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Hughes Digital Satellite Recorder User Manual

Digital satellite recorder
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DIRECTV and Hughes Network Systems are dedicated to providing you with quality support and customer service. If you
have questions or difficulties, we would like to hear from you.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR HUGHES NETWORK SYSTEMS MANUFACTURED DIRECTV
After checking the Troubleshooting chapter of this guide, you can call the Hughes Customer Care Center at
1-800-274-8995 if you need help with:
Connecting your recorder to your TV and other A/V equipment.
Guided Setup or daily phone calls that are failing.
A recorder that does not function properly even after restarting it.
Other questions regarding the recorder or remote control.
®
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT DIRECTV
PROGRAMMING OR DIRECTV
After checking troubleshooting, call DIRECTV Customer Support at 1-800-531-5000 if you need help:
®
Activating or using a feature of DIRECTV
programming or the DIRECTV
Understanding an on-screen message regarding your service.
When you call either Hughes Network Systems or DIRECTV, you will need to provide your recorder's access card number,
model number, and DVR service number, located on a label on the back of the recorder and on the System Information
screen under Messages & Setup.
WEB SITES
You will find all of the most up-to-date information about DIRECTV products and services at the DIRECTV
web site, DIRECTV.com. The Hughes Network Systems web site at www.hns.com has links to a wide
variety of products and information.
®
DIGITAL SATELLITE RECORDER
®
DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDING (DVR) SERVICE
®
Digital Video Recording service
SDOC-00072-000 Rev. A
1032577-0001
Digital Satellite Recorder
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Hughes Digital Satellite Recorder

  • Page 1 Understanding an on-screen message regarding your service. When you call either Hughes Network Systems or DIRECTV, you will need to provide your recorder's access card number, model number, and DVR service number, located on a label on the back of the recorder and on the System Information screen under Messages &...
  • Page 2 Hints & Shortcuts Press the DIRECTV button once to go to DIRECTV Central, or twice to go to the Now Playing List. LIST brings you directly to the Now Playing List. Press FWD (fast forward) and BACK (rewind) up to 3 times for 3 speeds.
  • Page 3 The On-Screen Menus and the Remote Control Arrow Buttons To use the DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder's on-screen menus: Use the remote control’s arrow buttons to move the highlight bar onto the option you want, then press SELECT. The LEFT arrow button often takes you to a previous screen.
  • Page 4 ® Welcome to DIRECTV...
  • Page 5 DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, DIRECTV SPORTS THIS WEEK, and DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp., and are used with permission. All rights reserved. DIRECTV, 2230 East Imperial Hwy., El Segundo, CA 90245.
  • Page 6 DIRECTV offers access to more sports than you ever thought possible. So you can follow your favorite team across the country with our pro & college sports subscriptions. We'll take you to the arena for the best sports has to offer. Tune to Channel 212 for DIRECTV ®...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Tour 2: DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE™ ........
  • Page 8 Messages from DIRECTV ........
  • Page 9 Chapter 8: Troubleshooting ............117 Contacting Customer Care .

  • Page 10: Using This Guide

    Record by Time/Channel” This note means you can find Record by Time/ Channel, the screen being discussed, by going to DIRECTV Central (press the DIRECTV button on your remote control) and selecting Pick Programs to Record, then Record by Time/Channel.
  • Page 11 ® Start using your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder. It’s easy! Learn the basics by browsing the back of the Start Here card. Take the five tours in chapter 3 of this User’s Guide for an interactive way to learn about the recorder’s powerful features. Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 describe the DVR service in detail.

  • Page 12: Chapter 1: Connecting

    HAPTER Connecting Overview Before You Begin Useful Terms Cables and Accessories Setup Examples...

  • Page 13: Overview

    ® When you connect your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder to your television and other audio/video equipment, you are simply creating a path that starts at the satellite dish antenna and goes in (through IN jacks) and out (through OUT jacks) of your equipment until it reaches your TV.

  • Page 14: Before You Begin

    You will need access to a standard analog phone jack. Your recorder needs to be connected to a phone line to communicate with DIRECTV. The recorder occasionally makes a brief phone call to get updates to the DVR service and Showcases, and for pay per view functionality.
  • Page 15 TV. Using an Antenna or Cable Connection, in Addition to DIRECTV Programming If you have an antenna or cable connection in addition to your satellite dish antenna, you...

  • Page 16: Useful Terms

    Satellite Receiver: A satellite receiver does what its name suggests and more. It “receives” the signal from your satellite dish antenna, then translates it into a signal your TV can understand, then sends it to the TV. Your DIRECTV has a built-in satellite receiver.
  • Page 17 It must be properly inserted and activated for your recorder to work. Transponder: A transponder is a piece of radio equipment on a satellite.The DIRECTV transponders receive information from DIRECTV and rebroadcast it to your satellite dish antenna. Each transponder rebroadcasts a different set of channels. If the recorder does not receive a signal for an individual transponder, it will not be able to show that transponder’s...
  • Page 18 TV, even if your TV does not have enough input jacks to connect them all directly. It ® allows you to switch easily between viewing DIRECTV channels, viewing video from your DVD player, or running your game system. Switch boxes are inexpensive and can be purchased at electronics stores.
  • Page 19 C h a p t e r 1 C o n n e c t i n g ® between viewing DIRECTV channels, viewing video from your DVD player, or running your game system by changing the input source. Dolby Digital (AC-3) Audio: Dolby Digital audio is recorded on six separate channels, each of which can be heard on one of six separate speakers.

  • Page 20: Cables And Accessories

    (see page 3 for details). These are the basics: Recorder DIRECTV Access Card Power Cord Phone Line Splitter 25’ Phone Cord C a b l e s a n d A c c e s s o r i e s —...

  • Page 21: Setup Examples

    C h a p t e r 1 If your TV has only one audio connector, connect just the white and yellow ends of the Composite A/V cable (don’t connect the red end). Setup Examples Audio and Video Cables Composite. Many TVs and VCRs have connectors for Composite A/V cables. If your equipment has them, you can use the Composite A/V cables for both audio and video..
  • Page 22 Digital Audio Out, you will not hear these tones. Setup Examples This chapter provides detailed examples showing how to connect the DIRECTV Recorder to your existing audio/video system. Choose the example closest to your configuration and follow the steps in that section.
  • Page 23 Audio Video Audio Video DVD Player or DIRECTV Recorder Game System Audio R L Video Note: Audio/Video cables shown are examples only. Use the best connections available on your equipment. C o n n e c t i n g...
  • Page 24 Connect your switch box or A/V receiver’s output to your TV’s input. Connect the recorder’s output to your VCR’s input. This will allow you to save programs recorded on your DIRECTV Recorder to videotape. Connect your VCR’s output to your switch box or A/V receiver’s input.
  • Page 25 TV. Example 2: Recorder with VCR Television INPUT DIRECTV Recorder AC~In Note: Audio/Video cables shown are examples only. Use the best connections available on your equipment. C o n n e c t i n g Antenna...
  • Page 26 Connect the recorder to your VCR. Connecting the recorder to your VCR will allow you to save programs recorded on your DIRECTV Recorder to videotape. The example in the diagram shows an RF cable running from the recorder’s output to the VCR’s input.
  • Page 27 C h a p t e r 1 Example 3: Recorder Only Television INPUT VIDEO DIRECTV Recorder AC~In Note: Audio/Video cables shown are examples only. Use the best connections available on your equipment. C o n n e c t i n g Antenna...
  • Page 28 Stop when the card makes contact with the back of the slot, then you can completely close the card door. To watch DIRECTV® channels, you must insert the card correctly and activate it (activation is covered in the next chapter).
  • Page 29 C h a p t e r 1 To switch between watching DIRECTV ® channels and antenna/ cable channels, or tapes on your VCR, use the “Input,” “Source,” or “TV/Video” button on your TV’s remote to change the video source. Some TVs have a “Menu”...
  • Page 30 If your TV has both coaxial RF and composite video inputs, follow this connection example to connect your antenna or cable to your TV. You will NOT be able to use DIRECTV Recorder functions while watching antenna or cable channels, even if you connect your antenna or cable directly to your recorder.
  • Page 31 You can watch an antenna or cable channel while recording a DIRECTV channel. You will NOT be able use recorder functions on antenna or cable channels. You will also need to use your TV’s remote control to change antenna/...
  • Page 32 If your TV has composite video inputs, use the example on page 18. You will NOT be able to use DIRECTV Receiver functions while watching antenna or cable channels. Connect the coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish antenna to the recorder.
  • Page 33 C h a p t e r 1 C o n n e c t i n g...

  • Page 34: Chapter 2: Guided Setup

    HAPTER Guided Setup Overview Satellite Dish Guided Setup Activate Phone Setup...

  • Page 35: Overview

    “Introducing the Remote Control” on the inside front cover of this guide. Welcome. When you first turn on your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder, you will see a gray screen that says “Welcome. Powering up,” followed by the Welcome screen (shown to the side).

  • Page 36: Satellite Dish Guided Setup

    Satellite Dish Guided Setup Satellite Dish Guided Setup tells the recorder what type of satellite dish antenna you are using, so you must go through it at least once, even if you are only replacing a recorder that was already working. Satellite Dish Guided Setup usually takes about five minutes, plus whatever time you may need to position your dish.
  • Page 37 A transponder is a piece of radio equipment on a satellite. The DIRECTV transponders receive information from DIRECTV and rebroadcast it to your satellite dish antenna. Each transponder rebroadcasts a different set of channels. If the recorder does not receive a signal for an individual transponder, it will not be able to show that transponder’s channels.
  • Page 38 Note: You can check signal strength while you adjust the position of your satellite dish antenna. The signal strength meter on this screen provides audio feedback—a tone that becomes higher pitched as the signal gets stronger. You may be able to turn the volume on your TV up so you can hear the tone while you adjust your satellite dish antenna.
  • Page 39 Data it has. Program Guide Data. Over the first 1 to 2 days, the recorder will gather and process up to two weeks of program data from the DIRECTV satellites. Program data includes program titles, times, channels, program descriptions, and more.

  • Page 40: Activate

    Activate Now it’s time to activate services for your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder. Before you make the phone call: • The recorder should be on, tuned to channel 100, and receiving a signal from the satellite dish antenna. (Channel 100 shows preview programming from DIRECTV.) •...

  • Page 41: Phone Setup

    Final Steps. The last step of Guided Setup, Phone Setup, begins automatically the first time you press the DIRECTV button on your remote control. The recorder should be connected to a telephone line. The recorder occasionally makes a brief phone call to get updates to the DVR service and Showcases, and for pay per view functionality.
  • Page 42 Selecting this option temporarily selects the toll-free number and submits a request to use the toll-free number. It is the current policy of DIRECTV to allow you to use the toll-free number if there are no local numbers available.
  • Page 43 C h a p t e r 2 G u i d e d S e t u p Information,” you can press the DIRECTV button on the remote control to go directly to DIRECTV Central. From DIRECTV Central, programs in your recorder’s Now Playing List are always available.

  • Page 44: Chapter 3: The Basics In 5 Short Tours

    HAPTER The Basics in 5 Short Tours Tour 1: Play With Live TV Tour 2: DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE™ Tour 3: Find and Record Your Favorite Programs Tour 4: Search for New Programs Tour 5: Now Playing List Cool Things You Can Do...

  • Page 45: Tour 1: Play With Live Tv

    C h a p t e r 3 T h e B a s i c s i n 5 S h o r t T o u r s Tour 1: Play With Live TV In this tour, you’ll take a look at how you can control live TV. So grab your remote! Chan First, press the PAUSE button—the program you’re watching pauses.
  • Page 46 Status Bar Press PAUSE or PLAY to see the status bar. It shows a one-hour period. The green segment is the portion of the current hour that has been saved by your recorder. The right edge of the green part is always the current time. The white line marks the part of the program you are currently watching.

  • Page 47: Tour 2: Directv Advanced Program Guide

    Tour 2: DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE ™ While you’re watching live TV, the DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE you see what’s on, change channels, schedule recordings, and more. To see it, press the GUIDE button on your remote control. Changing Channels The guide shows a list of channels on the left and different times across the top.
  • Page 48 T o u r 2 : D I R E C T V A D V A N C E D P R O G R A M G U I D E ™ First, create a list of favorite channels. Press the DIRECTV button to see DIRECTV Central.

  • Page 49: Tour 3: Find And Record Your Favorite Programs

    Pass records every episode of a selected program that airs on a given channel. Search by Title In this tour, we’ll get a Season Pass for Law & Order. Press the DIRECTV button to see DIRECTV Central. Press the DOWN arrow to highlight Pick Programs to Record. Press SELECT.
  • Page 50 To Do List. Press select to return to the To Do List. To cancel an entire Season Pass, go to DIRECTV Central, then “Pick Programs to Record,” then “To Do List.” Select a program, then select “Cancel/edit the Season Pass.”...

  • Page 51: Tour 4: Search For New Programs

    T h e B a s i c s i n 5 S h o r t T o u r s Tour 4: Search for New Programs Your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder helps you find what you want to watch—both exciting new shows and old favorites you might have forgotten.
  • Page 52 Suggestions will be at finding programs you like. The suggestions are listed under TiVo Suggestions in order of how closely they match your preferences. Try it! Press GUIDE to bring up the DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE Highlight a few programs and rate them by pressing the THUMBS UP DOWN ™...

  • Page 53: Tour 5: Now Playing List

    C h a p t e r 3 T h e B a s i c s i n 5 S h o r t T o u r s Tour 5: Now Playing List Your recorder can record many hours of programming. (Enough to fill a slew of video tapes!) Fortunately, it also labels and organizes all those saved programs.

  • Page 54: Cool Things You Can Do

    C o o l T h i n g s Y o u C a n D o Cool Things You Can Do Never be late for your favorite programs: Working late? Stuck in traffic? Don’t worry. If you set up a recording or a Season Pass, the program will be waiting for you in the Now Playing List.
  • Page 55 The Star and the Clapboard: You will occasionally see a yellow star ( ) on DIRECTV Central. The star signals a new selection that may change the next time you visit. Depending on the selection, it may allow you to record a program, watch a preview, or go to a special Showcase.

  • Page 56: Chapter 4: Watching Live Tv

    HAPTER Watching Live TV Let’s Go! DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE™ Channel Banner Play with Live TV Status Bar Music Channels Standby...

  • Page 57: Let's Go

    Changing Channels There are a number of ways to change channels—choose what’s easiest for you: • Tired of channel surfing? Press GUIDE to bring up the DIRECTV ADVANCED ™ PROGRAM GUIDE . Then highlight a program in progress and press SELECT.
  • Page 58 L e t ’ s G o ! As soon as the recorder starts recording a program, you can find that recording on the Now Playing list by pressing the DIRECTV button twice.

  • Page 59: Directv Advanced Program Guide

    ™ ™ While you are watching live TV, the DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE shows you current and upcoming programs. You can use it to see what’s on, change the channel, schedule a recording, purchase and/or record pay per view events when pricing information is available, alter Thumb ratings, or select a channel filter.

  • Page 60: Grid Guide

    Grid Guide Title, date, time the program airs, and other applicable information (rating, alternate audio, CC, Dolby Digital) Channel number and channel call letters Guide options (Push INFO button to set) List Guide Current time Programs during this time slot D I R E C T V A D V A N C E D P R O G R A M G U I D E ™...
  • Page 61 Channels. Select a channel list to use in the guide (“All,” “Channels You Receive,” or • “Favorite Channels”). The default, “All,” displays all of the DIRECTV channels. If you have customized the Channels You Receive list in My Preferences to include only channels you receive, you can select “You Receive”...

  • Page 62: Channel Banner

    Channel Banner The channel banner appears at the top of the screen when you change channels or press INFO, THUMBS UP or THUMBS DOWN, or the RIGHT arrow during a program. It disappears after a few seconds. You can set a preference (see page 96), to decide how long the banner stays on the screen when you change channels.

  • Page 63: Play With Live Tv

    Play with Live TV Part of the fun of watching live TV and recorded programs with your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder is using the pause, instant replay, and slow motion features. Here’s a list of the things you can do with the special buttons on your remote control: Record: Records a program.

  • Page 64: Status Bar

    Status Bar When you press PLAY, PAUSE, FORWARD or BACK, a status bar appears on the lower part of your screen. In live TV, the status bar represents one hour (notice the white tick marks every 15 minutes). In recorded programs, the bar shows the program’s length. The green portion of the bar represents the part of the program saved by the recorder.

  • Page 65: Music Channels

    L i v e T V Music Channels Some DIRECTV channels feature continuous music. You can tune to a music channel just as you would any other channel. You cannot record music channels or use special features—such as pause or rewind—on a music channel.

  • Page 66: Standby

    Standby You can put your recorder in standby mode by selecting “Standby” from DIRECTV Central, or by pressing the STANDBY button on the front of your recorder. • If you temporarily turned off Parental Controls, standby mode enables them again.
  • Page 67 C h a p t e r 4 W a t c h i n g L i v e T V L i v e T V...

  • Page 68: Chapter 5: Finding And Recording Programs

    HAPTER Finding and Recording Programs Recording Programs: The Basics Finding Programs to Record I Already Know What I Want to Record . . . I Know What I Like . . . Help Me Find New Programs . . .

  • Page 69: Recording Programs: The Basics

    To go to the Now Playing List, press the DIRECTV button on your remote control twice, or press the LIST button. As soon as a recording begins, it appears at the top of the list. You can watch any title in the Now Playing List, even one that is still being recorded.
  • Page 70 A Season Pass records every episode of a series that airs on a certain channel—even if the day or time slot changes! It is totally automatic and really easy to set up. Just select a program (from the DIRECTV ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE choose “Get a Season Pass.” Season Pass recordings have the following characteristics: No duplicates within 28 days.
  • Page 71 By default, the oldest Season Pass has the greatest priority. If some Season Pass programs are not recording, you may need to change their priority with the Season Pass Manager. To do this, go to DIRECTV Central, then select “Pick Programs to Record,” then “Season Pass Manager.”...
  • Page 72 If your recorder fills up with programs marked “Until I delete,” it will stop making new recordings until you delete some old programs. DIRECTV Central Season Pass Manager or To Do List I K n o w W h a t I L i k e . . .
  • Page 73 Start Recording options. For example, if you set a program to start recording one minute early, it may conflict with a recording of the program before it. To resolve the conflict, simply change the Start Recording option back to “On-time.” DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Season Pass Manager or To Do List...
  • Page 74 Program Information Screen In the Program Guide, highlighting a program title (that is not currently playing) and pressing SELECT displays some information about the program. You can also choose “Season Pass & other options” to get to the Program Information screen. The Program Information screen includes a brief description of the selected program.
  • Page 75 C h a p t e r 5 F i n d i n g a n d R e c o r d i n g P r o g r a m s Actions you can take. The lower part of the Program Information screen shows actions you can take.
  • Page 76 Reviewing the To Do List The To Do List shows all scheduled recordings. To view it, go to DIRECTV Central, then Pick Programs to Record, then To Do List. After setting up a recording, you can confirm that it is scheduled on the To Do List. Individual recordings have a single checkmark ) to the left of the program title.
  • Page 77 VCR’s video and audio. See the Start Here poster that came with your recorder. 2. Be sure your VCR is set to record input from your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder, not some other video source. (See your VCR’s instructions for how to set the input.)
  • Page 78 Stopping Save to VCR: Going to live TV interrupts (or stops) the transfer. You can resume saving later. 1. Press a button (for example, the DIRECTV button) that would interrupt Save to VCR. The videotape icon appears. 2. While the icon is visible, press the same button again.

  • Page 79: Finding Programs To Record

    C h a p t e r 5 F i n d i n g a n d R e c o r d i n g P r o g r a m s Finding Programs to Record Find shows to record. The DVR service allows you to quickly set up recordings for the shows you already know you love.

  • Page 80: I Already Know What I Want To Record

    3. Use the RIGHT arrow to move the highlight to the program list. 4. When you find a program you want to record, highlight it and press SELECT to bring up the Program Information screen. DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Search by Title...
  • Page 81 RIGHT arrow to bring up the list of programs and move to the list at the same time). When you find a program you want to record, highlight it and press SELECT to bring up the Program Information screen. DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Record by Time/Channel...
  • Page 82 5. When you find a program you want to record, highlight it and press SELECT to bring up the Program Information screen. Then you can view upcoming episodes, set up a Season Pass, or record an individual showing. DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Record by Time/Channel I K n o w W h a t I L i k e .
  • Page 83 C h a p t e r 5 Record by Time or Channel is useful for times when you want to record only a portion of a program, for example, the opening monologue of a talk show. F i n d i n g a n d R e c o r d i n g P r o g r a m s Manually Record by Time or Channel Manually Record Time/Channel lets you schedule a recording on a specific channel at a specific time, just as you would with a VCR.

  • Page 84: I Know What I Like

    The Fly, starring Geena Davis. The keyword entry would look like this: “GEENA DAVIS” FLY. Not only does this WishList find a specific program—it finds the specific version! (You could also find this movie by making a Keyword DIRECTV Central Pick Programs To Record Search Using WishLists...
  • Page 85 Keyword WishList with the keywords KNICKS and BULLS, and category “Sports/Basketball” would only record basketball games with both of these teams—a great way to ensure that you enjoy this season’s rivalry. (For more on auto-recording a WishList, see page 78.) DIRECTV Central Pick Programs To Record Search Using WishLists...
  • Page 86 W). If an actor or director is not listed, and none of their programs are in the Program Guide, try a Keyword WishList. DIRECTV Central Pick Programs To Record Search Using WishLists I K n o w W h a t I L i k e . . .
  • Page 87 Be as specific as possible. For example, do not use keywords like TH*. There will not be enough room to show all the results of a keyword that is too general. DIRECTV Central Pick Programs To Record Search Using WishLists...
  • Page 88 • For dollar signs ( $ ) substitute the letter S. For example, to find “$100,000 Pyramid,” use S100000. (In Search by Title, skip the dollar signs to find these titles.) DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Search Using WishLists I K n o w W h a t I L i k e .
  • Page 89 WishList a high priority in the Season Pass Manager. See page 59 for details. To edit a WishList. Select the WishList, then select “Edit WishList.” You can change your WishList—for example, to correct a misspelling or to add a category. DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Search Using WishLists...

  • Page 90: Help Me Find New Programs

    You can check TiVo Suggestions occasionally to see what’s new. The list of programs is ranked, so shows you are more likely to enjoy are near the top. To view the list, go to DIRECTV Central, then select “Pick Programs to Record,” then “TiVo Suggestions.”...
  • Page 91 To explore Showcases and schedule recordings: 1. Press the DIRECTV button to see DIRECTV Central. 2. Select Showcases. A collection of Showcases appears. 3. All of the showcases may not fit on the screen. You can use the CHAN DOWN button to see showcases that are not visible at first.
  • Page 92 “Channels you Receive” list, you can schedule a recording from the Program Information screen. DIRECTV Central Showcases I K n o w W h a t I L i k e . . .
  • Page 93 C h a p t e r 5 F i n d i n g a n d R e c o r d i n g P r o g r a m s...

  • Page 94: Chapter 6: Messages And Setup

    HAPTER Messages and Setup Messages from DIRECTV Purchases My Preferences Recorder & Phone Setup System Information Troubleshooting Restart or Reset System...

  • Page 95: Messages From Directv

    M e s s a g e s a n d S e t u p Messages from DIRECTV From time to time DIRECTV may send you messages about updates to your service and other important notices. These messages are important, useful and easy to get to—we made them that way because we really want you to read them.

  • Page 96: Purchases

    Purchases To see the Purchases screen, first press the DIRECTV Button, then Messages and Setup, then select “Purchases.” The Purchases screen displays a list of all pay per view programs you have purchased, along with their date and time. Each program in the list is also marked either “Upcoming,”...
  • Page 97 ® Your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder makes buying and recording pay per view events a snap. You can order them when they are promoted on live TV, or during a search for programs. You can order them to watch, or to be recorded. And the whole transaction can be handled using your remote control.
  • Page 98 see the Program Information screen for pay per view. Options on the Program Information screen vary, depending on whether the event selected is currently showing, is already scheduled to record, or is currently available to be purchased through the recorder. Though some events have dedicated channels that allow ordering more than 24 hours in advance, you usually cannot use the recorder to purchase a pay per view event more than 24 hours before the event airs.
  • Page 99 C h a p t e r 6 • Buy; don’t record. When you select this option, you purchase the pay per view event. A verification screen appears with a description of any scheduling conflicts. View upcoming showings. Press SELECT to display a list of upcoming showings for •...

  • Page 100: My Preferences

    My Preferences To see My Preferences, press the DIRECTV button, and then select “Messages & Setup” and then “My Preferences.” My Preferences are your personal preferences—you change them to make the recorder work more to your liking. Customize Channels What are channel lists for? Features such as Search by Title and Search Using WishLists only look at programs available on channels selected in the Channels You Receive list.
  • Page 101 While Parental Controls are on, you can watch a locked program or channel by pressing SELECT, then entering the Parental Controls password. This temporarily turns off Parental Controls. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences M e s s a g e s a n d S e t u p...
  • Page 102 On the Parental Controls screen, select “Re-enable Parental Controls,” or • Put the recorder in Standby, then take it out of Standby. To do this, press the DIRECTV button on the remote control, then select “Standby,” or press the Standby button on the recorder. Auto Re-lock Option When Parental Controls are temporarily turned off, they re-lock automatically after four hours if you don’t use your remote.
  • Page 103 Use the UP and DOWN arrows to move the red shading and adjust which ratings are locked. Your changes are saved automatically. When you are done, press the RIGHT or LEFT arrow to return to Parental Controls. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences...
  • Page 104 SELECT or the RIGHT arrow. gray = does not apply to the category green = not locked red = locked DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences Parental Controls M y P r e f e r e n c e s...
  • Page 105 C h a p t e r 6 Motion Picture Association of America ratings for movies G: General Audiences. Most parents would find this material suitable for all ages. PG: Parental Guidance Suggested. Parents may find portions of this material unsuitable for younger children. PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned.
  • Page 106 3. The Spending Limit screen appears. Use the number buttons on the remote control to enter a spending limit. 4. Press SELECT to save your changes and return to Parental Controls, or press LEFT arrow to discard your changes and return to Parental Controls. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences Parental Controls...
  • Page 107 If you are watching a program with Dolby Digital audio, you will not hear the recorder’s sound effects. You can change to Dolby Digital audio for individual programs that include it by selecting the Dolby Digital icon ( DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences M e s s a g e s a n d S e t u p ) in the channel banner.
  • Page 108 TiVo Suggestions. If space is needed to save programs you have scheduled to record, TiVo Suggestions are the first things to be deleted. When you set up your recorder, automatic recording of TiVo Suggestions is on. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences...
  • Page 109 Anamorphic. This method allows the recorder to choose how to display the image. If TV Aspect Ratio is set to Wide Screen, the recorder displays a wide screen image. If TV Aspect Ratio is set to Standard, the recorder displays a Letterbox image. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup My Preferences...

  • Page 110: Recorder & Phone Setup

    To be sure you receive all of your channels, you should check signal strength on all transponders. A transponder is a piece of radio equipment on a satellite. The DIRECTV transponders receive information from DIRECTV and rebroadcast it to your satellite dish antenna.
  • Page 111 Satellite Dish Guided Setup. For more information, see page 25. Reset Satellite Information. Only use this feature if directed to do so by a professional installer or a DIRECTV customer care representative. In most cases, you can use Satellite Dish Guided Setup, rather than this option.
  • Page 112 Phone Connection The recorder makes a daily call to communicate with the DIRECTV Digital Video Recording service, so a telephone line should be connected to it. The recorder occasionally makes a brief phone call to get updates to the DVR service, Showcases, and pay per view functionality.
  • Page 113 Numbers screen. This temporarily authorizes you to use the toll-free number and submits a request to DIRECTV Customer Care. It is the current policy of DIRECTV to allow you to use the toll-free number if there are no local numbers available.
  • Page 114 5. The Dialing Format screen appears after you have chosen a dial-in number. You should use this screen to tell the recorder which dialing format to use. For example, should the dial-in number be preceded by your area code and should a “1” precede the area code? In some areas, even local numbers must be dialed using the area code.
  • Page 115 C h a p t e r 6 With Dial Tone Detection and ‘Phone Avail.’ Detection both turned off, if you happen to be talking on the phone when the recorder tries to call you will hear the modem dial and try to communicate with the server.
  • Page 116 Time Zone/Daylight Savings The DIRECTV satellite signal sets the time on your recorder to be accurate at your billing address. If you temporarily move the recorder to a new location, you can change the time zone here. After changing the time zone, you can change the Daylight Savings setting.

  • Page 117: System Information

    You’ll need some of this information if you call Customer Care for support. You can use CHAN UP/DOWN to see all of the screen. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup Recorder and Phone Setup...

  • Page 118: Troubleshooting

    This screen provides basic information about connections to your satellite dish antenna and dual tuner, and has some troubleshooting steps. Use CHAN UP/DOWN to see all of the text on the screen. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup Recorder and Phone Setup...

  • Page 119: Restart Or Reset System

    To Do List and setup information, including the Channels You Receive and Favorite Channels lists. It also clears the current password and resets Parental Controls to the factory specified default. Completing this process may take over an hour. DIRECTV Central Messages and Setup Restart or Reset System...

  • Page 120: Chapter 7: Programming The Remote Control

    HAPTER Programming the Remote Control Introduction Instructions: TV Power, Volume, and TV Input Resetting the Programmable Buttons Setting a Remote Address...

  • Page 121: Introduction

    Using the Remote with a TV and A/V Stereo System The DIRECTV remote will already work with your recorder. You can also set it up to control your TV and A/V stereo system. For example, you can set up the remote to: Control TV power, volume, mute, and input settings: Complete the instructions on •...

  • Page 122: Instructions: Tv Power, Volume, And Tv Input

    : TV Power, Volume, and TV Input 1. Go to the Remote Control Setup screen. Press the DIRECTV button; then select “Messages & Setup,” then Recorder & Phone Setup, then Remote Control Setup. Choose which device/functions you want to control:...
  • Page 123 DIRECTV buttons DIRECTV buttons A/V system power, A/V system volume volume, and mute and mute TV PWR buttons MUTE button A/V system power, A/V system volume volume, and mute and mute only TV PWR and DIRECTV MUTE and DIRECTV buttons buttons...
  • Page 124 I n s t r u c t i o n s : T V P o w e r , V o l u m e , a n d T V I n p u t 2. Enter the search code. Refer to the table below and use the number keys on your remote control to enter the appropriate code.

  • Page 125: Resetting The Programmable Buttons

    1. Prepare the remote control. Point the remote away from your recorder. Press and hold the TV PWR button and DIRECTV button simultaneously until the red light at the end of the remote control comes on, remains steady, then stays on when you release the buttons.

  • Page 126: Setting A Remote Address

    3. Point the remote control away from the recorders, and cover the front end of the remote with your hand. Press and hold the PAUSE and DIRECTV buttons until the red light at the end of the remote control comes on and stays on when you release them.
  • Page 127 C h a p t e r 7 P r o g r a m m i n g t h e R e m o t e C o n t r o l...

  • Page 128: Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

    HAPTER Troubleshooting Contacting Customer Care Questions About Installation Questions About Live TV (Including Satellite Signal) Questions About Pick Programs to Record Questions About Parental Controls Questions About the Recorder’s Phone Calls Questions About Audio Questions About Pay Per View Questions About the Remote Control Questions About the DVR Service...

  • Page 129: Contacting Customer Care

    • Understanding an on-screen message regarding your service. When you call either HNS or DIRECTV, you will need to provide your recorder's model number, access card number and DVR serial number, all of which are located on a label on the back of the recorder and on the System Information screen under Messages &...

  • Page 130: Questions About Installation

    Questions About Installation I do not see the Welcome screen If you do not see the Welcome screen, you may need to change channels or change the video source your TV uses: • If you used coaxial RF cable to connect your recorder to the TV, make sure you’re viewing the same channel (3 or 4) that you selected using the switch on the back of your recorder.

  • Page 131: Questions About Live Tv (Including Satellite Signal)

    During Satellite Guided Setup, the screen got stuck on the Satellite Info screen. • Press the DIRECTV button, then select “Messages and Setup,” then select “Recorder and Phone Setup,” then “Satellite Dish Setup,” then choose “Reset Satellite Information.” The screen will warn you not to proceed unless you have been instructed to do so by a customer care representative.
  • Page 132 See page 3 for information about Dual Tuner. • If you have an antenna or cable signal in addition to DIRECTV watch programs carried by that signal—without the DVR service—while your recorder is in standby mode. For more information, see page 55.
  • Page 133 C h a p t e r 8 How do I get back to the last channel I was watching? • When watching live TV, typing a channel number jumps the recorder to that channel. Press ENTER/LAST if you want to go back to the prior channel. I can’t tune to one of my channels.
  • Page 134 • If multiple channel changes do not work, try restarting your recorder. From DIRECTV Central, choose “Messages & Setup,” then “Restart or Reset System,” then “Restart the Recorder.” Follow the instructions on the screen to restart the recorder.
  • Page 135 PAUSE again to resume play. • Press the DIRECTV button; then press the LIVE TV button to return to live television. • Restart your recorder. From Messages & Setup select “Restart or Reset System,” then “Restart the Recorder.”...

  • Page 136: Questions About Pick Programs To Record

    Your recorder may not have all its program guide data yet. When you first begin to use your recorder, it begins to download guide information from the DIRECTV satellites. It takes a day or two before complete information (up to 14 days) is available for you to use.
  • Page 137 Program Information screen, choose “Save to VCR.” See page 66. How do I check the upcoming programs that I’ve scheduled to record? • From the DIRECTV Central screen, select “Pick Programs to Record.” From there, select the To Do List. How do I cancel a recording? •...
  • Page 138 What happens if a sports event I have scheduled to record goes into overtime? • The DVR service cannot predict whether a sporting event might go into overtime, but we provide a feature that lets you add from one extra minute to three hours at the end of a recording.
  • Page 139 Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time settings manually, as described on page 105. If the clock still shows the wrong time, you can call DIRECTV Customer Care at the number on the back of this guide.
  • Page 140 My program didn’t get recorded. I set the recorder up to record something, and it’s not in Now Playing List. • If this happens, you can check Recording History for an explanation why the program did not record. Recording History is the first selection available in the To Do List. Here are some reasons why a program may not be available in the Now Playing List: •...
  • Page 141 C h a p t e r 8 What does it mean when my recorder says programs will be deleted earlier than planned? • By default, all programs except pay per view events are kept for at least two days. After that, programs may be deleted to make room for other recordings you request.

  • Page 142: Questions About Parental Controls

    I’ve lost my password for Parental Controls. What should I do? • If you have lost your password, you can call DIRECTV Customer Care at the phone number provided on the back of this guide. Q u e s t i o n s A b o u t P a r e n t a l C o n t r o l s...

  • Page 143: Questions About The Recorder's Phone Calls

    • Try another local dial-in number from the Phone Dialing Options screen. To get to Phone Dialing Options, from DIRECTV Central, select “Messages & Setup,” then “Recorder & Phone Setup,” then “Phone Connection,” then “Change Dialing Options.” •...
  • Page 144 • The recorder should be plugged in to a land-based phone line at all times to receive the ® DVR service and DIRECTV sports packages, and to communicate the purchase of pay per view events.
  • Page 145 Does the occasional phone call to DIRECTV cost me any money? • No, because your recorder only calls DIRECTV periodically and a toll free number is used to make the call. What if I need to make a call while the recorder is using the phone? •...

  • Page 146: Questions About Audio

    • There may be an alternate language selected in My Preferences. To check, press the DIRECTV button; then select “Messages & Setup,” and then “My Preferences.” Select “Audio Options,” then “Audio Language.” Make sure the language selected is the one you want to hear.

  • Page 147: Questions About Pay Per View

    C h a p t e r 8 Questions About Pay Per View How do I record a pay per view event? • If it is on now, tune to the channel carrying the program and press RECORD. • If it is on later, go to live TV, press the GUIDE button to see the guide. Highlight the program and press SELECT.
  • Page 148 • If you are attempting to order a pay per view selection with your remote control and cannot, call DIRECTV Customer Care at the number provided on the back of this guide. I can’t find the station of a pay per view program I ordered.

  • Page 149: Questions About The Remote Control

    C h a p t e r 8 Questions About the Remote Control My remote control doesn’t work with my television. • You need to program the recorder’s remote control to control some functions of your television or audio/visual equipment. See page 109. My remote control doesn’t work with my recorder.

  • Page 150: Questions About The Dvr Service

    DIRECTV has created a very sophisticated system with both protection and customization for our viewers in mind. It is DIRECTV's promise to you that you will always maintain control over your personal information. For more information, see the DIRECTV Privacy Promise, included in your first monthly statement.
  • Page 151 C h a p t e r 8 How does my TiVo Suggestions list get generated? How does it know what I like? • Your personal TV preferences are based on programs you have rated with THUMBS UP and THUMBS DOWN. Also, any program you record that does not already have a Thumb rating is automatically given one THUMB UP.

  • Page 152: Chapter 9: Warranty And Specifications

    HAPTER Warranty and Specifications Limited Warranty FCC Information Specifications Safety Instructions...

  • Page 153: Limited Warranty

    C h a p t e r 9 Limited Warranty Limited Warranty Hughes Network Systems Manufactured DIRECTV Recorder 90 Days Free Labor/One Year Parts Exchange WHO IS COVERED? You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other document showing that you purchased the product is considered proof of purchase.
  • Page 154 MAKE SURE YOU KEEP... Please keep your sales receipt or other document showing proof of purchase. Attach it to this User Guide and keep both nearby. Also keep the original box and packing material in case you need to return your product.

  • Page 155: Fcc Information

    Part 15 and Part 68 of the FCC rules. ® Your DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 156 REN of 0.3). For earlier products, the REN is separately shown on the label. If this digital satellite recorder causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice isn't practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible.

  • Page 157: Specifications

    C h a p t e r 9 CAUTION: To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, and fully insert. Recording capacity depends on signal quality and type of programming being recorded. W a r r a n t y a n d S p e c i f i c a t i o n s Specifications Satellite In: F-Type Connector Female (2)
  • Page 158 TELEPHONE LINE INTERRUPTION Periodically, the Digital Satellite Recorder dials in to the DVR service via your telephone line. If you pick up your telephone during the time information is being transferred, you will hear static noise. If you would like to use your telephone while the information is being transferred, you can hang up, wait about 5 seconds, and pick up your telephone again.

  • Page 159: Safety Instructions

    C h a p t e r 9 Safety Instructions This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. There are, however, some installation and operation precautions of which you should be particularly aware. Please read these instructions before operating the equipment and save them for future reference.
  • Page 160 — 11. Object and Liquid Entry Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short the parts, resulting in the risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on this product. —...
  • Page 161 20. Polarization The DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder is equipped with a plug that will fit into the power outlet only one way.Do not modify the plug. If the plug does not fit, contact your electrician to replace your outlet. To prevent electric shock, do not use this plug with an extension cord or outlet unless you can fully insert the blades without blade exposure.

  • Page 162: Appendix A: Back Panel Reference

    PPENDIX Back Panel Reference...
  • Page 163 ® DIRECTV Digital Satellite Recorder. If your setup doesn’t match any of the examples, you can use this information for general reference as you set up your equipment. 1. AC ~ In: When you’ve finished making all of the other connections, plug the AC power cord (supplied) into this opening to turn on the recorder.
  • Page 164 Showcases, and for pay per view functionality. Do not connect the recorder to digital PBX systems. Doing so may permanently damage your recorder’s modem and will void your warranty. 3. Cntrl Out (Serial): For future use. 4. Cntrl Out (IR): For future use. 5.
  • Page 165 TV has multiple inputs, you can ignore this jack and connect your antenna directly to your TV instead. You will NOT be able to you to use DIRECTV and DVR functions while watching antenna or cable channels, even if you connect your antenna...

  • Page 166: Appendix B: Gnu General Public License

    PPENDIX Gnu General Public License...
  • Page 167 A p p e n d i x B Gnu General Public License Version 2, June 1991 Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
  • Page 168 either the Program or any derivative work under copyright law: that is to say, a work containing the Program or a portion of it, either verbatim or with modifications and/or translated into another language. (Hereinafter, translation is included without limitation in the term “modification”.) Each licensee is addressed as “you”.
  • Page 169 A p p e n d i x B a) Accompany it with the complete corresponding machine-readable source code, which must be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or, b) Accompany it with a written offer, valid for at least three years, to give any third party, for a charge no more than your cost of physically performing source distribution, a complete machine-readable copy of the...
  • Page 170 copies directly or indirectly through you, then the only way you could satisfy both it and this License would be to refrain entirely from distribution of the Program. If any portion of this section is held invalid or unenforceable under any particular circumstance, the balance of the section is intended to apply and the section as a whole is intended to apply in other circumstances.
  • Page 171 A p p e n d i x B but not limited to loss of data or data being rendered inaccurate or losses sustained by you or third parties or a failure of the program to operate with any other programs), even if such holder or other party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

  • Page 172: Index

    Index...
  • Page 173 A/V receiver 7 Programming remote to control AC-3 8 Access Card 6 Accessories and cables 9 Activate DIRECTV and DVR Services 29 Actor WishList. See WishList. Advance button 52 Advisories 63 Anamorphic 98 Antenna or cable connection 4 Area Code 30...
  • Page 174 Fast Forward Forward button 52 Frame Back 52 Frame Forward 52 Glossary of Icons vii Gnu General Public License 156 In jack 2 Instant replay button 52 Jacks 2 Language Audio language Letterbox 49, 98 Linux software license 156 LINUX source, obtaining 147 Live TV 52 Macrovision 147 Manual Season Pass 72...
  • Page 175 Satellite Receiver 5 Satellite Signal Strength 26 Satellite Signal Troubleshooting 28 Save longer, see Save Until... Save Until... 58 Setup Activate DIRECTV and DVR Service Overview Phone Setup Satellite Dish Guided Setup Setup examples 10 Signal Strength, Satellite 26 Slow button 52...
  • Page 176 DIRECTV Central and Showcases Appears on DIRECTV it to record a program, watch a preview, or visit a Showcase. Indicates a selection in DIRECTV Central or Showcases that has some special video content. Channel Banner Select to start or stop a recording.

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