DirecTV D10, D11, D12-300, D12, R15 Installation Manual

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for

the Installer

Published by

DTV-MD-0058

Rev. 2.2

March 5, 2008

DIRECTV, Inc.

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

REVISION HISTORY

Revision Date of Issue Author Scope

1.0 September 1, 2005 D. K. Initial version

1.1 October 19, 2005 J. G. Updated formating

1.1.a November 17, 2005 J. G. Fixed 155200 typo and USB 2.0 default data rate in
Table 3-1. Deleted duplicate table of Amplifier codes
(Table 17)

1.2 November 18, 2005 J. G. Intermediate version. Never released.

1.3 January 3, 2007 W. M. Updated D11 default baud rate and added R15 in
Table 2 and Table 3. Fixed baud rate in Section 3.9.

2.0 March 2, 2007 W. M. Added command GetTuner and the multituner
commands.
Added support for HR20.

2.1 August 6, 2007 J.G.

B.S.

2.2 March 5, 2008 J.G.

B.S.

Added support for H20.
Added support for D12, R16, H21, HR21 and

HR21P

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Table of Contents

Section Page

1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................6

1.1 Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................6

1.2 Scope........................................................................................................................................................6

1.3 Notice .......................................................................................................................................................6

1.4 Feedback..................................................................................................................................................6

2 Set-Top Box Front Panel Shortcut Keys..........................................................................................7

3 Data Port Connectors........................................................................................................................8

3.1 USB 2.0 Data Ports.................................................................................................................................8

3.2 Data Port Interface Default Baud Rate ................................................................................................9

4 Data Port Commands......................................................................................................................10

4.1 Data Port Commands and Supported STB........................................................................................10

4.2 Software Version of Supported STBs .................................................................................................11

4.3 Basic Data Port Commands................................................................................................................. 12

4.4 Multi-Tuner Data Port Commands.....................................................................................................13

4.5 Default Data Rate and Format............................................................................................................13

4.6 Command Protocol...............................................................................................................................13

4.7 STB Command Prefix ..........................................................................................................................15

4.8 STB Responses......................................................................................................................................15

5 Data Port Command Details........................................................................................................... 16

5.1 Standby (0x81) ......................................................................................................................................16

5.2 Active (0x82).......................................................................................................................................... 16

5.3 GetPrimaryStatus (0x83) .....................................................................................................................17

5.4 GetCommandVersion (0x84)...............................................................................................................18

5.5 GetCurrentChannel (0x87).................................................................................................................. 19

5.6 GetSignalQuality (0x90).......................................................................................................................20

5.7 GetCurrentTime (0x91)........................................................................................................................20

5.8 GetUserCommand (0x92) .................................................................................................................... 21

5.9 EnableUserEntry (0x93)....................................................................................................................... 22

5.10 DisableUserEntry (0x94) ..................................................................................................................23

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5.11 GetReturnValue (0x95).....................................................................................................................23

5.12 Reboot (0x96)..................................................................................................................................... 23

5.13 SendUserCommand (0xA5)..............................................................................................................24

5.14 OpenUserChannel (0xA6) ................................................................................................................ 25

5.15 GetTuner (0x9A)...............................................................................................................................27

5.16 GetPrimaryStatusMT (0x8A) .......................................................................................................... 28

5.17 GetCurrentChannelMT (0x8B) .......................................................................................................30

5.18 GetSignalQualityMT (0x9D)............................................................................................................ 30

5.19 OpenUserChannelMT (0x9F) .......................................................................................................... 31

6 Remote Control................................................................................................................................33

6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 33

6.2 Brand Setup Code List.........................................................................................................................33

6.3 Remote Control Key Codes.................................................................................................................. 35

7 Wired IR Input Port........................................................................................................................37

7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 37

7.2 Interface Specifications........................................................................................................................37

8 Appendix: Low Speed Serial Port Specifications...........................................................................38

8.1 Low-Speed Data Port Connector ........................................................................................................ 38

8.2 Low-Speed Electrical Performance and Characteristics .................................................................. 39

8.2.1 Bit Timing (Start, –D0 TO –D7, and Stop)........................................................................39

8.2.2 Idle Interval, General..........................................................................................................39

8.2.3 Idle Interval for Non-Empty STB Buffer ...........................................................................39

8.3 Low-Speed Input Characteristics........................................................................................................ 39

8.3.1 Input Signaling Characteristics (Pin 3)...............................................................................39

8.4 Low-Speed Output Characteristics.....................................................................................................40

8.4.1 Output Drive Characteristics (Pin 2)..................................................................................40

8.4.2 Passive Outputs (Pins 1, 6, 8, and 9) (Optional).................................................................40

8.5 Low-Speed Signaling Conventions......................................................................................................41

9 Appendix: Acronyms....................................................................................................................... 42

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Table of Figures

Figure 4-1. Service Command Parser Flowchart ..................................................................................14

Figure 6-1 RC32 remote control. .........................................................................................................34

Figure 7-1 Wired IR Input Plug ............................................................................................................37

Figure 8-1. Low-Speed Data Port Pin Assignment Diagram................................................................. 38

Figure 8-2. Orientation of the RJ22 (4 way/4 position) Jack................................................................. 38

Figure 8-3. Bit Timing Diagram.............................................................................................................39

List of Tables

Table 2-1: Shortcut Keys Combinations................................................................................................... 7

Table 2-2: Supported Shortcut Keys......................................................................................................... 7

Table 3-1: Type of Data Port Connector.................................................................................................8

Table 3-2: USB-Serial Adapter ............................................................................................................... 8

Table 4-1: Commands and Supported STB ........................................................................................... 10

Table 4-2: Software Version of Supported STB.....................................................................................11

Table 4-3: Basic Commands Summary..................................................................................................12

Table 4-4: Multi-Tuner Commands Summary.......................................................................................13

Table 4-5: STB Responses List..............................................................................................................15

Table 8-1: Timing Characteristics .........................................................................................................39

Table 8-2: Input Drive Characteristics..................................................................................................40

Table 8-3: Output Drive Characteristics................................................................................................40

Table 8-4: Passive Drive Characteristics .............................................................................................. 41

Table 8-5: Low-Speed Data Port Signaling Conventions......................................................................41

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1 Introduction

1.1 Disclaimer

DIRECTV makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, that use of the technologies
described in this specification will not infringe patents, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights
of third parties. Nothing in this specification should be construed as granting permission to use any of
the technologies described. Anyone planning to make use of technology covered by the intellectual
property rights of others should first obtain permission from the holder(s) of the rights. This
specification is subject to change without notice. DIRECTV does not accept any responsibility
whatsoever for any damages or liability, direct or consequential, which may result from use of this
specification or any related discussions. These specifications are provided “as is” and the user of these
specifications assumes any and all risks associated with the use of these specifications. DIRECTV
expressly disclaims any and all representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the
specifications, including without limitation any warranty as to merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, non-interruption of use, or non-infringement.

1.2 Scope

This document provides information on the DIRECTV Set-top box data port, front panel, and remote
control commands as an aid for installers, and auxiliary devices. This document is relevant to set-top
box (STB) models D10, D11, D12, R15, R16, H10, H20, HR20, H21, HR21 and HR21P. Other
models are not supported by this document.

1.3 Notice

Previous “Set-top Information for Installer” documents had a companion document listing various
peculiarities of some STBs. This “Peculiarities” document must no longer be used.

1.4 Feedback

Email feedback to [e-mail]

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DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

2 Set-Top Box Front Panel Shortcut Keys

The following shortcut key combinations are implemented by pressing the front panel keys
simultaneously. The shortcut keys may not work if user interface graphics are on the screen instead of
video. Table 2-2 shows which shortcut keys are supported by each model.

Table 2-1: Shortcut Keys Combinations

Key Combination Action

ACTIVE and UP

ACTIVE and RIGHT

ACTIVE and DOWN

STB Model ACTIVE and UP ACTIVE and RIGHT ACTIVE and DOWN

D10 Yes
D11 Yes
D12 Yes
H10 Yes Yes Yes
R15 Yes Yes Yes

Access the System Setup: System Info & Test screen.
Access the System Setup: System Diagnostic (hidden) screens.

The System Diagnostic screen contains menu items to change the
LNB configuration to stacked/unstacked; input phone settings for
prefixes and call waiting, and a modem test.

Skip Guided Setup and display Startup: Full Screen (Live TV) on
the default channel.

Table 2-2: Supported Shortcut Keys

R16 Yes Yes Yes
H20 Yes Yes Yes
H21 Yes Yes Yes
HR20 Yes Yes Yes
HR21 Yes Yes Yes
HR21P Yes Yes Yes

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3 Data Port Connectors

Table 3-1 shows what type of connector and data rate the STB data port has.

Table 3-1: Type of Data Port Connector

STB Model Type of Data Port Connector Data Rate (baud)

D10 RJ22 9600
D11 USB 9600
D12 USB 9600
H10 RJ22 9600
R15 USB 9600
R16 USB 9600
H20 USB 9600

H21 USB 9600
HR20 USB 9600
HR21 USB 9600

HR21P USB and DB-9F 9600

3.1 USB 2.0 Data Ports

All new DIRECTV STBs have USB 2.0 data ports. The STB USB port has a host configuration. Serial
commands are interfaced through the data port using a USB-Serial adapter. The following RS-232­compatible serial port adapters will be supported:

Table 3-2: USB-Serial Adapter

Manufacturer Model USB Vendor ID USB Product ID

IOGEAR GUC232A 0x067B 0x2303
ATEN UC-232A 0x067B 0x2303
BAFO BF-810 0x067B 0x2303

The USB port on most STBs support hot-plug. That means USB ports will work any time when a
USB-serial adapter is plugged in. Only the HR20 and HR21 USB ports works differently. The USB­serial adapter must be plugged before the STB is booted. If the USB connector is plugged in when the

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STB is running, it must be reset.

3.2 Data Port Interface Default Baud Rate

All STBs have a default baud data rate of 9600. The data format is 1 start bit, 8 data bits, no parity, 1
stop bit, and no handshaking.

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4 Data Port Commands

4.1 Data Port Commands and Supported STB

Table 4-1: Commands and Supported STB

Command
Code

0x81 Standby Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x82 Active Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x83 GetPrimaryStatus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x84 GetCommandVersion Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x87 GetCurrentChannel Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x90 GetSignalQuality Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x91 GetCurrentTime Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x92 GetUserCommand Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x93 EnableUserEntry Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x94 DisableUserEntry Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x95 GetReturnValue Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x96 Reboot Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0xA5 SendUserCommand Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Command Label D10 D11 D12 R15 R16 H10 H20 H21 HR20 HR21

HR21P

0xA6 OpenUserChannel Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x9A GetTuner No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x8A GetPrimaryStatusMT No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x8B GetCurrentChannelMT No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x9D GetSignalQualityMT No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
0x9F OpenUserChannelMT No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No

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4.2 Software Version of Supported STBs

DIRECTV STBs with the software version listed in Table 4-2 and newer software versions support
data port commands described in this document.

Table 4-2: Software Version of Supported STB

DIRECTV STB Software Version

D10-100 0x1040
D10-200 0x1040
D10-300 0x1043
D11-100 0x1040
D12-100 0x1050
D11-300 0x1040
D11-500 0x1040
R15-100 0x1029
R15-300 0x104B
R15-500 0x10FA
R16-300 0x10C2

(1)

H10

0.4.33
H20-100 0x2021
H20-600 0x2024
H21-100, H21-200 0x4048
HR20-100 0x17E
HR20-700 0x134
HR21-100 0x1FE
HR21-200 0x1FE
HR21-700 0x1FE
HR21P-200 0x1FE

(1)

All Commands on H10 need a carriage return to be
recognized. Therefore, each command string input must be
followed by 0x0D (the carriage return hex code).

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4.3 Basic Data Port Commands

Table 4-3: Basic Commands Summary

Command

Command Label Description

Code

0x81 Standby
0x82 Active Turn STB on
0x83 GetPrimaryStatus Status information on current channel
0x84 GetCommandVersion The STB returns the version of the Data Port Specification

0x87 GetCurrentChannel Get the major and minor numbers for the tuned channel
0x90 GetSignalQuality Signal level for the tuned channel
0x91 GetCurrentTime Current time in UTC
0x92 GetUserCommand Get the remote or front panel command input by the user

(1)

Put STB in Standby

that it implements.

0x93 EnableUserEntry Allows direct control of the STB by the remote or front

panel buttons

0x94 DisableUserEntry Disables direct control of the STB by the remote or front

panel buttons

0x95 GetReturnValue Returns the last Return Value issued by a data port

command
0x96 Reboot Commands a reboot
0xA5 SendUserCommand Send remote control commands through the data port
0xA6 OpenUserChannel Tune to a channel by inputting a channel number

(1)

This command holds its value after a warm start. Other commands are terminated.

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4.4 Multi-Tuner Data Port Commands

A new set of commands are introduced for multi-tuner STBs, such as R15 and HR20. For multi-tuner
STBs, the tuner needs to be identified for many of the commands as an input parameter. To maintain
backward compatibility, new commands with the suffix “MT”, have been created that have a TunerID
parameter added. In the case where an original non TunerID command is issued to a multi-tuner STB,
it will be executed as the equivalent “MT” command with TunerID set to 0x01. The [TunerID] shall
start at 0x01 and increase in value by one for each additional tuner (i.e. 0x01, 0x02, 0x03…). The
[TunerID] can be obtained by issuing the command GetTuner. See Table 4-1 for the list of STBs that
support the multi-tuner commands.

Table 4-4: Multi-Tuner Commands Summary

Comman

d Code

Command Label Description

0x9A GetTuner Get the number of tuners and their designations.
0x8A GetPrimaryStatusMT Get the status information of current channel.
0x8B GetCurrentChannelMT Get the major and minor numbers of the tuned channel.
0x9D GetSignalQualityMT Get the signal level for the tuned channel.
0x9F OpenUserChannelMT Tune to a channel by inputting a channel number.

4.5 Default Data Rate and Format

All STBs have a default data rate of 9600. The data format is 1 start bit, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop
bit, and no handshaking.

4.6 Command Protocol

The STB will use the command and data acknowledgment protocol for flow control as specified in
Figure 4-1.

Any controller that is implemented to control DIRECTV STB, should follow the protocol depicted in
Figure 4-1.

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Start

Res et Command

Parser

(Parser is free)

*Command

Pre fix (0xFA) ?

YES

**Command Parser

attaches to current

data port

(Parser is in use)

*Known

Command?

YES

NO

NO

Send

STB Response

= ACK_RESET

Send

STB Response

= NACK_PREFIX

Send
STB Response
= NACK_CMD

Send

STB Response

= DATA_ERROR

Send

STB Response

= CMDBUF_OVFL

Send

STB Response

= NACK_PARAMS

Input

Parameters?

*Co r re c t # o f

NO

Input

Parameters?

Send

STB Response

= ACK_PAR AM S

Execu te Comm and

and send Return

Data Stream as

appropriate

(Parser is Busy)

A

NO

YES

YES

NO

*2 By te

Command?

Read 2nd Byte of a 2

Byte Com mand

*Known

Command?

Send

STB Response

= ACK_CMD

A

YES

YES

Send

STB Response

= NACK_FCNOK

NO

Figure 4-1. Service Command Parser Flowchart

Command

NO

completed

successfully ?

Send

STB Response

= ACK_FCNOK

(Pa rser is no t busy)

YES

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4.7 STB Command Prefix

0xFA Required Command Prefix, precedes all commands

4.8 STB Responses

Table 4-5: STB Responses List

Response

Code

Response Label Description

0xF0 ACK_CMD Command Acknowledge
0xF1 NACK_CMD Command Unknown
0xF2 ACK_PARAMS Parser received the correct number of parameters
0xF3 NACK_PARAMS Parser timed out when receiving parameters
0xF4 ACK_FCNOK Service command completed successfully
0xF5 NACK_FCNOK Service command completed unsuccessfully
0xF6 ACK_RESET Command parser reset - break condition detected
0xF7 NACK_BUSY A previous service command is pending completion
0xF9 NACK_INUSE Command parser in use by another device
0xFB NACK_PREFIX Expected Prefix, prefix not sent
0xFD DATA_ERROR Command parser reset – Communication data error
0xFF CMDBUF_OVFL Command parser reset – Command buffer

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5 Data Port Command Details

All parameters specified by square brackets “[ ]” are one (1) byte in length.

5.1 Standby (0x81)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream
Return Response
Return Value
Description

Standby
0x81
None
None
ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
0x0000 : Always Success
The STB will execute a Standby command by placing the STB in the "low power"

mode where the audio and video processing is disabled.
This command has the same effect as turning the box "off" by pressing the front panel

power button.

Example: Turn off the STB.
Controller -> STB: FA (Command Prefix)
Controller -> STB: 81 (Command ID)
STB -> Controller: F0 (Command acknowledged)
STB -> Controller: F4 (Command completed successfully)

5.2 Active (0x82)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream
Return Response
Return Value
Description

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Active
0x82
None
None
ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
0x0000 : Always Success
The STB executes this command by placing the STB in the operational mode.
This command has the same effect as turning the box "on" by pressing the front panel

power button.

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

5.3 GetPrimaryStatus (0x83)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

GetPrimaryStatus
0x83
None
[MajorchnHI] [MajorChnLO] [MinorChnHI] [MinorChnLO]
[Primary Type] [Audio Type] [Data Type]
[Primary SCIDHI] [Primary SCIDLO]
[Audio SCIDHI] [Audio SCIDLO]
[Data SCIDHI] [Data SCIDLO]
[Network HI] [Network LO]
[Xponder]
[Year] [Month] [Day] [Hour] [Min] [Sec] [Day Of Week]
[ROMVer3] [ROMVer2] [ROMVer1] [ROMVer0]
[STS ID0] [STS ID1] [STS ID2] [STS ID3] [STS Ver]
[CAM ID0 ][CAM ID1] [CAM ID2]
[CAM ID3] [CAM ID4] [CAM ID5]
[Signal Quality]
[Rx ID0] [Rx ID1] [RxID2] [RxID3] [RxID4] [Rx ID5]
*******************************************************************
MajorChnHI and MajorChnLO (Major Channel Number):

0x0000 – 0xFFFF
MinorChnHI and MinorChnLO (Minor Channel Number):
0x0000 – 0xFFFF

Primary Type:
0x0B Data
0x0C Audio
0x0E Retired
0x0F Video - TV
0x10 Video - HDTV
0xFF None
Audio Type:
0x00 MPEG In / PCM Out
0x09 AC3 In / AC3 Out
0xFF None
Data Type:
0x0B Retired 0x0C Retired
0x0D Retired 0xFF None
SCIDs:

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0x0000 – 0xFFFE
0xFFFF if not required
Network:
0x0000 – 0xFFFF
Xponder:
0x00 – 0xFF (0 to 255, corresponding to transponders 1 to 256)

Year: 0x00 – 0xFF (# of years after 1993)
Month: 0x01 – 0x0C
Date: 0x01 – 0x1F
Hour: 0x00 – 0x17
Minute: 0x00 – 0x3B
Second: 0x00 – 0x3B

Day Of Week: 0x01 to 0x07 (0x01=Monday….0x07=Sunday)
Signal Quality:

0x00 – 0x64 ( 0x00=FEC unlocked and 0x64=max signal strength)
CAM and RID are in Hex format.

Return Response

Return Value

Description

ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure - STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure - STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel

The STB will execute a GetPrimaryStatus command by providing the STB’s health
and status as defined by the Return Data Stream parameters.

The STB will provide current time in Universal Time Coordinate (UTC)
unconditioned by time zone and daylight savings settings.

The fields ROMVer3, ROMVer2, ROMVer1, ROMVer0, STS ID0, STS ID1, STS
ID2, STS ID3, STS Ver are private.

The CAM ID is returned in hexadecimal with zeroes stuffed into the most significant
positions to fill out the unused bits. For example, a CAM ID = 0013 1751 9641 in hex
is 0x4E87C119. This command would return 00 00 4E 87 C1 19 for the CAM ID.

The RID ID is returned in hexadecimal with zeroes stuffed into th e most significant
positions to fill out the unused bits. For example, a RID = 0001 7035 6778 in hex is
0xA27702A. This command would return 00 00 0A 27 70 2A for the RID.

5.4 GetCommandVersion (0x84)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

GetCommandVersion
0x84
None

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Return Data Stream

Return Response
Return Value
Description

[Version Major] [Version Minor] [Reserved1] [Reserved2]
*******************************************************************
Version Major: 0x00 – 0xFF;
Version Minor: 0x00 – 0xFF
Reserved1: 0x00
Reserved2: 0x00
ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
0x0000 : Always Success

This command displays the version of the Data Port specification the STB software
was coded to. For example: Ver 1.4 will return a [Version Major]: 0x01 and [Version
Minor]: 0x04.

Note: STBs supported by this document will return a version number of 1.4 or higher.

5.5 GetCurrentChannel (0x87)

Command Label
Command Byte

GetCurrentChannel
0x87

Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

Return Response

Return Value

Description

None
[MajorChnHI] [MajorChnLO] [MinorChnHI] [MinorChnLO]
*******************************************************************
MajorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF
MajorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
The STB executes this command by providing the major and minor channel number

(i.e., for the DIRECTV system channel the STB is tuned to) in the Return Data
Stream.

Example: Find out what channel a single tuner STB is tuned to (STB is tuned to channel 276
which in hexadecimal notation is 0x114).

Controller -> STB: FA (Command Prefix)
Controller -> STB: 87 (Command ID)

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STB -> Controller: F0 (Command acknowledged)
STB -> Controller: 01 14 FF FF (Major and minor

[1]

channel number)

STB -> Controller: F4 (Command completed successfully)

[1]

Note: For most of DIRECTV channels, the minor channel number is 0xFFFF.

5.6 GetSignalQuality (0x90)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

Return Response

Return Value

Description

GetSignalQuality
0x90
None
[Signal Quality]
*******************************************************************
Signal Quality:
0x00 – 0x64 ( 0x00=FEC unlocked and 0x64=max signal strength)
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
The STB executes this command by providing the signal quality in th e Return Data

Stream.

5.7 GetCurrentTime (0x91)

Command Label

GetCurrentTime

Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

0x91
None
[Year] [Month] [Date] [Hour] [Minute] [Second] [Day Of Week]
*******************************************************************
Year: 0x00 – 0xFF (# of years after 1993)
Month: 0x01 – 0x0C
Date: 0x01 – 0x1F
Hour: 0x00 – 0x17
Minute: 0x00 – 0x3B
Second: 0x00 – 0x3B

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Day Of Week: 0x01 to 0x07 (0x01=Monday….0x07=Sunday).

Return Response
Return Value
Description

ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
0x0000 : Always Success
The STB executes this command by providing the current time in Universal Time

Coordinate (UTC) conditioned by time zone and daylight savings settings.

5.8 GetUserCommand (0x92)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

GetUserCommand
0x92
None
[Type] [Device] [Key]
*******************************************************************

Type:
0x00 Key Toggle

0x01 Key Down

0x03 Key Up
Device:
0x00 Front Panel
0x01 Remote
Key:
0xA0 Enter (key #38) 0xB0 Pause (key #43)
0xA1 Info (key #26) 0xB1 Rewind (key #44)

0xA2 Active (key #27) 0xB2 Play (key #45)

0xA3 List (key #29) 0xB3 Stop (key #46)

0xA4 Back (key #31) 0xB4 FFWD (key #47)

0xA5 (-) (key #37) 0xB5 Record (key #48)

0xC3 Select (key #36) 0xB7 Advance (key #50)

0xC5 Power ON (key #1)

0x9A Right Arrow (key #35) 0xE1 Digit 1 (key #10)
0x9B Left Arrow (key #34) 0xE2 Digit 2 (key #11)
0x9C Up Arrow (key #32) 0xE3 Digit 3 (key #12)
0x9D Down Arrow (key #33) 0xE4 Digit 4 (key #13)

0xE6 Digit 6 (key #15)

0xD0 Power OFF (key #2) 0xE8 Digit 8 (key #17)
0xD1 CH + (key #19) 0xE9 Digit 9 (key #18)
0xD2 CH – (key #20) 0xEA Red (key #39)

0xB6 Replay (key #49)

0xE0 Digit 0 (key #9)

0xE5 Digit 5 (key #14)

0xE7 Digit 7 (key #16)

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0xD3 Guide (key #25) 0xEB Yellow (key #40)
0xD4 Exit (key #30) 0xEC Green (key #41)
0xD5 Power (key #7) 0xED Blue (key #42)

0xD6 Previous Channel (key #21) 0xF7 Menu (key #28)
0xF8 Format (key #51)
Note: All keys not otherwise identified above will be considered RESERVED.

Return Response

Return Value

Description

ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – No User Command available since last request
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure – No User Command available since last request

The STB will execute a GetUserCommand command by providing the remote control
or front panel key presses via the Return Data Stream.

The DisableUserEntry command will be called prior to calling the GetUserCommand
command.

If a user command has transpired since the last GetUserCommand request, the user
command Type, Device, and Contents are placed in the return data stream. If a user
command has not been made since the last request, the NACK_FCNOK is returned
instead.

The GetUserCommand is used to identify the type, device and key. For example, if
the user pressed and released the Select (0xC3) key then one GetUserCommand is
required. The GetUserCommand provides a Type of 0x00 (Key Toggle), Device of
0x01 (Remote) and Key of 0xC3 (Select key). On the other hand, if the user pressed
the Select (0xC3) key, held it so that the remote repeats the command, and then
released it on the remote control, two (2) GetUserCommands are required. The first
GetUserCommand provides a Type of 0x01 (Key Down), Device of 0x01 (Remote)
and Key of 0xC3 (Select key). The second GetUserCommand provides a Type of 0x03
(Key Up), Device of 0x01 (Remote) and Key of 0xC3 (Select).

5.9 EnableUserEntry (0x93)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream
Return Response
Return Value
Description

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EnableUserEntry
0x93
None
None
ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
0x0000 : Always Success

The STB executes an EnableUserEntry command by allowing remote control and
front panel key presses to reach the user interface handler.

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

5.10 DisableUserEntry (0x94)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream
Return Response
Return Value
Description

DisableUserEntry
0x94
None
None
ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
0x0000 : Always Success
The STB executes a DisableUserEntry command by blocking remote control and front

panel key presses from reaching the user interface handler. Instead user commands
(front panel entries and IR remote control entries) may be obtained using the
GetUserCommand service command.

5.11 GetReturnValue (0x95)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

GetReturnValue
0x95
None
[RVal3] [RVal2] [RVal1] [RVal0]
Note: Return data are in Hex format.

Return Response
Return Value
Description

ACK_FCNOK : Always Success
None : Preserves the previous return value
The STB will execute a GetReturnValue command by returning the Return Value

from the last issued Command that generated a return value.

5.12 Reboot (0x96)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream
Return Response
Return Value
Description

Reboot
0x96
None
None
None
None
The STB will execute a Reboot command by performing a hard reset of the STB.
This command has the same effect as pressing the red reset button on the STB.

(1)

Since a hard-reset is performed, no return value or return response can be provided.

(1)

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5.13 SendUserCommand (0xA5)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

SendUserCommand
0xA5
[Type] [Device] [Key]
*******************************************************************
Type:
0x00 Key Toggle
0x01 Key Up
0x02 Key Down
Device:
0x00 Front Panel
0x01 Remote
Key:
0XA0 Enter (key #38) 0xB0 Pause (key #43)
0XA1 Info (key #26) 0xB1 Rewind (key #44)
0XA2 Active (key #27) 0xB2 Play (key #45)
0XA3 List (key #29) 0xB3 Stop (key #46)
0XA4 Back (key #31) 0xB4 FFW D (key #47)
0XA5 (-) (key #37) 0xB5 Record (key #48)
0xB6 Replay (key #49)
0xC3 Select (key #36) 0xB7 Advance (key #50)
0xC5 Power ON (key #1)
0xE0 Digit 0 (key #9)
0x9A Right Arrow (key #35) 0xE1 Digit 1 (key #10)
0x9B Left Arrow (key #34) 0xE2 Digit 2 (key #11)
0x9C Up Arrow (key #32) 0xE3 Digit 3 (key #12)
0x9D Down Arrow (key #33) 0xE4 Digit 4 (key #13)
0xE5 Digit 5 (key #14)
0xE6 Digit 6 (key #15)
0xE7 Digit 7 (key #16)
0xD0 Power OFF (key #2) 0xE8 Digit 8 (key #17)
0xD1 CH + (key #19) 0xE9 Digit 9 (key #18)
0xD2 CH – (key #20) 0xEA Red (key #39)
0xD3 Guide (key #25) 0xEB Yellow (key #40)

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0xD4 Exit (key #30) 0xEC Green (key #41)
0xD5 Power (key #7) 0xED Blue (key #42)
0xD6 Previous Channel (key #21) 0xF7 Menu (key #28)
0xF8 Format (key #51)
Note: All keys not otherwise identified above will be considered RESERVED.

Return Data Stream
Return Response

Return Value

Description

None
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – Undefined command
0x0000 : Success
0x0001 : Failure – Command not supported for specified device
Others : Failure – Bad command
The STB will execute a SendUserCommand command by sending the defined user

command to the user interface task.
This operation can take place whether command DisableUserEntry (0x13) is active or

not. The STB will respond to the user command as though a user button on the keypad
or remote control were pressed. Most commands require both a down and an up key
press.

The type Key Toggle will take 60 ms.
Note: There is a chance for command conflict if DisableUserEntry is not active,

particularly from stray IR remote control signals.

Example: Bring up menu on the screen.
Controller -> STB: FA (Command Prefix)
Controller -> STB: A5 (Command ID)
STB -> Controller: F0 (Command acknowledged)
Controller -> STB: 00 01 F7 (00 – key toggle, 01 – remote, F7 - menu)
STB -> Controller: F2 (Received the correct number of parameters)
STB -> Controller: F4 (Command completed successfully)

5.14 OpenUserChannel (0xA6)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

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OpenUserChannel
0xA6
[MajorChnHI] [MajorChnLO] [MinorChnHI] [MinorChnLO]
*******************************************************************
MajorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

MajorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF

Return Data Stream
Return Response

Return Value

None
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – Not a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
0xFFFF : Channel not found in Program Guide
0xFFFE : Channel is not a DIRECTV System channel
0x0002 : No Video Control Word

0x0004 : No Audio Control Word
0x0008 : No HS Data Control Word
0x0010 : No Low-Speed Data Control Word
0x0020 : No System Clock Reference
0x0040 : No Presentation Time Stamp
0x0080 : Tuning Error
0x0100 : Video Error
0x0200 : Access Error
0x0400 : Buffer Overflow
0x0800 : Acquisition Not Complete
0x1000 : Audio Error
0x2000 : Video Timeout
0x4000 : Inactive Transponder

0x1001 : Failure – Channel not found in program guide
0x1002 : Failure – Channel not a DIRECTV system channel
0x1003 : Failure – Channel not authorized
0x1004 : Failure – Channel blocked by viewer
0x1005 : Failure – Channel rating limit exceeded
0x1006 : Failure – Channel spending limit exceeded

Description

Others : Failure – Bad command
The STB will execute an OpenUserChannel command by tuning to and decoding

streams for the specified guide major/minor channel number.

Example: Change to channel 276 (hex 0x114) on a single tuner STB.
Controller -> STB: FA (Command Prefix)
Controller -> STB: A6 (Command ID)
STB -> Controller: F0 (Command acknowledged)
Controller -> STB: 01 14 FF FF (Parameters

[1]

)

STB -> Controller: F2 (Received the correct number of parameters)

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STB -> Controller: F4 (Command completed successfully)

[1]

Note: For most DIRECTV channels, the channel minor number is 0xFFFF.

5.15 GetTuner (0x9A)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)
Return Data Stream

GetTuner
0x9A
None
[Number of DIRECTV Tuners]
[DIRECTV Tuner ID 1]
[DIRECTV Tuner Type 1]
[DIRECTV Tuner ID 2]
[DIRECTV Tuner Type 2]
…
[DIRECTV Tuner ID 16]
[DIRECTV Tuner Type 16]
[Number of ATSC Tuners]
[ATSC Tuner ID 1]
[ATSC Tuner Type 1]
[ATSC Tuner ID 2]
[ATSC Tuner Type 2]
…
[ATSC Tuner ID 16]
[ATSC Tuner Type 16]
*******************************************************************
Number of DIRECTV Tuners : 0x00 – 0x10
DIRECTV Tuner Designations (Tuner ID) : 0x01 – 0xFF
Number of ATSC Tuners : 0x00 – 0x10
ATSC Tuner Designations (Tuner ID) : 0x01 – 0xFF
DIRECTV /ATSC Tuner Type :
0x0A Legacy DIRECTV Ku band
0x0B Legacy DIRECTV Ku band + DVB
0x0C Legacy DIRECTV Ku band + DVB + new Ka band
0x0D ATSC

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0x0E – 0x1F Reserved

Return Response

Return Value

Description

ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure
0x0000 : Success
0x0001 : Failure – Command not supported for specified device.
Others : Failure – Bad command
The command gives the number of DIRECTV and ATSC tuners. It also lists the tuner

type and designations. The STB returns a unique Tuner ID for each tuner regardless if
it is a DIRECTV or ATSC tuner. This Tuner ID may be used as input to the multi­tuner commands.

5.16 GetPrimaryStatusMT (0x8A)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

Return Data Stream

GetPrimaryStatusMT
0x8A
[TunerID]
*******************************************************************
TunerID : 0x01 – 0xFF
[MajorChnHI] [MajorChnLO] [MinorChnHI] [MinorChnLO]
[Primary Type] [Audio Type] [Data Type]
[Primary SCIDHI] [Primary SCIDLO]
[Audio SCIDHI] [Audio SCIDLO]
[Data SCIDHI] [Data SCIDLO]
[NetworkHI] [NetworkLO]
[Xponder]
[Year] [Month] [Day] [Hour] [Min] [Sec] [Day Of Week]
[ROMVer3] [ROMVer2] [ROMVer1] [ROMVer0]
[STS ID0] [STS ID1] [STS ID2] [STS ID3] [STS Ver]
[CAM ID0 ][CAM ID1] [CAM ID2]
[CAM ID3] [CAM ID4] [CAM ID5]
[Signal Quality]
[Rx ID0] [Rx ID1] [RxID2] [RxID3] [RxID4] [Rx ID5]
*******************************************************************
MajorChnHI and MajorChnLO (Major Channel Number):

0x0000 – 0xFFFF
MinorChnHI and MinorChnLO (Minor Channel Number):

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DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

0x0000 – 0xFFFF
Primary Type:
0x0B Data
0x0C Audio
0x0E Retired
0x0F Video - TV
0x10 Video - HDTV
0xFF None
Audio Type:
0x00 MPEG In / PCM Out
0x09 AC3 In / AC3 Out
0xFF None
Data Type:
0x0B Retired 0x0C Retired
0x0D Retired 0xFF None
SCIDs:
0x0000 – 0xFFFE
0xFFFF if not required
Network:
0x0000 – 0xFFFF
Xponder:
0x00 – 0xFF (0 to 255, corresponding to transponders 1 to 256)

Year: 0x00 – 0xFF (# of years after 1993)

Return Response

Return Value

Description

Month: 0x01 – 0x0C
Date: 0x01 – 0x1F
Hour: 0x00 – 0x17
Minute: 0x00 – 0x3B
Second: 0x00 – 0x3B

Day Of Week: 0x01 to 0x07 (0x01=Monday….0x07=Sunday)
Signal Quality:

0x00 – 0x64 (0x00=FEC unlocked and 0x64=max signal strength)
CAM ID and Rx ID are in Hex format
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure - STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure - STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel

The STB will execute a GetPrimaryStatusMT command by providing the STB’s health
and status as defined by the Return Data Stream parameters.

The STB will provide current time in Universal Time Coordinate (UTC)
unconditioned by time zone and daylight savings settings.

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The fields ROMVer3, ROMVer2, ROMVer1, ROMVer0, STS ID0, STS ID1, STS
ID2, STS ID3, STS Ver are private.

The CAM ID is returned in hexadecimal with zeroes stuffed into the most significant
positions to fill out the unused bits. For example, a CAM ID = 0013 1751 9641 in hex
is 0x4E87C119. This command would return 00 00 4E 87 C1 19 for the CAM ID.

The RID ID is returned in hexadecimal with zeroes stuffed into th e most significant
positions to fill out the unused bits. For example, a RID = 0001 7035 6778 in hex is
0xA27702A. This command would return 00 00 0A 27 70 2A for the RID.

5.17 GetCurrentChannelMT (0x8B)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

Return Data Stream

Return Response

Return Value

Description

GetCurrentChannelMT
0x8B

[TunerID]
*******************************************************************

TunerID : 0x01 – 0xFF
[MajorChnHI] [MajorChnLO] [MinorChnHI] [MinorChnLO]

*******************************************************************
MajorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF

MajorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
The STB will execute a GetCurrentChannelMT command by providing the

major/minor channel number (i.e., for the DIRECTV system channel the STB is tuned
to) in the Return Data Stream.

5.18 GetSignalQualityMT (0x9D)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

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GetSignalQualityMT
0x9D

[TunerID]
*******************************************************************

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

TunerID : 0x01 – 0xFF

Return Data Stream

Return Response

Return Value

Description

[Signal Quality]
*******************************************************************

Signal Quality:
0x00 – 0x64 ( 0x00=FEC unlocked and 0x64=max signal strength)
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
Non-Zero : Failure – STB not tuned to a DIRECTV System channel
The STB will execute a GetSignalQualityMT command by providing the signal

quality in the Return Data Stream.

5.19 OpenUserChannelMT (0x9F)

Command Label
Command Byte
Input Parameter(s)

OpenUserChannelMT
0x9F
[MajorChnHI] [MajorChnLO] [MinorChnHI] [MinorChnLO] [TunerID]

*******************************************************************

Return Data Stream
Return Response

Return Value

MajorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF
MajorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnHI : 0x00 – 0xFF
MinorChnLO : 0x00 – 0xFF
TunerID: 0x01 – 0xFF
None
ACK_FCNOK : Success
NACK_FCNOK : Failure – Not a DIRECTV System channel
0x0000 : Success
0xFFFF : Channel not found in Program Guide
0xFFFE : Channel is not a DIRECTV System channel
0x0002 : No Video Control Word

0x0004 : No Audio Control Word
0x0008 : No HS Data Control Word
0x0010 : No Low-Speed Data Control Word
0x0020 : No System Clock Reference
0x0040 : No Presentation Time Stamp
0x0080 : Tuning Error

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0x0100 : Video Error
0x0200 : Access Error
0x0400 : Buffer Overflow
0x0800 : Acquisition Not Complete
0x1000 : Audio Error
0x2000 : Video Timeout
0x4000 : Inactive Transponder

0x1001 : Failure – Channel not found in program guide
0x1002 : Failure – Channel not a DIRECTV system channel
0x1003 : Failure – Channel not authorized
0x1004 : Failure – Channel blocked by viewer
0x1005 : Failure – Channel rating limit exceeded
0x1006 : Failure – Channel spending limit exceeded

Description

Others : Failure – Bad command
The STB will execute an OpenUserChannelMT command by tuning to and decoding

streams for the specified guide major/minor channel number using the specified tuner.

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DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

6 Remote Control

6.1 Introduction

There are a variety of DIRECTV remote controls available to the consumer. Specific features of
DIRECTV remote controls can be found by accessing the on-line manuals at www.directv.com as
noted below

The following sections list the DIRECTV remote control key codes for IR emitters used to control the
STB. This chapter also provides links pointed to documents that listed the brand setup code used for
setting up the remote to control the TV and auxiliary devices. It is the same code list found within the
STB user interface.

6.2 Brand Setup Code List

The brand setup code used for setting up the remote to control the TV and auxiliary devices can be
found on www.directv.com. On directv.com, go to “Customer Service” and click on “System
Manuals”. Then click on “Remote Control”. Find the setup code in the appropriate document.

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Figure 6-1 RC32 remote control.

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

6.3 Remote Control Key Codes

All DIRECTV Set-top box IR and RF commands are modulated on a 38 kHz carrier.

Key Label Hex Code Assignment

STB Power ON 80h
STB Power OFF 81h
TV Power ON 5Bh
TV Power OFF 5Bh
POWER 10h
TV Input 5Bh
Digit 0 11h
Digit 1 01h
Digit 2 02h

(1)

(1)

(1)

Digit 3 03h
Digit 4 04h
Digit 5 05h
Digit 6 06h
Digit 7 07h
Digit 8 08h
Digit 9 09h
CH + 0Dh
CH - 0Eh
Prev. Channel 0Fh
Volume UP 5Bh
Volume Down 5Bh
Mute 5Bh

(1)

(1)

(1)

Guide 28h
Info 2Eh
Menu 20h

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DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

Active 29h
List 2Ah
Exit 26h
Back 27h
Up 21h
Down 22h
Left 23h
Right 24h
Select 25h
(-) 12h
Enter 13h
Red 41h
Yellow 42h
Green 43h
Blue 44h
Pause 32h
Rewind 33h
Play 30h
Stop 31h
FFWD 34h
Record 35h
Replay 36h
Advance 37h
Format 73h

(1)

Default value when the remote control has not been

programmed.

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DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

7 Wired IR Input Port

7.1 Introduction

Some DIRECTV set top box models support a wired IR input port. This port permits third party
infrared control devices to issue remote control commands to the DIRECTV set top box via a wired
interface. This section describes the interface specifications for the wired IR input port

7.2 Interface Specifications

The wired IR input port is designed to accept a 3.5mm stereo plug. The stereo plug must be wired as
indicated in Figure 7-1.

Figure 7-1 Wired IR Input Plug

The DIRECTV set-top box’s DATA IN line expects an IR blaster-style signal. The IR signal must be
a positive logic IR waveform with a 38kHz carrier (also known as “modulated IR”). The DATA IN
line is +3.3V and +5V tolerant.

The DIRECTV set-top box’s +5V OUT line can source up to 100mA of current for powering external
third party devices. This power is provided out of the DIRECTV set top box. This line may be left
unterminated in the stereo plug if external power or voltage sensing by third party devices is not
required.

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8 Appendix: Low Speed Serial Port Specifications

8.1 Low-Speed Data Port Connector

The connector type on D10, H10 and HR21P is a standard DB-9F or RJ22 (4 way/4 position jack). The
pins for the DB-9F are as shown in Figure 8-1. The STB will use three (3) lines (L2-Rx, L3-Tx and
L5-Grnd) for bi-directional full-duplex communications.

Figure 8-1. Low-Speed Data Port Pin Assignment Diagram

Line positions, designated as “optional”, may be provided (but are not required to be provided) by the
STB as a convenience to source a “TRUE” state to those PC serial interface lines that may require a
“TRUE” state for data transfer. Figure 8-2 shows the orientation of the RJ22 (4 way/4 position jack).

Figure 8-2. Orientation of the RJ22 (4 way/4 position) Jack

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8.2 Low-Speed Electrical Performance and Characteristics

The low speed timing characteristics are defined in Table 8-1.

Table 8-1: Timing Characteristics

Parameter Requirement

Bit Timing
Total Character Interval

104 μs ±7 μs

1.04 ms ± 8 μs

8.2.1 Bit Timing (Start, –D0 TO –D7, and Stop)

The STB complies with the bit timing requirements as shown in Figure 8-3.

Total Character Interval

Start Bit

8 Data Bits

D0 D7 Idle

Stop Bit

Figure 8-3. Bit Timing Diagram

8.2.2 Idle Interval, General

The general idle interval is a minimum of zero (0) msec. The maximum idle interval will be
determined by the rate of transmitted data and internal STB processes when the port is “opened,” or is
determined by the service command parser when the port is “closed.”

8.2.3 Idle Interval for Non-Empty STB Buffer

The idle interval will not exceed 30 ms as long as at least one byte exists in the STB receive buffer,
given that the port is “opened.”

8.3 Low-Speed Input Characteristics

8.3.1 Input Signaling Characteristics (Pin 3)

The low-speed data port will comply with the input signaling characteristics shown in Table 8-2.

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Table 8-2: Input Drive Characteristics

Parameter Specification

Space voltage +3.0 volts min, +25 volts max
Mark voltage -25 volts min, -3.0 volts max
Terminating impedance

6K < R < 7K resistive to ground
resistance
Capacitance C < 150 pf

8.4 Low-Speed Output Characteristics

8.4.1 Output Drive Characteristics (Pin 2)

The STB output drive characteristics are as shown in Table 8-3.

Table 8-3: Output Drive Characteristics

Parameter Specification

Space voltage +5.3 volts max at Ioh = 0 mA,

+3.0 volts min
Mark voltage -6.0 volts min at Iol = 0 mA, -3.0

volts max,
Terminating impedance
resistance
Capacitance C < 2500 pF

8.4.2 Passive Outputs (Pins 1, 6, 8, and 9) (Optional)

If the data port optional pins one (1), six (6), eight (8) and nine (9) are provided, the passive outputs
will be as shown in Table 8-4.

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3k < R < 7k resistive to ground

DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

Table 8-4: Passive Drive Characteristics

Parameter Specification

Output

-2 mA ±20% at + 3 volts and –10
mA ±20% at –5 volts

8.5 Low-Speed Signaling Conventions

The data port signaling conventions will be as listed in Table 8-5.

Table 8-5: Low-Speed Data Port Signaling Conventions

Interchange Voltage Negative or Positive

Binary state 1 or 0
Signaling state mark or space
Function OFF or ON

The idle state for data port pins two (2) and three (3) will be “mark”.

DIRECTV, Inc. March 5, 2008
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DIRECTV Set-Top Box Information for the Installer

9 Appendix: Acronyms

Term Definition

APG Advanced Program Guide. DIRECTV’s new generation of the electronic

program guide.

CAM Conditial Access Module. Also referred to as the “access card” or “smart card”.

A removable, electronic subassembly providing conditional access control of
the subscriber terminal. The CA system equipment (smart card) needed in the
Integrated Receiver Decoder to control a subscriber's service channel
authorization and decryption.

DBS Direct broadcast satellite. A satellite operating in accordance with International

Telecommunications Union and Federal Communications Commission

regulations for high power broadcasting from space to individual consumers.
DIRECTV® Trademarked name of the DIRECTV Group.
DVI Digital Visual Interface.
DVR Digital Video Recorder.
HDCP High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection.
IPPV Impulse Pay Per View. Movie purchases placed using the on-screen displays.
IR Infrared.
IRD Integrated Receiver Decoder.
LHCP Left Hand Circular Polarization.
LNB Low Noise Block down converter.
NTSC National Television Systems Committee.
ODU Outdoor Unit.
OPPV Order-Ahead Pay Per View. Movie purchases placed by calling a customer

service representative rather than using the on-screen displays. Necessary to

purchase movies when the subscriber does not connect the phone to the IRD.
OSD On-Screen Display.
PCM Pulse Code Modulation.
PPV Pay Per View.
RF Radio Frequency.
RHCP Right Hand Circular Polarization.
RID Receiver Identification.
S/P DIF Sony/Phillips Digital Interface. Commonly used as an optical Dolby Digital

connector.
Smart card See CAM.
STB Set-top box.
UTC Universal Time Coordinate.

DIRECTV, Inc. March 5, 2008
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