VidaBox SLIM Manual

Hardware
Installation Guide
MODEL
SLIM

ii
VIDABOX™ – SLIM™
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
Standard Accessories 6
Optional Accessories 6
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION
VidaBox™ Diagrams 7
VidaBox™ Placement 8
Connect the:
Power Cable 8
Wireless Keyboard Receiver 8
Remote Receiver 8
FM Antennas 8
LAN Port 9
USB Card Reader 9
Wireless USB Networking Module (Optional) 9
HDTV Over-the-air Antenna (Optional) 9
Connect the TV Input
Do You Have a Set-top Box (STB)? 10
Connecting Directly from a Coaxial cable 10
How Many STBs 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 12
Which Video Output/Cable Are You Using? 12
Connecting via VGA/DVI/DVI-HDMI 12
Connecting via Component 12
Connecting via S-Video 13
Connecting via Composite 13
Connecting via Coaxial 13
Connect the Audio Output 14
Which Audio Output/Cable Are You Using? 14
Connecting via Analog Sound 14
Connecting via Digital Sound 14
Connect the Wireless Keyboard 15
CHAPTER 3
POST INSTALLATION
The Next Step 16
CHAPTER 4
SERVICE INFORMATION
Service Information 17
Contact your Dealer/Place of Purchase 17
Contact VidaBox LLC 17

INTRODUCTION
4
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the VidaBox SLIM™! 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 you enjoy using your VidaBox SLIM™, 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
SLIM

OVERVIEW
5
How to Best Use This Guide
n order to 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 you enjoy using your VidaBox SLIM™, 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 SLIM™.
VidaBox SLIM™ Unit (Black or Silver)
This Installation Guide
Comprehensive User’s Guide
Software Configuration Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
SLIM™ Quick Hardware Installation Guide
Standard & Optional Accessories – Check List below
Standard Accessories
Standard 120V 3-prong Power Cable
High Quality 6’ RCA Audio Cable
High Quality 6’ S-Video Cable
Two (2) FM antennas
Wireless keyboard USB RF Receiver
7-in-1 USB card reader
3.5mm to L/R RCA Adapter
1-to-2 Coaxial Cable splitter
Two (2) Short Coaxial cables
Microsoft Media Center Remote
Wireless RF keyboard with integrated trackball & storage sack (33’ range)
Remote receiver dongle with two (2) IR blasters
TV-Out Dongle – for S-Video, Component Video Outputs
Optional Accessories
Harmony® Programmable Remote Wireless USB Networking Adapter
Karaoke Kit 400 or Karaoke Kit 900 – 400 or 990 songs with songbook
Wireless Microphone Kits - Two (2) microphones with integrated mixer
HDTV: Additional 1-to-2 Coaxial Splitter with two (2) Short Coaxial cables


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 SLIM™ before proceeding.
FIGURE 1.0 – VIDABOX SLIM™ 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.
HDedicated Component/ S-
V
ideo out*
V TV Coaxial Inputs
W FM Antenna Inputs
X
T
V S-
V
ideo &
RCA Inputs
K
A
udio
Outputs
IUSB 2.0 Ports
TLAN Port
J FireWire Port
LOnboard VGA Output
M Onboard DVI Output
N P/S 2 Keyboard
SSPDIF Output
CUSB 2.0 Ports DPower Button
B Dual-layer DVD±RW DriveAReset Button
EDVD Tray Eject
UPower Input
Q Component Video
Outputs
G Dedicated DVI output*
F Dedicated VGA output*
OP/S 2 Mouse
K
A
udio
Sound Outputs
P S-
V
ideo Output
R Parallel Port
* - Optiona
l
Y HDTV
Antenna In*

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 SLIM™.
Connect the Power Cable U
Connect the Power Cable into the UPower Input. Make sure it is plugged in securely.
Connect the Wireless
Keyboard Receiver I
Then, connect the USB keyboard receiver into any available USB port. The keyboard
receiver should be placed in an open area for best performance. Like the wireless
module, you will want to connect it in the back IUSB Ports using the included USB
extension cable.
Connect the Remote Receiver I
Next, connect the USB remote receiver into any available USB port. This adapter
needs a clear line-of-sight to your entire room.
Connect the FM Antennas W
Connect the two included FM Antennas into the WFM Antenna Inputs. Make sure
they are connected securely.
Power Cable
Wireless Keyboard Receiver
IR Remote Receiver

Help! My Parts
Look Different!
These pictures are for
illustration only. The parts
in your box may look
slightly different.
FM Antennas

INSTALLATION
9
Connect the LAN Port T
If you have a hard line internet connection available, you can connect to it directly with
a CAT-5 Ethernet cable to the TLAN Port.
Connect the USB Card Reader C
Connect the USB card reader remote receiver into any available USB port. You may
wish to connect this in the front CUSB ports for easy access, and store it away when
it’s not in use to minimize clutter.
Connect the Wireless USB
Networking Module I (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
IUSB Ports, so that it is hidden.
Connect the HDTV Over-the-air
Antenna Y (Optional)
If you purchased a HDTV model, connect your HDTV over-the-air antenna to the Y
HDTV Antenna In port at the rear of the VidaBox.
If there are two HDTV antenna inputs on your unit, an additional set of two short
coaxial cables and a splitter have been included so you can split the incoming signal.
Connecting the incoming cable to the In port of the 1-to-2 splitter, and connect your
HDTV Tuner’s inputs to the Out ports of the splitter with the short coaxial cables.
* - All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual product appearance
may vary.
USB Card Reader
Wireless / WiFi module
CAT-5 Ethernet Cable
HDTV-OTA Antenna
1-to-2 coaxial splitter

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 VTV 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 (STBs) 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. 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 (STBs).
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 VTV 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 XTV 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:
1. Coaxial (Good)
2. Composite (Better)
3. S-video (Best)
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
Every VidaBox™ SLIM™ comes with a high-quality S-Video cable. If you wish to
connect your SLIM™ to the TV’s video input using a different cable(s), please
purchase it from your local dealer, or through our online store.
Note: Your VidaBox SLIM may have upgraded, dedicated video outputs. Be sure to
use these inputs first, as marked on the rear of the box, for optimal video performance
and image clarity.
Which Video Output / Cable Are You Using?
1. VGA/DVI/DVI-HDMI Cable – Go to Connecting via VGA/DVI/DVI-HDMI
2. Component Cables – Go to Connecting via Component
3. S-Video Cable – Go to Connecting via S-Video
4. Composite Cable* – Go to Connecting via Composite
5. Coaxial Cable* – Go to Connecting via Coaxial
Connecting via VGA/DVI/DVI-HDMI:
1. Plug one end of the VGA, DVI, or DVI-HDMI cable into its appropriate output.
Video Connections Dedicated Card Onboard Graphics
VGA F L
DVI/DVI-HDMI G M
2. Plug the other end into your monitor/TV screen’s VGA, DVI, or HDMI port.
3. You’re finished! Move on to Connect the Audio Output
Connecting via Component:
1.
Dedicated output: Take the TV-Out Dongle and plug it into the HDedicated
Component / S-Video Output on the back panel, then connect one end of the
component cables into the TV-Out Dongle .
Onboard output: Connect one end of the component cables into the
QComponent Video Outputs.
2. Connect the other end of the component cables into your television.
3. You’re finished! Move on to Connect the Audio Output

Want the Best
Video Output
Quality?
Video output quality,
starting from the
best/preferred
connection, is rated as
follows:
1. Coaxial (Passable)
2. Composite (Fair)
3. S-video (Good)
4. Component (Better)
5. VGA/DVI/HDMI
(Best)
Component & S-Video
Box/TV-Out Dongle
VGA Cable
DVI/HDMI Cable
Component Cables

INSTALLATION
13
Connecting via S-Video:
1.
Dedicated output: Take the TV-Out Dongle and plug it into the HDedicated
Component / S-Video Output on the back panel, then connect one end of the S-
Video cable into the TV-Out Dongle
Onboard output: Connect one end of the S-Video cable into the
PS-Video Output.
2. Connect the other end of the S-video cable into your television.
3. You’re finished! Move on to Connect the Audio Output
Connecting via Composite*:
1. Follow step 1 above for Connecting via S-Video.
2. Plug the output end of the S-Video to a S-Video to Composite Video adapter.
3. Connect one end of the composite video cable into the output end of the S-Video
to Composite Video adapter.
4. Connect the other end of the Composite Video cable into the TV.
5. You’re finished! Move on to Connect the Audio Output
Connecting via Coaxial*:
1. Follow step 1 above for Connecting via S-Video.
2. Connect the other end of the S-video cable into the S-video-in port of the S-video
to Coaxial Converter.
3. Take a coaxial cable and plug it into the output coaxial port of the S-video to
Coaxial Converter.
4. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable into your television.
5. You’re finished! Move on to Connect the Audio Output

You have completed the video output installation!
Component & S-Video
Box/TV-Out Dongle
S-video Cable
S-Video/Composite
Adapter
Composite RCA Video Cable
Coaxial Cable
S-video to Coaxial Converter
(optional)

INSTALLATION
14
Connect the Audio Output
Every VidaBox™ SLIM™ 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 SLIM™ 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 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:
1. Plug one end of the SPDIF cable into the SSPDIF-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!
Coaxial SPDIF
Audio Cable

INSTALLATION
15
Connect the Wireless Keyboard
After installing the video and audio outputs, it is time to connect and synchronize the
wireless keyboard to its receiver. Make sure that the wireless keyboard receiver is
connected to the VidaBox™, and start the SLIM™ by pressing the DPower Button.
1. Place the 3 included ‘AA’
batteries into the keyboard.
Be careful to observe polarity
– improper battery installation
may damage the keyboard.
2. Connect the USB receiver to
the USB extension cable, and
place the USB receiver in a
location where it will have
full line-of-sight with your
keyboard at all times.
3. Bring the wireless keyboard
within 3 feet to the USB
receiver with clear line-of-sight
(i.e. no obstructions).
4. Look for a small “sync” button on the USB receiver, as shown on the right. Be
sure it is connected to the VidaBox™ and the VidaBox™ is turned on.
5. Using a paper clip or other small object, press and hold this button down for at
least 3 seconds.
6. On the wireless keyboard, hit the synchronization button, as shown on the left.
7. Give the keyboard a few moments, and it should connect to the USB receiver.
8. If this does not work, try replacing the batteries with a fresh set and try again from
step 2.
Note: For battery replacement, note that less expensive, non-brand name “value”
batteries are not recommended for use with our equipment, as they may not supply
enough energy for performance. If the problem persists, please contact us.
Keyboard
Synchronization
Button
Press this button to
synchronize the wireless
keyboard with its
receiver.
Receiver
Synchronization
Button

POST INSTALLATION
16
The Next Step
Congratulations! You’ve set up all of the physical connections for the VidaBox™
SLIM! 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.

17
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.

18

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 1.0b