VidaBox ROOMMATE Manual

Hardware
Installation Guide
MODEL
ROOMMATE

VIDABOX™ – ROOMMATE™
Hardware Installation Guide
©VidaBox LLC
172 Garden Street • Garden City, NY 11530
Support: http://www.vidabox.com/support

Table of Contents
Introduction 4
CHAPTER 1
OVERVIEW
How to Best Use This Guide 5
Parts List 6
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION
VidaBox™ Diagrams 7
VidaBox™ Placement 8
Connect the:
Power Cable 8
Keyboard 8
Mouse 8
Remote Receiver 8
FM Antennas 9
LAN Port 9
Wireless USB Networking Module (Optional) 9
Connect the TV Input
Do You Have a Set-top Box (STB)? 10
Connecting Directly from a Coaxial cable 10
How Many STB’s Do You Have? 10
Connecting a Splitter 10
How Did You Connect the TV to the STB? 11
Connecting from a Coaxial Cable 11
Connecting from S-Video/RCA Cable 11
Connect the Video Output
Connecting via VGA 12
Connect the Audio Output
Which Audio Output/Cable Are You Using?
Connecting via Analog Sound 13
Connecting via Digital Sound 13
CHAPTER 3
POST INSTALLATION
The Next Step 14
CHAPTER 4
SERVICE INFORMATION
Contact your Dealer/Place of Purchase 15
Contact VidaBox LLC 15

INTRODUCTION
4
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the VidaBox ROOMMATE™! You
have made an investment in attaining a state-of-the-art audio and visual
experience for your home!
he VidaBox™ is the culmination of research in the latest home audio and
visual technology.
This “all-in-one” device combines the functions of multiple home entertainment
components, such as a DVD player, a CD/MP3 player, a computer, and TiVo® box
into one, easy-to-use appliance (unit).
Every VidaBox™ is preconfigured for easy installation and minimal setup time.
Everything works right out of the box.
All of our systems are fully featured, providing an unmatched digital experience.
We hope enjoy using your VidaBox ROOMMATE™, and encourage you to read
through this comprehensive installation guide if you decide to install it yourself. Please
be sure to check out our website and support forum, where new features, questions,
and answers are available everyday.
Enjoy your VidaBox™ and have a great entertainment experience!
Sincerely,
Steven W. Cheung
Owner
Sergio DeAlbuquerque
Owner
T
MODEL
ROOMMATE

OVERVIEW
5
How to Best Use This Guide
n order avoid improper installation, we recommend that you read through this
guide and follow the setup steps carefully.
Please pay close attention to these icons. They alert
you to key pieces of information that are needed for a
successful installation of the VidaBox™.
If your system is professionally installed, the
installation technician should go over the main features
of the VidaBox™ with you. Keep this booklet as a
reference guide in case it is needed in the future, and
read over the User's Guide next.
We hope enjoy using your VidaBox ROOMMATE™,
and encourage you to read through this comprehensive
installation guide if you decide to install it yourself.
Please be sure to check out our website and support
forum, where new features, questions, and answers are
available everyday.
FILL IN AND SAVE
Look in the rear of your VidaBox™ and locate the serial number & Windows Product
Key. Write it here and retain it for future reference.
Serial No. __________________________________________________
Date of Purchase
Windows
Product Key:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
I ICON KEY
New Section
Checklist Items
Valuable Information
Answer Before
Proceeding
Move on to the next
section
Keyboard Required

OVERVIEW
6
Parts List
Please check and make sure all of the parts below are in your box before getting
started. See the Packing List to find which optional accessories came with your
VidaBox ROOMMMATE™.
VidaBox ROOMMATE™ Unit (White or Black)
This Installation Guide
Comprehensive User’s Guide
Software Configuration Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
ROOMMATE™ Quick Hardware Installation Guide
Standard & Optional Accessories – Check List below
Standard Accessories
Standard 120V 3-prong Power Cable
High Quality 6’ RCA Audio Cable
Two (2) FM antennas
Premium Slim-Profile Keyboard
Microsoft Media Center Remote
USB to PS/2 Adapter
120V to 19V Transformer
3.5mm to L/R RCA Adapter
1-to-2 Coaxial Cable splitter
Two (2) Short Coaxial cables
Premium Optical Mouse
Remote receiver dongle with two (2) IR blasters
Optional Accessories
Logitech Harmony® Programmable Remote
Karaoke Kit 400 or Karaoke Kit 900 – 400 or 990 songs with video
Wireless Microphone Kits - Two (2) microphones with integrated mixer
Wireless USB Networking Adapter


Missing Parts?
Don’t panic!! Simply call
the dealer or your place
of purchase immediately
and someone will be
able to assist you.

INSTALLATION
7
VidaBox Diagrams
Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the ROOMMATE™ before
proceeding.
FIGURE 1.0 – VIDABOX ROOMMATE™ FRONT & BACK PANELS
Please familiarize yourself with the Quick Hardware Installation Guide and its
diagrams before proceeding.
We recommend
that the VidaBox™
be professionally
installed to yield
the best possible
audio-visual
experience.
J
Coaxial SPDIF-Out
R FM Antenna Inputs
Q TV Coaxial Inputs
S TV S-Video &
RCA Inputs
GUSB 2.0 Ports
U FireWire /
i.Link/ IEE1394 Port
OLAN
Port
NVGA Output
K
Parallel Port
DCard Reader
BPower Button C Dual-layer DVD±RW Drive
EFireWire
Connections
LP/S 2 Mouse
IPower Input
M P/S 2
Keyboard
HMicrophone In
FHeadphones/Line Out
A
Optical
SPDIF Output
T
7.1 Surround
Sound Output
PUSB
2.0 Ports

INSTALLATION
8
VidaBox™ Placement
The VidaBox™ should be placed in a well-ventilated area. This will help facilitate the
exchange of heat out of the system, thereby minimizing operating fan noise. At a
minimum, any area with a fan grille should have about four (4) inches of clearance.
This will allow fresh air to circulate through the ROOMMATE™.
Connect the Power Cable I
Connect the Power Cable (shown left) into the transformer,
(shown right). Then, plug the round power output of the
transformer into the IPower Input. Make sure it is plugged in
securely.
Connect the Keyboard P
Then, connect the wired keyboard into any available PUSB Port.
Connect the Mouse L
Afterwards, connect the mouse’s USB output into the included USB to PS/2
adapter, then connect the PS/2 output to the LP/S 2 Mouse port.
Connect the
Remote Receiver Gor P
Next, connect the USB remote receiver into any available USB port. This adapter
needs a clear line-of-sight to your entire room.
Power Cable
Keyboard
Mouse
IR Remote Receiver

Help! My Parts
Look Different!
These pictures are for
illustration only. The parts
in your box may look
slightly different.

INSTALLATION
9
Connect the FM Antennas R
Connect the two included FM Antennas into the PFM Antenna Inputs. Make sure
they are connected securely.
Connect the LAN Port O
If you have a hard line internet connection available, you can connect to it directly with
a CAT-5 Ethernet cable to the OLAN Port.
Connect the Wireless USB
Networking Module P (Optional)
Simply stick the wireless module into any available USB port. For optimum
connection, you can use the included USB extension cords to connect it to the back
HUSB Ports, so that it is hidden.
* - All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual product appearance
may vary.
FM Antennas
Wireless / WiFi module
CAT-5 Ethernet Cable

INSTALLATION
10
Connect the TV Input
Depending on your TV provider source, you may connect the TV inputs in one of the
following ways:
Do You Have a Set-top Box (STB)?
1. No – Go to Connecting Directly from a Coaxial Cable below
2. Yes – Go to How Many Set-top Boxes (STB’s) Do You Have?
Connecting Directly from a Coaxial Cable:
1. Take your incoming cable or satellite coaxial cable and plug it into the “In” Port of
the supplied 1-to-2 coaxial splitter.
2. Plug the output ends of the coaxial cable into the QTV Coaxial Input using the
included short coaxial jumper cables.
3. Move on to the next section, Connect the Video Output on page 12.
How Many Set-top Boxes (STB’s) Do You Have?
1. Two (2) – Connect the two (2) included IR blasters, as shown on the left, to the
back remote receiver. There are two inputs, marked and . Place the IR
blasters/outputs over the IR receiver ports on each of the two STB’s. Go to
Connecting a Splitter below
2. Just One (1) – Connect one of the included IR blasters to back of the remote
receiver in the IR out port labeled . Then, place the blaster output over the IR
receiver ports of the STB.
After it is connected, go to How Did You Connect to the Set-top Box (STB)?
Note: You can only watch or record one show at a time until you get another STB.
Connecting a Splitter:
1. Take your incoming coaxial cable and plug it into the “In” Port of the
supplied 1-to-2 coaxial splitter.
2. Plug the 2 output coaxial cables into each cable or satellite input of the set-top
boxes (STB’s).
3. Move on to How Did You Connect the TV to the Set-top Box (STB)?
1-to-2 coaxial splitter

Looking for the
Next Section?
Look for this icon. It
denotes the start of a new
section
Included IR Blaster
Remote Receiver

INSTALLATION
11
How Did You Connect
the TV to the Set-top Box (STB)?
1. Through a coaxial connection – Go to Connecting from a Coaxial Cable
2. Through an S-video or RCA (yellow, red & white plugs) connections –
Go to Connecting from S-Video/RCA Cables
Connecting from a Coaxial Cable:
1. If not already connected, connect one end of a coaxial cable into the “Out” port of
your STB.
2. Plug the other end into the QTV Coaxial Input on the back of the VidaBox™.
3. You’re finished connecting the first set-top box! Repeat if you have another STB.
4. Move on to Connect the Video Output
Connecting from S-Video/RCA Cable:
1. Connect the TV-In Adapter into the STV S-Video & RCA Input.
2. Connect the video cable (choose S-video or yellow RCA cable):
If you chose the S-video cable, one end is connected to the TV-In Adapter,
and the other end is connected to your set-top box.
If you chose the yellow RCA cable, one end is connected to the TV-In
Adapter, and the other end is connected to your set-top box.
Note: You only need to connect either the S-video or the yellow RCA video
cable. You do not need to connect both.
3. Connect one end of the red & white RCA cables into the “Audio Out” port of
your STB. These cables are for the audio portion of your TV input.
4. Connect the other end of the red & white RCA cables into the TV-In Adapter
.
5. You have now finished connecting the video and audio TV inputs for an STB!
Repeat if you have another STB.
6. Move on to Connect the Video Output

You have completed the TV input installation!

Want the Best
TV Quality?
TV input quality, starting
from the best/preferred
connection, is rated as
follows:
S-video (Best)
Composite (Good)
Coaxial (Good)
Composite & coaxial are
about the same quality.
TV-In Adapter
Yours may appear slightly
different, but it will have all 4
connections – S-
V
ideo & RCA
(Yellow, Red, & White) cables

INSTALLATION
12
Connect the Video Output
The VidaBox™ ROOMMATE™ only has a VGA output, but video converters can
be purchased from your local dealer or through our online store to connect your TV
via component, S-Video, and other video connections.
Connecting via VGA:
1. Simply plug one end of the VGA cable into the NVGA Output.
2. Plug the other end into your monitor/TV screen’s VGA port.
3. You’re finished! Move on to Connect the Audio Output

You have completed the video output installation!
V
GA Cable

INSTALLATION
13
Connect the Audio Output
Every VidaBox™ ROOMMATE ™ comes with a high-quality set of L/R RCA audio
cables and 3.5mm converter for 2.0 stereo sound. If you wish to connect the audio
output of your ROOMMATE ™ differently, please purchase the appropriate cables
from your local dealer, or through our online store.
Which Audio Output / Cable Are You Using?
If you are using…
·2.0 RCA (L/R) stereo sound RCA cables, or
·A direct 3.5 to 3.5mm stereo sound cable, or
·5.1/7.1 analog surround sound cables –
Go to Connecting via Analog Sound
·Digital Optical/Coaxial Cable –
Go to Connecting via Digital Sound
Connecting via Analog Sound:
1. Do not connect any audio cables at this time. You will do so while configuring the
software, which will be covered in the next manual – Software Configuration .
Connecting via Digital Sound:
There are two SPDIF outputs for the ROOMMATE ™ - coaxial & optical. You can
choose to use either output – but do not use both at the same time. The coaxial
outputs use an RCA cable, and the optical output uses a TOSLink cable, as depicted
below.
Coaxial SPDIF (RCA) Cable
Optical SPDIF (TOSLink) Cable
1. Plug one end of the SPDIF cable into the Aor JSPDIF-Out port.
2. Plug the other end of the SPDIF cable into your receiver.
3. That’s it! The audio is now connected from the VidaBox™ to the receiver.

You have completed the audio output installation!

The SPDIF
output
There are two types of
cables, as shown. If you
choose to use the
SPDIF-output, you only
need to use one of the
two outputs, not both.

OVERVIEW
14
The Next Step
Congratulations! You’ve set up all of the physical connections for the VidaBox™
ROOMMATE™! The next step is to properly configure the software. Refer to the
“Software Configuration Guide” for the next steps.
If you find that you are having trouble configuring the software or having the
VidaBox™ function properly, it may be due to improper physical connections. You
may want to go back and review all of the installation steps to be sure no mistakes were
made, and you can also use the included troubleshooting guide to help diagnose your
problem.
If all else fails, you can seek further assistance as denoted in our Service Information
section on the next page.
☺
You’ve Finished
the Hardware
Installation!
After completing the
hardware installation, you
can proceed to set up the
software by referring to
the Software
Configuration Guide.

15
Service Information
Thank you for purchasing a VidaBox™, the system that makes Home
Entertainment Simple! Please take some time now to review and familiarize
yourself with our warranty policy by visiting our website at
http://www.vidabox.com/warranty.
Contact Your Dealer/Place of Purchase:
•If you find that you are having trouble installing or setting up the
VidaBox™, first try using the included Troubleshooting guide to resolve
your problem.
•If you need further assistance, please contact you dealer or place of purchase.
•If you need additional assistance that your dealer cannot provide, if you
purchased a service protection plan, or if you purchased your VidaBox™
directly from us, you can contact us using one of the following ways:
1. VidaBox™ Online Support – Our forums are full of common tips and
troubleshooting knowledge. Feel free to search your answer. If you
can’t find your answer, register for free and post your question. The
forums are constantly monitored, and one of our community members
will be able to help you in no time.
2. Phone-based Support – Please see our website for business hours. Live
phone support is available for free for all new VidaBox™ owners for a
limited-time, as part of our warranty policy. An extended support plan is
also available as an upgrade option when you purchase the VidaBox™.
After the warranty period expires, you can get support on a fee-based
basis.
Contact VidaBox LLC:
Whenever you need support – VidaBox™ will be there. That’s our guarantee.
Contact Information:
Website: www.vidabox.com
Online support: www.vidabox.com/support
Phone-based support: See the inside cover of the Troubleshooting Guide

Register Your
VidaBox™!
For faster service, please
don’t forget to register
your VidaBox™ at
http://www.vidabox.com
/register.htm within 10
days of purchase. This
will automatically activate
your all-inclusive limited-
time warranty, and allow
us to help you as quickly
as possible!
If you haven’t registered
your VidaBox™ and
need service – be
prepared to give your
purchase information,
such as serial number,
date & place of purchase,
etc. This will allow us to
give genuine VidaBox™
owners like you top
priority and express
service.

Copyright ©2006 VidaBox LLC.
VidaBox™, and its model names ROOMMATE™, SLIM™, LUX™, and MAX™ are registered trademarks or trademarks
of VidaBox LLC. All other company, product, and trademark names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only
and are the sole property of their respective owners. This document is accurate as of July 2006. However, VidaBox LLC
reserves the right to make modifications or changes to the document without further notice. This document is not
intended to obligate VidaBox LLC or any other entity to any functionality and technology, but to merely inform the
audience. VidaBox LLC makes no warranties, expressed or implied in or by this document and specifically disclaims any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Version 1.0a