Topfield TF 520 PVRc User manual

TOPFIELD
TF 520 PVRc
User Guide
High Definition
Digital Cable Receiver
Personal Video Recorder
CONAX CAS 5 Embedded

ii CONTENTS
Contents
Contents ii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Features .............................. 1
1.2 Controlling the digital receiver .................. 2
1.2.1 Front panel ........................ 2
1.2.2 Remote control ...................... 4
1.3 Subscription card information .................. 6
2 Setup 7
2.1 Unpacking ............................. 7
2.2 Safety precautions ......................... 7
2.3 Rear panel connections ...................... 9
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 recorder ........... 15
2.5 Switching on for the first time .................. 15
3 Service Search 17
3.1 Searching for broadcasting services ............... 17
3.2 Resetting to factory settings ................... 18
3.3 Clearing the services list ..................... 19
4 Preference Settings 20

CONTENTS iii
4.1 Language settings ......................... 20
4.1.1 Menu language ...................... 20
4.1.2 Subtitle language ..................... 21
4.1.3 Hard of Hearing ..................... 21
4.1.4 Audio language ...................... 21
4.2 Video and audio settings ..................... 22
4.2.1 High definition television ................ 22
4.2.2 Television aspect ratio .................. 23
4.2.3 Colour format ....................... 24
4.2.4 Another video device ................... 24
4.2.5 Video scaling ....................... 25
4.2.6 Audio mode ........................ 25
4.3 Local time setting ......................... 25
4.4 Parental control .......................... 27
4.5 Adjusting the On-Screen Display ................ 28
4.6 To enable time-shifting ...................... 29
5 Every Day Use 30
5.1 Volume control .......................... 30
5.2 Watching television ........................ 30
5.2.1 The services list ...................... 30
5.2.2 The favourite service lists ................ 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 ................. 35
5.5 Using time-shift .......................... 36
5.6 Viewing in the picture-in-picture screen mode ......... 37
6 Organising Services 39
6.1 Editing the favourite lists ..................... 39
6.2 How to use on-screen keyboard ................. 41
6.3 Transferring receiver data .................... 41

iv CONTENTS
7 Recording and Playback 43
7.1 Recording a programme ..................... 44
7.1.1 Instant recording ..................... 44
7.1.2 Timer recording ...................... 46
7.1.3 Scheduling recordings using the programme guide . . 48
7.1.4 Recording a time-shifted programme .......... 49
7.1.5 Recording a pay service programme .......... 49
7.2 File archive ............................. 50
7.2.1 To delete a recording ................... 50
7.2.2 To sort recordings ..................... 50
7.2.3 To lock a recording .................... 51
7.2.4 To rename a recording .................. 51
7.2.5 To make a new folder ................... 51
7.2.6 To move a recording to another folder ......... 52
7.3 Playing back a recording ..................... 52
7.3.1 To navigate using the progress bar ........... 53
7.3.2 To play in slow motion .................. 53
7.3.3 To play in fast motion ................... 53
7.3.4 To make a bookmark ................... 54
7.3.5 To play back a recording repeatedly .......... 54
7.3.6 To play back recordings in sequence .......... 55
7.3.7 To play back a scrambled recording ........... 55
7.4 Editing a recording ........................ 56
7.5 Copying a recording ....................... 56
7.6 MP3 playback ........................... 56
7.7 Transferring recording files .................... 57
7.8 Formatting the hard disk ..................... 59
8 Topfield Application Program 60
9 Firmware Update 62
9.1 Checking the firmware information ............... 62
9.2 From your computer via USB port ................ 63
9.3 From your computer via RS-232 port .............. 64
9.4 From another digital receiver via RS-232 port ......... 65
9.5 Over the air ............................ 66

1
1
Chapter 1
Introduction
The TF 520 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. However,
unlike analogue broadcasts, digital broadcasts are not all
assigned to their own frequencies; instead, multiple televi-
sion broadcasts are transmitted through a single frequency.
The frequency in digital broadcasting is usually called trans-
ponder or multiplex. 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
This digital receiver has the following features:
• Can store up to 2,000 television and radio services.
• Can create lists of your favourite services.

2 Introduction
• Can view information about the current television or ra-
dio programme.
• Has an electronic programme guide that provides an
overview of scheduled programmes.
• You can record one service while you are currently
watching another.
• You can record many programmes using a built-in hard
drive with large storage capacity.
• Time-shift is a special technical feature available on this
digital receiver. You can pause a programme you are
watching and resume it again at a later time. Then you
can quickly go to any part of the current programme by
fast forward or rewind search.
1.2 Controlling the digital receiver
You can operate the digital receiver with the remote control or
the buttons on the front panel.
NOTE
When the digital receiver is off but plugged into a wall
socket, we say that it is in standby mode; on the other hand,
when it is on, it is in active mode. Even when you are not
using the digital receiver, you should keep it plugged into
a wall socket to be in standby mode so that it can run timer
events at any time.
1.2.1 Front panel
The front panel of the digital receiver has buttons to control
the digital receiver, specific lights and a display to indicate its
status. The following indicates what they mean.

1
1.2 Controlling the digital receiver 3
button switches the digital receiver between standby mode
and active mode. This button has a lamp which lights up
in red in standby mode, and in blue in active mode. It
also blinks every time you press a button on the remote
control in active mode.
Front display shows the current time in standby mode, and
displays the current service in active mode.
CHANNEL
c
,
a
buttons switch to the previous or next ser-
vice. They are also used to navigate in menus and inter-
active screens.
VOLUME
b
,
d
buttons decrease or increase the volume. They
are also used to change values for menu options.
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 de-
tails. It is also used to select a menu item.

4 Introduction
1.2.2 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
.
.
.1button switches the digital
receiver between standby mode
and active mode.
.
.
.2is 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.
.
.
.4mutes the sound. Press again
to switch it back on.
.
.
.5



P−,



P+buttons switch to the
previous or next service. They are
also used to navigate in menus
and interactive screens.
.
.
.6switches over between the
current service and the previ-
ously viewed one.
.
.
.7Numeric 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 informa-
tion box. It is also used to dis-
play more information about a
programme.

1
1.2 Controlling the digital receiver 5
.
.
.
11 is used to select an audio track and a sound mode, or
a video track of multifeed programme.
.
.
.
12 is used to select a subtitle track.
.
.
.
13 displays teletext.
.
.
.
14 



V.Format changes video resolution. See §4.2.1 for more de-
tails.
.
.
.
15 



A/R changes aspect ratio. See §4.2.2 for more details.
.
.
.
16 switches over between television services and radio
services.
.
.
.
17 



GUIDE displays the electronic programme guide.
.
.
.
18 



AUX switches the output of the TV SCART socket over be-
tween the digital receiver and the device connected to the
VCR SCART socket. See §4.2.4 for more details.
.
.
.
19 



SAT swaps the sub-picture with the main picture in
picture-in-picture mode. See §5.6 for more details. This
button has other fucntions as well, depending on the con-
text.
.
.
.
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 informa-
tion.
.
.
.
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 in the internal hard 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 forward 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 counterclockwise.
It is also used to jump back to the beginning of the record-
ing on playback.
.
.
.
31 changes the position of sub-picture clockwise. It is also
used to jump to the end of the recording on playback.
.
.
.
32 is used to show, minify or hide the sub-picture. See
§5.6 for more details about picture-in-picture.
.
.
.
33 is used to make a bookmark on playback or time-shift.
.
.
.
34 is used to jump to next bookmark position.
.
.
.
35 is used to edit a recording.
.
.
.
36 has different functions per menu.
Functions of the colour buttons will be guided by on-screen
instructions.
NOTE
When using the remote control, point it at the remote sensor
on the front panel of the digital receiver.
1.3 Subscription card information
With this digital receiver, you can view pay services scrambled
with the CONAX conditional access system. Probably you
have a subscription card. If you would like to view information
in detail about your subscription card, select the Conditional
Access menu. There you can also check the messages from
the broadcasting operator.

2
7
Chapter 2
Setup
2.1 Unpacking
Before going any further, check that you have received the fol-
lowing items with the digital receiver.
• Remote control
• Two batteries for the remote control (AAA 1.5 V)
• HDMI cable
• One loop cable to link the first tuner with the second
tuner
• 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.
• The mains voltage must range between 90 and 250 volts.
Check it before plugging the digital receiver to the wall

8 Setup
socket. For the power consumption of the digital re-
ceiver, refer to Table 2.1.
• The wall socket should be near the equipment. Do not
run an extension lead to the unit.
• The mains plug shall remain readily operable so that it
can be removed easily to disconnect the power.
• The digital receiver shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing water, and no objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, shall be placed on it.
• Do not expose the digital receiver to any moisture. The
digital receiver is designed for indoor use only. Use dry
cloth to clean 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 Ta-
ble 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.
• To maintain proper ventilation, always leave sufficient
space around the digital receiver.
• Batteries, including those which contain no heavy met-
als, may not be disposed with other household wastes.
Please dispose of used batteries in an environmentally
sound manner. Find out the legal regulations which ap-
ply in your area.

2
2.3 Rear panel connections 9
Table 2.1: Power specification
Input voltage 90 to 250 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 25 W at maximum in active
Table 2.2: Physical specifications
Size 340×60×265 mm
Weight 3.2 kg
Operating temperature 0 to 45 ◦C
Storage relative humidity 5 to 90 %
2.3 Rear panel connections
The TF 520 PVRc has a wide range of connections on the back.
USB
TV
VCR S/PDIF
R - AUDIO - L
ON / OFF
RS - 232
HDMI
S - VIDEO
VIDEO
1 - RF LOOP OUT - 2
1 -- CABLE IN -- 2
Check what connections your television set has in comparison
with the digital receiver.
.
.
.1CABLE 1 IN Cable broadcasting signal input socket for
the first tuner
.
.
.2RF LOOP 1 OUT Cable broadcasting signal output socket
through the first tuner
.
.
.3CABLE 2 IN Cable broadcasting signal input socket for
the second tuner
.
.
.4RF LOOP 2 OUT Cable broadcasting signal output socket
through the second tuner

10 Setup
.
.
.5VIDEO Composite video output socket for the tele-
vision set (yellow)
.
.
.6AUDIO L/R Stereo audio output socket for the televi-
sion set or the audio-video receiver (white/red)
.
.
.7HDMI Audio and video output socket for the high
definition television set
.
.
.8S-VIDEO Super video output socket for the televi-
sion set
.
.
.9TV Audio and video output socket for the tele-
vision set
.
.
.
10 VCR Audio and video input/output socket for
another device such as a video recorder
.
.
.
11 USB USB port for firmware update and data trans-
fer
.
.
.
12 S/PDIF Digital audio output socket for the audio-
video receiver
.
.
.
13 RS-232 Serial port for firmware update and data
transfer
.
.
.
14 ON/OFF Power switch (You have to turn on this switch
first to use this digital receiver.)

2
2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver 11
Table 2.3: Connectors specifications
HDMI High definition video output
Left & right audio output
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 video output
Left & right audio output
VCR CVBS video output
Left & right audio output
CVBS/S-Video/RGB video input for bypass
Left & right audio input for bypass
S/PDIF 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 devices.
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 digi-
tal television broadcasts. Connect the broad-
casting cable to the CABLE 1 IN connector on
the back panel of the digital receiver. Also,
you must ensure that there is a connection to
both the CABLE 1 IN and CABLE 2 IN con-
nectors 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
do not link the RF LOOP 1 OUT and the CABLE 2 IN, some
features like viewing in the picture-in-picture screen may not
work properly.
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
For all the following connections of the digital receiver, we rec-
ommend you to use the first connector to get the best picture
quality. If your television does not have a matching connector,
then use the next connector in the following order for a 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 connect-
ing up the digital receiver. See §4.2 for a detailed description.

2
2.4 Connecting up your digital receiver 13
NOTE
Illustrations in this manual may differ from the actual prod-
uct.
To use the HDMI output
If you have a high definition television set,
you should use an 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 it can output
stereo audio or digital audio as well.
To use the SCART output
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.
If you connect with a standard SCART cable, you do not have
to make audio connection because it can output stereo audio
as well. But if you use a conversion cable such as SCART-to-
Component, then you have to make audio connection.
NOTE
You cannot view high definition video by means of the
SCART output.

14 Setup
To use the S-Video output
NOTE
You cannot view high definition video by
means of the S-Video output.
You need to obtain a S-Video cable to use the
S-Video output. Plug one end of the cable
into the S-VIDEO socket on the digital re-
ceiver, and plug the other end into the match-
ing socket on your television.
To use the Composite video output
You need to obtain a Composite video cable
(RCA cable) to use the Composite video out-
put. 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.
NOTE
You cannot view high definition video by means of the Com-
posite video output.
To make the audio connection
You need to obtain an audio cable (RCA ca-
ble) to link the audio connectors. Plug one
ends of the cable into the AUDIO L (white)
and AUDIO R (red) sockets on the digi-
tal receiver, and plug the other ends into
the matching sockets on your television or
audio-video receiver.

2
2.5 Switching on for the first time 15
To enjoy Dolby Digital audio, your television
or audio-video receiver must be able to de-
code Dolby Digital audio, and you need to
obtain an S/PDIF cable.
Plug one end of the cable into the S/PDIF
socket on the digital receiver, and plug the
other end into the matching socket on your
audio-video receiver.
2.4.3 Connecting to your video recorder
The digital receiver can also output video through an auxiliary
SCART connector to another device such as a video recorder.
You need to obtain a SCART cable to link the
auxiliary SCART connector. Plug one end
of the cable into the VCR socket on the digi-
tal receiver, and plug the other end into the
matching socket on your video recorder or
suchlike.
2.5 Switching on for the first time
Now that you have your digital receiver connected, you should
plug it into a wall socket. Ensure that your television set is
turned on and on the correct video channel so that you will be
able to see the display from the digital receiver.
Before switching on the digital receiver, you should insert bat-
teries into the remote control. Open the battery compartment
by removing the lid, and then insert the batteries observing the
polarity, which is marked on the base of the battery compart-
ment.
Press the button on the top left corner on the remote con-
trol. In a little time, you may see a picture displaying a menu.
If you do not see a picture, try pressing the 



V.Format button on
the remote control. If after several tries you still get no picture,

16 Setup
check that the television is set to the correct input. If the picture
is good, you can skip to §3.1 to search for available television
and radio services. Otherwise, you may need to temporarily
connect the Composite video connector (VIDEO) to your tele-
vision set so that you can see the menu in order to configure
the video settings.
CAUTION
If the digital receiver no longer reacts properly to the remote
control commands, the batteries may be flat. Be sure to re-
place only with 1.5 V AAA size batteries, and observe the
following precautions.
• Do not mix different types of batteries, or new and old
batteries.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries.
• Do not recharge the old batteries.
• In order to avoid any risk of explosion, observe the po-
larities indicated inside the battery compartment.
• Do not subject to excessive heat such as the sun and
fire.
• If you are not using the remote control for a long pe-
riod of time, remove the batteries. The manufacturer
accepts no liability for the damage resulting from leak-
ing batteries.
• Batteries, including those which contain no heavy
metals, may not be disposed with other household
wastes. Please dispose of used batteries in an environ-
mentally sound manner. Find out the legal regulations
which apply in your area.