DirecTV DVR R10 User Manual

The On-Screen Menus and the Remote Control

DIRECTV

DVR User’s Guide

DIRECTV DVR

User’s Guide

Arrow Buttons

To navigate the DIRECTV® DVR’s on-screen menus, use the remote control’s arrow buttons to move the highlight bar onto the option you want, then press SELECT.

Select

The LEFT arrow button often takes you to a previous screen.

Two Types of On-Screen Arrows

The arrows that appear beside or near the highlight bar show possible directions. For example: on this screen, you could press the RIGHT arrow to highlight Options or the DOWN arrow to highlight Edit Keyword WishList.

Page Up Arrow

When you see page up or page down arrows at the top or bottom of the screen (or a list), press the CHAN UP/DOWN button to jump to more items an entire page at a time.

Highlight Bar

Arrows Near Highlight Bar

Page Down Arrow

Chan

Chan Up/Down Button

Hints & Shortcuts

Press the DIRECTV button once to go to DIRECTV Central, or twice to

go to the Now Playing List.

LIST brings you directly to the Now Playing List.

Press (fast forward) and (back or rewind) up to 3 times for 3

speeds. Press a fourth time, or press PLAY, to resume normal play.

INSTANT REPLAY replays the last 8 seconds of a program.

Press CLEAR to delete a title in a list (like the Now Playing list) or to

clear things that aren’t part of the program you’re watching (like the channel banner and status bar).

INFO brings up the channel banner. Press RIGHT arrow while the

banner is visible to switch among three versions of the banner, each with a different amount of information.

CHAN UP/DOWN does more than change the channel—it also pages

up or down through lists of programs or menu items.

With dual tuner enabled, press LIVE TV or DOWN arrow while

watching live TV to switch between the two tuners.

Inserting Batteries in the Remote Control

Hold the remote with the battery door facing you. Place your thumb

in the depression of the door and slide the door towards you.

Insert two AA batteries (supplied). Be sure to match the + and -

marks on the batteries to the + and - marks in the compartment.

Replace the battery door by sliding it back into the case with the

tabs towards the rear of the compartment. You’ll hear a click when it’s securely back in place.

Press GUIDE to see the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide™, then

press INFO (while the guide is visible) to see Guide Options and change the day or time, or show only a category of programs.

Press EXIT while watching a program to hide things that aren't part

of the program (like the channel banner and status bar).

Press ENTER/LAST while watching live TV to jump to the last

channel you were watching.

ADVANCE moves you quickly through saved programming. Press it

while you are fast forwarding or rewinding to jump to the next tick mark on the status bar.

When you’re watching “behind” live TV (for example, if you paused live TV and later resumed watching from the paused spot), ADVANCE catches you up to the live broadcast. In a recorded program, press it once to jump to the end of the program, then again to jump to the beginning.

If you program your remote control (as explained in chapter 6), the

TV POWER, VOLUME, MUTE, and TV INPUT buttons can control your TV and A/V equipment.

The SAT/TV switch sets the remote control to send channel

changing signals to either the DVR (SAT) or the television (TV). Many of the remote control’s buttons are disabled when this switch is set to TV (for example, SLOW, FAST FORWARD and PAUSE), so if your remote control doesn’t seem to be working, check to make sure this switch is set to SAT.

DIRECTV Button

Arrow Buttons

Window

Exit

List

Select

Thumbs Down

Mute

Volume

Play

Pause

Back (rewind)

DIREC

Vol

Chan

Remote Active Light

Live TV

Info

Guide

Thumbs Up

Chan Up/Down

Record

Fast Forward

Slow

( )

Instant Replay

TVSAT

Advance

SAT/TV Switch

TV Power TV Input

Enter/Last

Number Buttons

Clear

102

465

798

DIREC

Welcome to DIRECTV

TOCOM 16390140

TiVo, the TiVo logo, TiVolution, Overtime Scheduler, Ipreview, the Instant Replay logo, the Advance logo, and the TiVo and Smile design are registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. Season Pass, WishList, the Thumbs Down logo and text, and the Thumbs Up logo and text are trademarks of TiVo Inc. 1999, 2004. All rights reserved. TiVo Inc., 2160 Gold Street, P.O. Box 2160, Alviso, CA 95002-2160.

Product and service are covered by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,241,428; 6,233,389; 6,327,418; 6,385,739; 6,490,722; 6,642,939; 6,643,798; D435,561; and D445,801. Other patents pending.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Welcome to the DIRECTV family!

Whether you've been enjoying DIRECTV® service for years or this is your first experience with us, we are excited to introduce to you the DIRECTV DVR. Now you can enjoy the best and widest variety in digital entertainment with the added convenience of digital video recording, all in one receiver.

All digital, all the time. DIRECTV offers access to over 225 channels of Hollywood hits, classic movies, family programming, news, and exciting sports action. Plus access to up to 36 commercial-free music channels—all in digital-quality picture and sound.

DIRECTV

your home! You’ll have access to great movies, exclusive special live sports, concerts and special events. DIRECTV offers up to 55 different pay per view choices a day. Just use your remote control to give all your friends and family a front-row seat! (Connection to a standard phone line required.)

DIRECTV knows sports. DIRECTV offers access to more sports than you ever thought possible. So you can follow your favorite team across the country with our pro & college sports subscriptions. DIRECTV will take you to the arena for the best sports has to offer.

With DIRECTV

latest in television technology, including the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide up to 14 days of program listings, and the ability to pause and replay live TV. Plus, with Pick Programs to Record and the other easy-to-use features of your DIRECTV TiVo

Pay Per View movies and events. With DIRECTV service, the main event is in

DVR with TiVo®, you're in control. The DIRECTV DVR brings you the

service, you'll never miss your favorite shows again.

™

, with

DVR with

iii

Table of Contents

Using this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Chapter 1: Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Useful Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cables and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setup Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 2: Guided Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Satellite Dish Guided Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Activate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Phone Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

DIRECTV Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Chapter 3: The Basics in 5 Short Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Tour 1: Play with Live TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Tour 2: DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Tour 3: Find and Record Your Favorite Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Tour 4: Find New Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Tour 5: Now Playing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cool Things You Can Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Chapter 4: Pick Programs to Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Season Pass, Recording Options, To Do List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Using the Guide to Find Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Find Your Favorite Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Find Programs That Match Your Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Pay Per View and DIRECTV

On Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Chapter 5: Watching Live TV and Recorded Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Using the Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Channel Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Watching Live TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Watching Programs from Now Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Save to VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Music Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Chapter 6: Messages and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Messages from DIRECTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Phone Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Remote Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Restart or Reset System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Contacting Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Questions About Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Questions About Live TV (Including Satellite Signal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Questions About Pick Programs to Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Questions About Parental Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Questions About the DVR’s Phone Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Questions About Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Questions About Pay Per View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Questions About the Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Questions About the DIRECTV

DVR with TiVo® Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Chapter 8: Warranty and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Limited 90 Day Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

FCC Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Appendix A: Back Panel Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Appendix B: GNU General Public License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Glossary of Icons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Using this Guide

This User’s Guide describes how to connect your new DIRECTV® DVR to your television and other audio/video equipment. It also provides valuable information about the features and use of the DVR.

Remote Control Tips & Glossary of Icons. The inside front cover of this guide provides an introduction to the remote control. The inside back cover has a Glossary of Icons that explains many of the graphic symbols you will see when using your DVR.

Useful Terms. Many technical terms in this guide are explained in the Useful Terms section beginning on page 4.

Menu Paths. Notes at the bottom of some pages show you how to find the screen being discussed on that page. For example, page 51 describes the “Record by Time or Channel” feature. At the bottom of the page is the note “DIRECTV Central Pick Programs to

Record Record by Time/Channel.” This note means you can find Record by Time/

Channel, the screen being discussed, by going to DIRECTV Central (press the DIRECTV button on your remote control) and selecting Pick Programs to Record, then Record by Time/Channel.

DIRECTV

provided through the DIRECTV

DVR with TiVo® Service. This is the program searching and recording service

DVR.

DIRECTV DVR. Refers to the digital video recorder (DVR) hardware.

Throughout this guide, you will

see important and helpful notes

and tips in this format.

vii

Before you install the DVR, mount

the satellite dish antenna.

Professional installation is highly

recommended. Your dish must be

mounted, with cables running to the room

where your DVR will be installed, before

you can begin the DVR installation as

described in this guide. A Dual LNB dish

antenna connection is required for full

functionality.

The TiVo Logo. As you use your DIRECTV DVR, you’ll see the TiVo logo in places like

the Now Playing List and Suggestions. Your new DVR incorporates the latest DVR technology from TiVo. This means you have access to exclusive TiVo features such as WishList Suggestions, and TiVolution

™

searches, Season Pass™ recordings, Thumbs Up™ and Thumbs Down™,

Magazine, all in one seamlessly integrated product that will

change the way you watch television.

Getting Started

After a satellite dish antenna has been installed, you’re ready to start using this guide:

1. Connect the DVR to your satellite dish and your TV. (See Chapter 1, “Connecting.”)

2. Complete Guided Setup to point your satellite dish antenna and activate the DIRECTV DVR service following the instructions in Chapter 2, “Guided Setup.”

Start using your DIRECTV DVR. It’s easy! Take the five tours in Chapter 3 for an interactive way to learn about the DVR’s powerful features. Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 describe the DIRECTV familiar with the service. Chapter 8 provides comprehensive troubleshooting in case you have questions.

DVR with TiVo® service in detail. Read through them to become

viii

CHAPTER

Connecting

Overview 2

Useful Terms 4

Cables and Accessories 7

Setup Examples 9

Chapter 1

Your DVR should not be used with

a digital PBX phone system. Doing

so may permanently damage your DVR’s

modem and will void your warranty.

Digital PBX phone systems allow many

phones to share a single telephone

number and are usually used in hotels and

office buildings. If you are installing the

DVR in your home, it is very unlikely that

you are using a digital PBX phone system.

If you have a Single LNB satellite

dish antenna, you will need to

upgrade to a Dual LNB for full

functionality. Contact your satellite dish

antenna manufacturer for more

information about upgrading.

Connecting

Overview

Television used to be so simple: all you needed was an antenna and a TV. The antenna captured audio and video signals and sent them to your TV over a wire.

As TVs have acquired more features, and new devices have been created to work with your TV, it may seem that everything has become more complex. You may have a VCR, a DVD player, and a game system connected to your TV, in addition to your DIRECTV DVR. However, one thing has remained the same: you still need to get audio and video (sound and pictures) from their source (your satellite dish) to your TV.

Connecting to a Phone Line

Your DVR needs to be connected to a standard analog phone line to communicate with DIRECTV. The DVR occasionally makes a brief phone call to get updates to the DVR service and for pay per view functionality.

You do not need to install a new telephone jack or phone number for the DVR to work; it can detect when your phone line is in use and will only make calls when the phone line is available. If you don’t have a phone jack nearby, you can use the 25 foot phone cord that ships with the DVR. If your phone jack is being used for a phone, you can use a phone splitter (not provided) to connect both the phone and the DVR to the same phone jack.

Connecting a Dual LNB or a Multi-Satellite Dish Antenna

Your DVR comes equipped with two jacks for satellite input. Connecting both allows you to record from two channels at the same time (see Dual Tuner on page 5). All of the connection examples in this chapter give instructions for configuring the DVR with connections to both satellite input jacks.

Both a Round Dual LNB dish antenna and an Oval 2 or 3 satellite dish antenna connect to at least two Coaxial RF cables. To connect both of your DVR’s satellite input jacks, you

must have two Coaxial RF cables coming from your satellite dish antenna to the room where the DVR will be installed.

If you currently own a Dual LNB satellite dish antenna that is already connected to two TVs, you can purchase a multiswitch (described on page 5) that will allow you to connect two cables to your new DVR as well as one to an existing receiver for your second TV.

Using an Antenna or Cable Connection in Addition to DIRECTV Programming

If you have an antenna or cable connection in addition to your satellite dish antenna, you can watch antenna or cable channels while recording DIRECTV

channels. However, recording and other features (such as parental controls, purchasing pay per view programs, viewing on-screen menus, or pausing live TV), do not work on cable or antenna channels.

Caring for your DIRECTV DVR

Moving Your DVR. To prevent damage to sensitive components such as the hard disk

drive, ALWAYS unplug your DVR and then WAIT a moment for the hard disk to stop spinning before moving it. If you take your DVR with you to a location without satellite access—for example, on a weekend get-away to a mountain cabin—you will still be able to connect it to a television and watch programs saved in the Now Playing List.

Do not drop. Your new DVR contains a hard disk drive that is constantly in motion; it may be damaged if the DVR falls or is dropped. Place the DVR in a stable location.

Do not stack. Your DVR is NOT designed to carry the weight of other consumer components such as VCRs, DVD players, or A/V receivers.

Flat, hard surface. Rest your DVR on a flat, hard surface. Do not operate it on a carpet or other padded surface. This can inhibit proper ventilation and cause the DVR to overheat.

Use a surge protector. Like all electronics equipment, your DVR can be damaged by fluctuations in your power supply. Purchasing a surge protector is highly recommended.

Overview

For information on how to switch

between watching antenna or

cable channels and watching DIRECTV

channels, see the connection example in

this chapter that is most appropriate to

your configuration.

The DVR does not have an on/off

switch. To turn the DVR on, plug it

in. The DVR, like a clock or a refrigerator,

is designed to be “always on,” and does

not need to be turned off. This lets it

record programs and connect to the DVR

service to keep its data up-to-date.

If you must turn the DVR off—for example,

to move it—simply unplug it. (The DVR

does have an optional standby mode,

explained on page 104.)

Chapter 1

Connecting

Your DIRECTV DVR is multi-

satellite capable if used with a

DIRECTV Multi-Satellite Dish Antenna.

Round Single satellite dish antenna

Single LNB (Single Satellite)

Oval 2 satellite dish antenna

Oval 3 satellite dish antenna

Dual LNB (Single Satellite)

Useful Terms

If you’re not an audio/video wizard, you may find yourself stumbling over some of the names, features and functions of various pieces of equipment. Here’s a quick reference to help you understand some of the terms you may encounter during installation.

Satellite Terms

Round Single Satellite Dish Antenna, Oval 2 Satellite Dish Antenna, and Oval 3 Satellite Dish Antenna. The names Round single, Oval 2, and Oval 3 satellite dish

antennas refer to both the most common shape of the dish and the number of satellites from which a dish can receive information. To determine what type of dish you have, look at the arm extending out from the dish. At the end of this arm are one or more “fingers” ending in mushroom shaped parts pointing back at the dish. A single satellite dish antenna has one of these “fingers” pointing back at the dish, a 2 satellite dish antenna has two, and a 3 satellite dish antenna has three. If you own a 2 or 3 satellite dish antenna, your DVR will not work properly unless you have connected a multiswitch with at least four inputs and two outputs. For a definition of a multiswitch, see page 5.

Single LNB and Dual LNB Satellite Dish Antennas. Single LNB and Dual LNB refer to the number of independent signals a dish can send to your audio/video equipment. A Single LNB sends one signal and has one jack, or connector, inside the arm extending from the dish. A Dual LNB sends two signals and has two jacks. The easiest way to determine what type of dish you have is to consult the documentation that came with the dish. Disassembling the dish to determine its type is not recommended.

Satellite Receiver. A satellite receiver does what its name suggests and more. It “receives” the signal from your satellite dish antenna, then translates it into a signal your

DVR has

Satellite Receiver

TV can understand, then sends pictures and sound to your TV. Your DIRECTV a built-in satellite receiver.

Dual Tuner. A tuner picks one channel out of all of your available channels. This allows

you to view a single channel and to change channels. “Dual Tuner” means your DIRECTV

DVR has two tuners. It can pick out two channels at once, allowing you to

watch or record programs on two channels at the same time. See page 69 for more.

Multiswitch. A multiswitch lets you use the signal from one satellite dish antenna for more than two TVs. If you currently own a Dual LNB dish that is connected to two televisions, a multiswitch will allow you to connect two cables to your new DVR as well as one to a satellite receiver on your second television. If you own a 2 or 3 satellite dish antenna, your DVR will not work unless you have connected a multiswitch with at least four inputs and two outputs.

Useful Terms

Access Card. Your access card contains information about your DIRECTV programming

subscription. It must be properly inserted and activated for your DVR to work.

Transponder. A transponder is a piece of equipment on a satellite that broadcasts a set of channels to your satellite dish. If the DVR does not receive a signal for an individual transponder, it will not be able to show that transponder’s channels. Each satellite may have a different number of transponders on it.

Video, Audio, and Electronics Equipment and Terms

Switch Box. A switch box allows you to connect multiple devices to your TV, even if

your TV doesn’t have enough inputs to connect them all directly. It allows you to switch easily between devices, such as your DVR, a DVD player, and a game console. Switch boxes are inexpensive and can be purchased at electronics stores.

A/V Receiver. An Audio/Video receiver is the hub of a home theater system. It allows you to connect multiple audio and video devices and manage the signal from each device. With it you can switch easily between watching TV, viewing video from your DVD player, or running your game system, by changing the input source. An A/V receiver may

DIRECTV

ACCE SS CARD

Chapter 1

Be sure to read the safety

instructions on page 131.

Connecting

also be used to drive two or more loud speakers for a theater-like audio experience. It may also offer features such as Dolby Digital audio.

Dolby Digital Audio. Some programs are broadcast with Dolby Digital audio: the soundtrack is recorded on six separate channels, each of which can be heard on one of six separate speakers. To hear Dolby Digital audio, you must use an Optical Digital Audio cable (not supplied) to connect your DVR to an A/V receiver capable of supporting Dolby Digital audio. Not all A/V receivers with optical audio inputs are capable of receiving Dolby Digital audio. You must also set your DVR to record using Dolby Digital audio. For more information, see page 80.

Dolby Surround Sound. Dolby Surround Sound audio is a technique for encoding surround sound audio on two channels. When decoded by a compatible A/V receiver, audio on these two channels is separated into as many as five signals which play through your home theater speakers. To hear Dolby Surround Sound audio, you must connect your DVR to an A/V receiver that supports Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Pro Logic II. You can use either L/R (red and white) audio cables or an Optical Digital Audio cable.

Digital PBX Phone System. Digital PBX phone systems allow many phones to share a single telephone number and are usually used in hotels and office buildings. If you are installing the DVR in your home, it is very unlikely that you are using a digital PBX phone system. Do not connect your DVR to a digital PBX phone system. Doing so may permanently damage your DVR’s modem and will void your warranty.

Surge Protector. Like all electronics equipment, your DVR can be damaged by fluctuations in your power supply. Purchasing a surge protector is highly recommended. If you purchase a surge protector that allows you to plug in both your DVR’s power and your telephone cord, you may prevent damage to the parts of your DVR that are connected to your phone line as well!

Cables and Accessories

In addition to your television and the equipment that shipped with this DIRECTV® DVR (shown below), you’ll need a satellite dish antenna before you connect the DVR

—and a standard, analog phone line (see page 2 for details).

—which should be properly mounted

1. These are the basics: 2. See page 8 to choose audio/

video cables. The carton contains one of each of the following:

DIRECTV

ACCE SS CARD

DVR

DIREC

Chan

Vol

( )

Remote Control

TVSAT

102

465

and 2 AA

798

DIREC

Batteries

25' Phone Cord Power Cord

DIRECTV Access Card

Composite A/V cable

S-Video cable

3. You may need to purchase

these additional cables for some setups:

Optical Digital Audio cable

Extra Composite A/V cable

Coaxial RF cable

Chapter 1

Connecting

Choosing Audio and Video Cables

Composite A/V cable and jacks



(red)

(white)

(yellow)

Composite L/R Audio with S-Video cable



(red)

(white)

(yellow)

(S-Video)

Coaxial RF cable (not supplied) & jack



(Coaxial RF)

Optical Digital Audio cable (not supplied)



& jack

Sounds and pictures travel through cables. The choice of cables may seem overwhelming, but they all perform the same function: they transfer sounds and pictures to your TV at varying levels of quality.

Most TVs and other audio/video devices have connectors (jacks) for Composite A/V cables (). Composite A/V cables have three ends, two (white and red) for stereo audio (left and right), and one (yellow) for video, providing excellent audio and video quality. If your equipment has composite A/V jacks, use this cable. If your TV has only one audio connector, connect just the white end, instead of both the red and the white ends.

The DVR’s back panel also includes connectors for S-Video (). S-Video provides a higher quality video signal than composite. You may want to use the S-Video cable instead of the yellow video end of the Composite A/V cable, if your equipment supports it. (You can still use the red and white ends of the Composite A/V cable for stereo audio.)

Some TVs only have Coaxial RF () jacks. If your TV only has an RF In connector, use a Coaxial RF cable (not supplied) to connect your DVR to your TV.

The DVR includes a Digital Audio (

) jack for Dolby Digital audio output. To use this

feature, you will need an Optical Digital Audio cable (not supplied), and a device (such as an A/V receiver) that accepts Dolby Digital input. If you use an Optical Digital Audio cable for sound, you'll also need a connection for the video signal. You can use an S-Video cable, or the yellow end of a Composite A/V cable. If you use a Composite A/V cable for video only, you don’t need to connect the red and white ends.

(Digital Audio)

Ordinarily, your DVR produces tones to indicate when certain buttons on the remote control are pressed or to indicate signal strength when you are positioning your dish. If you are watching a program with digital audio, you will not hear these tones.

Setup Examples

Before you begin, make sure that all of your equipment is turned off and your DIRECTV

Your equipment has connectors, or jacks, where cables can be connected. Some jacks are labeled “In” and some are labeled “Out.” Pictures and sounds enter audio/video (A/V) equipment through IN jacks and leave through OUT jacks.

DVR is unplugged.

Setup Examples

To meet FCC requirements,

shielded cables are required to

connect the DVR to your other equipment.

See the FCC Information on page 129.

The remainder of this chapter provides detailed examples showing how to connect your DVR to your existing home entertainment system. First, follow the steps in the Basic Setup. Then, if you want to add additional devices, see the optional Setup Variations.

Basic Setup

• Connecting the DVR to your satellite dish and your TV. See page 10.

Setup Variations (optional)

• Variation 1: Adding an A/V receiver with Dolby Digital audio. See page 12.

• Variation 2: Adding a VCR. See page 14.

• Variation 3: Adding a second TV program source (antenna or cable). See page 16.

Connecting Other Devices. You may have other devices in your home entertainment system, such as a DVD player or game console, which don’t connect to your DVR. These devices should be connected to additional inputs on your TV, or to an A/V receiver. Be sure to consult your other devices’ owner’s manuals for setup information.

If you have trouble connecting equipment, or if your configuration isn’t covered by one of the setup examples in this chapter, see the “Back Panel Reference” on page 137.

ways connect cables from the

OUT jack of one device to the IN

jack of the next. Never connect an IN to an

IN or an OUT to an OUT.

OUT IN

Be sure to read the safety

instructions on page 131.

Chapter 1

Connecting

Basic Setup: Connecting your DVR to your satellite dish and your TV

The audio/video cables shown

here are for example only. Use the

best connections available on your

equipment. For help choosing cables, see

page 8.

DIRECTV® DVR







A/V INPUT



Television

AudioVideo

Antenna In

 Connect the Coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish to the Satellite In jacks on the

DIRECTV

If you only have one Coaxial RF cable coming from your satellite dish antenna, connect it to the Satellite In 1 jack. Keep in mind that your DVR won’t have Dual Tuner functionality with only one satellite cable connected. (See page 2 for details.)

DVR. You can connect either cable to either jack.

 Connect the S-Video cable from the DVR’s S-Video Output jack to the

S-Video Input jack on your TV.

If your TV doesn't have an S-Video Input jack, use the yellow end of the Composite A/V cable to connect video. If your TV only has an RF In connector, connect a Coaxial RF cable from the DVR’s RF Out jack to your TV.

 Connect the red and white ends of a Composite A/V cable from the DVR’s L/R Audio

Output jacks to the L/R Audio Input jacks on your TV. If your TV has only one audio

connector, connect just the white end.

Setup Examples

If you use the DVR’s RF Out jack to

connect video to your TV, you

must also set the Channel 3/4 switch on

the back panel. Tune your TV to the same

channel (3 or 4) in order to view the signal

coming from the RF Out jack.

 Take the Access Card out of its envelope and insert it into the slot on the DVR’s front

panel as shown in the diagram to the right (with the gold chip down). Stop when the card makes contact with the back of the slot. To watch DIRECTV insert the card correctly and activate it. The Access Card slot is behind a small door.

channels, you must

 Connect the phone cord. (For more about the phone connection, see page 2.)

 Plug in your DVR and turn on your TV. Once you see the Welcome screen, you can

continue with “Guided Setup” on page 19.

If you don’t see the Welcome screen, make sure the correct input is selected on your TV. You may need to use the “INPUT,” “SOURCE,” or “TV/VIDEO” button on your TV’s remote to change the input. If you need help, see page 107.



Chapter 1

The audio/video cables shown

here are for example only. Use the

best connections available on your

equipment. For help choosing cables, see

page 8.

Variation 1: Adding an A/V receiver with Dolby Digital audio



DIRECTV® DVR

Connecting



 

A/V INPUT

AudioVideo



Television

Antenna In

AUDIO INPUTS

VIDEO INPUTS VIDEO OUTPUTS

A/V Receiver

 Connect the Coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish to the Satellite In jacks on the

DIRECTV

DVR. You can connect either cable to either jack.

 Connect the S-Video cable from the DVR’s S-Video Output jack to the S-Video Input

jack on your TV. If your TV doesn't have an S-Video Input jack, use the yellow end of the Composite A/V cable to connect video. If your TV only has an RF In connector, connect a Coaxial RF cable (not supplied) from the DVR’s RF Out jack to your TV.

Alternately, you can connect video from the DVR to your A/V receiver, then from the A/V receiver to your TV, using S-Video or Composite A/V cables. Consult your A/V receiver’s owner’s manual for its capabilities.

 Connect an Optical Digital Audio cable (not supplied) from the DVR’s Digital Audio

Output jack to the A/V receiver’s Digital Audio Input. Set your A/V receiver to play

audio from that input. (Consult your A/V receiver’s owner’s manual if you need help.)

 Take the Access Card out of its envelope and insert it into the slot on the DVR’s front

channels, you must

Setup Examples

If you use the DVR’s RF Out jack to

connect video to your TV, you

must also set the Channel 3/4 switch on

the back panel. Tune your TV to the same

channel (3 or 4) in order to view the signal

coming from the RF Out jack.



 Connect the phone cord. (For more about the phone connection, see page 2.)

 Plug in your DVR and turn on your TV. Once you see the Welcome screen, you can

continue with “Guided Setup” on page 19.

If you don’t see the Welcome screen, make sure the correct input is selected on your TV. You may need to use the INPUT, SOURCE, or TV/VIDEO button on your TV’s remote to change the input. If you need help, see page 107.

Chapter 1

Connecting

Variation 2: Adding a VCR

Before you begin:

Connect your DVR to your satellite

dish and your TV before adding a VCR. See

page 10 for Basic Setup instructions.

The audio/video cables shown

here are for example only. Use the

best connections available on your

equipment. For help choosing cables, see

page 8.

Please see the DIRECTV Customer

Agreement for information about

private viewing of DIRECTV

Restrictions related to recording third

party content can be found in the DIRECTV

DVR Service Agreement. Both are

available at DIRECTV.com and in your first

bill.

Service.

DIRECTV® DVR

Television

AudioVideo

A/V INPUTS

Antenna In

VCR

OUT



Audio R



Video

Ch 3/4

Out

RF In

Before adding a VCR, see page 10 for Basic Setup instructions.

The DIRECTV (labeled Output 1) when you completed the Basic Setup steps on page 10. You can connect a VCR using the other set (labeled Output 2).

DVR has two sets of A/V Output jacks. You may have used one set

Setup Examples

 Connect a Composite A/V cable from the DVR’s A/V Output 2 jacks to the A/V Input

jacks on your VCR.

If your VCR only has RF jacks, connect a Coaxial RF cable (not supplied) from the DVR’s RF Out jack to the RF In jack on the VCR.

 Connect a Composite A/V cable from the A/V Output jacks on your VCR or DVD

recorder to another set of A/V Input jacks on your TV.

If your TV only has an RF In connector, connect a Coaxial RF cable (not supplied) from the VCR’s RF Out jack to the RF In jack on your TV.

To watch a video tape, change your TV’s input setting by pressing the INPUT, SOURCE, or TV/VIDEO button on your TV’s remote control until the correct input is displayed. If you have trouble changing your TV’s input setting, consult your TV’s owner’s manual. If you need help, see page 107.

To save recordings from your DVR to a video tape, use the “Save to VCR” feature. See page 75 for more information.

If you use Coaxial RF cables in

steps  and , you must set the

Channel 3/4 switch on the back of the

DVR to match the switch on the back of

your VCR. Then tune your TV to the same

channel (3 or 4) to view the signal.

Chapter 1

Before you begin:

Connect your DVR to your satellite

dish and your TV before adding a second

TV program source. See page 10 for Basic

Setup instructions.

Connecting

Variation 3: Adding a second TV program source (antenna or cable)



DIRECTV® DVR

Television



AudioVideo

A/V INPUT

Antenna In

Before adding a second program source, see page 10 for Basic Setup instructions.

Setup Examples

You may have a rooftop antenna or cable service subscription in addition to your DIRECTV that can be used to pass an antenna or cable signal through the DVR and to your TV.

You can connect your antenna or cable signal to the DVR, or directly to the Antenna/RF In jack on your TV. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to remember that you will not have any DVR service functionality (pausing and rewinding live TV, setting up recordings, etc.) on cable or antenna channels.

programming subscription. The DIRECTV® DVR has RF In and RF Out jacks

 Connect the Coaxial RF cable that carries your antenna or cable signal from the wall to

the RF In jack on the DVR.

 Connect a Coaxial RF cable (not supplied) from the DVR’s RF Out jack to the RF In

jack on your TV.

Alternately, you can connect the Coaxial RF cable that carries your antenna or cable signal from the wall directly to your TV.

To watch antenna or cable channels, change your TV’s input setting by pressing the INPUT, SOURCE, or TV/VIDEO button on your TV’s remote control until the correct input is displayed. (If you have trouble changing your TV’s input setting, consult your TV’s owner’s manual.) Use your TV’s remote control to change channels.

While you are watching antenna or cable channels, the DVR will record any programs you have scheduled on DIRECTV again, press the DIRECTV button on the DVR remote. Then change your TV’s input setting until you see DIRECTV Central.

channels. When you want to watch video from your DVR

If you connect your DVR to your TV

with a Coaxial RF cable in step ,

you must set the Channel 3/4 switch on

the back of the DVR. Tune your TV to the

same channel (3 or 4) to view the signal.

Chapter 1

Connecting

CHAPTER

Guided Setup

Overview 20

Satellite Dish Guided Setup 21

Activate Services 25

Phone Setup 26

Chapter 2

Guided Setup

Satellite Dish Guided Setup is

used to test signal strength,

position the satellite dish antenna and

configure the DVR for use with a

multiswitch or new multi-satellite dish

antenna.

Overview

Now that you have finished connecting your DIRECTV® DVR, you are ready to begin Guided Setup. When you first plug in the DVR, screens appear which display its progress as it starts up. After a few minutes, you will see the Welcome screen, indicating that you are ready to begin Guided Setup.

During Guided Setup, you will point your satellite dish antenna (if you haven’t already), activate your DIRECTV service updates by phone. Guided Setup includes on-screen instructions. If you need additional assistance, this chapter contains detailed directions.

Guided Setup includes three steps:

1. Satellite Dish Guided Setup (see page 21)

2. Activating services (see page 25)

3. Phone Setup (see page 26)

Using the Remote Control

To complete Guided Setup, use the DVR’s remote to move through screens and select items displayed on your TV. For an introduction to the remote control, see “Introducing the Remote Control” on the inside front cover of this guide.

programming and DVR service, and set up your DVR to access

Welcome. When you first turn on your DIRECTV DVR, you will see a screen that says

“Welcome. Powering up...” followed by the Welcome screen. Read the screen, then press SELECT to start Guided Setup.

If you do not see the Welcome screen, see the troubleshooting steps on page 107.

+ 135 hidden pages