HD Receiver. Product Registration Please fill out the product registration card (packed separately) and return it immediately, or register online at rca.com. Returning the card allows us to contact you if needed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8.
(1-800-347-3288) or visit the DIRECTV Web site (DIRECTV.com). For Installation To arrange for the installation of your DIRECTV HD Receiver, call the dealer from whom you purchased your system. For Hardware To resolve problems related to this DIRECTV HD Receiver, call RCA Customer Support at 1-888-901-4388.
Chapter 1: Introduction ...4 What kinds of TV programming can I watch with the DIRECTV HD Receiver? ... 4 ® Aspect ratio ... 6 Dolby Digital 5.1 ... 7 Chapter 2: Connections & Setup ...8 Things to Consider Before Making Connections ... 8 Choose Your Connection ...
Notices Chapter 1: Introduction What kinds of TV programming can I watch with the DIRECTV HD Receiver? ® Your HD (High-Definition) Receiver lets you receive television programs from a wide range of sources, and display them on virtually any TV or monitor. Using the AIR IN, SATELLITE IN, and CABLE IN jacks on the back of the HD Receiver, you can receive television programs from: •...
Resolution and interlacing Two of the elements that determine the quality of a TV picture are resolution and interlacing. • Resolution: For TV equipment and broadcasts, resolution is defined by the number of horizontal lines displayed to make up each frame of a video image. The more lines of resolution used to draw each frame of video, the more detailed and sharp the picture will be.
Introduction For example, if you have a standard-resolution TV, you would set the RESOLUTION SELECT switch to 480p/i. Then programs received by the DIRECTV display on your television. This information can also help you decide how to connect your TV and VCR to the HD Receiver. For example, if you have a High-Definition TV capable of displaying 1080i, and a standard VCR, you would want to use the COMPONENT, RGB or DVI jacks (whichever your TV accepts) to connect the HD Receiver to your TV.
16:9 TVs showing 4:3 programs For a wide-screen 16:9 TV, a standard 4:3 TV program is too tall to fit on the screen. The DIRECTV 3 ways to fix the problem: 16:9 Monitor Format Options Source Signal Pillar box 16:9 Not available Note: You can set the color of the horizontal or vertical bars displayed for Letter box and Pillar box screen formats to either...
Chapter 2: Connections & Setup Things to Consider Before Making Connections Before you begin connecting your components to the DIRECTV following important safety and setup tips. Protect your components from power surges • Always turn off and unplug your HD Receiver, TV, and any other components before connecting or disconnecting any of the cables.
The access card should only be removed when replacing the card with a new one provided by DIRECTV or your program provider. Cables needed: • Audio (one pair, RCA) • DVI-HDTV or RGB • Audio (one pair, RCA) • Component Video •...
S-Video jack and cable S-Video cables and jacks are used to connect to TVs, VCRs, and other video components equipped with S-Video input jacks. S-Video connections provide a high-quality TV picture (better than RCA-type A/V jacks and cables). S-Video connectors must be correctly �������...
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DVI jack and cable Using the DVI jack and a digital DVI cable, your HD Receiver can provide ����������������� the unconverted digital signal from digital off-air, analog cable, or DIRECTV to A/V components that are capable of decoding the digital video information. The DVI jack uses HDCP content protection to allow you to view HD programming that has been encoded using the HDCP protection system.
Connections & Setup ��������������� ������ �������� ���� ������� ������������ ������� ����������� ������������ ����� Connection 1: DIRECTV HD Receiver + Monitor with DVI or RGB input jacks 1. Connect the satellite signal to the HD Receiver. Connect the satellite dish antenna feed (RG-6 coaxial cable) to the SATELLITE IN jack on the HD Receiver. 2.
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6. Connect the audio from the DIRECTV Connect a pair of RCA-type cables to the AUDIO jacks on the back of your DIRECTV HD Receiver. Connect the other ends of the cables to the audio input jacks on the back of your TV, monitor (shown on the previous page) or audio receiver (not shown).
Connections & Setup ��������������� ������ �������� ���� ������� ������������ ������� ����������� ������������ ����� ��������� ����������� � � � � � Connection 2: DIRECTV HD Receiver + Monitor with component video input jacks 1. Connect the satellite signal to the HD Receiver. Connect the satellite dish antenna feed (RG-6 coaxial cable) to the SATELLITE IN jack on the HD Receiver.
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6. Connect the audio from the DIRECTV Connect a pair of RCA-type cables to the AUDIO jacks in the COMPONENT VIDEO section of the back of your DIRECTV HD Receiver. Connect the other ends of the cables to the audio input jacks on the back of your TV, monitor (shown on the previous page) or audio receiver (not shown).
Connections & Setup ��������������� ������ �������� ���� ������� ������������ ������� ����������� ������������ ����� Connection 3: DIRECTV HD Receiver + Analog TV/Monitor 1. Connect the satellite signal to the HD Receiver. Connect the satellite dish antenna feed (RG-6 coaxial cable) to the SATELLITE IN jack on the HD Receiver. 2.
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6. Connect the audio from the DIRECTV Connect a pair of RCA-type cables to the AUDIO jacks on the back of your HD Receiver. Connect the other ends of the cables to the audio input jacks on the back of your TV, monitor (shown on the previous page) or audio receiver (not shown).
Connections & Setup Optional Connections Once you've connected the DIRECTV a VCR or a digital audio receiver. You can also connect a VCR controller, as well as an RF antenna for use with your remote control. The next four pages show you how to make these optional connections.
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Optional Connection 2: DIRECTV HD Receiver + Digital Audio Receiver ® Cable: Either Optical or Coaxial Digital Audio Use this connection to take advantage of Dolby Digital quality sound, when available. Your HD Receiver’s digital output jacks can output digital audio signals in either PCM or Dolby Digital format (depending on your selection in the Sound setup menu;...
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Connections & Setup Optional Connection 3: RF Remote Antenna Connection This connection allows your remote control to communicate with the DIRECTV even when you do not have line-of-sight to the receiver’s front panel remote sensor. Just as you would adjust a rabbit-ear antenna to get a better picture, your RF remote may need similar adjustments depending upon your environment.
�������������������������������� ����� ������� ��������� ����� ����� ��������� ������ �������� ������ ��� �� � ���� ������� ����������������� ����������������� ������������������� ������� ������������ ������� ��������� ����� ������������������������ ����������������� Setting up the VCR control Before you can use the VCR control cable to program your VCR, you must tell your receiver what kind of VCR you have.
Connections & Setup Turning on your receiver for the first time You have completed the connection steps and are ready to start using your DIRECTV Receiver. The first step is to turn on the HD Receiver. 1. Turn on your TV and set it to display the signal from your HD Receiver. If you connected the HD Receiver to video input jacks on your TV, you will need to set your TV to display the input from these jacks.
Acquiring the correct dish pointing angles The Dish Pointing menu item in the Dish Setup menu allows you to find out exactly how to point your satellite dish by entering your ZIP code. If you have not yet successfully aligned your satellite dish, or if you need to realign it, follow these instructions to find the exact angles you should use to point your dish: 1.
Connections & Setup Checking the satellite signal strength The Signal Meter allows you to check the strength of the signal from the satellite to your satellite dish. This is useful while setting up your satellite dish, and while troubleshooting any reception problems you may encounter.
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Setting the dish type manually To function properly, your DIRECTV are using. You can set the dish type manually using the instructions below. See the next page for information on how to set the dish type automatically. Note: For access to DIRECTV ®...
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Connections & Setup Using Auto Detection to set the dish type To function properly, the DIRECTV are using. You can specify the dish type using the instructions on the previous page, or you can follow the steps below to use Auto Detection to automatically set the dish type. Before you can use Auto Detection to set the dish-type, the dish must be correctly aligned and the HD Receiver must be receiving a strong signal from the satellite.
Testing the DIRECTV HD Receiver ® The System Test lets you check the status of your satellite signal, access card, phone line connection, and other system information. This is helpful in troubleshooting should you experience problems with your HD Receiver. To start the System Test: 1.
Connections & Setup Setting up local networks programming schedules You can use your DIRECTV ® HD Receiver to receive program guide information via satellite for local off-air and cable TV channels (when this information is available). To use this feature, you must connect your HD Receiver to a satellite dish as described earlier in this chapter, and you must set up the Local Network Programming option in the menu system.
6. Next, set your cable TV type by highlighting Cable TV Type and pressing SELECT. Then, highlight the type of cable signal your cable TV service provides (STD, HRC, or IRC), and press SELECT. Note: STD, HRC and IRC are signal formats used by cable TV services. Most cable companies use the STD cable format.
AUX) and programmed, it turns the component on and off. When pressed twice within two seconds, all components that are on are turned off (this feature only works with most RCA, GE, and Proscan products). The component keys also light up, one after another, counterclockwise in a circle.
® HD Receiver’s remote can be programmed to control most brands of remote controllable components. The remote is already programmed to control most RCA, GE and Proscan components; it may need to be programmed to control other manufacturers’ brands. Component buttons ������...
Important: This remote may not be compatible with all models of all brands of components. It also may not operate all functions of the remote that came with your component. Note: The DIRECTV button cannot be programmed. Component buttons ������ ���...
HD Receiver and the AUX1 button is used to control a second RCA satellite or HD receiver. If your second receiver is an RCA, GE, or Proscan and you want to control it using the AUX1 button, use code 5001. Code 5000 is used by the DIRECTV button, which can't be re-programmed.
Getting info on the program you're watching Your DIRECTV ® HD Receiver provides several kinds of information about the TV programs you watch. The Channel Banner Each time you change the channel on your HD Receiver, the Channel Banner appears. After a few seconds, the Channel Banner disappears.
Special Features The Full Channel Banner The Channel Banner provides quick information as you switch channels on your DIRECTV Receiver. If you want to see information about the channel you are currently watching, simply press the INFO button on your HD Receiver’s remote control. Pressing the INFO button displays the Full Channel Banner.
Schedule For future programs, allows you to set your receiver to remind you when the program is about to start, or to set the receiver and VCR to record the program. Unschedule For programs you have previously scheduled for a reminder or recording, allows you to cancel the reminder or recording.
Special Features Setting the default Guide style The Program Guide menu item allows you to set which style of guide is displayed when you press the GUIDE button on your remote control. Using the Surf Guide The Surf Guide is made up of a Channel Banner and a channel list. This Guide only covers part of the screen, so you can continue to watch a TV program while you are browsing the Guide.
Using the Grid Guide The Grid Guide displays a Channel Banner and a channel list. It provides access to the complete set of guide features including the ability to search for programs, schedule reminders and recordings, etc. Arrow marking the current time Picture-in-Guide shows you the...
Special Features 5. To get information on a channel (rather than a program), use the arrow keys on the remote control to highlight the channel entry in the guide. The Channel Banner displays information about the highlighted channel. 6. Press the INFO key on your remote control while a channel entry is highlighted to see a Channel Detail Screen containing more information about the highlighted channel.
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The following chart explains each time control. Viewing a category of programs in the guide To set your guide to show you all channels, or only channels showing programs in a specific category (for example, only channels showing sports, or only channels showing movies): Chapter 4 Exits the time control bar.
Special Features Using the Logo Guide The Logo Guide displays 21 channel logos and a Channel Banner showing information about the program currently showing on the highlighted channel. Picture-in-Guide shows you the program you're watching Currently highlighted channel Displaying and clearing the Logo Guide There are three ways to display the Logo Guide: •...
Chapter 4 4. As you highlight each channel logo in the Logo Guide, information about the program currently showing on the highlighted channel appears in the Channel Banner. To see more information on the program, press the INFO button on your remote control. The Program Detail screen appears, showing complete information about the program on the highlighted channel, and a list of actions you can take related to that program.
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Special Features Searching by Credits, Title, or Text To find programs that star a certain actor, share a director, have a particular character, have won a specific award, or were created in a certain year, search By Credits. To search for a program whose title you know, search By Title. Searching By Text looks at both credits and titles to find programs that match your search terms.
Scheduling program reminders and recording timers There are two kinds of timers you can set to help you manage your TV viewing: • reminders to alert you when a program is about to begin. • timers that will automatically record a program on your VCR. To set your DIRECTV HD Receiver to remind you when a program is about to begin, or to record ®...
Special Features Pay per view icon Pay per view programs Your DIRECTV HD Receiver gives you access to many pay per view ® movies, sporting events, concerts, etc. All you need to order these events is a DIRECTV account, a land-based telephone line connected to your HD Receiver, and your remote control.
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Chapter 4 3. Press SELECT to view a list of your past pay per view purchases (the Past Purchases screen appears). 4. To see details for the listed purchases, highlight a purchase, then press SELECT. A screen displaying program details for the selected purchase appears.
Special Features Choosing an alternate audio format for a program Many programs on your DIRECTV For example, some programs are available in alternative languages. Some are available in Dolby Digital format (a high-quality digital audio format). You can tell if a program offers alternative audio formats by pressing the INFO button on your remote control while watching a program.
Using the Menu System Chapter 5: Using the Menu System Using the Menu System To display the main menu, press MENU on the remote control. To use the menu system, press the remote control’s arrow buttons to highlight your on-screen choice and press the SELECT button to select it.
Using the Menu System Note: The program guide is described in detail in the previous chapter, Special Features, starting on page 37. Program Guide Selecting PROGRAM GUIDE from the main menu displays a menu with a variety of display options available. You can select the logo or channel guide, search by category or style, or change the active profile.
Chapter 5 Using the Menu System Editing user profile names The four user profiles – User 1 to User 4 – can be renamed for members of your household. The Family and All Channels profiles cannot be renamed. You can change the names of User 1 to User 4 profiles to anything you wish, using up to eight letters and numbers.
Using the Menu System To edit a channel list: 1. Press the MENU button on your remote control. 2. Highlight the PROFILES menu item and press SELECT (the Profiles menu appears). 3. Highlight the profile with the channel list you want to edit (Family, or User 1 - 4) and press SELECT (the menu for that user profile appears).
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Chapter 5 Using the Menu System Setting the rating limits for TV programs To set the maximum viewable TV program rating for the TV programs: 1. Press the MENU button on your remote control. 2. Highlight PROFILES and press SELECT (the Profiles menu appears with the Family profile is highlighted).
Using the Menu System Setting rating limits for movies To set the maximum viewable rating for movies, follow these steps: 1. Press the MENU button on your remote control. 2. Highlight PROFILES and press SELECT (the Profiles menu appears, with the Family profile highlighted).
Note: The user profile can also be changed by press- ing the WHO•INPUT button on your remote control while you are watching TV. Chapter 5 Using the Menu System 4. Highlight Pay Per View and press SELECT. A list appears, from which you can choose to Allow or Block pay per view purchases.
Using the Menu System When the system is unlocked, the Lock System menu item is displayed. Selecting Lock System displays a screen where you can lock the system. When the system is locked, the Unlock System menu item is displayed. Selecting Unlock System displays a screen where you can unlock the system.
Chapter 5 Using the Menu System Reading your mail The MAILBOX menu lets you to read the mail sent to you by DIRECTV or your service provider. 1. Press the MENU button on your remote control. 2. Highlight MAILBOX and press SELECT. The Mailbox screen appears, displaying all of the mail you have received (both read and unread).
Using the Menu System Setting the language for on-screen Menus and Guides To choose a language for the menu and guide screens, follow these steps: 1. Press the MENU button on your remote control. 2. Highlight SYSTEM SETUP and press SELECT. 3.
Chapter 5 Using the Menu System For widescreen 16:9 TVs displaying standard 4:3 programs, your choices are: Pillar Box: Displays the entire program image, fitting the program to the screen by applying black/gray bars to the left and right sides of the screen. Full: Displays the entire program image, fitting the program to the screen by stretching the image horizontally so that it fills the screen.
Using the Menu System Setting the default screen color and translucency The Screen Color options in the Preferences menu let you set a default screen color for the menu and guide screens. There are four color choices: Cobalt Blue, Seagrass, Periwinkle and Spiced Burgundy. Screen colors can also be set separately for the Family profile and the four User profiles;...
Chapter 5 Using the Menu System Reviewing and modifying reminders and recording timers The Timers item in the SYSTEM SETUP menu lets you review, modify, or create new program reminders and program recording timers. 1. Press the MENU button on your remote control. 2.
Using the Menu System Reviewing and controlling Caller ID The Caller ID item in the System Setup menu lets you view a list of the calls you've received on the telephone line connected to your DIRECTV Receiver. It also lets you turn the Caller ID feature on or off. The Caller ID feature only works if you subscribe to the caller ID service provided by your local telephone service.
Chapter 5 Using the Menu System Setting the Local Time options The Local Time setting (in the Installation section of the System Setup menu) lets you set how the following two time settings are controlled – either by you ("locally") or by your service provider: •...
Using the Menu System Centering the DIRECTV HD Receiver’s picture ® If you’re using the RGB or DVI outputs to connect the HD receiver to your monitor, you can change the position of the HD receiver’s picture on your monitor’s screen using the Monitor Setup option in the Installation menu. To center the receiver’s picture on your monitor’s screen: 1.
Chapter 6: Additional Information Troubleshooting Use the tips below to help solve any problems you have with the DIRECTV I have no picture and no sound and the POWER light does not light. • Make sure your HD Receiver is plugged into a working power outlet. If it is, make sure the unit is turned on. If the receiver is plugged into a power strip, make sure the strip is plugged in and turned on.
Additional Information I cannot purchase a pay per view program. • It may be too late to purchase the program. Try purchasing another showing of the same program. • Make sure the telephone line is properly connected. • If your system is locked, make sure the purchase does not exceed your spending or rating limit. •...
Front panel controls and lights Your front panel has a flip-down door which you need to open to access its controls. To open this door, push firmly on the top middle part of the door to unlatch it. Then, gently pull the door out and down.
Additional Information Back Panel Switches and Input/Output Jacks The diagram below illustrates the location of the input and output jacks on the back of the DIRECTV ® HD Receiver. Step-by-step setup instructions for connecting your HD Receiver appear in Chapter 2. �����...
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Additional Information DTV OUTPUT SELECT switch This switch determines the signal type your DIRECTV HD Receiver ® outputs. Set it according to the way you connected the HD Receiver to your monitor: either for the COMPONENT OUT jacks, or for the DVI/HDCP OUT and RGB OUT outputs. CH 3/4 switch This switch sets the channel for viewing the signal from the OUT TO TV signal on your COMPONENT VIDEO (Y PR PB video) Using standard A/V cables, these jacks connect the...
Additional Information FCC Customer Information This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules and the requirements adopted by the ACTA. On the back or bottom side of this equipment is a label that contains, among other information, a product identifier in the format US:G95XXXXXXXXX. If requested, this number must be provided to the telephone company.
Additional Information RCA Satellite Product System or Receiver Limited Warranty What your warranty covers: • Defects in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • 90 days from date of purchase - Unit exchange, which includes parts and labor.
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What your warranty does not cover: • Customer instruction. (Your Owner’s Manual describes how to install, adjust, and operate your unit. Any additional information should be obtained from your dealer.) • Acts of nature, such as but not limited to lightning damage. •...
Use this number only to place an order for accessory items. 1-800-338-0376 You can buy some accessories on-line at www.rca.com Standard Audio/Video cable with RCA-type phono plugs. VH83, price: $5.95 Stereo VCR Dubbing Audio/ Video Cable is a triple gold- tipped cable that lets you connect the video and audio jacks of stereo components.
Rating limits 54, 55, 56 Recording timers 47, 63 Reminders 63 Remote control Buttons 30 Code list 35, 36 Controlling a second RCA Operating other components Programming 32 Replacement 76 RF 34 Resolution select 5, 13, 15, 17 Antenna 11, 20...
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Visit the RCA website at www.rca.com If your HD Receiver needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Service Center from the Yellow Pages. Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product.
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