General DCT 1000 User Manual

DCT 1000
Cable Terminal

Installation Manual

MENUINFOCURSORGUIDE SELECT BYPASS CHANNEL

POWER

Graphical symbols and supplement warning marking locations on the bottom of the appliance.

This symbol means that dangerous voltage levels are present within the equipment. These voltages are not
insulated, and may be of sufficient strength to cause serious bodily injury if touched. The symbol may also appear
on schematics.

This symbol calls attention to a critical procedure, or means refer to the instruction manual for opening or service
information. Only qualified service personnel are to install or service the equipment. The symbol may also appear
in text and on schematics.

WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE, OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

FCC Compliance: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the Installation Manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Any changes or
modifications not expressly approved by General Instrument could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment under the rules and
regulations of the FCC.

Canadian Compliance: This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of he Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respects toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Repairs: If repair is necessary, call the General Instrument Repair Facility at 1-800-227-0450 for a Return for Service Authorization (RSA)
number before sending the unit. The RSA number must be prominently displayed on all equipment cartons. Pack the unit securely, enclose a
note describing the exact problem, and a copy of the invoice that verifies the warranty status. Ship the unit PRE-PAID to the following address:

GI Communications
4694 Coffee Port Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
Attn: RSA #___________

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that
provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the
building, as close as possible to the point of cable entry as practical.

Copyright © 1996 by General Instrument Corporation.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as

translation, transformation or adaptation) without written permission from General Instrument.
General Instrument reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of

General Instrument to provide notification of such revision or change. General Instrument provides this guide without warranty of any kind, either
implied or expressed, including, but not limited, to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. General
Instrument may make improvements or changes in the product(s) described in this manual at any time.

STARFONE and STARVUE II are registered trademarks of General Instrument Corporation.
Music Choice is a trademark of General Instrument Corporation.
TV Guide on Screen, Flip, Browse, Reminder, Lockout, and Channel Manager are trademarks of TV Guide Financial, Inc.

Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction

Features and Options ................................................................................................. 1-1

Using This Manual ...................................................................................................... 1-2

Related Documentation .............................................................................................. 1-3

If You Need Help ......................................................................................................... 1-3

Calling for Repairs ...................................................................................................... 1-3

Section 2 Overview

Front Panel Controls and Displays ............................................................................ 2-1

Rear Panel Connectors ............................................................................................... 2-3

Configuration Options ................................................................................................ 2-5

Remote Controls ......................................................................................................... 2-6

XRC 100 Remote Control ........................................................................................ 2-7

Installing Batteries in Remote Control ...................................................................... 2-7

Section 3 Installation

Before You Begin ........................................................................................................ 3-1

Installing the DCT 1000 ............................................................................................... 3-1

General Configuration Instructions .......................................................................... 3-2

Standard Wiring Cabling Diagrams .......................................................................... 3-2

A/B Switch-out Cabling Diagrams ............................................................................ 3-4

A/B Switch-in Cabling Diagrams .............................................................................. 3-6

Operational Check ...................................................................................................... 3-8

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 3-9

Section 4 Adding a VCR or Stereo Component

Standard VCR Cabling Diagram ................................................................................. 4-1

RF Bypass Switch VCR Cabling Diagrams ................................................................ 4-2

A/B Switch-Out VCR Cabling Diagram ....................................................................... 4-4

A/B Switch-In VCR Cabling Diagram ......................................................................... 4-5

Composite (Baseband) VCR Cabling Diagram .......................................................... 4-6

Stereo System Cabling Diagram ................................................................................ 4-7

DCT1000 Installation Manual

ii Table of Contents

Section 5 TV Guide On Screen

Remote Control ............................................................................................................ 5-1

XRC 200 Remote Control ........................................................................................ 5-2

Installing Batteries in Remote Control ...................................................................... 5-2

Quick Tips for the Program Guide .............................................................................. 5-3

Setting Up the Program Guide .................................................................................... 5-3

Confirm Proper Installation ...................................................................................... 5-4

Configure TV Guide On Screen ............................................................................... 5-5

Getting Started with the Program Guide .................................................................... 5-7

Flip .......................................................................................................................... 5-7

Browse .................................................................................................................... 5-7

Listing Menus .......................................................................................................... 5-7

Pay-Per-View .......................................................................................................... 5-7

Messages ................................................................................................................ 5-8

Lockout ................................................................................................................... 5-8

Channel Manager .................................................................................................... 5-8

Timers ..................................................................................................................... 5-8

Help ........................................................................................................................ 5-9

Appendix A Specifications

Appendix B Diagnostics

Accessing Diagnostics ................................................................................................ B-1

Summary of Diagnostic Modes ................................................................................... B-2

d 01: DCT 1000 General Status .............................................................................. B-3

d 02: Out-Of-Band Receiver Status ........................................................................ B-4

Carrier Lock ...................................................................................................... B-5

Packet/Frame Sync ........................................................................................... B-5

Data Activity ...................................................................................................... B-6

EMM Data Activity ............................................................................................. B-6

d 03: In-Band Receiver Status ................................................................................ B-6

Carrier Lock ...................................................................................................... B-7

Reed-Solomon Sync ......................................................................................... B-7

Packet/Frame Sync ........................................................................................... B-7

Adaptive Equalizer Stress ................................................................................. B-8

Data Activity ...................................................................................................... B-8

EMM Data Activity ............................................................................................. B-8

d 04: QAM Receiver Short-Term Error Rate ........................................................... B-8

d 05: QAM Receiver Long-Term Error Rate ............................................................ B-9

d 06: Unit Address .................................................................................................. B-10

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Table of Contents iii

d 07: Unit Serial Number ........................................................................................ B-11

d 08: Dena Firmware Version ................................................................................. B-12

d 09: Current-Channel Status ................................................................................. B-13

Decryptor Status Modes ................................................................................... B-14

Purchasable Status ........................................................................................... B-14

d 10: Renewable Security System .......................................................................... B-15

TvPC Required ................................................................................................. B-15

Current Mode .................................................................................................... B-16

TvPC Status ..................................................................................................... B-16

d 11: Upstream Modem Status ............................................................................... B-16

STARVUE II Diagnostics .................................................................................. B-17

STARFONE Diagnostics ................................................................................... B-18

d 12: Application Code Modules ............................................................................. B-20

d 13: Application Expansion Modules ..................................................................... B-20

d 14: Memory Status .............................................................................................. B-21

Figures

Figure 1-1 Front view of the DCT 1000 cable terminal ................................................. 1-2

Figure 1-2 Rear view of the DCT 1000 cable terminal ................................................. 1-2

Figure 2-1 DCT 1000 cable terminal front panel ........................................................... 2-1

Figure 2-2 DCT 1000 cable terminal rear panel ............................................................ 2-3

Figure 2-3 DCT 1000 options ....................................................................................... 2-5

Figure 2-4 XRC 100 remote control .............................................................................. 2-7

Figure 3-1 Standard wiring without a PPV module ........................................................ 3-2

Figure 3-2 Standard wiring with a STARVUE II module ................................................ 3-3

Figure 3-3 Standard wiring with a STARFONE module ................................................ 3-3

Figure 3-4 A/B switch-out without a PPV module ......................................................... 3-4

Figure 3-5 A/B switch-out with a STARVUE II module .................................................. 3-5

Figure 3-6 A/B switch-out with a STARFONE module .................................................. 3-5

Figure 3-7 A/B switch-in without a PPV module ............................................................ 3-6

Figure 3-8 A/B switch-in with a STARVUE II module and the return on cable A

.................................................................................................................... 3-7

Figure 3-9 A/B switch-in with a STARVUE II module and the return on cable B

.................................................................................................................... 3-7

Figure 3-10 A/B switch-in with a STARFONE module .................................................... 3-8

Figure 4-1 Standard VCR cabling ................................................................................. 4-1

Figure 4-2 RF Bypass switch with VCR ........................................................................ 4-2

Figure 4-3 RF Bypass switch with VCR and STARVUE II module ................................ 4-3

Figure 4-4 A/B switch-out with VCR ............................................................................. 4-4

Figure 4-5 A/B switch-in with VCR ............................................................................... 4-5

DCT1000 Installation Manual

iv Table of Contents

Figure 4-6 Composite VCR Cabling .............................................................................. 4-6

Figure 4-7 Stereo system cabling ................................................................................. 4-7

Figure 5-1 XRC 200 remote control .............................................................................. 5-2

Figure 5-2 Notice screen .............................................................................................. 5-3

Figure 5-3 Setup screen, with Cable Terminal selected ................................................ 5-4

Figure 5-4 Cable terminal setup screen ........................................................................ 5-4

Figure 5-5 Configuration screen .................................................................................... 5-5

Figure 5-6 Setup screen, with TV Guide On Screen selected ........................................ 5-6

Figure 5-7 TV Guide On Screen Setup ......................................................................... 5-6

Figure B-1 Diagnostics selection OSD display data ....................................................... B-2

Figure B-2 General status LED display ......................................................................... B-3

Figure B-3 General status OSD display data ................................................................. B-3

Figure B-4 Out-of band status LED display ................................................................... B-4

Figure B-5 Out-of-band status OSD display data ........................................................... B-5

Figure B-6 LED indication of no data received ............................................................... B-5

Figure B-7 In-band receiver digital status LED display ................................................... B-6

Figure B-8 In-band receiver digital status OSD display data .......................................... B-7

Figure B-9 Receiver short-term error rate LED display .................................................. B-8

Figure B-10 Receiver short-term error rate OSD display data .......................................... B-9

Figure B-11 Receiver long-term error rate LED display ................................................... B-9

Figure B-12 Receiver long-term error rate OSD display data ........................................... B-10

Figure B-13 Unit address LED display ............................................................................. B-11

Figure B-14 Unit address OSD display data .................................................................... B-11

Figure B-15 Unit serial number LED display .................................................................... B-12

Figure B-16 Unit serial number OSD display data ........................................................... B-12

Figure B-17 Dena firmware version LED display ............................................................. B-12

Figure B-18 Dena firmware version OSD display data ..................................................... B-13

Figure B-19 Decryptor status LED display ....................................................................... B-13

Figure B-20 Decryptor status OSD display data .............................................................. B-14

Figure B-21 Renewable security status LED display ....................................................... B-15

Figure B-22 Renewable security status OSD display data ............................................... B-15

Figure B-23 STARVUE II diagnostics LED display .......................................................... B-17

Figure B-24 STARVUE II diagnostics OSD display data .................................................. B-17

Figure B-25 STARFONE diagnostics LED display ........................................................... B-18

Figure B-26 STARFONE diagnostics OSD display data .................................................. B-18

Figure B-27 Application code modules OSD display data ................................................ B-20

Figure B-28 Application expansion modules OSD display data ........................................ B-20

Figure B-29 Memory status OSD display data ................................................................. B-21

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Section 1

Introduction

The DCT 1000 is an analog/digital cable terminal designed to be configurable and upgradeable to
meet the future needs of emerging technologies in the communications industry. The base unit
supports numerous configurations. This manual provides instructions on installing the base
unit and the following options:

n

A/B Switch-out

n

A/B Switch-in

n

RF Bypass Switch

n

STARVUE II Module

n

STARFONE Module

The DCT 1000 operates in the same system with existing analog set-top terminal products.
Existing set-tops are not affected by the new information flowing from the system to the
DCT 1000 cable terminals.

Features and Options

The General Instrument DCT 1000 cable terminal offers the following standard features:

n

54 to 860 MHz integrated tuner

n

RF, video, and audio ports

n

IR Blaster port

n

Data output port

n

Application interface port

n

Switched accessory outlet

Among the optional features available are:

n

STARVUE II and STARFONE modules

n

RF Bypass switch

n

A/B Switch-in

n

A/B Switch-out

n

Audio loop-thru

n

High and low power IR Blaster modules

DCT1000 Installation Manual

1-2 Introduction

The following illustrations show the front and rear views of the standard unit:

Figure 1-1
Front view of the DCT 1000 cable terminal

Figure 1-2
Rear view of the DCT 1000 cable terminal

Using This Manual

This manual provides instructions for the following tasks necessary to install and configure a
DCT 1000 cable terminal.

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

Appendix A
Appendix B

Provides a brief introduction to the product, identifies the information contained in this
manual, lists related documentation, and gives the helpline telephone number and return
procedure.

Describes the DCT 1000 cable terminal and provides an overview of its use. This section
also identifies the front panel displays and switches, and describes the rear panel
connectors.

Provides instructions on how to install a DCT 1000 cable terminal in a subscriber location
and perform operational tests.

Provides instructions on how to connect a VCR or stereo equipment to a DCT 1000 cable
terminal in a subscriber location.

Provides instructions on checking-out operation of TV Guide On Screen (an optional
electronic program guide), and on a few basic operations so that you can introduce your
subscriber to the guide.

Lists technical specifications for the DCT 1000 cable terminal.
Provides instructions on accessing and interpreting the built-in diagnostics.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Introduction 1-3

Related Documentation

Separate instruction manuals are available for associated components. Although these may be
of interest to you, they are not necessary to install or operate the basic DCT 1000 cable terminal.

n

DCT 1000 User Guide, part number 437-011-400

n

XRC 100 Remote Control User Guide, part number 437-053-400

n

A/B In Switch Installation Instructions, part number 437-043-200

n

A/B Out Switch Installation Instructions, part number 437-044-200

n

Starfone Installation Instructions, part number 436-420-202

n

Starvue II Installation Instructions, not yet released

If You Need Help

If you need assistance while working with the DCT 1000 cable terminal, call the General
Instrument Technical Response Center at 1-800-537-7653. The Technical Response Center is
open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. When the
Technical Response Center is closed, emergency service only is available on a call-back basis.

If calling from outside the United States, please use our main switchboard number,
1-215-674-4800, when contacting the Technical Response Center.

Calling for Repairs

If repair is necessary, call the General Instrument Repair Facility at 1-800-227-0450 for a
Return for Service Authorization (RSA) number before sending the unit. The RSA number must
be prominently displayed on all equipment cartons. The Repair Facility is open from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

If calling from outside the United States, dial your appropriate international access code, then
dial 52-891-40739, to contact the Repair Facility.

When shipping equipment for repair, follow these steps:
Pack the unit securely.

1 Enclose a note describing the exact problem.
2 Enclose a copy of the invoice that verifies the warranty status.
3 Ship the unit PRE-PAID to the following address:

GI Communications
4694 Coffee Port Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
Attn: RSA #___________

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Section 2

Overview

In this section you will find illustrations and tables showing the features of the front and rear
panels of the DCT 1000 cable terminal. Before beginning the installation process, please take
the time to familiarize yourself with the various controls and displays.

Front Panel Controls and Displays

The front panel, illustrated below, contains selection buttons, tuning buttons, various displays,
and the power switch. These controls are designed to provide a minimum, but functional,
capability in the event that the cable terminal remote control is lost or is temporarily out of
service. However, certain functions (for example, those requiring numeric entry) are not
available without a remote control.

Figure 2-1
DCT 1000 cable terminal front panel

See the following table for an explanation of the controls accessible from the front panel (A
through H) and a description of the LEDs (I through M).

DCT1000 Installation Manual

2-2 Overview

Key Connector Function

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

Turns terminal on/off.

Change channel up and down.

Operates the A/B or RF bypass switch.

Selects function options and pay-per-view (PPV)
events, and tunes channels from the electronic
program guide.

Displays main menu.

Displays current channel and program information.

Move cursor in menu and program guide screens.

Displays program guide.

Lights if RF bypass mode is selected.

J

K

L

M

Lights if a message is present.
Normally displays current channel number. In the

diagnostic mode, displays diagnostic codes.

Flashes when an error-free signal is received from the
remote control.

Lights when the unit is on.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Overview 2-3

Rear Panel Connectors

The rear panel of the DCT 1000 cable terminal, displayed in Figure 2-2, contains a switched
power outlet; connectors for video, audio, and RF cabling; data output connectors; IR blaster
output connectors; and an ac power plug. If a pay-per-view (PPV) module is not installed in the

cable terminal’s rear panel, protective plates will cover the opening in the rear panel reserved for
the modules. The protective plate should not be removed in the subscriber location unless you
are installing new hardware in the opening.

Figure 2-2
DCT 1000 cable terminal rear panel

See the following table for the description of each of the rear panel features identified above.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

2-4 Overview

Key Connector Function

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Standard 2-prong polarized plug to connect the
cable terminal to a power source.

Mini phone jacks for connecting an optional IR
Blaster. The high power output is optional.

Mini phone jacks for connecting data output from the
terminal.

This slot is reserved for future use.

The RCA jack used to connect the cable terminal to
a composite (baseband) video TV or a monitor. In
some configurations this jack connects to a VCR.

The left and right audio RCA jacks used for stereo
audio output.

An F-type connector used to connect the cable
terminal to a standard TV or to a VCR.

H

I

J

K

L

An F-type connector used for the coaxial cable input
port.

The optional RCA jacks for looping through audio
from audio equipment.

Covers slot used for STARVUE II and STARFONE
options.

Covers slot reserved for future options.

An ac power outlet that can be configured as a
switched or unswitched outlet.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Overview 2-5

Configuration Options

The DCT 1000 platform supports a variety of configurations. These options allow your company
to offer options tailored to the needs of individual subscribers. Figure 2-3 shows the various
options available for the DCT 1000 platform.

Figure 2-3
DCT 1000 options

DCT1000 Installation Manual

2-6 Overview

The following table describes the function of each of the options shown in Figure 2-3.

Optional Module Function

Used in a dual cable system to receive both cables. Please verify the location of
the A and B connectors on your particular A/B switch. They may be reversed.

Used to receive off-the-air signals from an antenna, or used to watch and/or
record channels at the same time.

Allows the cable signal to bypass the cable terminal and go directly to a TV or
VCR. An RF Bypass switch is internal on some DCT 1000 terminals. Before
installing an external switch, verify that the terminal does not have an internal
switch.

Used in a two-way addressable system to send impulse pay-per-view (IPPV)
information to the ACC 4000D or other controller through the return system.

Used in a two-way addressable system to send impulse pay-per-view (IPPV)

information to the ACC 4000D or other controller through the subscriber’s
telephone hookup.

Remote Controls

The basic DCT 1000 uses the XRC 100 remote control. If your system offers an optional
electronic program guide, a different remote control may be required; refer to Section 5, TV
Guide On Screen. The XRC 100 may require programming before use; refer to its user guide for
programming instructions.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

XRC 100 Remote Control

Figure 2-4 illustrates the XRC 100.

Figure 2-4
XRC 100 remote control

Overview 2-7

Installing Batteries in Remote Control

Before a remote control can be used, two AA (1.5 volt) alkaline batteries must be installed in it.
Battery access is located on the back of the remote control.

To install batteries in an XRC 100:
Press and slide the battery compartment cover off.

1 Place the batteries in the compartment being careful to observe the correct polarity.
2 Slide the battery compartment cover back into place.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Section 3

Installation

This section provides step-by-step instructions for installing and cabling the cable terminal in
the subscriber’s location. The cabling diagrams shown in this section include the following
configurations, both with and without PPV options (STARFONE and STARVUE II):

n

Standard wiring

n

A/B Switch-out

n

A/B Switch-in

If you are adding a VCR or stereo components to the configuration, see Section 4, Adding a
VCR or Stereo Components, for cabling suggestions.

Before You Begin

Before beginning the installation process, do the following:

n

Look at the TV set or monitor to determine if it is a standard TV or a composite (baseband)
monitor. Make certain you have the correct connecting cables.

n

Make certain you have the correct connecting cables for the audio connectors.

n

Determine if you are going to connect a VCR to the DCT 1000 cable terminal.

n

If the subscriber location requires an A/B switch-in, an A/B switch-out, or a STARVUE II or
STARFONE module, install these options before beginning cabling. Installation of these
units is described in the installation instructions provided with them.

After installation is completed, the cable terminal should be placed on a smooth, flat surface
with no obstructions to interfere with the free flow of air over, under, and around the cable
terminal. Tell the subscriber that nothing should be placed on top of the unit.

Installing the DCT 1000

To install the DCT 1000 in your subscriber’s site:
Refer to the section that describes the cabling for the subscriber’s cable terminal configuration:

standard wiring (page 3-2), A/B switch-out (page 3-4); or A/B switch-in (page 3-6).

1 Follow the general instructions as you do the cabling.
2 Perform the basic operational check beginning on page 3-8 after you successfully install

the cable terminal.

3 Check the troubleshooting suggestions on page 3-9 if you have a problem with the

operational check.

DCT1000 Installation Manual

3-2 Installation

General Configuration Instructions

The DCT 1000 cable terminal is available in numerous configurations. The cabling for each
configuration is illustrated in this section. Use these general installation instructions and the
cabling illustrations to install the terminal in the subscriber location.

To install the DCT 1000 cable terminal:
Connect the 75-Ohm coaxial cable drop to the F-type connector that is labeled

RF IN on the

cable terminal.

1 If your configuration includes a STARVUE II module, connect the 75-Ohm coaxial cable

jumper as shown on the appropriate configuration illustration.

2 To connect the video, do one of the following:

For a conventional TV set, use a 75-Ohm coaxial cable with F-type connectors to connect
the cable terminal labeled

TO TV either directly to the input of the TV set or through a

matching transformer to the 300-Ohm input of the set.
For a monitor, use a cable with an RCA connector to connect the cable terminal labeled

VIDEO to the monitor.

3 Plug the TV set into the convenience outlet on the back of the cable terminal.

Standard Wiring Cabling Diagrams

Figure 3-1 illustrates a standard wiring configuration. If the cable terminal has an RF or
telephone return modem, use Figure 3-2 or Figure 3-3) to determine the correct wiring for the
configuration.

Figure 3-1
Standard wiring without a PPV module

DCT1000 Installation Manual

Figure 3-2
Standard wiring with a STARVUE II module

Installation 3-3

Figure 3-3
Standard wiring with a STARFONE module

DCT1000 Installation Manual

3-4 Installation

A/B Switch-out Cabling Diagrams

Figure 3-4 illustrates a standard wiring configuration which includes an A/B switch-out. If
the cable terminal has a PPV module, refer to the PPV diagrams (Figure 3-5 and Figure 3-6)
to determine the correct cabling for the configuration.

Figure 3-4
A/B switch-out without a PPV module

DCT1000 Installation Manual