DirecTV HR10-250 User Manual

DIRECTV

HD DVR User's Guide

DIRECTV HD DVR

User's Guide

The On-Screen Menus and the Remote Control

Arrow Buttons

To navigate the DIRECTV® HD DVR’s on-screen menus, use

Select

the remote control onto the option you want, then press SELECT.

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

’s arrow buttons to move the highlight bar

Highlight Bar

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

Arrows Near Highlight Bar

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.

Page Down Arrow

CHAN UP/DOWN

Chan

Button

Remote Control Tips

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 (FORWARD) and (BACK) 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 the RIGHT arrow

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.

RATIO lets you change how the HD DVR displays a picture when the

broadcast aspect ratio (screen width and height) does not match your TV’s screen size.

EXIT clears all menus and goes to the last channel or recorded

program you were watching. If you press it while you are watching a program, it clears things that aren't part of the program (like the channel banner and status bar).

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.

Use ADVANCE to enter a dash (-) for channel numbers that include a dash (for example, off-air high-definition channels).

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

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 HD 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

Ratio

Exit

List

Select

Thumbs Down

Mute

Volume

Play

Pause

Back (rewind)

Slow

Instant Replay

TV Power TV Input

Number Buttons

Clear

Remote Active Light

Live TV

Info

Guide

Thumbs Up

Chan Up/Down

Record

Fast Forward

Advance

SAT/TV Switch

Enter/Last

Welcome to DIRECTV

1034748-0001

DIRECTV, the Cyclone Design logo, and

Advanced Program Guide are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc.,

a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp., and are used with permission.

2230 East Imperial Hwy., El Segundo, CA 90245.

TiVo, the TiVo logo, TiVolution, the Instant Replay logo,

the Advance logo, and the TiVo and Smile design are registered trademarks of TiVo Inc.

Season Pass, WishList, Overtime Scheduler,

the Thumbs Down logo and text, and the Thumbs Up logo and text

TiVo Inc., 2160 Gold Street, P.O. Box 2160, Alviso, CA 95002-2160.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks

or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

written permission is prohibited.

Thank you for choosing the DIRECTV® HD DVR!

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 HD DVR. Now you can enjoy the best and widest variety in high-definition and digital entertainment with the added convenience of digital video recording, all in one receiver.

DIRECTV Delivers HD content. DIRECTV offers access to major HD networks such as HBO HDTV, Showtime HD, ESPN HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies and more. With your HD DVR and an off-air antenna, you can even enjoy your favorite prime time shows in high definition.* For more information on HD programming available through DIRECTV, visit DIRECTV.com.

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 each day including select titles in HD on channel 85. Just use your remote control to order front-row seats for your friends and family! (Phone connection 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 and 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 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 service, you'll never miss your favorite shows again.

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

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

DVR with TiVo®

™

, with up

*In cities where local off-air, high-

definition programs are available;

reception may vary based on geographic

location.

iii

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

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

Introduction to Digital Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Useful Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Cables and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 2: Guided Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Welcome! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Satellite Dish Guided Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Activate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Off-Air Channels and Video Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Phone Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

DIRECTV Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chapter 3: The Basics in 5 Short Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Tour 1: Play with Live TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tour 2: DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Tour 3: Find and Record Your Favorite Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Tour 4: Find New Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Tour 5: Now Playing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Cool Things You Can Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 4: Pick Programs to Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Season Pass, Recording Options, To Do List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Using the Guide to Find Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Find Your Favorite Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Find Programs That Match Your Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Chapter 5: Watching Live TV and Recorded Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Using the Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Channel Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Watching Live TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Watching Programs from Now Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Watching High-Definition Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Save to VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Music Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Chapter 6: Messages and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Messages from DIRECTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

System Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Restart or Reset System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Chapter 7: Programming the Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Instructions: TV Power, Volume, and TV Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Resetting the Programmable Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Setting a Remote Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Chapter 9: Warranty and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Appendix A: Front and Back Panel Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Appendix B: GNU General Public License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

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

Using this Guide

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

Useful Terms. Many technical terms in this guide are explained in the Useful Terms section beginning on page 6.

Menu Paths. Notes at the bottom of some pages show you how to find the screen being discussed on that page. For example, page 59 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 HD DVR.

DIRECTV HD DVR. Refers collectively to the high-definition satellite and off-air receiver and the digital video recorder (DVR) hardware. Your HD DVR combines a DIRECTV HD Receiver, an off-air digital receiver, and a DVR.

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

Throughout this guide, you will

see important and helpful notes

and tips in this format.

vii

Before you install the HD DVR,

mount the satellite dish antenna.

Professional installation is highly

recommended. Your dish must be

mounted—with cables running to the

room where your HD DVR will be

installed—before you can begin the HD

DVR installation as described in this

guide.

The TiVo Logo. As you use your DIRECTV HD DVR, you’ll see the TiVo

logo in places like the Now Playing List and TiVo Suggestions. Your new HD DVR incorporates the latest high-definition DVR (Digital Video Recorder) technology from TiVo. This means you have access to exclusive TiVo features such as WishList

and Thumbs Down

™

, TiVo Suggestions, and TiVolution® Magazine, all in one seamlessly

™

searches, Season Pass™ recordings, Thumbs Up™

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 HD DVR according to the proper setup for your Audio/Video equipment. (See chapter 1, “Connecting.”)

2. Complete Guided Setup to point your satellite dish antenna and activate your DIRECTV

DVR service following the instructions in chapter 2, “Guided Setup.”

For access to high-definition

programming, a triple LNB multi-

satellite dish antenna, along with a high-

definition capable DIRECTV

high-definition television is required.

Satellite dish antenna sold separately.

Due to copyright restrictions, you may not

be able to view some high-definition

programs in high-definition format using

the HD DVR.

viii

Receiver and

Start using your DIRECTV HD DVR. It’s easy! Learn the basics by browsing the Start Here guide. Take the five tours in chapter 3 of this User’s Guide for an interactive way to

learn about the HD DVR’s powerful features. Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 describe the DIRECTV

DVR with TiVo® service in detail. Read through them to become familiar with the service. Chapter 8 provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide in case you have questions.

CHAPTER

Connecting

Introduction to Digital Television 2

Before You Begin 3

Useful Terms 6

Cables and Accessories 9

Setup Options 12

Chapter 1

Connecting

Introduction to Digital Television

TV used to be simple: a handful of channels, no color, no stereo sound, no choices. All you needed was an antenna and a TV. The antenna captured pictures and sounds and sent them to your TV over a wire.

As televisions have acquired more features, and new devices have been created to work with them, it may seem that everything has become more complex. Fortunately, one thing has remained the same: what you need to do is get the pictures and sounds from their source (satellite, DVD, game console, etc.) to your TV.

For the past 50 years, the television broadcast system used in the United States has been analog. Many things can interfere with an analog broadcast signal, even other home appliances, and the signal can degrade as it travels to your home, causing snow, ghosts, and other artifacts to appear on the screen.

High-definition television (HDTV) combines high-resolution digital television with digital surround sound. It is bigger, sharper, and better than anything you have previously experienced in home entertainment. Your DIRECTV including HDTV, from DIRECTV satellites and from off-air antenna broadcasts, and passes the pictures and sound to your TV set.

With the DIRECTV best of both worlds: state of the art digital television that’s simple and easy to enjoy.

HD DVR and the DIRECTV

HD DVR receives digital signals,

DVR with TiVo® service, you have the

Before You Begin

Make sure that all of your equipment is turned off and the HD DVR is unplugged.

Connecting Your HD DVR to a Phone Line

Your DIRECTV HD DVR needs to be connected to a standard analog phone jack for DVR service and pay per view functionality. The HD DVR periodically makes a brief phone call to update your service information. You do not need to install a new telephone jack or phone number for the HD DVR to work; it can detect when your phone line is in use and will only make brief calls (about once every other day) when the phone line is free. If you don’t have a phone jack nearby, use the 25 foot phone cord that ships with the HD DVR. If your phone jack is being used for a phone, use the provided splitter to connect both the phone and the HD DVR to the same phone jack.

Connecting Your DVR to a Satellite Dish Antenna

Your DIRECTV HD DVR will work with any type of DIRECTV satellite dish antenna, but for full functionality—including receiving DIRECTV programming—a triple LNB multi-satellite dish is required.

Your HD DVR comes equipped with two jacks for satellite input. The HD DVR will work if connected to only one satellite input, but connecting both allows you to record from two channels at the same time (see Dual Tuner on page 6). The setup options in this chapter show the HD DVR with connections to both satellite input jacks. To do this, you must have two Coaxial RF cables coming from your satellite dish antenna to the room where the HD DVR will be installed.

Round Dual LNB dish antennas and Oval two-satellite dish antennas connect to at least two Coaxial RF cables. However, these types of dishes are not recommended, since they cannot receive all high-definition programming from DIRECTV.

High-Definition

Do not connect your HD DVR to a

digital PBX phone system. Doing

so may permanently damage your HD

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

HD DVR in your home, it is very unlikely

that you are using a digital PBX phone

system.

For access to high-definition

programming, a triple LNB multi-

satellite dish antenna, along with a high-

definition capable DIRECTV

high-definition television is required.

Satellite dish antenna sold separately.

Due to copyright restrictions, you may not

be able to view some high-definition

programs in high-definition format using

the HD DVR.

Receiver and

Chapter 1

Round

Single LNB

Single satellite

Round

Dual LNB

Single satellite

Oval

Dual LNB

Two satellite

Connecting

Satellite Dish Antennas and LNBs

Satellite dish antennas come in two shapes, Round and Oval. A Round dish receives signals from one satellite (Sat A), while an Oval dish can receive signals from two or three satellites (Sat A, Sat B, and Sat C). Every satellite dish antenna includes at least one Low Noise Blocker (LNB). The LNB is the device at the focal point of the satellite dish that gathers the signal reflected by the dish and sends it to your HD DVR. (It’s the mushroom shaped “finger” pointed back at the dish from the extended “arm.”)

There are three types of LNBs, single, dual, and triple. 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. A triple LNB dish adds an extra LNB for the third satellite (Sat C). The LNBs determine the number of independent signals your dish can send to your HD DVR.

If you have a two satellite dish, or a multi-satellite dish, your HD DVR will not work properly unless you have connected a multiswitch as well. Some satellite dish antennas have a multiswitch built-in. For more information about multiswitches, see page 6.

Required for all HD programming:

Oval

Triple LNB

Multi-satellite

high-definition programming from DIRECTV, and to take advantage of the HD DVR’s dual tuner functionality (described on page 6). If you can’t tell by looking at it, 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. If you currently own a different type of satellite dish, contact the installer or retailer for information about upgrading your dish.

Remember, you need a triple LNB multi-satellite dish for full functionality: to receive all

Before You Begin

Caring for your DIRECTV HD DVR

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

drive, ALWAYS unplug your HD DVR, then WAIT a moment for the hard disk to stop spinning before moving it.

If you take your HD 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. You can also connect an off-air antenna and watch live TV from off-air digital channels.

After completing Guided Setup one time, whenever you unplug the HD DVR and plug it back in, it will search for a satellite signal. When you see the message “Acquiring Satellite Information,” you can press the DIRECTV button on the remote control to go directly to DIRECTV Central, then to your Now Playing List.

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

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

Flat, hard surface. The HD DVR should rest on a flat, hard surface only. Do not operate it on a carpet or other padded surface, as this can inhibit proper ventilation and cause the HD DVR to overheat.

The HD DVR does not have an

on/off switch. To turn the HD DVR

on, plug it in. The HD DVR, like a clock or a

refrigerator, is designed for constant use

and does not need to be turned off. If you

must turn it off—for example, to move it—

simply unplug it. (The HD DVR does have

an optional standby mode, explained on

page 108.)

Be sure to read the safety

instructions on page 155.

Use a surge protector. Like all electronics equipment, your HD DVR can be damaged by

fluctuations in your power supply. Purchasing a surge protector is highly recommended. A surge protector that allows you to plug in both power and phone cords may help prevent damage to the parts of your HD DVR that are connected to the phone line as well!

Chapter 1

Connecting

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 TV Terms

Satellite Receiver. A satellite receiver does what its name suggests and more. It “receives”

the signal from your satellite dish antenna, translates it into a signal your TV can

understand, then sends it to the TV. Your HD DVR has a built-in satellite receiver.

Dual Tuner. A tuner picks one channel out of all of your available channels to display on

your TV. Dual tuner means your HD DVR can pick two channels at once, so it can record

two channels at the same time, provided you connect two cables from your satellite dish to

the “Satellite In” jacks, and activate the DVR service. If you set up the HD DVR for “Off-

Air antenna only,” you can watch, but not record, two antenna channels. See page 48.

Multiswitch. A multiswitch lets you send the signal from one satellite dish antenna to two

or more satellite receivers. Adding a multiswitch allows you to send a satellite signal to

each of your HD DVR’s two tuners, as well as to another satellite receiver for your second

television. If you own a two satellite or multi-satellite dish antenna, you must use a

multiswitch to send signals to your HD DVR or other satellite receiver(s).

DIRECTV

ACCE SS CARD

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

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

Transponder. A transponder is a piece of equipment on a satellite. The transponders

receive information from DIRECTV and rebroadcast it to your satellite dish antenna. Each

transponder rebroadcasts a different set of channels. If the HD 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.

Useful Terms

Video, Audio, and Electronics Equipment Terms

HDTV Receiver. A high-definition television receiver decodes high-definition, enhanced-

definition, and standard-definition video signals for display on your TV. Your HD DVR combines an HDTV receiver with a satellite receiver and a digital video recorder.

Off-Air Antenna. Any antenna used to receive standard or digital TV signals broadcast locally is referred to in this guide as an off-air antenna.

SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV. These acronyms define three types of digital television formats: Standard Definition, Enhanced Definition, and High Definition. SDTV is the basic digital TV format and provides better quality than traditional, analog television. EDTV uses the same number of lines of resolution as SDTV, but the scanning format is progressive rather than interlaced, providing a sharper image. HDTV is the highest quality digital TV format, offering the greatest number of scanning lines for each frame of video, which results in the most detailed picture possible today. HDTV video can be progressive or interlaced. See page 31 for more information about video output formats.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI). DVI describes a type of 15-pin connection found on many high-definition TVs. DVI allows a true digital connection for video signals and other digital information. You can connect your HD DVR to your TV’s DVI jack using the HDMI-to-DVI cable supplied with your HD DVR. Since a DVI jack accepts only video, you will need to connect a separate cable for audio if you use this connection.

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). HDMI is an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface for electronic devices such as DVD players, A/V receivers, and high-definition TVs. HDMI improves on DVI in that it sends both high-definition video and digital audio signals through a single cable. Like DVI, it also sends and receives digital content protection information. (See page 79 for details.) HDMI is backwardcompatible with DVI using the supplied HDMI-to-DVI adapter cable.

Chapter 1

Connecting

A/V Receiver. An A/V 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 also be used to drive two or more loud speakers for a theater-like audio experience. It may offer features such as remote control or Dolby

Dolby

soundtrack is recorded on six separate channels, each of which can be heard on one of six

Digital Audio. Some programs are broadcast with Dolby Digital audio: the

separate speakers. To hear Dolby Digital audio, you must use an optical digital audio cable (not supplied) to connect your HD 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 HD DVR to record using Dolby Digital audio. For more information, see page 89.

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 HD DVR to an A/V receiver that supports Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Pro Logic II. You can use either L/R audio cables or an optical digital audio cable.

Digital audio.

Surge Protector. Surge protectors are devices that protect electronic equipment from power fluctuations. Like all electronic equipment, your HD DVR can be damaged by fluctuations in power line voltage. Purchasing a surge protector is highly recommended. If you purchase a surge protector that allows you to plug in both your HD DVR’s power and your telephone cord, you may prevent damage to the parts of your HD DVR that are connected to your phone line as well. Surge protectors can be found at hardware, electronics, or general merchandise stores.

Cables and Accessories

In addition to your TV and the equipment that shipped with your DIRECTV HD DVR (shown below), you’ll need a satellite dish

antenna, an off-air antenna—both of which should be properly mounted before you connect the HD DVR—and a standard phone line

(see page 3 for details) for full functionality.

1. These are the basics: 2. The carton contains one of each of the following:

HD DVR

Power Cord

25' Phone Cord

DIRECTV Access Card

Phone Line Splitter

DIREC

Chan

Vol

Remote Control

( )

TVSAT

102

and 2 AA

465

798

Batteries

DIREC

Component Video Cable (red, blue, green)

3. You may need to purchase additional cables for some setups:

Optical Digital Audio Cable (Setup B on page 16.)

Extra Composite A/V Cable (Adding a VCR or DVD recorder on page 18.)

S-Video Cable

Composite A/V Cable (red, white, yellow)

Chapter 1

Due to copyright restrictions, you

may not be able to view some

high-definition programs in high-

definition format using the HD DVR.

Wherever possible, you should connect

both high-definition and standard video

cables to permit standard viewing of

programs if HD viewing is restricted. For

more information, see page 79.

(green)

(blue)

(red)

Connecting

Choosing Audio and Video Cables

Your DIRECTV HD DVR can output either standard, enhanced, or high-definition video signals, and either analog or digital audio signals. If you have a TV, A/V receiver, or home theatre system that accepts high-definition video and digital audio signals, using these connections will provide the best possible audio and video quality.

The HD DVR offers several video output formats for standard and high-definition TV signals. In order to see a high-definition picture, you must connect a high-definition video cable from your HD DVR to your TV, and choose the appropriate video output setting. See “Video Setup” on page 29 for more information about video output format settings.

High-Definition Video and Digital Audio

The HD DVR provides two output jacks for sending HD video: HDMI and Component Video. While a cable is connected to the HDMI Output jack, the Component Video Output is disabled. You can’t view video from both the HDMI Output and the Component Video Output at the same time. See page 31.

If your TV has an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input jack, you can use the HDMI cable (, supplied) to send both HD video and digital audio signals from your HD DVR in a single cable. Although HDMI sends both audio and video, make a separate audio connection to your A/V receiver if you want to use a multi-speaker sound system.

If your TV has a DVI input jack, you can use the HDMI-to-DVI cable (, supplied) to connect your HD DVR (see Option A on page 14). Since a DVI jack accepts only video, you will need to connect a separate cable for audio if you use this cable for video.

The HDMI and HDMI-to-DVI cables also allow other information to pass between your HD DVR and your TV, such as High-definition Digital Content Protection (HDCP) used with some HD broadcasts. We recommend you connect your HD DVR to a TV that is compatible with HDCP. For more about copyright restrictions, see page 78.

Cables and Accessories

The Component Video cable (, supplied) provides excellent video quality by separating the video signal into three components, luminance (Y) and two color difference signals (Pb, Pr). You will need to connect a separate cable for audio. (See Option B on page 16.)

The HD DVR also has a Digital Audio Out jack to connect an Optical Digital Audio cable (, not supplied). If you want Dolby Digital audio, purchase an Optical Digital Audio cable and use this connection. Ordinarily, your HD DVR produces tones to indicate when certain buttons on the remote are pressed. If you use Digital Audio Out or HDMI for audio, you will not hear these tones when watching programs with Dolby Digital audio.

Standard Audio and Video

To take full advantage of the HD DVR’s high-definition audio and video capabilities, you should connect it to your system using high-definition video and digital audio cables. However, the HD DVR also has standard audio and video connections that are useful depending on the equipment you have.

An S-Video cable (, supplied) provides excellent video quality. You can use this cable to connect your HD DVR to standard video devices, such as a VCR, or a standard definition TV. If you use this cable for video, connect a separate cable for audio.

The HD DVR also comes with a Composite A/V cable (, supplied). Composite A/V cables have three ends, two (white and red) for stereo audio, and one (yellow) for video. These three ends can be used together or separately. For example, you can use only the red and white ends for analog stereo audio, along with an S-Video cable instead of the yellow end for video. You can use this cable to connect your HD DVR to devices such as a DVD recorder, a standard definition TV, or an A/V receiver.

A Coaxial RF cable (, not supplied) carries both audio and video signals (analog or digital) TD0.0c0 Tw.

Chapter 1

Connecting

Setup Options

Always 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

If you have trouble, or if your

configuration isn’t covered by

one of these examples, see “Adding

Other Components” on page 13, or the

“Back Panel Reference” on page 162.

On the back of your equipment you will find several jacks. Some are labeled IN and some are labeled OUT. The pictures and sound enter a piece of equipment through cables connected to IN jacks and leave through cables connected to OUT jacks.

When you connect your DIRECTV

HD DVR to your television and/or A/V receiver, you are simply creating a path that starts at the satellite dish and goes in (through IN jacks) and out (through OUT jacks) of your equipment until it reaches your TV.

This section provides detailed examples showing how to connect the HD DVR to your existing audio/video system. These setup options show a complete high-definition system, including a triple LNB multi-satellite dish, a standard antenna for off-air digital broadcasts, and a high-definition TV. If you have a different type of satellite dish or TV, you may not be able to view high-definition programs in high-definition format.

From the table below, choose the option that most closely matches the equipment you have and follow the steps in that section.

You have a high-definition TV and a home theater system or

Option A: Connect audio to your A/V receiver, video to your HDTV

page 14

A/V receiver.

You have a high-definition TV, but no home theater system or

Option B: Connect audio and video to your HDTV (no A/V receiver)

page 16

A/V receiver.

Setup Options

Adding Other Components

You probably have other audio/video components in addition to your HD DVR and TV. These might include a VCR, DVD recorder, DVD player, game console, and/or a cable box. Some of these devices connect to your HD DVR, while others work independently, with no connection to the HD DVR.

For example, you can connect a VCR or a DVD recorder to your HD DVR to archive your favorite recordings. For information on connecting an archiving device, see “Adding a VCR or DVD Recorder” on page 18.

Components that don’t connect to your HD DVR (such as a DVD player, cable box, or game console) should be connected to additional inputs on your TV. If your TV doesn’t have additional inputs, you can use an A/V receiver or a switch box. Refer to the documentation that came with these devices for help connecting them.

Chapter 1

Connecting

The audio and video cables

shown are examples only. Use

the best connections available on your

equipment. This setup includes a

high-definition digital video

connection to a DVI-compatible TV, an d

a digital audio connection to an A/V

receiver. The Optical Digital Audio

cable shown must be purchased

separately. For more information, see

“Choosing Audio and Video Cables” on

page 10.

Option A: Connect audio to your A/V receiver, video to your HDTV

Setup Options

 (Optional) Connect the Coaxial RF cable from your off-air antenna to the HD DVR’s

Antenna RF In jack. (If you don’t have an off-air antenna, you can skip this step.)

 Connect the Coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish antenna to the jacks labeled

Satellite In 1 and Satellite In 2 on the back of the HD DVR. You can connect either cable to either jack.

 Connect the HDMI-to-DVI cable from the HD DVR’s HDMI Output jack to the DVI Input jack on your HDTV. If your HDTV has an HDMI Input jack, you can use the HDMI

cable instead. If your HDTV does not have either of these jacks, use the Component Video cable to connect the HD DVR as shown in step  of Option B, on page 16.

 Connect an Optical Digital Audio cable (not supplied) from the HD DVR’s Digital Audio Out jack to your A/V receiver’s Digital Audio In jack. Alternately, you can use just

the red and white ends of a Composite A/V cable for analog stereo audio.

 Insert the access card that came with your HD DVR into the Access Card slot on the 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 receive DIRECTV service, you must insert the card correctly and activate it. Activation is covered in the next chapter.

 Connect the phone cord. (For more about the phone connection, see page 3.)

 Plug in the power cord. After you see the Welcome screen, you can begin Guided

Setup, starting on page 22. If you do not see the Welcome screen, make sure the correct input is selected on your HDTV, corresponding to the video input jack you used in step  above. Refer to your HDTV’s owner’s manual for help selecting inputs. You can find additional tips in the “Troubleshooting” chapter of this guide.

Your HD DVR will work if you

connect only one cable to the

“Satellite In 1” jack, but it will not have

dual tuner functionality. See page 6 for

more information about dual tuner.



The Access Card slot is behind a small door.

Chapter 1

Connecting

The audio and video cables

shown are examples only. Use

the best connections available on your

equipment. This setup includes an

analog high-definition video

connection and an analog stereo audio

connection to a high-definition TV. For

more information, see “Choosing Audio

and Video Cables” on page 10.

Option B: Connect audio and video to your HDTV (no A/V receiver)

DIRECTV® HD DVR









Television

Audio

Antenna

Video



Setup Options

 (Optional) Connect the Coaxial RF cable from your off-air antenna to the HD DVR’s

Antenna RF In jack. (If you don’t have an off-air antenna, you can skip this step.)

 Connect the Coaxial RF cables from your satellite dish antenna to the jacks labeled

Satellite In 1 and Satellite In 2 on the back of the HD DVR. You can connect either cable to either jack.

 Connect the Component Video cable from the HD DVR’s Component Output jacks to the Component Input jacks on your HDTV. Make note of the input you use for video on your HDTV, and use the same input for audio. Alternately, if your HDTV has a DVI Input jack, you can use the HDMI-to-DVI cable for video. Or, if your HDTV has an HDMI Input jack, you can use just the HDMI cable for video and audio, and you don’t need to connect a separate audio cable (i.e., skip step ).

 Connect just the red and white ends of the Composite A/V cable from the HD DVR’s L/R Audio Out jacks to your HDTV’s L/R Audio In jacks for stereo audio. Do not connect the yellow end of the Composite A/V cable. Use the same input on your HDTV for audio that you used for video in step .

Your HD DVR will work if you

connect only one cable to the

“Satellite In 1” jack, but it will not have

dual tuner functionality. See page 6 for

more information about dual tuner.



 Connect the phone cord. (For more about the phone connection, see page 3.)

 Plug in the power cord. After you see the Welcome screen, you can begin Guided

Setup, starting on page 22. If you do not see the Welcome screen, make sure the correct input is selected on your HDTV your HDTV’s owner’s manual for help selecting inputs. You can find additional tips in the “Troubleshooting” chapter of this guide.

—the input you used in steps  and  above. Refer to

The Access Card slot is behind a small door.

Chapter 1

INPU

INPUT 2

Video

Audio

INPUT 1

Connecting

Before You Begin:

Before adding other devices to

your setup, you must first make

connections from your satellite dish

antenna, to your HD DVR, and to your

HDTV using the setup option shown on

page 14. This diagram only shows how

to connect a VCR or DVD recorder to

your HD DVR.

The audio and video cables

shown are examples only. Use

the best connections available on your

equipment.

Adding a VCR or DVD Recorder

Television

INPUT 2

ntenn

T 1

Audi

OUTPUT INPUT

Audi

A/V Receiver

NPUT

If your VCR or DVD recorder is already connected to your TV or A/V receiver for watching video tapes or DVDs, do not disconnect it. All you need to do to save recordings from your HD DVR is to connect standard audio and video from the HD DVR’s outputs to the inputs on your VCR or DVD recorder.

In the diagram to the left, Composite A/V cables send audio and video from the HD DVR to the VCR/DVD recorder, then from the VCR/DVD recorder to the TV. Your setup may look different, but the basic idea should be the same: high-definition video to your TV, digital audio to your A/V receiver, and standard audio/video to your VCR/DVD recorder.

You may need to purchase additional cables for these connections, or you may be able to use cables that were included with your VCR or DVD recorder. This setup uses Composite A/V cables. One Composite A/V cable is included with your HD DVR.

 First make connections from your satellite dish antenna, to your HD DVR, and to your HDTV and A/V receiver using the setup option shown on page 14.

 Connect a Composite A/V cable from the HD DVR’s Composite A/V Output jacks to the Composite A/V Input jacks on your VCR or DVD recorder. The HD DVR’s video output format must be set to “480i” to send a signal from the Composite A/V jacks.

 Your VCR or DVD recorder may already be connected to your TV (or A/V receiver). If so, you’re done. If not, connect a Composite A/V cable from the VCR or DVD recorder’s Composite A/V Output jacks to the Composite A/V Input jacks on your TV.

Setup Options

This setup shows you how to

connect a device such as a VCR

or DVD recorder to your HD DVR.

To watch a video tape or DVD, change the input source on your TV to the input corresponding to the jacks you used in step . Refer to your TV’s documentation for help selecting the correct input.

For information about saving programs to a VCR or DVD recorder, see page 81.

Chapter 1

Connecting

+ 158 hidden pages

DirecTV HR10-250 User Manual

Welcome to DIRECTV

Thank you for choosing the DIRECTV® HD DVR!

Table of Contents

Using this Guide

Connecting

Introduction to Digital Television

Before You Begin

Useful Terms

Cables and Accessories

Setup Options