RCA DXD416RE User manual

SATELLITE RECEIVER
USER'S GUIDE
Models:
DXD416RE
DXD436RE
DXD516RE
Please read these instructions
before operating this product
for the first time.
TOCOM 15671200

Safety Information
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.
Do not stack the digital satellite receiver on top of a “hot component”
such as an audio power amplifier.
Power Consumption: 120-240V~50-60Hz AC
20 Watts
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
yourdigital 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.
WARNING
This symbol indicates
“dangerous voltage” inside
the product that presents a
risk of electric shock or
personal injury.
This symbol indicates
important instructions
accompanying the
product.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING
To reduce risk of fire
or shock hazard, do
not expose this
receiver to rain or
moisture. Do not place
any objects filled with
liquid, such as vases,
on the receiver.

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.
Table of Contents
Setup and Connections ..........................2
Step 1: Unpack the System ........................................ 2
Step 2: Connect Your Receiver to Your TV and
Other Devices............................................. 2
Things to Know Before Connecting
Components............................................... 2
Jacks and Cables ..................................................... 3
Back of the Receiver............................................... 4
Basic Connection .................................................... 5
Advanced Connection ............................................ 5
Step 3: Connect the VCR Controller ......................... 6
Locating the VCR’s Infrared Remote
Control Sensor ........................................... 6
Selecting a VCR Type .............................................. 6
Step 4: Find the Video Input Channel on Your TV... 7
Step 5: Interactive Setup ........................................... 7
Step 6: Place Batteries in the Remote Control ......... 7
Step 7: Plug in and Turn on the System ................... 7
Using the Remote ................................... 8
Remote Control Buttons ........................................... 8
Programming the Remote Control ........................... 9
Testing the Remote control ................................... 9
Using the Remote to Control a Device ............... 10
Modes of Operation............................................. 10
Using the Remote to Control a Second
Digital Satellite Receiver ......................... 10
Remote Codes .......................................................... 10
Program Guides .................................... 13
Anatomy of a Program Guide................................. 13
The Channel Banner ................................................ 14
Using the GUIDE Button ...................................... 15
Getting Around in the Guides ............................. 15
Tuning to a Program ............................................ 16
Additional Program Guides ................................. 16
Sorting the Guides .............................................. 18
The Menu System ................................. 22
Using the Menu System........................................... 22
Exit and Help ........................................................ 22
Menu Descriptions ............................................... 23
Don’t Be Afraid to Explore .................................. 23
The Mailbox ............................................................. 24
How to Tell When you Have Mail........................ 24
Checking Your Mail .............................................. 24
The Program Guide ................................................. 24
Bringing Up the Program Guides ........................ 24
Pay-Per-View Programs ........................................... 25
Purchasing and Previewing ................................. 25
Tuning to a PPV Program ..................................... 25
Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs ...... 25
Using the Attractions Guide ................................ 26
Using the Purchases Menu ................................... 27
Reviewing and Canceling an
Upcoming Purchase ................................. 27
Spending Limits .................................................... 27
Paying for a Pay-per-view Program..................... 28
Languages Menu ..................................................... 28
Timers Feature ......................................................... 29
Profiles...................................................................... 29
Creating a Profile Channel List ............................ 30
Setting the Rating Limit....................................... 30
Viewing Hours ...................................................... 31
Setting Up Spending Limits ................................. 31
Locking a User’s Profile ........................................ 32
Locking the System .............................................. 32
Choosing Your Profile .......................................... 33
Options ..................................................................... 34
Interactive Setup .................................................. 34
System Info ........................................................... 34
Preferences ........................................................... 35
Edit Fetch Menu....................................................... 35
Customizing the Fetch Menu .............................. 35
Customizing the FETCH Button ........................... 36
System Options ..................................................... 37
Format................................................................... 37
Alternate Data ...................................................... 37
The Dish Pointing Menu Screen.............................. 38
Using the On-Screen Signal Meter ...................... 39
Tips & Troubleshooting ........................40
Running the System Test ......................................... 40
Fine-Tuning the Signal ............................................ 40
Troubleshooting Tips ............................................... 41
System Capabilities .................................................. 42
Index...................................................... 45

Setup and Connections
2
Step 1: Unpack the System
Make sure to locate the remote control and the VCR controller.
Step 2: Connect Your Receiver to
Your TV and Other Devices
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 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 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; 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 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 receiver on the top shelf of the stand so that
heated air rising from it will not flow around other components.
Receiver
Remote Control VCR Controller

Setup and Connections
3
Jacks and Cables
Below is a description of the jacks and cables you can use to make
connections. Note that not all cables come with your satellite system.
S-Video Jack and Cable
The S-Video jack provides the best picture quality for your satellite system.
This jack is available on many TVs and is used in conjunction with audio
cables to connect the receiver to your TV. Remember also to connect the left
and right audio cables because the S-Video jack carries 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 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 on the
receiver.
RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type)
The RF jacks 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 RF jacks
on the receiver are labeled IN FROM ANT and OUT TO TV. The coaxial cable
supplied with your system is used to connect the RF jacks between the
receiver and your TV’s antenna input.
VCR Controller Jack and Cable
The VCR controller cable plugs into a jack on the receiver’s back panel. The
other end of the cable affixes to your VCR’s remote sensor.
Telephone Jack and Cord
The telephone line cord is required to connect your TV to a phone line. The
phone line connection is used to periodically call out to DIRECTV™. You will
need an RJ11 type modular jack, which is the most common type of phone
jack and might look like the one pictured here. If you don’t have a modular
jack, contact DIRECTV to find out how to get one installed.
S-Video Jac
k
Audio/Video Jacks
RF Jack
VCR Controller Jack
Phone Jacks

Setup and Connections
4
Back of the Receiver
The diagram below describes each of the back panel jacks found on your
receiver. When connecting A/V cables, be sure to connect corresponding
OUTPUTS and INPUTS (Video to Video, Right Audio to Right Audio, etc.).
SATELLITE
IN
OUT
TO
TV
S-VIDEO
VIDEO
R
L
AUDIO
VCR
IN
FROM
ANT
PHONE JACK
LOW
SPEED
DATA
PHONE JACK Use
to connect the
receiver to a
phone line. The
system requires a
phone line
connection to
periodically call
out to your
service provider.
VCR CONTROL
Allows the receiver
to control your VCR.
S-VIDEO Provides the
best picture quality. If
your TV has S-VIDEO
capability, use this jack
along with the audio/
video jacks to connect
the receiver to your TV.
SATELLITE IN
Use to connect
the receiver to
the satellite
dish antenna.
VIDEO Provides better picture
quality than the OUT TO TV
jack. If your TV has audio/
video capability, use this jack
to connect the receiver to your
TV. You must also connect the
AUDIO jacks.
AUDIO (R and L)
Provide better sound
quality than the OUT
TO TV jack. If your TV
has audio/video
capability, use these
jacks to connect the
receiver to your TV. You
must also connect the
VIDEO jack.
IN FROM ANT Use to
connect the system to
an off-air antenna or
cable TV signal.
OUT TO TV Use to
connect the receiver
to your TV. However,
if your TV has audio/
video jacks, you
should use those
jacks to get better
picture and sound
quality.

Setup and Connections
5
How to View Your Components
To watch satellite programming with this
connection, tune the TV to either channel 3 or 4.
(The default is channel 3.) You may change the
output channel to 4 by choosing Systems Options
from the Options menu and selecting Output
Channel.
To record satellite programming, tune the receiver
to the desired channel and set your VCR to record
on channel 3 or 4.
To view VCR recordings, tune the TV to the VCR
output channel (usually channel 3 or 4) and set
your VCR to play. If your VCR is a brand other than
RCA, GE, or PROSCAN, you may need to program the
remote to control the VCR. See the next section,
“Using the Remote.”
Basic Connection
SATELLITE IN
IN
FROM
ANT
OUT
TO
TV
SATELLITE
RECEIVER
VCR
IN FROM ANT
OUT TO TV
IN
CH3
CH4
TV
SATELLITE
DISH CABLE OR
OFF-AIR ANTENNA
Advanced Connection
SATELLITE IN
IN
FROM
ANT
S-VIDEO
VIDEO
R
L
AUDIO
OUT
TO
TV
SATELLITE
RECEIVER
VCR
IN FROM ANT
OUT TO TV
LR S-VIDEO VIDEOAUDIO
IN
CH3
CH4
TV
SATELLITE
DISH CABLE OR
OFF-AIR ANTENNA
How to View Your Components
To watch satellite programming with this
connection, tune the TV to the Video Input
Channel. (To find your TV’s Video Input Channel,
follow Step 3 on the next page). Then tune the
receiver to the desired channel.
To record satellite programming, tune the receiver
to the desired channel. Then set your VCR to record
on channel 3 or 4.
To view VCR recordings, tune the TV to the VCR
Output Channel (usually channel
3 or 4—CH3 or CH4 on the back of the VCR) and set
your VCR to play. If your VCR is a brand other than
RCA, GE, or PROSCAN, you may need to program the
remote to control the VCR. See the next section,
“Using the Remote.”
CAUTION
Do not stack electronic components or
other objects on top of the receiver. See
Safety Information, inside front cover.

Setup and Connections
6
Step 3: Connect the VCR Controller
In order for the 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
receiver.
2. Affix the other end to the remote sensor on 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 VCRs have a label that identifies the infrared remote sensor, and
others do not. If the IR sensor is labeled on your VCR, affix the VCR controller
directly over the sensor.
For VCRs that 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 VCR’s remote control so that it is touching the front
of the VCR.
2. Slowly move the remote over the front of the VCR while pressing the
remote power button on and off.
3. When your VCR turns off or on, you have 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.”
Selecting a VCR Type
You need to tell the receiver which VCR brand you are using.
1. Press MENU on the remote to bring up the Main menu.
2. Point to Options and press OK.
3. Point to System Options and press OK.
4. Point to Set VCR Type and press OK.
The Set VCR Type screen lets you enter a code
for your VCR.
REMOTE SENSOR
VCR
Front of VCR
Back of Receiver
SATELLITE IN OUT
TO
TV
S-VIDEO
VIDEO
R
L
AUDIO
LOW
SPEED
DATA
VCR
IN
FROM
ANT PHONE JACK
If the Main menu doesn’t appear
when you press MENU, the remote
might not be in satellite mode. Try
pressing the SAT button on the
remote, and then MENU.

Setup and Connections
7
5. There are three ways to input the code for your VCR:
• Locate the manufacturer of your VCR from the list on the screen using the up and down
arrows on the remote control.
• Select the Code Search button to automatically test all codes.
• Select Other to enter the codes manually.
6. 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 receiver.
Step 4: Find the Video Input Channel on Your TV
NOTE: You do not have to complete this step if you used the basic connection.
If you used the advanced connection, you must tune your TV to the Video Input Channel to see the
screens. Since there are so many brands and models of TVs, there are just as many ways to access a
TV’s Line Input Channel. Below are some things you can try.
• If your TV brand is RCA, GE, or Proscan, press TV on the remote that came with your receiver.
Then press the WHO•INPUT button on the remote.
• If your TV brand is not RCA, GE, or Proscan, consult your TV Owner’s Manual.
Step 5: Interactive Setup
If you need to run the interactive setup, 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.
Step 6: Place Batteries in the Remote Control
Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your digital satellite
receiver’s remote.
1. Remove the cover from the battery compartment.
2. Insert batteries into the battery compartment, matching
the + and – end of each battery.
3. Replace the cover.
STEP 7: Plug in and Turn on the System
Plug the end into the wall outlet. Be sure to insert the plug completely.
To turn on the system, press the SAT button on the remote or the ON•STBY button on the front
panel. If your TV brand is RCA, GE, or Proscan, press the TV button on the remote to turn on the TV.
If your TV brand is not RCA, GE, or Proscan, see the next section, Using the Remote, for details on
how to use the remote to control your TV.
NOTE: Your receiver is not completely turned off as long as it is receiving power from
the wall outlet. To shut the receiver off completely, unplug it from the wall.

Using the Remote
8
Remote Control Buttons
ON•OFF Turns the device you are controlling on or off. You can also use the
power button on the top of the digital satellite receiver to turn it on and off.
When pressed twice within two seconds, all devices that are on will be turned
off (this feature only works with most RCA, ProScan and GE products).
VCR1 Tells the remote to control the VCR.
VCR2 Tells the remote to control a second VCR (or other programmable
component).
TV Tells the remote to control the TV.
DVD Tells the remote to control the DVD player.
LED Light which indicates programming mode when programming the
remote. (The LED on the front panel of the receiver flashes when you have
mail). The LED on the remote also flashes when a valid remote button is
pressed.
AUX Acts as a “wildcard”button. It can be programmed to control another
VCR, TV, satellite receiver or cable box. Or, it can be programmed to control an
RCA audio device. Follow the direct entry programming instructions, later in
this section, to program this button.
SAT Tells the remote to control the receiver (on older remotes, this feature
may be labelled “SAT1”).
MUTE When the remote is programmed, this button reduces the volume of
the active component (TV or RCA audio device) to its minimum level. Press
again to restore the volume.
SKIP This key is not used by the receiver.
CHAN UP/DOWN Use to scan up and down through the channels in the
current channel list. If you are in the Program Guide or menu system, use the
CHAN UP/DOWN buttons to page up and down a screen at a time. You can also
use the CHAN UP/DOWN buttons on the top of the digital satellite receiver to
change the channel.
VOL UP/DOWN When the remote control is programmed, this button adjusts
the audio volume on the TV.
FETCH This key can be used to either execute a specific function that you
have assigned to it, or to bring up a list of your favorite functions to choose
from. It can be set to automatically open the Channel Guide, for instance, or
bring up the control panel for the translucency of the displays. This key will
either execute the function you have assigned to it, or it will bring up the Fetch
menu for you to assign a function.
GO BACK Moves you back and forth between your last two selected
channels. In the menu system, returns you to the previous screen.
GUIDE Brings up the on-screen program guide. Press the GUIDE button
several times to toggle through the different types of guides.
INFO Brings up the on-screen channel banner. Press again to get program
details.
ARROWS Use the navigation arrows to move the on-screen highlight up,
down, left, or right. Using the arrows to highlight a menu item is also called
“pointing.”
OK Selects a highlighted choice in the menu system.
MENU Brings up the Main menu. If you are already in the menu system, press
OK or MENU to select a highlighted choice.
STOP PAUSE
TV
ON OFF
AUX
DVD SAT
RECORD
PLAY FORWARDREVERSE
FETCH GO BACK
C
H
+
C
H
-
V
O
L
V
O
L
SKIPMUTE
INFO
MENU
OK
CLEAR
GUIDE
ANTENNA
123
456
789
0
WHO INPUT
VCR1
VCR2
LED