed by line feed an ASCII LF or Hex $0A as 'End-of-command' characters.
A carriage return is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples.
Command String Structure
[Attention] (Unit#) [Command] (Parameters) [Return]
Attention Single character (>) starts the string
Unit# The Unit# is expressed as an ASCII 0-9 when used in multiple tuner applications.
To address all units, use a Unit # of 0 (Zero)
No unit number will default to Unit#1
Command A two-character command
Parameters Added attributes to some commands
Return A carriage return ends the command string, you may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard
‘Enter’ in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not
show the ‘CR’ – so remember, you’ll need to add it in your control code.
Command and Status Response
Commands can be sent back to back at any time without any delay. To allow for rapid, multiple commands,
status responses are intentionally delayed by about 125mS, sending the most current status in response to
control commands or user actions.

Contemporary Research 17 232-ATSC Digital HDTV Tuner
Control Commands
Code Function Operation
Front Panel
S4= Set front panel lockout mode 0=None
1=Channel
2=Volume
3=Channel & Volume
4=Power
5=Channel & Power
6=Volume & Power
7=All
Q5= Set IR Receive mode 0 - No IR reception
9 - CR 9 (Default)
KK=105 Menu Opens on-screen menus
KK=106 Arrow Right Arrow Left
KK=107 Arrow Left Arrow Down
KK=108 Arrow Up Arrow Up
KK=109 Arrow Down Arrow Down
KK=110 Enter Enter
KK=111 Exit Exits menus
KK=95 List Displays on-screen list to select favorite channels
P1 Power On On
P0 Power Off Standby, mutes audio and video
PT Power Off/On Power toggle
XX Power On On (same as 232-series Mute Off)
XM Power Off Standby (same as 232-series Mute On)
XT Power Off/On Power toggle (same as 232-series Mute Toggle)
Tuning
TC= Select tuned channel
Tunes analog and digital channels Examples: ‘>TC=28:1’ Selects channel 28-1
‘>TC=28-2’ Selects channel 28-2
‘>TC=32’ Selects 32-1, 32-0 if no digital
‘>TC=32-0 Selects analog channel
TU Tune channel up
Example: ‘>3TU’ Selects next higher channel in channel list Bumps Unit#3 tuned channel up
TD Tune channel down Selects next lower channel in channel list
TP Previous channel Selects previously viewed channel
T^ Start Channel Scan Initiates new channel scan for analog and digital channels, scan
operation set by D0 and S0.
S0= Tuning Format 0=CATV (Default) - Switches to Cable, sets scan mode
1=Off-Air - Switches tuner to Air RF input and channels
2=IRC - Switches to Cable, sets scan mode
3=HRC - Switches to Cable, sets scan mode
4=Cable Auto - Switches to Cable, sets scan mode
D0= Set Channel Scan Mode Sets scan mode for digital and analog channels from the T^ or
front panel scan command.
0= Scans for analog and digital channels scan (default)
1= Scans for digital only, deletes analog channels
2= Scans for digital only, keeps analog channels
3= Scans for analog only, deletes digital channels
4= Scans for analog only, keeps digital channels
XD= Channel delete XD=<major>,<minor> removes channel from channel list.
Example: ‘>XD=0,0’ removes current channel
XA= Channel add XA=<major>,<minor>,<physical> adds channel
Example: ‘>XA=38,1,0’ Physical channel will be same as major
KK=153 Air Sets tuner for antenna (Off-Air) tuning
KK=154 Cable Sets tuner for cable tuning
KK=88 Favorite Steps through favorite channels (selected in List menu)

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Code Function Operation
Display
KK=149 RGB Out Selects RGB output and colorspace
KK=151 YPbPr Out Selects Component (YPbPr) output and colorspace
D4= Overscan (0-9)% Removes upper scan lines that may appear in RGB output,
affects all outputs, 0% is default setting.
Example: ‘>D4=3’ Overscan by 3% (typical solution)
KK=82 Ratio Steps through aspect ratios, options depend on channel and
output types
KK=81 Signal Displays signal Strength
KK=100 Info Launches on-screen information window
KK=62 Guide Displays Electronic Program Guide
KK=115 CC – Closed captions Steps through captioning options
Q0= Caption Mode Off (0-2)
Example: ‘>Q0=0’ or ‘>Q00’
Sets captioning mode
0=Captioning off (default)
1=Captioning on
Captioning off
Q1= Captioning Type (1-8) Turns on captioning type
1=Caption 1 (normal setting for most captioning)
2=Caption 2
3=Caption 3
4=Caption 4
5-8= Text 1-4 (rarely used)
Q7= Digital Caption Service Set to 1-6 (1 is default)
Audio
VU Ramp volume up Starts volume ramping up
VD Ramp volume down Starts volume ramping down
VH Sets volume level 0-100 Volume level, scaled in 100 steps
VL Sets volume level 0-63 Volume level, scaled in 63 steps, as other 232 tuners
VX Volume Mute off Restores audio volume to previous level
VM Volume Mute on
Example: ‘>VM’ Turns off audio outputs Mutes audio outputs
VV Stop volume ramp Stops volume ramping
VT Toggle Volume Mute Alternates audio mute on and off
KK=85 Audio Mode Step through audio mode options for mono, stereo, SAP
Status Request
SQ Request Q Mode status Unit sends “Q” Mode status string
SS Request Front Panel status Unit sends “S” Front Panel status string
ST Request Channel status
Example: ‘>ST’ Unit sends “T” Channel/Source status string Returns Channel/Source status response string
SV Request AV status Unit sends “V” Audio status string
A carriage return is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples. The ‘=’ sign for
parameters may be omitted if desired, though it is helpful for clarity in checking programming.
Terminal Communication Commands
EF Echo Off Characters received will not be re-transmitted (power up default).
EN Echo On Characters received will be re-transmitted.
Example: ‘>EN’ Characters received will be re-transmitted.
ID Product ID Returns the product model number and firmware version.
Z! Zap Reconfigures unit for all factory default settings.

Contemporary Research 19 232-ATSC Digital HDTV Tuner
HD2-RC Remote Emulation
You can also emulate IR commands sent from the CR HD2-RC Wireless Remote. If you are using the numeric
keys to select a channel, the user or program will need to follow the numeric command with an Enter.
.KK=<key> * = Reserved for future
products/applications
0=*
1=*
2=*
3=*
4=*
5=*
6=*
7=*
8=*
9=Power (tog)
10=0
11=1
12=2
13=3
14=4
15=5
16=6
17=7
18=8
19=9
20=
21=Enter/Select
22=Ch Up
23=Ch Dn
24=Vol Up
25=Vol Dn
26=Vol Mute (tog)
27=Power On
28=Power Off
29=Menu
63=Guide
80=Freeze
81=Signal
82=Ratio
85=Audio
88=Favorite
95=List
96=Add/Delete Channel
98=Air/Cable
99=Dash -
100=Info
101=Prev Chan
105=Menu
106=Cur Rightt
107=Cur Left
108=Cur Up
109=Cur Down
110=Enter/Select
111=Exit
115=CC
141=Format 1080i
142=Format 720p
143=Format 480p
144=Format 480i
149=Output RGB
151=Output YPbPr
153=Air
154=Cable
155=16:9 Ratio Pillar Box
4:3 Ratio Letterbox
156=16:9 Ratio Full Wide
4:3 Ratio Full
156=16:9 Ratio V Zoom
4:3 Ration H Zoom
158=AC-3(Dolby 5.1)
159=PCM
160=PCM Variable
161=Display 16:9
162=Display 4:3

Contemporary Research 20 232-ATSC Digital HDTV Tuner
Response Strings
Response Strings
Typical: [Attention] [Unit#] [data ...data] [cr] [lf]
232-ATSC status response strings contain ASCII characters similar to those used for the same functions in
command strings. An ASCII 'carriage return' and ‘line feed' follow each response string. Functions shown as
N/A are not applicable or available in the 232-ATSC; characters will appear in status strings as lower-case x.
Channel/Source Status Response String (T):
Start # CMD Power Major
Channel Video
Mute Input RF
Received
Resolution
Minor
Channel NA Function
1-9 U=On
M=Off 3 digits Un-
muted
0=RF
A=Air
C=Cable 0=1080i
1=720p
2=480p
3=480i
N=No Sig
3 digits 0=None
< 1 T U 032 U 0 A 0 002 x 0
For compatibility with 232-series tuners, 232-ATSC (XXX-XX) channels are split into Channel 1 (Major) and
Channel 2 (Minor) sections.
Audio Status Response String (V):
Start Unit CMD Power Volume 1 Volume Mute Stereo Volume 2
1-9 U=On
M=Off 0-63 Emulated level
2 digits
U=Unmuted
M=Mute N/A 0-100 Actual level
3 digits
< 1 V U 63 U x 100
Volume 1 emulates 232-series volume level for compatibility with existing applications.
Volume 2 shows actual 232-ATSC level, from 0-100 steps.
Front Panel Mode Status Response String (S):
Start Unit CMD Audio Tune
Mode Lockout Bass
Treble Output Output
Resolution
Output
Setting NA
1-9 N/A 0=Cable
1=Air
2=IRC
3=HRC
3=Auto
0-7 Fixed
2 digits Fixed 0=RGB
2=YPbPr
0=1080i
1=720p
2=480p
3=480i
0=1080i
1=720p
2=480p
3=480i
4
digits
< 1 S x 1 0 08 4 2 0 0 xxxx
Current Ratio is the actual output ratio; Ratio Mode is the selected mode (see chart on page 9)
Q Mode Response String (Q):
Start Unit CMD Q0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 NA
1-9 CC
0=Off
1=On
CC
Type
1-8
Video
Detect
(fixed)
AV
Detect
(fixed)
Label
(fixed) IR
0=Off
9=Normal
1 digit Digital
CC 1-6 2 digits
< 1 Q 1 1 3 0 2 9 0 1 xx