RCA DSS1 User manual

WARNING
To reduce risk of fire or
shock hazard, do not
expose this receiver to
rain or moisture.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICSHOCK, DO NOTREMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLEPARTSINSIDE.
REFERSERVICINGTO QUALIFIED SERVICEPERSONNEL.
_i_lL his symbol indicates
"dangerous voltage" inside the
product that presents a risk of
electric shock or personal injury.
_1= his symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the product.
Cautions
Note to Cable TV Installer.
Note to Satellite Dish Installer:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Care and Cleaning:
Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top of
the DSSe 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.
Do not stack the DSS®receiver on top of a "hot component" such as an
audio power amplifier.
FCCRegulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to
this equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
The RF remote control complies with part 15 of the FCCRules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) The RF remote
control may not cause harmful interference and; 2) The RFremote
control must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40 of the
National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian E|ectrical 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.
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 810 and in
particular article 810-15 of the National Electrical Code which covers
proper installation and grounding of television receiving equipment as
well as to article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code which specifies
that the satellite dish cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as
practical.
This device incorporates an anticopy process technology that is
protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. The
anticopy process islicensed for non-commercial, home use only. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
Use a soft cloth or dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to dust
your DSS® 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 accumul_ate more dust. A
non-abrasive, anti-static cleaner/polisher is recommended.

First Things First ................................................... 3
What isthe DSS® System? ..................................... _......................... 4
What's in the Box ............................................................................ 5
Using This Manual ........................................................................... 6
The Point and Select Method ............................... :................... 7
Connecting Your DSS®Receiver to Your TV .......... :........................ 8
Things to Know Before Connecting Components .................. 8
Jacks and Cables ........................................................................ 9
Connecting the VCR Controller .................................. ;................. 14
Choosing a.DSS ®Output Channel ................................................ 16
Connecting a Compatible D-VHS VCR .......................................... 18
Ordering DSS®Programming ...................................... _................. 18
Program Guides .................................................. 19
Anatomy of a Program Guide ...................................................... 20
Anatomy of The Channel Banner ................................................. 21
Using the GUIDE Button ............................................................... 22
Getting Around in the Guides .......... ............................................ 22
Tuning to aProgram ............................. .................................. 23
The Other Program Guides ........................................................... 23
Sorting the Guides ....................................................................... 25
The Menu System ............................................... 31
Using the Menu System ................................................................ 32
Exit and Help ..................... ...................................................... 32
Menu Descriptions ............................................................ ...... 33
The Program Guide ....................................................................... 34
Anatomy of aProgram Guide ................................................ 34
The Mailbox .......... ....................................................... _................. 35
How to tell when you have mail ............................................ 35
Checking your mail ................................................................. 35
Pay-Per-View Programs ................................................................. 36
Purchasing and Previewing ...................................... _............. 36
Tuning to a PPV Program ....................................................... 36
Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs ......... _............... 37
Using the Attractions Guide ................................................... 38
Using the Purchases Menu ..................................................... 39
Reviewing and Canceling an Upcoming Purchase ................ 39
Spending Limits .................................... ................................... 40
Timers Feature ............................................................................... 41
Profiles ..................................................... :................. _.................... 43
Creating a Profile Channel List ................... ...................... ,... 43
Setting the Ratings Limit .............................. :........................ .44

Viewing Hours .., ............ ,;....; ................................................. 45
Setting Up Spending Limits .................................................... 45
Locking a User's ?rofile ........................................................... 46
Locking the System .................... _........................... ;.......:....:... 46
Choosing Your Profile ............................................................. 47
options ..,............ _.___..._..:....._........._........................................... 48
Look and Feel ,......,,.,...L.; ..................................................... 49
System Options ....................................................................... 50
Alternate Audio ...................................................................... 51
Alternate Data ........................................................................ 51
The Dish Pointing Menu Screen ................................................... :52
Using the On-Screen Signal Meter ........................................ 53
Home Control ................................................................................ 54
Fetch Menu .................................................................................... 56
Reference ............................................................. 57
o
Parts of the DSS System ........ _...................................................... 58
World View.., .......... _............................... :.............................. :58
Home View .............................................................................. 59
Controls and Buttons .................................................................... 60
Front Panel Controls ............ ................................................... 60
Back Panel Controls .........:., ...................... ............................. 61
Remote Control Buttons ......................................................... 62
Programming the Remote Control .............................................. 63
Programming the Remote to Control Your TV ..................... 64
Programming the Remote to Control Your VCR ................... 64
•Programming the Remote to Control Other Devices ........... 65
Using the Remote Buttons to Control a Device .................... 65
Remote Codes ......................................................................... 66
Glossary .......................................................................................... 68
Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 70
Running the System Test ............................................................... 70
Appendix A: Warranty Information .................. 71
Appendix B: FCC Regulations ............................ 74
Appendix C: Accessories .................................... 75
Index ....................... :............................................ 77
2
DSS®isaregistered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp.
StarSight-Licensed: The manufacture and sale of the television schedule feature of this product was licensed
under One or more of the following patents of StarSight Telecast, Inc.; U.S. Patent Nos. 4,706,121; 4,977,455;
5,151,789; 5,335,277: and 5,353,121.

READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS
The first two chapters of the manual introduce
you to your DSS ®system, and show you how to
use the on-screen guides and menus.
In First Things First, you'll learn:
• how to use this manual
•how to use the menu system and guides
•different ways to connect _he receiver to your TV
•how to connect the VCR controller
•how to set the output channel
•how to send the DSS ®signal to multiple TVs
•how to connect a D-VHS VCR
•how to order programming
Program Guides details the items and features
associated with the different guides.
FIRSTTHINGS FIRST
V
V
V
THE REST OF THE MANUAL
The rest of the book includes menu information,
reference information such as remote codes, a
glossary, and an index.
3

WHAT IS THE DSS®SYSTEM?
You've purchased the DSS°Digital Satellite System, so you
already know a lot of the great things it offers. You know that
the DSS®system usesthe latest satellite technology to deliver
television programming to your home. And you know that the
transmissions are digital, sothe quality of the picture and audio
rivals that of laser discsand CDs.You know the dish issmall--18
inches wide--and that it often can be installed in a matter of
hours. (See the DSS®System Installer Guide for specific
information.)
Those are the some of the things you probably know about the
DSS®system. But what about the things you don't know? For
instance...
The DSS°system works like your TV. Pick up the DSS®
remote and push the DSS1button. Pressthe Channel Up/
Down buttons to scan through the channels. Pressthe
number keys to go directly to a channel.
There is an on-screen program guide. The program guide
islike a TV listing in the newspaper. It isdesigned to help you
select regular programs and pay-per-view events. You can
also sort the guide to list only specific types of programs. You
can select Sports, for example, and your guide will show
current and upcoming sports programs only. Or Movies. Or
News.
There isthe on-screen Menu System that allows you to
customize your system. You can set up your system, build
channel lists, preview coming attractions, set spending limits,
and receive mail from your program providers.
There are three types of On-line Help to assistyou in
learning how to usethe DSS®system: Context-Sensitive Help
(at the bottom of most menu screens), Help buttons, and the
About DSSmenu.
4

WHAT'S I N TH E BOX
The following items come with your DSS®receiver:
•Receiver (with accesscard inserted)
•Remote Control
•VCR Controller
Receiver
Remote Control
INSTALLING BA'I-FERIES IN THE REMOTE
CONTROL
Follow these steps whenever you need to !nstall or change the
batteries in your DSS®remote.
1. Remove the cover from the battery compartment.
2. Insert batteries as shown in the battery compartment,
matching the + and - end of each battery.
3. Replace the cover.
Programming the Remote
Depending on your equipment you may need to program the
remote to control other devices. Check out "Programming the
Remote" in the Reference section. "
5

USING THIS MANUAL
There are acouple of conventions used in this manual that might
help you read it.
• Words that appear in ALL CAPS indicate the name of a
button,
•The names of on-screen menu options are shown in itali_.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THIS USER'S
MANUAL
This manual assumes that your DSS®system has been installed,
meaning:
1. The DSS®satellite dish antenna has been installed, correctly
pointed at the satellite, and connected to your DSS®receiver.
2. The DSS®receiver isconnected to your television and to a
telephone line.
3. The access card isinstalled in your DSS®receiver.
Your access card has been matched to your receiver, and
should already be insta!led when you take the receiver out Of
the packing box. The accesscard should only be taken out of
the DSS®receiver when you are issueda new card by your
programming providers.
4. The DSS®remote control has batteries and can be
programmed to control both your DSS®receiver and your TV
(if your TV is remote-controllable).
If your system has not been installed, refer to the satellite dish
Installer's Guide for information regarding proper installation.
Then, refer t o the next section, Connecting Your DSS°Receiver to
Your 73/. See your dealer for specific information regarding
professional installation or the purchase of a Self-lnstaller's Kit.
6

THE POIN'T AND SELECT METHOD
Point and Select isthe two-step method you useto navigate
through the menu system and program guides. Once you know
how to point and select, you can explore the menus to learn
more about how your DSS®system works.
1. POINT
You point by pre_ssingthe arrow keys on the remote or front
panel. Pressing the arrow keys moves the on-screen highlight
to different items in the program guide and the menu
screens. Pressing an arrow once moves the highlight one
space in the direction of the arrow.
For example, to point down (that is,to move the highlight
toward the bottom of the screen), pressthe down arrow. To
point right, press the right arrow.
2. SELECT
Once you have pointed to an item on the screen, select it by
pressing the MENUeSELECT button on the remote or front
panel. Selecting an item tells the menu system to go ahead
and make the change you have indicated.
For example, the instructions in the User's Manual might tell
you to Point to the Exit button and press MENU-SELECT.
Once you've got the hang of the Point and Select rule, you
can use any part of the DSS®system.
©
ARROWKEYS
Don't worry about getting stuck
inside a menu. Pressing the CLEAR
button on the remote takes you
out of the menu system and back
to the program you were
watching.
7

CONNECTING YOUR DSS®RECEIVER TO
YOUR TV
During the satellite dish antenna installation, the receiver may
have been connected to your TV with just a coaxial cable for the
system test. Depending on what components you have, another
connection may provide better picture and audio quality. The
following sections provide cable and connection information to
help you decide what connection is best for you.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE CONNECTING
COMPONENTS
Protect Your Components from Power Surges
•Connect all components before plugging any power cords
into the wall outlet.
• Always turn off the DSS®receiver, TV and other components
before you connect or disconnect any cables.
Position Cables Correctly to Avoid Audio Hum or
Interference
• Insert allcable plugs firmly into their jacks.
• Place the audio/video 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 audio/video 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.
•Do not stack components.
• Allow adequate ventilation when placing your components
in a stand.
• Place an amplifier or DSS®receiver on the top shelf of the
stand so heated air rising from it will not flow around other
components.
8

JACKS AND CABLES
S-Video Jack and Cable
The S-Video jack provides the best picture quality for your DSS®
system.
This jack isavailable on many TVs and is used in conjunction with
audio cables to connect the DSS®receiver, to your TV. Remember
also to connect the left and right audio cables because the
S-video Jackcarries only the picture signal, not the sound.
Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type)
The audio/video jacks provide very good picture and stereo
sound quality, and should be used if your TV has no S-Video jack.
Theses jacks are used for most audio/video connections between
components. The DSS®receiver audio/video 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
right (red) audio jack onthe DSS®receiver.
@
S-VideoJack
AudioNideo Jacks
RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type)
The RFjacks provide good picture and mono sound quality, and
are to be used if audio/video connections are not available for
your TV.
These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections.
The RFjacks on the DSS®receiver are labeled IN FROM ANT and
OUT TO TV. The coaxial cable supplied with your DSS°system is
used to connect the RFjacks between the DSS®receiver and your
TV's antenna input.
VCR Controller Jack and Cable
The VCR controller cable plugs into a jack on the DSS®receiver's
back panel. The other end of the cable affixes to your VCR's
remote sensor.
RFJack
VCR Controller Jack
Digital Audio/Video (DAV) Jack and Cable
The digital audio/video cable connects l_heDSS®receiver to a
compatible D-VHS VCR. This connection lets you record and play
back digital programming with virtually no lossin picture and
sound quality.
D_d _moN_o Jae,
9

CONNECTION A
BEST PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY
To use this connection you must have:
•TV with separate RF,audio/video, and S-Video inputs (jacks)
• VCR with RFand audio/video inputs
• Coaxial, audio/video, and S-Video cables
To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cabl_ box:
1. Connect coaxial cables as shown.
2. Connect audio/video cables as shown.
3. Connect S-video cable as shown.
IV
REe.EIV_
_R
_IELU_
To receive DSS ®programming:
1. Tune TV to receive the S-Video output from the DSS®receiver.
2. Tune DSS®receiver to desired channel.
To receive off-air programming (no cable box):
1. Turn off VCR and DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TVto desired channel.
To receive off-air programming (with cable box):
1. Turn off VCR and DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to cable box output channel (usually CH2, CH3,
or CH4).
Tune cable box to desired channel.
To record DSS ®programming:
1. Tune TV to receiveS-Video output from DSS®receiver.
®
2. Tune DSS receiverto desired channel.
3. Set your VCR to record on line input.
To view VCR programming:
1. Tune TV to VCRoutput channel (usually CH3 or CH4).
CAUTION
Do not stack electronic
components or other objects on
top of the DSS* receiver. See
Safety Information, inside front
coyer.
10

CONNECTION B
VERY GOOD PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY
To use this connection you must have:
•"IV with separate RFand audio/video inputs (jacks)
•VCR with RFand audio/video inputs
•Coaxial and audio/video cables
o_r_AIRIJCIT_€_
TV
DSS
RE_EIVER
To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cable box:
1. Connect coaxial cables as shown.
2. Connect audio/video cables as shown:
_R
To receive DSS eprogramming:
1. Tune TV to receive line output from DSS®receiver
(often called Input 1).
2. Tune DSS®receiver to desired channel.
To receive off-air programming (no cable box):
1. Turn off VCR and DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to desired channel.
To receive off-air programming (with cable box):
1. Turn off VCR and DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to cable box output channel (usually CH2, CH3,
or CH4).
3. Tune cable box to desired channel.
To record DSS eprogramming:
1. Tune TV to record'line butput from DSS®receiver (Input1).
2. Tune DSS®receiver to desired channel.
3. Set your VCR to record on line input.
To view VCR programming:
1. Tune TV to VCR output channel (usually CH3 or CH4).
CAUTION
Do not stack electronic
components or other objects on
top of the DSSe receiver. See
Safety Information, inside front
cover.
11

CONNECTION C
GOOD PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY
To usethis connection you must have:
• TVwith RF input (jack)
•VCR with RF and audio/video inputs
• Coaxial and audio/video cables
To connect TV, VCR, and antenna or cable box:
1. Connect coaxial cables and audioiv;deo cables as shown.
DSS
R_NER
OR
OFF-NR N_flENNA
I
To receive DSS ®programming:
• Tune TV to channel 3or 4 (depending on how you set the
CH3/CH4 switch on the'back of the receiver).
To receive off-air programming (no cable box):
I. Turn offVCR and DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to desired channel.
To receive cable programming (with cable box):
1. Turn off VCR and DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to cable box output channel (usually CH2, CH3, or
CH4).
3. Tune cable boxto desired channel.
To record DSS ®programming:
1. Tune TV to the channel on which you receive the DSS®signal.
2. Tune DSS®receiver to desired channel.
3. Set VCR to record on line input.
To view VCR programming:
1. Tune TV to VCR output channel (usually CH3 or CH4).
2. Turn DSS®receiver off.
CAUTION
Do not stack electronic
components or other objects on
top of the DSS®receiver. See
Safety Information, inside, front
cover.
12

CONNECTION D
GOOD PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY
To use this connection you mu_ have:
•TV with RF input
•Coaxial cables
To connect TV and antenna or cable box:
1. Connect coaxial cables as s_own.
To receive DSS ®programming:
•Tune TV to channel 3 or 4 (depending on how you set the
CH3/CH4 switch on the back of the receiver.
To receive off-air programming (no cable box):
1. Turn off DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to desired channel.
To receive cable programming (with cable box):
1. Turn off DSS®receiver.
2. Tune TV to cable box output channel (usually CH2, CH3_or
CH4).
3. Tune cable box to desired channel.
CAUTION
Do not stack electronic
components or other objects on
top of the DSS°receiver. See
Safety Information, inside front
cover.
13

CONNECTING TH E VCR CONTROLLER
-In order for the DSS®receiver and VCR to communicate, you
need to attach the VCR Controller to the back of the receiver.
1. Plug the VCR Controller into the VCR CONTROL jack on the
back of the DSS®receiver.
2. Affix the other end to the remote sensoron your VCR.
LOCATING THE VCR'S INFRARED REMOTE
CONTROL SENSOR
The VCR Controller must be affixed directly over the infrared
remote sensor on your VCR.
Some VCRsJabel the infrared remote sensor,and others do not.
If your VCR is labeled, affix the VCR controller directly over the
sensor.
Using the VCR Remote to Locate the Remote
Sensor
For VCRsthat do not label the remote sensor, you need to use
the VCR's remote to locate the sensor before affixing the VCR
controller.
1. Hold the remote control so that it istouching the front of
the VCR.
2. Slowly move the remote over the frorlt of the VCR while
pressing the remote power button on and off.
3. When your VCR turns off or on, you Ilave located the sensor.
To test the VCR controller, use a piece of clear tape to
temporarily attach the VCR controller to the spot where you
think the sensor is located, and then follow the steps described
under "Selecting a VCR Type."
14

SELECTING A VCR TYPE
When you connect a VCR Controller, you need to tell the DSS®
receiver which VCR brand you are using.
1. PressMENUeSELECT on the remote to bring up the Main
menu.
2. Point to Options and press MENUoSELECT.
3. Point to System Options and press MENUoSELECT.
4. Point to Set VCR Type and press MENU.SELECT.
.
.
The set VCR Type screen lets you enter a code for
your VCR.
Use the arrows or digit keys to input the correct code for
your VCR brand. The VCR codes are located in the
"Reference" section of this book.
Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure that you are
using the correct code. If the VCR automatically stops, then
you know that the receiver and the VCR are communicating.
Some VCR brands may not be capable of being controlled by
the DSS®receiver..
15

CHOOSING A DSS®OUTPUT CHANNEL
If you are using the OUT TO TV jack to send the signal to a TV,
you need to know about the agile modulator. The agile
modulator allows you to select the television channel you want
to use when you output the DSS®signal from the OUT TO 1-%/jack
on the back of the receiver.
SELECTING AN OUTPUT CHANNEL
The default setting ischannel 14 (off-air) and 65 (cable). T_ to
get a signal on these TV channels first. If you want to change the
output channel:
1. PressMENU-SELECT to bring up the Main menu.
2. Point to and select Options.
3. Point to and select System Options.
4. Select Output Channel to begin the procedure, and follow
the on-screen displays to select a new Output channel.
In the first screen, you indicate whether you are getting local
channels from cable service or off-air broadcasts, and in the
screens that follow, you select an available output channel.
SelectOutput Channelto begin theprocedure for
changingyour output channel.
What Does the Agile
Modulator Do?
The agile modulator gives you
more channels from which to
choose an output channel. This
should allow you to choose a
channel not already being used
by an off-air (antenna) broadcast
station, or your local cable
service.
You can select an off-air channel between UHF channels 14-69; or
a cable channel from 65-94 or 100-125 (they use the same
channel band). Go through your channels and find one within
this range which currently does not have programming.
• If you can find three channels in a row that aren't being
used, choose the middle channel.
Resetting the Agile
Modulator
To reset the output channel to the
default (UHF channel 14 or cable
channel 65), simultaneously press
the DISPLAY button and the LEFT
ARROW button (_) on the front
of the receiver.
16

SENDING THE DSS®SIGNAL TO MULTIPLE TVS
The most important feature of the agile modulator isthat it
creates a unique DSS®television channel. This unique channel
can be combined with other TV channels on your antenna or
cable system. Combining the signals and distributing them to all
the televisions in,/our home lets you watch DSS®programming
or local programming on any television connected to your
system by simply changing channels on the TV.
The simplified drawing at the right shows how cable or off-air
signals and the DSS®output channel can be combined and
routed through a whole'house distribution system (sold
separately). Although not shown in detail, a whole-house
distribution system consistsof signal splitter/combiners and
amplifiers to boost both the DSS®output channel and off-air or
cable channels.
_s_ _ _ECEMER
\
BB -I%
TVs IN yOUR HOME
SINGLE TV OUTPUT
Although the agile modulator isdesigned for a whole-house
distribution system, you may still need to set the output channel
even if you are running a signal from the OUT TO TV jack to only
one television. The default setting ischannel 14 (off-air) and 65
(cable). Try to get a signal on these channels first; then go to
Output Channel in the Options menu to change the agile
modulator setting.
_R
=_=1 RECEIVER
17

CONNECTING A COMPATIBLE D'VHS VCR
The DSS®receiver can send a digital signal to a compatible D-VHS
VCR. The D-VHS VCR can then record.and playback recordings
through the DSS®receiver, if you have a D-VHS VCR you must
connect both devices so they can send and receive digital signals.
1) Connect a digital audio/video (DAV) cable as shown.
2) Connect RCAtype audio/video cables as shown.
The D-VHS VCR and DSS®receiver communicate through the DAV
cable. It is not necessa_ to connect the VCR controller or enter
the VCR type described earlier in this section.
@@@ I
D-VHS m_ r.._-_. ,,_--I I
R l
'_0_0 GiFTAllOi@OUT
INTERACTIVE SETUP
r
if you self-installed your satellite dish antenna, you may have
already used the interactive setup to find the dish pointing
coordinates, acquire and fine-tune the signal, and run a system
test.
If y_u need to run the interactive setup again, select Options
from the Main menu, then select Interactive Setup.
If you just want to check your dish pointing coordinates, or run
the signal strength meter, select Dish Pointing from the Main
menu.
ORDERING DSS PROGRAMMING
After you have installed your system, you should contact the
service providers, DIRECTV and USSBto receive DSS®
programming.
Programming with DIRECTV: Call 1-800-347-3288
Programming with USSB: Call 1-800-204-USSB
When you order programming,
you need to know your Access
Card number. To get the number,
select Options from the Main
menu, then System Options, and
then select System Test.
Wait for the system to run all of
it's tests. The Access Card number
is displayed at the end of the
system test.
Write the Access Card number in
the space below for easy
reference:
18