Diamond Multimedia XtremeTV PVR 550 User manual

XtremeTV PVR550/PVR550RC
Quick Start Guide
©2005 Diamond Multimedia. All rights reserved. p/n: 40024 version 1.1

Table of Contents
System Requirements Page 1
Package Contents Page 2
Introduction Page 3
Hardware Installation Page 4
Setup Options Page 6
PVR Only On a PC Page 7
With VCR Connected Page 8
Full Media Center Page 9
Using a Television for the Display Page 10
Adding Video Input & Outputs Page 11
Installing Your Cable TV Connection Page 11
Installing a VCR Connection Page 12
Connecting a Television Set Page 13
Driver Installation Page 14
Software Installation Page 16
Beyond TV Page 16
Firefly Page 19
Beyond Media Page 20
Troubleshooting Page 21
Product Support Information Page 22

PAGE 1
XtremeTV PVR550/PVR550RC
System Requirements
•Microsoft® Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro
(Service Pack 2 is recommended for XP based systems)
•DirectX® 9.0 (or greater)
•Windows® Media Player 9
•800 MHZ CPU or above
•256 MB RAM
•15 GB Hard Free Drive Space
•Television source: Antenna, analog cable, digital cable*, or
satellite*
•Internet access (Broadband connection preferable)
* Requires set top decoder box from cable or satellite provider
• Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform
installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration of this
product during an electrical storm.
• Discharge static electricity from your body before
you touch this product or any part inside your com-
puter and periodically while you work inside your
PC. You can do so by touching the unpainted back
part of your computer chassis.
Please make sure to read all the instructions thoroughly
before attempting the installation of this product.
• The power cord must be connected to a properly wired
and grounded receptacle.
Safety Notices

Package Contents
Please verify your package
contains the following items.
XtremeTV PVR card RCA Video Cable
Audio Breakout Cable S-Video Cable
Quick Start Guide Warranty Card
Installation CD Firefly Remote Control
(PVR550RC version Only)
PAGE 2

PAGE 3
Introduction To The Diamond XtremeTV
Welcome to XtremeTV! The main purpose of XtremeTV is to act as a
PVR (Personal Video Recorder). This means that you can program
XtremeTV in advance to record multiple shows from different channels,
each starting at different times. Once the shows are recorded you can
easily view them at a later date.
Rewind a live TV show if you missed part of the show
XtremeTV also has a timeshift buffer built in which allows you to rewind
the live TV display back to a specified time (if the channel was selected
for playback during the requested time period).
Integrated Live Program Guide
There is an integrated live program guide which shows you a listing of
current and upcoming TV shows in your area, displayed in a graph with
the channel numbers, names of the shows, and start and stop times. You
simply click the name of a show you would like to see and if it is current-
ly playing you can immediately start viewing the show. If it is a show in
the near future you will be prompted to schedule it for a recording.
Supports multiple inputs
You can connect up to 3 different video feed inputs to XtremeTV simulta-
neously (only 1 at a time can be viewed). The card features 3 inputs:
coaxial, RCA, and s-video. Coaxial is generally used for cable TV and
antenna broadcasts. RCA and s-video can be used for camcorders and
VCR’s. Please check with your equipment manufacturers to find out
which outputs they suport.
View your VHS tapes through XtremeTV
By attaching a VCR to XtremeTV you can record a digital copy of all your
favorite recordings that were saved on VHS tape to further preserve
them. You can also use XtremeTV to play back VHS tapes from your
VCR.
Use XtremeTV to tune your television set
If your computer is located near a TV set it may be possible for you to
view XtremeTV through your TV set. This means that your computer will
act as the tuner for your TV set. Live TV and recorded shows could be
viewed through your TV set.

PAGE 4
If there is a metallic slot cover plate on the rear of the
computer which is lined up with the PCI slot that you are
installing XtremeTV into please remove it.
If you are not familiar with this procedure, you should consult
your computer user manual for specific instructions.
XtremeTV Hardware Installation
1. Shutdown Windows and turn off the power to the computer.
2. Remove the cover to the computer. (see below)
3. Locate an available PCI slot on the motherboard. (see below)

PAGE 5
5. Insert the XtremeTV firmly into the PCI slot. The card should snap into
place.
Be sure the bracket is lined up properly; then screw the
bracket into the computer frame using the screw you
removed from the slot cover plate. Be sure the gold contacts
are seated evenly into the connector.
6. Reinstall the cover to your computer.
This completes the XtremeTV hardware installation.
Do not turn on the power to the computer yet. You will be asked to power
on the computer at the driver installation section.
Please continue to the next page, which describes how to connect a
video source to the XtremeTV card.

PAGE 6
XtremeTV Setup Options
You can connect virtually any video signal to the XtremeTV card for view-
ing and recording purposes. Some examples include cable TV, satellite
TV, or a VCR.
You may use either coaxial, composite RCA, or s-video cables to connect
your video source to the XtremeTV card. XtremeTV can support up to 3
devices at a time (1 of each type of connection: coaxial, RCA & s-video).
Setup Options (Do not install cables until page 8.)
There are 4 main ways that you can setup XtremeTV:
1. XtremeTV as a PVR for viewing on a PC only
2. XtremeTV as a PVR with VCR playback for viewing on a PC only
3. XtremeTV as a media center for viewing on PC only with audio
output to your home stereo system.
4. Adding the ability for TV output to any of the above scenarios
The following pages illustrate each of the above scenarios and advise
you about additional cables and connectors that will need to be used.
Specific instructions on how to connect each device can be found on the
pages immediately following these basic diagrams.

PAGE 7
Option #1: PVR Only On A PC
The most common use for this product will be as a personal video
recorder (PVR) only. This means that your cable TV signal will be input to
the computer for the viewing and recording of TV shows on your PC.
After recording a show you can use video authoring software to burn the
show to a DVD that can be viewed on your TV using your home DVD
player.
The illustration below shows a basic diagram of the actual connection
needed for using XtremeTV as a PVR.
You will need to use a standard coaxial cable (not included) to connect
the XtremeTV card to the cable TV wall outlet. Please do not install the
actual cable at this time. The instructions to install the coaxial cable will
follow on page 10.

PAGE 8
Option #2: PVR with VCR Connected
(Refer to the diagram above for the cable locations listed below.)
The following cables are needed when XtremeTV is used for live TV
and a VCR.
Location Type of cable Included with XtremeTV
A Coaxial cable NO
B RCA or S-video YES
C RCA stereo patch cable NO
C Audio breakout cable YES
Please refer to page 12 for exact instructions for connecting a VCR to the
XtremeTV card.
This scenario is the same as the previous scenario, however a VCR is
input to XtremeTV as well.
You can watch and record home videos and other tapes through
XtremeTV.
After recording a show you can use video authoring software to burn the
show to a DVD that can be viewed on your TV using your home DVD
player.(A trial version of this software can be found on the installation
CD.)
The illustration below shows a basic diagram of the actual connections
needed for using XtremeTV as a PVR with a VCR attached.

PAGE 9
Option #3: Full Media Center
(refer to the diagram above for the cable locations)
The following cables are needed when XtremeTV is a media center.
Location Type of cable Included with XtremeTV
A Coaxial cable NO
A Cable TV splitter NO
B Coaxial cable NO
C Coaxial cable NO
D Audio breakout cable NO
D S-video cable YES
E Audio breakout cable YES
E. RCA stereo patch cable NO
E. RCA video cable YES
This scenario is the same as the previous scenario, however a home
stereo system has been added.
When your home stereo is connected to your PC you can hear the live TV
through your home stereo system speakers. You can also be able to play
audio CDs and MP3s through your home stereo system. All of the sound
effects in Microsoft Windows will be played through your home stereo
system.
The diagram below shows all of the necessary cables and connections
that need to be made. The list below the diagram describes each cable
type that is required and advises you which extra cables you may need
to purchase.

PAGE 10
Option #4: Using A Television For The Display
You can use either a RCA or S-Video cable to connect your computer to
your TV set. S-Video provides a much clearer picture and is therefore the
preferred choice. Not all TV sets have S-video inputs, and in those cases
you should use the RCA cable to connect to the TV set.
Please refer to page 13 for the instructions to connect your computer to
your TV set.
You can connect your PC to your telvision set if your card features TV out-
put. If you do not have a TV card with TV output please check your store
for the latest video cards by Diamond Multimedia. Most Diamond
Multimedia video cards feature TV output.
The illustration below shows a basic diagram of the actual connections
needed for viewing XtremeTV through your TV set.
TV COMPUTER

PAGE 11
1. Remove the coaxial extender from the Xtreme TV card by pulling
it straight out from the back of the card. (see below)
Installing Your Cable TV Connection
Parts required for the following steps
1 coaxial extender (included on XtremeTV card)
1 coaxial cable (not included)
Optional Parts
2 extra coaxial cables (not included)
1 coaxial splitter (not included)
1 S-Video or RCA cable (included)
2. Connect a coaxial cable to the coaxial extender that you removed
from the card in the previous step. The coaxial cable should screw
onto the threaded end of the coaxial extender. (see below)
3. Connect the coaxial extender to the XtremeTV card.
Instructions

PAGE 12
You can connect a VCR to the XtremeTV card by using a coaxial, RCA,
or s-video cable. You can attach the VCR as the primary or secondary
device to the XtremeTV card.
We recommend connecting your VCR to the XtremeTV card through the
RCA type connector, which can be found on the back of the XtremeTV
card and on the back of most VCRs.
Installing A VCR Connection
1. Connect one end of the included RCA cable to the RCA Video Out
connector on the back of your VCR.
2. Connect the other end of the RCA cable to the yellow RCA con-
nector on the back of the XtremeTV card as shown in the illustration
below.
3. Attach the red and white connectors on one end of an RCA cable
to the left and right audio connectors on the back of your VCR.
Attach the connectors on the other end of this cable to the female
connectors on the audio breakout cable (included in the box).
4. Connect the remaining end of the audio breakout cable
to the AUDIO IN connector on the back of the XtremeTV
card as illustrated above.
This completes the VCR connection instructions.

PAGE 13
Back of video card
Back of TV set
s-video connector S-video to RCA converter
(not included)
RCA VIDEO IN
Connecting a Television Set (optional)
1. Connect the RCA or s-video cable provided with XtremeTV into the
appropriate connector on the back of your video card.
2. Connect the opposite end of the RCA or s-video cable into the
matching connector on the back of your TV set.
Note: After connecting an s-video or RCA cable from your video card to
your TV set you will need to set your TV for the correct input selection.
Please refer to your TV manufacturer’s instructions for exact steps.
Note: After setting your TV set to the correct input selection you will also
need to enable the TV output on your video card. Please refer to
your video card manufacturers instructions for exact steps.
If your video card has support for TV output it is possible to connect an
s-video or RCAcable from the TV output on your video card to the match-
ing s-video or RCA connector on the back of your TV.
S-VIDEO IN
Back of TV set

XtremeTV Driver Installation
Follow the steps in this section to install the driver.
Please do NOT insert the installation CD until step 3.
The Found New Hardware Wizard will be visible after booting up your PC
for the first time with the card installed. Windows XP with Service Pack 2
installed or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 will receive the
screen below, otherwise continue to step 2.
PAGE 14
1. Click the Cancel button.
2. Click the Cancel button.

PAGE 15
XtremeTV Driver Installation (continued)
3. Insert the XtremeTV Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive and wait
for the menu to appear.
4. Click the Driver Installation button.
The following screen will appear.
5. Click the Install button.
6. Click the OK button to complete the driver installation.

PAGE 16
CUSTOMERS WITH BEYOND TV ONLY
(Please check Installation CD for details)
Beyond TV Installation
Beyond TV is only required if you are not running Windows XP Media
Center Edition. The software will also function within Windows XP
Media Center Edition, though it is not needed since the operating sys-
tem contains PVR software built in.
NOTE: If you purchased a version of Diamond XtremeTV without
Beyond TV, you can purchase Beyond TV separately at
www.DiamondMM.com
1. Insert the XtremeTV Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive and
wait for the menu to appear.
2. Click the Snapstream Software button on the menu.
3. Click the Beyond TV button on the menu.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

PAGE 17
4. Click the Next button.
5. Click the I Agree button.
6. Type the Beyond TV product key located on the front of this quick
start guide. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)