Apex Digital DT150 User Manual

DT150

Digital TV Converter Box

User's Manual

simply remarkable™

Caja Convertidora

de TV Digital

Manual del Usuario

Ver.1.2 07/08

Important Safety Information

- TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT USE THIS PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

- TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE/PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING

CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS UNIT NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: THIS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN TESTED AND FOUND TO COMPLY WITH THE LIMITS FOR A CLASS B DIGITAL DEVICE, PURSUANT TO PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. THESE LIMITS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE REASONABLE PROTECTION AGAINST HARMFUL INTERFERENCE IN A RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION. THIS EQUIPMENT GENERATES USES AND CAN RADIATE RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY AND, IF NOT INSTALLED AND USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS, MAY CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO COMMUNICATIONS.

HOWEVER, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT INTERFERENCE WILL NOT OCCUR IN A PARTICULAR INSTALLATION. IF THIS EQUIPMENT DOES CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO OR TELEVISION RECEPTION, WHICH CAN BE DETERMINED BY TURNING THE EQUIPMENT OFF AND ON, THE USER IS ENCOURAGED TO TRY TO CORRECT THE INTERFERENCE BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

• REORIENT OR RELOCATE THE RECEIVING ANTENNA.

• INCREASE THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE EQUIPMENT AND RECEIVER.

• CONNECT THE EQUIPMENT INTO AN OUTLET ON A CIRCUIT DIFFERENT FROM THAT TO WHICH THE RECEIVER IS

NEEDED.

• CONSULT THE DEALER OR AN EXPERIENCED RADIO/TV TECHNICIAN FOR HELP.

Digital Television Transition Notice: This device contains a digital television tuner, so it should receive digital over the air TV programming, with a suitable antenna, after the end of full-power analog TV broadcasting in the United States on February 17, 2009. After February 17, 2009, a television receiver with only an analog broadcast tuner will require a converter box to receive full power over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation’s transition to digital broadcasting. Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before to receive low power, Class A or translator television stations and with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. When a converter box is used with an older television receiver, a signal splitter might be necessary to continue to receive low-power analog broadcasts via an antenna. Information about the DTV transition is available from www.DTV.gov or 1-888-CALL-FCC, and from www.dtv2009.gov or 1-888-DTV-2009 for information about subsidized coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Important Safety Information

Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlets. Protect the power cord from being waked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the pint where they exit from the apparatus.

10.

Important Safety Information

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. The main electrical plug is designed to be easily connected or disconnected from the power outlet for safe operation.

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Thank You for purchasing the DT150 digital TV converter box. It has been designed to bring you many years of viewing enjoyment from digital TV broadcasts when connected to a television that does not incorporate a digital tuner. Enjoy crystal clear quality that is free of ghosting and snowy interference.

The DT150 digital TV converter box includes the following:

- Remote Control

- 2 AAA Batteries

3.4

Special Note:

Digital TV broadcasts require an adequate signal strength from your antenna to provide the best possible viewing experience. Should a TV broadcast be disrupted by choppy reception or picture stutter, readjust your antenna or consider a high quality rooftop antenna for best results.

Introduction

What’s In The Box?

- AV Cables

- RF Cable

- Owner’s Manual

Unit Dimensions:

Net Weight:

Aspect Ratio: Tuner Type/ Range:

Resolution:

11” x 8.5” x 1.8”

3 lbs.

16:9 / 4:3

ATSC/ RF CH 2-69 Down converts to 480i

Video Outputs:

Composite (1); S Video (1), RF Out

with Audio

Video Inputs:

RF (1); Smart Antenna (optional)

Audio Outputs:

L/R Audio

Energy Standards: <1 Watt While in Sleep Mode

Specifications

*Antennaweb.org provides personalized information for choosing antenna type and orientation for your particular location.

Table of Contents

etting Started

Important Safety Information ................................................

Introduction / What’s In The Box? / Specifications ............

Table of Contents .....................................................................

nitial Setup Before Use

iewing TV Broadcasts

eneral Information

Remote Control Battery Installation....................................

Remote Control Functions..................................................

Front / Rear Panel Overview.................................................

Connection to TV.............................................................

Connection to Stereo..........................................................

Quick Start Guide................................................................

Remote Control Overview

To Mute Sound / Number Buttons / CCD / Menu / Exit........................

Remote Control Overview

Arrow Buttons / Channel / Volume / Recall / Display / Guide ...............

Remote Control Overview

Favorite Channels / Signal / Add & Delete Favorite Channels / MTS...

Zoom Functions ...............................................................

Main Menu

Auto Program / Auto Scan of Digital Channels / Manual Channel

Set / Set Password Code.......................................................................

Main Menu

Parental Controls / Closed Caption / Language / Sleep Timer............

Main Menu

Smart Antenna/ Time Zone/ TV Aspect Ratio/ Reset Default Settings.......

Display Menus

Guide/ Signal/ Volume ...........................................................................

Troubleshooting Guide.....................................................

Limited Warranty................................................................

Legal Notice........................................................................

1-3

4 5

6 7 8

9,10

21 22 23

15 16

Remove the battery compartment cover. Load two fresh “AAA” batteries into the battery compartment. Make sure the batteries are inserted properly, matching polarity by referring to the symbols “+ -” marked in the battery compartment. Close the battery compartment cover.

• When replacing batteries, replace both of them. Do not mix new and

used batteries together as battery life will be shortened.

Remote Control Battery Installation

Remote Control Operation Range

Remote Sensor

Point the remote control unit no more than 20 feet from the remote sensor and within 30º from the front of the unit.

• The operating distance may vary depending on

the brightness in the room.

Note:

• Do not point bright lights towards the remote control

signal sensor.

• Do not place objects between the remote control

unit and the remote signal sensor.

• Do not use the remote control unit while operating

other units at the same time.

30º

Remote Control Battery Installation

Remote Control Functions

Zoom button

(PG. 16)

Exit button

(PG. 13)

Add/Delete Favorites CH

(PG. 15)

Favorite Channel (up)

(PG. 15)

Menu button

(PG. 13)

Guide button

(PGS. 14, 20)

Closed Caption button

(PGS. 13, 18)

Recall button

(PG. 14)

Favorite Channel (down)

(PG. 15)

Number buttons

(PG. 13)

Power button

(PG. 13)

Mute button

(PG. 13)

Display button

(PG. 14)

Signal Strength

(PGS. 15, 20)

MTS button

(PG. 15)

/OK/Vol/Ch

(PGS. 14, 17-20)

MUTE

CH +

CH -

GUIDE

SIGNAL

FAV +

FAV - MTS

ZOOM

FAV

EXIT

VOL -

RECALL

DISPLAY

VOL +

2 3

5 6

- CCD

Front & Rear Panel Overview

DT150 (front view)

Navigation (Left, Right, Up, Down, OK)

Power ON / OFF (Yellow light illuminates when power is on)

IR Receiver

Exit Menu

Main Menu Display

DT150 (rear view)

Composite Video Output

Antenna (RF Input)

Channel 3/4 (RF Output)

S-Video Output

Audio (L/R) Output

(

Diagnostic/Service use only)

Channel 3/4 Switch

Smart Antenna Connector

(For use with optional Smart Antenna)

Connection to TV

Composite (using supplied AV cables)

S Video

The DT150 is ready for use after connections are made to your TV using one of these video installation methods.

Connect the supplied video (yellow) and audio (red & white) cables.

To view, cycle through your television inputs (Video 1, 2, etc) to select the source that the DT150 is connected to.

For better quality, connect with an optional S-Video cable (if your TV has this input). Do not connect the yellow video cable when installing the S-Video cable.

To view, cycle through your television inputs (Video 1, 2, etc) to select the source that the DT150 is connected to.

Rear panel subject to modification

(using supplied audio cables, S Video is optional)

yellow

To TV Video Input

VIDEO

ANTENNA IN

CH 3/4

S-VIDEO

AUDIO R

CH 3 CH 4

SMART

ANTENNA

To TV Audio L/R Input

white red

VIDEO

ANTENNA IN

CH 3/4

S-VIDEO

AUDIO R

CH 3 CH 4

SMART

ANTENNA

To TV Audio L/R Input

white red

To S-Video Input on TV

S-VIDEO

Standard Install - RF Input / Output

Connect antenna wire to RF ANTENNA IN on the rear of the DT150. Connect the supplied coax cable wire from the CH 3/4 terminal (RF Out) to RF ANTENNA INPUT on the rear of your TV.

To view, tune Ch 3 or 4 on your TV, choose the channel that does not have an active or strong signal. Slide the CH 3/4 switch located on the rear of the DT150.

Connection to TV

(Back of Digital Converter Box)

RF Coaxial cable

to your TV

Over-the-air Antenna

ANTENNA

CH 3/4

Connection to Stereo

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO OUTPUT

Front Left

Speaker

Front Right

Speaker

Center Channel

Surround Right

Speaker

Surround Left

Speaker

Dolby Surround

Connection Example

To Dolby Surround Equipped Receiver (L + R Audio Input)

white red

You may connect the unit to your stereo system using the following method:

Rear panel subject to modification

Zoom Functions

Zoom effect on a 4:3 TV Display

Due to the nature of digital broadcasts, the normal image displayed on your television may appear as a “windowbox” or “letterboxed” image. This is a normal condition based on signal transmission and programming. Press the ZOOM button on the remote control to minimize or eliminate the black bars on your TV display, if desired.

Normal

Zoom

Zoom effect on a 16:9 TV Display (SD Broadcasts Only)

Normal

Zoom

Normal

Zoom

Fill

When viewing TV broadcasts on a widescreen television you will find that SD programing does not fill the display entirely. Press ZOOM on the remote control until the display area is filled and black bars are minimized.

A windowbox image is typical when viewing DT broadcasts that are not widescreen presentations. Press Zoom to eliminate the black bars.

A letterbox image is typical when viewing DT broadcasts that are presented in widescreen format. Press Zoom to eliminate the black bars.

Note: ZOOM option can vary depending on the broadcaster.

Quick Start Guide

Once all connections are made, follow this quick guide to start viewing digital channels immediately. It is recommended that you read the entire manual to familiarize yourself with all of the functions available to you.

Initial Setup Menu

Time Zone

TV Aspect Ratio

Auto Scan Channels

When using the converter box for the first time you’ll need to scan for all available digital channels broadcasting in your local area. Using the arrow, highlight Auto Program. Press OK to confirm.

When the converter box is used the first time, an Initial Setup Menu will display.

Select the preferred language when viewing on screen menus. Use the arrow buttons to select English > Spanish > French.

Auto Program Menu

Auto Scan

Progress (%) 26

Scanning

Initial Setup Menu

Menu Language Time Zone TV Aspect Ratio

Auto Program

To Move To Select To Exit

OK EXIT

English Pacific 4:3

Set the time zone where you reside. Using the highlight Time Zone, then press to select Pacific > Alaska> Hawaii > Eastern > Central > Mountain

Set the aspect ratio (or shape) of your television display. Using the arrow button, highlight TV Aspect Ratio, then press to select 4:3 (conventional TV Shape) or 16:9 (newer widescreen TV shape).

Note: Auto Program search for digital channels in your local area may take several minutes to complete.

Remote Control Overview

Number Buttons

Press to directly access a desired television channel.

For example: to access channel 4-2, press 4 > “-” > 2.

The following overview will detail the functions available when using the remote control.

Press button to turn the converter box ON or OFF. When powered on, a green LED will illuminate on the front panel.

Exit

Press to exit the menu display. The menu will automatically disappear after 30 seconds if there is no adjustment activity.

Press to gain access to the main menu where you may set up your personal preferences for the converter box.

Press to highlight a subcategory. See pages 17-19 for details.

CCD

Press to display Closed Caption text (Determined by Broadcaster): OFF > CC1 > CC2 > CC3 > CC4 or OFF > CS1 > CS2 > CS3 > CS4 > CS5 > CS6. See page 18 for more CCD details.

To Mute Sound

To momentarily cut off sound to the speakers, press the MUTE button.

To restore sound, press once again.

MUTE

CH +

CH -

GUIDE

SIGNAL

FAV +

FAV - MTS

ZOOM

FAV

EXIT

VOL -

RECALL

DISPLAY

VOL +

2 3

5 6

- CCD

8 9

Remote Control Overview

Arrow Buttons / OK

Channel + -

Volume + -

Press Channel + to scan up to the next channel.

Press Vol + to gradually increase volume.

1 2

Recall

Display

Press to return to the previously viewed channel.

Press to view information about the currently viewed program.

1 2

Press Vol - to gradually decrease volume.

Guide

Press to display an on screen guide of program information that is available up to 3 days in advance (Determined by Brocaster). See page 20.

Note: If CCD is activated, the on screen closed caption text will disappear as long as the guide is displayed.

Press Channel - to scan down to the next channel.

Press OK to confirm your selection.

Note: Make sure your television volume is sufficient.

For best results, adjust set top box volume to the maximum (100) level. See page 20.

Press OK / arrow buttons to navigate through guides and favorite channels or to highlight submenu options.

MUTE

CH +

CH -

GUIDE

SIGNAL

FAV +

FAV - MTS

ZOOM

FAV

EXIT

VOL -

RECALL

DISPLAY

VOL +

2 3

5 6

- CCD

8 9

Remote Control Overview

Arrow Buttons / OK

Channel + -

Volume + -

Press Channel + to scan up to the next channel.

Press Vol + to gradually increase volume.

1 2

Recall

Display

Press to return to the previously viewed channel.

Press to view information about the currently viewed program.

1 2

Press Vol - to gradually decrease volume.

Guide

Press to display an on screen guide of program information that is available up to 3 days in advance (Determined by Brocaster). See page 20.

Note: If CCD is activated, the on screen closed caption text will disappear as long as the guide is displayed.

Press Channel - to scan down to the next channel.

Press OK to confirm your selection.

Note: Make sure your television volume is sufficient.

For best results, adjust set top box volume to the maximum (100) level. See page 20.

Press OK / arrow buttons to navigate through guides and favorite channels or to highlight submenu options.

MUTE

CH +

CH -

GUIDE

SIGNAL

FAV +

FAV - MTS

ZOOM

FAV

EXIT

VOL -

RECALL

DISPLAY

VOL +

2 3

5 6

- CCD

8 9

+ 33 hidden pages