Topfield TF 400 PVRt User manual

TOPFIELD
TF 400 PVRt
User Guide
Digital Terrestrial Receiver
Personal Video Recorder
CONAX

Contents iii
Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Features ............................... 1
1.2 Controlling the digital receiver .................. 2
1.2.1 The front panel ....................... 3
1.2.2 The remote control ..................... 4
1.3 What is common interface? .................... 7
2 Setup 8
2.1 Unpacking .............................. 8
2.2 Safety precautions ......................... 8
2.3 Rear panel connections ....................... 10
2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver ............... 11
2.4.1 Connecting the antenna .................. 12
2.4.2 Connecting to your television .............. 12
2.4.3 Connecting to your video cassette recorder ....... 14
2.5 Switching on for the first time ................... 14
2.5.1 Inserting batteries in the remote control ......... 15
2.5.2 Powering on and checking picture ............ 15

iv Contents
3 Preference Settings 16
3.1 Language settings .......................... 16
3.2 Video and audio settings ...................... 18
3.2.1 Television standard .................... 18
3.2.2 Colour model ........................ 18
3.2.3 Video cassette recorder .................. 19
3.2.4 Television aspect ratio ................... 19
3.2.5 Audio mode ........................ 20
3.3 Local time setting .......................... 20
3.4 Parental control ........................... 21
3.5 Adjusting the on-screen display .................. 24
3.6 To turn on the time shift feature .................. 24
4 Service Search 25
4.1 Searching broadcasting services .................. 25
4.2 Resetting to factory settings .................... 26
5 Daily Usage 27
5.1 Volume control ........................... 27
5.2 Watching television ......................... 27
5.2.1 The services list ....................... 27
5.2.2 The favourite services list ................. 29
5.2.3 Viewing programme information ............ 30
5.2.4 Selecting audio tracks ................... 31
5.2.5 Selecting subtitle tracks .................. 31
5.2.6 Viewing teletext ...................... 31
5.3 Viewing electronic programme guide .............. 32
5.4 Watching multifeed programme ................. 32
5.5 Using time shift ........................... 33
5.6 Using picture in picture ...................... 34

Contents v
6 Listing Services 36
6.1 Editing the favourite list ...................... 36
6.2 How to use on-screen keyboard .................. 38
6.3 Transferring receiver data ..................... 38
7 Recording and Playing 40
7.1 Recording a programme ...................... 41
7.1.1 Instant recording ...................... 41
7.1.2 Current programme recording .............. 43
7.1.3 Timer recording ...................... 44
7.1.4 Scheduling recordings using the programme guide . . 47
7.1.5 Recording a time-shifted programme .......... 47
7.1.6 Recording a pay service programme ........... 48
7.2 File archive ............................. 49
7.2.1 To delete a recording .................... 49
7.2.2 To sort recordings ..................... 49
7.2.3 To lock a recording ..................... 50
7.2.4 To rename a recording ................... 50
7.2.5 To make a new folder ................... 50
7.2.6 To move a recording to another folder .......... 50
7.3 Playing back a recording ...................... 51
7.3.1 To navigate using the progress bar ............ 51
7.3.2 To play in slow motion .................. 52
7.3.3 To play in fast motion ................... 52
7.3.4 To make a bookmark .................... 53
7.3.5 To play back a recording repeatedly ........... 53
7.3.6 To play back recordings in sequence ........... 54
7.3.7 To play back a scrambled recording ........... 54
7.4 Editing a recording ......................... 55
7.5 Copying a recording ........................ 55
7.6 Formatting the hard disk ...................... 56

vi Contents
8 Firmware Update 57
8.1 Checking the firmware information ............... 57
8.2 From your computer via RS-232 port ............... 58
8.3 From another digital receiver via RS-232 port .......... 59
8.4 Over the air ............................. 59
Index 60

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
The TF 400 PVRt digital receiver is fully compliant with the
international Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standard, and
thus is able to receive digital broadcasts of that standard. For
its operation you need an antenna, which must be installed
appropriately.
NOTE
In general we equate a channel with a frequency. Unlike ana-
logue broadcasts, however, digital broadcasts are not all as-
signed to their own frequencies; instead, multiple television
broadcasts are transmitted through a single frequency. The fre-
quency in digital broadcasting is usually called transponder. To
reduce confusion in this manual, the word service is preferably
used than channel as a term to indicate one television or radio
broadcast.
1.1 Features
The TF 400 PVRt digital receiver has the following features:
• Can store up to 2000 television and radio services.

2 Introduction
• You can create favourite lists of your favourite services.
• You can view information about the current television or
radio programme.
• Has an electronic programme guide that provides an
overview of scheduled programmes.
• You can update the firmware of the digital receiver to the
latest version which would be provided by the manufac-
turer.
• You can record one broadcasting service while you are
currently watching another.
• The large storage capacity of the built-in hard disk drive
allows you to record up to about 60 hours of television
—in case of 250 gigabytes— in excellent picture and sound
quality.
• Time shift is a special technical feature available on the TF
400 PVRt. You can pause the programme you are watch-
ing and resume it again at a later time. Then you can
quickly go to whatever part of the current programme by
fast foward and backward search.
1.2 Controlling the digital receiver
You can operate the digital receiver with the remote control
and the buttons on the front panel.
NOTE
When the digital receiver is off but plugged into a wall outlet,
we say that it is in standby mode; on the other hand, when it is
on, it is in operation mode. Even when you are not using the
digital receiver, you should keep it plugged into a wall outlet
to be in standby mode so that it can run timer events at any
time.

1.2 Controlling the digital receiver 3
1.2.1 The front panel
The front panel of the digital receiver has buttons to control the
digital receiver, and specific lamps and a display to indicate its
status. The following indicates what they mean.
MENU OKCHANNEL VOLUME
TV/STB
STANDBY
STANDBY
STANDBY button switches the digital receiver between
standby mode and operation mode.
TV/STB lamp lights up while your video recorder operates
instead of the digital receiver. See § 3.2.3 for more
details.
lamp lights up whenever you press a button on the
remote control.
STANDBY lamp lights up while the digital receiver is in
standby mode.
Front display displays the current time in standby mode,
and displays the current service in operation mode.
CHANNEL
c
,
a
buttons switch to previous or next service.
They are also used to navigate in menus and interactive
screens.
MENU button displays the main menu. It is also used to
return to the previous menu from a submenu.
OK button displays the services list. See § 5.2.1 for more
details. It is also used to select a menu item.
VOLUME
b
,
d
buttons decrease or increase the volume.
They are also used to change values for menu options.

4 Introduction
1.2.2 The remote control
2
121
22
23
24
25
26
27
10
9
28
30
31
32
33
34
36
35
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
20
13
29
14
9
1

button switches the digital
receiver between standby mode
and operation mode.
2




Mis not used in this model.
3




UHF is not used in this model.
4

Numeric buttons are used to en-
ter a service number for service
change or to specify values for
menu options.
5

switches between the cur-
rent service and the previously
viewed one.
6

is used to select an audio
track and a sound mode, or a
video track of multifeed pro-
gramme.
7
displays teletext.
8




MENU
displays the main menu.
It is also used to return to the
previous menu from a submenu.
9




P+,



P−buttons switch to previ-
ous or next service. They are also
used to navigate in menus and
interactive screens.
10




V−
,




V+
buttons decrease or in-
crease the volume. They are also
used to change values for menu
options.
11




OK
displays the services list. See § 5.2.1 for more details.

1.2 Controlling the digital receiver 5
It is also used to select a menu item.
12




EXIT is used to exit the current screen.
13

is used to display, minify or hide the sub-picture. See
§5.6 for information about picture-in-picture.
14

is used to make a bookmark during playback or time
shift.
15

is used to start reverse playback. Subsequent presses
increase the rewind speed.
16

pauses live television or playback of a recorded pro-
gramme.
17
is used to start recording.
18

is used to stop playback, to stop recording, or to
jump back to live television from time-shifted television.
19

displays the services list for sub-picture. It is also
used to specify a block for editing or for repeated play-
back.
20

changes the position of sub-picture counterclock-
wise. It is also used to jump back to beginnng of record-
ing during a playback.
21
mutes the sound. Press again to switch it back on.
22

switches the output of the TV SCART socket between
the digital receiver and the device connected to the VCR
SCART socket. See § 3.2.3 for more details.
23

switches between television services and radio ser-
vices.
24




FAV displays the favourite lists.
25
is used to select a subtitle track.
26
is used to set a sleep timer.

6 Introduction
27




GUIDE displays the electronic programme guide.
28

displays the service information box. It is also used to
display more information about a programme.
29

is used to jump to next bookmark position or to jump
forward 30 seconds.
30

is used to jump back 20 seconds for an instant replay.
It is also used to edit a recording.
31

resumes normal playback speed, or displayes the
progress bar for navigation on playback or time shift. To
play a recorded programme, see button 34.
32

is used to start fast motion playback. Subsequent
presses increase the playback speed.
33

is used to start slow motion playback. Subsequent
presses change the playback speed.
34

is used to display the list of recorded programmes
that are stored on the internal hard disk drive. See § 7.2
for more details.
35

changes the position of sub-picture clockwise. It is
also used to jump to end of recording during a playback.
36




SAT
swaps the sub-picture with the main picture. See
§5.6 for more details.
The , , , and buttons have additional differ-
ent functions per menu besides their own function. They will
be guided by on-screen help.

1.3 What is common interface? 7
1.3 What is common interface?
Some broadcasts are scrambled so that only paid
subscribers can enjoy them. Scrambled services
can only be viewed with a Conditional Access
Module (CAM) and a subscription card belong-
ing with the scrambling system.
Common Interface (CI) is the slot on a digitial
receiver into which a conditional access module
may be insterted. The front of the digital receiver
has two common interfaces.
To watch a pay service, you should take the following steps:
1. Purchase a conditional access module and a subscription
card for the pay service you want to watch.
2. Insert the subscription card into the conditional access
module.
3. Insert the conditional access module into a common in-
terface on the front of the digital receiver.
To view the information about
the module and subscription
card which is inserted into the
digital receiver, select the Com-
mon Interface menu. You
should see a screen like the left
figure.

8 Setup
Chapter 2
Setup
2.1 Unpacking
Before going any further, check that you have received the
following items with your digital receiver.
• Remote control unit
• Two batteries for the remote control (AAA 1.5 V)
• One loop cable to link the first tuner with the second
tuner
• One SCART-to-component cable
• A copy of this user guide
NOTE
Accessories may vary according to your local area.
2.2 Safety precautions
Please read carefully the following safety precautions.

2.2 Safety precautions 9
• The mains power must be 90 to 250 volts. Check it before
connecting the digital receiver to the wall outlet. For
the power consumption of the digital receiver, refer to
Table 2.1.
• The wall outlet should be near the equipment. Do not
run an extension lead to the unit.
• Do not expose the digital receiver to any moisture. The
digital receiver is designed for use indoors only. Use dry
cloth when cleaning the digital receiver.
• Place the digital receiver on a firm and level surface.
• Do not place the digital receiver close to heat emitting
units or in direct sunlight, as this will impair cooling.
Do not lay any objects such as magazines on the digi-
tal receiver. When placed in a cabinet, make sure there
is a minimum space of 10 centimetres around it. For
the physical specification of the digital receiver, refer to
Table 2.2.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
If the cord is damaged, do not use the digital receiver
and get the cord replaced.
• Never open the digital receiver casing under any circum-
stances, or the warranty will be void.
• Refer all servicing to a qualified service technician.
Table 2.1: Power specifications
Input voltage 90 to 250 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 25 W at maximum in operation
8 W in standby

10 Setup
Table 2.2: Physical specifications
Size 340×60×265 mm
Weight 3.4 kg
Operating temperature 0 to 45 °C
Storage relative humidity 5 to 90 %
2.3 Rear panel connections
The TF 400 PVRt has a wide range of connections on the back.
RS-232
S/PDIF
VCR
TV
RF LOOP
1 OUT
ANT 1 IN ANT 2 IN
RF LOOP
2 OUT
VIDEO
AUDIO
R
L
31
2 4 6
57
8 9 10
Check what connections your television set has in comparison
with the digital receiver.
1
ANT 1 IN
Terrestrial broadcasting signal input socket
for the first tuner.
2
RF LOOP 1 OUT
Terrestrial broadcasting signal output
socket through the first tuner.
3
ANT 2 IN
Terrestrial broadcasting signal input socket
for the second tuner.
4
RF LOOP 2 OUT
Terrestrial broadcasting signal output
socket through the second tuner.
5
VIDEO
Composite video output socket for the televi-
sion set. (yellow)

2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver 11
6
AUDIO L/R
Stereo audio output socket for the television
set or the audio system. (white/red)
7
TV
Audio and video output socket for the televi-
sion set.
8
VCR
Audio and video input/output socket for the
video cassette recorder or suchlike.
9
S/PDIF
Dolby digital output socket for the audio sys-
tem.
10
RS-232
Serial port for firmware update and data
transfer.
Table 2.3: Connectors specifications
VIDEO Composite video (CVBS) output
AUDIO Left & right audio output
TV CVBS/S-Video/RGB/YUV video output
Left & right audio output
VCR CVBS video output
Left & right audio output
CVBS/S-Video/RGB/YUV video input for bypass
Left & right audio input for bypass
S/PDIF Dolby digital audio output
RS-232 115.2 kbps at maximum
2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver
There are several ways to set up the digital receiver. Set up the
digital receiver suitably to your television and other appliances.
If you have any problem with your setup or need help, contact
your dealer.

12 Setup
2.4.1 Connecting the antenna
Whatever sort of connection you have be-
tween the digital receiver and the television,
you need to connect the digital receiver to
your television antenna so that it can receive
digital television services.
Connect the antenna cable to the ANT 1 IN
connector on the back panel of the digital
receiver.
Also, you must ensure that there is a con-
nection to both the ANT 1 IN and ANT 2 IN
connectors on your digital receiver, so that
both tuners work properly.
Normally you do that by using a loop cable to link from the RF
LOOP 1 OUT connector to the ANT 2 IN connector.
NOTE
However, if you are in a weak signal area, or are using a signal
amplifier with more than one output, you may achieve better
results by connecting a cable from the antenna or amplifier
directly to the ANT 2 IN connector rather than using the loop
cable.
If you have another digital receiver, or you want to still receive
analogue channels on your television, link it from the RF LOOP
2 OUT connector.
2.4.2 Connecting to your television
Between all the following connectors of the digital receiver, we
recommend you to use the first connector to get best picture
quality. If your television does not have the matching connector,
then use the next connector in the following order for better
picture quality.
1. SCART connector (TV)

2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver 13
2. Composite connector (VIDEO)
You should configure audio and video settings after connecting
up the digital receiver. See § 3.2 for detailed description.
To use the SCART connector
For best results with a standard television set,
you should use a SCART cable, plugging one
end into the TV socket on the digital receiver
and the other end into a free SCART socket
on your television.
Some televisions have inputs via Component
connector or S-Video connector rather than
SCART.
If you have such a television, use an appropriate conversion ca-
ble to link the TV socket on the digital receiver to the matching
socket on your television.
If you connect with a standard SCART cable, you do not have
to make audio connections because the SCART connector can
output stereo audio. But if you use a conversion cable, such as
SCART-to-Component, you have to make audio connections.
To use the composite video connector
You will need to obtain a composite video
cable (RCA cable) to use the composite video
connector. Plug one end of the cable into the
VIDEO (yellow) socket on the digital receiver,
and the other end into the matching socket
on your television.

14 Setup
To connect the audio connectors
You will need to obtain an audio cable (RCA
cable) to connect the audio connectors. Plug
one end of the cable into the AUDIO L (white)
and AUDIO R (red) sockets on the digital re-
ceiver, and the other end into the matching
sockets on your television or audio system.
To enjoy Dolby digital audio, your televi-
sion or audio system must be able to decode
Dolby digital audio, and you will need to ob-
tain a S/PDIF cable. Plug one end of the
cable into the S/PIDF socket on the digital
receiver, and the other end into the matching
socket on your audio system.
2.4.3 Connecting to your video cassette recorder
The digital receiver can also output video to another appliance
such as a video cassette recorder or video receiver through an
auxiliary SCART connector.
You will need to obtain a SCART cable to use
the auxiliary SCART connector. Plug one end
of the cable into the VCR socket on the digital
receiver, and the other end into the match-
ing socket on your video cassette recorder or
suchlike.
2.5 Switching on for the first time
Now that you have your digital receiver connected, you should
plug it in to a mains socket. Ensure that your television set is
turned on, so that you will be able to see the display from the
digital receiver.