PICO VMX3-1 User manual

User Manual
VMX3-1 HD MPEG-2/4 QAM Set-Top Box

Specifications subject to change. Copyright ® 2015 by Pico Digital Inc. All rights reserved. REV. 081715
VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
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Document History: Version 1.0
1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Important Information ..................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Unpacking ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Front Panel ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Rear Panel ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Remote Control ............................................................................................................................................... 7
2 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Connecting the Set-Top Box .......................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................ 10
3 SYSTEM SET-UP ........................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Programming the Remote Control ............................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Changing the Menu Language ..................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Parental Controls .......................................................................................................................................... 13
3.4 Changing the Password ............................................................................................................................... 14
3.5 Locking Channels ......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.6 Remove Channels from a Locked List ......................................................................................................... 17
3.7 Unlocking Channels ...................................................................................................................................... 18
3.8 Locking the Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 19
3.9 Unlocking the Menu...................................................................................................................................... 20
3.10 Power Save Mode......................................................................................................................................... 21
4 ADVANCED FEATURES ................................................................................................ 22
4.1 Recording a Live TV Program....................................................................................................................... 22
4.2 Electronic Program Guide ........................................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Schedule/Manage Recordings ..................................................................................................................... 23
4.4 Playing Back a Program ............................................................................................................................... 24
4.5 Email Messages from the Cable Company ................................................................................................. 25
4.6 Favorites........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Table Of Contents

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1. INTRODUCTION
This user manual is for the VMX3-1 cable set-top box. This set-top box is equipped for you to customize your settings
and place parental controls for programming that you prefer your children not view. This set-top box is SD/HD compliant,
providing you with the ability to view all content from your cable provider.
This box has been designed for ease of use and is simple to upgrade to take advantage of any advanced features we
may release in the future.
1.1 Important Information
POWER REQUIREMENTS:
100 V - 240 VAC ~ 50 Hz/60 Hz
LIQUIDS:
Take care not to spill any liquids over the receiver or splash it.
Avoid placing objects with liquids on or next to the receiver.
SMALL OBJECTS:
Avoid placing small metallic objects close to the unit. These could accidentally enter through the
ventilation slots and cause serious damage.
CLEANING:
Unplug the receiver from the mains before cleaning it.
Use a slightly damp, soft cloth (no detergent) to clean the outside of the receiver.
VENTILATION:
Place the receiver in a well-ventilated area so that the slots are not blocked in any way. Avoid
exposure to the sun or to other sources of heat.
Do not place on top of other equipment.
CONNECTIONS:
Carry out the recommended connections only to avoid any possible damage.

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1.2 Unpacking
Upon receipt inspect the box and note any damage to the box or the unit. In case of damage contact your
cable operator.
The box includes:
A. 1 - VMX3-1 Quick Start Guide
B. 1 - VMX3-1 unit
C. 1 - Remote control
D. 1 - Power adaptor
E. 2 - Batteries for the remote control
F. 1 - Composite cable
G. 1 - HDMI cable
E F
C
D
A B
G
User Manual
VMX3-1 HD MPEG-2/4 QAM Set-Top Box

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
1.3 Front Panel
The VMX3-1 is designed for ease of use and offers a small foot print. The front panel features minimal buttons and
graphics.
Button Function
Navigate UP
Navigate DOWN
Turns the receiver on/off (STBY)
▲
▼

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1.4 Rear Panel
The rear panel of the cable box includes multiple options for connecting to your TV. With all options you will need to
insert the coaxial cable into the Cable In (2) plug on the back of the unit in order to receive the cable feed.
Label Function
1 Cable In Input of coaxial cable as content source
2 Loop Out Coaxial cable out for loop through to TV – connect to TV
3 Video and L/R Audio Composite cable to connect to TV
4 Spdif Coaxial Digital Audio
5 HDMI HDMI cable to connect to TV
6 LAN Ethernet port for Internet access
7 IR Extender External IR receiver
8 Power Connect to 12-V power supply
1234567
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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
CUSTOM Can be programmed as any other button.
VOL + Increase the volume
VOL - Decrease the volume
CH Channel up
CH Channel down
TV Press to turn TV ON/OFF
TV/AV Changes TV source
SET Program remote
1.5 Remote Control
Button Function
CBL Press to turn set-top box ON/OFF
Mute ON/OFF
AV Change set-top box HDMI resolution
CC Closed captions ON/OFF
MAIL Displays e-mail messages
AUDIO Toggles mono/stereo audio options
SUB Subtitles ON/OFF
MEDIA Displays recorded “Library”
FAV Displays “Favorites” list
INFO Displays program information
Back Return to previous menu
EPG Displays the program guide
MENU Displays the menu
EXIT Leaves the menu/program information
OK Select
VOL + Increase the volume
VOL - Decrease the volume
CH Channel up
CH Channel down
Navigation directions
0...9 Channel/password numbers
Record
Stop
Play
Fast forward
Rewind
Pause
Menu selection buttons
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲▲
▲
▲ ▲
Programmable:*
▲
▲
*Note: These buttons can be programmed as any other button. The functions listed are suggested.

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2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Connecting the Set-Top Box
When you receive the set-top box, it will include the small VMX3-1 unit, a power cable, composite cables, an HDMI
cable, and the remote control with batteries.
We recommend that you make sure you have all necessary cables before starting the installation process.
A. Disconnect power from the TV and set-top box.
B. Plug the cable TV cable into the “Cable In.” (Figure 2.1.1)
C. Connect an external HDD to the set-top box using a USB cable (if available).
D. Connect the set-top box to your television. There are three different connection options for this:
1. HDMI cable (included) - Figure 2.1.2
2. Composite (yellow, red and white cable - included) - Figure 2.1.2
3. RF out (Coaxial cable for cable TV - not included) - Figure 2.1.2
E. Plug the power cord into the back of the set-top box (Figure 2.1.3) and plug the power supply
into your power source.
F. Reconnect power to the TV.
Figure 2.1.1 Figure 2.1.2 Figure 2.1.3
Cable TV HDMI
Video/Audio
Power Adapter
Coaxial

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
G. The set-top box will start an Auto Channel Scan. This will program the channels into the box.
H. Let this continue to 100%
I. Once this Auto Channel Scan has completed, the number of detected channels will appear.
Press “OK.”
J. The set-top box is now ready for use. All detected channels should now be available for viewing.

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2.2 Troubleshooting
2.2.1 Reset to First-Time Installation
If the set-top box is not working, then the rst step is to restart the box. If this does not work, then try resetting the
box to rst-time installation. This is done by following these instructions:
A. With the TV switched ON and the set-top box switched ON, press the “MENU” button on the remote control.
This brings up the following menu:
B. Go to the “Settings” option and press “OK.” This will take you into the settings menu.

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
C. Select the “Version” option and scroll down to the “Reset to Factory Default” option.
When prompted, press “OK.”
*The set-top box will then reboot and start a scan and nd all of the available channels. If this does not work,
please contact your cable operator for more troubleshooting options.
2.2.2 Help Menu
More detailed information about set-top box functions can be found in the “Help” menu.
A. With the TV switched ON and the set-top box switched ON, press the “MENU” button on the remote control.
B. Navigate to the “Help” option and press “OK.”

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3. SYSTEM SET-UP
3.1 Programming the Remote Control
In order to program your remote control, follow these steps:
A. On the set-top box remote, press and hold the “SET” button until the red light at the top turns bright red.
B. Point the remote that you would like to copy and the set-top box remote at one another.
C. On the set-top box remote, press and hold the button that you would like to program (eg. Channel up) until
the light ashes.
D. On the remote you want to copy, press and hold the corresponding button (Channel up) until the light ashes
again.
E. Repeat this process until all of the buttons are programmed.
F. Press the “SET” button once more to save and exit the remote control programming.

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
3.2 Changing the Menu Language
Each set-top box can be set to show the menus in your preferred language. The box is currently set for Spanish.
To change this:
A. Go to the Menu.
B. Select “Settings.”
C. Inside the “Region” menu, scroll down to “Language.”
D. Select your preferred language by scrolling to the left or right.
E. Once selected, exit out of the menu.
F. The menu will begin showing your chosen language.
3.3 Parental Controls
Parental controls allow you to manage the channels that your children are able to view. This locking system can be used
to block specic channels or to lock the whole menu from being used without entering a password, safeguarding your
children from viewing any content you don’t want them viewing.

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3.4 Changing the Password
The current default password is 0000. This password can be customized and updated by using the following steps:
A. Go into the menu.
B. Select “Settings.”
C. Navigate to the “Parental” menu.
D. When prompted, enter the current password (default is 0000).

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
E. Scroll down to “Set PIN” and press “OK.”
F. Enter and conrm a new password, then press “OK” to return to the menu.
3.5 Locking Channels
In order to set parental controls and lock specic channels, use the following steps:
A. Go into the menu.
B. Select “Settings.”

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C. Navigate to the “Parental” menu.
D. If prompted, enter your current password for parental controls (default is 0000).
E. Select “Select Locked Channels” and press “OK.”
F. A list of your channels will appear. Navigate to those you would like to lock
and press “OK” on each.
G. A lock icon will appear next to each channel that you choose to be locked.
H. O n c e y o u a r e  n i s h e d s e l e c t i n g c h a n n e l s t o l o c k , p r e s s t h e y e l l o w b u t t o n o n t h e
remote to return to the menu.

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
3.6 Remove Channels from a Locked List
To unlock a channel, use these steps:
A. Go into menu.
B. Select “Settings.”
C. Navigate to the “Parental” menu.
D. If prompted, enter your password for parental controls (default is 0000).
E. Select “Select Locked Channels” and press “OK.”

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F. A list of your channels will appear. Those labeled with a lock icon are currently locked.
G. To remove a channel from the locked list, navigate to a locked channel and press “OK.”
The lock next to the channel will disappear.
3.7 Unlocking Channels
When a locked channel is selected, you will be prompted to enter the parental lock 4-digit PIN (see “Changing the
Password”). In order to view the channel, press “OK” and enter the PIN and the channel will unlock.
Note: This will turn OFF the “Parental Control” in the “Parental” menu. In order to re-lock channels, go to the “Parental”
menu and turn the setting to “ON.”

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VMX3-1 HD MPEG 2/4 QAM Set-Top Box
3.8 Locking the Menu
To lock the menu, follow these steps:
A. From the menu, navigate to “Parental.”
B. If prompted, enter your password for parental controls (default is 0000).
C. Scroll down to “Settings Lock” and switch it to ON.
D. Once you leave the menu and re-enter “Settings,” you will be prompted to enter your password in
order to make changes.

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3.9 Unlocking the Menu
To turn the “Settings Lock” feature off:
A. From the menu, navigate to “Parental.”
B. When prompted, enter your password for parental controls (default is 0000).
C. Scroll down to “Settings Lock” and switch it to “Off.”
D. You will now be able to make changes to the set-top box’s settings without a password.