DirecTV L12 User manual

DIRECTV®
RECEIVER USER GUIDE
Model: L12
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 1 2/6/08 12:47:16 PM

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this product
to rain or moisture. The apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall
be placed on the apparatus
TIP
We highly recommend plugging
the DIRECTV Receiver into a surge
protector to prevent damage from
fluctuations in your power supply.
Safety & Care
Your DIRECTV Receiver has been designed and manufactured to stringent quality and safety
standards. You should, however, be aware of the following important precautions for safe and optimal
use of the equipment.
Meaning of symbols printed on the rear panel of the product:
e “ bolt of lightning” indicates un-insulated material within your unit may cause an electrical
shock. For the safety of everyone in your household, please do not remove product covering.
e “exclamation point” calls attention to features for which you should read the enclosed
literature closely to prevent operating and maintenance problems.
is symbol indicates that this product incorporates double insulation between hazardous
mains voltage and user accessible parts. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
Power Consumption: 100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz AC, 25 Watts
Important Safety Instructions
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: Tor e d u c e T h e r i s k o f
e l e c T r i c s h o c k , d o n o T r e m o v e
c o v e r (o r b a c k ).
nou s e r -s e r v i c e a b l e p a r T s insi d e .
re f e r s e r v i c i n g T o q u a li f i ed s e r v i c e
p e r s o n n e l .
!
Safety & Care
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 2 2/6/08 12:47:21 PM

9) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
11) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
12) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as 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.
• CAUTION:eDIRECTVReceivershouldnotbeusednearwater(forexample,kitchensink,
bathtub, pool, damp basement). Also, never spill liquid on the receiver, and do not place vessels
containing liquid on top of it.
Note to Satellite Dish Installer
This reminder is provided to call your attention to articles 810 and 820 of the 2002 National Electrical Code. Refer
to article 810, in particular 810-1 and 810-15, for required grounding of the metal structure of the dish antenna.
Refer also to the 810-2 which, by reference to article 820, requires that the satellite dish coaxial cable shield be
connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical. iii
Safety & Care
Safety & Care
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 3 2/6/08 12:47:23 PM

• Ensureproperventilation—theventslotsontheDIRECTVReceivermustbeleftuncovered
to allow proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airflow to the unit could impair performance or
damage your receiver and other components.
• DonotstackelectroniccomponentsorotherobjectsontopoftheDIRECTVReceiver.Also,do
not stack the receiver on top of a “hot component” such as an audio power amplifier.
• Protectyourcomponentsfrompowersurgesbyconnectingallthecomponentsbeforepluggingany
power cords into the wall outlet. Use of a surge protector is also recommended.
• Don’toverloadpoweroutletsorextensioncords,whichcanresultintheriskofreorshock.It’s
also important to use only the type of power source indicated on the marking label or in this
manual.
• Topreventelectricalshock,thisapparatusshallbeconnectedtoamainssocketoutletwitha
protective earthing and fully inserted.
• Avoidaudiohumorinterferencebyinsertingallcableplugsrmlyintotheirjacks.Also,place
Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the sides of the TV back panel rather than down the middle once
connected. Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from A/V cables as much as
possible.
• NeverinsertobjectsofanykindintoanyopeningsintheDIRECTVReceiver(otherthanthe
DIRECTV®Access Card as detailed in this chapter).
• Placeitonaat,hardsurface—donotoperatetheDIRECTVReceiveronacarpetorother
padded surface.
• AlwaysunplugyourDIRECTVReceiverbeforemovingit.
• AlwaysunplugtheDIRECTVReceiver,TVandotherequipmentbeforeyouconnector
disconnect any cables.
• Leavethemainpowerconnectoraccessiblethemainsconnectoratthebackoftheunitincaseof
emergency shutdown
• CAUTION:ElectricShock—neverattempttodisassembletheDIRECTVReceiveryourself;
always take it to a qualified service person when repair is required. Opening or removing covers
may expose dangerous voltage or other risks, and incorrect reassembly can cause shock when
receiver is subsequently used. Attempted self-repair may also void your warranty. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance (by the warranty or
by the manufacturer) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• DonotdropyourDIRECTVReceiverandalwaysmoveitwithcare.
• HaveyourDIRECTVReceiverprofessionallyserviced(donotattempttoserviceityourself)
• Anychangesormodicationsinconstructionofthisdevicewhicharenotexpresslyapprovedby
the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For your information:
e identification sticker can be located underneath or on the back of your receiver.
e telecommunication network voltage used is the category number 3.
IMPORTANT: Be sure not
to place your DIRECTV
Receiver near anything
WET or HOT!
Important
Important: This device incorporates an anticopy process technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellec-
tual property rights. The anticopy process is licensed for non-commercial, home use only. Reverse engineering or disas-
sembly is prohibited. Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Safety & Care
Safety & Care
iv Safety & Care
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 4 2/6/08 12:47:28 PM

v
• Ensureproperventilation—theventslotsontheDIRECTVReceivermustbeleftuncovered
to allow proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airflow to the unit could impair performance or
damage your receiver and other components.
• DonotstackelectroniccomponentsorotherobjectsontopoftheDIRECTVReceiver.Also,do
not stack the receiver on top of a “hot component” such as an audio power amplifier.
• Protectyourcomponentsfrompowersurgesbyconnectingallthecomponentsbeforepluggingany
power cords into the wall outlet. Use of a surge protector is also recommended.
• Don’toverloadpoweroutletsorextensioncords,whichcanresultintheriskofreorshock.It’s
also important to use only the type of power source indicated on the marking label or in this
manual.
• Topreventelectricalshock,thisapparatusshallbeconnectedtoamainssocketoutletwitha
protective earthing and fully inserted.
• Avoidaudiohumorinterferencebyinsertingallcableplugsrmlyintotheirjacks.Also,place
Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the sides of the TV back panel rather than down the middle once
connected. Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from A/V cables as much as
possible.
• NeverinsertobjectsofanykindintoanyopeningsintheDIRECTVReceiver(otherthanthe
DIRECTV®Access Card as detailed in this chapter).
• Placeitonaat,hardsurface—donotoperatetheDIRECTVReceiveronacarpetorother
padded surface.
• AlwaysunplugyourDIRECTVReceiverbeforemovingit.
• AlwaysunplugtheDIRECTVReceiver,TVandotherequipmentbeforeyouconnector
disconnect any cables.
• Leavethemainpowerconnectoraccessiblethemainsconnectoratthebackoftheunitincaseof
emergency shutdown
• CAUTION:ElectricShock—neverattempttodisassembletheDIRECTVReceiveryourself;
always take it to a qualified service person when repair is required. Opening or removing covers
may expose dangerous voltage or other risks, and incorrect reassembly can cause shock when
receiver is subsequently used. Attempted self-repair may also void your warranty. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance (by the warranty or
by the manufacturer) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• DonotdropyourDIRECTVReceiverandalwaysmoveitwithcare.
• HaveyourDIRECTVReceiverprofessionallyserviced(donotattempttoserviceityourself)
• Anychangesormodicationsinconstructionofthisdevicewhicharenotexpresslyapprovedby
the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For your information:
e identification sticker can be located underneath or on the back of your receiver.
e telecommunication network voltage used is the category number 3.
Important
Important: This device incorporates an anticopy process technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellec-
tual property rights. The anticopy process is licensed for non-commercial, home use only. Reverse engineering or disas-
sembly is prohibited. Unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Safety & Care v
Safety & Care
Safety & Care
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 5 2/6/08 12:47:33 PM

Chapter 1
Getting Started
vi
Chapter 1
DVR Controls
RECORD
Press once to record live TV or in the Guide.
Press twice to record a series.
REPLAY
Jumps back six seconds. Hold down to jump back to the beginning.
PAUSE
Pauses current video or live TV.
ADVANCE
Jumps ahead to live TV after a pause. Hold down to jump forward to
the end.
PLAY
Plays current video. Press and hold for slow motion.
STOP
In recorded TV, stops playback.
FAST FORWARD
Press up to four times to fast-forward at increasing FF speeds.
Jumps forward to Bookmarks in a recorded show.
REWIND
Press up to four times to rewind at increasing speeds.
Jumps backwards to Bookmarks in a recorded show.
DASH
Press twice to delete recorded shows from your list.
Press once to delete a Bookmark in recorded shows.
LIST
Displays recorded programs on DIRECTV Plus.
Great TV viewing is in your
hands!
A good way to begin learning about your
DIRECTV®System is to familiarize yourself with the
remote control. You’ll find further details throughout the
User Guide relating to specific functions.
Navigating 101
You’ll find you can get around nearly all onscreen menus
the same simple way.
4Highlight… a menu or button by using the ARROW
keys (up, down, left and right).
4Choose it… by pressing SELECT while the item is
highlighted.
Note: Don’t worry about getting stuck in a menu. You can
always press EXIT to return to video.
Equipment Controls
TV INPUT
Press to select the available input of equipment connected to your TV
FORMAT
Cycles through HD resolution and screen format options. (Not used with
DIRECTV Plus DVR)
MODE SWITCH
Slide Switch to control other equipment.
Left position controls DIRECTV receiver.
Note: Other equipment must be programmed individually.
POWER
Use with MODE SWITCH to turn DIRECTV receiver and/or other
equipment on/off.
Note: Turning off receiver before TV may result in gray or black screen.
RECEIVER & TV ON/OFF
Turns both your DIRECTV receiver and TV on/off at the same time.
Notes: Remote must be programmed for your TV to use this function.
Receiver still records when off.
MUTE
Turns the Sound on or off.
VOLUME
Rises or lowers the sound level
Navigation Controls
GUIDE
Press once to see different On-Screen Program Guide categories. Press
twice to display the General DIRECTV Program Guide.
ACTIVE
Displays DIRECTV mosaic - channel 100 (Not available on all DIRECTV
Receivers).
LIST
Displays your TO DO list of programs (Not available on all DIRECTV
receivers).
EXIT
Exits any menu screens and Programming Guide to return to last
channel viewed.
SELECT
Selects any highlighted item.
ARROWS
Allows you to move around in Program Guide and menu screens.
BACK
Returns to previously displayed screen.
MENU
Displays the Quick menu when in DIRECTV mode or other menu for
another selected device.
INFORMATION
Displays current channel and program information when watching
live TV or in the Guide.
PREVIOUS
Tunes to last channel viewed.
NUMBERS: 0 - 9
Press keys to directly enter channel (e.g. 730)
ENTER
Speeds up channel tuning. Sets up Autotune for L12 receiver.
CHANNEL/PAGE
Changes channels in live TV.
Scrolls a full page in the Programming Guide.
Interactive Controls
RED
In the Guide, jumps 12 hours back.
In some menus, cycles through available menu options.
GREEN
In the Guide, jumps 12 hours forward.
Inserts Bookmarks on recorded programs.
In some menus, cycles through available menu options.
BLUE
In full-screen TV, displays the Mini Guide.
In recorded lists, marks show to prevent automatic removal.
YELLOW
In full-screen TV, cycles through alternate audio tracks.
To place batteries in your remote control:
1. Remove cover from the battery compartment by sliding it downward.
2. Insert 2 AA batteries (supplied), matching the positive (+) and negative (–) at each end.
3. Slide the cover back on to complete installation.
Quick Tip
To program your remote control:
1. See “Programming Your Remote
Control” on page 20.
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 6 2/6/08 12:47:46 PM

Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Section Title
vii
DVR Controls
RECORD
Press once to record live TV or in the Guide.
Press twice to record a series.
REPLAY
Jumps back six seconds. Hold down to jump back to the beginning.
PAUSE
Pauses current video or live TV.
ADVANCE
Jumps ahead to live TV after a pause. Hold down to jump forward to
the end.
PLAY
Plays current video. Press and hold for slow motion.
STOP
In recorded TV, stops playback.
FAST FORWARD
Press up to four times to fast-forward at increasing FF speeds.
Jumps forward to Bookmarks in a recorded show.
REWIND
Press up to four times to rewind at increasing speeds.
Jumps backwards to Bookmarks in a recorded show.
DASH
Press twice to delete recorded shows from your list.
Press once to delete a Bookmark in recorded shows.
LIST
Displays recorded programs on DIRECTV Plus.
Equipment Controls
TV INPUT
Press to select the available input of equipment connected to your TV
FORMAT
Cycles through HD resolution and screen format options. (Not used with
DIRECTV Plus DVR)
MODE SWITCH
Slide Switch to control other equipment.
Left position controls DIRECTV receiver.
Note: Other equipment must be programmed individually.
POWER
Use with MODE SWITCH to turn DIRECTV receiver and/or other
equipment on/off.
Note: Turning off receiver before TV may result in gray or black screen.
RECEIVER & TV ON/OFF
Turns both your DIRECTV receiver and TV on/off at the same time.
Notes: Remote must be programmed for your TV to use this function.
Receiver still records when off.
MUTE
Turns the Sound on or off.
VOLUME
Rises or lowers the sound level
Navigation Controls
GUIDE
Press once to see different On-Screen Program Guide categories. Press
twice to display the General DIRECTV Program Guide.
ACTIVE
Displays DIRECTV mosaic - channel 100 (Not available on all DIRECTV
Receivers).
LIST
Displays your TO DO list of programs (Not available on all DIRECTV
receivers).
EXIT
Exits any menu screens and Programming Guide to return to last
channel viewed.
SELECT
Selects any highlighted item.
ARROWS
Allows you to move around in Program Guide and menu screens.
BACK
Returns to previously displayed screen.
MENU
Displays the Quick menu when in DIRECTV mode or other menu for
another selected device.
INFORMATION
Displays current channel and program information when watching
live TV or in the Guide.
PREVIOUS
Tunes to last channel viewed.
NUMBERS: 0 - 9
Press keys to directly enter channel (e.g. 730)
ENTER
Speeds up channel tuning. Sets up Autotune for L12 receiver.
CHANNEL/PAGE
Changes channels in live TV.
Scrolls a full page in the Programming Guide.
To place batteries in your remote control:
1. Remove cover from the battery compartment by sliding it downward.
2. Insert 2 AA batteries (supplied), matching the positive (+) and negative (–) at each end.
3. Slide the cover back on to complete installation.
Quick Tip
To program your remote control:
1. See “Programming Your Remote
Control” on page 20.
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 7 2/6/08 12:47:49 PM

16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 8 2/6/08 12:47:53 PM

ix
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 9 2/6/08 12:47:54 PM

x
Chapter 1
x
Chapter 1 – Getting Started
Welcome ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Making the Right Connections .................................................................................................. 3
Hardware Reference.................................................................................................................... 4
Getting Familiar ......................................................................................................................... 7
Choose Your Setup.................................................................................................................... 10
Guided Setup & Activation ...................................................................................................... 18
Programming Your Remote Control ......................................................................................... 20
Chapter 2 – What’s On
Watching TV............................................................................................................................ 24
e Guide ................................................................................................................................. 26
Autotune................................................................................................................................... 28
Pay Per View ............................................................................................................................. 30
Contents
Chapter 3 – The Quick Menu
Using the Quick Menu ............................................................................................................. 32
Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Audio Options .......................................................................................................................... 34
Category Sort............................................................................................................................ 35
Pay Per View ............................................................................................................................. 35
Find By ..................................................................................................................................... 36
Date & Time ............................................................................................................................ 37
Favorites.................................................................................................................................... 37
Caller ID & Messages ............................................................................................................... 39
Parental Controls ...................................................................................................................... 40
Chapter 4 – Other Information
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 46
FCC Customer Information ..................................................................................................... 55
Remote Control Setup Codes.................................................................................................... 59
Index......................................................................................................................................... 61
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 10 2/6/08 12:47:58 PM

Chapter 1
Section Title
xi
Chapter 1 – Getting Started
Welcome ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Making the Right Connections .................................................................................................. 3
Hardware Reference.................................................................................................................... 4
Getting Familiar ......................................................................................................................... 7
Choose Your Setup.................................................................................................................... 10
Guided Setup & Activation ...................................................................................................... 18
Programming Your Remote Control ......................................................................................... 20
Chapter 2 – What’s On
Watching TV............................................................................................................................ 24
e Guide ................................................................................................................................. 26
Autotune................................................................................................................................... 28
Pay Per View ............................................................................................................................. 30
Chapter 3 – The Quick Menu
Using the Quick Menu ............................................................................................................. 32
Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Audio Options .......................................................................................................................... 34
Category Sort............................................................................................................................ 35
Pay Per View ............................................................................................................................. 35
Find By ..................................................................................................................................... 36
Date & Time ............................................................................................................................ 37
Favorites.................................................................................................................................... 37
Caller ID & Messages ............................................................................................................... 39
Parental Controls ...................................................................................................................... 40
Chapter 4 – Other Information
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 46
FCC Customer Information ..................................................................................................... 55
Remote Control Setup Codes.................................................................................................... 59
Index......................................................................................................................................... 61
Contents
xi
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 11 2/6/08 12:47:59 PM

2Welcome
3Making the Right Connections
4 Hardware Reference
7 Getting Familiar
10 Choose Your Setup
18 Guided Setup & Activation
20 Programming Your Remote Control
Chapter 1
xii
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 12 2/6/08 12:48:02 PM

2Welcome
3Making the Right Connections
4 Hardware Reference
7 Getting Familiar
10 Choose Your Setup
18 Guided Setup & Activation
20 Programming Your Remote Control
Chapter 1
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 1 2/6/08 12:48:03 PM

Welcome
With its astounding variety of channels and choices, crisp digital-quality picture and sound and
one-of-a-kind sports and events… DIRECTV®service offers everything you’d want in your television
experience. With the DIRECTV Receiver you can expect more than ever before, with access to a
variety of programming options, including over 30 premium movie channels, with all the convenience
of DIRECTV service. DIRECTV®Pay Per View offers a handy choice in recent hit movies, plus
exciting live sports, concerts and specials. ere’s exclusive sports subscriptions for every taste and
team. Even access to 36 commercial-free music channels!
To deliver this unique programming and enhance your entertainment experience, the DIRECTV®
System has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. You’ll find that most features are self-
explanatory, with onscreen directions to lead you through them.
So, welcome to the family.
You can find additional
information and the latest
updates at
DIRECTVLA.com.
TIP
Welcome
Getting Started
2Chapter 1
Making the Right Connections
When you are ready to connect your DIRECTV® Receiver and your other components, whether
you’re having your system professionally installed or handling it yourself, be sure to read over the
following few pages to familiarize yourself with some important tips for safety and care.
Before you begin
Your satellite dish antenna must be installed before you can begin following the procedures in this
User Guide. (Professional installation is highly recommended.) Your dish needs to be mounted
in a position where it has access to the satellite signals, and RG-6 coaxial cables must be run into
the room(s) where your receiver(s) will be located. If you choose to install the dish yourself, see the
separate instruction manual that came with your satellite dish antenna.
Package Contents
e following items are included with your DIRECTV Receiver:
4A/V cables (RCA type) 4Access card
4User Guide4Phone cord
4Remote Control & batteries 4Power cord
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 2 2/6/08 12:48:07 PM

3
Welcome
With its astounding variety of channels and choices, crisp digital-quality picture and sound and
one-of-a-kind sports and events… DIRECTV®service offers everything you’d want in your television
experience. With the DIRECTV Receiver you can expect more than ever before, with access to a
variety of programming options, including over 30 premium movie channels, with all the convenience
of DIRECTV service. DIRECTV®Pay Per View offers a handy choice in recent hit movies, plus
exciting live sports, concerts and specials. ere’s exclusive sports subscriptions for every taste and
team. Even access to 36 commercial-free music channels!
To deliver this unique programming and enhance your entertainment experience, the DIRECTV®
System has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. You’ll find that most features are self-
explanatory, with onscreen directions to lead you through them.
So, welcome to the family.
Welcome 3
Chapter 1
Safety & Care
Making the Right Connections
When you are ready to connect your DIRECTV® Receiver and your other components, whether
you’re having your system professionally installed or handling it yourself, be sure to read over the
following few pages to familiarize yourself with some important tips for safety and care.
Before you begin
Your satellite dish antenna must be installed before you can begin following the procedures in this
User Guide. (Professional installation is highly recommended.) Your dish needs to be mounted
in a position where it has access to the satellite signals, and RG-6 coaxial cables must be run into
the room(s) where your receiver(s) will be located. If you choose to install the dish yourself, see the
separate instruction manual that came with your satellite dish antenna.
Package Contents
e following items are included with your DIRECTV Receiver:
4A/V cables (RCA type) 4Access card
4User Guide4Phone cord
4Remote Control & batteries 4Power cord
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 3 2/6/08 12:48:10 PM

Hardware Reference
General
Satellite Dish Antenna
is is your “dish” and related hardware, affixed to your roof or other surface, which picks up the
broadcast signals from our satellites.
DIRECTV Receiver (or Satellite Receiver)
Your DIRECTV Receiver picks up the signal from your satellite dish antenna and translates it into
viewable TV programming.
Access Card
Contains information about your DIRECTV® service. It must be properly inserted for your receiver
to work and to activate your programming.
DIRECTV
Hardware Reference
Getting Started
4Chapter 1
Cables & Connections
Best Video: S-Video Jack and Cable
S-Video jacks and cables provide the best picture quality. You will still need to connect the left and
right audio cables to the TV, or optical audio cable to your stereo, because the S-Video cable only
carries the picture signal, not sound.
Audio/Video (A/V) Jack and Cable
Audio/Video (A/V) cables provide very good picture quality and stereo sound, and should be used if
your TV does not have S-Video jacks. e DIRECTV Receiver’s A/V jacks are color coded (yellow for
video, red for right audio and white for left audio). If your TV has only one input for audio (mono),
connect it to the left (white) audio jack on the DIRECTV Receiver.
RF Jack and Coaxial Cable (F-type)
RF jacks and coaxial cables provide good picture and mono sound quality. ey should be used if
A/V connections are not available on your TV. RF jacks are used to connect to your TV and satellite
dish, off-air antenna and cable feed connections. e RF jacksonthereceiverarelabeledSATELLITE
IN,OFF-AIRINandOUTTOTV.Note:BesuretouseRG-6coaxialcablewhenconnectingfrom
the satellite dish to the DIRECTV Receiver.
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 4 2/6/08 12:48:13 PM

5
Hardware Reference
General
Satellite Dish Antenna
is is your “dish” and related hardware, affixed to your roof or other surface, which picks up the
broadcast signals from our satellites.
DIRECTV Receiver (or Satellite Receiver)
Your DIRECTV Receiver picks up the signal from your satellite dish antenna and translates it into
viewable TV programming.
Access Card
Contains information about your DIRECTV® service. It must be properly inserted for your receiver
to work and to activate your programming.
Hardware Reference 5
Chapter 1
Hardware Reference
Cables & Connections
Best Video: S-Video Jack and Cable
S-Video jacks and cables provide the best picture quality. You will still need to connect the left and
right audio cables to the TV, or optical audio cable to your stereo, because the S-Video cable only
carries the picture signal, not sound.
Audio/Video (A/V) Jack and Cable
Audio/Video (A/V) cables provide very good picture quality and stereo sound, and should be used if
your TV does not have S-Video jacks. e DIRECTV Receiver’s A/V jacks are color coded (yellow for
video, red for right audio and white for left audio). If your TV has only one input for audio (mono),
connect it to the left (white) audio jack on the DIRECTV Receiver.
RF Jack and Coaxial Cable (F-type)
RF jacks and coaxial cables provide good picture and mono sound quality. ey should be used if
A/V connections are not available on your TV. RF jacks are used to connect to your TV and satellite
dish, off-air antenna and cable feed connections. e RF jacksonthereceiverarelabeledSATELLITE
IN,OFF-AIRINandOUTTOTV.Note:BesuretouseRG-6coaxialcablewhenconnectingfrom
the satellite dish to the DIRECTV Receiver.
L
R
R
Video
S-Video Jack
RF Jack
RF cable not included
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 5 2/6/08 12:48:18 PM

6
Chapter 1
Helpful Hardware Reference
6Cables & Connections
Getting Started
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 95
Phone
Jack
Note: Not all cables come with your
digital satellite receiver; you may
need to purchase additional cables
depending on your setup.
Telephone Jack and Cord
e telephone line cord is required to connect your DIRECTV Receiver to a land-based telephone
line if you choose to subscribe to DIRECTV programming. e phone line connection is used to
periodically call DIRECTV. You will need an RJ11-type modulator jack (the most common type
ofphonejack).Note:DonotconnectyourreceivertoadigitalPBXphonesystem—doingsomay
permanently damage your equipment and void your warranty.
Getting Familiar
DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel
1) POWER – Turns your DIRECTV Receiver on or off. Your DIRECTV Receiver still tunes and
receives messages when powered off.
2) REMOTE SENSOR – e infrared sensor picks up commands from the remote control.
3) GUIDE – Displays the onscreen program guide.
4) MENU – Brings up the Quick Menu to access settings and services.
5) ARROWS – Move the onscreen highlight up, down, left or right.
6) SELECT – Selects the item highlighted.
7) ACTIVE – DisplaystheDIRECTVInteractiveHomePage—localweatherandmore!
8) INFO – Displays channel banner or info to a highlighted program or channel cell.
9) DOOR PANEL – e access card slot and RESET button are located behind the door panel.
Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 6 2/6/08 12:48:19 PM

7
Chapter 1
Helpful Hardware Reference
Cables & Connections
Getting Familiar
7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 95
Telephone Jack and Cord
e telephone line cord is required to connect your DIRECTV Receiver to a land-based telephone
line if you choose to subscribe to DIRECTV programming. e phone line connection is used to
periodically call DIRECTV. You will need an RJ11-type modulator jack (the most common type
ofphonejack).Note:DonotconnectyourreceivertoadigitalPBXphonesystem—doingsomay
permanently damage your equipment and void your warranty.
Getting Familiar
DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel
1) POWER – Turns your DIRECTV Receiver on or off. Your DIRECTV Receiver still tunes and
receives messages when powered off.
2) REMOTE SENSOR – e infrared sensor picks up commands from the remote control.
3) GUIDE – Displays the onscreen program guide.
4) MENU – Brings up the Quick Menu to access settings and services.
5) ARROWS – Move the onscreen highlight up, down, left or right.
6) SELECT – Selects the item highlighted.
7) ACTIVE – DisplaystheDIRECTVInteractiveHomePage—localweatherandmore!
8) INFO – Displays channel banner or info to a highlighted program or channel cell.
9) DOOR PANEL – e access card slot and RESET button are located behind the door panel.
Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 7 2/6/08 12:48:20 PM

8
Chapter 1
Getting Started
Getting Familiar
8
Insert your DIRECTV Access Card
Locatetheaccess card that came packed with your DIRECTV Receiver materials and insert the card,
facing upward, fully into the slot.
DIRECTV Receiver Rear Panel
1) SATELLITE IN – Use to connect the DIRECTV Receiver to the satellite dish antenna.
2) OUT TO TV – Connects the DIRECTV Receiver to your TV or VCR using RF coaxial cable
(not included). is jack provides the most basic connection, carrying good sound and video
quality.
3) OFF-AIR IN – Connect a standard TV antenna or cable feed to the DIRECTV Receiver using
this jack. You can then switch between the DIRECTV Receiver’s signal and the TV/cable feed.
Acti ve Info
SELECT
4) 3/4 CHANNEL SWITCH – Allows users to choose the channel that is not used in your area
(3 or 4) when the receiver is connected to TV using RF coaxial cable (not included) from the
DIRECTV Receiver’s OUT TO TV.
5) S-VIDEO – Provides the best picture quality, better than VIDEO RCA-type or RF coaxial cable
jacks. If your TV has an S-Video jack, use it along with the audio jacks (S-Video only carries
picture information, not sound) to connect to your TV.
6) VIDEO (Yellow) – Provides better picture quality than the OUT TO TV jack. Connect the
second RCA-type composite VIDEO jack to another device, such as a VCR. You must also
connect the AUDIO cables when using the VIDEO connection.
7) AUDIO (R-Red and L-White) – Audio cables offer better sound quality than RF coaxial cables.
You can connect a second set of audio cables to another component, such as a VCR or stereo.
8) USB PORT – For future use.
9) PHONE – Connects the DIRECTV Receiver to a telephone wall jack. We require a land-based
telephone connection to communicate periodically with your DIRECTV Receiver.
10) POWER – Connects the DIRECTV Receiver to an electrical outlet. We recommend you use
a surge protector to safeguard your DIRECTV Receiver from power spikes. Your DIRECTV
Receiver is rated at 100-240V, with the appropriate power cord.
(SWM-1)
SATELLITE IN
S-VIDEO
OUT
PHONE
JACK
USB
VIDEO OUT
VIDEO OUT
AUDIO OUT
AUDIO OUT
1
2
CH
3 4
GROUND
OFF-AIR
IN
OUT TO
TV
Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.
12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
16855980_L12_Jan27_2.indb 8 2/6/08 12:48:22 PM