Nintendo DREAMCAST User Manual
Cont ents
HEALTH AND EPILEPSY WARNING ......................... 2
WARNING .............................................................. 2, 3
CAUTION .................................................................. 4
Usage Precautions ..................................................... 4
Part Names/Connecting Peripheral Equipment .......... 5
Connecting To a Telephone Line ................................ 8
Connecting to a telephone line .................................8
Telephone wall jack ...................................................9
Phone cable ................................................................9
Cable positioning ....................................................... 9
Before Using the Dreamcast .................................... 10
Setting the date and time ....................................... 10
Rechargeable battery .............................................. 10
Using the main menu ............................................. 11
Screensaver function .............................................. 11
Playing a Game ........................................................ 12
How to start a game ................................................ 12
Ending a game ........................................................ 13
Resetting .................................................................. 13
Managing Game Files .............................................. 14
Selecting a memory card ....................................... 14
Selecting a file ......................................................... 15
Initializing a memory card ...................................... 16
Copying files ............................................................ 18
Deleting files ............................................................ 20
Listening To Music .................................................. 22
Listening to music CDs........................................... 22
Changing Various Settings ...................................... 24
Error Messages ........................................................ 25
Troubleshooting....................................................... 26
Ratings and Specifications ...................................... 28
Limited Warranty ..................................................... 30
Obtaining Technical Help/Service ........................... 30
Repairs After Expiration of Warranty ........................ 30
Limitations On Warranty .......................................... 30
User Information ...................................................... 31
HEAL TH AND EPILEPS Y WARNIN G
Read before using the Dreamcast.
Some people are susceptible to epileptic seizures or loss of consciousness when exposed to certain flashing lights or
light patterns that they encounter in everyday life, such as those in certain television images or video games. These
seizures or loss of consciousness may occur even if the person has never had an epileptic seizure.
If you or anyone in your family has ever had symptoms related to epilepsy when exposed to flashing lights, consult your
doctor prior to using the Dreamcast.
In all cases, parents should monitor the use of video games by their children. If any player experiences dizziness, blurred
vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of consciousness, disorientation, any involuntary movement or convulsion,
IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE USE AND CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
To reduce the possibility of such symptoms, follow these safety precautions at all times when using the Dreamcast:
• Sit a minimum of 6.5 feet away from the television screen. This should be as far as the length of the Controller cable.
• Do not play if you are tired or have not had much sleep.
• Make sure that the room in which you are playing has all the lights on and is well lit.
• Stop playing video games at least ten minutes per hour. This will rest your eyes, neck, arms and fingers so that you
can continue comfortably playing the game in the future.
Failure to comply with all warnings associated with this symbol could result
WARNIN G
• Do not block the fan vent or air holes. Make sure the
fan vent, which is located on the right side (as seen
from the front), and the air holes, which are located
on the back side, are at least 4 inches away from any
walls.
Do not set the Dreamcast in locations such as the
following:
– Locations where the Dreamcast is in close contact
with walls or furniture
– On top of a comforter or a cushion
Do not cover the Dreamcast with a cloth. If the fan
vent and air holes are blocked, the Dreamcast could
2
overheat, resulting in fire or electric shock.
in serious bodily injury or death from electric shock.
Air holes (fan vent) Air holes
Air holes
WARNIN G
Precautions
Safety
• Do not expose the Dreamcast to water, rain or
moisture, as this can result in electric shock or fire.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose the Dreamcast to rain or moisture.
• Use the Dreamcast on a flat surface.
If it is set at an angle when used, the temperature
inside the Dreamcast will rise, which could cause a
fire or malfunction.
• Never take the Dreamcast apart or try to modify it.
Doing so is very dangerous and could result in electric
shock.
• Never look directly at the lens inside the disc door.
Doing so could impair your vision if the laser beam
hits your eyes during the disc-screening process.
• Do not use a power outlet other than a home-use
power outlet.
Never plug the Dreamcast into a power source other
than AC 100 V to 120 V. Using a different source
voltage could result in fire or electric shock.
• Do not insert any objects into the air holes.
Doing so could result in electric shock or cause a
malfunction.
• Do not plug the power cable into an outlet until you
have finished connecting the Dreamcast and
peripheral devices together.
Do not plug the power cable into an outlet until you
have finished connecting the other cables to the
Dreamcast. Turn off the power switches of any
connected television or audio equipment. Leaving
these switches on could result in electric shock.
• Avoid using or placing the Dreamcast in areas which
are very humid or dusty.
Doing so could result in fire, electric shock or
malfunction.
• Do not use the Dreamcast on top of an object that
radiates heat.
Using the Dreamcast on top of an object that radiates
heat, such as a VCR, audio equipment, or a television,
could cause the Dreamcast to overheat, possibly
resulting in a fire or malfunction.
• Do not use or store the Dreamcast near open flame.
Do not use or store the Dreamcast near open flame or
place lit or flammable items, such as candles, incense,
etc., on it.
• Do not place any containers filled with water or other
liquids near the Dreamcast.
Doing so could result in fire or electric shock if the
liquid spills and enters the Dreamcast or gets it wet. If
a liquid spills near the Dreamcast, unplug the
Dreamcast immediately.
• Do not remove or insert the power plug with wet
hands.
Doing so could result in electric shock.
• Do not touch any terminals, connectors or ports with
your fingers or allow other metal parts to touch them.
Doing so could result in electric shock or could cause
the Dreamcast to malfunction.
• Do not use the power cable in any of the following
ways. Doing so could result in fire or electric shock.
– Modifying or heating the power cable
– Damaging the power cable
– Bending or tugging on the power cable
unnecessarily
– Knotting or kinking the power cable
– Setting heavy objects on the power cable
• Hold the plug when removing the power cable from
the outlet.
Tugging on the power cable can damage it, possibly
resulting in fire or electric shock.
• When moving the Dreamcast, first unplug the power
cable from the outlet. Do not tug the power cable or
move the Dreamcast with the power cable plugged
into the outlet.
Doing so could damage the power cable, possibly
resulting in fire or electric shock.
• Only use authorized Dreamcast peripherals.
Unauthorized peripherals have not been reviewed by
Sega and could cause damage to your Dreamcast.
Sega is not responsible for damage or injury caused
by unauthorized peripherals.
The following marks appear on the underside of the
Dreamcast unit.
This symbol (the lightning flash with arrow
symbol, within an equilateral triangle) is
intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to people.
This symbol (the exclamation point within
an equilateral triangle) is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying
the product.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
— DO NOT OPEN.
— NE PAS OUVRIR.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
remove the cover.
No parts inside the console can be serviced
by the user. If your console needs service,
contact Sega’s Technical Support at
www.sega.com or 1-800-USA-SEGA.
Pour réduire les risques de choc électrique,
ne pas retirer le couvercle. Aucune pièce à
l’intérieur de la console ne peut être
réparée par l’utilisateur. Si la console doit
être réparée, contacter le revendeur Sega.
IMPORTANT FOR LASER PRODUCTS
• The Dreamcast is a Class 1 Laser Product
The F.D.A. Department of Health and Human Services
defines Class 1 Lasers as devices which emit radiation
levels “below which biological hazards have not been
established.”
• Caution - use of controls, adjustments or performance
of procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Part Names/Connecting
Peripheral Equipment
the Dreamcast
Before Using
Playing a Game
Game Files
Managing
Music
Settings
Information
Additional
3
Caution
• To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
Pour ne pas risquer une électrocution, engagez la fiche
en faisant correspondre sa broche la plus large avec la
fente la plus large et enfoncez-la à fond.
• Make sure the disc has completely stopped spinning before
removing it. Touching the disc while it is spinning could
result in injury or scratches on the disc.
• Do not try to play anything other than circular discs. Discs
which are not circular will not stop spinning even when the
disc door is opened, possibly resulting in injury.
• When you are not using the Dreamcast, be sure to remove
the power cable from the power outlet. Leaving the power
cable plugged in could result in fire or damage to the
Dreamcast due to a lightning strike or power surge.
personal injury or property damage from electric shock or other accidents.
Follow the precautions listed below when using the Dreamcast. Failure to
Failure to comply with all warnings associated with this symbol may result in
Usage Precautions
follow these precautions could damage your television and the Dreamcast or
cause them to malfunction.
The disc is still spinning.
Usage Environment
• Avoid using or storing the Dreamcast in areas such as
those listed below. Doing so could damage the
Dreamcast or cause it to malfunction.
–Areas exposed to direct sunlight, areas close to
heaters, on top of heating vents or other hot areas
–Extremely cold areas
–Areas directly exposed to smoke, such as areas close
to cooking surfaces
–Dusty areas
–Humid areas and areas where water is used, such as
bathrooms
–Surfaces which are slanted or unstable
–Areas subject to vibration or movement
• Condensation may accumulate on the Dreamcast if it
is subjected to sudden changes in temperature. In this
case, allow the Dreamcast to adjust to the new
temperature (usually one hour) before use.
Handling the Dreamcast
• Do not drop or apply a strong force to the Dreamcast
or any other included or connected parts.
• Do not apply unnecessary force to the disc door.
• Do not touch the lens inside the disc door.
• Do not spill liquids around or inside the disc door or
drop flammable objects around or inside it.
• Be sure to close the disc door so that dust does not
gather on the lens.
• When moving the Dreamcast, be sure to remove the
disc first.
• Be careful not to get any of the terminals, connectors
or ports dirty.
• Do not insert or remove controllers or peripheral
equipment while a game is in progress.
• Only use software and peripheral equipment which are
compatible with the Dreamcast and authorized by
Sega.
Power cable
• Only use the supplied power cable which is designed
specifically for the Dreamcast.
• Do not allow the plug to come into contact with metal
4
or water.
Cleaning
• Follow the instructions listed below when cleaning the
Dreamcast.
–Clean the Dreamcast case using a soft cloth soaked in
water or a diluted neutral detergent. Wring out the
cloth thoroughly before wiping dirt from the case, then
wipe the case dry with a soft cloth.
–To clean the lens inside the disc door, please contact
Sega’s Technical Support at www.sega.com or
1-800-USA-SEGA.
–To wipe dirt off of any of the terminals, connectors or
ports, first remove the power cable and other cables,
then wipe them with a dry, soft cloth.
–Never use chemicals such as benzene or paint thinner
to clean the Dreamcast.
Discs
Do not use discs other than Dreamcast compatible discs or
music CDs. Also, do not use oddly shaped CDs (e.g., heart
shaped or star shaped CDs).
Disposal
The Dreamcast and its peripheral equipment are made of
metal and plastic, therefore do not burn them. Follow the
instructions of your municipality if it is necessary to
dispose of the Dreamcast or its peripheral equipment.
FCC Warning
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference
(2) This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Note to Owners of Projection Televisions
Still pictures or images may cause permanent picturetube damage or mark the phosphor of the cathode-ray
tube (CRT). Avoid repeated or extended use of video
games on large-screen projection televisions. Consult
your television owner’s manual before playing video
games on your projection television.
Part Names/Connecting P eripheral Equipment
Precautions
Safety
Front side of
the Dreamcast
POWER button
Turns the Dreamcast
on and off.
Power indicator
Lights up when the
power is turned on.
Controller connector
Plug the connector in with
the flat side up.
Controller
cable
Disc door
Controller
OPEN button
Opens the disc
door.
Control ports A to D
Note␣
Some software and settings will not work
through some ports.
Part Names/Connecting
Peripheral Equipment
the Dreamcast
Before Using
Playing a Game
Memory Card
(e.g., Visual
Memory Unit;
sold separately)
Analog
Thumb Pad
Directional
Pad
(D-Pad)
Game Files
Managing
A
B
A
B
SLEEP MODE
SLEEP MODE
You can save and manage game files by
inserting a memory card (sold separately) into
Expansion Socket 1 or 2.
If four controllers are connected to the
Dreamcast, as many as eight memory cards
can be managed.
Music
X Button
Y
B Button
A Button
Start
Button
Expansion Socket 1Expansion Socket 2
Trigger R Trigger L
The controller cable can be fitted
into this groove to hold it out of
the way.
Settings
Information
Additional
* “Visual Memory Unit” is one type of memory card. When this card is used, “VMU” is sometimes displayed on
the screen; this is an abbreviation for “Visual Memory Unit.”
5
Part Names/Connecting P eripheral Equipment
Warning
Back side of
the Dreamcast
Phone jack
Modem
Television
Air holes
Do not block.
AV terminal
Connect yellow to the video
terminal.
Connect white to the audio (left)
terminal.
Connect red to the audio (right)
terminal.
(Connect white to the audio terminal
if your television is monaural.)
Power terminal
Serial terminal
(for possible future
expandability)
Stereo AV cable (supplied)
To Prevent electric shock,
connect all cables to the
Dreamcast before plugging
power cable into outlet.
To wall outlet
(AC 100 V to 120 V)
Power cable (supplied)
Notes␣
• The supplied stereo AV cable cannot be
connected to a television without an AV
input terminal.
AV input terminals
• If you are using a monaural connection,
change the audio setting in the
Dreamcast to Mono (see page 24).
Connecting to a TV or VCR without Audio/Video Input Terminals
Connecting to a TV/Monitor and Antenna
If an antenna cable is plugged into your TV (or if you have cable TV), use a Dreamcast RF unit (sold
separately).
Back side of the TV set (VHF 75 ohm)
1. Unplug the antenna cable from the TV, and
VHF/UHF
plug it into the RF unit -ANT IN- terminal.
2. Plug the RF unit -TV OUT- cable into the TV.
3. Plug the RF unit -A/V IN- cable into the AV
terminal on the back of the Dreamcast.
Note␣
If your television is connected to a VCR, check to
see if your VCR has audio/video input terminals to
which you can connect the supplied stereo AV
Cable TV or
VHF antenna
cable
RF unit
ANT. IN TV OUT
MODEL NO.HKT-8820
NTSC-M CH3-CH4
A/V IN
SELECT
RF unit -TV OUT- cable
Back side of
4 3
the Dreamcast
cable.
6
RF cable To AV terminal
Connecting to a TV that is connected through a VCR
If a VCR is already connected between the antenna and your TV, you may still connect the Dreamcast by
using a Dreamcast RF unit (sold separately).
Back side of the TV set (VHF 75 ohm)
1. Unplug the antenna cable from the TV and
plug it into the RF unit -ANT/IN- terminal.
VHF/UHF
2. Plug the RF unit -TV OUT- cable into the TV.
3. Plug the RF unit -A/V IN- cable into the AV
terminal on the back of the Dreamcast.
RF In
Video cassette
recorder
RF
out
RF unit
RF cable
ANT. IN TV OUT
MODEL NO.HKT-8820
NTSC-M CH3-CH4
A/V IN
SELECT
4 3
RF unit -TV OUT- cable
Back side of
the Dreamcast
To AV terminal
Precautions
Safety
Part Names/Connecting
Peripheral Equipment
the Dreamcast
Before Using
Setting the TV Channel
If you are using an RF unit, see below.
1. Set the channel switch on the RF unit to CH3.
2. Set your TV to channel 3.
3. If channel 3 is used for TV viewing, set your TV
to channel 4. Then set the channel switch on
ANT. IN TV OUT
MODEL NO.HKT-8820
NTSC-M CH3-CH4
A/V IN
SELECT
4 3
Side view
the RF unit to CH4.
Note␣
If your TV has automatic fine-tuning control
(AFC), turn it off and manually adjust the picture.
CH SELECT
CH4 – CH3
However, if you have a color TV that turns black
and white when the AFC is turned off, leave the
AFC on.
Warning
Where to place the Dreamcast
Place the Dreamcast in locations such as those described below. Failure to place the Dreamcast
properly could result in fire or damage the Dreamcast.
• A flat location
• A location where none of the air holes are blocked
• A location which is a good distance from heat sources such as on top of a television, VCR, or close to
a heater
Never place the Dreamcast inside a sealed container. Doing so could damage the Dreamcast.
Playing a Game
Game Files
Managing
Music
Settings
Lens
Do not touch the lens inside the disc door. If the lens gets dirty, it will
not be able to properly read discs, leading to malfunctions.
Call Sega’s Technical Support at www.sega.com or 1-800-USA-SEGA
before attempting to clean the lens.
Lens
Information
Additional
7
Connecting t o a Telephone Line
Use the Dreamcast with an online software program to game with people all around the world and have
fun on the Internet. Not all Dreamcast software supports online gameplay.
Please refer to the operating manual included with the software for information about online gaming
options. It is not necessary to connect the Dreamcast to a telephone line when you are using it to play
games offline (i.e., not connected to an online gaming service).
Connecting t o a telephone line
Telephone wall jack
Phone cable
Modem
Phone jack
(32.8 ft.; included)
Make sure the Dreamcast power is off.
1
Connect one end of the included phone cable to
2
the phone jack on the Dreamcast modem.
It does not matter which end of the phone cable is plugged into
the Dreamcast or the wall. You may need to unplug your
telephone from the wall jack before you can connect the phone
cable from the Dreamcast.
Connect the other end of the phone cable to a
3
telephone wall jack.
After Your Online Session
After you finish using the online software, reconnect your telephone to
the telephone wall jack.
You will not be able to use your telephone if the telephone line is left
connected to the Dreamcast.
8
Telephone w all jack
Make sure your telephone wall jack is a modular jack. If it is not a modular jack,
you will need a modular conversion plug so that a modular plug can be
connected to it. Contact your local telephone service provider for further
information.
Modular plugs may vary from one area to
another. Make sure to use the correct
modular conversion plug for the modular
jacks in your area.
Phone cable
• Do not touch the plugs on the ends of the phone cable.
• If the phone cable is not long enough, use a longer phone extension cable (sold separately).
• Do not use an overly long phone cable. The longer the phone cable you use, the weaker the phone
signal becomes. If the modem does not seem to work correctly or you get frequently disconnected,
please try a shorter phone cable before contacting Sega’s Technical Support at www.sega.com or
1-800-USA-SEGA.
• Do not bend, knot or kink the phone cable. Take care when positioning the phone cable to ensure that
it will not trip someone or become snagged in some way.
Precautions
Safety
Part Names/Connecting
Peripheral Equipment
the Dreamcast
Before Using
Playing a Game
Cable positioning
• Position the phone cable as far away as possible from electrical devices such as computer displays,
televisions and speakers. Communication errors may occur if it is too close to such devices.
Notes
If you have Call Waiting Service
• Please note that if you have Call Waiting
service and someone calls you while the
Dreamcast is online, your connection may
be disconnected or the game may function
abnormally and disconnect.
• If you want to ensure that the Dreamcast is
not interrupted by incoming calls when you
go online, we recommend disabling your Call
Waiting service or adding a separate phone
line dedicated to online use. Contact your
local telephone service provider for further
information.
Modems and Telephones
• You cannot go online with the Dreamcast
while you are using your telephone.
(However, you can play games offline.)
• You cannot use your telephone while the
Dreamcast is online.
Connection Types that Cannot be Used for
Online Gaming
• You cannot go online with any connection
other than a telephone line for home use.
• You cannot go online using a modular jack
connected to an extension phone.
(Companies and government offices often use
private branch exchanges (PBXs). An
extension phone
is a phone which is
connected to a PBX and which requires you to
dial 0 or some other number in order to place
an outside call.)
• You need an analog connection. The
Dreamcast will not function with a digital
connection.
Game Files
Managing
Music
Settings
Information
Additional
9
Bef ore Using the Dreamcas t
Setting the date and time
A screen for setting the date and time is displayed the first time you turn on the Dreamcast or when you
turn it on after leaving it off for an extended period of time. The information will initially be displayed in
English. You can select from 6 different languages (see page 24).
Regardless of the status of the date and time, or the rechargeable battery, the Dreamcast will retain your
language selection.
Press the POWER button to turn on the power.
1
The date/time setting screen will be displayed automatically after
the Dreamcast intro screen.
1
Set the date and time.
2
Move the Directional Pad (or the Analog Thumb Pad) to the left or
right to switch between date and time, and move it up or down to
adjust the setting. The date format is as follows: month (mm)/day
(dd)/year (yy)
Move left or right to change between fields.
Move up or down to increase or decrease the
numerical setting.
Cancel/ Return to
previous screen
Enter
After setting the date and time, choose “Select”
3
and press the A Button (Enter).
Notes␣
• The Dreamcast may not function correctly if the correct time is not set.
• Do not touch the Analog Thumb Pad, Trigger L, or Trigger R on the controller while turning on the
power. Doing so could cause the Dreamcast to malfunction since the controller will not be properly
initialized.
R echar geable battery
The Dreamcast contains a rechargeable battery
for saving information such as date and time
settings.
It is recommended that you charge the
Dreamcast for about two hours the first time you
use it. The date and time settings can be
maintained for about 20 days after the
rechargeable battery has been charged for two
hours.
10
Charging the rechargeable battery
• The rechargeable battery is charged when the
Dreamcast is connected to a power source and
turned on. Charging works properly even when
you are playing games.
• If the battery is not retaining a charge, please
contact Sega’s Technical Support at
www.sega.com or 1-800-USA-SEGA.
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