RCA 1998 - Manuals

First Things First 4 What is the Digital SatelliteSystem? You’ve purchased the digital satellite system, so you alreadyknow a lot of the great things it offers. You know that thesystem uses the latest satellite technology to deliver televisionprogramming to your home. And you know that thetransmissi...

First Things First 5 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.) Receiver Remote Control Installing Batteries In the Remote Control Follow these steps whenever you need to i...

First Things First 6 Using This Manual There are a couple of conventions used in this manual that mighthelp you read it. • Words that appear in ALL CAPS indicate the name of abutton. • The names of on-screen menu options are shown in italics. Important Note about This User’s Manual This manual assum...

First Things First 7 The Point and Select Method Point and Select is the two-step method you use to navigatethrough the menu system and program guides. Once you knowhow to point and select, you can explore the menus to learnmore about how your digital satellite system works. 1. Point You point by pr...

First Things First 8 Connecting Your Receiver to YourTV During the satellite dish antenna installation, the receiver mayhave been connected to your TV with just a coaxial cable for thesystem test. Depending on what components you have, anotherconnection may provide better picture and audio quality. ...

First Things First 9 Jacks and Cables S-Video Jack and Cable The S-Video jack provides the best picture quality for yoursystem. This jack is available on many TVs and is used in conjunction withaudio cables to connect the receiver to your TV. Remember alsoto connect the left and right audio cables b...

First Things First 10 Connection A Best Picture and Sound Quality 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: 1. Conne...

First Things First 11 Connection B Very Good Picture and Sound Quality 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 To connect TV, VCR and antenna or cable box: 1. Connect coaxial cabl...

First Things First 12 Connection C Good Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with RF input (jack) • VCR with RF and audio/video inputs • Coaxial and audio/video cables To connect TV, VCR, and antenna or cable box: 1. Connect coaxial cables and audio/video cables as sh...

First Things First 13 Connection D Good Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: • TV with RF input • Coaxial cables To connect TV and antenna or cable box: 1. Connect coaxial cables as shown. To receive satellite programming: • Tune TV to channel 3 or 4 (depending on how you ...

First Things First 14 Interactive Setup If you self-installed your satellite dish antenna, you may havealready used the interactive setup to find the dish pointingcoordinates, acquire and fine-tune the signal, and run a systemtest. If you need to run the interactive setup again, select Optionsfrom t...

Program Guides 15 ➣ First Things First What is a Program Guide? A program guide is an on-screen programmingschedule. There are several types of guides, eachpresenting the schedule in a different format. Using the program guide is easy as long as youremember the Point and Select rule. Point toitems o...

Program Guides 16 Anatomy of a Program Guide The following diagram shows you the kind of information youwill see in the program guides. Bringing Up the Program Guides You can access the program guides by pressing MENU•SELECT onthe remote and selecting Program Guide, or by using the GUIDEbutton on th...

Program Guides 17 Anatomy of The Channel Banner Some of the items you select in the guides can also be selected inthe channel banner. The channel banner appears whenever you tune to a channel,exit a guide, or press INFO on the remote. Use the arrow buttonsand MENU•SELECT to choose an item. On-screen...

Program Guides 18 Using the GUIDE Button Each press of the GUIDE button takes you to an alternate type ofprogram guide. The Detail Guide The Detail Guide shows five channels in a time-and-channelformat, with program information for the highlighted program. The Grid Guide The Grid Guide shows seven c...

Program Guides 19 Tuning to a Program To tune directly to a current program listed in the guide, point tothe program and press MENU•SELECT. To see information about a program in the guide, press INFO. The Program Details screen appears and gives youseveral options. Then, you can select: • View Chann...

Program Guides 20 The Channel Guide Displays a channel’s programming schedule in a channel-by-channel 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 andspecial events information. Exiting A ...

Program Guides 21 Sorting the Guides Sorting the guide is a way of organizing the guide to show onlythe types of programs that interest you. There are several on-screen buttons that sort the guide in different ways. The Sorting buttons appear at the bottom of theGrid Guide and Detail Guide. Topics T...

Program Guides 22 Movies Select the Movies button to list movies only. After selectingMovies, the Movies button changes to a Movies Themes button. Select the Movies Themes button to sort the guide to list specifictypes of movies, such as comedies or musicals. Select a Movies Themes that interests yo...

Program Guides 23 AlphaSort AlphaSort lists in alphabetical order all the program titles in thecurrent guide. Select the AlphaSort button to search for specificprogram titles that are in the current program guide. Use thearrow button to highlight a character, then press MENU•SELECT. For example, to ...

Program Guides 24 Scout The Scout button lets you assign “Scouts” to search the guide forvery specific program information, such as actor’s names orprogram descriptions. Select the Scout button to view theavailable scouts. Point to an available Scout, and select it. Select the Enter Textbutton to se...

Program Guides 25 Other Guides The Other Guides button lets you sort the guide by differentvariables, such as future times, user profile channel lists, andchannel groups. You can then choose a guide format to view theprogram information. Select the Other Guides button. You can select multiple sortpa...

Program Guides 26 The other buttons Exit Exits the guide and returns you to normal viewing on the currentchannel. Press MENU•SELECT to continue. Help Brings up additional information about the guide. PressMENU•SELECT to continue. Down Arrow The arrow button allows you to scroll down through othercha...

The Menu System 27 ➣ First Things First What ’s a Menu? The satellite system menu is a list of choices, justlike a menu in a restaurant. And, just as arestaurant menu is divided into sections such asappetizers, entrees, and desserts, the on-screenmenus are also separated into sections to helpyou fin...

The Menu System 28 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 theMain menu. To use the menu system, you need to know the Point and Selectrule. Use the arrows on the remote to point to an item on thescreen, and then pr...

The Menu System 29 Menu Descriptions This section briefly describes each of the available Main menuoptions. More information about each menu and its features isincluded later in this chapter. Program Guide Shows the on-screen programming schedules. Mailbox Use to read mail messages from your program...

The Menu System 30 “Family” is one of fiveselectable Profiles Program titlesand information Returns you toprevious screen Help gives youmore information Sort the guide by:Topics, Movies, or Sports Sorts the current guidealphabetically by title Searches guide forspecific information Displays moresort...

The Menu System 31 The Mailbox The mailbox shows you messages that are sent—or “mailed”—from your program providers. For example, you may receive amessage 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 onwhether the rece...

The Menu System 32 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 previewsfor movies. After previewing the movie, you can purchase it orfind out more...

The Menu System 33 Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs When you use the program guide to select a PPV program, theProgram Details screen gives you a few more options. The Program Details screen gives you severaloptions. You can select: • View Channel to tune to that channel • Channel Guide to s...

The Menu System 34 Using the Attractions Guide Your program providers may offer future programming eventsnot currently listed in your Program guide. These events arecalled “coming attractions,” and can be previewed in theAttractions Guide. 1. Press the GUIDE button until the Detail Guide or Grid Gui...

The Menu System 35 Using the Purchases Menu The Purchases menu allows you to review upcoming and pastpurchases. The Purchases menu shows you upcoming or pastpurchases, and spending limits. The list of purchases may be longer than one screen; use thedown arrow keys to see more items. The display also...

The Menu System 36 On-screen icons are an easy wayto understand the timers. indicates the timer is set. indicates the timer is set fora PPV. indicates a timer conflict. Editing or Canceling a Timer From the Timers screen, select theTimer you want to edit or cancel,and then do the following: • Use th...

The Menu System 37 Profiles When you select Profiles from the Main menu, the first screenyou see is the User Profiles control panel. In addition to theFamily profile, you can create as many as four different profilesthat can be easily accessed by using the WHO•INPUT button onthe remote control. You ...

The Menu System 38 Add or Delete All Channels You might be able to save time when creating a channel list byusing the Add All Chans option or the Delete All Chans option toeither add all channels or delete all channels before removing oradding individual channels. Also, program providers may make ad...

The Menu System 39 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 –...

The Menu System 40 Locking a User’s Profile Each user can be assigned a personal password to lock his or herprofile. When a password is assigned, the user must enter thepassword before he or she can view programs using that profile.Profile passwords do no allow access to, or editing of the profileli...

The Menu System 41 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 youwant to unlock the system. Sess...

The Menu System 42 Options The Options menu lets you set up preferences for the look andfeel of the system as well as how some of the features work. The Options menu lets you change how thesystem works. The following sections explain your options when changing yourpersonal preferences. Follow the on...

The Menu System 44 New Access Card Periodically, your program provider may issue you a replacement access card. The New Access Card Setupdisplay screen allows you to transfer the information from theold card onto the new one. Follow the display screen prompts to initialize your new card.Once you hav...

The Menu System 45 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 upthe Main m...

The Menu System 46 Using the On-Screen Signal Meter The signal strength meter is used to determine whether or notyou are receiving the satellite signal, and it also indicates thestrength of the satellite signal. Follow these steps to bring up the on-screen signal meter: 1. Turn on your television an...

The Menu System 47 Home Control Home Control lets you remotely control several lamps andappliances through your receiver. Home Control setup The Home Control Data Interface connects to the LOW SPEEDDATA port on the back of the receiver. Once connected, youmust tell the receiver to use this port for ...

The Menu System 48 4. Use the arrow buttons and MENU•SELECT to select the houseand module codes that match the device’s remote moduleand label the module. Select Save Setup to complete thesetup. Device Control Once the device is set up, there are two ways to control it; withthe menu system, or with ...

Reference 49 How It All Works Although the digital satellite system is simpleto use, there are a number of parts in thesystem. Don’t be overwhelmed. This sectionexplains how these different parts worktogether to bring a picture to your screen. What ’s It For? This section also describes the controls...

Reference 50 Home View These parts are inside of or attached to your house. 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 antennamust, ...

Reference 51 Front Panel Controls 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...

Reference 52 Remote Control Buttons ON•OFF Turns the device you are controlling on or off. TV Tells the remote to control the TV. 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 th...

Reference 53 Programming the Remote Control The remote can be programmed to control most brands ofremote controllable TVs. The remote is programmed to controlmost RCA, GE and ProScan TVs. The remote needs to beprogrammed to control other manufacturers’ brands. Programming the Remote to Control Your ...

Reference 54 Troubleshooting The System Test allows you to run a basic diagnostics check onyour digital satellite system. If you are experiencing any troublewith your system, bring up the Main menu, select Options, thenSystem Options and run the system test. Make sure that • All connections—jacks, c...

55 Appendix A: Warranty Information Repair Help Thomson Consumer Electronics offers hardware repair service should you encounter any problems with yourdigital satellite system. Many problems can be diagnosed over the phone, or if necessary, a replacement unitcan be shipped to you. Please have your d...

56 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 part...

57 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 yourshipment in case of damage or loss. • Carefully pack the unit using the original box and packin...

58 - Appendix B: FCC Regulations FCC Registration Information Your digital satellite system equipment is registered with the Federal Communications Commission and is incompliance with parts 15B and 68, FCC Rules and Regulations. 1. Notification to the Local Telephone Company. On the bottom of this e...

59 RG-6 Coaxial Cable 12 feet D912 $12.95 25 feet D925 $15.95 50 feet D950 $21.95 75 feet D975 $29.95 100 feet D901 $35.95 S-Video Cable 12 feet D913 $12.95 Weatherproof “F” Connector (2) D905 $ 5.30 TVRO Bullet Amplifier D903 $24.95 Self-Installer’s Kit DKIT96 $69.95 Remote Control 232579 $40.45 Ho...

60 Appendix C: Accessories ® r r s TM Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card by filling in below USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your VISA card IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number from your MasterCard My card expires: My card expires: Copy ...

61 Index A Access card 50 number 14 Accessories 59All button 22AlphaSort button 23Alternative data 44Attractions Guide 20, 34Audio Language 44 B Batteries installing in the remote 5 Buttons 52 C Cancelling purchases 35Channel banner anatomy 17icons 17 Channel Guide 20Channel lists 37 add channels 38...