So you have a new receiver and you want to know how it works, right? Take a look
through this guide and you’ll quickly learn how to use all of the features. This chapter
familiarizes you with your DISH Network satellite TV receiver.
•WELCOME
•HOWTO USETHIS GUIDE
•ABOUT YOUR DISH NETWORK ACCOUNT
•WATCHING TV NOW
•ADDITIONAL SERVICES
•A
BOUT SATELLITE TV RECEPTION
•WHY CONNECTTOA PHONE LINE
1
Chapter 1
Welcome
WELCOME
Congratulations on choosing DISH Network. You are about to experience the excitement and
convenience of our Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service, which delivers the very best picture
and sound quality. DISH Network consistently provides the latest products and satellite-delivered
services — with high performance, ease of operation, and a wide variety of entertainment options.
HOWTO USETHIS GUIDE
Special consideration was given to every aspect of this guide to help you become familiar with
your receiver. This section explains how the guide is divided and the conventions used throughout.
Guide Overview
The information in this guide is separated into several chapters to make it easy for you to find
exactly what you’re looking for:
•Chapter 1 - Introduction gives you a brief overview of DISH Network and your new receiver.
•Chapter 2 - Receiver and Remote Control explains the basic features of your system and how
to use the remote control, front panel buttons, and back panel connections.
•Chapter 3 - Finding Programs to Watch describes how to change channels and look for pro-
grams.
•Chapter 4 - Pay-Per-View shows you how to order and watch Pay-Per-View events.
•Chapter 5 - Favorites Lists explains how to create, name, and use favorites lists.
•Chapter 6 - Locks explains how to set locks and passwords.
•Chapter 7 - Interactive TV describes how to use the DishHOME Interactive TV features of your
satellite TV system.
•Chapter 8 - Timers shows you how you can record and play back your favorite programs when
you want to watch them.
•Chapter 9 - Remote Control Setup Setup contains instructions for programming your remote to
control your satellite receiver and equipment like a TV or VCR.
•Chapter 10 - Receiver Customization shows you how to customize your receiver.
•Chapter 11 - Connections and Setup explains how to connect your satellite receiver to your TV
and equipment like a VCR.
2
Introduction
About Your DISH Network Account
Guide Conventions
•The names of remote control buttons are all uppercase.
Example: Press SAT.
•Select means to move the highlight to an on-screen option or choice in a list and press
SELECT on the remote control.
Example: Select the Locks option.
•The instructions in this guide are shown in one of two ways:
–Instructions in the form of pictures are handy if you’d like to learn something quickly.
These instructions are numbered left to right as shown in the sample below.
–Instructions that are written out are helpful if you’d like to learn more about a feature or
function of the receiver.
–If the instructions are complicated, you’ll see both methods.
ABOUT YOUR DISH NETWORK ACCOUNT
This section explains how to order your packages and shows you where to find information about
your DISH Network account.
Ordering Your Programming Packages
Before you can enjoy your new receiver, you must order your programming packages.
3
Chapter 1
Watching TV Now
Where to Find Information on Your Account
If you want to know about charges to your DISH Network account or if you would like to make
changes to your programming packages, be sure to have your account information handy and
choose one of the following:
•Go to the website at dishnetwork.com
•Press MENU on your remote control to open the Main Menu and then select Customer
Service.
•Call DISH Network at 1-800-333-DISH (3474).
WATCHING TV NOW
This tour shows you the simplest ways to change channels on your receiver. When you are done
with this tour, you will be able to use your remote control to change channels four different ways. If
you want to know more about watching TV, see Chapter 3 - Finding Programs to Watch starting on
page 17.
You’re already itching to use your remote control, so pick it up now and find something to watch.
4
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Pay-Per-View
Catch all the action on Pay-Per-View. Take a break from regular TV and order the latest movies,
sports, and special events. For details on ordering Pay-Per-View events, see page 23. Be sure to
connect an active phone line to your receiver before you order a Pay-Per-View event.
DishHOME
At DishHOME (press DISH on your remote control), you’ll find news, sports scores, weather
information, TV and movie buzz, customer service, games, and more (see page 37).
ABOUT SATELLITE TV RECEPTION
Satellite television uses satellites in a stationary orbit over the Earth to deliver television and audio
programming. This type of orbit enables the satellites to stay aligned over one place on the surface
of the Earth. Once the satellite dish is aimed at the satellite, the dish does not have to move to
follow it.
Introduction
Additional Services
Here’s something interesting! Noted science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke
calculated the orbit that causes satellites to remain stationary in the sky. To this
day the 22,000 mile high orbit bears the name Clarke Belt.
Rain and Snow Fade
Heavy rain, snow, or dense cloud cover can reduce the
satellite signal, which may interrupt your programming
service. Your service will return after the weather
condition has passed. Aiming the satellite dish to get the
strongest signal during installation, will help prevent rain
and snow from interrupting the signal.
5
Chapter 1
Why Connect to a Phone Line
Solar Interference
Twice a year, the sun moves to a position behind the
DISH Network satellite as it orbits the Earth. This event
occurs during a few days at the beginning of the spring
and the beginning of the autumn and lasts only a few
minutes.
During these brief periods, you will not be able to see
programs on DISH Network. When the sun has moved
from behind the satellite, the programs will reappear. This
is an unavoidable natural event for all television involving
the use of satellites and has an adverse effect on many
program providers.
WHY CONNECTTOA PHONE LINE
Your satellite receiver is equipped with a standard telephone jack that you use to connect to an
active telephone line. Keep the receiver connected to an active telephone line so that you will be
able to order pay-per-view programs using your remote control, use all of the DishHOME Interactive TV features, and other services from DISH Network (see page 37).
6
Receiver Customization
Personalizing Your Satellite Receiver
Take a look through this chapter and you’ll find out how to change settings on the receiver
to make it just the way you like it. As an added bonus, if you find out that you don’t like how
it turned out, you can reset the receiver to the way it was when you got it.
Here’s what’s in this chapter:
•USING CALLER ID
•C
HANGING LANGUAGES
•USING CLOSED CAPTIONING
•U
SING DOLBY® SURROUND SOUND
•CHANGINGTHE PROGRAM GUIDE ORDER
•CHANGINGTHE GUIDE DISPLAY
•RESETTINGTO FACTORY DEFAULTS
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Chapter 10
Using Caller ID
USING CALLER ID
Caller ID displays on your TV the names of people and/or telephone numbers as they call you if
you subscribe to Caller ID from your local phone company. To use this feature, make sure you
have a phone line connected to the receiver and that the Caller ID feature is enabled.
Caller ID Screens
When you receive a call, you will see a Caller ID popup screen.
You can select OK to eliminate the message. If you do nothing, it will disappear after 20 seconds.
If you are using a menu when a call comes in, you will see a different Caller ID popup screen.
Setting Up Caller ID Display
Use these instructions to enable or disable Caller ID.
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CHANGING LANGUAGES
You may be able to change the language of some programs. An alternate language may not be
available for all programs. Some programs, such as movies, indicate at the beginning whether an
alternate language or descriptive video is available. An alternate language applies only to the
audio part of a program and does not change the language used in the menus displayed by the
receiver. Descriptive video—not included on all channels and programs—is a feature for the
visually impaired that describes what is happening during a program.
Receiver Customization
Changing Languages
Note: If a program contains descriptive video, select Alternate.
USING CLOSED CAPTIONING
The receiver supports a variety of closed captioning formats. If turned on in the receiver, closed
captioning is displayed by the receiver through the DISH DVI and YPbPr outputs for each format.
The RCA and S-VIDEO receiver outputs provide closed captioning information in the audio/video
signal. However a closed-captioning compatible TV is required to decode and display the
captioning information the screen. Standard definition display of closed captioning is a function of
the TV and not the receiver. Refer to your TV manual for enabling and setting up these closed
captioning options.
Note: While the Program Guide information might show “CC” for a program, closed captioning
information is provided by programmers and guide data providers to DISH Network. Therefore,
while best efforts are made to provide the most accurate information, DISH Network is not
ultimately responsible for the accuracy of Program Guide and Closed Captioning information
provided by others.
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Chapter 10
Using Dolby® Surround Sound
The following is a list of closed captioning options:
•Caption Font/Size - Select the font and size that makes the captioning comfortable to read.
•Caption Colors - Sets the background, letter, and edge colors. Choose the color
combinations that makes the captioning easy to see.
•Caption Edge Style - Sets the edge style of the closed captioning text.
•Captioning Service - Selects the service you want to use.
•Caption Opacity - Choose from Provider, Transparent (see-through), Translucent (semi-see-
through), Solid, and Flashing.
•Reset CC Defaults.
USING DOLBY® SURROUND SOUND
Dolby Digital gives you the capability to enjoy programs in surround sound. An external decoder is
required to enjoy this feature. Refer to your decoder user’s guide.
Note: Not all programs contain a Dolby Digital sound track.
The receiver uses an optical port for outputting digital audio. The optical output can provide two
audio data types: Dolby Digital and Linear PCM (only Dolby Digital can provide full 5.1-channel
sound).
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Receiver Customization
Using Dolby® Surround Sound
1 Connect an external Dolby Digital decoder to the receiver's back panel Digital Audio Output using
an optical cable (available at consumer electronics stores).
2 Press MENU, select System Setup (6), and then Dolby Digital (8) to open the Dolby Digital screen.
3 Select one of the following optical output options:
•Dolby Digital Only - Select this option if the stereo system or amplifier can decode only Dolby
Digital and will not process Linear PCM signals. See your amplifier's owner's manual for more
details on the amplifier (and see the following table).
•PCM Only - Select this option only if the stereo system or amplifier cannot decode Dolby
Digital signals.
•Dolby Digital/PCM - Select this option only if the stereo system or amplifier can decode both
Dolby Digital and Linear PCM signals.
The audio output is also dependent on what is present in the program you are watching. The table
below shows what type of output you will hear:
Signal Present in Program
Optical Output SettingDolby DigitalPCMBoth
Dolby Digital OnlyDolby DigitalPCMDolby Digital
PCM OnlyPCM (downmix)PCMPCM
Dolby Digital/PCMDolby DigitalPCMDolby Digital
Note: When both audio signals are present in the program, the receiver defaults to Dolby Digital
output unless you have selected PCM Only.
Note: If you have selected Dolby Digital Only but there is only PCM audio in the program, you will
hear nothing. This also applies to the analog audio outputs.
4 Select Save.
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Chapter 10
Changing the Program Guide Order
CHANGINGTHE PROGRAM GUIDE ORDER
You can set up the Program Guide to list channels in descending order, with the highest channel
number at the top, or in ascending order, with the highest channel number at the bottom.
Note: If you do not set a channel order, the Program Guide lists the channels in descending order.
CHANGINGTHE GUIDE DISPLAY
The receiver comes set to display the Program Guide with video in the upper right corner.
However, you can change the way the Program Guide displays.
64
Receiver Customization
Resetting to Factory Defaults
RESETTINGTO FACTORY DEFAULTS
You can reset the receiver to discard any changes you have made to the receiver, except for
remote control address settings and locks. Resetting the receiver to factory default settings also
discards all Favorite Lists except the All Chan and All Sub lists.
If you have set any locks on the receiver, and the receiver is locked, these locks will be kept. If the
receiver is unlocked, your locks will be lost. You cannot reset the receiver to default settings to
discard a password you have forgotten. No one but a Customer Service Representative can reset
the receiver to bypass a receiver lock.
1 Press MENU, select System Setup (6), Installation (1), and then Factory Defaults (6). The receiver
displays a Warning message to confirm that you want to reset the receiver’s preferences.
2 Select Yes.
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Chapter 10
Tips
TIPS
•To take full advantage of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, you need an optical cable and a
stereo that supports this feature.
•Be sure to have the receiver connected to an active phone line and have Caller ID service
from your phone company to use the Caller ID feature on this receiver.
QUESTIONS
•Why is my audio in another language? You may have selected an alternate language. See
the instructions on page 61 to change your preferred language.
•How can I change the channel order in the Program Guide? You can switch from
ascending order (lowest to highest) or descending order (highest to lowest) by following the
instructions on page 64.
66
Connections and Setup
How to Connect Your Satellite Receiver
Do you have a handful of cables and a head full of questions? This chapter is the perfect
place to find out how to connect the receiver to all kinds of equipment. You’ll find this
chapter particularly helpful if you decide to move your receiver or if you get a new TV,
VCR, or DVD player.
•CONNECTINGTOA TV
•CONNECTINGTO YOUR DISH ANTENNA
•CONNECTINGTHE PHONE LINE
•CONNECTINGA VCR
•CONNECTING OVER-THE-AIR ANTENNA/
CABLE TV
•QAM INSTALLATIONS
•USING TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS
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Chapter 11
Connecting to a TV
CONNECTINGTOA TV
This section describes how to connect receiver output ports to a TV. Select one of the following
methods.
Standard-Definition TV Connections
You can connect the receiver to a standard-definition (SD) TV in two ways:
•RCA Audio/Video connections
•S-Video and RCA Audio
1 Connect the receiver to the TV using one of the following:
•RCA Audio/Video connection
•S-Video and RCA Audio (Red and White)
2 Turn on the TV and receiver to make sure you have a picture.
3 Turn up the volume on the TV to make sure you have audio.
High-Definition TV Connections
The following sections described how to connect the receiver to a high-definition (HD) TV or
monitor. Use these connections if you have an over-the-air antenna connected to your receiver to
receive local HD broadcasts.
DISH DVI Connections
The DISH DVI connection provides high-quality audio and video to your HDTV or HD Monitor in
one cable.
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Connections and Setup
Connecting to a TV
1 Connect an DISH DVI cable between the DISH DVI connection on the receiver and HDTV set or
monitor.
2 Turn on your receiver and TV using the front panel buttons.
3 Confirm that you are getting a picture from the receiver. Consult your HDTV user’s guide if you
need to change your HDTV to display from the Digital Audio/Video input.
4 If you do not see a picture, see No Picture on the HDTV on page 70.
Note: In most cases connecting the Digital Audio/Video cable will provide plug-and-play control of
the monitor’s display resolution and other settings. However, your HDTV may require selecting a
different format to display from the receiver during setup.
5 Turn up the volume on your HDTV and confirm you have sound. If you don’t have sound, your
system may require you to connect audio (red and white) RCA-type cables between the receiver
Audio Outputs and audio input connections.
YPBPR Connections
The YPbPr connections provide high-quality audio and video to your HDTV or HD monitor.
1 Connect between the YPbPr component connections on the receiver and the HDTV using
component video cables.
2 Connect audio (red and white) RCA-type cables between the receiver Audio Outputs and audio
input connections that go with the YPbPr connectors on your HDTV or monitor.
3 If you do not see a picture, change the resolution setting on the receiver.
4 Turn up the volume on your HDTV and confirm you have sound. Check the RCA-type connections
if you don’t have sound.
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Chapter 11
Connecting to a TV
No Picture on the HDTV
This section will help you make a picture on the HDTV in the event that you could not do so in the
previous sections.
1 Connect RCA-type cable connections between the receiver and the HDTV.
2 Make sure the receiver and HDTV are on.
3 Make sure the HDTV is set to display satellite TV. Look on the back of your HDTV and consult your
HDTV user’s guide.
4 Change the HDTV settings as described in the next section.
5 Switch the HDTV to display satellite TV from the YPbPr or DISH DVI inputs. If you have a picture,
you are finished.
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the HDTV displays video from the receiver.
Setting Up to Display in HD
Use the following steps to select the desired HDTV format.
1 Consult your HDTV user’s guide for the HD format resolution that the TV supports (1080i or 720p).
2 Press MENU, select System Setup (6), Installation (1), and then HDTV Setup (9).
3 Select the Aspect Ratio option that matches your TV:
•16x9 is the setting for wide screen HDTV display.
•4x3 #1 is the setting to use on a 4x3 TV that uses vertical compression. A compatible TV
automatically makes the 16x9 picture letterbox format (black bars top and bottom), to preserve
the correct horizontal and vertical proportions.
•4x3 #2 is the setting to use on a 4x3 TV that does NOT have internal vertical compression.
The TV will not show black bars at the top and bottom, and the picture will appear tall and
skinny.
4 Press Save.
5 If required, set up the HDTV to display in the format you desire. Some HDTVs will automatically
adjust to the resolution setting of the receiver.
70
Connections and Setup
Connecting to a TV
HD Display
You can change the format of the HD display output (called the aspect ratio). To choose between
the 16 x 9 widescreen format and the two 4 x 3 screen formats, as well as the output resolution:
1 Press MENU 6-1-9 and select the configuration you want.
2 Select Save.
The available display modes for the HD and the SD outputs on their displays may be selected
independently. This feature allows you to control the viewing format of programs in Normal, Grey
Bar, Stretch, Partial Zoom, or Full Zoom. To change the format, while watching TV:
•Press the PAGE UP button on the remote to change through the available options on the HD
output.
•Press the PAGE DOWN button on the remote to change through the available options on the
SD output.
Only supported options for the type of program and the output in use are displayed. You can keep
pressing the PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN button until you reach the display format you like. The
receiver will remember the last selected output format independently for each type of output and
program type. The selected display format will be displayed in the view banner when changing to a
new channel.
Screen Positioning
If you need to adjust the position of the video on the HD display screen:
1 Press MENU 6-1-9.
2 Select Adjust.
3 Use the ARROW buttons on the remote to change the vertical and horizontal positions of the video
and menu images on the screen.
4 Press SELECT/OK to save the setting.
Note: Not all HD monitors permit this feature to operate as they may provide automatic positioning
that will conflict with settings on the receiver.
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Chapter 11
Connecting to Your Dish Antenna
CONNECTINGTO YOUR DISH ANTENNA
Use the instructions here if you are connecting a receiver into an existing satellite TV system.
1 Before you can begin connecting your receiver to your dish antenna, you must first complete the
preceding sections on connecting your TVs to the receiver.
2 Connect an RG-6 coaxial cable between the Satellite In port on the receiver’s back panel to an
available port on either your switch or your LNBF in your existing system.
Note: If you are installing your receiver into a system with DISH Pro or DISH Pro Plus LNBFs (and/
or switches), you can have as much as 200 feet of cable between the LNBF and the receiver.
However, you must use only RG-6 coaxial cables rated up to at least 2150 MHz. Some cables may
say “Swept tested for 2150 MHz.” If you have any doubt about this, ask your DISH Network
retailer, or look on the container the cable came in. Do not use cable company TV cables or cables
from other satellite TV systems not rated up to at least 2150 MHz. These other cables may cause
signal loss. Do not use existing cables such as RG-59. Use waterproof F-connectors outdoors.
3 Peel off the blue sticker and affix it to the cable close to where it connect to the Satellite In
connection on the back of the receiver. The sticker is in the front cover of this guide.
4 On the remote control, press Menu, select System Setup (6), Installation (1), and then Point Dish
(1) to display the Point Dish screen on the TV.
5 Select Check Switch. Select Test.
6 The receiver begins performing the Check Switch tests. When it is finished, the Installation
Summary screen displays.
7 Make sure that the information on the Installation Summary screen identifies your system correctly
and shows all transponders for all satellites in your system.
8 Select OK to go to the Point Dish/Signal screen.
9 Select Cancel to exit the Point Dish menu. At this point, the receiver may walk you through a
procedure to download software. If this prompt displays, follow the instructions and do not disturb
the receiver until the TV is displaying DISH Network video. Otherwise, press View TV. After a few
minutes, you should be watching TV.
72
CONNECTINGTHE PHONE LINE
You must keep the receiver connected to an active telephone line to order Pay-Per-View
programs, use all of the DishHOME Interactive features, or other services from DISH Network with
your remote control.
Note: You may be able to use a wireless modem jack. However, this may not support all the
features of this receiver, such as Caller ID. See dishnetwork.com for compatible modem products.
Note: If you have a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), you may have to install a DSL filter between the
receiver’s back panel Phone Jack and the telephone wall jack to successfully connect with DISH
Network. You can obtain a filter from your DSL provider.
Phone Line Connections
Run a telephone cable with a standard RJ-11 connector from the receiver’s back panel Phone
Jack to an active telephone connection.
Connections and Setup
Connecting the Phone Line
Phone System Setup
You must also set up the receiver for your telephone system (touch tone or rotary), and set a
telephone number prefix, if you need a prefix to make an outside call.
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Chapter 11
Connecting a VCR
1 Pressing MENU, then select System Setup (6), Installation (1), and then
Phone System (4).
2 Select the Touch Tone or the Rotary Phone option in the Phone Type list.
3 Select either the No Prefix or the Prefix Code option in the Outside Line Prefix list.
Note: Usually, you need a telephone number prefix only for business installations. For most
residential installations, all you need to do is set the telephone system type. The default setting of
No Prefix will allow correct dialing.
4 If you selected No Prefix, select Save.
5 If you selected Prefix Code, the receiver highlights the box where you must enter the exact
sequence you dial the phone to obtain an outside line.
6 Select Save.
CONNECTINGA VCR
Use this section to connect your VCR and set up the receiver for VCR Timers.
VCR Connections
The diagram below provides example of how to connect VCRs to your satellite TV system.
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Connections and Setup
Connecting Over-the-Air Antenna/Cable TV
Setting Up the Receiver to Control Your VCR
Use this section to set up the receiver to control your VCR so that you can use VCR timers. The
receiver’s front panel IR BLASTER sends a signal to control the VCR. This signal can bounce off
walls and other objects on its way from the receiver. However, shelves or smoked glass between
the receiver and VCR can block the signal. Make sure nothing blocks the signal and that you don’t
have the VCR too far away from the receiver.
CONNECTING OVER-THE-AIR ANTENNA/CABLE TV
The 8VSB TV Antenna/Cable input on your receiver's back panel can be used to receive and view
programming from an over-the-air antenna or cable service. This connection can support viewing
both ATSC digital over-the-air broadcasts or analog NTSC over-the-air broadcasts. It can also
support viewing analog cable TV service.
You can add local over-the-air channels and assign them network affiliations. After you have
added channels, you can access the channels via the Program Guide or the Browse Banner in
much the same way as you would satellite channels.
Connect an external VHF/UHF over-the-air antenna or analog cable TV source to the 8VSB TV
ANTENNA/CABLE port. Peel off the black sticker and affix it to the cable close to where it
connects to the back of the receiver. The stickers are inside the front cover of this guide.
Note: The type of antenna required depends on the channels used by, and the locations of, the
local broadcasters for your area. Contact a professional installer if you are unsure about how to
connect an external antenna to this input.
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Connecting Over-the-Air Antenna/Cable TV
Note: Move all nearby over-the-air antennas away from the UHF remote antenna. Do not place an
over-the-air antenna on top of your receiver.
The audio/video quality on local over-the-air channels depends on the
distance and terrain between the broadcast station and your home, and on
the placement and quality of the over-the-air TV antenna you use. If you
have questions about over-the-air channels, contact the broadcaster, not
DISH Network.
Make sure to follow the antenna installation instructions correctly. Ground
the antenna per the National Electrical Code (NEC) and any local electrical
codes.
Scanning for Over-the-Air Channels
Use these instructions to scan for over-the-air channels for the TV.
Peaking Your Over-the-Air Antenna
Use these instructions to make sure you have the strongest signal from your over-the-air antenna.
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Connections and Setup
Connecting Over-the-Air Antenna/Cable TV
Display Options for Local Channels
You can set up your local channels in the Program Guide for viewing either with your local channel
numbers or the DISH Network four-digit numbers. Digital over-the-air channels are always
displayed in the 2-99 channel range (if you have an over-the-air antenna connected to your
receiver).
1 Press MENU, select System Setup (6), Installation (1), Local Channels (5), and then Display
Options.
2 Select one of the following:
•DISH Network Locals - Displays your DISH Network local channels at the broadcast channel
number (subscription required).
•Off-Air Antenna Locals - Displays the local and analog channels from your over-the-air
antenna at the broadcast channel number. Your subscribed DISH Network local channels
remain at the four-digit channel number designation.
Transmit Channel Numbers
For information on channel numbers, you can visit the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
web page at nab.org. On this web page, go to nab.org/Newsroom/Issues/digitaltv/DTVstations.asp
for a listing of digital broadcast stations and their Transmit Channel numbers.
Note: Where Transmit Channel is displayed by the receiver, the NAB web page uses the term RF
Channel. These terms mean the same thing.
Another good source of local channel information is available from the Consumer Electronics
Association (CEA) web page at: antennaweb.org. This website provides recommendations for
antenna types and pointing directions.
About Over-the-Air TV Broadcasts
Over-the-air TV signals are broadcast from stations on the ground, while satellite TV signals are
broadcast from satellites in space. You receive over-the-air TV signals using an indoor or outdoor
antenna instead of the satellite dish. Digital over-the-air TV broadcasting uses advanced
technology like that of the DISH Network to deliver superb picture quality and CD quality sound.
However, digital over-the-air signal reception (like analog over-the-air signal reception) depends
on several things:
•The distance between the broadcast station and your home (the farther away the station, the
weaker the signal);
•The broadcast station's power (the lower the power, the weaker the signal);
•Obstacles between the station and your home, such as mountains, buildings, trees, or other
objects (these may block or reflect the signal before it reaches you);
•Multiple broadcast stations (to receive good signals from several stations, you may need to
compromise in how you aim the antenna or you may need more than one antenna).
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The effects of poor digital reception are different from the effects of poor analog reception:
•Poor analog reception usually causes the TV picture to be “snowy” or to include “ghosts,” that
is, multiple images caused by receiving reflected signals along with the direct signal from a
station.
•Poor digital reception may cause the TV picture to be “pixelized,” that is, broken up into small
squares of various colors, or to be lost completely (the TV screen is all black or all blue).
•Digital broadcasts often provide either a very good picture or no picture at all.
•You may be able to receive a poor analog signal but not be able to receive a digital signal at
all.
To get the best possible digital signal reception, make sure you use the best over-the-air antenna
for where you live:
•You can receive a limited number of channels using a rabbit ears type antenna on top of the
TV set, or a much larger number via a large UHF/VHF indoor/outdoor antenna.
•The higher the quality of the antenna you use, the greater its range and the better its reception
will be.
The Consumer Electronics Association maintains a website, antennaweb.org, that you can visit for
help in choosing an antenna.You may want to contact a professional TV antenna installer for
advice or help in choosing, installing, and aiming an antenna. Keep in mind, digital over-the-air TV
broadcasting is in its infancy. So, digital over-the-air service may be interrupted because:
•Broadcasters are testing digital signals, and may stop broadcasting without notice.
•Many broadcasters do not yet have permanent broadcast stations and may be operating at
less than full power.
•Broadcasters are not legally required to provide full-time digital signals for several years.
•Some digital channels do not broadcast all the time.
If you have questions about over-the-air channels, contact the broadcasters, not DISH Network.
DISH Network does not broadcast over-the-air signals and so cannot do anything to change overthe-air signal quality. However, the receiver's digital channel setup menus provide a signal strength
bar that can help you in aiming the over-the-air TV antenna for the strongest possible signal.
Here’s something interesting! We all know there’s no Channel 1, but did you know that no
TV stations broadcast on Channel 37? That channel is reserved for radio astronomy.
Perhaps someday we will receive TV shows from Alpha Centauri.
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QAM INSTALLATIONS
If you live in an apartment, condominium or other clustered housing, your television signal is
transmitted to you through master multiplexing distribution equipment located in a central area in
your dwelling complex. This distribution equipment is owned and maintained by the dwelling
complex owners or managers.
Note: Do not change the setting on this screen unless otherwise directed.
Connections and Setup
QAM Installations
USING TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS
Your receiver has diagnostic tools that a Customer Service Representative may ask you to use if
you should ever run into problems while using your equipment. Even though these tools are quite
helpful, it is recommended that you only use them when on the phone with a DISH Network
representative.
Resetting Your Receiver
Reset your receiver as directed by the Customer Service Representative as follows:
1 Press and hold the front panel POWER until the front panel light blinks once and the TV screen
goes blank.
2 Let go of the front panel POWER.
It will take a few minutes for your receiver to reset and come back on. When you reset your
receiver, your receiver will download an updated Program Guide.
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Chapter 11
Using Troubleshooting Tools
Diagnostics
The Customer Service Representative may ask you to open the Diagnostics screen. Remember to
have an active phone line connected to your receiver.
1 Press MENU, select System Setup (6), and then select Diagnostics. The Diagnostics screen
shows you various tests the Customer Service Representative may ask you to perform on your
receiver:
•Connection - Tests for a valid receiver phone connection.
•Dial Out - If “No Dial Out Pending” is displayed, the receiver does not need to have its smart
card records updated.
•Counters - Shows you a list of diagnostic counters. Use PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN to scroll
through the list of counters displayed.
2 Select Done.
Point Dish and Check Switch
The Point Dish and Check Switch screens are helpful to the Customer Service Representatives.
You may be asked to display these screens when you call DISH Network. Even though there are
items that can be changed, only change them when specifically directed by a Customer Service
Representative.
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