Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8240 User manual

Explorer®8240TM
Digital Video
Recorder
Connecting the

Notice for CATV Installers
CATV Installers Notice
If you are a CATV installer, read the information in the box below.
2
U.S. Patents
U.S. Patents List
A patent notice is affixed to this product. In addition, the product may also be covered by one or
more of the following patents:
4,636,852; 4,641,181; 4,651,208; 4,691,353; 4,698,598; 4,719,642; 4,748,667; 4,829,569; 4,866,770;
4,885,775; 4,888,799; 4,890,319; 4,922,532; 4,965,534; 5,012,510; 5,029,207; 5,045,816; 5,053,883;
5,058,160; 5,142,690; 5,146,526; 5,214,390; 5,225,902; 5,225,925; 5,237,610; 5,239,540; 5,241,610;
5,255,086; 5,257,403; 5,267,071; 5,270,809; 5,271,041; 5,272,752; 5,282,028; 5,285,497; 5,287,351;
5,309,514; 5,319,709; 5,341,425; 5,347,388; 5,347,389; 5,361,156; 5,367,571; 5,379,141; 5,379,145;
5,381,481; 5,390,337; 5,400,401; 5,406,558; 5,418,782; 5,428,404; 5,430,568; 5,434,610; 5,436,749;
5,442,472; 5,455,570; 5,471,492; 5,477,199; 5,477,370; 5,481,389; 5,485,221; 5,493,339; 5,500,758;
5,502,499; 5,506,904; 5,519,780; 5,550,825; 5,579,055; 5,579,057; 5,583,562; 5,596,606; 5,600,378;
5,602,933; 5,640,388; 5,657,414; 5,675,575; 5,715,515; 5,724,525; 5,740,300; 5,742,677; 5,754,940;
5,757,416; 5,771,064; 5,774,859; 5,825,829; 5,826,167; 5,850,305; 5,854,703; 5,870,474; 5,892,607;
5,920,626; 5,923,755; 5,930,024; 5,930,515; 5,937,067; 5,963,352; 5,966,163; 5,982,424; 5,991,139;
5,999,207; 6,005,631; 6,005,938; 6,016,163; 6,028,941; 6,029,046; 6,052,384; 6,055,244; 6,072,532;
6,105,134; 6,148,039; 6,157,719; 6,188,729; 6,195,389; 6,212,278; 6,215,530; 6,219,358; 6,240,103;
6,243,145; 6,246,767; 6,252,964; 6,272,226; 6,292,081; 6,292,568; 6,320,131; 6,374,275; 6,405,239;
6,411,602; 6,417,949; 6,424,714; 6,424,717; 6,433,906; 6,438,139; 6,463,586; 6,467,091; 6,476,878;
6,493,876; 6,510,519; 6,516,002; 6,516,412; 6,526,508; 6,538,595; 6,546,013; 6,560,340; 6,567,118;
6,570,888; 6,622,308; 6,629,227; 6,664,984; 6,667,994; 6,671,879; 6,674,967; 6,678,891; 6,714,598;
6,721,352; 6,721,956; 6,725,459; 6,738,982; 6,744,892; 6,744,967; 6,751,271; 6,760,918; 6,795,972;
6,802,077; 6,804,708; 6,811,447; 6,817,028; D348065; D354959; D359737; D363932; D390217;
D434753;RE36988

Important Safety Instructions................................................................. 4
Change the Way You Watch TV ............................................................ 6
Safety First ............................................................................................ 6
The Explorer eClub ............................................................................... 6
IdentifyYour 8240DVR.......................................................................... 6
What’s On the Front Panel?.................................................................. 7
What’s On the Back Panel?.................................................................. 8
Connecting the 8240 DVR..................................................................... 9
Connections for a Standard-Definition TV and VCR.............................. 10
Watch TV .............................................................................................. 11
Access Services and Programs .................................................. 11
Record One Program While Watching Another............................ 11
Watch Two Programs at the Same Time ..................................... 11
Avoid Screen Burn-In! .................................................................. 11
Performance Tips.................................................................................. 12
No Picture..................................................................................... 12
No Color ....................................................................................... 12
NoSound...................................................................................... 12
Automatic Software Updates........................................................ 12
FrequentlyAsked Questions ................................................................. 12
Where Are the Connection Diagrams:.......................................... 12
What Cables Do I Need?.............................................................. 12
Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Standard TV and Standard VCR .......... 13
Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Stereo TV and Stereo VCR .................. 14
Connecting the 8240 DVR to
a Home Theater Receiver and Stereo TV ............................................. 15
Connecting the 8240 DVR to
an External SATAHard Disk Drive (optional) ......................................... 16
Compliance Information ........................................................................ 18
Contents
3

Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock. For products that require battery
power or other sources to operate, refer to the operating
instructions for that product.
Preventing Power Cord Damage
Arrange all power cords so that people or pets cannot walk
on the cords. Do not place objects on the cords. Do not lean
objects against the cords. Placing objects on or leaning
objects against cords can damage the cords. Give particular
attention to cords at the point at which the cord connects to
plugs, at the electrical outlets, and where the cords exit the
product.
Usage Warnings
ProvidingVentilation
This product has openings for ventilation that protect it from
overheating. To ensure the reliability of this product, do the
following:
• Do not block or cover these openings.
• Do not place entertainment devices (such as VCRs or
DVDs), lamps, books, vases with liquids, or other objects
on top of this product.
• Do not place this product in any of the following locations:
- On a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface
- Near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat
- In an enclosure, such as a bookcase or rack, unless the
installation provides proper ventilation
Selecting a Proper Location
Place this product in a location that is close enough to an
electrical outlet and where the power cord is easily
accessible to be disconnected from the wall outlet or from
the rear panel of the product.
Important: The power cord is the mains power supply
disconnect device.
Place this product on a stable surface. The surface must
support the size and weight of this product.
Cleaning This Product
Before cleaning this product, unplug it from the electrical
outlet. Use a damp cloth to clean this product. Do not use a
liquid cleaner or an aerosol cleaner. Do not use a magnetic/
static cleaning device (dust remover) to clean this product.
Heed Warnings
Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions.
Read, Retain, and Follow
These Instructions
Read all of the instructions before you operate this product.
Follow all operating instructions that accompany this product.
Retain the instructions for future use. Give particular attention
to all safety precautions.
Comply With Warnings
Avoid electric shock. Comply with all warnings and cautions in
the operating instructions, as well as those that are affixed to
this product.
Power Warnings
Providing a Power Source
A label on this product indicates the correct power source for
this product. Operate this product only from an electrical outlet
with the voltage and frequency indicated on the product label.
If you are uncertain of the type of power supply to your home
or business, consult your cable service provider or your local
power company.
GroundingThis Product(USA/CanadaOnly)
If this product is equipped with either a three-prong (grounding
pin) safety plug or a two-prong (polarized) safety plug, follow
these safety guidelines to properly ground this product.
• For a 3-prong plug (one prong on this plug is a protective
grounding pin), insert the plug into a grounded mains,
3-prong outlet.
Note: This plug fits only one way. If you are unable to insert
this plug fully into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet.
• For a 2-prong plug (a polarized plug with one wide blade and
one narrow blade), insert the plug into a polarized mains,
2-prong outlet in which one socket is wider than the other.
Note: If you are unable to insert this plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact an
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Overloading
WARNING: Avoid personal injury and
damage to this product! An unstable surface may
cause this product to fall.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock and fire
hazard, match the plug and outlet connections
carefully, then fully insert. If the plug and outlet do
not match, or you cannot fully insert the plug, contact
an electrician to update your power outlets.
WARNING: Avoid electric shock! Unplug this
product before cleaning.
4
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and fire
hazard! Do not overload mains AC outlets and
extension cords. For products that require battery
power or other power sources to operate them,
refer to the operating instructions for those
products.

Checking Product Safety
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, the
service technician must perform safety checks to determine
that this product is in proper operating condition.
OutdoorGrounding System
If this product connects to an outdoor antenna or cable
system, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded
(earthed). This provides some protection against voltage
surges and
built-up static charges.
Article 810 of the National Electric Code (NEC)ANSI/NFPA
No. 70-1990, provides the following information:
• Grounding of the mast and supporting structure
• Grounding the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit
• Size of the grounding conductors
• Location of the antenna-discharge unit
• Connection to grounding electrodes
• Requirements for the grounding electrodes (see the
following antenna grounding diagram as recommended by
NECANSI/NFPA70)
Lightning
For added protection for this product during a lightning storm,
or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna
or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due
to lightning and power-line surges. Plugging this product into
a surge protector in order to reduce the risk of damage.
Note: Unplugging this product for an extended period of time
can result in loss of authorization. For reauthorization,
contact your cable service provider.
Power Lines
Do not locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or power circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, take extreme care to keep from
touching power lines or circuits, as contact might be fatal.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS,continued
Protecting This Product From Foreign Objects and
Water or Moisture Damage
Never push objects of any kind into this product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Do not expose this product to liquids or moisture. Do not
place this product on a wet surface. Do not spill liquids on or
near this product.
Do not use this product near water (such as a bath tub,
wash bowl, sink, or laundry tub), in a wet basement, or near
a swimming pool.
Accessories Warnings
Avoid any potential for electric shock or fire.
Do not use accessories with this product unless
recommended by your cable service provider.
Service Warnings
Servicing This Product
Do not open the cover of this product. If you open the cover,
your warranty will be void. Refer all servicing to qualified
personnel only. Contact your cable service provider for
instructions.
Obtaining Service for Product Damage
For damage that requires service, unplug this product from
the AC outlet. Then, contact your cable service provider or
qualified service personnel to obtain service for the following
conditions:
• If there is damage to the power-supply cord or plug
• If liquid enters this product
• If you expose this product to rain or water
• If you drop this product, a heavy object falls on this
product, or damage occurs to the cover of this product
• If this product does not operate normally by following the
operating instructions
• If this product exhibits a distinct change in performance
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and fire
hazard! Never push objects through the openings
in this product. Foreign objects can cause
electrical shorts that can result in electric shock
or fire. Do not expose this product to rain or
moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquid,
such as vases, on this product.
WARNING: Avoid any potential for electric
shock or fire. Do not use accessories with this
product unless recommended by your cable
service provider.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not
locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or power circuits.
5
WARNING: Avoid electric shock! Opening or
removing the cover may expose you to dangerous
voltages. This product contains no user-
serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.

0003B4287797
SABDQXTL N0006246618
Serial Number T11185
6
DVR makes it easy to watch TV on your terms. The Explorer® 8240™ Digital
Video Recorder (DVR) is the simple way to take control over your TV – and your
life. You take control because DVR lets you decide what’s on TV and when. So
there’s no more putting off the things you need to do, just because there’s a
show on TV you want to watch. Just think what DVR can do for you:
• Nevermissaminute of your favorite movie or the big game. Simplypausethe
liveactionandplayagainwhenyou’reready.You can even rewind what you
missed.
• Two of your favorite shows on at the exact same time? Simple. Just record
oneprogramwhileyouwatch the other. You can even record twoprogramsat
thesametimewhile watching a previously recorded program.Your VCR can’t
do that.
• Isyourfavoritesportsteamhaving an away game and you can’t go. Imagine
being able to record it and watch it at a more convenient time.
Don’t miss another minute of the TV shows you love!
Follow the instructions in this guide to install the 8240 DVR, to become familiar
with the buttons on the front panel, and to access your cable services. Then,
enjoythe features of the8240 DVR and change theway you watch TV!
Before using the 8240 DVR, read the Important Safety Instructions section of this
guide.
TheonlineExplorereClubprovidesnews and information abouttheExplorer8240
DVR. You can access the Explorer eClub on the Internet at the following Web
address:
www.scientificatlanta.com/explorerclub
To join and access the online Explorer eClub, you must enter the model number
ofyour8240 DVR. The model number is located on the frontpanel.
Ifthe8240DVRrequirestroubleshootinginthe future, your cable service provider
may ask for the serial number.
Tofindtheserialnumberforyour
8240 DVR, look on the back panel
for a label that is similar to the
exampleshownhere.Theserial
number begins with “SA” and is
locatedinthe lower left corner of
thebarcode.
Usethespaceprovidedhereto
recordtheserialnumber:
____________________________________________
Change the Way You Watch TV
Safety First
The Explorer eClub
IdentifyYour 8240 DVR

What’s On the Front Panel?
7
1 Power Turnsthe8240DVRonandoff
2 List Displaysthelist of recorded programs
3 Exit Exitsmenus,theon-screenguide,andprograminformation
4 Info Displays a description of the selected program. This button
isavailablefromtheon-screenguide and whileviewinga
program
5 Guide Accesseson-screen services, such as the on-screen guide,
video-on-demand,orpay-per-view
6 IR Sensor Receivestheinfraredsignalfromtheremotecontrol
7 LEDDisplay Displays the selected channel number and time of day. The
LED also displays the following:
• Message ( )
• Power ( )
• RECORD
8 VOL + and VOL - Enablesyoutoincreaseanddecreasethevolume
9 CH + and CH - Enables you to scroll up and down through the channels
10 Select Providesaccess to your on-screenchoices
11 Smart Card* Allows smart card access
12 USB Port* Connects to external equipment, such as a keyboard
*Theseconnectorsarereservedforfutureuseormaynotbeavailableonall8240
DVR models.

What’s On the Back Panel?
8
1 Cable In Connect the coaxial cable that delivers the signal from
yourcableserviceprovider.
2 Cable Out Connect a coaxial cable to Cable Out to send audio
and video signals to a TV or VCR. These signals are
standard-definitionTV(SDTV)videoandstereoaudio.
3 Audio Out Connect RCAcables toAudio Out to send audio
(LEFTandRIGHT) signals (left and right) to a TV with stereo outputs.
4 Video Out Connectto video input of TVor VCR.
5 Digital Audio Connect an RCA cable to send a digital audio signal
Out to a surround-soundreceiver or other digital audio
device.
6 Secondary Video Connect to either a VCR for archiving saved content
and Audio Out from the 8240 DVR or connect to another set of inputs
(composite)on your TV.
7 S-Video Out Connect an S-Video cable to send an S-Video signal
(LEFTandRIGHT) to your TV or VCR. This signal is standard definition
but higher quality than other SDTV connections.
8IR (Thisconnectorreservedforfutureuse.)
9SATA Connect to an external SerialATA(SATA) hard disk
driveforexpandedrecordingcapacity. Check with
yourcableserviceproviderforalistofapprovedhard
drivemodels for use with the 8240DVR.
10 AC Outlet ConnecttheACpower cord from another device, such
as a TV.
11 AC Power Input Connectthe power cord to deliver power tothe8240
DVR.
IR
CABLE
OUT
THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE
IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE
HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.
120 VAC
60HZ 5A
LISTED 14H1
CABLE EQUIP.
120 VAC
60HZ 80W
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CABLE
IN
SATA
S - VIDEO
OUT
CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO
VIDEOVIDEO
TV
OUT 1 OUT 2
A
U
D
I
O
DIGITAL
AUDIO OUT
L
R
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
1 75 64 98 10 1132
T11274

Connecting the 8240 DVR
Identifytheadditional
devices you will connect to
the8240 DVR andTV.
Seepages13through16
andtherelateduser’s
guidesformoreinformation.
VCR DVD Other
Home Theater

3
1
2
4
5Do not turn on the 8240 DVR or TV yet.
POWE
R
6
It may take several minutes for the 8240 DVR to receive the latest software,
programming,andserviceinformation.Waituntilyouseeoneofthefollowing
displays on the front panel of the 8240 DVR that indicates that the update is
complete:
• Currenttime • Four dashes (- - - -)
Note: If four dashes are displayed, your 8240 DVR is not authorized. Call your
cableserviceprovider.
External SATA Drive
Connectthecoaxialcablethat carries the signal from your cable service provider
to the CABLE IN connector on the back panel of the set-top.
ConnectyourSDTV to the 8240 DVR. Refer to the Connections for
a Standard-Definition TV and Standard VCR section on page 13.
Plug the 8240 DVR and the TV into anAC power source.
Important:To protect the set-top from power surge damage, ground (earth)
yourcableproducttoprovidesomeprotectionagainstvoltagesurgesand
built-up static charges.To avoid these voltage surges that can be caused by
lightning storms and power outages, plug the set-top into a surge protector to
reducetheriskof damage.
7To begin watchingTV, turn the TV ON, and press POWER on the front panel of
the8240 DVR or Power on theremote control.
To connect your 8240 DVR to your entertainment devices, complete these steps.
9

When using the 8240 DVR with an SDTV, you must make one of the following connections to view
content. Some SDTVs may not have all of these connections. In addition, you can make connections
to a VCR to archive recordings to a VCR tape. Refer to your TV and VCR user’s guide and the cabling
diagramsinthisguideformoreinformation.
Note: Thelabelingon your 8240 DVR model may vary fromthelabels shown in the following table.
Connections for a Standard-Definition TV and VCR
S-Video
TheS-Videooutconnectionprovides
optimalvideotoastandarddefinition
TV.Theleftandrightaudio outputs
providestereosound.
VCR
VCR
Connections
8240 DVR
Connections
TheCableOutconnection provides
bothavideoandanaudioconnection
to the VCR. See page 13 for an
example.
ForVCRsthathaveVideoandLeftand
Right audio connectors you can use the
OUT2connectors(Video,Left,and
Right)onthe 8240 DVR. See page 14
foranexample.
Stereo
VCR
Optional Connections
10
TheCableOutconnection provides
bothavideoandanaudioconnectionto
an SDTV. See page 13 for an example.
Cable
Out
TheVideoOutconnectionprovides
videotoastandarddefinition TV.The
leftandrightaudiooutputsprovide
stereosound.Seepage 14 for an
example.
Video
8240 DVR
Connections SDTV Connections
Required Connections to an SDTV (choose one)
VIDEO
TV
VIDEO
L
R
A
UDIO
OUT
L
R
VIDEO
IN
VIDEO
IN
S-VIDEO
OUT
S-VIDEO
OUT
L
R
A
UDIO
OUT
L
R
AUDIO1
IN
L
R
A
UDIO
OUT
L
R
AUDIO1
IN
S-VIDEO
OUT
S-VIDEO
IN
CABLE
OUT
CABLE
OUT
CABLE IN
/
ANT IN
CABLE/
ANTENNA
CABLE
OUT
CABLE
OUT
CABLE IN
/
ANT IN
CABLE/
ANTENNA
L
VIDEO
IN AUDIO IN
R
L R
VIDEO
IN AUDIO IN
VIDEO
OUT 2
LA
U
D
I
O
R
OUT 2
VIDEO
L
R
A
U
D
I
O
OUT 1
L
R
A
UDIO
OUT
L
R
OUT 1

Access Services and Programs
Access cable services and programs by pressing the following keys on the
remotecontrol:
•Guide–Accesstheon-screenguide. The on-screen guide displays
schedulesofTVprogramsandotherservicesavailable from your cable
serviceprovider,suchasvideo-on-demandandpay-per-viewprograms.
•Arrows–Selectaprogramintheschedule.
•Info–Displayaspecificprogramdescription(eitherfromtheon-screenguide
orwhileviewinga program).
•Select–View a specific program in the guide.
11
T10965
Watch Two Programs at the
Same Time
You do not need a special TV to watch
two programs at the same time. Use the
picture-in-picture(PIP)keysonthe
remote control, and you will see a PIP
screen on your TV.
T10964
Record One Program While
WatchingAnother
Whentwoofyourfavorite programs are
scheduled at the same time, you can
recordoneprogramonthebuilt-inDVR
while watching the other. Use the DVR
keys on the remote control to record
programsortoplay back recorded
programs.
Avoid Screen Burn-In!
Images such as letterbox bars or side bars, bright closed-captioning
backgrounds, station logos, or any other stationary images may cause the
picture tube in your TV to age unevenly; this is known as screen burn-in. Refer
to the user’s guide that came with your TV for more information.
Watch TV
WARNING:
Avoid screen burn-in!
Do not display the
same fixed images
on your TV screen for
extended periods of
time.

12
Performance Tips
FrequentlyAsked Questions
If the 8240 DVR does not perform as expected, the following tips may help. If
youneedfurtherassistance,contactyourcableserviceprovider.
No Picture
• Verify that the power to your TV is turned on.
• If the 8240 DVR is plugged into a wall switch, verify the wall switch is in the
ONposition.
Note: You should avoid plugging the 8240 DVR into an outlet that is
controlled by a wall switch.
• Verify that allcables are properly connected.
• Ifyour system includes a VCR orstereo,verify that you have properly
connected them to the 8240 DVR.
• Verify that the TV is set to the proper input channel.
• Thecurrentchannelmaynot be available in your service package. Try
selectinganotherchanneltoseeifvideoisavailable.
No Color
• Verify that the current TV program is broadcast in color.
• Adjust the TV color controls.
No Sound
• If your setup includes a stereo, verify that you have properly connected it to
the8240DVR.
• Verify that the volumeis turned up.
• Verify that the mute function is not engaged.
• Thecurrentchannelmaynotbe available in your service package. Try
selectinganotherchannel.
Automatic Software Updates
The TV screen may display a message that indicates the 8240 DVR is
automatically updating its software. Should this occur, wait for the time to
displayonthefrontpanel of your 8240 DVR before continuing. When the front
panel displays the time, the update is complete.
Where Are the Connection Diagrams?
Thediagramsareon pages 13 through 16 of this guide. The diagrams show
examples of common ways to connect the 8240 DVR to your TV, VCR, and
hometheaterreceiver.However,thesediagramsdonotshowevery possible
combination of devices. Refer to the user’s guides that came with your other
electronicdevicesforfurther information.
What Cables Do I Need?
Therequired cables are shown in the connectiondiagrams in this guide. Some of
the cables and adaptors shown in the diagrams may not be included with the
8240DVR.

Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Standard TV
Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Standard TV and
Standard VCR
13
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before
connecting or
disconnecting any
device cables for the
8240 DVR.
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before
connecting or
disconnecting any
device cables for the
8240 DVR.

Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Stereo TV
Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Stereo TV and Stereo VCR
14
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before
connecting or
disconnecting any
device cables for the
8240 DVR.
Note:Thisconnection
allowsforarchivingto
theVCRandfor
watchingVCRtapeson
your TV. You may also
choose to connect
OUT1fromthe8240
DVR directly to the TV,
so that you may watch
livechannelsontheTV
duringanyarchive-to-
VCRprocess.
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before
connecting or
disconnecting any
device cables for the
8240 DVR.

Connecting the 8240 DVR to a Home Theater Receiver
and Stereo TV
15
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before
connecting or
disconnecting any
device cables for the
8240 DVR.

Complete the following steps to install a SATAdrive.
1. Makesurethat both the 8240 DVR andtheexternal SATAdrive are
unpluggedfrompower.
2. Connectthedatacablefor the SATAdrivetothe 8240 DVR.
3. PluginpowertotheexternalSATAdrive.
4. Plug in the 8240 DVR power cord, and then turn on the 8240 DVR.
5. Followtheon-screeninstructions.Oneof the following occurs:
• If it is a new drive or one used on another device, you will be asked to
formatit.
• If the drive is formatted and will work with this 8240 DVR, you will get a
confirmationthatthedriveisworking.
Guidelines for Using the External SATA Hard Disk Drive
TheexternalSATAhard disk driverequirescontinuouspower.IftheSATAdrive
loses power while the 8240 DVR is plugged in, the 8240 DVR may stop
currentrecordingsornotprovideenough space for future recordings.Follow
theseguidelinesforusingtheSATAdrive:
• Do not plug in the power cord for the SATAdrive to a switched outlet or to
theAC outlet on the 8240 DVR.
• Donotturnoff,disconnect,orunplugtheSATAdrivewhile the 8240 DVR
is plugged in.
Recommendations for the SATA Drive
Contactyour cable service provider for alistofapprovedexternalSATAhard
diskdrives.At a minimum, your SATAdrive should have thesecapabilities:
• External SATAConnector - SATAII: Cable and Connector,Revision1.0
(www.sata-io.orgformoreinformation)
• DriveSpeed: 7200 RPM (5400 RPM without Multi-room); 133 MB/sec
• Capacity: Only one SATAdrive can be connected to the 8240 DVR. The
8240DVR will not support a separateportmultiplier.
• SATADrivePower: TheSATAdriveshouldpoweronwhenpluggedinand
should not be controlled by a switch.
Connecting the 8240 DVR to an External SATA Hard Disk Drive
(optional)
16
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before
connecting or
disconnecting any
device cables for the
8240 DVR.

Connecting the 8240 DVR to an External SATA Hard Disk Drive
(optional),continued
% Space Used
100
50
0
Internal
Hard Drive External SATA Drive
Golf
1:00 pm EST,
Saturday
T11467
% Space Used
100
50
0
Internal
Hard Drive External SATA Drive
T11468
College Football
3:30 pm EST,
Saturday
Disconnecting the External SATA Hard Disk Drive
Completethe following stepstodisconnecttheSATAdrive safely.
1. Makesurethat the 8240 DVR is powered off.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the 8240 DVR and wait for at least 10
seconds.
3. Disconnectthepowercordand datacablefromtheexternalSATAdrive.
IfyouimproperlydisconnectyourSATAdrive,youwillreceiveanerrormessage,
andyouwill be required to restart the 8240 DVR upon reconnecting.
How the SATA Drive Works with Your 8240 DVR
Recordingsarebalancedbetweentheinternalharddriveonthe 8240 DVR and the
externalSATAdriveasfollows:
• Arecordingisnotsplitbetweenaninternal and external hard drive.
• The8240DVRautomaticallystorescompleteprogramsusingthefollowing
spaceavailablelogic:
- IftheexternalSATAdrivehasmore spaceavailable,theSATAdrivestores
thenextrecording.
- Iftheinternalharddriveonthe8240DVRhasmorespaceavailable,the
internalharddrivestoresthenextrecording.
17
Note:Thefollowing graphic illustrates operation logic only; it does not represent an
actualon-screendisplay.

United States FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the applicable limits of Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment gener-
ates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio or TV reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on. The user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
• Consult your cable company or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help
Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved by Scientific-Atlanta could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Important: The information shown in the FCC
Declaration of Conformity paragraph below is a
requirement of the FCC and is intended to supply
you with information regarding the FCC approval of
this device. The phone numbers listed are for
FCC-related questions only and not intended for
questions regarding the connection or operation for
this device. Please contact your cable service
provider for any questions you may have regarding
the operation or installation of this device.
FCC Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and 2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
EXPLORER®8240
Digital Home Communications Terminal:
Model 8240
Manufactured by: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.;
5030 Sugarloaf Parkway;
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30044; USA
Telephone [phone]
Canada EMI Regulation
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la class B est conforme
à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Software and Firmware Use
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. owns copyrights to the
software included in your set-top and furnishes the
software to your cable service provider under a
license agreement. You may only use or copy this
software in accordance with the terms of your cable
service provider.
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. owns copyrights to the
firmware in this equipment. You may only use the
firmware in the equipment in which it is provided.
Any reproduction or distribution of this firmware, or
any portion of it, without the express written consent
of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. is prohibited.
Trademarks
Explorer, Scientific-Atlanta, and the Scientific-Atlanta
logo are registered trademarks of Scientific-Atlanta,
Inc. 8240 is a trademark of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. All
other trademarks shown are trademarks of their
respective owners.
Disclaimer
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for errors or omissions that may appear in this
guide. Scientific-Atlanta reserves the right to
change this guide at any time without notice.
Compliance Information
18

19

© 2005 by Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.All rights reserved.
Productandserviceavailability subject to change without notice.
Scientific-Atlanta,Inc., 5030 Sugarloaf Parkway, P.O. Box 465447, Lawrenceville, GA
30042
www.scientificatlanta.com
April 2005 Printed in the United States ofAmerica 4010318 RevA