Check 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.
Protect the Product when Moving It
Always disconnect the power source when moving the apparatus or connecting or disconnecting cables.
WARNING: Avoid personal injury and damage to this product! Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table speci ed 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.
20070320 Set-Top Cable US & Canada
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read These Instructions
Keep These Instructions
Heed All Warnings
Follow All Instructions
Power Source Warning
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 service provider or your local power company.
The AC inlet on the unit must remain accessible and operable at all times.
Ground the Product
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and re hazard! 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 is provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
If this product connects to coaxial cable wiring, be sure the cable system is grounded (earthed). Grounding provides
some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges.
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)
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and re hazard! Do not locate an outside antenna system in
the vicinity of overhead power lines or power circuits. Touching power lines or circuits might be fatal.
Protect the Product from Lightning
For added protection, unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. In
addition to disconnecting the AC power from the wall outlet, disconnect the signal inputs.
Explorer 8540HD and 8550HD DVR
Verify the Power Source from the On/O Power Light
When the on/o power light is not illuminated, the apparatus may still be connected to the power source. The light
goes out when the apparatus is turned o , regardless of whether it is still plugged into an AC power source.
Eliminate AC Power/Mains Overloads
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and re hazard! Do not overload AC power/mains, outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles. For products that require battery power or other
power sources to operate them, refer to the operating instructions for those products.
Prevent Power Cord Damage
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where the cord exits from the apparatus.
Provide Ventilation and Select a Location
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not place this apparatus on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface.
• Do not place this apparatus on an unstable surface.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
ampli ers) that produce heat.
• Do not install this apparatus in an enclosure, such as a bookcase or rack, unless the installation provides proper
ventilation.
• Do not place entertainment devices (such as VCRs or DVDs), lamps, books, vases with liquids, or other objects
on top of this product.
Operating Environment
The set-top is designed for operation indoors with a temperature range from 32° to 104° F (0° to 40°C). Each settop should have adequate spacing on all sides so that the cooling air vents on the chassis are not blocked.
Protect from Exposure to Moisture and Foreign Objects
Do not use this apparatus near water.
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and re hazard! Do not expose this product to liquids, rain, or
moisture.
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and re hazard! Unplug this product before cleaning. Clean
only with a dry cloth. Do not use a liquid cleaner or an aerosol cleaner. Do not use a magnetic/static
cleaning device (dust remover) to clean this product.
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.
Accessories Warning
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and re hazard! Only use attachments/accessories speci ed
by your service provider or the manufacturer.
Service Warnings
WARNING: Avoid electric shock! Do not open the cover of this product. Opening or removing
the cover may expose you to dangerous voltages. If you open the cover, your warranty will be void. This
product contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to quali ed service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a 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.
Notice to Installers
The servicing instructions in this notice are for use by quali ed service personnel only. To reduce risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in
the operating instructions, unless you are quali ed to do so.
20070131 SysInstaller 820 US/Canada/Intl
Note to System Installer
This symbol is intended to alert you of the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying this product.
Ce symbole a pour but de vous avertir qu’une documentation importante sur le
fonctionnement et l’entretien accompagne ce produit.
For this apparatus, the coaxial cable shield/screen shall be grounded as close as
practical to the point of entry of the cable into the building.For products sold in the
US and Canada, this reminder is provided to call the system installer's attention to
Article 820-93 and Article 820-100 of the NEC (or Canadian Electrical Code Part 1),
which provides guidelines for proper grounding of the coaxial cable shield.
This symbol is intended to alert you that uninsulated voltage within this product
may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.Therefore, it is dangerous
to make any kind of contact with any inside part of this product.
Ce symbole a pour but d’alerter toute personne qu’un contact avec une pièce
interne de ce produit, sous tension et non isolée, pourrait être suffisant pour
provoquer un choc électrique. Il est donc dangereux d’être en contact avec toute
pièce interne de ce produit.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or ba ck).
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
FCC Compliance
United States FCC Compliance
This device 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 such interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, it 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, if applicable.
• 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 the cable company or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
Any changes or modi cations not expressly approved by Scienti c-Atlanta, Inc., could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
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.
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) the device
may not cause harmful interference, and 2) the device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Explorer 8540HD and 8550HD Digital Video Recorders
Model: 8540HD and 8550HD
Manufactured by: Cisco Systems, Inc.
5030 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30044 USA
Telephone: 678 277-1120
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
Disclaimer
Cisco Systems, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions that may appear in this guide. We reserve the
right to change this guide at any time without notice.
AVC VIDEO LICENSE
With respect to each AVC/H.264 product, we are obligated to provide the following notice:
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF
A CONSUMER OR OTHER USES IN WHICH IT DOES NOT RECEIVE REMUNERATION TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED
BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER
LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO. NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM.
Accordingly, please be advised that service providers, content providers, and broadcasters may be required to
obtain a separate use license from MPEG LA prior to any use of AVC/H.264 encoders and/or decoders.
POWER
SELECT
VOL+VOL-
CH+
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LISTEXITINFOGUIDE
L AUDIO IN R VIDEO IN
EXPLORER® 8550HD
™
Quick Reference Guide
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’s 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)
©2007, 2010, 2012 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
October 2012 Printed in United States of America Part Number 78-4022346-01 Rev D
Cisco Systems, Inc. 678 277-1120
5030 Sugarloaf Parkway, Box 465447 800 722-2009
Lawrenceville, GA 30042 www.cisco.com
Antenna Lead In Wire
T15332
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)
Power Service Grounding Electrode System
(NEC Art 250, Part H)
Grounding Conductors
(NEC Section 810-20)
Ground Clamps
Connecting to an HDTV with Component Input (YPbPr)
1. Connect the DVR to the coaxial cable coming from the wall.
2. Connect the Y (green) connector on the HDTV to the Y (green) connector on the DVR; connect the Pb (blue) connector on the HDTV to the Pb
(blue) connector on the DVR; and connect the Pr (red) connector on the HDTV to the Pr (red) connector on the DVR.
3. Connect the left audio (white) connector on the HDTV to the left audio (white) connector on the DVR, and connect the right audio (red)
connector on the HDTV to the right audio (red) connector on the DVR.
4. Plug the DVR and the HDTV into an AC power source. Do not press the Power key on the DVR yet.
Important: To potentially protect the DVR from power surge damage, ground (earth) your cable product to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up static charges. You may be able to reduce the risk of damage from voltage surges, which can be
caused by lightning storms and power outages, by plugging the DVR into a surge protector.
5. Wait several minutes for the DVR to receive the latest software, programming, and service information. One of the following will appear
on the front panel of the DVR:
• Current time (The update is complete.) • Four dashes (----) (Call your service provider to get the DVR authorized.)
6. To begin watching TV, turn on the HDTV and press Power on the front panel of the DVR, or press Power on the remote control.
1 Power Turns the DVR on and o
2 USB Connects to external USB devices (Reserved for future use)
3 VOL +, VOL - Increases and decreases the volume
4 CH+, CH - Scrolls through the channels
5 Select Accesses your on-screen selection
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, or 480i)
• AUTO - Automatically outputs native scan rates that your TV can accept
8 Guide Accesses the on-screen guide, video-on-demand, or pay-per-view features
9 Info Displays a description of the selected program. This button is available
from the on-screen guide and while viewing a program
10 Exit Exits menus, the on-screen guide, and program information
11 List Displays the Recorded List
12 Video and Not available on all models. Connects to video and left/right (L/R)
Audio Input audio outputs from a TV or other device (Not available on 8540HD)
13 Smart Card Slot Allows Smart Card access
Welcome
The Explorer® 8540HD™ DVR and 8550HD™ DVR each deliver
high-de nition programming in exceptional picture and audio
quality. Through the 8540HD and 8550HD you can access
interactive services, such as video-on-demand and pay-per-view
programs. Contact your service provider for information about
these and other available services. Use the instructions in this
guide to install the DVR and to access your program services.
For more information about this product, visit our website:
http://www.cisco.com/web/consumer/support/index.html
Safety First
Before using this DVR read the IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS section of this guide.
Watch TV
Press the following remote control keys to access services and
programs:
• Guide–Display the on-screen program guide
• Arrows–Highlight a program in the schedule
• Info–Display program description
• Select–Watch a speci c program in the guide
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 HDTV screen to age unevenly and cause
damage to your HDTV. Refer to the user’s guide that came with
your HDTV for more information about screen burn-in.
Automatic Software Updates
A message appears on the TV screen when the DVR is receiving
software updates. In addition, download information appears on the
front panel of the DVR during these updates. Wait for the current
time to appear on the front panel before continuing. When the time
appears, the update is complete.
Note: If you need further assistance, contact your service provider.
Performance Tips
If the DVR does not perform as expected, the following tips may help.
No picture
• Verify that the power to your TV is turned on.
• If the DVR is plugged into a wall switch, verify the switch is in the
ON position. (Avoid plugging into an outlet that is controlled by a
wall switch.)
• Verify that all cables are properly connected.
• 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 HDTV is in HD mode. If necessary, re-run the
HDTV Setup Wizard to select HD mode.
• Verify the current TV program is broadcast in color.
• Adjust the TV color controls.
No sound
• If your setup includes a VCR or stereo, verify that you have
properly connected them to the DVR.
• Verify the volume is turned up.
• Verify the mute function is not on.
Explorer 8550HD Front Panel
Explorer 8550HD Back Panel
1 Cable In Connects to a coaxial cable that delivers the signal from your service provider
2 Set-Top Box Code Label Contains set-top serial number and MAC address
3 Archive Video Connects to a video input of an archive device
4 L-R Audio Archive Connects to an audio input of an archive device
5 Video 1 (Composite) Connects to a video input of another device, such as a TV or VCR
6 Audio Out (Left/Right) Connects to RCA cables that send analog audio signals (left/right) to a stereo receiver or TV with stereo inputs
7 YPbPr Connects to the component video input (YPbPr) on an HDTV. Do not use these cables if you are using the
HDMI connection
8 Out 2 (Secondary Connects to either a VCR or to another set of inputs (composite) on your TV
Audio Out)
9 Digital Audio Out Connects to an RCA cable that sends a digital audio signal to a surround-sound receiver or other digital audio device
10 S-Video Out Connects to S-Video input of a standard TV or VCR
11 IR Connector reserved for future use
12 Optical Audio Out Connects to an optical cable that sends a digital audio signal to a surround-sound receiver or other digital
audio device
13 Cable Out Connects to a coaxial cable that sends analog audio and video signals to a TV or VCR. These signals are
SDTV video and stereo audio
14 HDMI Connects an HDMI™ cable to the HDMI input of an HDTV. HDMI supports both digital audio and video. May be used
to connect to a DVI interface using an HDMI-to-DVI adapter for video and separate audio connections. Any of the
following audio connections may be used: Digital Audio Out (9); Audio Out: Left, Right (6); or Optical Audio Out (12)
15 USB 2.0 Connects to external USB device (Reserved for future use)
16 eSATA Connects to an external Serial ATA (eSATA) hard disk drive for expanded drive space. A connected eSATA drive is
not an archival device. Ask your service provider for a list of approved hard drive models for use with the DVR
17 1394 Connects to display devices equipped with a 1394 input
18 Ethernet Connects to an Ethernet-equipped device (Reserved for future use)
19 AC Outlet Connects to the AC power cord from another device, such as a TV
20 AC Power Input Connects to the power cord to deliver power to the set-top
Safety and Performance Tips
• Keep the top of the DVR free of all objects
and electronic devices, including your TV.
• Always set the DVR on its feet, never on
its side.
Connection Example
Note: This
illustration may
vary from the
actual product.
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard!
Unplug all electronic
devices before connecting
or disconnecting any device
cables to the DVR.
POWER
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LISTEXITINFOGUIDE
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EXPLORER® 8550HD
™
T15644
82
9
10 1312
11
1 5 64
3 7
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
IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE TO RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
AND IS IN VIOLATION OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.
CABLE OUT
S-VIDEO
OUT
USB 2.0
120VAC
60Hz 80W
120 VAC
60Hz 4.2A
500W
OPTICAL
AUDIO
OUT
VIDEO
ARCHIVE OUT 1
L
R
VIDEO
LRPb
Y
Pr
DIGITAL
AUDIO
L
R
IR
1394
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
1394
eSATA
CABLE
IN
SCIENTIFIC-ATLANTA, INC.
CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO
LISTED 14H1
VIDEO PRODUCT
eCM MAC: 001AC3F4F757
STB RF MAC: 001AC3F$F756
STB SN: SABPQBQGD
T15645
1 2 436 8
1911
2018
5 9 137
10 12 14 15 16
17
Note: This
illustration may
vary from the
actual product.
T15646
eCM MAC: 001AC3F4F757
STB RF MAC: 001AC3F$F756
STB SN: SABPQBQGD
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
IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE TO RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
AND IS IN VIOLATION OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.
CABLE
IN
CABLE OUT
S-VIDEO
OUT
USB 2.0
120VAC
60Hz 80W
120 VAC
60Hz 4.2A
500W
OPTICAL
AUDIO
OUT
VIDEO
ARCHIVE OUT 1
L
R
VIDEO
LRPb
Y
Pr
DIGITAL
AUDIO
L
R
IR
1394
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
1394
eSATA
SCIENTIFIC-ATLANTA, INC.
CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO
LISTED 14H1
VIDEO PRODUCT
Back of
HDTV
DVI/HDCP
IN
AUDIO
CENTER
CHANNEL IN
AUDIO IN
DVI/HDCP
ANT (75 )
INOUT
LR
ANT-1
HD 2
Y
OUT
ANT-2
PBPRL
R
VIDEO
L/
MONO
R
L/
MONO
R
AUDIO
IN
ON OFF
IN
HD 1
S-VIDEO
VIDEO
Y
PBPRL
R
AUDIOAUDIO
Cable
Input
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