RCA DCD302RA Owner's Manual
RCA DCD302RA Owner's Manual

RCA DCD302RA Owner's Manual

Rca dcd302ra: owners manual
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DCD302RA
OWNER'S
MANUAL
SATELLITE
RECEIVER

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Summary of Contents for RCA DCD302RA

  • Page 1 DCD302RA OWNER’S MANUAL SATELLITE RECEIVER...
  • Page 2: Safety Information

    Safety Information WARNING To reduce risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this receiver to rain or moisture. Cautions Note to Cable TV Installer: Note to Satellite Dish Installer: IMPORTANT NOTICE: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE WARNING COVER (OR BACK).
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents First Things First ...3 What is the DSS® System? ... 4 Ordering DSS® Programming ...4 What’s in the Box ... 5 Installing Batteries In the Remote Control ... 5 Using This Manual ... 6 Important Note about This User’s Manual ... 6 The Only Rule: Point and select ...
  • Page 4 Table of Contents More Features ...27 Pay-Per-View Programs ... 28 Using the Attractions Guide ... 29 Using the Purchases Menu ... 30 Reviewing and Canceling an Upcoming Purchase ... 30 Timer Feature ... 31 Editing or Canceling a Timer ... 31 The Mailbox ...
  • Page 5: First Things First

    First Things First Hi, my name is jay... and I wrote this User Manual. You can believe me when I tell you that you should read this page first because it gives you a game plan for attacking this rather large manual. Read the First Four sections The first four sections of the manual introduce you ®...
  • Page 6: What Is The Dss System

    First Things First What is the DSS You’ve purchased the DSS ® Digital Satellite System, so you already know a lot of the great things it offers. You know that the DSS ® system uses the latest satellite technology to deliver television programming to your home.
  • Page 7: What's In The Box

    First Things First What’s in the Box The following items come with your RCA DSS • Receiver (with access card inserted) • Remote Control Receiver Installing Batteries In the Remote Control Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your DSS ®...
  • Page 8: Using This Manual

    First Things First Using This Manual There are a couple of conventions used in this manual that might help you read it. • Words that appear in ALL CAPS indicate the name of a button. • The names of on-screen menu option are shown in italics . Important Note about This User’s Manual This manual assumes that your DSS...
  • Page 9: The Only Rule: Point And Select

    The Only Rule: Point and Select What? There’s a Rule? Well, it’s not exactly a rule, but more of a guideline for using the on-screen displays. If you understand this one thing, you have enough knowledge to get around the menuing system and program guides.
  • Page 10: What Is Point And Select

    The Only Rule: Point and Select What is Point and Select? Point and Select is the two-step method you use to control the ® system. 1. Point You point by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or front panel. Pressing the arrow keys moves the on-screen highlight to different items in the Program Guide and the menu screens.
  • Page 11: Program Guides

    Program Guides What is a Program Guide? A program guide is an on-screen programming schedule. There are several types of guides, each presenting the schedule in a different format. Using the Program Guide is easy as long as you remember the Point and Select rule. Point to items on the screen by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or front panel.
  • Page 12: Bringing Up The Program Guides

    Program Guides Bringing Up the Program Guides You can access the program guides by using the GUIDE button on the remote, or by selecting Program Guide from the Main menu. Using the GUIDE Button Each press of the GUIDE button takes you to an alternate type of program guide: •...
  • Page 13: Scrolling Page By Page

    Program Guides Scrolling Page By Page If you want to scroll up or down through the Program Guide faster, press the Channel Up/Down buttons on the remote control. The highlight scrolls a page at a time. This is called “paging.” Tuning to a Program •...
  • Page 14: Types Of Program Guides

    Program Guides Types of Program Guides There are five types of program guides: the Grid Guide, the Info Guide, the Topic Guide, the Channel Guide, and the Attractions Guide. The Grid Guide Shows the schedule in a time-and-channel format, similar to a TV schedule listed in a newspaper.
  • Page 15 Program Guides The Topic Guide Lets you sort the programming schedule to show certain topics, such as “movies” or “sports.” The Topic guide. The Channel Guide Displays the programming schedule in a channel-by-channel format. The Channel guide. The Attractions Guide Displays coming attractions and special events information.
  • Page 16: Sorting The Grid And Info Guides

    Program Guides Sorting the Grid and Info Guides There are six on-screen choices—called “buttons”— at the bottom of the Grid Guide and the Info Guide: down arrow, Movies, Sports, Other, All, and Sort. The Sorting buttons are at the bottom of the screen. The arrow button allows you to scroll down through other channels in the guide.
  • Page 17: Exiting A Program Guide

    Program Guides Allows you choose from a list of sorting topics. Once you have selected a sorting topic from the list, your guide will be simplified to show only that type of program. After selecting a topic, a Themes button may appear in the place of the Other button.
  • Page 19: The Menu System

    The Menu System What’s a Menu? ® The DSS menu is a list of choices, just like a menu in a restaurant. And, just as a restaurant menu is divided into sections such as appetizers, entrees, and desserts, the on-screen menus are also separated into sections to help you find the information you need.
  • Page 20: Using The Menu System

    The Menu System Using the Menu System To bring up the Main Menu, press MENU•SELECT on the remote. The Main Menu. To use the menu system, you need to know the Point and Select rule. Use the arrows on the remote to point to an item on the screen, and then press MENU•SELECT to select it.
  • Page 21: Menu Descriptions

    The Menu System Menu Descriptions This section briefly describes each of the available Main Menu options. Detailed information about each menu is included in the sections of the manual which describe each menu. Program Guide Shows the on-screen programming schedules. Mailbox Use to read your mail messages.
  • Page 22 The Menu System...
  • Page 23: Lists & Limits

    Lists & Limits Different Drummers Not everybody likes to watch the same thing, and within your own family, you might not want everybody to be able to watch everything. The Lists & Limits feature puts you in control of your ®...
  • Page 24: An Overview

    Lists & Limits An Overview When you select Lists & Limits from the Main Menu, the first screen you see is the Ratings Limit screen. By moving down through the other options, you can set per-event spending limits, create favorite channels lists, and also lock the system by assigning a password.
  • Page 25: Setting Up Spending Limits

    Lists & Limits Setting Up Spending Limits Use the Spending Limit option to indicate a per-event spending limit for pay-per-view programs. 1. Point to Spending Limit , and press MENU•SELECT. Set a per-event spending limit. 2. Use the arrow keys to enter a single-program spending limit. After a spending limit is set and the system is locked, you must enter the system password to purchase a pay-per-view program that costs more than your spending limit allows.
  • Page 26: Add Or Delete All Channels

    Lists & Limits 1. Point to Channel Lists and press MENU•SELECT. Select a Favorite channel list to edit. 2. Point to a channel list option and press MENU•SELECT. Channels containing a checkmark are included in the channel list . 3. Use the arrow keys to point to a channel, and press MENU•SELECT to remove (or replace) the check mark.
  • Page 27: Parent Approved Channel List

    Lists & Limits Parent Approved Channel List The Parent Apprv channel list enables you to limit access to channels by creating a list of acceptable channels, and then locking the system. When the system is locked, the Parent Apprv list overrides all other channel lists, and requires that you enter the four-digit system password to view an unapproved channel.
  • Page 28: Unlocking The System

    Lists & Limits 2. Use the arrows or the digit keys to enter a four-digit system password. 3. Enter the password a second time to confirm it. After the system has been locked, you must enter the correct password in order to access the Lists & Limits menu, so Don’t Forget Your Password! If you do forget your password, contact your program provider’s authorization center.
  • Page 29: More Features

    More Features More Features What? There’s More? If you’ve read this far, then you’ve seen how to use the on-screen program guides, how to get around in the menu system, and how to use the Lists & Limits feature. This section highlights the rest of the features offered by your DSS system.
  • Page 30: Pay-Per-View Programs

    More Features Pay-Per-View Programs Pay-per-view programs (PPV) are programs that you purchase— like a movie ticket—on an event-by-event basis. For instance, there might be a specific channel that runs nothing but previews for movies. After previewing the movie, you can purchase it or find out more details about it.
  • Page 31: Using The Attractions Guide

    Use Point and Select to go to the Attractions Guide (located within the Program Guide menu). The Attractions Guide is accessed through the Program Guide menu. You need to connect your phone line to your satellite receiver to be able to order PPV programs by using the on- screen menus.
  • Page 32: Using The Purchases Menu

    More Features Using the Purchases Menu The Purchases menu allows you to review upcoming and past purchases. The Purchases menu shows you upcoming or past purchases. The list of purchases may be longer than one screen; use the down arrow keys to see more items. The display also shows the title, channel, date, time, and cost of each program.
  • Page 33: Timer Feature

    More Features Timer Feature The Timer feature allows you to preset your system to automatically tune to a particular channel at a predetermined time. To use the Timer feature, select Timers from the main menu to bring up the Timers screen. Select a Timer (1, 2, 3, or 4) and then use the arrow keys to complete the on-screen sentence.
  • Page 34: The Mailbox

    More Features The Mailbox 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. How to tell when you have mail There are two ways to tell if you have mail, depending on ®...
  • Page 35: Alternate Audio Programs

    More Features Mailbox Size The mailbox has enough memory to store as many as ten (10) 200-character messages. You should periodically review and erase your mail messages to prevent any mail messages from being erased by the system when memory runs low. Alternate Audio Programs Alternate Audio allows you to select different audio programs (when available) to be played with the video.
  • Page 36: Picture Size

    More Features Picture Size The Picture size display screen allows you to choose between a standard TV screen and a Cinema option. A standard TV screen has an aspect ratio of 4:3; the Cinema option has an aspect ratio of 16:9. You should only use the Cinema option if you have a CinemaScreen ®...
  • Page 37: Using On-Line Help

    More Features Using On-Line Help On-line Help is available for all of the menus and display screens. The System provides Auto Help, Help buttons, and Menu Help. Auto Help Most menus contain a short description of that menu. Help Buttons Help buttons appear in many display screens.
  • Page 38 More Features...
  • Page 39: Sending The Dss

    Sending the DSS Sending the DSS to Multiple TVs to Multiple TVs One Receiver: Many TVs ® If you have only one DSS receiver and are using the OUT TO TV jack to send the signal to a TV, you need to know about the agile modulator. The agile modulator allows you to select the television channel you want to use when you ®...
  • Page 40: The Agile Modulator

    Sending the DSS to Multiple TVs The Agile Modulator You may have noticed that your DSS CH3/CH4 switch on the back (like your VCR or Laserdisc player has). If you noticed this, then you might be wondering how you are going to select an output channel if you run the DSS the OUT TO TV jack to a television.
  • Page 41: How Does The Agile Modulator Work

    Sending the DSS to Multiple TVs As you see in the preceding diagram, both your cable or off-air signal and the DSS ® signal are routed through a whole-house distribution system. Sending the signals through the WHDS lets you watch DSS ®...
  • Page 42: Selecting An Output Channel

    Sending the DSS to Multiple TVs Selecting an Output Channel Point and Select Output Channel from the Options menu to begin the procedure, and then follow the on-screen displays to select a new output channel. In the first screen, you indicate whether you are getting local channels from cable service or off-air broadcasts, and in the screens that follow, you select an available output channel.
  • Page 43: Connections

    Connections Things to Know Before Connecting Components Protect Your Components from Power Surges • Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. ® • Always turn off the DSS receiver, TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Position Cables Correctly to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference •...
  • Page 44: Jacks And Cables

    S- Video jack carries only the picture signal, not the sound. Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) The audio/video jacks provide very good picture and stereo sound quality, and should be used if your TV has no S-Video jack.
  • Page 45: Choosing A Connection

    Connections Choosing a Connection The following pages show four examples of hookups commonly ® used to connect the DSS receiver with a TV and other components. Refer to your TV and VCR Owner’s Manuals for more information on hooking up your specific components. Connection A Provides the best possible picture and stereo audio quality.
  • Page 46 Connections Connection A Best Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with separate RF, audio/video, and S-Video inputs • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial, audio/video, and S-Video cables To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cable box. 1.
  • Page 47 Connections Connection B Very Good Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with separate RF and audio/video inputs (jacks) • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial and audio/video cables To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cable box. 1.
  • Page 48 Connections Connection C Good Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with RF input (jack) • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial and audio/video cables To connect TV, VCR, and antenna or cable box. 1.
  • Page 49 Connections Connection D Good Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with RF input • Coaxial cables To connect TV and antenna or cable box: 1. Connect coaxial cables as shown. ® To receive DSS programming: •...
  • Page 50: Interactive Setup

    Connections Interactive Setup If you self-installed your satellite dish, you may have already used the interactive setup to find the dish pointing coordinates, acquire and fine-tune the signal, and run a system test. If you need to run the interactive setup again, go to the Assistance menu and select Setup .
  • Page 51: Reference

    Reference Reference How It All Works ® Although the DSS system is simple to use, there are a number of parts in the system. Don’t be overwhelmed. This section explains how these different parts work together to bring a picture to your screen. What’s It For? This section also describes the controlls located on the front and back of the receiver.
  • Page 52: Parts Of The Dss System

    Reference ® Parts of the DSS System One way to understand the DSS ® system is to look at the ® different parts of the system—from the studio down to the DSS receiver and remote control in your living room. Uplink Center Satellite Dish Antenna Satellite...
  • Page 53: Home View

    Reference Home View These parts are inside of or attached to your house. Satellite Dish DSS Receiver Telephone Jack ® Satellite Dish Picks up the satellite’s coded program information and relays it to your DSS may be installed in different locations on or around your house. The satellite dish must, however, be pointed in a southern direction toward the satellite.) ®...
  • Page 54: Controls And Buttons

    Reference Controls and Buttons The Access Card door slides open so that you can replace the card when necessary. Front Panel Controls ® ON/OFF Turns the DSS receiver’s power on or off. DISPLAY Brings up the on-screen channel marker. ANTENNA Switches the source of the video signal from DSS ARROWS Press the navigation arrows to move the on-screen highlight up, down, left, or right.
  • Page 55: Remote Control Buttons

    Reference Remote Control Buttons OFF•ON Turns the device you are controlling on or off. TV Tells the remote to control the TV. ® Turns on the DSS ® receiver and tells the remote to control ® system functions. DISPLAY Brings up the on-screen channel marker. MENU•SELECT Brings up the Main menu.
  • Page 56: Programming The Remote To Control Your Tv

    The DSS ® remote can be programmed to control most brands of remote controllable TVs, VCRs, and cable boxes. Most RCA, GE and ProScan TVs and VCRs are already programmed. Other manufacturer’s brands need to be programmed. Programming the Remote to Control...
  • Page 57: Remote Codes

    Proton ... 011, 027, 037, 072 Quasar ... 012, 038, 092 Radio Shack ... 000, 021, 025, 036, 037, 059, 064, 078 RCA ... 000, 006, 011, 012, 019, 027, 034, 038, 044, 046, 072, 088, 100 Realistic ... 021 Sampo ... 011, 027 Samsung ...
  • Page 58: Glossary

    Reference Glossary The following is a list of terms used in this manual. There is also a glossary contained within the Assistance ® menu of your DSS system. Access Card ® ® Identifies you to the DSS service providers and is required for your DSS system to work.
  • Page 59: Main Menu

    Reference Main Menu ® The first list of choices in the DSS on-screen menu system. Press the MENU button on the remote or front panel to bring up the Main menu. Past Purchases Detailed list of the programs that you have already purchased and viewed. Point and Select The method of using the remote control (or front panel) buttons to navigate to and make choices among the different parts of the on-screen displays.
  • Page 60: Troubleshooting

    Reference Troubleshooting The DSS ® System Test allows you to run a basic diagnostics check ® on your DSS system. If you are experiencing any trouble with your system, run the system test. Make sure that • All connections—jacks, cables, etc. are correctly in place. See Connecting Your DSS ®...
  • Page 61: Toll-Free Telephone Product Help

    Appendix A: Warranty Information Toll-Free Telephone Product Help You can reach Thomson Consumer Electronics at the following number: 1-800-679-4776 (Toll free inside U.S.A.) ® Our toll-free DSS System number operates from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST on weekdays and 10:00 a.m.
  • Page 62: What We Will Do

    Appendix A: Warranty Information What we will do: • Exchange the defective portion of your DSS System with a new or, at our option, refurbished unit. The cost for removal and re-installation of any portion of the system is your responsibility. How you get service: •...
  • Page 63: What Your Warranty Does Not Cover

    Appendix A: Warranty Information What your warranty does not cover: • Adjustment of customer controls. • Damage from misuse or neglect. • A unit that has been incorporated into other products. • Batteries for remote control hand units. • Units purchased, serviced, or operated outside the USA. •...
  • Page 64: Appendix B: Fcc Regulations

    “How To Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems”. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Please specify stock number 004-000-00345-4 when ordering copies. ® satellite receiver with respect to the radio or television equipment that is ® equipment from ®...
  • Page 65: Appendix C: Accessories

    S-VHS Video Cable (2) Weatherproof “F” Connectors for RG-6 coaxial cable Grounding Block for RG-6 coaxial cable Miscellaneous Supplies Self-Installer’s Kit Accessory Order Form for RCA DSS Description Part No. RG-6 Coaxial Cable 12 feet D912 25 feet D925 50 feet...
  • Page 66 Name: Street: City: State: To order accessories, contact your local RCA Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the instructions below to order by telephone. United States and Canadian Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call the toll-free number ®...
  • Page 67: Index

    Index Front Panel controls 52 ANTENNA 52 Access Card 51, 52 ARROWS 52 new card setup 34 DISPLAY 52 Agile Modulator 38, 39, 40 MENU•SELECT 52 ALT AUD button 33 ON/OFF 52 Alternate audio programs 33 Arrow keys 8 Attractions Guide 13, 29 Grid Guide 12 Audio/video jacks 42 Auto Help 35...
  • Page 68 Thomson Consumer Electronics is one of the first corporations to take part in a special program to improve our environment. Thomson has committed itself to a voluntary initiative program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program’s purpose is to reduce toxic air emissions and to promote pollution prevention.

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