Topfield TF 500 PVRc User manual

TOPFIELD
TF 500 PVRc
User Guide
Digital Cable Receiver
Personal Video Recorder
CONAX

The lighting flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to a person.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.

iv Contents
Contents
Contents iv
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 to the broadcasting cable .......... 12
2.4.2 Connecting to your television set ............ 12
2.4.3 Connecting to your video cassette recorder ....... 15
2.5 Inserting batteries in the remote control ............. 15
2.6 Switching on for the first time ................... 16
2.6.1 Powering on and checking picture ............ 16
3 Preference Settings 17
3.1 Language settings .......................... 17
3.2 Video and audio settings ...................... 19
3.2.1 Television standard .................... 19

Contents v
3.2.2 Colour model ........................ 19
3.2.3 Video cassette recorder .................. 20
3.2.4 Television aspect ratio ................... 20
3.2.5 High definition television ................. 22
3.2.6 Video scaling ........................ 22
3.2.7 Audio mode ........................ 22
3.3 Local time setting .......................... 23
3.4 Parental control ........................... 24
3.5 Adjusting the On-Screen Display ................. 26
3.6 To turn on the time shift feature .................. 26
4 Service Search 27
4.1 Searching broadcasting services .................. 27
4.2 Resetting to factory settings .................... 29
4.3 Clearing the services list ...................... 29
5 Daily Usage 30
5.1 Volume control ........................... 30
5.2 Watching television ......................... 30
5.2.1 The services list ....................... 30
5.2.2 The favourite services list ................. 32
5.2.3 Viewing programme information ............ 33
5.2.4 Selecting audio tracks ................... 34
5.2.5 Selecting subtitle tracks .................. 34
5.2.6 Viewing teletext ...................... 34
5.3 Viewing electronic programme guide .............. 35
5.4 Watching multifeed programme ................. 36
5.5 Using time shift ........................... 36
5.6 Using picture in picture ...................... 38
6 Listing Services 39
6.1 Editing the favourite list ...................... 39
6.2 How to use on-screen keyboard .................. 41
6.3 Transferring receiver data ..................... 41
7 Recording and Playing 43
7.1 Recording a programme ...................... 44

vi Contents
7.1.1 Instant recording ...................... 44
7.1.2 Timer recording ...................... 46
7.1.3 Scheduling recordings using the programme guide . . 49
7.1.4 Recording a time-shifted programme .......... 49
7.1.5 Recording a pay service programme ........... 50
7.2 File archive ............................. 51
7.2.1 To delete a recording .................... 51
7.2.2 To sort recordings ..................... 51
7.2.3 To lock a recording ..................... 52
7.2.4 To rename a recording ................... 52
7.2.5 To make a new folder ................... 52
7.2.6 To move a recording to another folder .......... 52
7.3 Playing back a recording ...................... 53
7.3.1 To navigate using the progress bar ............ 53
7.3.2 To play in slow motion .................. 54
7.3.3 To play in fast motion ................... 54
7.3.4 To make a bookmark .................... 55
7.3.5 To play back a recording repeatedly ........... 55
7.3.6 To play back recordings in sequence ........... 56
7.3.7 To play back a scrambled recording ........... 56
7.4 Editing a recording ......................... 57
7.5 Copying a recording ........................ 57
7.6 MP3 playback ............................ 58
7.7 Transferring recording files .................... 58
7.8 Formatting the hard disk ...................... 60
8 Topfield Application Program 61
9 Firmware Update 63
9.1 Checking the firmware information ............... 63
9.2 From your computer via USB port ................ 65
9.3 From your computer via RS-232 port ............... 66
9.4 From another digital receiver via RS-232 port .......... 67
Index 68

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
The TF 500 PVRc digital receiver is fully compliant with the
international Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standard, and
thus is able to receive digital broadcasts of that standard.
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 500 PVRc digital receiver has the following features:
• Can store up to 2000 television and radio services.
• You can create favourite lists of your favourite services.

2 Introduction
• 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 record one service while you are currently watch-
ing another.
• The large storage capacity of the 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
500 PVRc. 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 forward or 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.
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
14
14
18
16
9
12
2
17
3
5
10
35
25
28
29
24
19
31
15
7
6
11
13
20
3
8
21
27
26
22
23
36
30
32
34
33
5
1
 button switches the digital
receiver between standby mode
and operation mode.
2
 is used to set a sleep timer in
10 minute increments.
3




V− ,




V+ buttons decrease or in-
crease the volume. They are also
used to change values for menu
options.
4
 mutes the sound. Press
again to switch it back on.
5




P− ,




P+ buttons switch to pre-
vious or next service. They are
also used to navigate in menus
and interactive screens.
6
 switches between the cur-
rent service and the previously
viewed one.
7
 Numeric buttons are used to en-
ter a service number for service
change or to specify values for
menu options.
8




OK displays the services list. See
§ 5.2.1 for more details. It is also
used to select a menu item.
9




FAV displays the favourite lists.
10
 displays the service information box. It is also used to
display more information about a programme.
11
 is used to select an audio track and a sound mode, or

1.2 Controlling the digital receiver 5
a video track of multifeed programme.
12
is used to select a subtitle track.
13
displays teletext.
14




V.Format changes video resolution. See § 3.2.5 for more
details.
15




A/R changes aspect ratio. See § 3.2.4 for more details.
16
 switches between television services and radio ser-
vices.
17




GUIDE displays the electronic programme guide.
18




AUX switches the output of the TV SCART socket be-
tween the digital receiver and the device connected to
the VCR SCART socket. See § 3.2.3 for more details.
19




SAT swaps the sub-picture with the main picture. See
§ 5.6 for more details. This button has other fucntions as
well, depending on the context.
20




MENU displays the main menu. It is also used to return
to the previous menu from a submenu.
21




EXIT is used to exit a menu or to hide on-screen info.
22
is used to start recording.
23
 is used to stop playback, to stop recording, or to
jump back to live television from time-shifted television.
24
 is used to display the list of recorded programmes
that are stored on the internal hard disk drive. See § 7.2
for more details.
25
 resumes normal playback speed, or displays the
progress bar for navigation on playback or time shift. To
play a recorded programme, see button 24.
26
 pauses live television or playback of a recorded pro-
gramme.

6 Introduction
27
 is used to start reverse playback. Subsequent presses
increase the rewind speed.
28
 is used to start fast motion playback. Subsequent
presses increase the playback speed.
29
 is used to start slow motion playback. Subsequent
presses change the playback speed.
30
 changes the position of sub-picture counterclock-
wise. It is also used to jump back to beginnng of record-
ing during a playback.
31
 changes the position of sub-picture clockwise. It is
also used to jump to end of recording during a playback.
32
 is used to display, minify or hide the sub-picture. See
§5.6 for information about picture-in-picture.
33
 is used to make a bookmark during playback or time
shift.
34
 is used to jump to next bookmark position or to jump
forward 30 seconds.
35
 is used to jump back 20 seconds for an instant replay.
It is also used to edit a recording.
36
 displays the services list for sub-picture. It is also
used to specify a block for editing or for repeated play-
back.
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 In-
formation > Common 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
• One S-Video 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 mains socket . For
the power consumption of the digital receiver, refer to
Table 2.1.
• The mains socket 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 500 PVRc has a wide range of connections on the back.
RS-232
S/PDIF
VCR USB
TV
RF LOOP
1 OUT
CABLE 1 IN CABLE 2 IN
RF LOOP
2 OUT
VIDEO
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
HDMI
R
L
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13
Check what connections your television set has in comparison
with the digital receiver.
1
CABLE 1 IN Cable broadcasting signal input socket for
the first tuner.
2
RF LOOP 1 OUT Cable broadcasting signal output
socket through the first tuner.
3
CABLE 2 IN Cable broadcasting signal input socket for
the second tuner.
4
RF LOOP 2 OUT Cable broadcasting signal output
socket through the second tuner.
5
VIDEO Composite video output socket for the television
set. (yellow)
6
AUDIO L/R Stereo audio output socket for the television
set or the audio system. (white/red)

2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver 11
7
HDMI Audio and video output socket for the high defini-
tion television set.
8
S-VIDEO Super video output socket for the television
set.
9
TV Audio and video output socket for the television set.
10
VCR Audio and video input/output socket for the video
cassette recorder or suchlike.
11
USB USB port for firmware update and data transfer.
12
S/PDIF Dolby digital output socket for the audio system.
13
RS-232 Serial port for firmware update and data transfer.
Table 2.3: Connectors specifications
HDMI High definition video output
Left & right audio output
Dolby digital audio output
VIDEO Composite video (CVBS) output
AUDIO Left & right audio output
S-VIDEO Super video (S-Video) 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
USB 2.0 device
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 to the broadcasting cable
Whatever sort of connection you have be-
tween the digital receiver and the television,
you need to connect the digital receiver to
the broadcasting cable so that it can receive
digital television services.
Connect the broadcasting cable to the CABLE
1 IN connector on the back panel of the digital
receiver.
Also, you must ensure that there is a connec-
tion to both the CABLE 1 IN and CABLE 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 CABLE 2 IN connector.
If you have another digital receiver, you may link it from the
RF LOOP 2 OUT connector.
2.4.2 Connecting to your television set
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. HDMI connector (HDMI)
2. SCART connector (TV)
3. S-Video connector (S-VIDEO)
4. Composite connector (VIDEO)
You should configure audio and video settings after connecting
up the digital receiver. See § 3.2 for detailed description.

2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver 13
To use the HDMI connector
If you have a high definition television set,
you should use a HDMI cable for best re-
sults. Plug one end of the cable into the HDMI
socket on the digital receiver, and plug the
other end into the matching socket on your
television. In this case, you do not have to
make audio connection because the HDMI
connector can output stereo audio or Dolby
digital audio.
To use the SCART connector
For best results with a standard television set,
you should use a SCART cable. Plug one end
of the cable into the TV socket on the digital
receiver, and plug the other end into a free
SCART socket on your television.
Some televisions have inputs via S-Video or
Component connectors 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 connection 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 connection.
NOTE
You cannot view high definition video with the SCART connec-
tor.

14 Setup
To use the S-Video connector
NOTE
You cannot view high definition video with
the S-Video connector.
You need to obtain a S-Video cable to use
the S-Video connector. Plug one end of the
cable into the S-VIDEO socket on the digi-
tal receiver, and plug the other end into the
matching socket on your television.
To use the composite video connector
NOTE
You cannot view high definition video with
the composite video connector.
You need to obtain a composite video cable
(RCA cable) to use the composite video con-
nector. Plug one end of the cable into the
VIDEO (yellow) socket on the digital receiver,
and plug the other end into the matching
socket on your television.
To make the audio connection
You need to obtain an audio cable (RCA ca-
ble) 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 plug the other end into the match-
ing sockets on your television or audio sys-
tem.