DirecTV D12 User Manual
DIRECTV
®
RECEIVER
USER GUIDE
Great TV viewing is in your
hands!
A good way to begin learning about your
DIRECTV® System is to familiarize yourself with
the remote control. You’ll fi nd further details
throughout the User Guide relating to specifi c
functions.
Navigating 101
You’ll fi nd you can get around nearly all onscreen
menus the same simple way.
Highlight… a menu or button by using the
ARROW keys (up, down, left and right).
Choose it… by pressing SELECT while the item
is highlighted.
Note: Don’t worry about getting stuck in a menu. You can always
press EXIT to return to video.
Quick Tip
To place batteries in your remote control:
1. Remove cover from the battery compartment by
sliding it downward.
2. Insert 2 AA batteries (supplied), matching
the positive (+) and negative (–) at each end.
3. Slide the cover back on to complete installation.
To program your remote control:
1. See “Programming Your Remote Control” on
page 68.
Keys in the shaded area below can be programmed to function with your VCR, DVD player or stand-alone DVR unit.
Changes remote to control other equipment,
Changes the “source” — the piece of equipment
whose signal is displayed on your TV
MODE SWITCH
for example, a DVD
TV INPUT
AV1 AV2 TV
TV
INPUT
STOP
REPLAY
REWIND
PAUSE
Displays the DIRECTV Interactive Home Page—
Displays the onscreen program Guide
Takes you to the screen you visited previously
Displays a compact menu of settings and services
In Guide, jumps 12 hours back; other functions
In Guide, jumps 12 hours forward; other functions
Tune to a channel directly; also input numbers and
letters when needed in onscreen menus
local weather and more!
Selects any highlighted item
vary — look for onscreen hints
vary — look for onscreen hints
Raises or lowers volume
Toggles sound volume on/off
NUMBER KEYS & DASH
ACTIVE
GUIDE
SELECT
BACK
MENU
RED
GREEN
VOLUME
MUTE
ACTIVE
GUIDE
BACK
VOL
MUTE PREV
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
DASH ENTER
PWR
SELECT
MENU
R
LIST
EXIT
INFO
CHAN
DEFABC
JKL MNOGHI
TUV WXYZPQRS
0
POWER
Turns other equipment on and off, as selected
with MODE switch
TV POWER ON/OFF
TV
Turns your TV and DIRECTV Receiver on and off
POWER
ON
ADVANCE
OFF
PLAY
FFWD
RECORD
LIST
Displays your To Do List
EXIT
Exits any menu and returns to last channel viewed
ARROWS
Move highlight to items in any direction needed
INFO
Displays info for a highlighted or fullscreen
program
BLUE
In live TV, displays the Mini Guide; other functions
vary — look for onscreen hints
PAGE
YELLOW
In fullscreen TV, cycles through alternate audio
tracks; other functions vary — look for onscreen
hints
CHAN/PAGE
In live TV, changes channel up or down; in a menu,
such as the Guide, scrolls page up or down
PREV
Tunes to last channel viewed
ENTER
Activates number entries quickly
DIRECTV
®
RECEIVER USER GUIDE
D12MAN070801
D12MAN070801
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this product
to rain or moisture. The apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PART S INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
IMPORTANT: Be sure not to place your
DIRECTV Receiver near anything WET
or HOT!
If this product is used at 240VAC, a
suitable attachment plug should be
used.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing and no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall
be placed on the apparatus.
!
Safety & Care
Your DIRECTV Receiver has been designed and manufactured to stringent quality and safety standards. You should, however, be aware of the following important precautions for safe and optimal use of the equipment.
Meaning of symbols printed on the rear panel of the product:
• The “ bolt of lightning” indicates un-insulated material within your unit may cause an electrical shock. For the
safety of everyone in your household, please do not remove product covering.
•
The “exclamation point” calls attention to features for which you should read the enclosed literature closely to
prevent operating and maintenance problems.
Important Safety Instructions
1) Re ad t hese ins truc tio ns.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9) 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 outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) 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.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14) 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.
• CAUTION: Avoid moisture to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock. The DIRECTV Receiver should not be used near water (for example, kitchen sink, bathtub,
pool, damp basement). Also, never spill liquid on the receiver, and do not place vases or other vessels containing liquid on top of it.
• Ensure proper ventilation — the vent slots on the DIR ECT V Receiver must be left uncovered to allow proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airf low to the unit
could impair performance or damage your receiver and other components.
• Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top of the DIR ECTV Receiver. Also, do not stack the receiver on top of a “hot component” such as an audio
power amplifier.
• Protect your components from power surges by connecting all the components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. Use of a surge protector is also
recommended.
• Don’t overload power outlets or extension cords, which can result in the risk of fire or shock. It’s also important to use only the type of power source indicated on the
marking label or in this manual.
• To prevent electrical shock, this apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing and fully inserted.
• Avoid audio hum or interference by inserting all cable plugs firmly into their jacks. Also, place Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the sides of the TV back panel rather
than down the middle once connected. Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from A/V cables as much as possible.
• Never insert objects of any kind into any openings in the DIRECT V Receiver (other than the DIR ECTV® Access Card as detailed in this chapter).
• Place it on a flat, hard surface — do not operate the DIRECTV Receiver on a carpet or other padded surface.
• Always unplug your DIRECTV Receiver before moving it.
• Always unplug the DIRECTV Receiver, TV and other equipment before you connect or disconnect any cables.
• e mains power connector at the back of the unit or at the outlet should be accessible to allow quick shutdown in case of emergency.
• CAUTION: Electric Shock — never attempt to disassemble the DIR ECTV Receiver yourself; always take it to a qualified ser vice
person when repair is required. Opening or removing covers may expose dangerous voltage or other risks, and incorrect reassembly
can cause shock when receiver is subsequently used. Attempted self-repair may also void your warranty. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance (by the warranty or by the manufacturer) could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
• Do not drop your DIRECTV Receiver and always move it with care.
• Have your DIRECTV Receiver professionally serviced (do not attempt to service it yourself )
• To reduce the risk of fi re, use only No. 26 AWG or better telecommunications line cord.
• Any changes or modif ications in construction of this device which are not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
For your information:
The identification sticker can be located underneath or on the back of your receiver.
The telecommunication network voltage used is the category number 3.
Note to Satellite Dish Installer
This reminder is provided to call your attention to articles 810 and 820 of the 2005 National Electrical Code. Refer to article 810,
in particular 810-1 and 810-15, for required grounding of the metal structure of the dish antenna. Refer also to the 810-2 which, by
reference to article 820, requires that the satellite dish coaxial cable shield be connected to the grounding system of the building
as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
There is a danger of explosion
if batteries are incorrectly
replaced.
Replace only with same or
equivalent type.
TIP
We highly recommend
plugging the DIRECTV
Receiver into a surge
protector to prevent
damage from fl uctuations
in your power suppl y.
CAUTION
iii
Contents
Chapter 1 - Getting Started
Welcome .....................................................................................................................................2
Installation and Activation .......................................................................................................... 3
DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel ................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 - What’s On
Watching TV ........................................................................................................................... 10
e Guide ................................................................................................................................. 12
Autotune ................................................................................................................................... 14
Pay Per View ............................................................................................................................. 16
Chapter 3 - The Quick Menu
Using the Quick Menu ............................................................................................................. 18
Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Audio Options .......................................................................................................................... 21
Category Sort ............................................................................................................................ 22
Pay Per View ............................................................................................................................. 22
Find By ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Date & Time ............................................................................................................................ 24
Favorites .................................................................................................................................... 24
Caller ID & Messages ............................................................................................................... 25
Parental Controls ...................................................................................................................... 26
iv
iv
Chapter 4 - Other Information
Troubleshootin g ........................................................................................................................ 32
Limited 90-Day Warranty ........................................................................................................41
Product Information .................................................................................................................46
DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN ......................................................................................... 47
FCC Customer Information ..................................................................................................... 49
Index ......................................................................................................................................... 53
Appendix A - Installation
Before You Begin ...................................................................................................................... 56
Hardware Reference .................................................................................................................. 56
Choose Your Setup .................................................................................................................... 58
Guided Setup & Activation ......................................................................................................66
Activate Your DIRECTV Service ............................................................................................. 67
Programming Your Remote Control .........................................................................................68
Contents
Important
Important: This device incorporates an anticopy process technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. The anticopy process is licensed for non-commercial, home use only. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. Unauthorized changes or modifi cations to this equipment may void the user’s authority to operate it.
Chapter 1
v
vi
Chapter 1 - Getting Started
2 Welcome
3 Installation and Activation
4 DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel
Getting Started
TIP
You can fi nd additional
information and the latest
updates at DIRECTV.com.
Welcome
With its astounding variety of channels and choices, crisp digital-quality picture and sound and one-
of-a-kind sports and events… DIRECTV® service offers everything you’d want in your television
experience. With the DIRECTV Receiver you can expect more than ever before, with access to over
225 channels, including over 30 premium movie channels, with all the convenience of DIRECTV
service. DIRECTV® Pay Per View offers a handy choice in recent hit movies, plus exciting live sports,
concerts and specials. There’s exclusive sports subscriptions for every taste and team. Even access to
36 commercial-free music channels!
To deliver this unique programming and enhance your entertainment experience, the DIRECTV®
System has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. You’ll find that most features are self-
explanatory, with onscreen directions to lead you through them.
2
Welcome
Installation and Activation
If you or a professional installer have not yet connected your DIRECTV Receiver and other compo-
nents, please see Appendix A, Installation, at the end of this User Guide. Following activation, you will
need to activate your DIRECTV service. If you have not done so already, see page XX for more infor-
mation.
Package Contents
The following items are included with your DIRECTV Receiver:
A/V cables (RCA type) Access card
S-Video cable User Guide
Phone cord Remote Control & batteries
Power cord
Installation and Activation
Chapter 1
33
Getting Started
DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 95
Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.
1) POWER – Turns your DIRECTV Receiver on or off. Your DIRECTV Receiver still tunes and
receives messages when powered off.
2) REMOTE SENSOR – The infrared sensor picks up commands from the remote control.
3) GUIDE – Displays the onscreen program guide.
4) MENU – Brings up the Quick Menu to access settings and services.
5) ARROWS – Move the onscreen highlight up, down, left or right.
6) SELECT – Selects the item highlighted.
7) ACTIVE – Displays the DIRECTV Interactive Home Page—local weather and more!
8) INFO – Displays channel banner or info to a highlighted program or channel cell.
9) DOOR PANEL – The access card slot and RESET button are located behind the door panel.
4
4
DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel
Insert your DIRECTV Access Card
DIRECTV Receiver Front Panel
Locate the access card that came packed with your DIRECTV Receiver materials and insert the card,
facing upward, fully into the slot.
Act
iv
SELECT
e
Info
Chapter 1
5
5
Getting Started
DIRECTV Receiver Rear Panel
1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 105
Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.
1) SATELLITE IN – Use to connect the DIRECTV Receiver to the satellite dish antenna. If your
installation includes an FTM (Frequency Translator Module), connect the FTM output to this
input. FTM is a technology that allows multiple tuners to work with a single satellite input.
(FTM support may require a software upgrade. Ask your DIRECTV Installer for details.)
2) OUT TO TV – Connects the DIRECTV Receiver to your TV or VCR using RF coaxial cable.
This jack provides the most basic connection, carrying good sound and video quality.
3) OFF-AIR IN – Connect a standard TV antenna or cable feed to the DIRECTV Receiver using
this jack. You can then switch between the DIRECTV Receiver’s signal and the TV/cable feed.
4) 3/4 CHANNEL SWITCH – Allows you to choose the channel that is not used in your
area (3 or 4) when the receiver is connected to TV using RF coaxial cable from the
DIRECTV Receiver’s OUT TO TV.
6
6
DIRECTV Receiver Rear Panel
5) S-VIDEO – Provides the best picture quality, better than VIDEO RCA-type or RF coaxial
cable jacks. If your TV has an S-Video jack, use it along with the audio jacks (S-Video only
carries picture information, not sound) to connect to your TV.
6) VIDEO (Yellow) – Provides better picture quality than the OUT TO TV jack. Connect the
second RCA-type composite VIDEO jack to another device, such as a VCR. You must also
connect the AUDIO cables when using the VIDEO connection.
7) AUDIO (R-Red and L-White) – Audio cables offer better sound quality than RF coaxial cables.
You can connect a second set of audio cables to another component, such as a VCR or stereo.
8) USB PORT – For future use.
9) PHONE – Connects the DIRECTV Receiver to a telephone wall jack. We require a land-based
telephone connection to communicate periodically with your DIRECTV Receiver.
10) POWER – Connects the DIRECTV Receiver to an electrical outlet. We recommend you use
a surge protector to safeguard your DIRECTV Receiver from power spikes. Your DIRECTV
Receiver is rated to operate at 110-220V, with the appropriate power cord.
DIRECTV Receiver Rear Panel
Chapter 1
7
7
Getting Started
8
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 - What’s On
10 Watching TV
12 The Guide
14 Autotune
16 Pay Per View
What’s On
TIP
Use the Channel Lineup (included in your
Welcome package) to get familiar with
our channel numbers.
Watching TV
Now that everything’s set up, you’re ready to grab your remote and start surfing!
With the MODE switch to the left (under the DIRECTV logo), press TV POWER ON. To access the
channel of your choice, simply key in its numbers on your remote (the channel will appear in a few sec-
onds, or press ENTER after the numbers and it will appear right away). You can also navigate to differ-
ent channels through the Guide, covered in detail starting on page 12. Keep in mind, either way, you’ll
®
only be able to access those channels in your chosen DIRECTV
Use the black keys on the left side of your remote control to adjust volume up or down (VOL) or mute
the sound ( MUTE). The black keys on the right side can take you to the next channel numerically up
or down (CHAN), or jump to the previous channel you watched (PREV).
programming package.
10
Watching TV
The Channel Banner
Any time you tune to a channel, you’ll see the channel banner appear across the top of
the screen. This banner displays the following useful information:
1) Current date & time
2) DIRECTV Channel – Channel logo, number and call letters of the station you’re currently
viewing.
3) Program – Program title, stop and start time and rating of the current program.
4) Current Favorites – Favorite Channels list currently in use.
5) Audio options – Two states: bright and dim. If displayed brightly, alternate audio options are
available.
6) Messages – Two states: bright and dim. If displayed brightly, there are new DIRECTV messages
in Caller ID & Messages.
7) P a r e n t a l C o n t r o l s – Parental Controls lock status. Three states: Locked, unlocked and
temporarily unlocked.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Watching TV
The channel banner gives you info on
the channel and show you are currently
watching.
To see program details at any time press
INFO on your remote (press a second
time to clear) . Select More Info but ton to
see additional options.
Music Channels
Your DIRECTV service includes dozens of enjoyable, continuous, commercial-free music channels with something for every
taste. Tune to these just as you would to any channel. You’ll see a special Channel Banner that initially displays the channel
description (for example, “Alternative,” “Today’s Country”). As each song is played, its info will appear in the banner,
including song title, artist and record company..
Chapter 2
11
What’s On
The Guide
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Press the GUIDE key t wice to skip the
Category Sort screen.
12
The Guide
GUIDE
Overview of the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide
The Guide displays listings of current and upcoming programs for up to 3.5 days in advance. Find
out what’s on (now or later), change the channel, find and purchase a pay per view movie or event, or
search for a program you’re interested in.
Icons you may see in the Guide:
– Broadcast in letterbox (16:9 or widescreen) format
– All Day Ticket Pay Per View showings (pay once, watch all day)
®
The Guide
Getting Around in the Guide
Press the GUIDE key on your remote, then choose how you want to filter the Guide. Select All
Channels, or channels in a specific category.
Moving through the Guide is simple:
The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys move you through listings and time slots.
Highlight a program or channel cell to view its description.
Use the CHAN key up or down to scroll a full page.
Press the RED or GREEN keys to move forward or back in time.
To tune to a program that is on now, highlight the program and press SELECT. Selecting a
future program displays program information.
Press INFO when you’ve highlighted a show in the Guide to view a more in-depth description
and options. Pressing INFO when you’ve highlighted the channel name displays the channel’s
listing for up to 3.5 days.
Press SELECT when you’ve highlighted a channel cell (far left) to view that channel in the TV
window.
Press MENU to see Guide options, change your Favorites list, or jump to a desired date and time.
LIST
ACTIVE
GUIDE
SELECT
BACK
MENU
EXIT
O
F
N
I
Highlight an item by using the arrow
keys to move LEFT, RIGHT, UP or DOWN.
Press SELECT to access the information
or channel.
Chapter 2
13
What’s On
Autotune
An even better way to catch all your favorites
Autotune is a great way to see your favorite programs on your schedule. You won’t miss your favorite
series because it moved to a different day or time, or miss your team’s playoff game because you had to
work late. Just set a program to autotune and your DIRECTV® Receiver will tune to it automatically
when it starts.
To schedule a program for autotuning with specific options:
1) Highlight a program that interests you and press INFO.
2) Highlight and select Autotune. A screen is displayed where you can set Autotune options for that
program. Follow the onscreen instructions to set the program to autotune as you wish.
3) Select the Set Autotune button, then OK on the confirmation screen.
If a program you select to autotune conflicts with another program, you will be notified of the conflict
at the time and given a choice of which autotune to cancel.
14
Autotune
Changing Autotune Options/Canceling an Autotune
Once you have scheduled a program to autotune, you can change the autotune options or cancel
the autotune by selecting the program in the Guide or the To Do List (press LIST); then, select the
Autotune item in the left menu, and follow the onscreen instructions to change the program’s options or
cancel the Autotune completely.
You can change the following Autotune options:
• For all programs, you can extend Autotune start and stop times (for example, start 1 minute
before the program; stop 5 minutes after the scheduled end of the program).
• For programs with multiple episodes, you can select whether to Autotune first run programs and
repeats or just first runs.
Recording to VCR
To record a program on your VCR, make sure you’ve connected your VCR properly to your DIRECTV
Receiver, then set up your VCR to record at the same time as a scheduled autotune and you’re set. See
your VCR User’s Guide for information on how to set it up for scheduled or manual recording.
Autotune
Chapter 2
15
What’s On
TIP
You can also order DIRECT V Pay Per
View movies and events on the Internet
at DIRECTV.com or over the phone at
1-800-531-5000. Keep in mind, though,
there is an ordering fee for those pur-
chases placed over the phone.
Pay Per View
The Latest Movies, 24 Hours a Day
You don’t have to go out for the best and biggest movies and special events! Recent hits and events like
sports, comedy and more are available 24 hours a day on DIRECTV® Pay Per View. You’ll find them
listed in the Guide in the 100s, with previews on channel 100.
Tune to a pay per view program or press INFO on a highlighted pay per view program. Select a Buy
option and follow the onscreen instructions. As long as your receiver has been connected to a land-
based phone line, you can use your remote to order. You’ll get a reminder a few minutes before the pay
per view’s start time.
You can cancel your pay per view order for any reason as long as none of the program has been viewed.
Press LIST to display the To Do List. Press SELECT on the Purchase item in the left menu. Select the
desired program and follow the onscreen instructions.
16
Pay Per View
Chapter 3 - The Quick Menu
18 Using the Quick Menu
18 Settings
21 Audio Options
22 Category Sort
22 Pay Per View
23 Find By
24 Date & Time
24 Favorites
25 Caller ID & Messages
26 Parental Controls
The Quick Menu
Using the Quick Menu
Press MENU on your remote to easily access DIRECTV features. Once the Quick Menu is dis-
played, use the UP and DOWN arrows to highlight a desired menu item, then press SELECT to
access that item. Some menu items will display a submenu, others will take you directly to a new
screen. To remove the Quick Menu at any time, press MENU again.
Settings
Selecting Settings in the Quick Menu displays a submenu of items that lets you customize, adjust and
keep track of your DIRECTV viewing experience.
Setup
The Setup item in the Quick Menu displays the Setup screen, where you can access the Info & Test,
Satellite Setup, Remote Setup, Audio Setup, Display Setup, Access Card and System Reset screens.
18
Using the Quick Menu
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