Page 2 - Safety Information; Note to Cable TV Installer:; WARNING; Cautions
Safety Information Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top ofthe DSS Receiver. The slots on top of the receiver must be left uncovered to allow proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airflow tothe unit could impair performance or damage your receiver and othercomponents. Do not ...
Page 3 - Table of Contents
1 Table of Contents First Things First ............................................................ 3 What’s in the Box ............................................................................. 5 Using This Manual ........................................................................... 6 The ...
Page 5 - The Menu System; system, and show you how to use the; Putting You in Control; programming by creating individual; First Things First
3 First Things First The Only Rule:Point and select ➣ ➣ ➣ The Menu System The Program Guide ➣ Profiles Hi, my name is jay... and I wrote this User Manual. You can believe mewhen I tell you that you should read this page firstbecause it gives you a game plan for attacking thisrather large manual. Rea...
Page 6 - from the Main menu, and; What is the DSS; The DSS; Ordering DSS
4 First Things First When you order programming, youneed to know your Access Cardnumber. To get the number, select Options from the Main menu, and then select System Test . Wait for the system to run all of it’s tests. TheAccess Card number is displayed atthe end of the system test. Write the Access...
Page 7 - What ’s in the Box; Receiver
5 First Things First What ’s in the Box The following items come with your RCA DSS ® receiver: • Receiver (with access card inserted) • VCR Controller • Remote Control ON/OFF DISPLAY ANTENNA MENU SELECT Receiver VCR Controller REC STOP PLAY FAV • INPUT PREV CH DISPLAY GUIDE MENU • SELECT CLEAR 0 8 7...
Page 8 - Using This Manual; Important Note about This User’s
6 First Things First 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 option are shown in italics . Important Note about This User’s Manual This manual assum...
Page 10 - What is Point and Select?; Don’t worry about getting stuck inside
8 The Only Rule:Point and Select MENU•SELECT What is Point and Select? Point and Select is the two-step method you use to control theDSS ® system. 1. Point You point by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or frontpanel. Pressing the arrow keys moves the on-screen highlightto different items in the...
Page 11 - The Program Guide
9 The Program Guide The Only Rule:Point and select ➣ ➣ The Program Guide First Things First ➣ The Menu System ➣ Profiles 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 Progr...
Page 12 - Bringing Up the Program Guides; Using the GUIDE Button; Changing Channels with the number
10 The Program Guide Bringing Up the Program Guides You can access the program guides by using the GUIDE button onthe remote, or by selecting Program Guide from the Main menu. Using the GUIDE Button Each press of the GUIDE button takes you to an alternate type ofprogram guide: • Press GUIDE once to ...
Page 13 - Scrolling Page By Page
11 The Program Guide Scrolling Page By Page If you want to scroll up or down through the Program Guidefaster, press the Channel Up/Down buttons on the remotecontrol. The highlight scrolls a page at a time. This is called“paging.” Tuning to a Program • To tune directly to a program listed in the guid...
Page 14 - Types of Program Guides
12 The Program Guide Types of Program Guides There are five types of program guides: the Grid Guide, the InfoGuide, the Topic Guide, the Channel Guide, and the AttractionsGuide. The Grid Guide Shows the schedule in a time-and-channel format, similar to a TVschedule listed in a newspaper. The seven-c...
Page 15 - The Topic Guide
13 The Program Guide The Topic Guide Lets you sort the programming schedule to show certain topics,such as “movies” or “sports.” The Topic guide. The Channel Guide Displays the programming schedule in a channel-by-channelformat. The Channel guide. The Attractions Guide Displays coming attractions an...
Page 16 - Sorting the Grid and Info Guides; Using the Sorting Buttons
14 The Program Guide Sorting the Grid and Info Guides There are six on-screen choices—called “buttons”— at thebottom of the Grid Guide and the Info Guide: down arrow,Movies, Sports, Other, All, and Sort. The Sorting buttons are at the bottom of the screen. The arrow button allows you to scroll down ...
Page 17 - Using the Themes Button; Exiting A Program Guide
15 The Program Guide Allows you choose from a list of sorting topics. Once you haveselected a sorting topic from the list, your guide will besimplified to show only that type of program. After selecting a topic, a Themes button may appear in the place of the Other button. Resets the guide to show al...
Page 19 - Your On-Screen Living Room; The first menu in this DSS; Don’ t Forget Point and Select
17 The Menu System The Only Rule:Point and select ➣ ➣ The Program Guide First Things First ➣ The Menu System ➣ Profiles What ’s a Menu? The DSS ® menu is a list of choices, just like a menu in a restaurant. And, just as a restaurantmenu is divided into sections such as appetizers,entrees, and desser...
Page 20 - Using the Menu System; Exit and Help; Exiting a Screen; Using Help
18 The Menu System If the Main Menu doesn’t appearwhen you press MENU•SELECT, theremote might not be in DSS ® mode. Try pressing the DSS button on theremote, and then MENU•SELECT. Using the Menu System To bring up the Main Menu, press MENU•SELECT on the remote. The Living Room Main Menu. To use the ...
Page 21 - Changing the Main Menu’s Appearance
19 The Menu System 2. Point to the Help button and press MENU•SELECT. The Help balloons show all of the menu choices inthe Living Room Main Menu. 3. Press MENU•SELECT again. The help balloons disappear. The rest of the Help buttons in the menu system bring up helpfulinformation explaining one aspect...
Page 22 - Menu Descriptions; Context-Sensitive Help
20 The Menu System Menu Descriptions This section briefly describes each of the available Main menuoptions. Detailed information about each menu is included inthe sections of the manual which describe each menu. Program Guide Shows the on-screen programming schedules. Mailbox Use to read your mail m...
Page 23 - Profiles; viewing by; Especially for Parents; system is turned on. Setting up the family
21 Profiles The Only Rule:Point and select ➣ ➣ The Program Guide First Things First ➣ The Menu System ➣ Profiles User Profiles puts you in charge ofthe viewing habits of your family. Different Drummers Not everybody likes to watch the same thing, andwithin your own family, you might not wanteverybod...
Page 24 - Personalizing The User Profiles
22 Profiles Personalizing The User Profiles You can personalize each of the profiles by changing the name,hair style, eyes and nose, mouth, and face color. This makesselecting a profile with the remote much easier because you canquickly identify your own personal profile. To change the appearance of...
Page 25 - Creating and Editing a Profile; system defaults to the family profile.
23 Profiles Creating and Editing a Profile To access and edit the user profiles, you need to open the safe bypointing to Open Safe and then pressing MENU•SELECT. After you open the safe, you have access to all of the userprofiles, and can set per-event spending limits and lock thesystem so that no c...
Page 26 - Editing the Channel List; Add or Delete All Channels
24 Profiles Editing the Channel List The first time that you enter this menu, all of the channels areselected (check marked). To create a customized channel list, youneed to scroll through the list and deselect those channels thatyou do not want to appear in the Program Guide. 1. Point to Edit Chann...
Page 27 - Locking a User’s Profile; Don’t Forget Your Password; Go the Edit User screen, point to; and press the
25 Profiles Use the arrow keys to move the selector up and down. 2. Use the up and down arrows to move the rating selector tothe highest rating you want the user to view. Locking a User’s Profile Each user can be assigned a personal password to lock his or herprofile. When a password is assigned, th...
Page 28 - Controlling the System; Setting Up Spending Limits
26 Profiles Controlling the System Use the System Control screen to set up a system-wide, per-eventspending limit, and to lock the system in order to put into effectthe channel lists and rating limits you set up in your user profiles. The System Control screen. Setting Up Spending Limits Use the Spe...
Page 29 - Locking the System; Don’t Forget Your Password!; Unlocking the System; Forget Your System Password?
27 Profiles Locking the System Locking the system lets you manage your family’s access toDSS ® programming. The User Profile settings for channel lists, ratings limits, or spending limits go into effect when you lockthe system. 1. Point to Lock Limits and press MENU•SELECT. Enter a four-digit system...
Page 30 - Session Unlock; Programming
28 Profiles Session Unlock If your system is locked and you attempt to access a channel orprogram that is blocked by one or more limits, you are asked toenter the four-digit system password to override the system lock.If you enter the password to override the rating, spending, orchannel limit, all l...
Page 31 - More Features
29 More Features What? There’s More? If you’ve read this far, then you’ve seen how touse the on-screen program guides, how to getaround in the menu system, and how to editand use the Profiles feature. This sectionhighlights the rest of the features offered byyour DSS ® system. Don’t be afraid to use...
Page 32 - Purchasing and Viewing; Tuning to a PPV Program; You may need to enter your four-digit
30 More Features 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 d...
Page 33 - Using the Program Guide for PPV; Using the Attractions Guide; You need to connect your phone line; Buy and Record Option
31 More Features Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs When you use the Program Guide, to select a PPV program, pressthe DISPLAY to see a different Program Details screen. Use the Program Guide to get to the Program Details screen. • Select View Channel to see go to that channel and view aprogram...
Page 34 - Using the Purchases Menu
32 More Features Using the Purchases Menu The Purchases menu allows you to review upcoming and pastpurchases. The Purchases menu shows you upcoming or pastpurchases. The list of purchases may be longer than one screen; use thedown arrow keys to see more items. The display also shows thetitle, channe...
Page 35 - Timer Feature; Setting Up Timer Recordings; Connecting the VCR Controller
33 More Features Timer Feature The Timer feature allows you to preset your system toautomatically tune to a particular channel at a predeterminedtime, and even to record that channel. To use the Timer feature, select Timers from the main menu to bring up the Timers screen. Select a Timer (1, 2, 3, o...
Page 36 - Selecting a VCR Type; Recording with Timer
34 More Features Selecting a VCR Type You need to tell the DSS ® receiver which VCR brand you are using by selecting Set VCR Type from the Options menu. The Set VCR Type screen is located in the Options menu. 1. Use the arrows or digit keys to input the correct code for yourVCR brand. The VCR codes ...
Page 37 - One-Button Recording with Timer; The Mailbox; How to tell when you have mail
35 More Features One-Button Recording with Timer Press the REC (record) button on the remote while you have aprogram selected in the guide to set up a timer program. Theprogram information (channel, time, etc.) is stored in the firstavailable timer. Using Fetch Press the FETCH button on the remote t...
Page 38 - Mailbox Size; Alternate Audio Programs; ALT AUD Remote Button
36 More Features The Mail menu. 2. Press MENU•SELECT again to close the letter. After you read a message and want to erase it, point to Eraseand press MENU•SELECT. When you exit the display screen,messages not erased are saved in memory. Mailbox Size The mailbox has enough memory to store as many as...
Page 39 - Alternate Audio Display Screen; Picture Size; New Access Card Setup
37 More Features Alternate Audio Display Screen When you select Alternate Audio from the Preferences menu, theAlternate Audio display screen comes up. Point to the audio program type you want and pressMENU•SELECT. A check mark next to the program means youhave selected that program. The DSS ® system...
Page 40 - Auto Help
38 More Features Using On-Line Help On-line Help is available for all of the menus and display screens.The System provides Auto Help, Help buttons, and Menu Help. Auto Help Most menus contain a short description of that menu. Help Buttons Help buttons appear in many display screens. To see informati...
Page 41 - Connections; Protect Your Components from Power Surges
Connections 39 Things to Know BeforeConnecting Components Protect Your Components from Power Surges • Connect all components before plugging any power cordsinto the wall outlet. • Always turn off the DSS ® receiver, TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. Position Cables...
Page 42 - Jacks and Cables
Connections 40 Connecting Your DSS ® Receiver to Your TV If your DSS ® system has not been professionally installed, or if you move your system or add a component, refer to these pagesto help you connect your system. Jacks and Cables S-Video Jack and Cable (S-VHS) The S-Video jack provides the best ...
Page 43 - Choosing a Connection
Connections 41 Choosing a Connection The following pages show four examples of hookups commonlyused to connect the DSS ® receiver with a TV and other components. Refer to your TV and VCR Owner’s Manuals formore information on hooking up your specific components. Connection A Provides the best possib...
Page 44 - Connection A; Best Picture and Sound Quality
Connections 42 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. Connect coax...
Page 45 - Connection B; Very Good Picture and Sound Quality
Connections 43 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 cables as s...
Page 46 - CAUTION; Connection C; Good Picture and Sound Quality
Connections 44 CAUTION Do not stack electronic componentsor other objects on top of the DSS ® receiver. See Safety Information,inside front cover. 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 • Coaxia...
Page 47 - Connection D; Good Picture and Sound Quality)
Connections 45 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 DSS ® programming: • Tune TV to channel 3 or 4 (depending on how you setthe CH3...
Page 48 - Interactive Setup; Disabling Interactive Setup
Connections 46 Interactive Setup If you self-installed your satellite dish, you may have already usedthe 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, go to the Assistance menu and sele...
Page 49 - Reference; How It All Works; Although the DSS
Reference 47 How It All Works Although the DSS ® system is simple to use, there are a number of parts in the system.Don’t be overwhelmed. This section explainshow these different parts work together to bringa picture to your screen. What ’s It For? This section also describes the controlls locatedon...
Page 50 - Parts of the DSS; World View; Uplink Center Transmits programming up to the satellite.
Reference 48 Uplink Center Authorization Center Satellite Satellite Dish Antenna Parts of the DSS ® System One way to understand the DSS ® system is to look at the different parts of the system—from the studio down to the DSS ® receiver and remote control in your living room. World View These parts ...
Page 51 - Home View
Reference 49 Home View These parts are inside of or attached to your house. DSS ® Satellite Dish Picks up the satellite’s coded program information and relays it to your DSS ® receiver. (Your satellite dish may be installed in different locations on or around your house. Thesatellite dish must, howe...
Page 52 - Controls and Buttons; Front Panel Controls
Reference 50 Controls and Buttons This part of the Reference sections discusses the controls andbuttons located on the receiver and the remote control. Front Panel Controls ON/OFF Turns the DSS ® receiver’s power on or off. DISPLAY Brings up the on-screen channel marker. ANTENNA Switches the source ...
Page 53 - Back Panel Controls
Reference 51 OUT TOTV IN FROM ANT S-VIDEO VIDEO R L AUDIO WIDE BAND DATA VCR CONTROL REMOTE IN SATELLITE IN LOW SPEED DATA PHONE JACK CH 3 CH 4 Back Panel Controls IN FROM ANT Use to connect an off-air antenna or cable TV signal to the DSS ® system. OUT TO TV Use to connect the DSS ® receiver to you...
Page 54 - Remote Control Buttons
Reference 52 REC STOP PLAY FAV • INPUT PREV CH DISPLAY GUIDE MENU • SELECT CLEAR 0 8 7 9 5 4 6 CHAN 2 1 3 ANT MUTE ALT AUD ALT VCR DSS TV OFF • ON REW FF PAUSE FETCH VOL Remote Control Buttons OFF•ON Turns the device you are controlling on or off. TV Tells the remote to control the TV. VCR Tells the...
Page 55 - FETCH; Programming the Remote Control; Programming the Remote to Control
Reference 53 After you program the remote tocontrol your TV, record your TV codehere for easy reference. TRANSPORT Buttons (REW, STOP, PLAY, FF, PAUSE, REC) Use when controlling an auxiliary device, such as a VCR or Laserdisc player.Note that the REC (record) button is used for one-buttonrecording w...
Page 57 - Programming the Remote to Control a Cable Box
Reference 55 Programming the Remote to Control a Cable Box 1. Turn on the cable box. 2. Look up your brand and its code number(s) in code list onpage 57. 3. Press and hold the ALT button. 4. Press and release the DSS ® button. 5. Enter the three-digit code from the code list. 6. Release the ALT butt...
Page 58 - Remote Codes; TV Codes
Reference 56 Remote Codes TV Codes Laserdisc Player Codes Samsung ........ 006, 011, 014, 015, 019, ............................ 027, 036, 037, 077 Sanyo ...... 017, 021, 039, 056, 057, 058Scott ................................ 028, 037, 064Sears ...................... 000, 006, 011, 014, .............
Page 59 - VCR Codes
Reference 57 Aiwa ............................................... 015Akai ....... 003, 017, 022, 023, 063, 066Audio Dynamics ..................... 014, 016Broksonic ........................................ 010Candle ................... 007, 009, 013, 044, 045, 046, 052 Cannon ..........................
Page 60 - Glossary
Reference 58 Glossary The following is a list of terms used in this manual. There is also a glossary contained within the Assistancemenu of your DSS ® system. Access Card Identifies you to the DSS ® service providers and is required for your DSS ® system to work. Do not remove the access card except...
Page 62 - Troubleshooting; Running the System Test
Reference 60 Troubleshooting The DSS ® System Test allows you to run a basic diagnostics check on your DSS ® system. If you are experiencing any trouble with your system, run the system test. Make sure that • All connections—jacks, cables, etc. are correctly in place. SeeConnecting Your DSS ® Receiv...
Page 63 - Appendix A: Warranty Information; Toll-Free Telephone Product Help; Please have your DSS; Returning Equipment to Thomson for Repair or Exchange; Digital Satellite System (DSS; What your warranty covers:; For how long after your purchase:
61 Appendix A: Warranty Information Toll-Free Telephone Product Help You can reach Thomson Consumer Electronics at the following number:1-800-679-4776 (Toll free inside U.S.A.)Our toll-free DSS ® System number operates from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST on weekdays and10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST Satu...
Page 64 - To receive a replacement receiver before your return yours:
62 What we will do: • During the initial 90 days: Exchange the defective portion of your DSS ® with a new or, at our option, refurbished unit and correct any basic installation defects at no cost to you. • After the 90 days and within one year: Exchange the defective portion of your DSS ® with a new...
Page 66 - Appendix B: FCC Regulations; FCC Registration Information
64 - Appendix B: FCC Regulations FCC Registration Information Your DSS ® 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 labe...
Page 67 - Appendix C: Accessories; Miscellaneous Supplies; Detach Here
65 Appendix C: Accessories Audio/Video Cables Accessory Order Form for RCA DSS ® Models Price Part No. Total Description 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 $29.95 Stereo Audio/Video Cable 6 feet D906 $12.95 12 feet D914 $1...
Page 68 - United States and Canadian Orders; PLEASE
66 Appendix C: Accessories To order accessories, contact your local RCA Dealer.If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow theinstructions below to order by telephone. United States and Canadian Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa orMasterCard ready and call the toll-free numberli...
Page 69 - index
67 index A Access Card 49 new card setup 37 number 4 ALT AUD button 36 Alternate Audio display screen 37 Alternate audio programs 36 Arrow keys 8 Attractions Guide 13, 31 Audio/Video jacks 40 Auto Help 38 B Back Panel controls 51 AUDIO RIGHT AND LEFT 51 IN FROM ANT 51 LOW SPEED DATA port 51 OUT TO T...
Page 70 - Index
68 Index Picture Size 37 Picture size 37 Picture Size, changing 37 PPV (pay-per-view) 30 product help-line 61 Profiles changing appearance 22 channel lists 24 ratings limit 24 Program Guide 9 All Button 15 Arrow button 14 Attractions Guide 13 bringing up 10 Channel guide 13 Exit Button 15 exiting 15...
