RCA Digital Satellite Receiver User manual

Satellite Receiver
User’s Guide
Changing Entertainment. Again.

Cautions Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top of the
Digital Satellite Receiver. The slots on top of the 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.
Remove any sales or promotional materials attached to the product.
Do not stack the digital satellite receiver on top of a “hot component” such as
an audio power amplifier.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this
equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Note to Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to article 820-40 of the
National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1)
which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies
that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the
building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Note to Satellite Dish Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to articles 810 and 820 of the
1999 National Electrical Code. Refer to article 810, in particular to 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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This device incorporates an anticopy process technology that is protected by
U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. The anticopy process is
licensed for non-commercial, home use only. Reverse engineering or
disassembly is prohibited.
Care and Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to dust your digital
satellite receiver. Remove dust from the ventilation holes on the top and bottom.
Plastic surfaces are easily scratched and can be marred by alcohol and various
solvents. Avoid excessive use of oil-based furniture polishes since the materials
used in the cabinet will accumulate more dust. A non-abrasive, anti-static
cleaner/polisher is recommended.
This symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose
this product to rain or moisture.
This symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the product.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.
Important Information
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card (packed seperately) and return it immediately. Returning the card allows us to
contact you if needed.
Product Information
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial
and model numbers in case you need them. These numbers are located on the product.
Model No.__________________________________________________________________________________________
Serial No. __________________________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date:______________________________________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ______________________________________________________________________________
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do
not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable
parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.

1
Introduction
Key Features Overview
Your digital satellite receiver is equipped with features that will add to your viewing experience.
The following information summarizes a few of these features. Chapter 3 provides more
information about the rest of the TV’s features and how to use them.
On-screen Program Guides
Description: Available on-screen guides include a new Advanced Program
Guide™ which stores up to seven days of programming information and a new
Advanced Program Guide®which lists five different channels of programming at
a glance.
Requirements: Complete the on-screen assisted setup. You’ll find detailed
instructions how to do this in Chapter 1, Connections & Setup.
Interactive Channel Banner
Description: A transparent banner at the top of the picture allows direct access
to the key features of the DIRECTV system including a way to display the Main
Menu, viewing suggestions, program details, The Guardian™ channel locking
system, on-screen message display, the Scout™ keyword/phrase and the
AlphaSort™ alphabetical search features, and alternate audio offerings.
Requirements: Press the INFO button on the remote control. Highlight
different icons using the remote control’s arrow buttons. Select the highlighted
icon using the remote control’s OK button.
Universal Remote Control
Description: Provides complete satellite system operation, and primary
function control of most brands of remote-controllable TVs, VCRs, and cable
boxes.
Requirements: A remote-controllable device such as a VCR, cable box, etc.
The remote control may have to be programmed to operate your component if
it is not RCA, GE, or Proscan.
STOP PAUSE
TV
AUX
DVD SAT
RECORD
PLAY FORWARDREVERSE
FETCH GO BACK
V
O
L
V
O
L
SKIP
MUTE
INFO
MENU
OK
CLEAR
GUIDE
ANTENNA
123
456
789
0
WHO•INPUT
VCR1
VCR2
ON •OFF
CH +
CH -
(-)

Introduction
2
DIRECTV INTERACTIVE™ powered by WINK
Communications®
Description: An interactive television service that lets you access up-to-the-
minute news, sports, financial information, weather, program trivia, and
respond to free offers and even shop– all while you watch TV.
Requirements: Establish a free, secure Interactive TV account, then press the
OK/i button on the remote control whenever you see the Interactive logo ( )
appear on-screen. For more information, see page 30 in the Satellite System
Features chapter.
Software Upgrades via Satellite
Description: The digital satellite receiver is able to modify some of its features
and functions with downloaded RSA-secure upgrades or modifications. RSA-
secure downloads ensure that only authorized upgrades are delivered to your
RCA digital satellite receiver.
Requirements: Consult the Upgrade Menu to find a schedule of upgrades or
modifications planned by DIRECTV. For more information, see page 58 in the
Using On-screen Menus chapter.

3
Table of Contents
Connections & Setup .................................................................................................... 5
Things To Consider Before You Connect Components............................................. 6
Choose Your Connection ........................................................................................... 7
Excellent Connection ........................................................................................... 8
Very Good Connection ...................................................................................... 10
Good Connection ............................................................................................... 12
Jacks and Cables................................................................................................. 14
Satellite Receiver Rear Panel ............................................................................. 15
Place Batteries in the Remote Control .................................................................... 16
Plug in and Turn on the Receiver ............................................................................ 16
Using Highlight and Select ......................................................................................17
Complete the Assisted Setup ................................................................................... 18
Order Programming ................................................................................................. 18
Using the Remote Control .........................................................................................19
Remote Control Buttons ..........................................................................................20
Top of the Digital Satellite Receiver........................................................................ 22
Programming the Remote Control ......................................................................... 23
Testing the Remote Control ..............................................................................23
Using Automatic Code Search ...........................................................................23
Using Direct Entry ..............................................................................................24
Operating Other Components ..........................................................................24
Remote Control Codes....................................................................................... 25
Using the Satellite Receiver’s Features .................................................................. 27
Anatomy of a Program Guide .................................................................................28
Displaying the Program Guide .......................................................................... 28
Using The Channel Banner ................................................................................ 29
Buttons of the Channel Banner ..................................................................29
The DIRECTV INTERACTIVE™ Feature .............................................................. 30
Displaying On-screen Guides ...................................................................................30
The Detail Guide ................................................................................................ 30
The Grid Guide ................................................................................................... 30
Getting Around In the Guides ................................................................................. 31
Scrolling Channel By Channel ........................................................................... 31
Scrolling Page By Page ...................................................................................... 31
Scrolling Forward and Reverse.......................................................................... 31
Tuning to a Program .......................................................................................... 32
More Details ................................................................................................. 32
Additional Program Guides .....................................................................................33
The Channel Guide ............................................................................................ 33
The Logo Guide.................................................................................................. 33
The Suggestions Guide ...................................................................................... 33
Sorting the Guides ................................................................................................... 34
Viewing Suggestions .........................................................................................34
Active Profile’s Preferences ............................................................................... 35
Movies ................................................................................................................35
Sports ..................................................................................................................35
Channel Sort ....................................................................................................... 36
AlphaSort™ ........................................................................................................36
Scout™ ...............................................................................................................37
Down Arrow ....................................................................................................... 37

Table of Contents
4
Using the Menu System ............................................................................................. 39
Using the Menu System ...........................................................................................40
On-screen Buttons and Context Help ............................................................... 40
Main Menu Items ............................................................................................... 41
The Program Guide ..................................................................................................42
Mailbox ..................................................................................................................... 43
Messages Waiting .............................................................................................. 43
Checking Your Mail ..................................................................................... 43
Using the Purchases Menu ....................................................................................... 44
Reviewing and Canceling Upcoming Purchases............................................... 44
Spending Limits .................................................................................................. 44
Pay Per View Programs ...................................................................................... 45
Previewing and Purchasing ............................................................................... 45
Timers ........................................................................................................................ 46
User Profiles .............................................................................................................. 46
Creating and Editing User Profiles.................................................................... 46
Locking the System ...................................................................................... 49
Program/Video Unlock ................................................................................ 50
Choosing Your Profile ........................................................................................ 51
Personal Settings ...................................................................................................... 51
Name .................................................................................................................. 51
Default Guide ................................................................................................. 52
Guide Sorting ..................................................................................................... 52
Color Scheme .................................................................................................. 52
Translucency ................................................................................................... 52
Animation ....................................................................................................... 52
Edit Fetch ........................................................................................................ 53
INFO Help ........................................................................................................ 54
Reset ................................................................................................................ 54
System Setup ............................................................................................................ 54
Assisted Setup ................................................................................................. 54
System Index ...................................................................................................... 55
System Options .................................................................................................. 55
Dish Pointing ...................................................................................................... 57
System Test ......................................................................................................... 58
System Info ......................................................................................................... 58
Upgrades ............................................................................................................ 58
New Access Card ................................................................................................ 59
Alternate Data ................................................................................................... 59
Interactive ................................................................................................................. 59
Other Information ....................................................................................................... 61
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 62
Finding the TV’s Video Line Input ...........................................................................64
Running the System Test .......................................................................................... 65
Fine-Tuning the Signal ....................................................................................... 65
Limited Warranty ..................................................................................................... 66
Accessory Order Form .............................................................................................. 69
Glossary ..................................................................................................................... 71
Index ......................................................................................................................... 74

5
Changing Entertainment. Again.
Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only
Connections & Setup
Chapter Overview:
•Things to Consider Before You Connect
•Choose Your Connection
•Place Batteries in the Remote Control
•Assisted Setup
•Order Programming
Chapter 1

Connections & Setup
6Chapter 1
Things To Consider Before You Connect
Components
Protect Your Components from Power Surges
•Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet.
•Always turn off the digital satellite receiver, TV and other components before you connect or
disconnect any cables.
Position Cables Correctly to Avoid Audio Hum or
Interference
•Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks.
•Place the Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the sides of the TV’s back panel instead of straight
down the middle after you connect your components.
•Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from the A/V cables as much as
possible.
•Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet
packed with your unit.
Protect Your Components from Overheating
•Do not block ventilation holes in any of the components. Arrange the components so that air
can circulate freely. Remove any sales or promotional materials attached to the
product.
•Do not stack components.
•Allow adequate ventilation when placing components in a stand.
•Place an amplifier or receiver on the top shelf of the stand so heated air rising from it will not
flow around other components.

Chapter 1 7
Connections & Setup
Choose Your Connection
There are several ways to connect your digital satellite receiver depending on the components you
want to connect and the quality of the signal you want to achieve. Please use the following chart
to determine which connection is best for you. Proceed to the appropriate page and connect your
satellite receiver. For more information about the relationship between cables, jacks, and the
quality of the signal, go to pages 14-15.
Component Signal Quality Jacks on the satellite receiver Cables needed* Go to...
Excellent S-VIDEO, AUDIO L and R S-video, audio/video page 8
Very Good VIDEO, AUDIO L and R audio/video page 10
Good OUT TO TV RF coaxial page 12
Good OUT TO TV RF coaxial page 12
TV
VCR
* Pictures of cables are on page 14.

Connections & Setup
8Chapter 1
Excellent Connection
Using S-Video and A/V jacks and cables to connect to the TV,
RF coaxial cables to connect to the VCR
This connection provides this receiver’s best picture quality, surpassing that of A/V cables. The
S-Video connection, which carries video information only, requires that audio cables also be used.
Digital Satellite Receiver
Cable or
Off-air
Antenna
TV
VCR
Satellite Dish
Antenna
RJ11
modular
phone jack
IN
FROM
ANT
OUT
TO
TV
VIDEO
AUDIO
L
R
CH4
CH3
IN
FROM
ANT
SATELLITE
IN
S-VIDEO
OUT TO TV IN FROM ANT
PHONE
JACK
LOW SPEED
DATA
VIDEO AUDIO
S-Video
41
2
3
5
6
7
Note: Your VCR and TV back panels may not look
exactly like the ones illustrated.