DirecTV DVR39 User Manual
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DirecTV DVR39 User Manual

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DIRECTV and RCA are dedicated to providing you with quality support and customer service. If you have questions or
difficulties, we would like to hear from you.
®
®
®
®
DIRECTV DVR
For questions regarding your DIRECTV
DVR, DIRECTV
programming or your DIRECTV
DVR with TiVo
service, after
checking the Troubleshooting chapter of this guide, please contact DIRECTV at 1-800-531-5000.
User's Guide
If your DVR is not working properly even after restarting it, you are having trouble with the remote control or have
another technical question, please contact RCA at 580-634-0151.
When you call either RCA or DIRECTV, you will need to provide the number on your DVR's access card, and the make,
model number, and serial number of your DVR, located on a label on the back of the DVR 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 RCA web site at RCA.com has links to a wide
variety of products and information.
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  • Page 1 RCA at 580-634-0151. When you call either RCA or DIRECTV, you will need to provide the number on your DVR's access card, and the make, model number, and serial number of your DVR, located on a label on the back of the DVR and on the System Information screen under Messages &...
  • Page 2 The On-Screen Menus and the Remote Control Arrow Buttons To use the DIRECTV 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 3 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 4 Welcome to DIRECTV...
  • Page 5 Thomson, 10330 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN U.S.A. 46290 DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, DIRECTV SPORTS THIS WEEK, and 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: Welcome To The Directv Family

    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. DIRECTV will take you to the arena for the best sports has to offer. Tune to Channel 212 ®...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Tour 2: DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide™ ........
  • Page 8 Messages from DIRECTV ........
  • Page 9 Questions About the DVR’s Phone Calls ........

  • Page 10: Using This Guide

    Service . The recording service provided through the DIRECTV DVR with TiVo ® DIRECTV DVR. DIRECTV DVR . Refers collectively to the satellite antenna receiver and the DVR hardware. ® DVR to your DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Throughout this guide, you will see important and helpful notes and tips in this format.

  • Page 11: Chapter 1: Connecting

    The TiVo Logo . As you use your DIRECTV DVR, you’ll see the TiVo logo in places like the Now Playing List and TiVo Suggestions. Your new DVR incorporates the latest DVR (Digital Video Recorder) technology from TiVo. This means you have access to exclusive...
  • Page 12 HAPTER Connecting Overview Before You Begin Useful Terms Cables and Accessories Setup Examples...

  • Page 13: Overview

    IN jack and leave through a cable connected to an OUT jack. ® When you connect your DIRECTV DVR 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

    Before You Begin Make sure that all of your equipment is turned off and the DIRECTV DVR is unplugged. Connecting to a Phone Line You will need access to a standard analog phone jack. Your DVR needs to be connected to a phone line to communicate with DIRECTV.
  • Page 15 VCRs, DVD players, or A/V receivers. Flat, hard surface. The DVR should rest on a flat, hard surface only. Do not operate it on a carpet or other padded surface, as this can inhibit proper ventilation and cause the unit to overheat.

  • Page 16: Useful Terms

    “fingers” pointing back at the dish, a 2 satellite dish antenna has two, and a 3 satellite dish antenna has three. If you own a 2 or 3 satellite dish antenna, your DVR will not work properly unless you have connected a multiswitch with at least four inputs and two outputs.
  • Page 17 Dual Tuner : A tuner picks one channel out of all of your available channels. This allows you to view a single channel and to change channels. “Dual tuner” means your DIRECTV DVR has two tuners. It can pick out two channels at once, allowing you to record programs on two channels at the same time.
  • Page 18 Optical (or Digital) Audio Cable : An optical (or digital) audio cable transfers audio only. This cable transfers audio at the highest possible quality from your DIRECTV DVR to an A/V receiver. If you have a home theater, own an A/V receiver capable of receiving ...
  • Page 19 Digital audio is recorded on six separate channels, each of Dolby which can be heard on one of six separate speakers. To use Dolby must use an optical audio cable to connect your DIRECTV DVR to an A/V receiver ® capable of supporting Dolby Digital audio.

  • Page 20: Cables And Accessories

    Cables and Accessories In addition to your television and the equipment that shipped with this DIRECTV DVR (shown below), you’ll need a satellite dish antenna before you connect the DVR and a standard, analog phone line (see page 3 for details).

  • 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 DVR to your existing audio/video system. Choose the example closest to your configuration and follow the steps in that section.
  • Page 23 DVD Player or 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 Audio R L Video DIRECTV DVR AC~In...
  • Page 24 Example 1: VCR, DVD and/or Game System, and Switch Box or A/V Receiver Connect the coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish antenna to the DIRECTV DVR. Connect one coaxial RF cable that comes from your satellite dish antenna to the jack labeled “Satellite In 1”...
  • Page 25 C h a p t e r 1 To switch between watching your VCR and watching video from your DVR, you will need to use the “Input,” “Source,” or “TV/Video” button on your TV or TV’s remote control to change the video source.
  • Page 26 Example 2: DVR with VCR Connect the coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish antenna to the DIRECTV DVR. Connect one coaxial RF cable that comes from your satellite dish antenna to the jack labeled “Satellite In 1” on the DVR. If you have a second coaxial RF cable from your satellite dish antenna, connect it to the jack labeled “Satellite In 2.”...
  • Page 27 C h a p t e r 1 Example 3: DVR Only Television INPUT VIDEO DIRECTV DVR 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 Example 3: DVR Only Connect the coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish antenna to the DIRECTV DVR. Connect one coaxial RF cable that comes from your satellite dish antenna to the jack labeled “Satellite In 1” on the DVR. If you have a second coaxial RF cable from your satellite dish antenna, connect it to the jack labeled “Satellite In 2.”...
  • Page 29 If you are having trouble changing the video source, refer to the instructions that came with your TV. Example 4: DVR, VCR, Antenna or Cable, and Multiple Input TV Television INPUT VIDEO Audio L Video...
  • 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 DVR functions while watching antenna or cable channels, even if you connect your antenna or cable directly to your DVR.
  • Page 31 If you are having trouble changing the video source, refer to the instructions that came with your TV. Example 5: DVR with VCR, Antenna or Cable, and Single Input TV Television DIRECTV DVR AC~In Note: Audio/Video cables shown are examples only. Use the best connections available on your equipment.
  • Page 32 Use coaxial RF cable to connect the DVR’s output to your VCR’s input. Be sure to select an output of channel 3 or 4 using the small switch on the back of the DVR. You will then need to set your VCR’s output to the same channel (3 or 4), and tune your TV to that same channel (3 or 4), to receive a signal Use coaxial RF cable to connect your VCR’s output to your TV’s input.
  • 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 DVR, 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 DIRECTV DVR 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 DVR 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 Satellites may have different numbers of transponders. Satellite Connections. If you connected an RF coaxial cable to each of the DIRECTV DVR “Satellite In” jacks, select “Two cables.” If you connected only one RF coaxial cable (to the “Satellite In 1” jack), select “One cable.” To be able to record two programs at the same time, you must connect an RF coaxial cable from the satellite dish antenna (or a multiswitch) to both of the “Satellite In”...
  • Page 38 Confirming Setup, Satellite Info . At each of the next two screens there is a short wait while the DVR confirms your set-up then gathers a list of channels from the satellite. S a t e l l i t e D i s h G u i d e d S e t u p...
  • Page 39 Program Guide Data it has. Program Guide Data . Over the first 1 to 2 days, the DIRECTV DVR 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 DVR. Before you make the phone call: • The DVR 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

    DVR service and Showcases, and for pay per view functionality. By default, the DVR will not pick up the phone if the line is busy. If you pick up the phone while the DVR is using the line, the DVR’s modem will disconnect. To use the phone line you should hang up, then pick up the phone again to get a dial tone.
  • 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 DVR’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 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 DIRECTV The right edge of the green part is always the current time.

  • Page 47: Tour 2: Directv Advanced Program Guide

    “Record this Showing.” If the program is currently playing, the DVR changes channels and begins recording; otherwise, the recording is scheduled for the future. When you’re recording, the red light on the front of the DVR illuminates.
  • 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

    What’s more, if you have not changed the channel for a while, your DIRECTV DVR will add to your recording whatever part of the program it has already saved, up to 30 minutes. Your DVR also provides many ways to quickly search large numbers of programs, find your favorites, and schedule recordings in advance.
  • 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

    New content is delivered fresh to your DVR during the daily phone call. TiVolution Magazine is always available under Showcases. To find it, press the DIRECTV button, select “Showcases,” then “TiVolution Magazine.”...
  • 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 few programs and rate them by pressing the THUMBS UP button.

  • Page 53: Tour 5: Now Playing List

    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 DIRECTV DVR can record many hours of programming. (Enough to fill a slew of video tapes!) Fortunately, it also labels and organizes all those saved programs. Unlike a VCR, the Now Playing List on your DVR gives you instant access to all recorded programs—no need to spend time searching for an episode on that tape you thought you...

  • 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 Use the EXIT button: The EXIT button hides the status bar, guide, channel banner, and anything else that is not part of the program. Record two programs at the same time with Dual Tuner! Your DIRECTV DVR has two tuners—which means it can record programs on two channels at the same time. To activate both tuners, both Satellite In jacks on the back of the DVR must be connected to cables from your satellite dish antenna (or a multiswitch), and you must choose the “Two...

  • 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

    Here are two ways to watch live TV: • Press the LIVE TV button on your remote control. • From DIRECTV Central, highlight Watch Live TV and press SELECT. Changing Channels There are a number of ways to change channels—choose what’s easiest for you: •...
  • Page 58 With Dual Tuner, if you’re switching between two channels by using the DOWN arrow, the DVR saves up to 30 minutes of live TV on both channels. If you move to a new channel (that is, a third channel), the saved portion on the first channel is cleared, and the DVR starts to save live TV on the new channel (in addition to the other most recent channel you were watching).

  • Page 59: Directv Advanced Program Guide

    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 DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide ™ ™ While you are watching live TV, the Advanced Program Guide shows you current and upcoming programs.

  • 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 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 Shortcuts . The large channel banner has a number of selectable icons. To select an icon, use the UP and DOWN arrows to highlight it, then press SELECT. Select to start a recording. This icon is bright when the DVR is recording a program, dim when it is not recording.

  • Page 63: Play With Live Tv

    Play with Live TV Part of the fun of watching live TV and recorded programs with your DIRECTV 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

    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 DVR. The DVR automatically saves up to 30 minutes of live TV. You can rewind and fast forward through the saved portions of a program.

  • 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

    If you temporarily turned off Parental Controls, standby mode enables them again. • The lights on the front of the DVR go out and it shows a black screen on your TV. It responds to only a few buttons on the remote control.
  • 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

    All programs saved on your DVR are listed in the Now Playing List (no more searching through unlabeled videotapes!). 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.
  • Page 70 Parental Controls. If Parental Controls are on when you schedule a Season Pass, the DVR checks its current program information to see if any upcoming program violates a Parental Control. If a program does, the DVR requires the current password to continue. See page 90.
  • 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 Keep Until . (Only available for a repeating recording.) If you change this setting from “Space needed” (the default) to “Until I delete,” programs are saved until you delete them. If your DVR fills up with programs marked “Until I delete,” it will stop making new recordings until you delete some old programs.
  • Page 73 Keep At Least . (Only available for an individual recording.) This option sets the minimum amount of time for the DVR to keep a recording. The default setting is two days, except for pay per view events, which default to “Save until I delete.”...
  • 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 1. Set up your VCR. Be sure you have connected your DVR’s video and audio to the VCR’s video and audio. See the Start Here poster that came with your DVR. 2. Be sure your VCR is set to record input from your DIRECTV video source. (See your VCR’s instructions for how to set the input.) 3.
  • 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

    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. It also helps you search for fun, exciting new programs that match your interests, hobbies, favorite stars and genres.

  • 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...
  • 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 Fright, starring Chris Fields. The keyword entry would look like this: “CHRIS FIELDS” FRIGHT. 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 “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 If you enter more than one keyword, the WishList only finds programs that match all of your keywords. With Keyword WishList searches, the DVR service checks for your keywords in the program or episode title, description, actor, director, year, and category information.
  • Page 88 • For dollar signs ( $ ) substitute the letter S. For example, to find “$50,000 Chance,” use S50000. (In Search by Title, skip the dollar signs to find these titles.) DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to Record Search Using WishLists...
  • 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 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 When there is empty space in the Now Playing List, the DVR service may record TiVo Suggestions for you.
  • Page 92 “Channels you Receive” list, you can schedule a recording from the Program Information screen. DIRECTV Central Showcases H e l p M e F i n d N e w P r o g r a m s...
  • 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 DVR. Though some events have dedicated channels that allow ordering more than 24 hours in advance,...
  • Page 98 DVR to purchase a pay per view event more than 24 hours before the event airs. Recorded pay per view programs are marked “Save Until I Delete” (the green icon) by default. That way your recorded movies are saved until you manually delete them from the Now Playing screen.
  • Page 99 Selecting this leaves the pay per view screen without making any changes. • Cancel this recording. Available if the program has been purchased and is being recorded. Selecting this option cancels the recording. (Because the DVR began recording the program, you will still be charged for the purchase.) •...

  • 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 DVR 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 DVR 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 DVR.
  • 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 “Clear banner quickly.” Audio Options ® Digital . This sets your DVR’s default to automatically record and output Dolby Dolby Digital audio whenever a program includes it. You should do this if you have the digital output of your DVR connected to an audio/visual system equipped with Dolby decoding.
  • Page 108 M y P r e f e r e n c e s Sound Effects Volume . Allows you to change the volume or turn off your DVR’s sound effects (the tones played when you press buttons on the remote control). The default setting is Medium.
  • Page 109 Anamorphic . This method allows the DVR to choose how to display the image. If TV Aspect Ratio is set to Wide Screen, the DVR displays a wide screen image. If TV Aspect Ratio is set to Standard, the DVR displays a Letterbox image.

  • 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 After you start the call, the status indicator reads “Starting Up.” The status will update as it cycles through various states. You can watch TV and use your DVR while the call is in progress. The DVR typically uses the phone for less than ten minutes during a daily call.
  • 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 114 132.) Set Dial Prefix . You can use this screen to specify a prefix if the DVR needs to use one to reach an outside line (for example, the DVR may need to dial “9” before it dials out). Use the number keys on the remote control to enter the prefix.
  • Page 115 With ‘Phone Avail.’ Detection turned off, the DVR must pick up the line to check for a dial tone. If you are on the phone when the DVR tries to call, you may hear a click on the line. If you have another modem call in progress (on your computer or other device), that call may be disrupted if the DVR attempts to make a service call.
  • Page 116 Time Zone/Daylight Savings DIRECTV sets the time on your DVR to be accurate at your billing address. If you temporarily move the DVR 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

    System Information This is where you can find the DVR’s serial number, the manufacturer and model number, the software version, information about recent service calls, and the DVR’s storage capacity. 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.

  • 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 & Phone Setup...

  • Page 119: Restart Or Reset System

    Selecting a reset option brings you to a warning screen. To continue press THUMBS DOWN three times, then press ENTER. Restart the DVR. Shuts down the DVR and starts it up again. It will not affect recorded programs, Season Pass items, WishList searches, or TiVo Suggestions.

  • 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 DVR. You can also set it up to control your TV and A/V stereo system. For example, you can set up the remote to: •...

  • 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 Performing a code search can take up to 20 minutes. 1. Prepare the remote control . Point the remote away from your DVR. Refer to the table below and determine which two buttons to press to prepare the remote.
  • Page 124 Unfortunately, due to the great variety of TVs and A/V stereo systems, some makes and models are not compatible with your DVR’s remote control. If you reach the end of the available codes without finding a code that works with your device, you will need to use your TV or A/V stereo system’s remote to turn it on and off, and control...

  • Page 125: Resetting The Programmable Buttons

    1. Prepare the remote control. Point the remote away from your DVR. 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 DVRs, 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

    Questions About Live TV (Including Satellite Signal) Questions About Pick Programs to Record Questions About Parental Controls Questions About the DVR’s Phone Calls Questions About Audio Questions About Pay Per View Questions About the Remote Control Questions About the DIRECTV ® ® DVR with TiVo Service...

  • Page 129: Contacting Customer Care

    • Understanding an on-screen message regarding your service. When you call either RCA or DIRECTV, you will need the 12 digit number on your DIRECTV access card and the make, model, and serial number of your DVR, all of which are located on a label on the back of the DVR and on the System Information screen under Messages &...

  • Page 130: Questions About Installation

    TV. • If you did not connect the DVR directly to the TV but are instead passing the signal through your VCR, make sure your VCR is displaying the appropriate video source.

  • 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 & 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 • Your DVR downloads program guide data throughout the day from your satellite connection. It takes a day or two for the DVR to get all of its guide data (up to 14 days) after you have completed Guided Setup.
  • Page 133 How do I get back to the last channel I was watching? • When watching live TV, typing a channel number jumps the DVR 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 DVR are secure. • If multiple channel changes do not work, try restarting your DVR. From DIRECTV Central, choose “Messages & Setup,” then “Restart or Reset System,” then “Restart the Recorder.” Follow the instructions on the screen to restart the DVR.
  • Page 135 PAUSE again to resume play. • Press the DIRECTV button; then press the LIVE TV button to return to live television. • Restart your DVR. From Messages & Setup select “Restart or Reset System,” then “Restart the Recorder.”...

  • Page 136: Questions About Pick Programs To Record

    Your DVR may not have all its program guide data yet. When you first begin to use your DVR, 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 Can I copy or archive programs to a ZIP drive or any other computer storage media? • No, the DVR does not copy or archive recordings to any device other than a VCR. How do I go back to the beginning of a recording I’m watching? •...
  • Page 139 DVR’s time is consistently wrong, you can change the 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 DVR 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.
  • Page 141 After that, programs may be deleted to make room for other recordings you request. Recordings of pay per view events are kept until you delete them. The DVR service uses this information to figure out not only what space will be available but when it will become available.

  • 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 Dvr's Phone Calls

    • Verify that your phone line is working by connecting a phone to the phone cord and checking for a dial tone. Make sure the phone cord is connected to the DVR and the wall jack. •...
  • Page 144 Connection,” then “Change Dialing Options.” Turn off “Phone avail. detection.” • You might have too much line noise to make a connection. The DVR ships with a 25 foot phone cord. Try a shorter cord, or buy a line noise filter at your local electronics store.
  • Page 145 C h a p t e r 8 Why does the DVR have to be connected to a phone line? Do I need to keep the phone connected all the time? • The DVR should be plugged in to a land-based phone line at all times to receive the ®...

  • 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

    GUIDE. • In general, pay per view events can be ordered through the DVR within 24 hours of their air time. If you see a message that says cost information is not available, you can wait until less than 24 hours before the program airs and try again.
  • 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

    Questions About the Remote Control My remote control doesn’t work with my television. • You need to program the DVR’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 DVR.

  • 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 TiVo Suggestions isn’t making accurate suggestions for me. • If you haven’t had your DVR for very long, give it time. It may take a week or two of use before your personal preference profile has enough data to make interesting suggestions.

  • 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 ® RCA Manufactured DIRECTV 90 Days Free Labor/One Year Parts Exchange WHAT YOUR WARRANTY COVERS Any defects in materials or workmanship. FOR HOW LONG AFTER YOUR PURCHASE •...
  • Page 154 TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT UNIT AFTER WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR UNIT • Write the SR number on the outside of the carton used to return the unit. Make sure you insure your shipment in case of damage or loss. • Carefully pack the unit using the original box and packing material if possible.

  • Page 155: Fcc Information

    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 • Reorient or relocate the receiving satellite dish antenna. • 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.
  • Page 156 If your home has specially wired alarm equipment connected to the telephone line, ensure the installation of this DIRECTV® DVR does not disable your alarm equipment. If you have questions about what will disable alarm equipment, consult your telephone company or a qualified installer.

  • 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 Your DVR is able to receive upgrades or modifications to some of its features and functions. These modifications will occur automatically, usually at times when the DVR would not be in use. If your DVR is in use when an upgrade or modification is sent, you may experience a disruption in reception for a minute or two.

  • 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 — 12. 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 The DIRECTV DVR 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 (supplied). Your DVR needs to be connected to a phone line to receive updates from DIRECTV. The DVR occasionally makes a brief phone call to get updates to the DVR service and Showcases, and for pay per view...
  • Page 164 L/R Audio outputs, do not plug in the yellow Composite Video cable. 9. Digital Audio Out: You can use the Digital Audio Out to connect your DVR to an A/V receiver with a digital audio input. To do so, you will need an optical audio cable (not supplied).
  • 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 or cable...

  • 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 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 see also Dial-In Number...
  • 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 Program will be recorded as part of a WishList. DIRECTV Central and Showcases Appears on DIRECTV Central beside an option that changes. Select 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.

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