RCA DRD303RA Owner's Manual
RCA DRD303RA Owner's Manual

RCA DRD303RA Owner's Manual

Directv satellite receiver user's guide drd303ra
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DRD303RA
OWNER'S
MANUAL
SATELLITE
RECEIVER

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Summary of Contents for RCA DRD303RA

  • Page 1 DRD303RA 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’s in the Box ... 5 Using This Manual ... 6 The Only Rule: Point and select ... 7 Program Guides ...9 Bringing Up the Program Guides ... 10 Using the GUIDE Button ... 10 Scrolling Channel By Channel ...10 Scrolling Page By Page ...
  • Page 4 Index ... 65 ® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of GM Hughes Electronics StarSight-Licensed: The manufacture and sale of the television schedule feature of this product was licensed under one or more of the following patents of StarSight Telecast, Inc.; U.S. Patent Nos. 4,706,121; 4977,455; 5,151,789; and 5,353,121.
  • 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 Auto Help, Help buttons, and the About DSS menu. ® Ordering DSS Programming After you have installed your system, you should contact the service providers, DIRECTV and USSB to receive DSS programming. Programming with DIRECTV: Programming with USSB: ® System? ®...
  • 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 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 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

    More Features Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs When you use the Program Guide to select a PPV program, the Program Details screen gives you a few more options. Use the Program Guide to get to the Program Details screen. Selecting View Channel gives you additional information about the program (such as a preview, if available).
  • 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: Using Fetch

    More Features Using Fetch Press the FETCH button on the remote to bring up the current channel list. Then Point and Select a channel from the fetch list. The Fetch menu gives you a logo-based channel list. The Mailbox The mailbox shows you messages that are sent—or “mailed”— from your program providers.
  • Page 35: Checking Your Mail

    More Features Checking your mail Select Mailbox on the Main menu to view your mail. 1. Point to a message and press MENU•SELECT. The message is opened for you to read. The Mail menu. 2. Press MENU•SELECT again to close the letter. After you read a message and want to erase it, point to Erase and press MENU•SELECT.
  • Page 36: Alternate Audio Programs

    More Features Alternate Audio Programs Alternate Audio allows you to select different audio programs (when available) to be played with the video. For example, audio broadcast in a second language may be available for certain programs. There are two ways to change the audio: •...
  • Page 37: System Test

    More Features System Test The System Test display screen is accessed through the Options menu, and allows you to initiate diagnostic procedures on the ® system. You should use this feature to get your Access Card number, or when your receiver doesn’t seem to be working correctly.
  • Page 38: Help Buttons

    More Features Help Buttons Help buttons appear in many display screens. To see information about the display screen you are using, point to the Help button and press MENU•SELECT. Press MENU• SELECT again to remove the message from the screen. Menu Help Select About DSS from the Assistance menu to choose from a list of on-line Help topics.
  • Page 39: Connections

    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 40: Connecting Your Dss Receiver To Your Tv

    Connections ® Connecting Your DSS Receiver to Your TV If your DSS ® system has not been professionally installed, or if you move your system or add a component, refer to these pages to help you connect your system. Jacks and Cables S-Video Jack and Cable (S-VHS) The S-Video jack provides the best picture quality for your DSS ®...
  • Page 41: 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 42 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 (jacks) • 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 43 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 44 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 45 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 46: 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 47: 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 48: 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 49: 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 50: Front Panel Controls

    Reference Controls and Buttons This part of the Reference sections discusses the controls and buttons located on the receiver and the remote control. ON/OFF DISPLAY MENU SELECT ANTENNA The Access Card door slides open so that you can replace the card when necessary. Front Panel Controls ®...
  • Page 51: Back Panel

    Reference FROM S-VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO CH 4 CH 3 Back Panel IN FROM ANT Use to connect an off-air antenna or cable TV signal ® to the DSS system. OUT TO TV Use to connect the DSS if your TV has audio/video jacks, you should use those jacks to get better picture and sound quality.
  • Page 52: 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. VCR Tells the remote to control the VCR. ALT Tells the remote to control an alternative device connected to your TV.
  • Page 53: Programming The Remote To Control Your Tv

    Reference ANT Lets you switch the source of the video signal from DSS satellite signals to an off-air antenna or cable signal. TRANSPORT Buttons (REW, STOP, PLAY, FF, PAUSE, REC) controlling an auxiliary device, such as a VCR or Laserdisc player. Note that the REC (record) button is used for one-button recording when using a program guide.
  • Page 54: Programming The Remote To Control Your Vcr

    Reference Programming the Remote to Control Your VCR To determine whether your remote needs to be programmed, turn the VCR on, point the remote at the VCR, and press the VCR button. Then press ON•OFF or CHAN UP or DOWN to see if the VCR responds to the remote commands.
  • Page 55 Reference Programming the Remote to Control a Cable Box 1. Turn on the cable box. 2. Look up your brand and its code number(s) in code list on page 55. 3. Press and hold the ALT button. 4. Press and release the DSS ®...
  • Page 56: Remote Codes

    Reference Remote Codes Akai ... 002 Anam National ... 038 AOC ... 011, 019, 027, 088 Candle ... 011, 027, 033 Citizen ... 011, 027, 033, 064 Colortyme ... 011, 027, 084 Concerto ... 011, 027 Contec/Cony ... 036, 037, 040, 042, 064 Craig ...
  • Page 57 Reference Aiwa ... 015 Akai ... 003, 017, 022, 023, 063, 066 Audio Dynamics ... 014, 016 Broksonic ... 010 Candle ... 007, 009, 013, 044, 045, 046, 052 Cannon ... 008, 053 Capehart ... 001 Citizen ... 007, 009, 013, 044, 045, 046, 052 Colortyme ...
  • 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: Appendix A: Warranty Information

    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 Appendix A: Warranty Information What we will do: • During the initial 90 days: Exchange the defective portion of your DSS basic installation defects at no cost to you. • After the 90 days and within one year: Exchange the defective portion of your DSS a flat exchange charge to replace a defective receiver.
  • Page 63 Appendix A: Warranty Information To receive a replacement receiver after we have received your unit: • Write the RA number on the outside of the carton used to return the unit. Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss. •...
  • Page 64: Appendix B: Fcc Regulations

    Appendix B: FCC Regulations FCC Registration Information ® Your DSS equipment is registered with the Federal Communications Commission and is in compliance with parts 15B and 68, FCC Rules and Regulations. 1. Notification to the Local Telephone Company. On the bottom of this equipment is a label indicating among other information, the FCC Registration number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for the equipment.
  • Page 65: Appendix C: Accessories

    Appendix C: Accessories Audio/Video Cables RG-6 Coaxial Burial Cable with weatherproof “F” connectors Stereo Audio/Video Cable with gold RCA- type connectors 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...
  • Page 66 Appendix C: Accessories Charge your order on your VISA or MasterCard 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 above your name on MasterCard...
  • Page 67: Index

    Index G - H Access Card 47 Grid Guide 12 new card setup 35 Help 18, 35 Access Card number 4 auto-help 35 ALT AUD button 34 menu help 36 Alternate audio programs 34 on-line 35 Arrow keys 8 Help Buttons 36 Attractions Guide 13, 29 I - L Audio/Video (A/V) jacks 38...
  • 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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