DirecTV HD DVR User Manual
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DirecTV HD DVR User Manual

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  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    Safety & Care To reduce the risk of fire Your DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR has been designed and manufactured to stringent quality and safety standards. You should, or electric shock, do not however, be aware of the following important precautions for safe and optimal use of the equipment.
  • Page 3 • CAUTION: Avoid moisture to reduce the risk of fi re or electric shock. Th e DIRECTV Receiver should not be used near CAUTION water (for example, kitchen sink, bathtub, pool, damp basement). Also, never spill liquid on the receiver, and do not place RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK vases or other vessels containing liquid on top of it.
  • Page 4 DASH is also used to delete a show in your Activates channel number entries quickly MYVOD list (press twice) Keys in the shaded areas above operate your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, or can be programmed to function with your VCR, DVD player or stand-alone DVR unit.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    What’s On ....................9 Table of Watching TV ................................11 Contents DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Features in Live TV..................12 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Features in Recorded TV ................13 The Channel Banner ............................15 The Guide .................................17 Overview of the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide ®...
  • Page 6 Quick Menu .................... 25 Using the Quick Menu ............................27 Help & Settings ...............................27 Help ..................................27 Setup ..................................27 Scheduler ................................28 Favorites ................................28 Parental Controls ..............................29 My VOD ...................................29 Audio Options .................................29 ® Dolby Digital ..............................30 Category Sort ................................30 Pay Per View ................................31 Search ..................................31 Date &...
  • Page 7 More Info ....................39 Troubleshooting ..............................40 System Upgrades ..............................40 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR or TV Problems ....................41 Recorded TV Troubleshooting ........................45 Remote Control Problems ..........................48 Running the System Test ...........................49 Limited 90-Day Warranty .............................50 Who is Covered? ..............................50 What is Covered? ...............................50 What is Excluded? .............................51...
  • Page 8 Now, let us lead the way… ..........................75 ® Activate Your DIRECTV Service ........................75 Programming Your Remote Control ........................76 Factory Defaults ..............................76 Using Your IR or RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR ..........77 Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels ....................78 viii...
  • Page 9 Appendix B: High-Def 101 ..............79 About High-Definition ............................80 Types of TV Broadcasts ............................80 Resolution & Interlacing ...........................81 Aspect Ratio .................................82 Screen Formats ..............................82 Options For Changing Video Output .......................83 FORMAT key on Your Remote ........................83 Resolution (RES) Key on Receiver Front Panel ..................84 Supported Resolutions and Formats ........................85 Wide-Screen vs.

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Welcome About Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Chapter 1 Installation & Activation DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Front Panel DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Rear Panel Getting Started...

  • Page 12: Welcome

    Welcome With the DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR you can expect more than ever before, with access to over 225 channels, including our awesome HD selections and over 30 premium movie channels, with something You can fi nd additional to please everyone in the family. DIRECTV® HD service offers everything you’d want in your television...

  • Page 13: What You Can Watch

    To enjoy select HD programming available on off-air local channels, you will also need an off-air antenna (sold separately) connected to your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. This is possible only in cities where local broadcast stations make digital TV programs, including high-definition, available. Reception may vary based on your geographic location.

  • Page 14: Package Contents

    Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated. DOOR PANEL, USB PORT – For future use. POWER – Turns your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR on or off . Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR still records and receives messages when powered off .
  • Page 15 SELECT – Selects the item highlighted. LIGHT RING – 12 blue lights indicate the current state of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Press and hold the LEFT and RIGHT arrows to dim and turn off the lights. (Repeat to brighten.) 10) ACTIVE –...

  • Page 16: Directv Plus Hd Dvr Rear Panel

    VIDEO OUT Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated. OFF-AIR IN – Connect an ATSC antenna to the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR using this jack. You The Rear Panel will be able to watch off -air digital TV broadcasts (ATSC programming) on your DIRECTV HD may look DVR, and these ATSC channels will appear in the Guide.
  • Page 17 13) ETHERNET (RJ45) – For future use. 14) AC POWER INLET – Connects the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to an electrical outlet. We recom- mend you use a surge protector to safeguard your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR from power spikes.

  • Page 19: Table Of What's On

    11 Watching TV 17 The Guide Chapter 2 18 The Mini Guide: Program Listings While You Watch TV 19 Recording Programs: A Great Way to Watch Your Favorites 21 Pay Per View: The Latest Movies, 24 Hours a Day 22 The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs What’s On...

  • Page 21: Watching Tv

    Watching TV Now that everything’s set up, you’re ready to grab your remote and start surfing! Use the Channel Lineup (included in your Welcome package) to get With the MODE switch to the left (under the DIRECTV logo), press PWR. To access the channel of familiar with our channel numbers.

  • Page 22: Directv Plus Hd Dvr Features In Live Tv

    DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Features in Live TV Live Buffer: The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR saves programs to the hard drive instantly and continuously, while you watch. This “live buffer” lets you pause, rewind, fast forward or “instant replay.” (Note: You cannot fast forward during live TV until you pause or rewind a program.) If you start watching a program...

  • Page 23: Directv Plus Hd Dvr Features In Recorded Tv

    DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Features in Recorded TV Recorded programs can be found in the MyVOD tab on the Playlist screen. To view the Playlist, press LIST. To return to live TV, press EXIT. Cruise Controls: The PAUSE, FFWD, REWIND, REPLAY, RECORD and ADVANCE keys work with recorded programs just as they do with live TV.

  • Page 25: The Channel Banner

    Current Date & Time The Channel Banner Any time you tune to a channel, the Channel Banner appears across the top of the screen, displaying info DIRECTV or Off-air Channel on the channel and show you are currently watching: Current date & time Program Info DIRECTV Off...

  • Page 27: The Guide

    The Guide ® Overview of the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide The Guide displays listings of current and upcoming programs for up to 14 days in advance. Find out what’s on (now or later), change the channel, search for and purchase a pay per view movie or event, or search for a program you’re interested in.

  • Page 28: The Mini Guide: Program Listings While You Watch Tv

    The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys move you through listings and time slots. Highlight a program or channel cell to view its description. Use the CHAN key up or down to scroll a full page. SELECT Press the RED or GREEN keys to move forward or back in time. To tune to a program that is on now, highlight the program and press SELECT.

  • Page 29: Recording Programs: A Great Way To Watch Your Favorites

    Just set a program to record and your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR will save it for you to watch later.

  • Page 30: Autorecord A Search

    For episodic programs: • Pressing RECORD a second time schedules all episodes of the program for recording (Series Link™). • Pressing RECORD a third time cancels the recording. Autorecord a Search Programs that match a Search (see Search, page 31) can be scheduled to autorecord. When the search results are displayed, simply select Autorecord from the left menu, then follow the onscreen instructions to set the record options.

  • Page 31: Recording To Vcr

    To record a program on your VCR, make sure you’ve connected your VCR properly to your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, then select a recorded program from the MyVOD tab in the Playlist, set your VCR to record, and play the selected program. See your VCR User’s Guide for information on how to set it up for scheduled or manual recording.

  • Page 32: The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs

    The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs The Playlist displays all saved, recorded programs in the MyVOD™ tab. To display the Playlist screen, press LIST on the remote. Other programs, which may include behind-the- scenes and video extras for new movie releases, DIRECTV content packages, special offers, free events and more, are saved in the Showcases tab.

  • Page 33: Disk Space Bar

    Disk Space Bar The MyVOD screen displays a Disk Space bar that shows the approximate amount of space available on your disk at any given time. The Disk Space bar shows programs you have designated Keep until I Delete in blue, programs subject to expiration in light blue, and the remaining unused disk space that is available for recording in black.

  • Page 35: Quick Menu

    27 Using the Quick Menu 27 Help & Settings Chapter 3 29 My VOD 29 Audio Options 30 Category Sort 31 Pay Per View Quick Menu 31 Search 32 Date & Time 32 Favorites 33 Caller ID & Messages 34 Parental Controls 37 Quick Menu Features for Recording...

  • Page 37: Using The Quick Menu

    Using the Quick Menu Press MENU on your remote to easily access DIRECTV features. Once the Quick Menu is displayed, use the UP and DOWN arrows to highlight a desired menu item, then press SELECT to access that item. Some menu items will display a submenu, others will take you directly to a new screen. To remove the Quick Menu at any time, press MENU again.

  • Page 38: Scheduler

    Sat & Ant (Satellite & Antenna): This option is useful if your DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR has lost signal strength, or you need to realign your satellite dish or setup an off-air antenna. (See “Receiving Local ‘Off-Air’ Broadcast Channels on page 76.) Remote: Use this option to setup your remote to control your TV and other equipment.

  • Page 39: Parental Controls

    Parental Controls Check the current restrictions of your Parental Controls by clicking here, and make any adjustments. See page 34 for more details. My VOD This option displays a submenu that lists recorded programs, and also gives you access to the Playlist screen, where you can view and edit the list of recorded programs and see DIRECTV Showcases of special programming.

  • Page 40: Dolby Digital

    Digital The recommended audio format for HDTV is Dolby* Digital. Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR is capable of reproducing 5.1-encoded audio: five discrete channels of full-range digital audio, plus one channel of low-frequency (subwoofer) audio, for use by A/V receivers capable of decoding the 5.1-channel signal.

  • Page 41: Pay Per View

    While in the Guide, from the Quick Menu, select Category Sort. To further narrow your search, select the category you want, then select a subcategory if you wish. To quickly move through the Category Search results, use the RED or GREEN key on your remote to advance or reverse in 90-minute increments.

  • Page 42: Date & Time

    select the title to display information about the found item. If you’d like to repeat a previous search, select Recent Searches, then select your search to view matching programs. Date & Time This option gives you a convenient way to jump several days ahead in the Guide, without having to scroll through pages of programs.

  • Page 43: Channels I Get

    In addition to displaying all channels or creating lists of favorite channels, you can also set your DIRECTV Plus Receiver to display only the channels that are in your current subscription package. To see the channels you receive, select Ch’s I Get from the left menu of the Favorites screen. To set Ch’s I Get as your current channel list, select the Set Current menu item from the Favorites screen, then change the Current Favorites option to Ch’s I Get.

  • Page 44: Directv Messages

    DIRECTV Messages This feature lets you view a listing of current DIRECTV messages waiting for you. Simply highlight and select a message in the list to read, then you’ll have the choice to keep or delete it. The messages icon will appear brightly on your channel banner whenever there’s any new or unread message in your Inbox.

  • Page 45: Channel Blocks

    TV Programs SELECT the TV tab, then highlight and select the TV rating you desire. You can also set ratings for par- For ratings limits and channel ticular content (for example, Fantasy Violence, Dialogue), each of which is described when highlighted. blocks, as well as most other SELECT Other Shows...

  • Page 46: Now, Lock It

    Now, lock it Once you’ve set the restrictions you want, choose Lock Now from the left menu. You’ll be directed to cre- ate a passcode (which you’ll want to make easy enough to remember, but hard enough that the little ones won’t guess it!).

  • Page 47: Quick Menu Features For Recording

    To change your passcode at any time: Press MENU, SELECT Parental Controls, then Edit Settings. Scroll down to Passcode and press SELECT. Enter your old password, then enter a new one twice to confi rm. Quick Menu Features for Recording The Quick Menu includes special recording features over certain screens.

  • Page 49: More Info

    40 Troubleshooting 50 Limited 90-Day Warranty Chapter 4 54 Product Information 55 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN 57 FCC Customer Information 60 TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF SOFTWARE (“TERMS”) More Info...

  • Page 50: Troubleshooting

    You can fi nd additional troubleshooting help at Many problems can be corrected by performing a simple reset of the DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR. If you DIRECTV.com. experience image freezes, audio freezes or blank screen, or the system won’t respond to front panel button or remote control, try one of these: Press the red RESET button behind the access card panel door on the front of the DIRECTV®...

  • Page 51: Directv Plus Hd Dvr Or Tv Problems

    If Satellite Data Acquisition still does not move forward, press the RESET button behind the access panel door on the front of the DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR and wait for program guide 1. Cables and information to be acquired.
  • Page 52 Electronic protection circuit may have been activated because of a power surge. Wait 30 seconds, then turn on again. Unplug DIRECTV Plus HD DVR for a few minutes, then plug back in. If this happens frequently, the voltage in your house may be abnormally high or low.
  • Page 53 Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR may be hooked up incorrectly to the TV. Press the INFO button on the front panel of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to see if the channel banner appears. If it does not, check the Setup and Connections section for instructions about connecting your satellite receiver.
  • Page 54 If neither of those work, restart your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Press the RESET button behind the access panel door on the front of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. You can also press MENU, press SELECT on Settings, then SELECT Setup. Select the Reset item from the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions.

  • Page 55: Recorded Tv Troubleshooting

    If that doesn’t work, restart your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Press the RESET button behind the access panel door on the front of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. You can also press MENU, press SELECT on Settings, then SELECT Setup. Select the Reset item from the left menu, then press SELECT on Restart Receiver.
  • Page 56 What do I do? Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR can record up to two programs at once, or it can record one program while you watch another. If you exceed these limits (for example, if you try to record three programs at 8 p.m. on Thursday), you will be notified there is a conflict.
  • Page 57 INFO key when the program is highlighted in any list or the Guide), then select the Record menu item and change the options as needed. When I am watching a recorded program, and the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR starts to record another program, my image quality deteriorates.

  • Page 58: Remote Control Problems

    Press ENTER after entering a channel number to tune immediately. If you are trying to operate a device other than the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR that you have programmed the remote to control, make sure you first slide the MODE switch to the mode that is programmed for that device (AV1 or AV2).

  • Page 59: Running The System Test

    Running the System Test The System Test allows you to run a basic diagnostics check on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. If you are experiencing any trouble with your receiver, run the system test. It will also allow you to get your access card and receiver ID num- bers or to initiate diagnostic procedures on your digital satellite receiver.

  • Page 60: Limited 90-Day Warranty

    THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENDS ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER OR ANY PERSON RECEIVING THE DIRECTV PLUS HD DVR AS A GIFT FROM THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER AND TO NO OTHER PURCHASER OR TRANSFEREE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO COMMERCIAL USERS.

  • Page 61: What Is Excluded

    What is Excluded? Your warranty does NOT cover: Labor charges for installation or setup of the product. Installation, performance of, or repair of: audio/video cabling, telephone line, or accessory attachments used with the product. Product replacement because of misuse, accident, lightning damage, unauthorized repair, or other cause not within the control of DIRECTV.

  • Page 62: Make Sure You Keep

    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 near- by. Also keep the original box and packing material in case you need to return your product. Before Requesting Repair Service...
  • Page 63 WILL DIRECTV BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT GREATER THAN THE RETAIL PRICE OF THE DIRECTV RECEIVER. DIRECTV SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THE DIRECTV RECEIVER. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

  • Page 64: Product Information

    Product Information Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you need them. These numbers are located on the product. (You may have noted some of this information on page 71 when you connected the cables to your receiver.) Model No.

  • Page 65: Directv Protection Plan

    *A fee of $49 for standard IRD equipment, $249 for DIRECTV DVR, DIRECTV PLUS DVR or Ultimate TV equipment, $400 for HD equipment, or $1,000 for DIRECTV HD DVR equipment will be charged to your DIRECTV bill if the defective equipment that we are replacing for you is not returned within 30 calendar days.

  • Page 66: Sign Up For The Directv Protection Plan Today

    “Next” button. REVIEW your change and CLICK on the “Accept Th ese Changes” button. If you have a DIRECTV Plus Receiver, DIRECTV DVR, DIRECTV HD Receiver, DIRECTV HD DVR or DIRECTV Receiver with UltimateTV Service, please call 1-800-DIRECTV to sign up.

  • Page 67: Fcc Customer Information

    FCC Customer Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 68 Increase the separation between the equipment and the DIRECTV Receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the DIRECTV Receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
  • Page 69 If this DIRECTV Receiver 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. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

  • Page 70: Terms And Conditions For Use Of Software ("Terms")

    TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF SOFTWARE (“TERMS”) THE DIRECTV RECEIVER INCORPORATES SOFTWARE WHICH IS OWNED BY DIRECTV, INC. (“DIRECTV”) OR ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS (the “Software”). BEFORE USING THE RECEIVER PLEASE READ THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS YOU MAY NOT USE THE RECEIVER AND SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE RECEIVER TO DIRECTV OR YOUR SUPPLIER.
  • Page 71 D. Termination These Terms are effective until terminated. You may terminate these Terms by returning the Receiver to DIRECTV or your supplier. These Terms will terminate automatically without notice if you fail to comply with these Terms or any other agreement between you and DIRECTV. Upon termination you must return the Receiver to DIRECTV or your supplier.

  • Page 73: Appendix A: Installation

    Installation 72 Making the Basic Connections 74 Guided Setup ® 75 Activate Your DIRECTV Service 76 Programming Your Remote Control 77 Using Your IR or RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR 78 Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels...

  • Page 74: Before You Begin

    Plus HD DVR to work and to activate your programming. Off-Air Digital Antenna (not included) This antenna attaches to the back of your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR and is used to receive local “off-air” DIRECTV A C C E S S C A R D...

  • Page 75: Cables & Connections

    Cables & Connections HDMI Jack and Cable The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR incorporates HDMI™ [or High-Definition Multimedia Interface] tech- nology. HDMI offers a high-quality connection that combines the video and audio signal into a single cable. The HDMI jack uses HDCP content protection to allow you to view HD programming that has been encoded using the HDCP protection system.
  • Page 76 Video Telephone Jack and Cord The telephone line cord connects your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to a land-based telephone line. The phone line connection is used to periodically call DIRECTV. This connection is required for sports pack- age subscriptions and for purchasing Pay Per View movies and events. You will need an RJ11-type modu- Phone lator jack (the most common type of phone jack).

  • Page 77: Choose Your Setup

    Connect the satellite dish cable to your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. and inputs (Video out to Video in, • Connect the audio and video outputs of your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to your TV or VCR. Right Audio out to Right Audio in, •...

  • Page 78: Making The Video Connections

    TV. HD DVR to your TV, but it is not recommended. To get the best quality of image, use one of the above methods. However, if your TV does not support S-Video, component or HDMI connections, connect one end of the RCA cable (usually with a yellow plug) to the VIDEO OUT jack on the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.
  • Page 79 S-VIDEO The back panels of your equipment HDMI may not look exactly like those illustrated. HDMI (includes video & audio) S-VIDEO DIRECTV ® Plus HD DVR S-VIDEO HDMI Component S-ATA AUDIO OUT R1 R2 Off-Air In ETHERNET DIGITAL L1 L2...

  • Page 80: Making The Audio Connections

    Making the Audio Connections • Best: If you connected your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to your TV with HDMI cables you do not need to make a separate audio connection, unless you would like to use other audio outputs; for example, if you want to connect your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to a stereo or home theater system.
  • Page 81 Satellite In Satellite In 1 (FTM) 1 (FTM) S-VIDEO OUT S-VIDEO OUT VIDEO OUT VIDEO OUT * NOTE: For best audio quality on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, use the HDMI cable for audio and video. (See “Making the Video Connections.”)

  • Page 82: Making The Basic Connections

    Optional: Connect the Off -air antenna to the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Do this by connecting the off -air antenna to the jack labeled OFF-AIR IN on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. When you go through the Guided Setup process, be sure to select the Satellite & Antenna button when you reach the Satellite Dish &...
  • Page 83 The back panels of your equipment may not look exactly like those illustrated. While you’re looking at the back of your ® DIRECTV Plus HD DVR DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, write down Component the serial number, AUDIO OUT S-ATA R1 R2...

  • Page 84: Guided Setup

    Make sure the MODE switch at the top of the remote control is set to DIRECTV, which is the far- left position. Press TV POWER ON. Th e DIRECTV Plus HD DVR will turn on. Th e fi rst screen will allow you to select a language. Using the arrow keys on the remote control, You may decide to set up, move to the language you prefer and press SELECT.

  • Page 85: Now, Let Us Lead The Way

    Now, let us lead the way… Guided Setup is as simple Simply follow the onscreen directions to complete your setup functions. If you’ve installed your satellite dish and system yourself, you’ll be guided though various functions for optimizing your signal and setup as following —...

  • Page 86: Programming Your Remote Control

    Programming Your Remote Control If you programmed your You may have already programmed your remote control during Guided Setup, but if you didn’t, or you want to make changes, or you’ve acquired some new equipment, follow these instructions. You can pro- Remote Control gram the DIRECTV Remote Control to operate your TV power, volume and mute, additional equipment during Guided...

  • Page 87: Using Your Ir Or Rf Remote To Control Your Directv Plus Hd Dvr

    If you have an RF Remote Antenna and RF Capable Remote, you can use them to operate the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR without having to point your remote directly at it, such as A remote that can when the receiver is installed in a cabinet, or you use the remote from another room in your house.

  • Page 88: Receiving Local "Off-Air" Broadcast Channels

    Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR can receive both satellite and locally transmitted, off-air broadcast chan- nels, and will display these local channels in the Guide. In order to receive off-air channels, attach an NOTE: Your reception will vary by off-air antenna to the OFF-AIR IN as instructed in the “Choose Your Setup”...

  • Page 89: Appendix B: High-Def 101

    80 About High-Definition 83 Options For Changing Video Output Appendix B: 85 Supported Resolutions and Formats 86 Wide-Screen vs. Standard Formats High-Def 101...

  • Page 90: About High-Definition

    “Digital TV” refers to a television that can receive and display digital images. Following are terms you might see used regarding Digital TV broadcasts. Although your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR is a “true” HD receiver, the type of TV or monitor you plug it into (SD, ED, or HD) can affect the resolution of the TV picture you see.

  • Page 91: Resolution & Interlacing

    DIRECTV Plus combine them into one frame lasting 1/30th of a second. In this way, interlacing tricks the eye into think- HD DVR. ing it’s seeing twice the resolution that’s actually being displayed. In non-interlaced video, referred to as “ progressive scan” video, frames are displayed every 1/60th of a second containing all of the lines of video information.

  • Page 92: Aspect Ratio

    What if you’re watching a nearly square-shaped 4:3 broadcast on a 16:9 TV, or vice versa? The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR lets you choose from a variety of screen formats to deal with those scenarios. You can set up your preferences for format during Guided Setup and change them at any time.

  • Page 93: Options For Changing Video Output

    There are two keys that can be used to make changes: the FORMAT key Keep pressing on the remote control and the RES (Resolution) key on the front panel of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. the FORMAT key...

  • Page 94: Resolution (Res) Key On Receiver Front Panel

    Resolution made simple: Set This key is used to cycle all available resolutions on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. It does not cycle format settings. If video and audio are not appearing, it may be because the current resolution setting is the resolution not supported by your television.

  • Page 95: Supported Resolutions And Formats

    Supported Resolutions and Formats The tables on this page show the formats and resolutions supported by the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, the interac- tion with the FORMAT key, the outputs supported by the different types of connections, and other, related informa- tion.

  • Page 96: Wide-Screen Vs. Standard Formats

    Wide-Screen vs. Standard Formats Only Letterbox 4:3 TVs Showing 16:9 programs shows the entire original 16:9 For a standard 4:3 TV showing a wide screen program, the program is too wide to fit on the screen. To alleviate this, choose: image without distortion.
  • Page 97 If your display is a 4:3 format TV or monitor, your format options include these: For 4:3 program signals: Fills TV Screen You can watch HD programs on For 16:9 program signals: a standard TV, but Letterbox Stretch Crop you won’t really be watching HD.

  • Page 98: 16:9 Tvs Showing 4:3 Programs

    16:9 TVs Showing 4:3 programs For a wide screen 16:9 TV showing a standard 4:3 TV program, the program is too tall to fit the screen. Your choices here include: Pillar box Here the 4:3 image is shrunk until the entire height of the program fits on your TV. Since the aspect ratio is maintained, the image is no longer wide enough to fill the screen, so gray or black bars are seen at the left and right edges.
  • Page 99 Fortunately, you If your display is a 16:9 format TV or monitor, your format options include these: can still watch regular TV on your HD TV. Isn’t For 4:3 program signals: it nice to be one Pillar Box Stretch Crop step ahead of the rest of the world? For 16:9 program signals:...

  • Page 101: Index

    Index Date & time 15 Guide iv, 4, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, Digital audio 7, 30, 65, 68 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 32, 44, 47, Digital TV 80 52, 64, 74, 78 Access card 4, 5, 54, 64 DIRECTV mode 42, 48, 76 Guided Setup 48, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, Analog TV 80...
  • Page 102 Language Parental Controls 15, 29, 34, 36, 37 Ratings 34 for audio 28 channel blocks 35 Rear panel ii, 6 for display 28, 74 hours (viewing) 21, 35 Remote control 74 Letterbox 83, 85 ratings 34 Keys 74 Lock (Parental Controls) 15, 36 spending 35 Modes 74 unlocking 36...
  • Page 103 Spending Limits 35 Stretch 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 System test 48, 49, 75 Temporarily unlock 15, 36 Timer 43 To Do list iv, 20, 21, 46, 47 Troubleshooting 40, 45 TV aspect ratio 82, 83 TV ratings 35 Unlocking 36 Video output 65, 83 Warranty iii, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 59,...
  • Page 104 Fine Print ACTIVATION OF PROGRAMMING MAY BE SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL AND REQUIRES VALID SERVICE ADDRESS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND/OR MAJOR CREDIT CARD. DEPOSIT OR PREPAYMENT MAY BE REQUIRED. Program- ming subject to change. DIRECTV services not available outside the U.S. DIRECTV programming is sold separately and independently of DIRECTV System hardware.

  • Page 105: Icon Reference

    Icon Reference Other Icons Arrow Icons Indicate that a show’s start or end time is earlier or Denotes one or more alternate audio tracks available later than is visible in the Guide program cell. for a program. LEFT and RIGHT arrows on the remote off er special Denotes that no alternate audio tracks available.

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