Fortec Star MERCURY User manual

Digital Satellite Receiver
MERCURY User’s Manual

MERCURY User’s Manual
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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
manufacture’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly
at plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments / accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. 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.

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1. Read all of these instructions.
2. Save these instructions for later use.
3. Unplug this Product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use attachments not recommended by the Product manufacturer
as they may result in the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
5. Do not use this Product near water for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, or the like.
6. Do not place this Product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table.
7. Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation on the product and to protect it from overheating,
and these openings must be blocked or covered. The openings should
never be blocked by placing the Product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This Product should not be placed in a built-in installation
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.
8. This Product should be operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. if you not sure of the type of power
supplied to your home, consult your Product dealer or local power
company. For product designed to operate from battery power, refer to the
operating instructions.
9. This Product is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug(a
plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the
power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should
still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
10. Do not allow anything to reset on the power cord. Do not locate this
Product where the cord will be abused by persons walking on it.
11. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the Product.
12. For added protection for this Product during a lightening storm, or when it
is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the
wall prevent damage to the receiver due to lightening and power-line
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

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surges.
13. An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching
such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.
14. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in fire
or electric shock.
15. Never push objects of any kind into this Product through cabinet slots as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of ant kind on the
Product.
16. Do not attempt to service this Product yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
17. Unplug this Product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
a) When the power cord or plug damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled into the Product.
c) If the Product has been exposed to rain or water.
d) If the Product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the Product to normal operation.
e) If the Product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
f) When the Product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this
indicates a need for service.
18. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the
same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may
result in fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
19. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this Product, ask the service
technician to perform routine safety checks to determine that the Product
is in safe operating condition.
Shock hazard Marking and Associated Graphical Symbols

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Explanation of Safety Related Symbols
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on the apparatus.
The main socket-outlet for connecting mains plug shall be accessible and
close to this apparatus.

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SAFETEY PRECAUTIONS
This Set Top Box (STB) has been manufactured to meet international safety
standards, including those set by the FCC and Underwriters Laboratories (cUL).
Please read the following safety precautions carefully before handling the STB.
POWER
REQUIRED
North American models - Use only 100 -120V AC 60Hz.
Europe / Middle East models - Use 90 - 240V AC 50 / 60Hz
CABLE Use standard certified cables to prevent any malfunction of the
STB.
LOCATION
Locate the STB indoors. Locate STB away from potential hazards
such as excessive moisture. STB should not be subjected to
direct sunlight, excessive heat or power surges.
CLEANING
1. Always disconnect the STB power cord from the wall socket
before cleaning it.
2. Use a lightly dampened cloth to clean the exterior of the STB.
(Use no solvents.)
OVERLOADING Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or adapters. This
can cause a fire or electrical shock.
VENTILATION
1. NEVER block ventilation slots of the receiver.
2. NEVER stand the STB on soft furnishings or carpets.
3. Ensure that a free airflow is maintained around the STB.
4. Do not use or store the STB where it is exposed to direct
sunlight or near a heater.
5. NEVER stack other electronic equipment on top of the STB.
LIQUIDS Keep liquids away from the STB.
SMALL
OBJECTS
Coins or other small objects must be kept away from the STB.
They can fall through ventilation slots of the STB and cause
serious damage.
ATTACHMENTS Do not use any attachments that are not recommended. These
may cause hazards or damage the equipment.
LIGHTNING The STB must remain connected at all times to the main power
supply. However, Manufacturer's instructions for safeguarding
other equipment connected to the STB, TV set, etc., should be
followed during lightning storms.
SERVICING 1. Do not attempt to service this product yourself.
2. Refer all servicing to qualified service representatives.

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NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION : Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Information to the user

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETEY PRECAUTIONS 1
1. INTRODUCTION 10
1.1. ABOUT THIS MANUAL 10
1.2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 10
1.3. MAIN FEATURES 10
2. HARDWARE DESCRIPTION 11
2.1. FRONT PANEL CONFIGURATION 11
2.2. REAR PANEL CONFIGURATION 12
2.3. REMOTE CONTROL UNIT 13
3. CONNECTION DIAGRAM 15
3.1. CONNECTION DIAGRAM (without dish) 15
3.1.1. Receiver to TV with RF 15
3.1.2. Receiver to VCR and then to TV with RF 16
3.1.3. Receiver to TV with Audio/Video cables or SCART cables 17
3.2. CONNECTION DIAGRAM (with dish) 18
3.2.1. One dish 18
3.2.2. Two dishes with a DiSEqC Switch 18
4. VIEWING GENERAL INFORMATION 19
4.1. USER SETUP 19
4.1.1. Languages 19
4.1.2. Aspect Ratio 20
4.1.3. TV Setting 20
4.1.4. Time Setting 21
4.1.5. Timer Setting 21
4.1.6. OSD Setting 22
4.1.7. User Name 22
4.2. EDIT CHANNELS 23
4.2.0 TV Channels 23
4.2.1. How to Sort the Channels 23
4.2.2. How to Move the Channels 24

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4.2.3. How to Delete the Channels 24
4.2.4. How to Rename the channels 25
4.2.5. How to Add Channels to a Favorite List 25
4.2.6. How to Hide the channels 26
4.2.7. How to Lock the channels 26
4.2.8. Favorite Lists 27
4.2.9. Moving and Deleting Favorite List Channels 27
4.2.10. Hiding and Locking Favorite List Channels 28
4.2.11. Renaming a Favorite List 28
4.3. INSTALLATION 29
4.3.1. Antenna Setup 29
4.3.2. Satellite Name 29
4.3.3. LNB Frequency 30
4.3.4. DiSEqC Switch 30
4.3.5. 0/12 V Switch 30
4.3.6. LNB Power 30
4.3.7. TP Frequency 30
4.3.8. Antenna Positioning (DiSEqC1.2) 31
4.3.9. Antenna Positioning (USALS) 32
4.3.10. Search Mode 32
4.3.11. Satellite Scan 33
4.3.12. TP Scan 33
4.3.13. Advanced Scan 34
4.3.14. POWER Scan 35
4.3.15. Edit TP/Satellite 36
4.4. SYSTEM SETUP 37
4.4.1. Parental Control 37
4.4.2. Data Transfer for Updating Software 38
4.4.3. Data Reset 39
4.4.4. System Information 40
4.4.5. Adult Filter 40
4.5. GAMES 41
4.5.1. Othello Game 41
4.5.2. Tetris Game 41

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4.6. OTHER FUNCTIONS 42
4.6.1. Current Program Guide 42
4.6.2. Weekly Program Guide 42
4.6.3. Channel Information 43
4.6.4. Changing Channels 43
4.6.5. Volume Control 44
4.6.6. Channel List for TV/Radio/Favorite List 44
4.6.7. Channel Sort 44
4.6.8. Zoom/Multi-screen 45
4.6.9. Close Caption 46
4.6.10 Teletext 46
5. TROUBLE SHOOTING 47
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 48
7. PROGRAMING THE REMOTE CONTROL 50
7.1. Programming The Remote Control 50
7.2. Using Automatic Code Search 50
7.3. Using Direct Entry Method 50
7.4. Changing Volume Lock 50

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual describes how to setup and operate your Fortec Star STB. Only
qualified personnel should handle any problems beyond this manual.
1.2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The STB is a high-performance digital satellite receiver, which is fully compliant
with MPEG2, based on DVB transmission standards for in-home reception of
digital satellite services such as digital television and radio channels.
1.3. MAIN FEATURES
Features equipped in STB are as follows:
- POWER Scan (blind search) with complete parameter control
- One-button quick start Power Scan on the remote
- One-button jump to Channel Edit function
- True Dolby Digital 5.1 audio pass-through (optical)
- 150 programmable satellites and 6,000 programmable channels
- Timer function for Sleep / Wake Up / VCR Record and Channel Reminder
- Fully MPEG 2 / DVB compliant, MCPC/SCPC, C/KU reception
- 1 LNB input with IF loop through for 2nd receiver
- Variable input symbol rate 2 ~ 45Msps
- Manual PID scan function
- DiSEqC 1.2 and USALS supported
- Picture-In-Graphics function
- Multi-Picture (4,9, or 16 pictures) function
- ZOOM In/Out
- Electronic Program Guide
- Teletext supported by OSD and VBI
- Multi language menu
- 7 favorite channel group selection and parental lock
- Close Caption Supported
- Data transfer: receiver-to-receiver or PC-to-receiver
- 13V/18V LNB switching / 22KHz on/off
- 4 RCA connections (1 Video, 2 Audio L/R, 0/12V)

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2. HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
2.1. FRONT PANEL CONFIGURATION
1. STAND BY: This key allows you to turn your STB on or off (stand by).
2. CHANNEL UP & DOWN: These keys are used to change the channels.
3. LED DISPLAY: This LED display will show the current channel number
or current time. While the receiver is in stand by mode, the display will
show the current time.
4. REMOTE SENSOR: This sensor receives the infrared signal from the
Remote Control Unit and operates your receiver. Do not block the view
of the sensor.
5. SMART CARD INTERFACE (for Embedded CAS models only)
To watch scrambled channels, you should insert a smart card, which has
been issued by the service provider, into the Smart Card Interface slot. You
can watch only a specific range of channels with entitlements in the smart
card. The smart card includes information to decipher parameters
necessary for descrambling the program.

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2.2. REAR PANEL CONFIGURATION
1. ANT. IN: For a terrestrial (conventional) TV aerial, or cable signal.
2. TO TV: For connecting an RF cable to the aerial input of a TV.
3. CH 3 - 4: Select RF Channel in User Setup of OSD MENU.
4. Audio R/L RCA Connectors: Connect these terminals to the audio
L/R input terminals of a TV, VCR or audio system.
SCART Connectors: For TV/VCR for Europe and Middle East models.
5. Video RCA Connector: Connect this terminal to the corresponding
video input terminal of TV or VCR.
6. 0/12V: 0V, 12V output.
7. RS-232C Serial Port: A customer service representative can use this
port to re-load preprogrammed channel information to the STB. This
port can also be used for upgrading software.
RS 232C Connection Configuration
Pin No Satellite Receiver PC Pin No
2 Rx →→ Tx 3
3 Tx →→ Rx 2
5 Gnd →→ Gnd 5
8. S/PDIF Output: Digital Audio Output (Dolby Digital 5.1 pass -through).
9. S-VIDEO: Super Video Output.
10. LNBF Input: Satellite dish input (F-connector).
11. Loop Through Out: Used for a connection to another STB.
12. Power Switch: Power On, Off.
13. Power Cord: Connect to power outlet.

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2.3. REMOTE CONTROL UNIT
1. STANDBY: Turns the receiver On/Off.
2. MUTE: Mutes audio output.
3. NUMERIC KEY (0-9): Controls the numerical operation and changes the
program channels directly.
4. BACK: This key returns you to the previous mode or menu. In TV View mode,
it returns you to the last viewed channel.
5. EXIT: Use this key to return to the viewing mode from any menu function.

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6. PAUSE (Red key): To pause the video while viewing a program, but the
audio remains active.
7. UHF (Green key): This button is not used in NTSC models. (Varies by
region.)
8. TV/SAT (Yellow key): Switch to antenna/cable bypass input signal.
9. AUDIO (Blue key): Selects audio mode (stereo, mono, language) and
alternative audio track.
NOTE: Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue Keys: These colored keys are used for
additional functions while in the Menu, or while playing video games.
10. CH UP/DOWN (▲,▼): Changes channels in Non-menu state. Moves the
curser position up/down while in the Menu state.
11. VOL UP/DOWN (◄,►): Changes the volume level in the Non-menu state.
Changes settings in the Menu state. Moves to next or previous step.
12. OK: The OK key is used to select a program, highlighted line or parameter
value. It is also used to show the TV/Radio Channel List while watching TV or
listening to the Radio.
13. MENU: Shows the Main Menu on the screen.
14. PAGE UP (P ): Used to move the highlight bar upwards one page at a
time in menus, or will scroll the INFO bar up while viewing a channel.
15. PAGE DOWN (P ): Used to move the highlight bar downwards one page
at a time in menus, or will scroll the INFO bar down while viewing a channel.
16. Volume (V ): Volume up. Controls volume in select menu screens.
17. Volume (V ): Volume down. Controls volume in select menu screens.
18. INFO: Shows the program information on the screen.
19. TTX: This key shows teletext information about the channel (if available).
20. EPG: This key shows program information about the channel (if available).
21. TV/RADIO: Selects TV or Radio mode.
22. P. S . : POWER Scan (blind search) quick start button.
23. ZOOM: Zoom function in the viewing mode.
24. MULTICH: Multi Channel function in the viewing mode.
25. SIGNAL: Signal function in the viewing mode.
26. SAT: Selects a satellite.
27. A~Z: Use these keys in the Channel List view to find channels alphabetically.
28. FAV: Selects the favorite channels list. Can be used while viewing a TV
channel or the TV Channel List.
29. Ch. edit: Channel Edit quick start button while viewing a channel.

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3. CONNECTION DIAGRAM
3.1. CONNECTION DIAGRAM (without a satellite dish)
3.1.1. Receiver to TV with RF
Connect the TV antenna to the ANT IN socket on the receiver.
Connect the TV out on the receiver to the RF / Cable INPUT of the TV set.
North American model: Select VHF Channel 3 or 4 on the TV set.
Select the same channel number on the Rear Panel of the receiver.
European and Middle East models: Search on the TV set for UHF Channel 38.
Channel 38 is set at factory.

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3.1.2. Receiver to VCR and then to TV with RF
Connect the TV antenna to the ANT IN socket on the receiver.
Connect the TV out on the receiver to the RF / Cable IN of the VCR.
Connect the RF output on the VCR to the RF / Cable IN on the TV set.
North American model: Select VHF channel 3 or 4 on the TV set and the VCR.
European and Middle East models: Search on the TV set and the VCR for UHF
channel 38.
Note: USE different UHF channels for VCR and receiver.

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3.1.3. Receiver to TV with Audio/Video cables or SCART cables
Connect the TV antenna to the ANT IN socket on the receiver.
Connect the Video and Audio output on the receiver to the Video and Audio
inputs of the TV set.
North American model:
European and Middle East models:
For European and Middle East models, SCART cables can be used
Connect the SCART cable from the TV SCART of the receiver to the SCART of
the TV set. Connect the SCART cable from the VCR SCART of the receiver to
the SCART of the VCR.

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3.2. CONNECTION DIAGRAM (with a satellite dish)
3.2.1. One Dish
Connect the cable from the satellite dish to the LNB Input socket on the
receiver.
Connect the TV out socket on the receiver to the RF / Cable IN of the TV set.
For improved picture quality, connect the Video and Audio output on the
receiver to the Video and Audio inputs of the TV set (RCA jacks). For the best
picture quality, connect the S-Video from the receiver to your TV, or use the
SCART connections when supplied - connectors vary by region.
3.2.2. Two Dishes with a DiSEqC Switch
If you want to watch programs from more than one satellite (for example, from
Intelsat America 5 and from AMC 4), it can be done using two fixed dishes (fixed,
meaning permanently pointed at one satellite) and a DiSEqC switch. Connect
the two cables from the satellite dishes to a DiSEqC switch. From the switch,
connect a cable to the LNB Input socket on the receiver.
If you need to install a more complicated configuration of multiple dishes and
receivers, please consult with a professional satellite installer.