SATELLITE RECEIVER USER'S GUIDE
Safety Information WARNING To reduce risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this receiver to rain or moisture. WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN Cautions TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol indicates “dangerous voltage” inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Table of Contents First Things First ................................................... 3 What is the Digital Satellite System? ............................................. 4 What’s in the Box ............................................................................ 5 Using This Manual ........................................................................... 6 The Point and Select Method ................................................... 7 Connecting Your Receiver to Your TV ........................
Table of Contents Locking the System ................................................................. 40 Choosing Your Profile ............................................................. 41 Options .......................................................................................... 42 Look and Feel .......................................................................... 43 System Options ....................................................................... 43 Audio Language ....................
First Things First Read the First Two Chapters In First Things First, you’ll learn: • how to use this manual ➣ The first two chapters of the manual introduce you to your digital satellite system, and show you how to use the on-screen guides and menus.
First Things First What is the Digital Satellite System? You’ve purchased the digital satellite system, so you already know a lot of the great things it offers. You know that the system uses the latest satellite technology to deliver television programming to your home. And you know that the transmissions are digital, so the quality of the picture and audio rivals that of laser discs and CDs. You know the dish is small—18 inches wide—and that it often can be installed in a matter of hours.
First Things First What’s in the Box The following items come with your digital satellite receiver: • Receiver (with access card inserted) • Remote Control (Remote controls vary by model.) ON/OFF INFO MENU SELECT ANTENNA Receiver • OFF ON TV SAT DS5130RBC DS5120RB SAT1 POWER • TV MENU SELECT GUIDE INFO DRD502RB SAT2 GUIDE FETCH DS5230RBC MENU GO BACK 4 5 6 7 8 9 ELE C CLEAR INFO CH+ ALT.
First Things First Using This Manual There are a couple of conventions used in this manual that might help you read it. • Words that appear in ALL CAPS indicate the name of a button. • The names of on-screen menu options are shown in italics. Important Note about This User’s Manual This manual assumes that your digital satellite system has been installed, meaning: 1. The satellite dish antenna has been installed, correctly pointed at the satellite, and connected to your digital satellite receiver. 2.
First Things First The Point and Select Method Point and Select is the two-step method you use to navigate through the menu system and program guides. Once you know how to point and select, you can explore the menus to learn more about how your digital satellite system works. 1. Point You point by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or front panel. Pressing the arrow keys moves the on-screen highlight to different items in the program guide and the menu screens.
First Things First Connecting Your Receiver to Your TV During the satellite dish antenna installation, the receiver may have been connected to your TV with just a coaxial cable for the system test. Depending on what components you have, another connection may provide better picture and audio quality. The following sections provide cable and connection information to help you decide what connection is best for you.
First Things First Jacks and Cables S-Video Jack and Cable The S-Video jack provides the best picture quality for your system. This jack is available on many TVs and is used in conjunction with audio cables to connect the receiver to your TV. Remember also to connect the left and right audio cables because the S-Video jack carries only the picture signal, not the sound.
First Things First Connection A TV IN S-VIDEO VIDEO R AUDIO L Best Picture and Sound Quality SATELLITE DISH To use this connection you must have: • TV with separate RF, audio/video, and S-Video inputs (jacks) • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial, audio/video, and S-Video cables To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cable box: DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVER OUT TO TV IN FROM ANT VCR IN FROM ANT CH3 CH4 1. Connect coaxial cables as shown.
First Things First Connection B TV IN VIDEO R AUDIO L Very Good Picture and Sound Quality SATELLITE DISH To use this connection you must have: • TV with separate RF and audio/video inputs (jacks) • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial and audio/video cables DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVER OUT TO TV IN FROM ANT CH4 CH3 VIDEO R VIDEO R AUDIO AUDIO L L SATELLITE IN CABLE OR OFF-AIR ANTENNA To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cable box: VCR 1. Connect coaxial cables as shown.
First Things First Connection C TV IN SATELLITE DISH Good Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with RF input (jack) DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVER OUT TO TV CH4 CH3 • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial and audio/video cables To connect TV, VCR, and antenna or cable box: VIDEO R VIDEO R VCR IN FROM ANT CH3 CH4 VIDEO IN L AUDIO L SATELLITE IN CABLE OR OFF-AIR ANTENNA AUDIO IN R 1. Connect coaxial cables and audio/video cables as shown.
First Things First Connection D TV IN Good Picture and Sound Quality SATELLITE DISH To use this connection you must have: • • TV with RF input DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVER CABLE OR OFF-AIR ANTENNA OUT TO TV VIDEO R VIDEO R AUDIO L IN FROM ANT CH4 CH3 Coaxial cables AUDIO L SATELLITE IN To connect TV and antenna or cable box: 1. Connect coaxial cables as shown.
First Things First Interactive Setup If you self-installed your satellite dish antenna, you may have already used the interactive setup to find the dish pointing coordinates, acquire and fine-tune the signal, and run a system test. If you need to run the interactive setup again, select Options from the Main menu, then select Interactive Setup. If you just want to check your dish pointing coordinates, or run the signal strength meter, select Dish Pointing from the Main menu.
Program Guides What is a Program Guide? 2 Program Guides 3 The Menu System ➣ Using the program guide is easy as long as you remember the Point and Select rule. Point to items on the screen by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or front panel. Then, press MENU•SELECT to tune to that program. ➣ A program guide is an on-screen programming schedule. There are several types of guides, each presenting the schedule in a different format.
Program Guides Anatomy of a Program Guide The following diagram shows you the kind of information you will see in the program guides.
Program Guides Anatomy of The Channel Banner Some of the items you select in the guides can also be selected in the channel banner. Program titles and information Takes you to the Main menu Locks and unlocks the system Sorts the guide alphabetically by title “Family” is one of five selectable Profiles Use Home Control or Data Port Read mail from program providers Searches guide for specific information The channel banner appears whenever you tune to a channel, exit a guide, or press INFO on the remote.
Program Guides Using the GUIDE Button Each press of the GUIDE button takes you to an alternate type of program guide. The Detail Guide The Detail Guide shows five channels in a time-and-channel format, with program information for the highlighted program. The Grid Guide The Grid Guide shows seven channels in a time-and-channel format. The SurfGuide The SurfGuide displays a half-hour format. Press the right arrow button to extend the SurfGuide to a two-hour format.
Program Guides Tuning to a Program To tune directly to a current program listed in the guide, point to the program and press MENU•SELECT. To see information about a program in the guide, press INFO. The Program Details screen appears and gives you several options. Then, you can select: • View Channel to tune to that channel • Channel Guide to see a program lineup for that channel • Buy Program to purchase the program • Other Times to see what other times the program is available.
Program Guides The Channel Guide Displays a channel’s programming schedule in a channel-bychannel format. The Logo Guide Displays channel logos for the current user’s profile. The Attractions Guide Displays a list of channels that show coming attractions and special events information. You can point to any program and tune to that channel or get more information. Just press the MENU•SELECT or INFO buttons.
Program Guides Sorting the Guides Sorting the guide is a way of organizing the guide to show only the types of programs that interest you. There are several onscreen buttons that sort the guide in different ways. The Sorting buttons appear at the bottom of the Grid Guide and Detail Guide. Topics The Topics button sorts the guide according to the current user’s preferences. Select the Topics button to sort the guide. The Topics button changes to the Topics Themes button.
Program Guides Movies Select the Movies button to list movies only. After selecting Movies, the Movies button changes to a Movies Themes button. Select the Movies Themes button to sort the guide to list specific types of movies, such as comedies or musicals. Movies button Movies Themes button Select a Movies Themes that interests you. Sports Select the Sports button to list sporting events only. After selecting Sports, the Sports button changes to a Sports Themes button.
Program Guides AlphaSort AlphaSort lists in alphabetical order all the program titles in the current guide. Select the AlphaSort button to search for specific program titles that are in the current program guide. Use the arrow button to highlight a character, then press MENU•SELECT. AlphaSort button For example, to search for the program, Auto Racing, the first letter you should enter is “A”. (Words like “The”, “A” and “An” appear at the end of a title.
Program Guides Scout The Scout button lets you assign “Scouts” to search the guide for very specific program information, such as actor’s names or program descriptions. Select the Scout button to view the available scouts. Scout button Point to an available Scout, and select it. Select the Enter Text button to set up the information the Scout will look for in the program guide. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the desired search parameters.
Program Guides Other Guides The Other Guides button lets you sort the guide by different variables, such as future times, user profile channel lists, and channel groups. You can then choose a guide format to view the program information. Other Guides button Select the Other Guides button. You can select multiple sort parameters. For example, you could sort the guide by pay-perview movies that are available at a future time.
Program Guides The other buttons Exit Exits the guide and returns you to normal viewing on the current channel. Press MENU•SELECT to continue. Exit button Help Brings up additional information about the guide. Press MENU•SELECT to continue. Help button Down Arrow The arrow button allows you to scroll down through other channels in the guide. Point to the down arrow, and then press MENU•SELECT to scroll down through the program guide. Arrow button The Main menu Brings up the satellite system Main menu.
The Menu System What’s a Menu? ➣ The satellite system menu is a list of choices, just like a menu in a restaurant. And, just as a restaurant menu is divided into sections such as appetizers, entrees, and desserts, the on-screen menus are also separated into sections to help you find the information you need.
The Menu System Using the Menu System To bring up the Main menu, press MENU•SELECT on the remote. Use point and select to choose an item from the Main menu. To use the menu system, you need to know the Point and Select rule. Use the arrows on the remote to point to an item on the screen, and then press MENU•SELECT to select it. Exit and Help There are Exit and Help buttons at the top of most screens. Point to Exit and press MENU•SELECT to leave that screen.
The Menu System Menu Descriptions This section briefly describes each of the available Main menu options. More information about each menu and its features is included later in this chapter. Program Guide Shows the on-screen programming schedules. Mailbox Use to read mail messages from your program providers. Purchases Use to review or cancel upcoming purchases, and to review past purchases. Timers Allows you to schedule the satellite system to tune to a specific channel at a specific time.
The Menu System The Program Guide Selecting Program Guide brings up your default program guide: the Detail Guide, the Grid Guide or SurfGuide. Anatomy of a Program Guide The following diagram shows you the kind of information you will see in the Detail Guide and Grid Guide.
The Menu System The Mailbox The mailbox shows you messages that are sent—or “mailed”— from your program providers. For example, you may receive a message calling your attention to a new service. How to tell when you have mail There are two ways to tell if you have mail, depending on whether the receiver is turned on or off. • If the receiver is turned on, the mail icon in the channel banner is highlighted. • If the receiver is turned off, the power light on the front panel of the receiver flashes.
The Menu System Pay-Per-View Programs Pay-per-view programs (PPV) are programs that you purchase— like a movie ticket—on an event-by-event basis. For instance, there might be a specific channel that runs nothing but previews for movies. After previewing the movie, you can purchase it or find out more details about it. PPV programs can also be found in the program guide. Purchasing and Previewing There are several ways to purchase and preview PPV movies and events: • Tune to a PPV program’s channel.
The Menu System Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs When you use the program guide to select a PPV program, the Program Details screen gives you a few more options. The Program Details screen gives you several options. You can select: • View Channel to tune to that channel • Channel Guide to see a program lineup for that channel • Buy Program to purchase the program • Other Times to see what other times the program is available.
The Menu System Using the Attractions Guide Your program providers may offer future programming events not currently listed in your Program guide. These events are called “coming attractions,” and can be previewed in the Attractions Guide. 1. Press the GUIDE button until the Detail Guide or Grid Guide appears on-screen. 2. Use the down arrow button to move the highlight to the bottom of the screen. 3. Point to and select the Other Guides button. 4. Point to and select the Attractions Guide.
The Menu System Using the Purchases Menu The Purchases menu allows you to review upcoming and past purchases. The Purchases menu shows you upcoming or past purchases, and spending limits. The list of purchases may be longer than one screen; use the down arrow keys to see more items. The display also shows the title, channel, date, time, and cost of each program. • Note that the Past Purchases list might be modified after each billing cycle and still show purchases for which you have already paid.
The Menu System Spending Limits Use the Spending Limit option to indicate a per-event spending limit for pay-per-view programs. 1. Point to Spending Limit, and press MENU•SELECT. Spending limits are in effect only when the system is locked. You can set a per-event spending limit for each Profile. 2. Use the digits on the remote or use the arrow keys to enter a single-program spending limit.
The Menu System Profiles When you select Profiles from the Main menu, the first screen you see is the User Profiles control panel. In addition to the Family profile, you can create as many as four different profiles that can be easily accessed by using the WHO•INPUT button on the remote control. You can personalize how the profile looks on-screen by entering a name and selecting a picture. You can personalize each profile. You can also edit the user profiles.
The Menu System Add or Delete All Channels You might be able to save time when creating a channel list by using the Add All Chans option or the Delete All Chans option to either add all channels or delete all channels before removing or adding individual channels. Also, program providers may make additional channels available. To prevent new channels from appearing in a profile channel list, choose Delete All Chans and checkmark only the channels you want to appear in the list.
The Menu System Viewing Hours Use the Viewing Hours option to limit the total amount of time, as well as the viewing hours a user can watch programming. 1. Point to Viewing Hours, and press MENU•SELECT. You can limit viewing seven days a week. 2. Use the digits on the remote or point to the + or – and press MENU•SELECT to complete the on-screen sentence. Choose how many hours can be viewed each day (0-24 hours) and when programming can be viewed. Be sure to lock the system for these limits to take effect.
The Menu System Locking a User’s Profile Each user can be assigned a personal password to lock his or her profile. When a password is assigned, the user must enter the password before he or she can view programs using that profile. Profile passwords do no allow access to, or editing of the profile limits. You must enter the system password to edit profile limits. 1. Point to Lock User and press MENU•SELECT. Each user can have a password. 2.
The Menu System Unlocking the System When the system is unlocked, the channel, spending, viewing, and ratings limits, that you have set are no longer in effect. 1. Point to Unlock System and press MENU•SELECT. 2. Point to Yes and press MENU•SELECT to confirm that you want to unlock the system. Session Unlock If your system is locked and you attempt to access a channel or program that is blocked by one or more limits, you are asked to enter the four-digit system password to override the system lock.
The Menu System Options The Options menu lets you set up preferences for the look and feel of the system as well as how some of the features work. The Options menu lets you change how the system works. The following sections explain your options when changing your personal preferences. Follow the on-screen instructions to make changes to the system.
The Menu System Front Panel shows an on-screen display of the receiver front panel. Point to the different front panel features to see a brief description of the highlighted feature. Back Panel shows an on-screen display of the receiver back panel. Point to the different back panel features to see a brief description of the highlighted feature. Glossary shows a list of common satellite system and TV terms. Point to a glossary item to see a brief description.
The Menu System New Access Card Periodically, your program provider may issue you a replacement access card. The New Access Card Setup display screen allows you to transfer the information from the old card onto the new one. Follow the display screen prompts to initialize your new card. Once you have transferred the information to the new card, your old card becomes invalid. Because your specific account information is stored in the access card, power failures should have no effect on your system.
The Menu System The Dish Pointing Menu Screen Follow these steps to obtain your dish pointing coordinates: 1. Turn on your television and satellite receiver. 2. Tune your television to the satellite receiver’s output channel. 3. Press MENU•SELECT on the remote or front panel to bring up the Main menu. 4. Use the arrows to highlight the “Dish Pointing” option, and then press MENU•SELECT to access the dish pointing screen.
The Menu System Using the On-Screen Signal Meter The signal strength meter is used to determine whether or not you are receiving the satellite signal, and it also indicates the strength of the satellite signal. Follow these steps to bring up the on-screen signal meter: 1. Turn on your television and satellite receiver. 2. Tune your television to the satellite receiver’s output channel. 3. Press MENU•SELECT on the remote or front panel to bring up the Main menu. 4.
The Menu System Home Control Home Control lets you remotely control several lamps and appliances through your receiver. Home Control setup The Home Control Data Interface connects to the LOW SPEED DATA port on the back of the receiver. Once connected, you must tell the receiver to use this port for Home Control. 1. Press MENU•SELECT to bring up the Main menu. 2. Point to and select Options. 3. Point to and select System Options. 4.
The Menu System 4. Use the arrow buttons and MENU•SELECT to select the house and module codes that match the device’s remote module and label the module. Select Save Setup to complete the setup. Device Control Once the device is set up, there are two ways to control it; with the menu system, or with a timer. Select a device from the Home Control menu screen. You can then, turn it on, turn it off, or adjust the brightness for lamp modules. Select Edit Setup to change a device.
Reference How It All Works ➣ Although the digital satellite system is simple to use, there are a number of parts in the system. Don’t be overwhelmed. This section explains how these different parts work together to bring a picture to your screen. 1 First Things First Program Guides 3 The Menu System ➣ 2 What’s It For? This section also describes the controls located on the front and back of the receiver.
Reference Home View These parts are inside of or attached to your house. Satellite Dish Receiver Telephone Jack Access Card Remote Control Satellite Dish Antenna Picks up the satellite’s coded program information and relays it to your receiver. (Your satellite dish may be installed in different locations on or around your house. The satellite dish antenna must, however, be pointed in a southern direction toward the satellite.
Reference Front Panel Controls ON/OFF INFO MENU SELECT ANTENNA ON/OFF Turns the receiver’s power on or off. INFO Brings up the on-screen channel banner. ANTENNA Switches the source of the video signal from satellite signals to an off-air antenna or cable signal. ARROWS Press the navigation arrows to move the on-screen highlight up, down, left, or right. Using the arrows to highlight a menu item is also called “pointing.” The up and down arrows also change channels.
Reference Remote Control Buttons ON•OFF Turns the device you are controlling on or off. TV Tells the remote to control the TV. • OFF ON TV SAT SAT Turns on the receiver and tells the remote to control system functions. GUIDE Brings up the on-screen program guide. Press the GUIDE button several times to toggle through the different types of guides. • MENU SELECT MENU•SELECT Brings up the Main menu. If you are already in the menu system, press MENU•SELECT to select a highlighted choice.
Reference Programming the Remote Control The remote can be programmed to control most brands of remote controllable TVs. The remote is programmed to control most RCA, GE and ProScan TVs. The remote needs to be programmed to control other manufacturers’ brands. Programming the Remote to Control Your TV To determine whether your remote needs to be programmed, turn the TV on, point the remote at the TV, and press the TV button. Then press CHAN UP or DOWN to see whether the TV responds to the remote commands.
Reference Remote TV Codes A-Mark .......................................... 102 Admiral ......................................... 005 Amtron ......................................... 064 Anam ..................................... 104,105 Anam National ..................... 038, 106 AOC ............... 011, 019, 027, 088, 107 Bell & Howell ................................ 005 Candle ........................... 011, 027, 033 Citizen ................... 011, 027, 033, 064 Colortyme .....................
Appendix A: Warranty Information Repair Help Thomson Consumer Electronics offers hardware repair service should you encounter any problems with your digital satellite system. Many problems can be diagnosed over the phone, or if necessary, a replacement unit can be shipped to you. Please have your digital satellite system model, serial number and date of purchase ready when you call. If your unit is out of warranty, we will quote the cost of an exchange unit to you.
Appendix A: Warranty Information RCA DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY What your warranty covers: • Any defect in materials or workmanship. For how long after your purchase: • • • 90 days - Unit exchange, which includes parts and labor. 91 days to 1 year - Unit exchange, which includes parts only; you pay the labor. The warranty for rental units begins with the first rental or 45 days from date of shipment to the rental firm, whichever comes first.
Appendix A: Warranty Information To receive a replacement receiver after we have received your unit: • • • • • Write the RA 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. Please retain all accessories that were included with your unit such as the remote control hand unit. Include with the shipment: 1. Evidence of purchase date such as a bill of sale.
Appendix B: FCC Regulations FCC Registration Information Your digital satellite system equipment is registered with the Federal Communications Commission and is in compliance with parts 15B and 68, FCC Rules and Regulations. 1. Notification to the Local Telephone Company. On the bottom of this equipment is a label indicating among other information, the FCC Registration number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for the equipment. You must, upon request, provide this information to your telephone company.
Appendix C: Accessories Accessory Order Form for Digital Satellite Systems RG-6 Coaxial Burial Cable with weatherproof “F” connectors Description FETCH CLEAR CH+ ALT. AUD T ELE C S WHO INFO VOL VOL MUTE 1 CH- GO BACK 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 INPUT ANTENNA 0 D912 $12.95 25 feet D925 $15.95 50 feet D950 $21.95 75 feet D975 $29.95 Remote Control replaces a lost remote. Or, order a second remote for convenience. D901 $35.95 S-Video Cable 12 feet D913 $12.
Appendix C: Accessories United States and Canada Orders Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card by filling in below To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM and 10PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.
Index A Access card 50 number 14 Accessories 59 All button 22 AlphaSort button 23 Alternative data 44 Attractions Guide 20, 34 Audio Language 44 B GUIDE button 18 Guides.
If your satellite system needs service, please contact your dealer or the nearest Servicenter 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. 10330 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46290 ©1998 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
