Due to copyright restrictions, you may not be able to view some high definition programs in high definition format using this product. Use a soft cloth or the dusting attachment of your vacuum cleaner to dust your HD receiver. Remove dust from both top and bottom ventilation holes.
Getting Started ... 4 Setup and Connections ... 5 Step 1: Unpack the System ... 6 Step 2: Connect Your HD Receiver to Other Components ... 6 Things to Know Before Connecting Components ... 6 Jacks and Cables ... 7 Front of the HD Receiver ...
Page 4
Table Of Contents Tuning to a Program ... 35 Getting Around in the Guides ... 35 Using the GUIDE Button ... 36 The Other Guides Icon ... 37 Exiting A Program Guide ... 38 Sorting the DIRECTV ® Programming Guide ... 38 The Other Icons ...
Page 5
Your New Access Card ... 78 Running the System Test ... 78 Reference ... 79 Troubleshooting ... 80 RCA High Definition (HD) Digital Receiver Limited Warranty ... 82 FCC Registration Information ... 84 Accessory Information ... 86 Index ... 90...
Getting Started Now that you have an understanding of what your HD receiver can do, read on to find necessary information about how to use it. The first section of this manual shows you how to connect components and speakers. The “Basic Operation”...
Setup and Connections Getting Started This section tells you how to get your HD receiver set up and connected. It describes the cables you will need, explains the front and back panels, and walks you through the steps needed to start using your HD recei v er.
Step 2: Connect Your HD Receiver to Other Components During the satellite dish antenna installation, your HD receiver may have been connected with just a coaxial cable for the system test. Depending on the components you have, another connection may provide better picture and audio quality.
Note that not all cables come with your HD receiver. S-Video Jack and Cable The S-Video jack is available on this HD receiver and is used in conjunction with audio cables. Remember also to connect the left and right audio cables because the S-Video jack carries only the picture signal, not the sound.
Setup and Connections Front of the HD Receiver ON Turns the HD receiver on and off. INFO Brings up the on-screen channel banner. Press when in the program guide to get more information on the highlighted program or channel. INPUT Toggles between TV and DIRECTV viewing.
AUDIO (R and L) Provide better sound quality than the OUT TO TV jack. If your monitor has Audio/Video capability, use these jacks to connect the HD receiver to your TV or monitor. You must also connect either the VIDEO or S-VIDEO jack.
• Connect a coaxial cable from the ANTENNA A (or B) jack on your HD receiver to your cable outlet, cable box, or antenna. If desired, connect another coaxial cable from the vacant ANTENNA jack on the HD receiver to another RF signal.
• Connect a coaxial cable from the ANTENNA A (or B) jack on the HD receiver to your cable outlet, box, or antenna. If desired, connect another coaxial cable from the vacant ANTENNA jack on the HD receiver to another RF signal.
Setup and Connections Advanced Connection Using a Regular TV or Monitor HD Receiver, Regular TV or Monitor, and VCR IN FROM ANT OUT TO TV Optional REGULAR TV OR MONITOR ANTENNA IN HD RECEIVER ACCESS CARD DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT SATELLITE...
Page 15
Connect coaxial cables. • Connect a coaxial cable from the ANTENNA A (or B) jack on your HD receiver to one output of a splitter. Then use another coaxial cable to connect the input jack on the VCR, usually labeled IN FROM ANTENNA, to the other output of the splitter.
Setup and Connections Advanced Connection Using a Multimedia or HD Monitor HD Receiver, Multimedia or HD Monitor, and VCR MULTIMEDIA or HIGH DEFINITION MONITOR AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO INPUT ANTENNA/ CABLE INPUT INPUT OUT TO TV AUDIO IN FROM ANT AUDIO...
Page 17
Connect coaxial cables. • Connect a coaxial cable from the ANTENNA A (or B) jack on your HD receiver to a splitter. Then use another coaxial cable to connect the input jack on the VCR, usually labeled IN FROM ANTENNA, to the other jack on the splitter. Connect the splitter to your cable outlet, cable box, or antenna using a third coaxial cable.
Page 18
INPUT or VIDEO. If you have used a coaxial cable to connect the OUT TO TV jack on the HD receiver to the TV or monitor and did not use Audio/Video cables, tune your TV or monitor to the appropriate output channel—usually Channel 3.
Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. Be sure to insert the plugs completely. To turn on the HD receiver, press the HD RCVR button on the remote control or the ON button on the front panel. When on, the button is illuminated.
Setup and Connections Step 7: Connect the VCR Controller For the HD receiver to control your VCR, you need to attach the VCR Controller to the back of the HD receiver and the front of the VCR. Plug the VCR Controller into the VCR CONTROL jack on the back of the HD receiver.
Select a VCR type by following the steps described under “How to Select a VCR Type.” How to Select a VCR Type After you affix the VCR Controller, you need to tell the HD receiver which VCR brand you are using.
VCR Because this universal remote can control several different components (HD receiver, VCR, etc.), it uses operational modes triggered by the component buttons. For example, if you want the remote to control the VCR, you would press the VCR button to put the remote into VCR mode so you could control the VCR.
VCR, TV, or cable box. Or, it can be programmed to control an RCA, GE, or PROSCAN audio component. HD RCVR Turns on the HD receiver and tells the remote to control the HD receiver. MUTE When programmed, reduces the TV’s volume to its minimum level. Press again to restore volume.
Page 25
OK When in the menu system and other on-screen displays, selects highlighted items. MENU Brings up the main menu and selects highlighted items. When using an RCA, GE or PROSCAN VCR and in VCR mode, it functions as a PROGRAM button.
The universal remote can be programmed to control most brands of remote controllable components, such as VCRs. The remote is already programmed to control most RCA, GE and PROSCAN TVs, VCRs, DVD players, and laserdisc players. Testing the Remote Control...
BASIC OPERATION How to use your HD Receiver This section tells you about the interactive channel banner, which appears when you change channels or press INFO on the remote. It also describes how to change channels. This section gives you a broad, clear view of how to operate the basics of your HD receiver.
BASIC OPERATION About The Channel Banner The channel banner appears whenever you tune to a channel or press INFO on the remote control. When the banner is displayed, pressing INFO gives extended information. You can also use the arrow buttons and OK to choose an item in the channel banner. Channel banner icons represent frequently-used features.
BASIC OPERATION Changing Between DIRECTV and TV Viewing When you change channels, you tune to programming that can come from either TV inputs (Antenna A or B) or from the satellite input (if you subscribe to DIRECTV programming). You can select one of these sources by pressing INPUT on the remote control to choose whether you want to view TV or DIRECTV programming.
BASIC OPERATION Changing Channels To change channels by entering numbers with the remote control, you need to tell the HD receiver what you want to view: DIRECTV subscribe to DIRECTV) or TV programs. When you want to watch a DIRECTV channel: Press INPUT on the remote control until the DIRECTV icon is highlighted in the channel banner.
Using the Program Guides What is a Program Guide? A program guide is an on-screen programming schedule. It is a list of the current and future programs. There are separate guides for TV programs and DIRECTV programs (available if you subscribe to DIRECTV ®...
Using the Program Guides Bringing Up the Program Guides If you subscribe to DIRECTV ® programming, you have access to two program guides: a DIRECTV guide and a TV program guide (for terrestrial programming). If you do not subscribe to DIRECTV programming, you will have one guide: the TV program guide.
Using the Program Guides Anatomy of the TV Program Guide To access the TV program guide: Press the INPUT button on the remote control until the TV icon is highlighted in the channel banner. Press GUIDE on the remote control. The following diagram shows you the kind of information you will see in the TV program guide.
Using the Program Guides Anatomy of the DIRECTV Program Guide To access the DIRECTV ® programming guide, you must subscribe to DIRECTV service. Press the INPUT button until the DIRECTV icon in the channel banner is highlighted, then press GUIDE on the remote control. The following diagram shows you the kind of information you will see in the DIRECTV Displays program titles and information Returns you to previous screen...
Using the Program Guides Getting Around in the Guides There are several ways to change channels and move around the TV and DIRECTV programming guides. • Point to channels with the number buttons (0-9) You can quickly highlight any channel in the program guides by entering the channel number with the number buttons (0-9).
Using the Program Guides Using the GUIDE Button Each press of the GUIDE button on the remote control takes you to an alternate type of TV or DIRECTV ® programming guide: Detail Guide, SurfGuide By default, the Detail Guide appears when you press GUIDE on the remote control. You can change the default guide from the Detail Guide to the Grid Guide or SurfGuide: Select Preferences from the main menu.
Using the Program Guides The Other Guides Icon Besides the Detail Guide, Grid Guide, and SurfGuide Other Guides icon at the bottom of the program guides lets you sort the guides by different variables, such as by channels, data, channel lists, and channel groups. •...
Using the Program Guides The Attractions Guide shows coming DIRECTV events and programs. Exiting A Program Guide There are three ways to exit a guide: • Highlight a channel and press OK. • Highlight Exit and press OK. • Press CLEAR or GO BACK on the remote control. Sorting the DIRECTV Sorting the guide is a way of organizing the DIRECTV only the types of programs that interest you.
Page 41
Using the Program Guides ® Sorting the DIRECTV The topics icon at the bottom of the DIRECTV according to the current user’s preferences. Select the topics icon to sort the guide. After you select the topics icon, it changes to the topics themes icon. Select the topics themes icon to edit the current user’s themes preferences.
Page 42
Using the Program Guides Sorting the DIRECTV Sports Select the sports icon to tell the DIRECTV sporting events. After you select the sports icon, it changes to the sports themes icon. Select the sports themes icon to sort the guide to list sports by type, such as basketball or soccer.
Page 43
Using the Program Guides For example, to search for the program Auto Racing, the first letter you should highlight and select is “A.” (Words like “The”, “A”, and “An” appear at the end of a title.) All titles that begin with “A” appear in the AlphaSort list. Next, enter the letter “U”. All titles beginning with “AU”...
Using the Program Guides Select Run Scout. Scout will search for information in all DIRECTV guide titles. Check the Scout’s results by selecting the Scout icon from the program guide or channel banner, then selecting the Scout with binoculars icon next to it. Select Scout Results.
AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS Some Advanced Features The following section tells you how to adjust the audio quality of your HD receiver. It also shows you how to set timers to record or turn on your receiver at a specified time.
Auto Select, PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), Dolby Digital Select Auto Select if your HD receiver is connected to a Dolby Digital and PCM decoder. Select Dolby Digital if the HD receiver is connected to a Dolby Digital only decoder; when...
REAR SPEAKER (RIGHT) Please Read Before Using the Digital Audio Out Jack This HD receiver’s optical digital output jack fully complies with the international standard governing this type of jack (IEC958), and is designed for connection to a Dolby Digital decoder.
AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS SAP (Second Audio Program) The SAP (Second Audio Program) menu lets you choose the default setting for SAP when it is available. When set to SAP On, SAP plays the program’s second audio program, if one is available.
The Timers feature allows you to set up timer recordings if you have connected the VCR Controller to your HD receiver and told the receiver what type of VCR you are using. See the section “Setup and Connections” for details.
Your VCR must be off at the time the program is to start recording. • You must insert a recordable tape into the VCR. Note that when your timed recording begins, your HD receiver will output signals via the Audio/Video jacks instead of the HD MONITOR jack, if...
Using the Profiles What’s a Profile? This section describes the user profiles feature. It includes information about: • creating a profile’s TV and DIRECTV viewing lists. • setting spending limits. • setting DIRECTV, TV, and movie rating limits. • blocking unrated TV programs. •...
Using the Profiles About Profiles When you select Profiles from the main menu, you can create four different profiles in addition to the default “Family” profile. You can set up specific channels, rating limits, viewing hours, and spending limits for each profile. After you’ve set up these profiles, exit the menu system.
Using the Profiles Check the channels you want to include in the list (programming subject to change). Use the arrow buttons to point to a DIRECTV channel, and press OK to remove (or replace) the check mark. To go directly to a certain channel, enter its number using the digits on the remote control.
Using the Profiles Use the digits or the up and down arrow buttons on the remote control to enter a single-program spending limit. Lock the system. See “Locking the System” near the end of this section for details. After a spending limit is set and the system is locked, you must enter a password to purchase a Pay Per View program that costs more than your spending limit allows.
Using the Profiles The TV Setup You can establish TV channel lists, set spending limits, and set rating limits for TV programs using the TV Setup menu. Editing Channels in a TV List You can create a TV channel list to establish which TV channels (including both analog and digital) the selected profile can access.
“block” TV programs and movies based on violence, sex, or other content you may believe children should not view. In other words, it lets you program your HD receiver so it will not display certain programs. Once you block programs, you or other adults are not limited to only parent-approved programs;...
Using the Profiles To set TV programming limits: From the main menu, select Profiles. Select the user name you would like to set limits for through the Profiles menu. Select TV Setup from the next menu. Select Set TV Rating. Selecting TV Rating allows you to set a limit for TV programs based on rating and content.
Using the Profiles Blocking Age-Based Ratings You can automatically block all program ratings above a specified age-based rating level. For example, if you only want your child to watch programs that have a TV-G rating and lower (in other words, you want the child to watch only TV-G, TV-Y7, and TV-Y programs), then you need to block other programming with higher ratings.
Page 59
Using the Profiles Blocking Specific Content Themes You can block programs based on their content. (Content is represented by the D, L, S, V, and FV on your screen. See “Setting the TV Rating” for details.) When you block a content theme for a particular rating, you automatically block that content theme for higher rated programs as well.
Using the Profiles Setting the Movie Rating You set movie rating limits by blocking movies rated above a specified level. To access the Set Movie Rating menu: From the main menu, select Profiles. Select the user you for whom you would like to set limits. Select TV Setup from the next menu.
Select Set TV Rating. Now select Unrated Shows. Highlight the radio button beside your choice of View Unrated Shows or Block Unrated Shows and press OK to select it. Selecting Unrated Shows allows the user to view or block all unrated programs.
Using the Profiles Choosing Your Profile Each time you turn on the HD receiver, the Family profile is selected by default. To select a different profile: Press the WHO button to scroll through the profiles in the channel banner. The WHO button toggles through the profiles.
Using the Profiles Locking and Unlocking a User Profile When you lock a profile, you prevent anyone who does not know the user password from accessing the locked profile. This applies only when they press WHO on the remote control. It does not prevent them from accessing and editing the profile via the main menu if they first enter the system password.
If you enter the system password to override a limit, all limits are unlocked until you turn off the HD receiver. When you turn on the HD receiver again, the system will be locked, and the Family profile channel list will be selected. If you want to re-lock the system without turning off the HD receiver, you can select the lock icon in the channel banner.
System Options and Preferences More Advanced Features This chapter describes the other options available to you such as: • selecting a signal source and type • searching for all available channels • checking your mailbox • purchasing programs • setting up personal preferences •...
When you run Channel Search (see “Channel Search” in this section for details), the HD receiver automatically detects your signal and you don’t have to specify it here. However, if you decide to change the source, you will need to use the Signal Type menu.
Running channel search collects all available channels in a channel list. Set VCR Type In order to use one-touch recording, you need to tell the HD receiver which VCR brand you are using. Press MENU on the remote control to bring up the main menu.
System Options and Preferences Mailbox If you have ordered DIRECTV ® programming, the mailbox shows you messages that are sent—or “mailed”—from your program providers. For example, you may receive a message calling your attention to a new service or special program offering. If you have new or unread mail, the mail icon in the channel banner is highlighted.
System Options and Preferences Purchases: Pay Per View Programs Pay Per View programs (PPV) are DIRECTV programs that you purchase—like a movie ticket—if you subscribe to DIRECTV ® channels to determine if you would like to purchase them. Previewing and Purchasing You can preview and purchase DIRECTV Pay Per View movies and events if you subscribe to DIRECTV programming.
System Options and Preferences Using the Attractions Guide Your program providers may offer future programming events not currently listed in your DIRECTV program guide. These events are called “coming attractions” and can be previewed in the Attractions Guide. To access the Attractions Guide: Press the DIRECTV button on the remote control.
System Options and Preferences Reviewing and Canceling an Upcoming Purchase Highlight an upcoming purchase from the DIRECTV Future Purchases screen. You can review the program description, as well as cancel an upcoming purchase. To cancel, select the program, and then press OK. The Future Purchases screen lets you cancel an upcoming purchase.
System Options and Preferences Choosing an Output Channel You can choose which channel to view your HD receiver, either channel 3 or 4. If you select channel 4 and then select “Now” from the pop-up dialog box, be sure to immediately change your TV or monitor to channel 4—otherwise, your screen will...
Screen Format Your selection in the Screen Format menu depends on the type of TV or monitor you are using with your HD receiver. With a 4:3 Ratio TV or Monitor If you are using a 4:3 ratio TV or monitor and receive an image with a 16:9 ratio, you need to specify how the image is displayed.
System Options and Preferences Caption Mode You can also select a closed caption mode, which is the mode, or source, used for displaying captioning information. The content of CC and Text are different; you can select which one you want to see on the screen. •...
Getting Assistance Help With Using the HD Receiver If you run across any problems or need to rely on the system to give you feedback, you should use the Assistance menu to get information. This section explains the different types of assistance your system is capable of giving you.
Getting Assistance The steps involved in the interactive setup include: • Setting the time and date • Searching for available channels • Specifying your satellite dish antenna type • Finding dish coordinates • Viewing the signal meter • Running the system test Note that if you do not subscribe to DIRECTV step”...
Getting Assistance Getting Antenna Information The Antenna Info menu helps you assess the availability of available TV channels. It is useful for checking the strength of digital channels, obtaining all channels possible, and adjusting any terrestrial TV antennas. • Press MENU to bring up the main menu, select Assistance, then Antenna Info. The Antenna Info screen reports the status of the signal search and lists channels that are being received or have been received from all terrestrial antennas.
Getting Assistance Find Your Dish Pointing Coordinates Full instructions for installation are provided with your satellite dish antenna. To obtain your dish pointing coordinates: Press MENU on the remote to bring up the main menu. Select Assistance then either Enter Zip Code or Enter Lat/Long. Enter the appropriate numbers.
The New Access Card Setup screen allows you to transfer the information from the old card onto the new one. The access card fits into the HD receiver through the back panel. To replace the card: Select Assistance from the main menu.
Page 80
Getting Assistance Upgrades Language is forthcoming Off-Air Guides If you are certain your antenna is properly set up and receiving a strong signal, but you are receiving invalid program guide information or are having trouble tuning to a channel, you can disable your system’s ability to acquire off-air TV program guides. If you ®...
Reference Additional Information This section contains troubleshooting information, your RCA limited warranty, and accessory ordering information. Setup and connections Using the remote Basic Operation Using the Program Guides Audio Controls and timers Using the Profiles System Options and Preferences Getting Assistance...
• Maybe the HD receiver output you intended to use is not selected. If you have connected the TV or monitor to the HD receiver using the receiver’s HD MONITOR OUT jack, use the front panel to select HD MONITOR. If you are not using the...
Page 83
Audio/Video jacks to the monitor. Problems with your system password • If you remove your access card from the slot on the back of the HD receiver, your system password will default back to what it was before you entered the access card. •...
Reference RCA High Definition (HD) Digital Receiver Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days - Unit exchange, which includes parts and labor. • 91 days to 1 year - Unit exchange, which includes parts only; you pay the labor.
Page 85
Reference • Evidence of purchase date such as a bill of sale. • A brief note describing your receiver’s problem. • Your name, address and phone number. Option II: We will send a replacement unit to our exchange point. The exchange location will notify you of its arrival. Take your unit and evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale, to the exchange location and you will be provided the new or refurbished unit.
Reference Product Registration: Please complete and mail the Product Registration Card packed with your Digital Receiver. It will make it easier to contact you should it ever be necessary. The return of the card is not required for a warranty coverage. How state law relates to warranty: This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception (which you can determine by turning the equipment off and on), try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: •...
Optical Audio In jack, such as a Dolby Digital decoder or receiver. DV3 (3-ft), DV6 (6-ft) VGA Cable attaches to the HD MONITOR OUT jack on the back of the HD receiver for connection to compatible monitors. PC3340 (6-ft)
Page 89
Reference Remote Control This is the remote control that came packed with your HD receiver. Replacements or spares can be ordered as needed. CRK76CA2 2-way Signal Splitter, 4- way Signal Splitter* helps you connect to other components. 2-way Splitter (VH47)
Page 90
Reference Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card My card expires: IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard Copy Number My card above your expires:...
Fetch Button 22 Using 72 Fine-tuning the dish 77 FORWARD button 23 Front Of the HD receiver 8 Getting around in the guides 35 GO BACK button 23 Grid guide 36 Guide Button on the remote 23, 33, 34, 36...
Page 93
Menu 68 Pay Per View programs 67 Previewing 67 Reviewing 69 Radio interference 85 Rain fade 77 Rating limit 52 RCA-type cables 7 RECORD button 23, 48 Recording Selecting VCR Type 19, 20 With timers 47 Remote control 80 Buttons 22...
Page 94
Reference Index By topics 39 Using sports icon 40 Using topics icon 38 Sorting by Scout button 41 Spending limit 51 Sports Icon 40 Themes icon 40 Station name Retrieving 75 STOP button 23 Subchannel number 33 SurfGuide 36 System Lock 57, 58, 62 Password 62 Test 77...