If you want to find all programs that star a certain actor, share a certain director,
have a particular character role, have won a particular award, or were created in a
certain year, you can search By Credits. To search for a program whose title you
know, search by title. Searching by text looks at both credits and titles to find all of
the programs that match your search terms.
1While viewing the Guide, press the blue B button on your remote control.
A search list appears, allowing you to
choose a type of search.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight By Credits, By Title, or
By Text, then press thebutton on your
remote control.
The search screen you selected appears.
If you chose to search By Credits, the screen allows you to select a type of
credit to search by. Highlight one of the five Credit types (Actor, Director, Role,
Award, or Year), and press thebutton on your remote control.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the first letter in the
word you wish to search for, then press thebutton.
To erase a letter, highlight the on-screen left arrow and press thebutton on
your remote control. To clear the entire entry, highlight the on-screen Clear
button and press thebutton.
4Continue to select letters from the on-screen keyboard until you have
completed your search term.
As you enter letters, an on-screen list shows you matches for the text you have
entered so far.
5To execute the search you can either highlight the on-screen Search button and
press thebutton, or you can highlight an item from the on-screen list and
press thebutton.
A list of programs related to your search terms appears.
6To see a list of show times for one of the search results, use the arrow buttons
on your remote control to highlight that program, then press thebutton.
7To see information about one of the search results, use the arrow buttons on
your remote control to highlight that program, then press the INFO button.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
Searching by Category
When you search by category, you narrow down the list of programs by choosing
from program categories and sub-categories.
1While viewing the Guide, press the blue B button on your remote control.
A search list appears, allowing you to
choose a type of search.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight By Category, then
press thebutton on your remote
control.
The Search By Category screen appears.
Categories that contain sub-categories
have a page icon to the right of the
category name.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight a category, then press
thebutton.
If you select a category that contains
sub-categories, the subcategory list
appears. Continue to narrow your search
by selecting from the sub-category list
until there are no more sub-categories.
If you select a category that contains no
sub-categories, the search results appear
displaying the programs in the category
you selected.
To return to a previous category list,
highlight the on-screen Back button and
press thebutton.
4To see a list of show times for one of the
search results, use the arrow buttons on
your remote control to highlight that
program, then press thebutton.
5To see information about one of the search results, use the arrow buttons on
your remote control to highlight that program, then press the INFO button.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
Choosing an alternate audio format for a program
Many programs on your DIRECTV Receiver offer several audio formats. For
example, some programs are available in alternative languages. Some are available
in the Dolby Digital format (a high-quality digital audio format available on model
SIR-S310W only).
You can tell if a program offers alternative audio formats by pressing the INFO
button on your remote control while watching a program. If one of these icons
appears in the Channel Banner, an alternative audio format is available:
This icon indicates that one or more alternative languages are available for
the program.
This icon indicates that an Dolby Digital version of the audio for the program
is available (playable on model SIR-S310W only).
To change the audio format for a program you are watching, follow these steps:
1While viewing a program, press the AUDIO button on your remote control.
A list of available audio formats for the
program you are watching appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight the audio format you
wish to hear for the program, then press
thebutton on your remote control.
The list of audio formats disappears and
the program audio is now played in the
format you selected.
Changing the User setting
Your DIRECTV Receiver allows you to establish groups of preferences for your
family, and for up to four individuals. For each of these users, you can specify the
user name, a unique channel list, and the color and translucency of the on-screen
Guides and Menus. (Detailed instructions for modifying these user-settings are in
Chapter 6.)
To set your DIRECTV Receiver to operate using the settings specified for one of the
users, follow these steps:
1While viewing a program, press the WHO
button on your remote control.
The Who list appears.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the name of the
user whose settings you wish to activate, then press thebutton on your
remote control.
The Who list disappears, and the selected user’s settings take effect.
To clear the Who list without changing the current user, press the WHO or
EXIT button on your remote control.
Pay per view programs
Your DIRECTV Receiver gives you access to many pay per view movies, sporting
events, concerts, etc. All you need to order these events is your DIRECTV account,
a land-based telephone line connected to your DIRECTV Receiver, and your
remote control.
Identifying pay per view programs
There are several ways to identify pay per view programs.
1If you tune to a channel currently showing
a pay per view program which you have
not yet purchased, a message appears
telling you how to order the program.
2If you press the INFO button on your remote control to view information about
a program in the Guide or about a program you are currently tuned to, you will
see the pay per view icon in the Channel Banner for that program.
Pay per view icon
Ordering pay per view programs
To order a pay per view program:
1Locate and highlight the program you wish to purchase in the Guide.
You can purchase current programs (as long as the program is less than half
over) or future programs.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
2Press the INFO button on your remote control.
The Program Details screen appears,
with the list of available actions for
that program.
3Use the arrow keys on your remote
control to highlight the Buy item from the
list, then press thebutton on your
remote control.
A confirmation screen appears in which
you can confirm or cancel your purchase.
Pay per view purchases are billed with
your regular monthly statement for
DIRECTV®programming.
Note: You can set spending limits for pay per view purchases using your
DIRECTV Receiver’s Menu system. See Chapter 5 for details.
Use the arrow keys to highlight this
item, then press thebutton.
Reviewing your pay per view purchases
Your DIRECTV Receiver allows you to review your past pay per view purchases, to
view a list of upcoming pay per view purchases, and to cancel upcoming pay per
view purchases.
Viewing your Past Purchase list
To see a list of pay per view programs that you purchased and watched, follow
these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Purchases menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Purchases menu appears.
The Past Purchases menu item
is highlighted.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
3Press thebutton on your remote control to view a list of your past pay per
view purchases.
The Past Purchases screen appears.
4To see details for the listed
purchases, use the arrow buttons on
your remote control to highlight a
purchase, then press thebutton
on your remote control.
A screen displaying program details
for the selected purchase appears.
5To return to the Past Purchases screen, press the BACK button on your
remote control.
Note: The Past Purchases screen only displays pay per view programs which you
purchased and watched. Pay per view programs that you purchased but did not
watch appear on the Future Purchases screen.
Viewing your Future Purchase list
To see a list of pay per view programs that you purchased but have not yet
watched, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Purchases menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Purchases menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Future Purchases menu item, then
press thebutton on your
remote control.
The Future Purchases screen appears.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
4To see details for any of the purchases in the list, use the arrow buttons on
your remote control to highlight that purchase, then press thebutton on
your remote control.
A screen displaying program details for the selected purchase appears.
5To return to the Future Purchases screen, press the BACK button on your
remote control.
The Future Purchases screen displays both purchases you have made for programs
that have not yet aired, and purchases for past programs which you never watched.
Purchases which you have made that have not yet aired can be canceled following
the instructions below.
Canceling a pay per view purchase
To cancel the purchase of a pay per view program that you purchased but have not
yet watched, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Purchases menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Purchases menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the
Future Purchases menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Future Purchases screen appears.
4To cancel a purchase, use the arrow buttons on your remote control to
highlight the program purchase you wish to cancel, then press thebutton
on your remote control.
A screen displaying program details
for the selected purchase appears.
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Chapter 3: Watching TV
5Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the on-screen
Cancel Purchase button, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Program Detail screen
disappears. The Future Purchase
screen appears; the purchase you
canceled is now listed as canceled.
Note: Past programs which you
purchased but never watched cannot be
canceled.
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Chapter 4: Program reminders and
recording timers
This chapter tells you how to use your DIRECTV Receiver to set timers that can
remind you when a program is about to begin, and (on model SIR-S75 only) record
a program for you on your VCR. The sections of this chapter include:
• Setting up the VCR control (model SIR-S310W only)
• Scheduling program reminders and recording timers
• Reviewing and modifying reminders and recording timers
Setting up the VCR control (model SIR-S310W only)
DIRECTV Receiver model SIR-S310W can use the supplied VCR control cable to
automatically program your VCR to record programs for you. (Instructions on
setting recording timers appear later in this chapter).
Before your DIRECTV Receiver can program your VCR, you must have correctly
connected and aligned the VCR control cable (see Connecting the VCR controlcable in Chapter 2), and you must tell your DIRECTV Receiver what kind of VCR
you have. Here’s how:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Installation
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Installation menu appears.
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4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the VCR Setup
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The VCR Setup screen appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
manufacturer of your VCR from the
list on the left side of the screen.
6If the VCR type list on the right side
of the screen contains more than
one type, highlight a type from
this list.
Some manufacturers distribute more than one type of VCR. Try them in order
until you find the one that passes the test below.
7Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the on-screen Test
button from the left side of the screen, then press thebutton.
A screen appears displaying
instructions for testing the VCR
setup. Follow the on-screen
instructions to see if the VCR
manufacturer and Type settings you
selected work for your VCR.
During the test, the DIRECTV Receiver will attempt to program the VCR to
record for a short time. When the on-screen instructions tell you to do so,
check the tape to see if your VCR was able to record the test. If so, your VCR
setup is complete. If not, go through the steps in this process again, this time
selecting the next VCR Type from the list.
Once you have set up the VCR control, you are ready to use the VCR control to
record programs for you. The rest of this chapter describes how to schedule and
modify timers that allow you to record programs and set program reminders.
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Chapter 4: Program reminders and recording timers
Scheduling program reminders and recording timers
There are two kinds of timers you can set to help you manage your TV viewing:
• You can schedule a reminder to alert you when a program is about to begin.
You can schedule a timer that will automatically record a program on your VCR
•
(on model SIR-S310W only).
To set your DIRECTV Receiver to remind you when a program is about to begin, or
(on model SIR-S310W) to record a program for you on your VCR, follow these
steps:
1Press the GUIDE button on your remote.
The Guide appears.
Note: Timers are not available in the Logo Guide. If you are viewing the Logo
Guide, use the red R button on your remote control, and select Grid Guide.
You can only set timers for future programs (not for programs that are currently
under way).
2Highlight the program you wish to record or be reminded about, and press the
button.
Pressing the button once sets a program reminder. Pressing it again will
either remove the program reminder (on model SIR-S300W), or will set the
program to be recorded on your VCR (on model SIR-S310W).
A clock icon is added to the
program listing in the Guide when
a program reminder is scheduled
for a program.
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A videotape icon replaces the clock
icon when a recording timer has
been scheduled for a program.
Chapter 4: Program reminders and recording timers
Once you have set a program reminder,
when the program is about to begin, the
DIRECTV Receiver will display a message
on your screen reminding you about the
program.
To use the program recording feature, you must have correctly connected and
positioned the VCR control cable. You must also set up the DIRECTV Receiver
to communicate with your VCR (for instructions, see the first section of
this chapter).
Make sure there is a tape in your VCR and that the VCR is turned off before
the start time of any programs you have set to be recorded.
Reviewing and modifying reminders and
recording timers
The Timers item in the SETUP menu provides access to screens with which you can
review, modify, or create new program reminders. On model SIR-S310W you can
also review, modify, or create new program recording timers.
The same screens allow you to accomplish all of these tasks. Here’s how:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Setup menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Setup menu appears.
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Chapter 4: Program reminders and recording timers
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Timers menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Timers screen appears.
If you have previously scheduled
program reminders or recording
timers, they are listed here.
4To review your previously scheduled
program reminders and recording
timers, look through this list.
5To modify or check the details for any previously scheduled timers, use the
arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight that timer from the list, then
press thebutton.
To schedule a new program reminder or recording timer, highlight a blank line
from the list, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Edit Timer screen appears for
the timer you selected.
6Use the left- and right-arrow
buttons on your remote control to
highlight the option you wish to
change.
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• For new timers or for timers you previously scheduled using the Timers
screen in the SETUP menu, you can modify the channel number, the start
time and date, the end time and date, the frequency, and (on model SIRS310W) the mode for the timer (whether it is a program reminder or a
recording timer).
• For timers that you scheduled using the on-screen Guide, you can only
change the mode setting.
• Once you have highlighted the option you wish to modify, use the up- or
down-arrow buttons on your remote control to edit the option setting. Use
the left- and right-arrow buttons to highlight different options.
• To delete the selected timer, use the right-arrow button on your remote
control to highlight the on-screen Clear button, then press thebutton on
your remote control.
Chapter 4: Program reminders and recording timers
7When you have finished reviewing or modifying the timer, use the right-arrow
button on your remote control to highlight the on-screen Back button, then
press thebutton on your remote control.
The Edit Timer screen disappears, and you return to the Timers screen.
8To return to the SETUP menu, use the arrow buttons on your remote control to
highlight the on-screen Done button, then press thebutton on your remote
control.
To exit the Menu system and return to TV viewing, press the EXIT button on
your remote control.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
This chapter tells you how to modify and select user profiles. Its contents include:
• User profiles basics
• Editing user profile names
• Editing channel lists
• Setting ratings limits
• Allowing or blocking pay per view purchases
• Setting a pay per view spending limit
• Setting the screen color and translucency
• Setting the current user profile
• Locking and unlocking your DIRECTV System
User profile basics
If your DIRECTV Receiver is going to be used by more than one person in your
household, you should consider setting up user profiles for each user.
The Profiles section of the Menu system allows you to:
• Set ratings limits for the DIRECTV Receiver (applies to all users).
• Set pay per view spending limits for the DIRECTV Receiver (applies to all users).
• Edit channel lists for the DIRECTV System, and customized lists for
individual users.
• Change the color and translucency of the Menu and Guide screens for each
user profile.
• Set which user profile is currently active.
• Lock and unlock the system (controlling when the ratings limits, spending
limits, and channel restrictions are active).
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There are six user profiles you can choose:
FAMILY:The FAMILY user profile is the master profile for your
DIRECTV Receiver. The ratings limits, channel restrictions, and
pay per view spending restrictions you set in the FAMILY
profile apply to all of the user profiles.
USER 1 - USER 4:These four user profiles allow individuals in your household to
create custom channel lists and custom screen appearances for
their own use. These profiles can be renamed to identify them
with members of your household. Ratings, spending, and
channel restrictions set in the FAMILY profile still apply when
one of these four user profiles is the active profile and the
system is locked.
ALL CHANNELS:The ALL CHANNELS profile is the default user profile.
The ALL CHANNELS profile cannot be edited.
When the current user profile is ALL CHANNELS and the
system is locked, the ratings, spending, and channel
restrictions set in the FAMILY profile still apply.
Once you have modified the channel lists in the other user
profiles, you can use the Program Guide in the All CHANNELS
profile to see a list of all channels available on your
DIRECTV System (both viewable and blocked channels).
Editing user profile names
The four profiles named User 1 - 4 can be renamed for members of your household.
The FAMILY and ALL CHANNELS profiles cannot be renamed. You can change the
names of User 1 - 4 profiles to anything you wish, using up to eight letters and
numbers.
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the profile
you wish to rename, then press
thebutton.
The menu for that user profile
appears. The Edit User Name item is
highlighted.
4Press thebutton to start editing
the user name for that profile.
The Edit User Name screen appears.
5Type a new name for the user profile
as described below:
•To type each letter or number in
the new name, use the arrow
buttons on your remote control to
highlight a key on the on-screen
keyboard, then press the
button on your remote control.
Repeat this until you have typed
the entire name.
•If you need to erase a letter or two, highlight the on-screen left arrow (near
the top-right corner of the keyboard), then press thebutton.
•To erase the entire name, highlight the on-screen Clear key, then press
thebutton.
6When you have finished typing the user profile name, highlight the on-screen
Back button, then press thebutton on your remote control.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
Editing channel lists
You can edit channel lists to simplify your channel surfing by removing channels that
you never watch from your channel list. Editing a channel list for a user profile has
two effects :
• When that user profile is the active profile, it sets which channels are skipped as
you change channels with the CH+ and CH- buttons on your remote control.
• When that user profile is the active profile, it determines which channels appear
and do not appear in the Program Guide.
It is possible to tune to a channel directly by pressing the 0-9 buttons on your
remote control even when that channel is removed from the channel list for
that profile.
The FAMILY profile is the master profile — channel restrictions set in the FAMILY
profile apply to the entire DIRECTV System (when the system is locked), regardless
of which user profile is active. Channels that are removed from the channel list in
the FAMILY profile are “blocked” for all profiles — that is, these channels cannot be
viewed even when tuned directly using the 0 - 9 buttons on your remote control.
Here are the steps for editing a channel list:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
PROFILES menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the profile
containing the channel list you wish to edit (FAMILY, or USER 1- 4), then press
thebutton.
The menu for that user profile
appears. The Edit Channel List item
is highlighted.
Editing the FAMILY channel list
changes channel access for all
profiles. The ALL CHANNELS profile
cannot be edited.
4Press thebutton to start editing
the channel list.
The Edit Channel List screen appears.
5Edit the list using the controls as described below.
Channels that are removed from the channel list do not appear in the Program
Guide, and they are skipped when changing channels using the CH+ and CHbuttons.
Channels included in the channel
list. To remove a channel from
the list, highlight it, then press
on your remote control.
When you have finished
editing the channel list,
highlight Back, then
press thebutton on
your remote control.
Cancel returns you to
the previous screen
without changing the
channel list.
Move all channels into the View list or Block list.
Channels not included in the
channel list. To add a channel to the
channel list, highlight it here, then
presson your remote control.
6When you have finished editing the list, highlight the on-screen Back button,
then press thebutton on your remote control.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
Setting ratings limits
To control the ratings of the programs your family can watch, set ratings limits in the
FAMILY profile. Ratings limits set in the FAMILY profile apply to the entire DIRECTV
System no matter which user profile is active (as long as the system is locked).
There are various systems used to rate TV programs. Your DIRECTV Receiver allows
you to set limits for the following kinds of ratings:
• TV program ratings for the Entire Audience.
• TV program ratings specifically for Children.
• TV program ratings for unrated programs (TV rating of none).
• Movie ratings based on the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America)
ratings.
If you have younger TV viewers in your home, you should set the maximum rating
for each of these program-types to ensure the most effective ratings control.
Rating limit for the entire audience
To set the maximum viewable TV program rating for the entire audience, follow
these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
PROFILES menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears.
The FAMILY profile is highlighted.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the FAMILY
profile menu.
The FAMILY profile menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the Rating
Limit menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
The Rating Limit menu appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the TV
menu item, then press thebutton
on your remote control.
The TV menu appears. EntireAudience is highlighted.
6Press thebutton on your remote
control to display the Entire Audience
rating screen.
The Entire Audience rating
screen appears.
7Use the arrow andbuttons on
your remote control to select the
ratings, or the specific types of
content you wish to block your family
from viewing. Programs containing
blocked content or that are rated at
or above the level you select will be
blocked when your system is locked.
(See Locking and unlocking your DIRECTV System later in this chapter.)
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Chapter 5: User profiles
Here are descriptions of the ratings and abbreviations used on the Entire
Audience rating screen:
TV-G:General audience. Although not specifically designed for children,
most parents would find this program suitable for all ages.
TV-PG:Parental guidance suggested. This program may not be suitable for
younger children.
TV-14:Parents strongly cautioned. This program may contain material
parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.
TV-MA:Mature audience only. This program is specifically designed to be
viewed by adults, and is therefore unsuitable for anyone under 17
years of age.
D:Suggestive dialog.
L:Coarse language.
S:Intense sexual situations.
V:Violence.
8To unblock all of the ratings and content types, select the on-screen Allow All
button. To Block all of the ratings and content types, select the on-screen
Block All button.
9When you have finished setting the ratings on the Entire Audience screen,
select the on-screen Back button.
You return to the TV menu.
Rating limit for children
To set the maximum viewable TV program rating for children, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears. The FAMILY profile is highlighted.
3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the FAMILY
profile menu.
The FAMILY profile menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Rating Limit
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Rating Limit menu appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the TV menu item,
then press thebutton on your remote control.
The TV menu appears.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
6Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Children menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Children rating screen appears.
Here are descriptions of the ratings and abbreviations used on the Children
rating screen:
TV-Y:All children. This program is designed to be appropriate for
all children.
TV-Y7:Directed to older children. This program is designed to be viewed by
children age 7 and above.
TV-Y7-FV: Similar to TV-Y7, but may include strong fantasy violence (such as
fighting by animated characters).
7Use the arrow andbuttons on your remote control to select the ratings you
wish to block your family from viewing. Programs that are rated at or above
the level you select will be blocked when your system is locked. (See Lockingand unlocking your DIRECTV System later in this chapter.)
8To unblock all of the ratings and content types, select the on-screen Allow All
button. To block all of the ratings and content types, select the on-screen
Block All button.
9When you have finished setting the ratings on the Children screen, select the
on-screen Back button.
You return to the TV menu.
Rating limit for unrated programs
To set whether unrated TV programs are viewable (those with blank ratings, or
ratings of None or N/A), follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears. The FAMILY profile is highlighted.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the FAMILY
profile menu.
The FAMILY profile menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Rating Limit
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Rating Limit menu appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the TV menu item,
then press thebutton on your remote control.
The TV menu appears.
6Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the TV Rating of
None menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The TV Rating of None rating
screen appears.
7Use the arrow andbuttons on your remote control to select Allowed or
Blocked. If you select Blocked, unrated programs will be blocked when your
system is locked. (See Locking and unlocking your DIRECTV System later in this
chapter.)
8When you have finished the settings on the TV Rating of None screen, select
the on-screen Back button.
You return to the TV menu.
Rating limit for movies
To set the maximum viewable rating for movies, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears. The FAMILY profile is highlighted.
3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the FAMILY
profile menu.
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Chapter 5: User profiles
The FAMILY profile menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Rating Limit
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Rating Limit menu appears. Movies is highlighted.
5Press thebutton on your remote control to display the Movies screen.
The Movies screen appears.
6Use the arrow andbuttons on
your remote control to select the
ratings you wish to block your family
from viewing. Programs that are
rated at or above the level you select
will be blocked when your system is
locked. (See Locking and unlockingyour DIRECTV System later in
this chapter.)
7To unblock all of the ratings and content types, select the on-screen Allow All
button. To block all of the ratings and content types, select the on-screen
Block All button.
8When you have finished setting the ratings on the Movies screen, select the
on-screen Back button.
You return to the Rating Limit menu.
Here are descriptions of the ratings used on the Movies rating screen:
G:General Audiences. This rating is generally suitable for all audiences.
PG:Parental Guidance Suggested. Indicates that some parents may find
material in this film unsuitable for children.
PG-13:Parents Strongly Cautioned. Movies with this rating should be
investigated by parents before they let children under 13 years of
age view the film.
R:Restricted. Some material not suitable for children 17 years of age
or younger. Parents are strongly urged to investigate this film before
allowing children to view it with them.
NC-17:This film contains material that is intended to be viewed by
adults only.
X:This film contains explicit sexual material, and is intended to be
viewed by adults only.
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Allowing or blocking pay per view purchases
To set whether pay per view programs can be purchased on your DIRECTV Receiver,
use the Pay Per View option in the FAMILY profile menu. The Pay Per ViewAllow/Block setting in the FAMILY profile applies any time the system is locked,
regardless of which user profile is active. Here’s how to set your DIRECTV Receiver
to allow or block pay per view purchases:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears. The FAMILY profile is highlighted.
3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the FAMILY
profile menu.
The FAMILY profile menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Pay Per View
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
A list appears, from which you
can choose to Allow or Block
pay per view purchases.
5Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight Allow or Block,
then press thebutton on your remote control.
The list disappears, and the Pay Per View menu item indicates your choice.
6To clear the Menu from your screen, press the EXIT button on your
remote control.
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Setting a pay per view spending limit
To limit the dollar amount that can be spent for each pay per view program, use the
Spending Limit option in the FAMILY profile menu. Spending limits set in the
FAMILY profile apply any time the system is locked, regardless of which user profile
is active. Here’s how to set a spending limit:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears. The FAMILY profile is highlighted.
3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the FAMILY
profile menu.
The FAMILY profile menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Spending Limit
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Spending Limit screen
appears.
5Use the 0 - 9 buttons on your
remote control to enter the
maximum price allowed for a
pay per view program.
For example, to block the
purchase of programs that cost
more than twenty dollars each,
you would press 0, 2, 0.
As you press the number buttons the highlight moves to the next digit.
6When you have entered the spending limit, use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the on-screen Done button, then press the
button on your remote control.
Your spending limit will now be in effect when the system is locked. (See
Locking and unlocking your DIRECTV System later in this chapter.)
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Setting the screen color and translucency
For each of the profiles, you can set a screen color and translucency level that will
be used to display the Menu and Guide screens. There are four color choices named
after the four seasons: Spring (green), Summer (blue), Fall (amber), Winter (violet).
Screen colors can be set for the FAMILY profile and the four USER profiles. You can
also choose from four levels of translucency: Light, Medium, Dark, and Opaque (no
translucency). Translucency can be set for the FAMILY profile and the four USER
profiles. Here’s how to set these screen display options:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the profile you wish
to modify, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The menu for the profile you selected appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Screen Color menu item, then
press thebutton on your
remote control.
A list appears, showing you the
screen color options.
5Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight a
color option, then press the
button on your remote control.
When you select a color, the screen color list disappears, and your color choice
is set for that profile.
6Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Translucency menu item, then
press thebutton on your
remote control.
A list appears, showing you the
translucency options.
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7Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight Light, Medium,
Dark, or Opaque. Then press thebutton on your remote control.
When you select a translucency option, the list disappears, and your
translucency selection is set for that profile.
8To clear the Menu from your screen, press the EXIT button on your
remote control.
Setting the current user profile
To set the current user profile (making that profile’s channel list, screen color and
screen translucency settings active) follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Set User menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The user profile list appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
profile you wish to make active,
then press thebutton on
your remote control.
When you select a user profile,
the list disappears, and the
profile you selected becomes the
current user profile.
5To clear the Menu from your screen, press the EXIT button on your
remote control.
Note: the user profile can also be changed by pressing the WHO button on your
remote control while you are watching TV.
Locking and unlocking your DIRECTV System
If you have established ratings limits, spending limits, or restricted channel lists for
your DIRECTV System, you need to lock the system to make those settings take
effect. To go back and change any of those settings, you will then need to unlock
the system to gain access to the controls for those settings.
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Locking the system involves entering a four-digit password. You will need to
remember this password to unlock the system in the future. Write down the
password and keep it in a safe place. If you should ever forget your password, call
DIRECTV or your service provider for assistance.
To lock or unlock the system, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the PROFILES menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The PROFILES menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Lock System or
Unlock System menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
When the system is unlocked, the Lock System menu item is displayed.
Selecting the Lock System menu item displays a screen where you can lock
the system.
When the system is locked, the Unlock System menu item is displayed.
Selecting the Unlock System menu item displays a screen where you can unlock
the system.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the first digit in
the password.
5Use the 0 - 9 buttons on your remote control to enter a four-digit password.
Then highlight the on-screen Done button and press thebutton.
As you enter each number the highlight advances to the next digit.
If you are locking the system, you will see a second screen asking you to
confirm your password (to make sure you entered it correctly).
When you have finished locking or unlocking the system, the Lock
System/Unlock System screen disappears, and the PROFILES menu is displayed.
6To clear the Menu from your screen, press the EXIT button on your
remote control.
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Chapter 6: Settings, preferences,
upgrades, and extras
This chapter tells you how to use the DIRECTV menu system to control the way
your DIRECTV Receiver operates. Its contents include:
Reading your mail
•
• Setting system preferences
• Reviewing and controlling caller ID
• Setting the Local Time options
• Installing a new Access Card
• Viewing important information and a list of features supported by your
DIRECTV Receiver
• Viewing information on automatic system upgrades
• Viewing fun system extras
Reading your mail
The MAILBOX menu item allows you to read the mail sent to you by DIRECTV or
your service provider. Here’s how:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the MAILBOX menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The MAILBOX screen appears,
displaying all of the mail you
have received (both read and
unread).
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3To read one of the pieces of mail, use the arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight that piece of mail in your mailbox, then press the
button.
The selected mail
message appears.
4To delete the mail message
(permanently removing it from
your MAILBOX), highlight the
on-screen Delete button and
press thebutton on your
remote control.
5To leave the message in your MAILBOX and return to the MAILBOX screen,
highlight the on-screen Back button and press thebutton on your
remote control.
The mail message disappears, and the MAILBOX screen appears.
6To exit the MAILBOX and clear the Menu from your screen, press the EXIT
button on your remote control.
Setting system preferences
The Setup menu in your DIRECTV Receiver’s Menu system allows you to control
many of the functions of the DIRECTV Receiver. The first set of items you can
control are system preferences. Specifically, these preferences you can set include:
• The language for the on-screen menu system.
• The screen format to use for widescreen program broadcasts.
• The default screen color for Menu and Guide screens.
• The default translucency for Menu and Guide screens.
• A pair of audio settings (language, and PCM or Dolby Digital for digital audio
broadcasts — model SIR-S310W only)
Setting the language for on-screen Menus and Guides
To choose a language for the Menu and Guide screens, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Setup menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Setup menu appears. The Preferences item is highlighted.
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3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the Preferences menu.
The Preferences menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Default
Language menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
A list of languages you can use for
Guide and Menu screens appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
language you wish to use to display
Menu and Guide screens, then press
thebutton on your remote
control.
When you select a language, the list
of language disappears. Your selection is indicated in the Default Language
item on the Preferences menu.
6To exit the Menu system, press the EXIT button on your remote control.
Setting the screen format for widescreen broadcasts
Some programs are broadcast in a special cinema-style widescreen format known as
“16:9” (indicating the ratio or the screen’s width to its height). Normal TV screen
format is the 4:3 format. The Screen Format preference setting tells your DIRECTV
Receiver how to display programs that are broadcast in the 16:9 widescreen format.
(This preference setting has no effect on normal 4:3 program broadcasts.
To set the Screen Format preference, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Setup menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Setup menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Preferences
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Preferences menu appears.
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4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Screen Format
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
A list of screen formats appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
format you wish to use to view
widescreen programs, then press the
button on your remote control.
When you select a format, the list of
formats disappears. Your selection is
indicated in the Screen Format line
on the Preferences menu.
If you have a 16:9 widescreen format TV you should select the 16:9 format.
Widescreen programs will fit on your TV.
If you have a standard format TV screen, you can choose the 4:3 option — it
will fill the entire screen with the widescreen program, but will crop the sides of
the program video to fit it on your TV screen. Or you can choose the 16:9 — it
will display the entire program video on your TV screen, but will display black
bars above and below the program to adjust the widescreen video image to
your 4:3 format TV screen. The choice is a matter of preference.
Setting the default screen color and translucency
The Screen Color menu item in the Preferences menu allows you to set a default
screen color that will be used to display the Menu and Guide screens. There are four
color choices named for the four seasons: Spring (green), Summer (blue), Fall
(amber), Winter (violet). Screen colors can also be set for the FAMILY profile and the
four USER profiles; those choices will override the default screen color selection you
set here when those profiles are active.
The Translucency menu item in the Preferences menu allows you to set a default
translucency level that will be used to display the Menu and Guide screens
(controlling how much TV program content you can view through the on-screen
Menu and Guide screens). You can choose from four levels of translucency: Light,
Medium, Dark, and Opaque (no translucency). Translucency can also be set for the
FAMILY profile and the four USER profiles; those choices will override the default
translucency selection you set here when those profiles are active.
To set a default screen color and translucency, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Setup menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Setup menu appears. The Preferences item is highlighted.
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3Press thebutton on your remote control to display the Preferences menu.
The Preferences menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Screen Color menu item, then press
thebutton on your remote
control.
A list appears, showing you the
screen color options.
5Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight a color
option, then press thebutton on
your remote control.
When you select a color, the screen
color list disappears, and your color
choice is indicated on the ScreenColor menu item.
6Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Translucency
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
A list appears, showing you the
translucency options.
7Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight Light,
Medium, Dark, or Opaque. Then
press thebutton on your
remote control.
When you select a translucency option, the Translucency list disappears, and
your choice is indicated on the Translucency menu item.
Setting the default audio preference
Programs broadcast with digital audio often provide a number of language choices.
This preference setting tells your DIRECTV Receiver which language to use for
digital audio broadcasts offering a choice of formats.
To set the Default Audio preference, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
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2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Setup menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Setup menu appears. The
Preferences item is highlighted.
3Press thebutton on your remote
control to display the Preferences
menu.
The Preferences menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Audio menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
The Audio menu appears.
The Default Audio menu item
is highlighted.
5Press thebutton on your
remote control to display the
list of available languages.
A list of languages appears.
6Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the language you
wish to use for digital audio broadcasts, then press thebutton on your
remote control.
When you select a language, the Language list disappears. Your selection is
indicated in the Default Audio line on the Audio menu.
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Setting the Digital out audio format (model SIR-S310W only)
If you are using the optical digital audio out port to connect your model SIR-S310W
DIRECTV Receiver to a digital audio receiver, you should use this preference setting
to tell your DIRECTV Receiver whether your audio receiver processes PCM digital
audio signals or Dolby Digital audio signal. See the manual for your audio receiver if
you are not sure.
To set the Digital Out preference, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Setup menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Setup menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Preferences
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Preferences menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Audio menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Audio menu appears.
5Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Digital Out
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
A list appears from which you
can choose Dolby Digital or PCM
audio formats.
6Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
format supported by your audio
receiver, then press thebutton on
your remote control.
When you select a format the Digital Out list disappears. Your selection is
indicated in the Digital Out line on the Audio menu .
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Chapter 6: Settings, preferences, upgrades, and extras
Reviewing and controlling Caller ID
The Caller ID item in the SETUP menu allows you to view a list of calls that you
have received on the telephone line connected to your DIRECTV Receiver. It also
allows you to control whether the Caller ID feature is turned on or off. The Caller ID
feature only works if you subscribe to the caller ID service provided by your local
telephone service.
Turning the Caller ID feature on or off
To control whether your DIRECTV Receiver captures caller ID information, follow
these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Caller ID menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Caller ID menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Display Caller IDs menu item, then
press thebutton on your
remote control.
A list appears, allowing you to select whether you would like the Caller ID
feature to be On or Off.
5Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight On or Off from the
list, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The list disappears, and the Display Caller IDs menu item on the Caller ID
menu reflects your choice.
Note: Caller ID messages for incoming calls that occur while you are taping a
program will be recorded on your tape. You might want to turn Caller ID off while
you are recording a program.
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Identifying callers
With Caller ID turned on, when a call is made to the phone line connected to your
DIRECTV Receiver, a message appears on your TV screen telling you the number of
the caller.
To clear the message from your
screen, press thebutton on your
remote control.
To set your DIRECTV Receiver not to
display caller ID messages, use the arrow
buttons on your remote control to
highlight the on-screen Disable button,
then press thebutton.
Reviewing your Caller ID list
To see a list of calls you have received, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Caller ID menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Caller ID menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
Review Caller IDs menu item,
then press thebutton on your
remote control.
The Review Caller IDs screen
appears. The calls on the list are
sorted in numerical order.
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5To see details about any of the listed calls, use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the call from the list, then press thebutton on
your remote control.
A screen appears displaying the total
number of calls received from that
phone number and the times and
dates for the three most recent calls.
6To delete a Caller ID record, use the
arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight the on-screen
Delete button, then press the
button on your remote control.
7To return to the Review Caller IDs list, use the arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight the on-screen Back button, then press thebutton on
your remote control.
Setting the Local Time options
The Local Time setting (in the Installation section of the Setup menu) allows you to
control whether to allow your service provider to automatically control two
time settings:
• the time zone your DIRECTV Receiver uses, and
• whether your DIRECTV Receiver observes Daylight Savings Time.
If you turn the Local Time Setting on, you can choose a time zone and decide
whether or not to observe Daylight Savings Time. With the Local Time setting off,
your service provider automatically controls these settings for you.
Follow these steps to turn the Local Time Setting on or off, and (if you turn it on) to
set your Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time observance.
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
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3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Installation
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Installation menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the Local
Time menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
The Local Time menu appears.
5To change the Local Time Setting,
highlight it using the arrow buttons
on your remote control, then press
thebutton.
A list appears from which you can
indicate whether you want the local
time setting on (you set the time
zone and daylight savings time
observance), or off (your program
provider controls the time settings).
6Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight On or
Off, then press thebutton.
The list disappears, and the Local Time Setting menu item reflects your choice.
If you chose to turn the Local Time Setting off, the Time Zone and Daylight
Savings Time options are controlled by your program provider; these menu
items become unavailable.
If you chose to turn the Local Time Setting on, continue with the following
steps to set your time zone and whether you wish to observe daylight
savings time.
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7Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight Time Zone menu
item, then press thebutton.
A list appears from which you can
choose your local time zone.
8Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight your
time zone, then press thebutton.
The list disappears, and the TimeZone menu item reflects your choice.
9Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the DST
Observation menu item, then press thebutton.
A list appears from which you can
choose to turn Daylight Savings Time
observance on or off.
10 Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight On or
Off, then press thebutton.
The list disappears, and the Status line indicates either DST in effect or
Standard time in effect.
Installing a new Access Card
From time to time, your DIRECTV service provider may send you a new,
replacement Access Card. When you receive a new card, follow these steps to
continue your DIRECTV
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
®
service without interruption:
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3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the Installation
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The Installation menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
New Access Card menu item, then
press thebutton on your remote
control.
The New Access Card screen
appears.
5To begin the process of replacing
your Access Card, use the arrow
buttons on your remote control to
highlight the on-screen OK button,
then press thebutton on your
remote control.
On-screen instructions walk you through the process of replacing your old
Access Card with the new one. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
Viewing important information and a list of features
supported by your DIRECTV Receiver
The System menu allows you to view a list of important details about your DIRECTV
Receiver, as well as a list of features supported by your DIRECTV Receiver.
To view this information, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
System menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
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Chapter 6: Settings, preferences, upgrades, and extras
The System menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
System Information menu item,
then press thebutton on your
remote control.
The System Information screen
appears. (Information for model
SIR-S310W shown.)
5When you have finished reading the information screen, use the arrow buttons
on your remote control to highlight the on-screen Back button, then press the
button on your remote control.
The System menu appears.
6Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the System Features
menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The System Features screen appears.
7When you have finished reading the
screen, you can exit the Menu
system by pressing the EXIT button
on your remote control, or (with the
on-screen Back button highlighted)
press thebutton to return to the
System menu.
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Viewing information on automatic system upgrades
The System Upgrades menu item in the System menu provides information about
the current software running on your DIRECTV Receiver, and a history of when
previous upgrades have been automatically downloaded to your receiver.
To View this information, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the SETUP menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The SETUP menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the System menu
item, then press thebutton on your remote control.
The System menu appears.
4Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight the System
Upgrades menu item, then press thebutton on your remote control.The System Upgrades menu appears.
5To view information about the
current software version, use the
arrow buttons on your remote
control to highlight the UpgradeInformation menu item, then press
thebutton on your remote
control. To view a list of when past
upgrades occurred, highlight the
Past Upgrades menu item, then press
thebutton on your remote control.
The screen you selected appears:
The Upgrade Information screen
The Past Upgrades screen
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6When you have finished reading the Upgrade Information or Past Upgrades
screen, you can exit the Menu system by pressing the EXIT button on your
remote control, or return to the System menu by using the arrow keys to
highlight on-screen Back button, then press thebutton.
Viewing fun system extras
The Extras menu contains a useful calendar, a fun biorhythm charting tool, and
games you can play.
To view the system extras on your DIRECTV Receiver, follow these steps:
1Press the MENU button on your remote control.
The Main menu appears.
2Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight the
EXTRAS menu item, then press the
button on your remote control.
The Extras menu appears.
3Use the arrow buttons on your
remote control to highlight your
choice of the Calendar, the
Biorhythm, or the games, then press
thebutton on your remote
control.
The Extras feature you selected
appears.
The Calendar lets you move forward and back month-by-month, or
year-by-year.
The biorhythm chart lets you enter your birthday and a date to chart. The
results show whether you are having a good day or bad day for your
emotional, physical, intellectual, and inspirational biorhythm.
Select one of the games for a fun and challenging diversion.
4When you are ready to return to watching TV, press the EXIT button on your
remote control. Or press the BACK button on your remote control to return to
the Menu system.
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Chapter 7: Programming the remote control
This chapter explains how to program your remote control so that you can use it to
operate your TV, VCR, or other A/V equipment. Chapter sections include:
• Programming the remote control
• Operating a device with your programmed remote control
• Code lists
Programming the remote control
Your DIRECTV Receiver’s remote control can be programmed to operate your TV,
VCR, DVD player and other A/V equipment. There are two ways to program your
remote control:
• Manual method: Using this method, you use the code lists provided in this
chapter to enter the code for your band of TV, VCR, etc. Try this method first;
it tends to be faster.
• Scanning method: Using this method, you use your remote control to go
through the possible codes sets one at a time until you find one that works for
your device. Try this method if there is no code listed for your brand of device,
or if the listed codes do not work.
Manual method
To use the manual method to program your DIRECTV Receiver’s remote control,
follow these steps:
1Turn on the device you want to control.
2Aim the DIRECTV Receiver’s remote control at the device.
3Simultaneously press the SET button and the device button for the device you
want to program your remote control to operate, (the TV button, for example).
The device button lights up.
4Enter the three-digit code for your device (see the code lists on the following
pages).
If the entered code is correct, the device will turn off.
5Press the device button again.
The button should blink twice and then turn off.
6Repeat the procedure for other devices you wish to operate with your
DIRECTV Receiver’s remote control.
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The SET button
The device buttons
Scanning method
To use the scanning method to program your DIRECTV Receiver’s remote control,
follow these steps:
1Turn on the device you want to control.
2Aim the remote control at the device.
3Simultaneously press the SET button and the device button for the device you
want to program your remote control to operate, (the TV button, for example).
The device button lights up.
4Repeatedly press the CH+ or CH- button to scan through the device codes.
The device button will blink each time you press the CH+ or CH- button.
5When the device turns off, stop pressing the CH+ or CH- buttons.
6Press the device button again.
The button blinks twice and then turns off.
7Repeat the procedure for other devices you wish to operate with your
DIRECTV Receiver’s remote control.
Operating a device with your programmed
remote control
To operate a device using your programmed remote control, you must first press the
corresponding device button (TV, VCR, DVD, AUX, or DIRECTV). Then use the
remote control to operate that device. The remote control will continue to operate
that device until you press another device button.
Each time you want to switch to a different device with your remote control, you
start by pressing a device button.
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Chapter 7: Programming the remote control
Code lists
Use these lists to find the codes you need to program your DIRECTV Receiver’s
remote control to operate your other A/V devices. For brands with multiple codes
listed, try the codes in order until you find one that works for your device.
Use the tips below to help solve any problems you have with the DIRECTV Receiver:
Q:I have no picture and no sound and the POWER light does not light.
A:Make sure your DIRECTV Receiver is plugged into a working power outlet. If
the outlet is switched, make sure it it turned on. If your DIRECTV Receiver is
plugged into a power strip, check that the power strip is plugged in and
turned on.
Check the batteries in the remote control.
Q: I have sound but no picture.
A:Make sure your TV input (A/V mode) is set properly.
Make sure the A/V cables are properly connected.
Q: I have picture but no sound.
A:Make sure the TV is not being muted.
Q:I have no picture and no sound.
A:Make sure the TV is turned on.
Make sure your DIRECTV Receiver is turned on.
Make sure your Access Card is inserted properly into your receiver.
Check the signal strength from the satellite (see Checking the satellite signalstrength in Chapter 2).
Make sure the coaxial cable is properly connected to the satellite dish.
Check the connections between your DIRECTV Receiver and your TV.
Turn your receiver off, unplug it, wait 10 to 20 seconds, then plug it back in,
and turn it on.
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Q:I have a frozen screen and the POWER button doesn’t work.
A:Unplug your receiver for 10 to 20 seconds; then plug it back in and turn it on.
Check the batteries in the remote control.
Q:I cannot view a program.
A:Make sure your subscription includes the channel you want to watch.
Call your service provider if you are not sure.
Make sure your system is not locked by looking for the locked icon () in
the channel banner.
Q:I cannot purchase a pay per view program.
A:It may be too late to purchase the program. Try purchasing another showing
of the same program.
Make sure the telephone line is properly connected.
If your system is locked, make sure the purchase does not exceed your
spending or rating limit.
Your Access Card may be full. Call your service provider for assistance.
Q:I forgot my password.
A:If you have forgotten your password, call your service provider for assistance.
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Appendix: Specifications
This appendix presents the technical specifications for both models of
DIRECTV Receiver: SIR-S310W and SIR-S300W.
Specifications for model SIR-S310W
Power supply
Input Voltage: AC 120V, 60Hz (SMPS type)
Power Consumption: 24W max
Physical Specification
Size: 12.13 in.(W) x 2.36in.(H) x 9.25 in.(D) (308mm x 60mm x 235mm)
Weight (Net): 1.83 Kg (about 4.03 lbs.)
Operation Temp: +32°F(0°C) to +104°F(+40°C)
Storage Temp: -40°F(-40°C) to +150°F(+66°C)
Video Decoder
ISO MPEG-2 MP@ML (ISO/IEC13818-2)
Video Formats: 4:3, 16:9 (Letter Box)
Audio Decoder
Audio Decoding: MPEG Layer II
Sampling Frequency: 48 KHz
Input Voltage: AC 120V, 60Hz (SMPS type)
Power Consumption: 24W max
Physical Specification
Size 10.24 in.(W) x 1.96in.(H) x 7.17 in.(D) (260mm x 50mm x 182mm)
Weight (Net): 1.36 Kg (about 3.00 lbs.)
Operation Temp: +32°F(0°C) to +104°F(+40°C)
Storage Temp: -40°F(-40°C) to +150°F(+66°C)
Video Decoder
ISO MPEG-2 MP@ML (ISO/IEC13818-2)
Video Formats: 4:3, 16:9 (Letter Box)
Audio Decoder
Audio Decoding: MPEG Layer II
Sampling Frequency: 48 KHz