Cisco Explorer 8240HD User Manual

User Guide

Connecting the Explorer 8240HD
Digital Video Recorder

POWER

GUIDE

INFO

EXIT

LIST

CH +

VOL +VOL —

CH — SELECT

Notice for CATV Installers

CATV Installers Notice

If you are a CATV installer, read the information in the box below.

Contents

Important Safety Instructions..............................................................................iv

Change the Way You Watch TV .........................................................................1

Safety First .........................................................................................................1

Identify Your 8240HD ......................................................................................... 1

What’s On the Front Panel? ...............................................................................2

What’s On the Back Panel? ................................................................................3

Connecting the 8240HD ....................................................................................4

Connections for an HDTV and VCR .................................................................... 5

Connections for a Standard-De nition TV and VCR ...........................................6

Watch TV ........................................................................................................... 7

Performance Tips ...............................................................................................8

Frequently Asked Questions About HDTV .......................................................... 9

Picture Formats ................................................................................................10

Connecting the 8240HD to an HDTV With an HDMI Connector .......................11

Connecting the 8240HD to an HDTV With a DVI Connector ............................ 12

Connecting the 8240HD to an HDTV With Component Input (PrPbY/V) ..........13

Connecting the 8240HD to a Home Theater System With

Component Input (PrPbY/V).............................................................................14

Connecting the 8240HD to a Stereo VCR and HDTV (optional) .......................15

Connecting the 8240HD to an External SATA Hard Disk Drive (optional) .........16

Connecting the 8240HD in HD Mode to an SDTV With

Component Input (PrPbY/V).............................................................................18

Connecting the 8240HD in SD Mode to an SDTV ............................................ 18

Compliance Information ...................................................................................19

Index ................................................................................................................ 20

iii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Heed Warnings

Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions.

Read, Retain, and Follow
These Instructions

Read all of the instructions before you operate this
product. Follow all operating instructions that accompany
this product. Retain the instructions for future use. Give
particular attention to all safety precautions.

Comply With Warnings

Avoid electric shock. Comply with all warnings and cautions
in the operating instructions, as well as those that are
a xed to this product.

Power Warnings

Providing a Power Source

A label on this product indicates the correct power source
for this product. Operate this product only from an electrical
outlet with the voltage and frequency indicated on the
product label.

If you are uncertain of the type of power supply to your
home or business, consult your cable service provider or
your local power company.

Grounding This Product (U.S.A. and
Canada Only)

WARNING: To avoid electric shock
and  re hazard, match the plug and outlet
connections carefully, then fully insert. If the
plug and outlet do not match, or you cannot
fully insert the plug, contact an electrician to
update your power outlets.

If this product is equipped with either a three-prong
(grounding pin) safety plug or a two-prong (polarized)
safety plug, follow these safety guidelines to properly
ground this product.

• For a 3-prong plug (one prong on this plug is a protective
grounding pin), insert the plug into a grounded mains,
3 -prong outlet.

Note: This plug  ts only one way. If you are unable

to insert this plug fully into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.

• For a 2-prong plug (a polarized plug with one wide blade
and one narrow blade), insert the plug into a polarized mains,
2-prong outlet in which one socket is wider than the other.

Note: If you are unable to insert this plug fully into the

outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to  t,
contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.

Overloading

Preventing Power Cord Damage

Arrange all power cords so that people or pets cannot walk
on the cords. Do not place objects on the cords. Do not
lean objects against the cords. Placing objects on or leaning
objects against cords can damage the cords. Give particular
attention to cords at the point at which the cord connects
to plugs, at the electrical outlets, and where the cords exit
the product.

Usage Warnings

Providing Ventilation

This product has openings for ventilation that protect it from
overheating. To ensure the reliability of this product, do the
following:

• Do not block or cover these openings.

• Do not place entertainment devices (such as VCRs or
DVDs), lamps, books, vases with liquids, or other objects
on top of this product.

• Do not place this product in any of the following locations:

- On a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface

- Near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including ampli ers) that
produce heat

- In an enclosure, such as a bookcase or rack, unless
the installation provides proper ventilation

Selecting a Proper Location

WARNING: Avoid personal injury and
damage to this product! An unstable surface
may cause this product to fall.

Place this product in a location that is close enough to
an electrical outlet and where the power cord is easily
accessible to be disconnected from the wall outlet or from
the rear panel of the product.

Important: The power cord is the mains power supply
disconnect device.

Place this product on a stable surface. The surface must
support the size and weight of this product.

Operating Environment

This product is designed for operation indoors
with a temperature range from 32° to 104°
F (0° to 40°C). Each product should have
adequate spacing on all sides so that the
cooling air vents on the chassis are not blocked.

Cleaning This Product

WARNING: Avoid electric shock! Un­plug this product before cleaning.

WARNING: Avoid electric shock
and  re hazard! Do not overload mains AC
outlets and extension cords. For products
that require battery power or other power
sources to operate them, refer to the
operating instructions for those products.

Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of  re or electric shock. For products that require battery
power or other sources to operate, refer to the operating
instructions for that product.

iv

Before cleaning this product, unplug it from the electrical
outlet. Use a damp cloth to clean this product. Do not use a
liquid cleaner or an aerosol cleaner. Do not use a magnetic/
static cleaning device (dust remover) to clean this product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, continued

Protecting This Product From Foreign Ob­jects and Water or Moisture Damage

WARNING: Avoid electric shock and
 re hazard! Never push objects through the
openings in this product. Foreign objects can
cause electrical shorts that can result in elec­tric shock or  re. Do not expose this product
to rain or moisture. Do not place objects  lled
with liquid, such as vases, on this product.

Never push objects of any kind into this product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or
short out parts that could result in a  re or electric shock.

Do not expose this product to liquids or moisture. Do not
place this product on a wet surface. Do not spill liquids on
or near this product.

Do not use this product near water (such as a bath tub,
wash bowl, sink, or laundry tub), in a wet basement, or near
a swimming pool.

Accessories Warnings

WARNING: Avoid any potential for
electric shock or  re. Do not use accesso­ries with this product unless recommended
by your cable service provider.

Avoid any potential for electric shock or  re. Do not use
accessories with this product unless recommended by your
cable service provider.

Service Warnings

Servicing This Product

WARNING: Avoid electric shock!
Opening or removing the cover may expose
you to dangerous voltages. This product
contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all
servicing to quali ed service personnel.

Do not open the cover of this product. If you open the
cover, your warranty will be void. Refer all servicing to
quali ed personnel only. Contact your cable service
provider for instructions.

Obtaining Service for Product Damage

For damage that requires service, unplug this product from
the AC outlet. Then, contact your cable service provider
or quali ed service personnel to obtain service for the
following conditions:

• If there is damage to the power-supply cord or plug

• If liquid enters this product

• If you expose this product to rain or water

• If you drop this product, a heavy object falls on this
product, or damage occurs to the cover of this product

• If this product does not operate normally by following the
operating instructions

• If this product exhibits a distinct change in performance

Checking Product Safety

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product,
the service technician must perform safety checks to
determine that this product is in proper operating condition.

Outdoor Grounding System

If this product connects to an outdoor antenna or cable
system, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded
(earthed). This provides some protection against voltage
surges and built-up static charges.

Article 810 of the National Electric Code (NEC) ANSI/NFPA
No. 70-1990, provides the following information:

• Grounding of the mast and supporting structure

• Grounding the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit

• Size of the grounding conductors

• Location of the antenna-discharge unit

• Connection to grounding electrodes

• Requirements for the grounding electrodes (see the
following antenna grounding diagram as recommended
by NEC ANSI/NFPA 70)

Antenna Lead In Wire

Ground Clamps

Electric Service

Equipment

NEC = National Electrical Code 1990
National Fire Protection Association

TO CATV INSTALLER
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention
to Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) that provides
guidelines for proper grounding, and in particular, specifies that the
cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the
building, as close to the point of entry as practical.

Antenna Discharge
Unit
(NEC Section 810-21)

Grounding
Conductors
(NEC Section 810-20)

Ground Clamps

Power Service
Grounding
Electrode System
(NEC Art 250, Part H)

Lightning

For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning and power-line
surges. Plugging this product into a surge protector may
reduce the risk of damage.

Note: Unplugging this product for an extended
period of time can result in loss of authorization. For
reauthorization, contact your cable service provider.

Power Lines

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do
not locate an outside antenna system in the
vicinity of overhead power lines or power
circuits.

Do not locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or power circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, take extreme care to keep from
touching power lines or circuits, as contact might be fatal.

T15378

v

Change the Way You Watch TV

DVR makes it easy to watch TV on your terms.

The Explorer 8240HD Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is the simple way to take control over your
TV – and your life. You take control because DVR lets you decide what’s on TV and when. So
there’s no more putting o the things you need to do, just because there’s a show on TV you
want to watch. Just think what DVR can do for you:

• Never miss a minute of your favorite movie or the big game. Simply pause the live action and
play again when you’re ready. You can even rewind what you missed.

• Two of your favorite shows on at the same time? Simple. Just record one program while
you watch the other. You can even record two programs at the same time while watching a
previously recorded program. Your VCR can’t do that.

• Is your favorite sports team having an away game and you can’t go? Imagine being able to
record it and watch it in High De nition (HD) at a more convenient time. In HD, the picture is so
clear you’ll almost forget that you’re not there.

Don’t miss another minute of the TV shows you love!

Follow the instructions in this guide to install the 8240HD, to become familiar with the buttons on
the front panel, and to access your cable services. Then, enjoy the features of the 8240HD and
change the way you watch TV!

Safety First

Before using the 8240HD, read the Important Rules for Safe Operation section of this guide.
For more information about this product, visit our website:

http://www.cisco.com/web/consumer/support/index.html

Identify Your 8240HD

To  nd the serial number for your 8240HD, look on the back for a label that is similar to the
example shown here. The serial number begins with “SA“ and is located in the lower left corner
of the bar code.

If the 8240HD requires troubleshooting in the future, your cable service provider may ask for this
serial number.

Use the space provided here to record the serial number:
____________________________________________

0003B4287797

SABDQXTL N0006246618

Serial Number

T15443

1

What’s On the Front Panel?

POWER

LIST

1 2 6 12118

GUIDE

INFO

EXIT

7 9 10

CH +

VOL +VOL —

CH — SELECT

345

1 Power Turns the 8240HD on and o
2 List Displays the list of recorded programs
3 Exit Exits menus, the on-screen guide, and program information
4 Info Displays a description of the selected program. This button is available

from the on-screen guide and while viewing a program
5 Guide Accesses on-screen services, such as the on-screen guide, video-on-

demand, or pay-per-view
6 IR Sensor Receives the infrared signal from the remote control
7 LED Display Displays the selected channel number and time of day. The LED also

displays the following:

• Message (

• HDTV

• Power (

)

• Output Resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i)

• RECORD

• AUTO - Automatically outputs native scan rates that your TV can accept

8 VOL + and VOL - Enables you to increase and decrease the volume
9 CH + and CH - Enables you to scroll up and down through the channels
10 Select Provides access to your on-screen selection
11 Smart Card* Allows smart card access
12 USB Port* Connects to external equipment, such as a keyboard

)

T15461

* These connectors are reserved for future use or may not be available on all 8240HD models.

2

What’s On the Back Panel?

AVIS:

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

RISQUE DE CHOC

120 VAC
60HZ 5A

CAUTION

DO NOT OPEN

LISTED 14H1

CABLE EQUIP.

14

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

CABLE

OUT

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

1 2 93

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

456

A
U

IR

D

L

OPTICAL

I

AUDIO

O

OUT

R

VIDEO

S - VIDEO

OUT

7 118 13

10 12

SATA

1394

1 Cable In Connect the coaxial cable that delivers the signal from your cable
service provider

2 Cable Out Connect a coaxial cable to Cable Out to send audio and video signals to
a TV or VCR. These signals are standard-de nition TV (SDTV) video
and stereo audio

3 PrPbY/V Connect the 8240HD (when in HD mode) to the component video input
(YPrPb) on the HDTV. When the 8240HD is con gured for SD mode,
the Y/V portion of the component video output connects to the
composite video input of an HDTV or SDTV. See Connections for an

HDTV and VCR or Connections for a Standard-De nition TV and
VCR, later in this guide, for complete details

4 Digital Audio Connect an RCA cable to send a digital audio signal to a surround­ Output sound receiver or other digital audio device

5 Secondary Video Connect to either a VCR for archiving saved content from the 8240HD or
and Audio Out connect to another set of inputs (composite) on your HDTV

6 Audio Out Connect RCA cables to Audio Out to send audio signals (left and
(LEFT and RIGHT) right) to a TV with stereo outputs

7 Optical Audio Connect an optical cable to send a digital audio signal to a surround­ Output sound receiver or other digital audio device

8 S-Video Out Connect an S-Video cable to send an S-Video signal to your TV or VCR.
This signal is standard de nition but higher quality than other SDTV
connections

9 IR (This connector reserved for future use.)
10 HDMI Connect the HDTV HDMI™ connector to the HDMI port. HDMI supports

both digital audio and video. May be used to connect to a DVI interface
using an adaptor

11 SATA Connect to an external Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk drive for expanded
recording capacity. Check with your cable service provider for a list of
approved hard drive models for use with the 8240HD

12 1394 Firewire Connect to display devices equipped with a 1394 input. This connector
is reserved for future use and may not be available on all 8240HD models

13 AC Outlet Connect the AC power cord from another device, such as a TV

14 AC Power Input Connect the power cord to deliver power to the 8240HD

T15462

3

Connecting the 8240HD

POWER

To connect your 8240HD to your entertainment devices, complete these steps.

Determine if your

1

2



3

TV is HD or SD and
whether it is wide
screen (16:9) or
standard screen
(4:3). See page 10
for more information.

Make the connections for your TV and VCR as follows:

• If you are using an HDTV, see page 5 and the connection diagrams at the end
of this guide.

• If you are using an SDTV, see page 6 and the connection diagrams at the end
of this guide.

• If you want to archive some programs to VCR tape, see pages 5 and 6 and the
connection diagrams at the end of this guide.

Identify the additional
devices you will connect
to the 8240HD and TV.

See pages 11 through
18 and the related user

guides for more
information.

9

16

VCR

Home Theater

or

DVD

External SATA Drive

4

3

Other

4

4

5

6

7

Plug the 8240HD and the TV into an AC power source that is not controlled by
a switch.

Do not turn on the 8240HD or TV yet.

It may take several minutes for the 8240HD to receive the latest software,
programming, and service information. Wait until you see one of the following
displays on the front panel of the 8240HD that indicates that the update is
complete:

• Current time • Four dashes (- - - -)
Note: If four dashes are displayed, you must call your cable service provider to get

the 8240HD authorized.

Set up your 8240HD for HDTV or SDTV by completing the following steps:

• Make sure the 8240HD is O and the TV is On.

• On the front panel of the 8240HD, press GUIDE and INFO at the same time.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to choose HD or SD mode and wide screen
(16:9) or standard screen (4:3) depending upon your TV type. See Page 10
for more information on the scan rate.

• At the conclusion of the on-screen instructions, press POWER on the 8240HD
to begin watching TV.

L
R

OUT 2

Connections for an HDTV and VCR

DVI

L R

L R

OUT 1

L R

AUDIO

IN

L R

VIDEO

Y/V

Pb

Pr

B

R

G

V

H

VIDEO

OUT 2

L

A
U
D

I

O

R

VIDEO

IN

S-VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

IN

Pr

Pb

Y

L R

L R

OUT 1

VIDEO

Y/V

Pb

Pr

L R

L R

OUT 1

To use the 8240HD with an HDTV, you must make one of the following connections to view the
HD content. In addition, you can make connections to a VCR to archive recordings to a VCR tape.
Refer to your TV and VCR user’s guide and the cabling diagrams in this guide for more detailed
connection information.

Note: The labeling on your 8240HD may vary slightly.

Required Connections to an HDTV (use one)

Some HDTVs have a High-De nition Multimedia
Interface (HDMI) connector. The HDMI connector

HDMI

provides both a digital video and audio connection. See
the connection diagram on page 11 for an example.

The HDMI connector can provide the connection to an
HDTV with a DVI input. If your HDTV has a Digital Visual
Interface (DVI) connector, you will need an HDMI-to-DVI
adaptor, and you will need to connect a separate audio

DVI

connection.
See the connection diagram on page 12 for an example.

The PrPbY/V connectors can provide high-de nition
component video signals to an HDTV.

Note: You can use the HD Setup Wizard on the
8240HD to set the HD mode and select the output
video format (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) that will
match the full capabilities of your HDTV.

PrPbY/V

See the connection diagram on page 13 for an
example.

Some HDTVs have only RGB connectors. If you
have one of these HDTVs, you need an RGB
adaptor. Check with your cable service provider for
information about acquiring an RGB adaptor, or you
can purchase the adaptor at your local electronics
supplier.

RGB

8240HD

Connections

Adaptor Needed

HDTV

Connections

Optional Connections to a VCR (use one)

For VCRs that have a Video and Left and Right
audio connectors, you can use the Out 2
connectors (Video, Left, and Right) on the 8240HD.

See the connection diagram on page 15 for an
example.

For VCRs that have an S-Video and Left and Right

VCR

audio connectors, you can use the S-Video Out
and the Out 2 Left and Right connectors on the
8240HD.

Adaptor Needed

8240HD

Connections

VCR

Connections

5

Connections for a Standard-De nition TV and VCR

L R

OUT 1

VIDEO

Y/V

Pb

Pr

VIDEO

Y/V

Pb

Pr

VIDEO

IN

CABLE

OUT

CABLE IN/

ANT IN

Pr

Pb

Y

L R

L R

OUT 1

L R

L R

OUT 1

L R

S-VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

IN

L R

AUDIO

IN

VIDEO

OUT 2

L

A
U
D

I

O

R

VIDEO

IN

When using the 8240HD with an SDTV, you must make one of the following connections to view
content. Some SDTVs may not have all these connections. In addition, you can make connections
to a VCR to archive recordings to a VCR tape. Refer to your TV and VCR user guides and the
cabling diagrams in this guide for more detailed information.

Note: The labeling on your 8240HD may vary slightly.

Required Connections to an SDTV (use one)

The PrPbY/V connectors can provide standard­de nition component video signals to an SDTV.

Note: To connect PrPbY/V to an SDTV, you must set
the HD Setup Wizard on the 8240HD to HD Mode,
and select the output video format (typically only 480i)
that will match the capabilities of your SDTV.

PrPbY/V

See the connection diagram on page 18 for an
example.

When you set up the 8240HD in SD mode, the
Y/V connector on the 8240HD is con gured as a
composite video out connector (V).

See the connection diagram on page 18 for an
example.

Composite

The S-Video Out connection provides an optimal video
connection to SDTVs.

8240HD

Connections

SDTV

Connections

S-Video

The Cable Out connector provides a video and audio
connection to an SDTV.

Cable Out

Optional Connection to a VCR

For VCRs that have a Video and Left and Right Audio
connectors, you can use the Out 2 connectors
(Video, Left, and Right) on the 8240HD.

VCR

6

8240HD

Connections

VCR

Connections

Watch TV

Access Services and Programs

Access cable services and programs by pressing the following keys on the remote control:

• Guide–Access the on-screen guide. The on-screen guide displays schedules of TV programs
and other services available from your cable service provider, such as video-on-demand and
pay-per-view programs.

• Arrows–Select a program in the schedule.

• Info–Display a speci c program description (either from the
on-screen guide or while viewing a program).

• Select–View a speci c program in the guide.

Record One Program While Watching Another

When two of your favorite programs are scheduled at the same
time, you can record one program on the built-in DVR while
watching the other. Use the DVR keys on the remote control to
record programs or to play back recorded programs.

Watch Two Programs at the Same Time

You do not need a special TV to watch two programs at the same
time. Use the picture-in-picture (PIP) keys on the remote control,
and you will see a PIP screen on your TV.

T10964

Stretch and Zoom Program

You can stretch and zoom SD or HD programs by pressing the #
key on the remote control.

Avoid Screen Burn-In!

Images such as letterbox bars or side bars, bright closed­captioning backgrounds, station logos, or any other stationary images may cause the picture tube
in your HDTV to age unevenly; this is known as screen burn-in. Refer to the user’s guide that
came with your HDTV for more information.

WARNING:

Avoid screen burn-in!
Do not display the same  xed images on your HDTV screen for extended periods of
time.

T10965

7

Performance Tips

If the 8240HD does not perform as expected, the following tips may help. If you need further
assistance, contact your cable service provider.

No Picture

• Verify that the power to your TV is turned on.

• If the 8240HD is plugged into a wall switch, verify that the switch is in the ON position.

• Verify that all cables are properly connected.

• If your system includes a VCR or stereo, verify that you have properly connected them to the
8240HD.

• Verify that the 8240HD is set to the proper screen type and resolution.

• The current channel may not be available in your service package. Try selecting another
channel to see if video is available.

No Color

• Verify that the current TV program is broadcast in color.

• Adjust the TV color controls.

• If you are using a component video connection (PrPbY/V), check that all connectors are
completely plugged into the 8240HD and TV.

No Sound

• If your setup includes a VCR or stereo, verify that you have properly connected them to the
8240HD.

• Verify that the volume is turned up.

• Verify that the mute function is not on.

• The current channel may not be available in your service package. Try selecting another
channel.

Automatic Software Updates

The TV screen displays a message that indicates the 8240HD is automatically updating
its software. Wait for the current time to display on the front panel of your 8240HD before
continuing. When the front panel displays the time, the update is complete.

8

Frequently Asked Questions About HDTV

What is Digital Television?

Digital television (DTV) is a huge leap forward in television technology compared to analog
television that has been widely available since the 1940s. DTV is delivered and displayed using
digital encoding, similar to the way a PC operates. By using digital technology, there is no variation
in picture and sound quality from the origination point until it is displayed on your television. You
always receive a high-quality picture without the wavy lines or static you might sometimes get
from a weak analog signal.

Because DTV receives and displays digital images that contain many times more picture elements
(pixels - the small dots that make up the color image on your screen) than standard analog
television, you can get a sharper on-screen image than with analog. Additionally, DTV supports
CD-quality sound. DTV includes SDTV (Standard De nition Television), EDTV (Enhanced De nition
Television), and HDTV (High-De nition Television). That means that all HDTV is digital, but not
all digital TV is high-de nition. A high-de nition program must originate in HD format and be
broadcast in HD format. Having an HDTV system does not mean that everything you watch will be
in high-de nition. Getting the signal from digital cable also does not mean it is high-de nition.

What is Standard-De nition Television?

Standard-de nition television (SDTV) is basic digital television programming delivered by cable.
Typically, the SDTV screen is the same, nearly square shape as an analog television screen.
Digital images on an SDTV set are crisp and clear—noticeably better than on a standard analog
television set using an antenna to receive over-the-air signals.

What is High-De nition Television?

High-de nition television (HDTV) is a completely new way to send and receive television
broadcast signals. HDTV images are made up of pixels that are much smaller and closer together
than those used in standard analog television, and there are millions of them. Thus, HDTV can
display  ve to six times the detail of analog television to deliver picture quality that is much more
realistic, dimensional, and precise. SDTV programs can be viewed on an HDTV. Another feature
of HDTV is digital surround sound using Dolby Digital®, which is the same technology used to
produce the sound you hear in movie theaters.

Are Local TV Stations Broadcasting in HDTV?

Many local TV stations are transmitting digital signals. However, transmitting a digital signal does
not mean transmitting an HDTV signal. Some stations are using the new bandwidth to broadcast
several standard-de nition channels. Most stations, once they begin broadcasting in digital, are
o ering HD content from their parent network (for example, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, WB, UPN, and
PBS).

Why Are Some HDTVs 4:3 Aspect Ratio and Others 16:9?

The aspect ratios di er because television manufacturers build both standard-screen and wide­screen HDTVs to appeal to consumer viewing preferences. The two aspect ratios are as follows:

• On wide-screen (16:9) HDTVs, the programming is displayed on the full screen.

• On standard-screen (4:3) HDTVs, the programming is displayed in letterbox format in the
middle of the screen. (There are bars surrounding the picture.)

Where Are the Connection Diagrams?

The diagrams at the end of this guide show examples of common ways to connect the 8240HD
to your HDTV, DVD, and home theater receiver. However, these diagrams do not show every
possible combination of devices. Refer to the user’s guides that came with your other electronic
devices for further information.

What Cables Do I Need?

Some of the cables and adaptors shown in the diagrams may not be included with the 8240HD.
The required cables are shown in the connection diagrams in this guide.

9

Picture Formats

What is the Di erence Between a Standard-Screen and a
Wide-Screen HDTV

The type of screen your HDTV has (wide screen or standard screen) determines how the 8240HD
displays programs on the screen. The picture format for an HDTV is a combination of aspect ratio
and screen resolution and is di erent for standard-screen and wide-screen HDTVs.

What is Aspect Ratio?

An aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of the TV screen. The aspect ratios di er
because the television industry manufactures both standard-screen and wide-screen HDTVs to
appeal to consumer viewing preferences.

What is the Screen Resolution and Scan Rate?

The screen resolution indicates the amount of detail that the picture displays. Resolution is
identi ed by the number of display lines on the screen. The techniques that an HDTV uses to
“paint” the picture on the screen are referred to as progressive and interlaced.

With the progressive method, every pixel on the screen is refreshed simultaneously. The
interlace method involves refreshing pixels in alternation —  rst the odd lines and then the even
lines.

For advance setup, select the scan modes that your TV can support. Refer to your DVR and HDTV
user’s guides to choose the proper scan rates (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) for your setup.

For example, a resolution of 1080i indicates that the screen shows 1080 lines in an interlaced
display, and 480p indicates that the screens shows 480 lines in a progressive display.

Notes:

• The screen resolution (1080i, 480p, and so forth) is sometimes referred to as the scan rate.
The terms are interchangeable.

• You can stretch and zoom the displayed picture using the built-in capability of the 8240HD by
pressing the # key on the remote control. Refer to your DVR user’s guide for more information
on this feature.

A standard-screen HDTV has a 4x3
aspect ratio. The screen is 4 units wide
for every 3 units tall.

4

3

A screen resolution of 480p or 480i  lls
the screen.

A wide-screen HDTV is one-third wider than
a standard-screen HDTV. The screen is 16 units
wide for every 9 units tall.

16

9

A screen resolution of 720p or 1080i  lls the screen.

10

Connecting the 8240HD to an HDTV With an
HDMI Connector

Explorer 8240HD DVR

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

Cable Input

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

Back of HDTV

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L/
MONO

R

CABLE

OUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

L

R

A
U
D
I

OPTICAL

AUDIO

O

OUT

IR

S - VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

CENTER

CHANNEL IN

ON OFF

AUDIO IN

DVI/HDCP

1394

SATA

HDMI

LR

AVIS:

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

RISQUE DE CHOC

120 VAC
60HZ 5A

CAUTION

DO NOT OPEN

LISTED 14H1
CABLE EQUIP.

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

ANT (75 )

Y

PBPRL

HD 1

IN

VIDEO

AUDIOAUDIO

R

IN

L/
MONO

R

HD 2

Y

PBPRL

AUDIO

INOUT

ANT-1

OUT

R

ANT-2

T15453

WARNING: Electric shock hazard! Unplug all electronic devices before connecting

or disconnecting any device cables to the 8240HD.

Important Note Regarding the HDMI Interface on the 8240HD

The HDMI interface will automatically con gure the audio output for a format supported by the
television. Because not all TVs support a Dolby
select a 2-channel stereo audio con guration instead of Dolby Digital. When the output is
con gured for 2-channel audio, this con guration is carried over to the other digital audio outputs
of the 8240HD. This con guration prevents your home theater system or Dolby Digital decoder
from providing the full Dolby Digital surround sound e ect.

On the 8240HD, you may override the automatic selection of audio by the HDMI interface by
completing the following steps.

1. Press SETTINGStwice on the remote control to openthe General Settings menu.

2. Press MOVE UP or MOVE DOWN toselect the option Audio: Digital Out.

3. Press MOVE RIGHT to select Dolby Digital. Thissetting will send Dolby Digital audio to the

HDMI, DIGITAL AUDIO OUT, and OPTICAL AUDIO OUT connectors on the 8240HD.
Note:If the TV (video/audio monitor) connected to the 8240HD using HDMI is not Dolby Digital

capable, it may not produce audio through its speakers when the Audio: Digital Out setting on
the 8240HD is set to Dolby Digital. You can either switch the Audio: Digital Out setting back to
HDMI when you are not using the home theater or Dolby Digital decoder, or you can connect the
baseband audio outputs (OUT 1 Audio Left and Right) to the TV.

Digital input, the HDMI interface may automatically

11

Connecting the 8240HD to an HDTV With a
DVI Connector

Explorer 8240HD DVR

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

Cable Input

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

CABLE

OUT

Back of HDTV

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L/
MONO

AUDIO

R

IN

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

Y

PBPRL

HD 2

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC

1394

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

120 VAC
60HZ 5A

CABLE EQUIP.

LISTED 14H1

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

VIDEO

L

R

A
U
D
I

OPTICAL

AUDIO

O

OUT

IR

S - VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

CENTER

CHANNEL IN

DVI/HDCP

IN

SATA

ON OFF

AUDIO IN

DVI/HDCP

LR

ANT (75 )

VIDEO

R

L/
MONO

R

HD 2

Y

PBPRL

AUDIO

INOUT

ANT-1

OUT

R

ANT-2

T15454

Note: When connecting the HDMI connector to the DVI connector on your HDTV, you need an
HDMI-to-DVI adaptor, and you need a separate audio connection.

WARNING: Electric shock hazard! Unplug all electronic devices before connecting

or disconnecting any device cables to the 8240HD.

12

Connecting the 8240HD to an HDTV With
Component Input (PrPbY/V)

Explorer 8240HD DVR

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

Cable Input

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L/
MONO

R

CABLE

OUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

L

R

A
U
D

OPTICAL

I

AUDIO

O

IR

IN

S - VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

CENTER

CHANNEL IN

DVI/HDCP

IN

1394

SATA

Back of
HDTV

AVIS:

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

RISQUE DE CHOC

120 VAC
60HZ 5A

CAUTION

DO NOT OPEN

LISTED 14H1

CABLE EQUIP.

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

ON OFF

AUDIO IN
DVI/HDCP

LR

ANT (75 )

Y

VIDEO

PBPRL

AUDIOAUDIO

IN

HD 1

R

IN

L/
MONO

R

HD 2

Y

PBPRL

AUDIO

INOUT

ANT-1

OUT

R

ANT-2

T15455

WARNING: Electric shock hazard! Unplug all electronic devices before connecting

or disconnecting any device cables to the 8240HD.

13

Connecting the 8240HD to a Home Theater System
With Component Input (PrPbY/V)

Explorer 8240HD DVR

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

1394

120 VAC

120 VAC

60HZ 5A

60HZ 80W

LISTED 14H1

CABLE EQUIP.

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

CABLE

OUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

A
U

IR

D

L

OPTICAL

I

AUDIO

O

OUT

R

S - VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

SATA

Cable

Input

WARNING: Electric shock
hazard! Unplug all electronic
devices before connecting or
disconnecting any device cables
to the 8240HD.

Back of Home Theater Receiver

DIGITAL

TV/CABLE

AUDIO

1

2

3

4

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

DVD

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L

AUDIO

R

VIDEO 1

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L

AUDIO

R

L

R

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

OUTIN

COMPONENT VIDEO

Y

PB

PR

L

1

R

Back of Home
Theater Receiver

DIGITAL

AUDIO

1

2

3

4

TV/CABLE

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

DVD

VIDEO 1

S-VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

VIDEO

L

L

AUDIO

AUDIO

R

R

L

R

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

OUTIN

COMPONENT VIDEO

Y

PB

PR

L

1

R

MONITOR

Y

Y

S-VIDEO

PB

PB

OUT

PR

PR

2

VIDEO OUT

OUTIN

T15456

Back of Home Theater Receiver

DIGITAL

TV/CABLE

AUDIO

1

2

3

4

MONITOR

Y

Y

S-VIDEO

PB

PB

OUT

PR

PR

2

VIDEO OUT

OUTIN

Back of

DVD

Player

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

L

R

DIGITAL OUT

DVD

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

AUDIO

OPTICAL

VIDEO 1

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L

AUDIO

R

DIGITAL

OUT

COAXIAL

S-VIDEO

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L

L

1

AUDIO

R

R

OUTIN

AUDIO OUTLRVIDEO

PB PBY

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT/

PROGRESSIVE SCAN

MONITOR

Y

PB

PR

Y

Y

S-VIDEO

PB

PB

OUT

PR

PR

2

VIDEO OUT

OUTIN

OUT

Back of

HDTV

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L/
MONO

R

VIDEO-1 VIDEO-2

T15439

HD 1

IN

14

Y

PBPRL

AUDIOAUDIO

IN

AUDIO

CENTER

CHANNEL IN

ON OFF

AUDIO IN
DVI/HDCP

VIDEO

L/
MONO

R

R

AUDIO

HD 2

Y

PBPRL

AUDIO

INOUT

DVI/HDCP

IN

LR

ANT (75½)

ANT-1

OUT

R

ANT-2

Note: This connection assumes
that audio is provided by the home
theater speakers.

T15438

Connecting the 8240HD to a Stereo VCR and HDTV
(optional)

Explorer 8240HD DVR

CABLE

OUT

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

Cable Input

Note: This connection allows for
archiving to the VCR and for watching
VCR tapes on your HDTV. To watch
HD content, use the HDMI, YPbPr, or
DVI connector.

WARNING: Electric shock
hazard! Unplug all electronic
devices before connecting or
disconnecting any device cables
to the 8240HD.

OUT 1

Pr

Pb

DIGITAL

VIDEO

AUDIO OUT

Y/V

Back of

Stereo VCR

Back of

HDTV

OUT 2

L

R

VIDEO

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L/
MONO

R

IN

A
U
D

IR

I

OPTICAL

AUDIO

O

OUT

S - VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

IN

VIDEO-1 VIDEO-2

IN

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

1394

120 VAC

SATA

RF IN

RL

VIDEO

OUT

AUDIO

OUT

RL

AUDIO

CENTER

CHANNEL IN

ON OFF

AUDIO IN
DVI/HDCP

RF OUT

LR

60HZ 5A

CABLE EQUIP.

LISTED 14H1

DVI/HDCP

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

IN

$17ȍ

HD 1

Y

PBPRL

AUDIOAUDIO

IN

VIDEO

R

AUDIO

L/
MONO

R

HD 2

Y

PBPRL

AUDIO

INOUT

ANT-1

OUT

R

ANT-2

T15457

15

Connecting the 8240HD to an External SATA
Hard Disk Drive (optional)

Complete the following steps to install a SATA drive.

1. Make sure that both the 8240HD and the external SATA drive are unplugged from power.

2. Connect the data cable for the SATA drive to the 8240HD.

3. Plug in power to the external SATA drive.

4. Plug in the 8240HD power cord, and then turn on the 8240HD.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions. One of the following occurs:

• If it is a new drive or one used on another device, you will be asked to format it.

• If the drive is formatted and will work with this 8240HD, you will get a con rmation that the
drive is working.

Explorer 8240HD DVR

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

120 VAC
60HZ 5A

DO NOT OPEN

LISTED 14H1
CABLE EQUIP.

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

CABLE

OUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

A
U

IR

D

L

OPTICAL

I

AUDIO

O

OUT

R

S - VIDEO

OUT

SATA

1394 1394

Cable Input

External SATA

Hard Disk Drive

SATA

To

Unswitched

Wall Outlet

WARNING: Electric shock

hazard! Unplug all electronic

To Unswitched
Wall Outlet

devices before connecting or
disconnecting any device cables
to the 8240HD.

Guidelines for Using the External SATA Hard Disk Drive

The external SATA hard disk drive requires continuous power. If the SATA drive loses power while
the 8240HD is plugged in, the 8240HD may stop current recordings or not provide enough space
for future recordings. Follow these guidelines for using the SATA drive:

• Do not plug in the power cord for the SATA drive to a switched outlet or to the AC outlet on the

8240HD.

• Do not turn o , disconnect, or unplug the SATA drive while the 8240HD is plugged in.

T15458

Recommendations for the SATA Drive

Contact your cable service provider for a list of approved external SATA hard disk drives. At a
minimum, your SATA drive should have these capabilities:

• External SATA Connector - SATA II: Cable and Connector, Revision 1.0 (www.sata-io.org for

more information)

• Drive Speed: 7200 RPM (5400 RPM without Multi-room); 133 MB/sec

• Capacity: Only one SATA drive can be connected to the 8240HD. The 8240HD will not

support a separate port multiplier.

• SATA Drive Power: The SATA drive should power on when plugged in and should not be

controlled by a switch.

16

Connecting the 8240HD to an External SATA
Hard Disk Drive (optional),

Disconnecting the External SATA Hard Disk Drive

Complete the following steps to disconnect the SATA drive safely.

1. Make sure that the 8240HD is powered o .

2. Disconnect the power cord from the 8240HD and wait for at least 10 seconds.

3. Disconnect the power cord and data cable from the external SATA drive.

If you improperly disconnect your SATA drive, you will receive an error message, and you will be
required to restart the 8240HD upon reconnecting.

How the SATA Drive Works with Your 8240HD

Recordings are balanced between the internal hard drive on the 8240HD and the external SATA
drive as follows:

• A recording is not split between an internal and external hard drive.

• The 8240HD automatically stores complete programs using the following space available logic:

- If the external SATA drive has more space available, the SATA drive stores the next recording.

- If the internal hard drive on the 8240HD has more space available, the internal hard drive

stores the next recording.
Note: The following graphic illustrates operation logic only; it does not represent an actual on-

screen display.

continued

100

Hard Drive

50

% Space Used

0

Internal

Golf

1:00 pm EST,

Saturday

External

SATA Drive

Internal

100

Hard Drive

50

% Space Used

0

External

SATA Drive

College Football

3:30 pm EST,

Saturday

T15452

17

Connecting the 8240HD in HD Mode to an SDTV
With Component Input (PrPbY/V)

Explorer 8240HD DVR Set to HD Mode

1394

RF IN

RF OUT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

120 VAC
60HZ 5A

LISTED 14H1

CABLE EQUIP.

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

Cable Input

Note: The 8240HD must be
set to the proper output mode,

CABLE

OUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO

A
U
D

L

IR

I

OPTICAL

O

AUDIO

OUT

R

S - VIDEO

OUT

1394

SATA

Back of SDTV

Y

AUDIO

IN

RL

VIDEO

OUT

PB

PR

VIDEO

IN

AUDIO

OUT

RL

typically 480i.

WARNING: Electric shock hazard! Unplug all electronic devices before connecting

or disconnecting any device cables to the 8240HD.

Connecting the 8240HD in SD Mode to an SDTV

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

T15459

Explorer 8240HD DVR Set to SD Mode

CABLE

CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO

THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE

CABLE

IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE

IN

HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.

OUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

Pr

Pb

VIDEO

Y/V

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

L

R

VIDEO

Cable Input

Back of

SDTV

LEFT

AUDIO

RIGHT

INOUT

VIDEO

INOUT

INOUT

WARNING: Electric shock hazard! Unplug all electronic devices before connecting

or disconnecting any device cables to the 8240HD.

A
U
D

O

I

OPTICAL

AUDIO

OUT

IR

S - VIDEO

OUT

CABLE/

ANTENNA

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

1394

1394

120 VAC

SATA

60HZ 5A

LISTED 14H1

CABLE EQUIP.

120 VAC
60HZ 80W

Note: See Connections
for a Standard-De nition
TV and VCR on page

6 regarding setting the
8240HD to SD mode.

T15460

18

Compliance Information

United States FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the applicable limits of 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 or TV reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment
o and on. The user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit di erent from that to which the receiver is
connected

• Consult your cable company or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help

Any changes or modi cations not expressly approved
by Cisco Systems, Inc., could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

Important: The information shown in the FCC
Declaration of Conformity paragraph below is a
requirement of the FCC and is intended to supply
you with information regarding the FCC approval of
this device. The phone numbers listed are for FCC-

related questions only and not intended for questions
regarding the connection or operation for this device.
Please contact your cable service provider for any
questions you may have regarding the operation or
installation of this device.

FCC Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and 2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

®

Explorer

Digital Video Recorder

Manufactured by: Cisco Systems, Inc.

5030 Sugarloaf Parkway

Lawrenceville, Georgia 30044; USA

Telephone [phone]

8240HD

Model 8240HD

Canada EMI Regulation

This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la class B est conforme à
la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

20081121 FCC Standard

Software and Firmware Use

The software described in this document is protected
by copyright law and furnished to you under a license
agreement. You may only use or copy this software
in accordance with the terms of your license
agreement.

The  rmware in this equipment is protected by
copyright law. You may only use the  rmware in the
equipment in which it is provided. Any reproduction
or distribution of this  rmware, or any portion of it,
without our express written consent is prohibited.

Disclaimer

Cisco Systems, Inc. assumes no responsibility for
errors or omissions that may appear in this guide.
Cisco reserves the right to change this guide at any
time without notice.

19

Index

1394 Firewire 3

A

AC
Outlet 3, 16
Power input 3
Aspect ratio 10

B

Back panel 3
Burn-in of screen 7

D

Diagrams. See Connecting the 8240HD

to other devices
Digital Video Recorder. See DVR, What is it
Digital TV, What is it 9

Display, LED 2
DVI connector 3, 5, 12
DVR, What is it 1

E

External hard disk drive. See SATA

C

Cables 9
Cable Out 6
Compliance, FCC 19
Component video connection. See PrPbY/V
Composite 6
Connectors
See also Front panel; Back panel
required for HDTV 5
required for SDTV 6
VCR 5, 6
Connecting the 8240HD to other devices
See also Web access to product information
HDTV with Component input (PrPbY/V)

13
HDTV with DVI connector 12
HDTV with HDMI connector 11
HDTV with VCR 15
Home Theater System with Component

input (PrPbY/V) 14
SATA drive, external 16, 17
SDTV 18
Controls (See Front panel)

F

FAQs 9
FCC compliance 19
Formats, picture 10
Frequently Asked Questions. See FAQs
Front panel 2

H

Hard disk drive, external. See SATA
HD
mode 3, 4, 5, 6, 18
format 1, 9
TV, What is it 9
HDMI 3, 5, 11
High-de nition (See HD)
Home theater system connection 14

I

Interlaced scan rate 10
IR Sensor 2

K

Keys. See Front panel; Back panel

20

L

Index, continued

LED Display 2

P

Performance tips 8
Picture formats 10
Picture-in-picture. See PIP
PIP 7
Ports. See Connectors
Product information. See Web access to

product information
Programs, view 7
Progressive scan rate 10
PrPbY/V
connector 3, 5, 6
HDTV connection 13
home theater connection 14
SDTV connection 18

R

Record programs 1, 7
Remote control 7
RGB connector 5

Sound, performance 8
Smart card 2
Standard-de nition, What is it 9
Standard screen TV 10
Stretching and zooming programs 7

T

TV
digital, what is it 9
formats 10
HDTV, what is it 9
programming 7
recording 1, 7
resolution 10
standard screen 10
standard-de nition, what is it 9
wide screen 10

U

Updating, software 8
USB port 2

S

S-Video 6
Safety iv, v, 1
SATA 3, 16, 17
Scan rates 10
Screen
burn-in 7
resolution 10
size 10
SD
Mode 3, 4, 6, 18

TV, What is it 9
Serial number, locating 1

Set-top. See DVR, What is it
Software updates 8

V

VCR connection 5, 6, 15
View programs 7

W

Watch TV 7
Web access to product information 1
Widescreen TV 10

Y

YPbPr. See PrPbY/V

21

Cisco Systems, Inc. 678 277-1120

5030 Sugarloaf Parkway, Box 465447 800 722-2009
Lawrenceville, GA 30042 www.cisco.com

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its a liates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of
Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: www.cisco.com/go/trademarks.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-De nition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United

States and other countries.
Other third party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1110R)
© 2005, 2010, 2012 Cisco and/or its a liates. All rights reserved.
July 2012 Part Number 4010317 Rev C