Scientific Atlanta 8300 User Manual
Connecting the
®
Explorer
8300
Digital Video
Recorder
TM
Notice for CATV Installers
CATV Installers Notice
If you are a CATV installer, read the information in the box below.
U.S. Patents
Note to CATV System Installer
(USA/Canada Only)
This reminder is provided to call the CATV
system installer's attention to Article 820-40
of the NEC (Section 54, Part I of the Canadian
Electrical Code), that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular,
specifies that the CATV cable ground shall
be connected to the grounding system of
the building, as close to the point of cable
entry as practical.
This symbol is intended to alert you that
uninsulated voltage within this product may
have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of
contact with any inside part of this product.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover (or back).
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
This symbol is intended to alert you of the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying this product.
WARNING
U.S. Patents List
A patent notice is affixed to this product. In addition, the product may also be covered by one or more
of the following patents:
4,636,852; 4,641,181; 4,651,208; 4,691,353; 4,698,598; 4,719,642; 4,748,667; 4,829,569; 4,866,770;
4,885,775; 4,888,799; 4,890,319; 4,922,532; 4,965,534; 5,012,510; 5,029,207; 5,045,816; 5,053,883;
5,058,160; 5,142,690; 5,146,526; 5,214,390; 5,225,902; 5,225,925; 5,237,610; 5,239,540; 5,241,610;
5,255,086; 5,257,403; 5,267,071; 5,270,809; 5,271,041; 5,272,752; 5,282,028; 5,285,497; 5,287,351;
5,309,514; 5,319,709; 5,341,425; 5,347,388; 5,347,389; 5,361,156; 5,367,571; 5,379,141; 5,379,145;
5,381,481; 5,390,337; 5,400,401; 5,406,558; 5,418,782; 5,428,404; 5,430,568; 5,434,610; 5,436,749;
5,442,472; 5,455,570; 5,471,492; 5,477,199; 5,477,370; 5,481,389; 5,485,221; 5,493,339; 5,500,758;
5,502,499; 5,506,904; 5,519,780; 5,550,825; 5,579,055; 5,579,057; 5,583,562; 5,596,606; 5,600,378;
5,602,933; 5,640,388; 5,657,414; 5,675,575; 5,715,515; 5,724,525; 5,740,300; 5,742,677; 5,754,940;
5,757,416; 5,771,064; 5,774,859; 5,825,829; 5,826,167; 5,850,305; 5,854,703; 5,870,474; 5,892,607;
5,920,626; 5,923,755; 5,930,024; 5,930,515; 5,937,067; 5,963,352; 5,966,163; 5,982,424; 5,991,139;
5,999,207; 6,005,631; 6,005,938; 6,016,163; 6,028,941; 6,029,046; 6,052,384; 6,055,244; 6,072,532;
6,105,134; 6,148,039; 6,157,719; 6,188,729; 6,195,389; 6,212,278; 6,215,530; 6,219,358; 6,240,103;
6,243,145; 6,246,767; 6,252,964; 6,272,226; 6,292,081; 6,292,568; 6,320,131; 6,374,275; 6,405,239;
6,411,602; 6,417,949; 6,424,714; 6,424,717; 6,433,906; 6,438,139; 6,463,586; 6,467,091; 6,476,878;
6,493,876; 6,510,519; 6,516,002; 6,516,412; 6,526,508; 6,538,595; 6,546,013; 6,560,340; 6,567,118;
6,570,888; 6,622,308; 6,629,227; 6,664,984; 6,667,994; 6,671,879; 6,674,967; 6,678,891; 6,714,598;
6,721,352; 6,721,956; 6,725,459; 6,738,982; 6,744,892; 6,744,967; 6,751,271; 6,760,918; 6,795,972;
6,802,077; 6,804,708; 6,811,447; 6,817,028; D348065; D354959; D359737; D363932; D390217;
D434753; RE36988
2
Contents
Important Safety Instructions ................................................................ 4
Change the Way You Watch TV ........................................................... 6
Safety First............................................................................................ 6
The Explorer eClub ............................................................................... 6
Identify Your 8300 DVR......................................................................... 6
What’s On the Front Panel? .................................................................. 7
What’s On the Back Panel?.................................................................. 8
Connecting the 8300 DVR .................................................................... 9
Connections for a Standard-Definition TV and VCR ............................. 10
Watch TV .............................................................................................. 11
Access Services and Programs ................................................... 11
Record One Program While Watching Another ........................... 11
Watch Two Programs at the Same Time ..................................... 11
Avoid Screen Burn-In! .................................................................. 11
Performance Tips.................................................................................. 12
No Picture .................................................................................... 12
No Color ....................................................................................... 12
No Sound ..................................................................................... 12
Automatic Software Updates........................................................ 12
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................. 12
Where Are the Connection Diagrams: ......................................... 12
What Cables Do I Need? ............................................................. 12
Connecting the 8300 DVR to a Standard TV and Standard VCR ......... 13
Connecting the 8300 DVR to a Stereo TV and Stereo VCR ................. 14
Connecting the 8300 DVR to
a Home Theater Receiver and Stereo TV............................................. 15
Connecting the 8300 DVR to
an External SATA Hard Disk Drive (optional)........................................ 16
Compliance Information ........................................................................ 18
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Heed Warnings
Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions.
Read, Retain, and Follow
These Instructions
Read all of the instructions before you operate this product.
Follow all operating instructions that accompany this product.
Retain the instructions for future use. Give particular attention
to all safety precautions.
Comply With Warnings
Avoid electric shock. Comply with all warnings and cautions in
the operating instructions, as well as those that are affixed to
this product.
Power Warnings
Providing a Power Source
A label on this product indicates the correct power source for
this product. Operate this product only from an electrical outlet
with the voltage and frequency indicated on the product label.
If you are uncertain of the type of power supply to your home or
business, consult your cable service provider or your local
power company.
Grounding This Product (USA/Canada Only)
WARNING: To avoid electric shock and fire
hazard, match the plug and outlet connections carefully,
then fully insert. If the plug and outlet do not match, or
you cannot fully insert the plug, contact an electrician to
update your power outlets.
This product is equipped with either a three-prong (grounding
pin) safety plug or a two-prong (polarized) safety plug. To
properly ground this product, follow these safety guidelines:
• For a 3-prong plug (one prong on this plug is a protective
grounding pin), insert the plug into a grounded mains,
3-prong outlet.
Note: This plug fits only one way. If you are unable to insert
this plug fully into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet.
• For a 2-prong plug (a polarized plug with one wide blade and
one narrow blade), insert the plug into a polarized mains,
2-prong outlet in which one socket is wider than the other.
Note: If you are unable to insert this plug fully into the outlet,
try reversing the plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact an
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Overloading
Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock. For products that require battery power or
other sources to operate, refer to the operating instructions
for that product.
Preventing Power Cord Damage
Arrange all power cords so that people or pets cannot walk on
the cords. Do not place objects on the cords. Do not lean
objects against the cords. Placing objects on or leaning
objects against cords can damage the cords. Give particular
attention to cords at the point at which the cord connects to
plugs, at the electrical outlets, and where the cords exit the
product.
Usage Warnings
Providing Ventilation
This product has openings for ventilation that protect it from
overheating. To ensure the reliability of this product, do the
following:
• Do not block or cover these openings.
• Do not place entertainment devices (such as VCRs or
DVDs), lamps, books, vases with liquids, or other objects
on top of this product.
• Do not place this product in any of the following locations:
- On a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface
- Near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat
- In an enclosure, such as a bookcase or rack, unless the
installation provides proper ventilation
Selecting a Proper Location
WARNING: Avoid personal injury and damage to
this product! An unstable surface may cause this
product to fall.
Place this product in a location that is close enough to an
electrical outlet and where the power cord is easily accessible
to be disconnected from the wall outlet or from the rear panel
of the product.
Important: The power cord is the mains power supply
disconnect device.
Place this product on a stable surface. The surface must
support the size and weight of this product.
Cleaning This Product
WARNING: Avoid electric shock! Unplug this
product before cleaning.
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and fire
hazard! Do not overload mains AC outlets and
extension cords. For products that require battery
power or other power sources to operate them, refer to
the operating instructions for those products.
4
Before cleaning this product, unplug it from the electrical
outlet. Use a damp cloth to clean this product. Do not use a
liquid cleaner or an aerosol cleaner. Do not use a magnetic/
static cleaning device (dust remover) to clean this product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, continued
Protecting This Product From Foreign Objects and
Water or Moisture Damage
WARNING: Avoid electric shock and fire
hazard! Never push objects through the openings in
this product. Foreign objects can cause electrical
shorts that can result in electric shock or fire. Do not
expose this product to rain or moisture. Do not place
objects filled with liquid, such as vases, on this
product.
Never push objects of any kind into this product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short
out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Do not expose this product to liquids or moisture. Do not place
this product on a wet surface. Do not spill liquids on or near
this product.
Do not use this product near water (such as a bath tub, wash
bowl, sink, or laundry tub), in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool.
Accessories Warnings
WARNING: Avoid any potential for electric shock
or fire. Do not use accessories with this product
unless recommended by your cable service provider.
Checking Product Safety
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, the
service technician must perform safety checks to determine
that this product is in proper operating condition.
Outdoor Grounding System
If this product connects to an outdoor antenna or cable
system, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded
(earthed). This provides some protection against voltage
surges and
built-up static charges.
Article 810 of the National Electric Code (NEC) ANSI/NFPA
No. 70-1990, provides the following information:
• Grounding of the mast and supporting structure
• Grounding the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit
• Size of the grounding conductors
• Location of the antenna-discharge unit
• Connection to grounding electrodes
• Requirements for the grounding electrodes (see the following
antenna grounding diagram as recommended by
NEC ANSI/NFPA 70)
Avoid any potential for electric shock or fire.
Do not use accessories with this product unless
recommended by your cable service provider.
Service Warnings
Servicing This Product
WARNING: Avoid electric shock! Opening or
removing the cover may expose you to dangerous
voltages. This product contains no user-serviceable
parts. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Do not open the cover of this product. If you open the cover,
your warranty will be void. Refer all servicing to qualified
personnel only. Contact your cable service provider for
instructions.
Obtaining Service for Product Damage
For damage that requires service, unplug this product from the
AC outlet. Then, contact your cable service provider or
qualified service personnel to obtain service for the following
conditions:
• If there is damage to the power-supply cord or plug
• If liquid enters this product
• If you expose this product to rain or water
• If you drop this product, a heavy object falls on this product,
or damage occurs to the cover of this product
• If this product does not operate normally by following the
operating instructions
• If this product exhibits a distinct change in performance
Lightning
For added protection for this product during a lightning storm,
or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna
or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due
to lightning and power-line surges. Plugging this product into a
surge protector in order to reduce the risk of damage.
Note: Unplugging this product for an extended period of time
can result in loss of authorization. For reauthorization, contact
your cable service provider.
Power Lines
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not locate
an outside antenna system in the vicinity of overhead
power lines or power circuits.
Do not locate an outside antenna system in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or power circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, take extreme care to keep from
touching power lines or circuits, as contact might be fatal.
5
Change the Way You Watch TV
DVR makes it easy to watch TV on your terms. The Explorer® 8300™
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is the simple way to take control over your TV –
and your life. You take control because DVR lets you decide what’s on TV and
when. So there’s no more putting off the things you need to do, just because
there’s a show on TV you want to watch. Just think what DVR can do for you:
• Never miss a minute of your favorite movie or the big game. Simply pause
the live action and play again when you’re ready. You can even rewind what
you missed.
• Two of your favorite shows on at the exact same time? Simple. Just record
one program while you watch the other. You can even record two programs
at the same time while watching a previously recorded program. Your VCR
can’t do that.
• Is your favorite sports team having an away game and you can’t go.
Imagine being able to record it and watch it at a more convenient time.
Don’t miss another minute of the TV shows you love!
Follow the instructions in this guide to install the 8300 DVR, to become familiar
with the buttons on the front panel, and to access your cable services. Then,
enjoy the features of the 8300 DVR and change the way you watch TV!
Safety First
Before using the 8300 DVR, read the Important Safety Instructions section of
this guide.
The Explorer eClub
The online Explorer eClub provides news and information about the Explorer
8300 DVR. You can access the Explorer eClub on the Internet at the following
Web address:
www.scientificatlanta.com/explorerclub
To join and access the online Explorer eClub, you must enter the model
number of your 8300 DVR. The model number is located on the front panel.
Identify Your 8300 DVR
If the 8300 DVR requires troubleshooting in the future, your cable service
provider may ask for the serial number.
To find the serial number for your
8300 DVR, look on the back
panel for a label that is similar to
the example shown here. The
serial number begins with “SA”
and is located in the lower left
corner of the bar code.
Use the space provided here to
record the serial number:
____________________________________________
0003B4287797
SABDQXTL N0006246618
Serial Number
T11185
6
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