RCA HD Receiver - Manual

4 High Definition refers to a new way of sending programming information over the airwaves and into your TV.There are two types of display formats available: one is ATSC format (originating from the Advanced TelevisionSystems Committee). The other is NTSC format (named for the National Television Sy...

Setup and Connections 5 Getting Started This section tells you how to get your HD receiver set upand connected. It describes the cables you will need,explains the front and back panels, and walks youthrough the steps needed to start using your HDreceiver. S e t u p a n d c o n n e c t i o n s 1 ➣ Us...

Setup and Connections 6 Step 1: Unpack the System Make sure to locate the remote control and the other cables that are included withyour HD receiver. Step 2: Connect Your HD Receiver toOther Components During the satellite dish antenna installation, your HD receiver may have beenconnected with just ...

Setup and Connections 7 Jacks and Cables Below is a description of the jacks and cables you can use to make connections.Note that not all cables come with your HD receiver. S-Video Jack and Cable The S-Video jack is available on this HD receiver and is used in conjunction withaudio cables. Remember ...

Setup and Connections 8 Front of the HD Receiver ON Turns the HD receiver on and off. INFO Brings up the on-screen channel banner. Press when in the program guide to get more information on the highlighted program or channel. INPUT Toggles between TV and DIRECTV viewing. ANTENNA Switches the source ...

Setup and Connections 9 Back of the HD Receiver The diagram below describes each of the back panel jacks found on the HD receiver. When connectingA/V cables, be sure to connect corresponding outputs and inputs (video to video, right audio to rightaudio, etc.). ANTENNA B IN ANTENNA A IN OUT TO TV VID...

Setup and Connections 10 To make the connection: 1. Connect Audio/Video and S-Video cables (optional). • Connect an Audio/Video cable from the HD receiver’s AUDIO Right, Left, and VIDEO jacks to the AUDIO IN Right,Left, and VIDEO jacks on the back of the TV or monitor. • Connect the S-Video cable fr...

Setup and Connections 11 To make the connection: 1. Connect Audio/Video and S-Video cables. • Connect an Audio/Video cable from the HD receiver’s AUDIO Right, and Left, and VIDEO jacks to the AUDIO IN Right,Left, and VIDEO jacks on the Multimedia or HD monitor. • Connect an Audio cable from the HD r...

Setup and Connections 12 Advanced Connection Using a Regular TV or Monitor HD Receiver, Regular TV or Monitor, and VCR CAUTION Do not stack electroniccomponents or otherobjects on top of the HDreceiver. See SafetyInformation on the insidecover for details. HD RECEIVER VCR SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA ANTE...

Setup and Connections 14 Advanced Connection Using a Multimedia or HD Monitor HD Receiver, Multimedia or HD Monitor, and VCR CAUTION Do not stack electroniccomponents or otherobjects on top of the HDreceiver. See SafetyInformation on the insidecover for details. Due to copyrightrestrictions, you may...

Setup and Connections 15 To make the connection: 1. Connect Audio/Video and S-video cables. • Connect an Audio/Video cable from the HD receiver’s AUDIO Right, and Left, andVIDEO jacks to the VCR’s AUDIO IN Right, Left, and VIDEO jacks. • Connect an Audio cable from the HD receiver’s AUDIO Right and ...

Setup and Connections 16 To watch television or DIRECTV ® programming: 1. Tune your TV or monitor to the appropriate input channel. If you have used Audio/Video cables to connect the HD receiver to the TV, choose aninput channel such as INPUT or VIDEO. If you have used a coaxial cable to connect the...

Setup and Connections 17 Step 3: Place Batteries in the RemoteControl Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your remotecontrol. 1. Remove the cover from the battery compartment. 2. Insert batteries into the battery compartment, matchingthe + and – end of each bat...

Setup and Connections 18 Step 7: Connect the VCR Controller For the HD receiver to control your VCR, you need to attach the VCR Controller to theback of the HD receiver and the front of the VCR. 1. Plug the VCR Controller into the VCR CONTROL jack on the back of the HD receiver. 2. Affix the other e...

Setup and Connections 19 3. When your VCR turns off or on, you have located the sensor. 4. Use a piece of clear tape to temporarily attach the VCR Controller to the spot whereyou think the sensor is located. That way you can easily move it if you have notplaced it exactly over the sensor. 5. Select ...

Setup and Connections 20 Step 8: Order Programming You should decide if you would like to receive DIRECTV ® programming*. To receive DIRECTV programming, your satellite dish antenna must be installed and pointedcorrectly. You must also contact DIRECTV. Programming with DIRECTV: Call 1-800-347-3288 *...

Using the Remote 21 How to Use Your UniversalRemote In this section, you will find out how to use your universalremote control. This section: • defines the buttons on the remote control • describes how you toggle between TV viewing andDIRECTV viewing using the HD receiver • shows you how to change b...

Using the Remote 22 Remote Control Buttons ON•OFF Turns the HD receiver on or off. If the remote is in another component mode, (VCR, DVD, etc.) and programmed, ON•OFF will turn the component on andoff. When pressed twice within two seconds, all components that are on will beturned off (this feature ...

Using the Remote 24 Programming the Remote Control The universal remote can be programmed to control most brands of remotecontrollable components, such as VCRs. The remote is already programmed tocontrol most RCA, GE and PROSCAN TVs, VCRs, DVD players, and laserdisc players. Testing the Remote Contr...

Using the Remote 25 Using Direct Entry 1. Turn on the component to be programmed. 2. Look up the brand and code number(s) for the component on the code list in thissection “Remote Control Codes.” 3. Press and hold the remote control button you want to program. 4. Enter the code from the code list. 5...

BASIC OPERATION 27 How to use your HD Receiver This section tells you about the interactive channel banner,which appears when you change channels or press INFO onthe remote. It also describes how to change channels. This section gives you a broad, clear view of how to operatethe basics of your HD re...

BASIC OPERATION 28 About The Channel Banner The channel banner appears whenever you tune to a channel or press INFO on theremote control. When the banner is displayed, pressing INFO gives extended information.You can also use the arrow buttons and OK to choose an item in the channel banner. Channel ...

BASIC OPERATION 29 Changing Between DIRECTV and TVViewing When you change channels, you tune to programming that can come from eitherTV inputs (Antenna A or B) or from the satellite input (if you subscribe to DIRECTV ® programming). You can select one of these sources by pressing INPUT on the remote...

BASIC OPERATION 30 When you want to watch a DIRECTV channel: 1. Press INPUT on the remote control until the DIRECTV icon is highlightedin the channel banner. 2. Enter the channel number and press OK. The channel numbers are threeor four digits long. Note that it may not be necessary to press OK afte...

Using the Program Guides 31 What is a Program Guide? A program guide is an on-screen programming schedule. It isa list of the current and future programs. There are separateguides for TV programs and DIRECTV programs (available ifyou subscribe to DIRECTV ® programming). Both of these guides can be v...

Using the Program Guides 32 Bringing Up the Program Guides If you subscribe to DIRECTV ® programming, you have access to two program guides: a DIRECTV guide and a TV program guide (forterrestrial programming). If you do not subscribe to DIRECTVprogramming, you will have one guide: the TV program gui...

Using the Program Guides 33 Anatomy of the TV Program Guide To access the TV program guide: 1. Press the INPUT button on the remote control until the TV icon is highlighted inthe channel banner. 2. Press GUIDE on the remote control. The following diagram shows you the kind ofinformation you will see...

Using the Program Guides 34 Anatomy of the DIRECTV Program Guide To access the DIRECTV ® programming guide, you must subscribe to DIRECTV service. Press the INPUT button until the DIRECTV icon in the channel banner is highlighted,then press GUIDE on the remote control. The following diagram shows yo...

Using the Program Guides 35 Getting Around in the Guides There are several ways to change channels and move around the TV and DIRECTV ® programming guides. • Point to channels with the number buttons (0-9) You can quickly highlight any channel in the program guides by entering thechannel number with...

Using the Program Guides 36 Using the GUIDE Button Each press of the GUIDE button on the remote control takes you to an alternate type of TVor DIRECTV ® programming guide: Detail Guide, SurfGuide ™ (DIRECTV only), or Grid Guide. By default, the Detail Guide appears when you press GUIDE on the remote...

Using the Program Guides 37 Other Guides icon The Other Guides Icon Besides the Detail Guide, Grid Guide, and SurfGuide ™ , there are more guide formats. The Other Guides icon at the bottom of the program guides lets you sort the guides by different variables, such as by channels, data, channel list...

Using the Program Guides 38 The Attractions Guide shows coming DIRECTV events and programs. Exiting A Program Guide There are three ways to exit a guide: • Highlight a channel and press OK. • Highlight Exit and press OK. • Press CLEAR or GO BACK on the remote control. Sorting the DIRECTV ® Programmi...

Using the Program Guides 41 For example, to search for the program Auto Racing, the first letter you should highlightand select is “A.” (Words like “The”, “A”, and “An” appear at the end of a title.) All titlesthat begin with “A” appear in the AlphaSort list. Next, enter the letter “U”. All titlesbe...

Using the Program Guides 42 5. Select Run Scout . Scout will search for information in all DIRECTV ® programming guide titles. 6. Check the Scout’s results by selecting the Scout icon from the program guide orchannel banner, then selecting the Scout with binoculars icon next to it. 7. Select Scout R...

AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS 43 Some Advanced Features The following section tells you how to adjust the audioquality of your HD receiver. It also shows you how to settimers to record or turn on your receiver at a specifiedtime. 8 Reference 9 Using the remote Adjusting TV Controls System Options andPre...

AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS 44 Audio Controls The Audio menu lets you adjust the controls that deal with the TV’s audio outputs.To access the Audio menu, press MENU on the remote, then select Audio from the main menu. Optical Output When the HD receiver is connected to an optional, compatible, six-cha...

AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS 45 Connections: The diagram below illustrates the equipment connections and home theatre speakerarrangements. Check your equipment’s user manuals for more detailed connectioninformation. (Note: older digital equipment may not be compatible with the DolbyDigital bitstream. S...

AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS 46 SAP (Second Audio Program) The SAP (Second Audio Program) menu lets you choose the default setting for SAP whenit is available. When set to SAP On , SAP plays the program’s second audio program, if one is available. SAP is also used to broadcast a program’s audio with de...

AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS 47 On-screen icons are aneasy way to understandthe timers: indicates that thetimer is set. indicates that thetimer is set for aPPV. indicates a timerconflict. Editing orCanceling a Timer From the Timers screen,select the Timer youwant to edit or cancel,and then do thefollow...

AUDIO CONTROLS AND TIMERS 48 Schedule a Timer with the RECORD Button You can schedule a recording directly from the guide. 1. With a program highlighted, press the RECORD button on the remote. The Program Details screen appears. 2. To schedule a timer to record, select: • Record Program to set a tim...

Using the Profiles 49 What ’s a Profile? This section describes the user profiles feature. It includesinformation about: • creating a profile’s TV and DIRECTV viewing lists. • setting spending limits. • setting DIRECTV, TV, and movie rating limits. • blocking unrated TV programs. • locking and unloc...

Using the Profiles 50 About Profiles When you select Profiles from the main menu, you can create four different profiles in addition to the default “Family” profile. You can set up specific channels, ratinglimits, viewing hours, and spending limits for each profile. After you’ve set up theseprofiles...

Using the Profiles 51 Check the channels you want to include in the list (programming subject tochange). 3. Use the arrow buttons to point to a DIRECTV channel, and press OK to remove (orreplace) the check mark. To go directly to a certain channel, enter its number usingthe digits on the remote cont...

Using the Profiles 52 2. Use the digits or the up and down arrow buttons on the remote control to entera single-program spending limit. 3. Lock the system. See “Locking the System” near the end of this section fordetails. After a spending limit is set and the system is locked, you must enter a passw...

Using the Profiles 53 The TV Setup You can establish TV channel lists, set spending limits, and set rating limits for TVprograms using the TV Setup menu. Editing Channels in a TV List You can create a TV channel list to establish which TV channels (including both analogand digital) the selected prof...

Using the Profiles 54 Setting the TV Rating The Set TV Rating menu enables you to program your HD receiver so children cannot see certain programs or channels. The last three choices in the TV Setup menu involve ratings software inside your HD receiver (often called V-Chip) whichallows you to “block...

Using the Profiles 55 To set TV programming limits: 1. From the main menu, select Profiles. 2. Select the user name you would like to set limits for through the Profiles menu. 3. Select TV Setup from the next menu. 4. Select Set TV Rating . Selecting TV Rating allows you to set a limit for TV progra...

Using the Profiles 56 Blocking Age-Based Ratings You can automatically block all program ratings above a specified age-based ratinglevel. For example, if you only want your child to watch programs that have aTV-G rating and lower (in other words, you want the child to watch only TV-G,TV-Y7, and TV-Y...

Using the Profiles 57 Blocking Specific Content Themes You can block programs based on their content. (Content is represented by the D, L, S,V, and FV on your screen. See “Setting the TV Rating” for details.) When you block acontent theme for a particular rating, you automatically block that content...

Using the Profiles 58 Setting the Movie Rating You set movie rating limits by blocking movies rated above a specified level. To accessthe Set Movie Rating menu: 1. From the main menu, select Profiles . 2. Select the user you for whom you would like to set limits. 3. Select TV Setup from the next men...

Using the Profiles 59 Viewing Moving Ratings After you block movie ratings, you have the option of going back and changing some ofthe rating status buttons back to View: 1. Determine the movie ratings you want to change to View ( V ). 2. Use the arrows to highlight the status button you want to chan...

Using the Profiles 60 Choosing Your Profile Each time you turn on the HD receiver, the Family profile is selected by default. Toselect a different profile: 1. Press the WHO button to scroll through the profiles in the channel banner. The WHO button toggles through the profiles. 2. When your profile ...

Using the Profiles 61 Locking and Unlocking a User Profile When you lock a profile, you prevent anyone who does not know the userpassword from accessing the locked profile. This applies only when they pressWHO on the remote control. It does not prevent them from accessing and editingthe profile via ...

Using the Profiles 62 Locking the System When you lock the system, all limits set up for all profiles are put into effect,regardless of whether the profile is locked or unlocked. Unlocked profiles requireno user password to access their channel list if the system is locked. When the system is locked...

System Options and Preferences 63 More Advanced Features This chapter describes the other options availableto you such as: • selecting a signal source and type • searching for all available channels • checking your mailbox • purchasing programs • setting up personal preferences • establishing system...

System Options and Preferences 64 Changing the Signal Source The Signal Source menu allows you to choose the source from which you would like thesignal to come: Antenna A, Antenna B, or DIRECTV. The same can be accomplished usingthe ANTENNA and INPUT buttons on your remote control. If you misplace y...

System Options and Preferences 65 Channel Search Engaging in a channel search tells the HD receiver to search automatically for all theterrestrial channels available through the antenna inputs. When the HD receiver finds anactive channel, it places it in the channel list. Inactive channels (weak sta...

System Options and Preferences 66 Mailbox If you have ordered DIRECTV ® programming, 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 or special program offering. If you havenew or unre...

System Options and Preferences 67 You may need to enteryour four-digit systempassword to order a PPVprogram if it costs morethan the spending limityou set up in theProfiles menu. You need to connectyour phone line to yourtelevision to be able toorder PPV programsusing the on-screenmenus. Purchases: ...

System Options and Preferences 68 Using the Attractions Guide Your program providers may offer future programming events not currently listed in yourDIRECTV program guide. These events are called “coming attractions” and can bepreviewed in the Attractions Guide. To access the Attractions Guide: 1. P...

System Options and Preferences 69 Reviewing and Canceling an Upcoming Purchase Highlight an upcoming purchase from the DIRECTV Future Purchases screen. You canreview the program description, as well as cancel an upcoming purchase. To cancel, selectthe program, and then press OK. The Future Purchases...

System Options and Preferences 70 Choosing an Output Channel You can choose which channel to view your HD receiver, either channel 3 or 4. If youselect channel 4 and then select “Now” from the pop-up dialog box, be sure toimmediately change your TV or monitor to channel 4—otherwise, your screen will...

System Options and Preferences 71 Screen Format Your selection in the Screen Format menu depends on the type of TV or monitor you areusing with your HD receiver. With a 4:3 Ratio TV or Monitor If you are using a 4:3 ratio TV or monitor and receive an image with a 16:9 ratio, youneed to specify how t...

System Options and Preferences 72 Caption Mode You can also select a closed caption mode, which is the mode, or source, used fordisplaying captioning information. The content of CC and Text are different; you canselect which one you want to see on the screen. • CC displays information at any positio...

73 Help With Using theHD Receiver If you run across any problems or need torely on the system to give you feedback, youshould use the Assistance menu to getinformation. This section explains thedifferent types of assistance your system iscapable of giving you. It walks you throughthe Assistance menu...

Getting Assistance 74 Running the Interactive Setup You should have completed the interactive setup the first time you plugged in your HDreceiver. However, if you need to access the interactive setup again, you can access itthrough the Assistance menu. 1. Press MENU on the remote control to access t...

Getting Assistance 75 Getting Antenna Information The Antenna Info menu helps you assess the availability of available TV channels. It isuseful for checking the strength of digital channels, obtaining all channels possible, andadjusting any terrestrial TV antennas. • Press MENU to bring up the main ...

Getting Assistance 76 Using the On-Screen Signal Meter The signal strength meter is used to determine whether you are receiving the DIRECTVsignal; it also indicates the strength of the DIRECTV signal once the signal is acquired. Follow these steps to bring up the on-screen signal meter: 1. Press MEN...

Getting Assistance 77 4. Use the arrows and OK button on the remote control to highlight and togglebetween the satellites (available if you have specified that you have an elliptical,DIRECTV dish). Try to achieve the peak signal for each. Important Changing transponders is not the same as fine-tunin...

Getting Assistance 78 Upgrades Language is forthcoming Off-Air Guides If you are certain your antenna is properly set up and receiving a strong signal, but youare receiving invalid program guide information or are having trouble tuning to achannel, you can disable your system’s ability to acquire of...

Reference 79 Additional Information This section contains troubleshootinginformation, your RCA limited warranty, andaccessory ordering information. Setup and connections 1 Using the remote 2 3 Basic Operation Using theProgram Guides 4 Audio Controls andtimers 5 Using the Profiles 6 System Options an...

80 Reference Troubleshooting Can’t select certain channel • Channel may be blocked or not approved in the Profiles menu. • If using a VCR, check to make sure the TV/VCR button on the VCR is in the correct “mode.” Noisy stereo reception • May be a weak station. No picture, no sound but TV is on • May...

81 Reference • Due to copyright restrictions, you may not be available to record or view some high definition programs in highdefinition format using this product. To view this type of programming in standard definition format, you must alsoconnect the Audio/Video jacks to the monitor. Problems with...

82 Reference RCA High Definition (HD) Digital ReceiverLimited 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...

83 Reference • Evidence of purchase date such as a bill of sale. • A brief note describing your receiver’s problem. • Your name, address and phone number. Option II: 1. We will send a replacement unit to our exchange point. 2. The exchange location will notify you of its arrival. 3. Take your unit a...

84 Reference FCC Registration Information Your 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 back of this equipment is a label indicating among other info...

85 Reference Radio Interference This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class BDigital Device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC Rules. These rulesare designed to provide reasonable protection against radio and television interference ina re...

86 Reference Accessory Information The following accessories are available from most dealersand electronics supply stores in case you want to positionyour components farther apart or need additional cables. Standard Audio/Video cable with RCA-type phono plugs. VH83 Screw-on Cable* attaches to the ro...

87 Reference Price Part No. Description Qty Remote Control This is the remote control that camepacked with your HD receiver.Replacements or spares canbe ordered as needed. 2-way Signal Splitter, 4- way Signal Splitter* helps you connect to othercomponents. Amplified VHF/UHF/FMAntenna allows you to e...

88 Reference Placing an Order To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCardor Discover Card ready and call the toll-free number listedbelow between 8AM and 8PM (EST) Monday through Fridayor between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday. Use this number only to place an order for accessory itemsliste...

90 Reference Index A A-Z icon 34, 40Access card 9, 77 Number 20Slot on the receiver 9 Accessories 86Age-based ratings 54 Blocking 56Viewing 56 All icon 40AlphaSort icon 34Analog signals 4Anatomy of the TV program guide 33 Antenna A 64ANTENNA IN jacks 9B 64Button on the front panel 8Information 75Rec...

10330 North Meridian StreetIndianapolis, IN 46290 ©1999 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.Trademark(s) ® Registered Marca(s) Registrada(s)DIRECTV is a trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit ofHughes Electronics Corp., and is used with permission.Printed in USA TOCOM 15407990 Please do not send any produ...