DirecTV Plus HD User Manual
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DirecTV Plus HD User Manual

DirecTV Plus HD 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 What’s • Never insert objects of any kind into any openings in the DIRECTV Receiver (other than the DIRECTV® Access Card as detailed in this manual). • Place it on a flat, hard surface — do not operate the DIRECTV Receiver on a carpet or other padded surface.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    What’s On ....................9 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 Pay Per View ................................31 Search ..................................31 Date & Time ................................32 Favorites ..................................32 Channels I Get ..............................33 Caller ID & Messages ............................33 Caller ID ................................33 DIRECTV Messages ............................34 Parental Controls ..............................34 Ratings...................................34 Channel Blocks ..............................35 Spending ................................35 Hours ..................................35 Now, lock it ................................36 Let me in…! ................................36...
  • 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 10: 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 11: 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 to please everyone in the family. DIRECTV® HD service offers everything you’d want in your television You can find additional...

  • Page 12: What You Can Watch

    If you or a professional installer have not yet connected your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR and other components, please see Appendix A, Installation at the end of this User Guide. Following installation, you will need to activate your DIRECTV service. If you have not activated already, see page 75 for more information.

  • Page 13: 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 14 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 15: Directv Plus Hd Dvr Rear Panel

    SATELLITE IN 2 – Use to connect the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to the satellite dish antenna. you probably SATELLITE IN 1 (FTM) – Use to connect the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to a second LNB on the satellite dish antenna, giving you the ability to watch and record up to two programs at once.
  • Page 16 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 18: 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 20: Watching Tv

    Welcome package) to get With the MODE switch to the left (under the DIRECTV logo), press PWR. To access the channel of your choice, simply key in its numbers on your remote (the channel will appear in a second or two, or familiar with our channel numbers.

  • Page 21: 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 22: 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 24: The Channel Banner

    Audio options – A “filled in” icon indicates alternate audio options are available. A “hollow” icon, Audio Options no alternate audio options are available. Messages – A “filled in” icon indicates new DIRECTV messages in Caller ID & Messages. A Messages “hollow” icon, there are no new or unread messages.

  • Page 26: 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 27: 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 28: 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 29: 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 30: 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 31: The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs

    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. Check the Showcases tab frequently for exclusive video content from premium programming providers.

  • Page 32: 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 34: 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 36: 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 37: 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 38: Parental Controls

    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. (See “The Playlist” on Page 22) Audio Options What is 5.1 Audio?

  • Page 39: Dolby 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 40: Pay Per View

    TV. Pay Per View This option enables you to check out DIRECTV Pay Per View listings by category. This option only appears in the Quick Menu over the Guide. While in the Guide, press MENU, then select Pay Per View. You will see three choices for sorting the list- ings.

  • Page 41: 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 42: Channels I Get

    Current Favorites option to Ch’s I Get. Caller ID & Messages This feature lets you receive important messages from DIRECTV about your service. Also, if you have Caller ID service*, you can also view phone calls you’ve received or turn call notification on or off. Press MENU to display the Quick Menu, select Calls &...

  • Page 43: 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 44: 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 45: 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 46: Uick 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 confirm. Quick Menu Features for Recording The Quick Menu includes special recording features over certain screens. Quick Menu over the Playlist screen: •...

  • Page 48: 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 49: Troubleshooting

    You can find 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 50: Directv Plus Hd Dvr Or Tv Problems

    This may be normal. After five minutes, the screen saver is displayed. Press any key on the remote to see the progress bar again. 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 51 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 52 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 53 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 54: 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 55 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 56 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 57: 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 58: 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 59: Limited 90-Day Warranty

    (whichever is deemed necessary) if it becomes defective or inoperative. This exchange is done without charge to you for parts and labor. You will be responsible for the cost of shipping to and from the location designated by DIRECTV. If DIRECTV cannot reasonably repair or replace the Receiver then DIRECTV may, at its sole discretion, refund the price you paid for the product or the current retail price of the product.

  • Page 60: What Is Excluded

    Any modifications or other changes to the product, including but not limited to software or hardware modification in any way other than as expressly authorized by DIRECTV will void this limited warranty. Except in the case of hardware or software provided by DIRECTV, installing software modifications, “hacks” or utilizing service access or “back doors”...

  • Page 61: Make Sure You Keep

    To Get Warranty Service... Warranty service will be provided by DIRECTV. If you believe you need service for your Receiver, contact DIRECTV at 1- 800-DIRECTV. A representative will go through a diagnostic checklist with you. If it is determined that the product needs to be returned for service or exchanged, you will receive a return authorization number.
  • Page 62 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 63: 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 64: Directv Protection Plan

    Note *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 65: Sign Up For The Directv Protection Plan Today

    Sign up for the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN Today If you have standard DIRECTV Receiver(s), visit DIRECTV.com and SIGN IN using the simple steps below or call 1-800-DIRECTV. SIGN IN with your user name and password, or click on the “Register Now” link and go through the easy steps, then continue with Step 2.

  • Page 66: Fcc Customer Information

    El Segundo, CA 90245 1-800-DIRECTV Trade Name: DIRECTV Type of Equipment: DIRECTV Satellite Receiver Model Number: HR20 Federal Communications Commission (FCC): This equipment complies with both Part 15 and Part 68 of the FCC rules. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 67 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 68 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 69: Terms And Conditions For Use Of Software ("Terms")

    C. Ownership of Software and Reservation of Rights The Software is licensed, not sold, to you for use only under the terms of this license agreement, DIRECTV is NOT transferring title or any ownership rights in the Software to you and DIRECTV and its suppliers reserve all rights not expressly granted to you. Except as stated above, this license agreement...
  • Page 70 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 72: 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 73: 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 74: 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 75 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 76: 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 77: Making The Video Connections

    Best (HD Video and Digital Audio): Connect the HDMI cables to the HDMI jacks on the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR and your TV. HDMI cables also carry digital audio, so you do not need to make a separate audio connection, unless you would like to use other audio outputs; for example, To switch between watching your if you want to connect your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to a stereo or home theater system.
  • Page 78 * Note: Do not confuse the component YPbPr cable with a standard Audio/Video (RCA-type) cable. Observe the Red, Green, Blue color-coding. You will not get HD video if you use the Video Out connector on your TV, or your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.

  • Page 79: Making The Audio Connections

    Good: For analog audio, connect the white (L) and red (R) RCA-type cables from the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to your TV. Note If your TV only has one audio input jack use AUDIO L (white) jack on the back of the DIRECTV Receiver to make the connection.
  • Page 80 (OPTICAL) Phone HDMI V1 V2 Satellite In Satellite In 1 (FTM) S-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 81: 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 82: Model Number

    Connect Other Cables – 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 the serial number, Component AUDIO OUT S-ATA...

  • Page 83: Guided Setup

    INPUT POWER ing your DIRECTV service. 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. e DIRECTV Plus HD DVR will turn on.

  • Page 84: Now, Let Us Lead The Way

    ® for you. Once all the setup processes are complete, all that’s left to do is activate your DIRECTV service. Before you make the call, be sure to: Have on hand your service address, social security number and a valid major credit card.

  • Page 85: Programming Your Remote Control

    Remote Control want to make changes, or you’ve acquired some new equipment, follow these instructions. You can pro- gram the DIRECTV Remote Control to operate your TV power, volume and mute, additional equipment during Guided such as a DVD, VCR, stereo, or second TV or DIRECTV Receiver.

  • Page 86: 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 87: 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 88: 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 89: 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 90: Resolution & Interlacing

    The term “interlacing” refers to whether each of those frames contains all of the lines of image, or every other line. Interlaced signals take every other line from 2 frames, each lasting 1/60th of a second, and DIRECTV Plus combine them into one frame lasting 1/30th of a second. In this way, interlacing tricks the eye into think- HD DVR.

  • Page 91: 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 92: 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 93: Resolution (Res) Key On Receiver Front Panel

    Resolution (RES) Key on Receiver Front Panel 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 94: 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 95: 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 96 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 97: 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 98 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 100: Index

    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 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN...
  • Page 101 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 102 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 103 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. A valid programming subscription is required to operate DIRECTV System hardware. Activate your DI- RECTV programming today at 1-800-DIRECTV (1-800-347-3288).

  • Page 104: 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 o er special Denotes that no alternate audio tracks available.

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