MultiChoice 990 User manual

2 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
Using the Menus ...........................................................................................................................28
The Main Menu ...............................................................................................................28
Information .....................................................................................................................29
Parental Control .............................................................................................................30
Service Blocking .............................................................................................................33
Language Options ..........................................................................................................36
Mail Messages ...............................................................................................................36
Colours and Transparency .............................................................................................37
Information Display Period .............................................................................................38
Advanced Options ..........................................................................................................38
TV Installation .................................................................................................39
Audio Output ...................................................................................................39
Local Time ......................................................................................................40
Software Upgrade ..........................................................................................41
Software Downloads ....................................................................................................................41
Factory Reset � 42
General Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................43
Specifications ...............................................................................................................................45
Contact Details .............................................................................................................................46
MultiChoice Decoder Related Suggestions ...............................................................................46

WELCOME
Congratulations on purchasing the MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder!
At MultiChoice we pride ourselves in making your enjoyment of home entertainment our priority.
We continuously strive to provide you, our valued subscriber, with exceptional MultiChoice Pay-TV
services at the cutting edge of technology.
We welcome you to the MultiChoice family and wish you many hours of exciting
entertainment.
SAFETY
The MultiChoice 990 decoder meets International Safety Standards. Please read the following
recommended safety precautions carefully.
MAINS SUPPLY
Do not connect to DC mains. Connect the power cord to the decoder before connecting the other
end into the power outlet.
The decoder operates within the range of 85 – 288 V AD 47 ~ 63 Hz power supply only.
Disconnect the decoder from the power outlet before connecting or disconnecting it from any
other equipment.
LIQUIDS AND SPILLAGE
Keep liquids away from the decoder.
Do not put anything on top of the decoder which may spill (eg. lit candles or containers of liquid).
Do not use or store the decoder in extreme temperature or humidity.
CLEANING
Disconnect the decoder from the mains and then use a dry cloth to clean the exterior.
VENTILATION
Do not block the ventilation holes. Ensure that free airflow is maintained around the decoder.
Never stand the decoder on soft furnishings or carpet. Do not use or store the decoder near a
heater or where it exposed to direct sunlight. Never stack other electronic equipment on top of the
decoder.
Never push or insert anything into the holes, slots or any other opening in the decoder casing.
SERVICING
You should never remove the cover of the decoder.
Do not attempt to service the decoder yourself. Any attempt to do so will invalidate the warranty.
Refer all service issues to a MultiChoice Agent or Branch.
LIGHTNING
If the decoder is installed in an area subject to intense lightning activity, protection devices for the
decoder mains connector are recommended.
EARTHING
The earthing system must comply with local regulations.
3
MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE PURCHASER
OF A MULTICHOICE DECODER : LEGAL MATTERS
INTRODUCTION
This decoder is designed, manufactured and sold to receive MultiChoice services only. It will
therefore not be fully functional unless it is used with an enabled MultiChoice Smartcard, deployed
within the MultiChoice broadcast footprints, and installed so as to receive the MultiChoice signal.
MultiChoice is entitled to amend the software incorporated in the decoder from time to time by
means of software downloads for a number of reasons, including preventing the MultiChoice
decoder from being used to receive services other than MultiChoice services.
DIY INSTALLATIONS DISCLAIMER
The various configurations as explained and proposed in the manual cannot make provision for
the specific requirements of all equipment (consumer electronic products) and different
configurations thereof. A MultiChoice Accredited Installer or the supplier of the specific equipment
should be consulted if any doubts exist when doing an installation.
INSTALLATION INDEMNITY
Installation procedures for satellite dishes are outside the scope of this manual. Please refer to
the manuals provided with your satellite dish and associated consumer electronic products if you
decide to do the installation yourself.
For the MultiChoice decoder to operate correctly, the satellite dish and LNB must be correctly
aligned.
Each and every installer acts as an independent contractor and is not an employee ,
subcontractor or agent of the manufacturer or MultiChoice. The manufacturer and MultiChoice are
therefore not liable for any loss or damage of any nature whatsoever caused by the conduct of the
installer, included but not limited to:
any direct, indirect or consequential damages of any nature or any loss of profit or other
special damages of any nature which the user may suffer as a result of any breach by
the installer of any of its obligations to the user.
any loss or damage to any property of the user or any third party, situated on the user’s
premises, as a result of an act or omission on the part of the installer.
the manufacturer and MultiChoice do not directly or indirectly warrant or guarantee or
make any representations whatsoever with regards to any equipment, including, but not
limited to, any satellite dish, LNB, or cabling used by the installer.
Subject to any express warranty or guarantee given by the manufacturer or MultiChoice, in
writing, the manufacturer and MultiChoice do not :
· give any warranty or guarantee or make any representation whatsoever in respect of
any work carried out by the installer.
accept any liability for any latent or other defects in any work carried out by the installer.
MultiChoice will not be held responsible for any damage resulting from installations, whether by its
Branches, Agents, Installers, through do-it-yourself or through incorrect usage of equipment.
4 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

SOFTWARE UPDATE DISCLAIMER
Due to future software downloads (see page 41), the menus and information in this manual may
differ from those that your MultiChoice decoder will display after each upgrade. All queries in this
regard should be referred to your nearest MultiChoice Agent, Branch or Call Centre.
PRODUCT WARRANTY
The manufacturer and MultiChoice warrant that the decoder will be free from defects in design,
materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of sale of the
MultiChoice decoder to the consumer. This warranty will not apply in the event of:
the decoder being tampered with or being opened, worked on, repaired or modified,
except by a MultiChoice Agent or Branch.
the decoder not being installed or used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications.
malfunctioning or damage caused by the use of the decoder in conjunction with
equipment or Smartcards not supplied by the manufacturer or MultiChoice.
· the decoder being used to receive other services, other than MultiChoice services.
In the event of the MultiChoice decoder not functioning, contact a MultiChoice Agent, Branch or
Call Centre. The manufacturer or MultiChoice, at their sole discretion, will repair or replace the
MultiChoice decoder which is not functioning and which is taken to a MultiChoice Agent or Branch
within 12 months from the date of sale of the new MultiChoice decoder to the consumer.
Any repairs made in these first 12 months must be made by a MultiChoice Agent or Branch.
In order to rely on this warranty certificate, this certificate, plus the original purchase receipt
showing the date of purchase of the new MultiChoice decoder, must be provided to the
MultiChoice Agent or Branch to whom the MultiChoice decoder is taken.
DISCLAIMER
Other than set out in this manual, the manufacturer and MultiChoice make no warranties, either
expressed or implied, and including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness of the MultiChoice decoder for a particular purpose. This extends to the hardware,
software, this manual and any other written materials accompanying the MultiChoice decoder at
the time of its sale.
The manufacturer and MultiChoice specifically make no warranties, expressed or implied, that the
MultiChoice decoder is capable, or in the future, will be capable, of receiving services other than
MultiChoice services.
Despite anything to the contrary, and except for the above-mentioned remedy in relation to the
MultiChoice decoder which does not function during the period covered by this warranty
certificate, the manufacturer and MultiChoice will bear no liability whatsoever, whether in
contracts, delict or otherwise, for injury, loss or damage, including any loss of business profits or
any other consequential damages arising out of the installation, use or operation of the
MultiChoice decoder or any defect therein.
5MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

UNPACKING
The following items are included with the MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder.
REMOTE CONTROL 2 x AA BATTERIES
POWER CABLE
RCA to RCA cable
7MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
MULTICHOICE 990 DECODER
FRONT PANEL
Alternates between Standby and On.
TV Switches between MultiChoice TV services and Audio services.
TV
&When pressed together, resets the decoder.
P- Programme Down - changes to the previous channel.
P+ Programme Up - changes to the next channel.
V- Volume Down - decreases the volume.
V+ Volume Up - increases the volume.
V- & V+ When pressed together, mutes the volume of the decoder.
8 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

REAR PANEL
1 2 3 5
1. RF IN - for connection to terrestrial antenna
2. RF OUT - for connection to television or VCR.
3. Video - for connection to television or VCR
4. Stereo Audio - for connection to TV, VCR or Hi-Fi.
NOTE : Mono audio is selectable. Refer to the Audio Output section on page 40.
9MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
FRONT PANEL DISPLAY
08:00
4
4
i i
- - - -
4
- - - -
- - - -
24 hour clock displayed
only when the decoder is
in standby mode.
Number
Video channel 4 selected.
Number with a green light
Audio channel 4 selected.
Rotating bar
Searching for service
information.
Four flashing bars
and red light
Channel not found/
poor signal.
Yellow light
Indicates that the
decoder has received a
mail message.
Red light
Error indication.
Horizontal lines
Menu selected.
4
5. SPDIF - for connection to Home Theatre System.
6
6. LNB IN - for connection to satellite dish.
7. Mains Power Connector - for connection to mains power.
7

REMOTE CONTROL
10 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
123
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

11MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
1 Power Switches decoder on and off. For future use.
2 Shift Accesses the shift functions. Cancels SHIFT.
3 ALT Toggles between current and Accesses subtitling menu.
last viewed service/channel.
4 Language Accesses the language menu. Accesses the Parental Guiance.
5 Exit Exits menus, backs up applications.
6 Navigation Navigates menus and on-screen For future use.
Arrows applications.
7 V- Decreases the volume level. Accesses individual volume lock.
8 V+ Increases the volume level. Individual volume lock - no pick.
9 Colour Keys For future use.
10 Numeric Keys Entering channel numbers and Shortcut to favourite channels.
numerical values in setup menus.
11 Help Accesses the help menu. Infocentral display screen.
12 Menu Accesses the menus. When in For future use.
menu, exits the menu and returns
to normal viewing.
13 P+ Changes to the next channel Initiate favourite channel scan.
in the channel list.
14 P- Changes to the previous Initiate favourite channel scan.
channel in the channel list.
15 OK Verifies and saves selection. For future use.
16 i Displays the i-plate and For future use.
extended i-plate.
17 TV Guide Accesses the Electronic Shows the applicable interactive
Programme Guide. menu.
18 TV When in TV service displays Switch to audio services selection.
the list of TV bouquets.
When in Music service,
switches to TV service.
19 Mute Mutes the sound. Access to individual volume lock.
KEY TABLE
Non SHIFT Functions SHIFT
Functions
*Pressing SHIFT must
precede each key press
Key
No.

SET-UP 1 : Decoder and TV
1
2
3
1. Use the RCA to RCA cable provided to connect the Left and Right STEREO AUDIO
sockets of the decoder to the Left and Right AUDIO IN sockets of the TV respectively.
(Refer to 1 on the above illustration).
2. Connect the VIDEO socket of the decoder to the VIDEO IN socket of the TV. (Refer to
2 on the above illustration).
3. Connect the LNB IN socket of the decoder to the LNB on the satellite dish. (Refer to 3
on the above illustration).
4. Connect the RF OUT of the decoder to the RF IN on the TV. (Refer to 4 on the above
illustration). NB - RF cable NOT provided.
5. Connect the RF OUT of the decoder to the RF IN on the TV. (Refer to 5 on the above
illustration).
MULTICHOICE DECODER CONNECTIONS
There are several ways of connecting the decoder to your existing entertainment system.
The following, more common examples, enable you to view the MultiChoice services, record and
playback from your VCR / DVD and listen to CD quality stereo sound on your Hi-Fi.
Consult your local MultiChoice Agent, Branch or Accredited Installer for assistance in setting up an
audio / video configuration best suited to your requirements.
12 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
4
5

SET-UP 2 : Decoder, TV and VCR
1
2
3
4
13MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
1. Use the RCA to RCA cable provided to connect the Left and Right STEREO AUDIO
sockets of the decoder to the Left and Right AUDIO IN sockets of the TV respectively.
(Refer to 1 on the above illustration).
2. Connect the VIDEO socket of the decoder to the VIDEO IN socket of the TV. (Refer to
2 on the above illustration).
3. Connect the LNB IN socket of the decoder to the LNB on the satellite dish. (Refer to 3
on the above illustration).
4. Connect the RF OUT of the decoder to the RF IN on the VCR. (Refer to 4 on the
above illustration). NB - RF cable NOT provided.
5. Connect the RF OUT of the VCR to the RF IN on the TV. (Refer to 5 on the above
illustration).
6. Connect the RF IN of the decoder to the terrestrial antenna. (Refer to 6 on the above
illustration).
5
6

SET-UP 3 : Decoder, TV and Hi-Fi
1
2
3
1. Use the RCA to RCA cable provided to connect the Left and Right STEREO AUDIO
sockets of the decoder to the Left and Right AUDIO IN sockets of the Hi-Fi respectively.
(Refer to 1 on the above illustration).
2. Connect the VIDEO socket of the decoder to the VIDEO IN socket of the television .
(Refer to 2 on the above illustration).
3. Connect the LNB IN socket of the decoder to the LNB on the satellite dish. (Refer to 3
on the above illustration).
4. Connect the RF OUT of the decoder to the RF IN on the TV. (Refer to 4 on the above
illustration). NB - RF cable NOT provided.
5. Connect the RF IN of the decoder to the terrestrial antenna. (Refer to 5 on the above
illustration).
6. Connect the SPDIF of the decoder to the Digital Audio on your hi-fi or home theatre
system. (Refer to 6 on the above illustration).
This is the recommended set-up if you enjoy listening to DMX (your TV can be switched off
to do this).
14 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
4
5
6

GETTING STARTED
On completion of the installation, switch on / plug in the MultiChoice decoder at the mains. The
decoder will go through a power-up sequence, acquire all available channels and display Channel
1 of the DStv Bouquet. At this time, there will be an information banner on-screen indicating that
you need to insert the MultiChoice Smartcard.
INSERTING THE MULTICHOICE SMARTCARD
Locate the slot at the bottom right-hand side of the front panel of the decoder.
Hold the Smartcard horizontally, with the electronic chip (generally a small gold square)
facing downwards.
Insert the Smartcard into the slot until it comes to a firm stop.
STANDBY AND NORMAL VIEWING MODES
The MultiChoice decoder does not have a mains power on/off switch but it can be switched to
standby mode using the standby button on the remote control or the front panel. The standby
mode is indicated by a 24 hour clock on the front panel display of the decoder.
There is a negligible difference in power consumption between the standby and active modes.
The MultiChoice decoder may be left on permanently without any detrimental affect.
15MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

16 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder
NOTE: Unless absolutely necessary, do not change installation, connections or decoder setup,
or retune a working system. If changes are made, record all the original settings.
SWITCHING THE DECODER ON AT THE MAINS
When you switch the decoder on at the mains, it goes through a power-up sequence, then at-
tempts to connect to a signal at the factory-set frequency.
TUNING YOUR TV
If your TV is not tuned to the decoder viewing channel, you will not be able to view the Digital
Satellite channels.
1 Connect the Satellite Signal to the decoder. Refer to the section “MultiChoice
Decoder Connections” on pages 12 through 14.
2 Switch on the TV and select an unused channel to setup your decoder. This channel
will now be used for the viewing of the Satellite services.
3 The UHF tuning channel can be launched by press and hold the P+ and P- buttons on
the decoder front panel for approximately 2 seconds, until “UHF” is displayed on the
front panel display.
4 Tune your TV set until you obtain the test pattern shown on the left. A channel number
will be displayed on the decoder front panel display, e.g. 28.
5 Once you have obtained this test pattern on your TV set, press the STANDBY button on
the front panel or the OK button on the Remote.
6 Check that there is no interference on the other channels your TV was tuned to. If you
notice any interference, you need to change the UHF channel that is being used by the
decoder.
7 Repeat step 3. Follow the on-screen help text to change the UHF channel.
8 Once you have changed the UHF channel, the TV screen will no longer display the
test pattern and the channel number on the front panel display will be different.
Repeat step 4.
9 Once this test pattern is visible on the TV set again, follow the on-screen help text to
save your UHF channel.
10 You should now be able to view all the Satellite channels you subscribed to.
If interference is still present, it is recommended that good quality screened cables (preferably
double screened) be used for interconnecting all other equipment to the decoder.

USING YOUR DECODER
THE INFORMATION PLATE (i-plate)
The i-plate is displayed each time you press on the remote control unit, change channels or
exit back to TV from a menu.
If you require more information about a programme while the i-plate is displayed, press
again on the remote control unit. This will display extended information about the selected
programme.
To remove the i-plate, press EXIT or TV on the remote control unit.
For your convenience the i-plate display period can be changed in the Information Display
Period menu. Refer to page 38.
i
i
1
1 Channel Number
2 Left and Right Arrows - Use the and arrows for browsing through the i-plate of
other channels
3 Clock - Displays the current local time
4 & 13 The start and end time of the current programme
5 End time of the next programme
6 & 15 Name of the current programme
7 Name of the next programme
8 Channel Name
9 Parental Guidance Level of the next programme
10 & 14 Parental Guidance Level of the current programme
11 Current date, month and year
12 A synopsis of the current programme
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
16 Type of programme showing
17
MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

1. Should you require additional information
about a programme, select the required
programme on the i-plate and then press
.
2. This will display the extended
information screen which has more
information about the selected
programme.
3. You can remove this screen by pressing
EXIT.
4. To remove the i-plate, press EXIT again.
NOW / NEXT
1. While viewing a programme, press
2. The i-plate will display information about
both the current and next programme on
the channel being viewed.
3. To remove the i-plate, press EXIT.
i
EXTENDED INFORMATION
i
BROWSING
The i-plate allows you to browse information about programmes on other channels, without tuning
away from the channel you are viewing. To do this follow the steps below:
1. Press to display the i-plate.
2. Now using your or arrows, you
can “browse” through the information
on other channels without tuning to them.
Example : in the picture on the left, the
viewer is watching M-Net, but the i-plate
shows information about programmes on
BBC Prime. You can tune to the “browsed”
channel (in this case, BBC Prime) by
pressing OK. You can also set reminders
while browsing (see pages 19 and 20 for
more information on setting reminders).
i
18 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

1. To set a normal / banner reminder, press
to display the i-plate.
2. Press the arrow to highlight the next
programme.
3. Press OK once to set a normal / banner
reminder. A banner will appear on-screen
confirming your selection. A small
will also appear on the i-plate next to the
selected programme, indicating that a
normal / banner reminder has been set.
4. When the selected programme starts,
a banner will appear on-screen reminding
you of your selection. You can press OK
to tune to the programme or EXIT to
remove the banner. If you do nothing, the
banner will automatically be removed in 1
minute.
REMINDERS
NORMAL / BANNER REMINDERS
Note : Reminders can only be set on programmes that have not yet started.
If you are using an interactive service, reminders will not be activated until you
exit the interactive service.
Setting a normal / banner reminder will result in a banner being displayed on-screen when the
selected programme starts, irrespective of the channel you’re viewing.
Example : you can view a programme on M-Net and set a normal / banner reminder for the next
programme on the Movie Magic channel. When the programme on Movie Magic starts, a banner
will be displayed on-screen to remind you of your selection.
i
Setting a Normal / Banner Reminder
Cancelling a Normal / Banner
Reminder 1. To cancel a normal / banner reminder,
press to display the i-plate.
2. A small will be displayed on the
programme for which you have set the
reminder.
3. Press the arrow to highlight that
programme.
4. Press OK twice to cancel the normal /
banner reminder. A banner will appear
on-screen confirming that your reminder
has been cancelled.
i
19MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder

AUTOTUNE REMINDERS
Setting an autotune reminder will result in the decoder automatically tuning to the selected
programme when it starts.
Example : you can view a programme on M-Net and set an autotune reminder for the next
programme on the Movie Magic channel. When the programme on Movie Magic starts, a banner
will be displayed on-screen to remind you of your selection.
i
1. To set an autotune reminder, press to
display the i-plate.
2. Press the arrow to highlight the next
programme.
3. Press OK twice to set an autotune
reminder. A banner will appear on-screen
confirming your selection. A small
will also appear on the i-plate next to the
selected programme, indicating that an
autotune reminder has been set.
4. When the selected programme starts, a
banner will appear on-screen reminding
you of your selection. The banner will
countdown from 5 to 0. If you do nothing,
the decoder will automatically tune to the
selected programme. You can press EXIT
to remove the banner and remain on the
channel you are viewing.
Setting an Autotune
Banner Reminder
1. To cancel an autotune reminder, press
to display the i-plate.
2. A small will be displayed on the
programme for which you have set the
reminder.
3. Press the arrow to highlight that
programme.
4. Press OK once to cancel the autotune
reminder. A banner will appear on-screen
confirming that your reminder has
been cancelled.
i
Cancelling an Autotune
Banner Reminder
20 MultiChoice 990 Digital Satellite Decoder