Questions About the DVR .................................................................................2 9
Questions About Controlling a Live Program or Recording ............................. 29
Questions About Watching Two Programs at Once .........................................30
Questions About Recording and Playing Back Programs ............................... 30
Questions About the MR-DVR Client Set-Top...................................................32
Questions About HDTV Programs ....................................................................33
Get More Information or Assistance ........................................................... 34
Online Documentation or the Explorer eClub .................................................. 3 4
Customer Support ............................................................................................ 34
Related Publications .................................................................................. 35
Index .......................................................................................................... 37
Quick Tips................................................................................... inside of back cover
Explorer Screens ........................................................................ inside of back cover
vi
O
O
GET STARTED
Determine TV Connections.
1
Determine the types of connections you need to make, based on your TV type (highdefinition [HDTV] and standard-definition [SDTV] TV) and home theater connection
requirements. Refer to the manuals that came with your TV for more information.
Connect the DVR.
2
If your cable service provider has not already installed and connected the DVR for
you, connect the DVR to your TV based on the connection information described in
“Connect the Explorer DVR to Your TV,” next in this guide.
Configure the Picture Display.
3
Configure the picture display for your TV using the Setup Wizard. See “Prepare the
Explorer HD DVR to Work With Your TV” on page 3.
CONNECTTHE EXPLORER DVR TO YOUR TV
The DVR family supports a number of connection options to support connections to
many types of TVs. The following table describes the available DVR outputs,
including when the output should be used. For more information about connectivity
requirements and connection diagrams, refer to the connection guide for your DVR
model and the user’s guide for your TV.
OUTPUT TYPEDESCRIPTION
Some HDTVs have an High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) or Digital Visual Interface
(DVI) connector. The HDMI connector provides both a digital video and audio connection. The
OR
DVI
Attention
Your HDTV does not support HDCP.
Please disconnect the HDMI Connector and use the
Y Pr Pb Connection to continue watching TV.
OUT 1 OUT 2
Pr
A
U
NO
IR
L
D
Pb
I
YES
OPTICAL
O
R
Y
S - VIDEO
AUDIO OUT
DIGITAL
VIDEOHDTV
OUT
AUDIO OUT
Pr
Pb
VIDE
Y/V
Pr
Pb
HDMI connector is available only on the Explorer 8300HD™ DVR (8300HD). The DVI connector is
available only on the Explorer 8000HD™ DVR (8000HD). The DVI connector provides a digital
video connection, but not a digital audio connection.
Notes:
• If your HDTV has a DVI connector and you have an 8300HD, you need an HDMI-to-DVI
adaptor and you need to connect a separate audio connection.
• When using the HDMI connection with TVs, additional configuration steps are needed. For
more information, see “Important Note Regarding the HDMI Interface on the 8300HD” on the
next page.
• If you connect to an HDTV using the DVI or HDMI ports, the DVR is automatically placed in
“HD” mode.
IMPORTANT! Your cable service provider may have High-Bandwidth Digital Copy Protection
(HDCP) activated for your area. If HDCP is activated for your area, and you connect the HDMI
(DVI) output cable to an HDTV that does not support HDCP, a message appears, instructing you
to disconnect the HDMI connection and watch video output through the PrPbY component
connectors.
The PrPbY ports, or component outputs, can be used with either an HDTV or a non-HDTV with
component inputs. If connecting to a TV using component outputs, you must use the Setup
Wizard to select the output formats that your particular TV supports. See “Prepare the Explorer
HD DVR to Work With Your TV” on page 3.
The Y Output (on HD unit configured for SD operation) or TV Video Output connector is used
for connecting to an SDTV. If you do not see video using this connection, see “Prepare the
Explorer HD DVR to Work With Your TV” on page 3.
VIDE
Y/V
OR
S-VIDEO
OUT
These connections can be used for connecting to an SDTV.
CABLE
OUT
(OPTIONAL) Some HDTVs have 1394 connectors. If you connect to your HDTV using 1394,
1394
you also need to connect separate video and audio connections to your HDTV.
1
CONNECTTHE EXPLORER DVR TO YOUR TV, CONTINUED
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDINGTHE HDMI INTERFACEONTHE
8300HD
The HDMI interface is designed to automatically configure the audio output for a
format supported by the television or monitor attached to the DVR through the HDMI
connection. This automatic configuration is only performed the first time the DVR is
connected through the HDMI interface to a compatible TV. When the automated
process is finished, the DVR sets the audio output format to either Dolby
Other (Linear PCM). The selected format is provided to all digital outputs. As a result,
in cases where the TV does not support Dolby Digital decoding, you may want to
override the automatic setting in order to provide Dolby-formatted content to a Home
Theater Receiver connected to the digital output on the DVR. In addition, if the DVR
is connected to a different TV you may need to manually set the output to a format
that the new TV supports.
To override the automatic configuration or to change the audio output format used
on the HDMI interface, complete the following steps:
®
Digital or
1.Press
2.Press or to select Audio: Digital Out.
3.Press to select Dolby Digital. This setting sends Dolby Digital audio to the HDMI,
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT, and OPTICAL AUDIO OUT connectors on the 8300HD.
4.Press A to accept the option for the DVR.
5.Press
Note: If you set the audio output to a format that the TV does support, you
will not get any audio through the TV. You will either need to listen with a
secondary device such as a Home Theater Receiver or manually switch the
configuration back to one supported by the TV in order to hear the audio for
the program using the TV speakers.
twice. The General Settings menu appears.
to return to normal viewing.
CONNECT EXTERNAL DEVICESTOTHE DVR
Do you have an external device, such as a VCR, camcorder, or video game device
but no Audio/Video Input connectors on your TV for easy connectivity? Connect the
external device to your DVR instead!
•On 8300-series DVRs, the DVR front panel has Audio and Video Input
connectors that allow you to connect to the video and left/right (L/R) audio
outputs of an external device to deliver the audio and video to your TV.
•On 8000-series DVRs, the Audio and Video Input connectors are located on the
rear panel of the DVR.
After you connect your external device to your DVR, press the Video Source key
Example of front panel Audio/
Video Inputs on an 8300 DVR
on your remote to switch between the external device (Auxiliary) and your DVR.
When you switch to the Auxiliary device, an on-screen banner briefly displays
“Video Source: Auxiliary.” When you press the Video Source key to switch back to
the DVR device, the currently tuned cable channel is displayed.
Note: The on-screen content of the external device cannot be copied to
your DVR hard drive.
2
PREPARETHE EXPLORER HD DVR TO WORK WITH YOUR TV
The Setup Wizard is a program that helps you set up your DVR to provide the best
picture quality that your TV supports. Based on the type of TV you have, the Wizard
allows you to select all picture formats supported by your SDTV or HDTV.
Note: If you are connecting an SD DVR to an SDTV, no setup is required. Skip
this section and go to “Set Parental Control” on page 7.
IMPORTANT! Any time that you change connections on your DVR, you must run the
Setup Wizard again to make sure your TV is receiving its supported picture formats.
This rule does not apply if you are using 1394 connectors.
STARTTHE SETUP WIZARD
1.Press on your remote to place the remote in Cable mode.
Note: For more information about preparing the remote to work with your make
and model of TV, refer to the user’s guide for your remote model.
2.Make sure that the DVR is powered OFF, but still plugged into an active power
outlet, and properly connected to the TV. See “Connect the Explorer DVR to Your
TV” on page 1.
Press the Guide and Info
buttons at the same time
HDTV Setup Wizard
You will be asked a short series of questions
that will help you set up your HDTV Settop Box
Press to start
Setup Options
Press for Easy Setup: Used by most TV viewers
Press for Advanced Setup: Used by advanced TV viewers
3.Turn the TV ON.
4.Configure the TV to display the input where the DVR is connected (see the user’s
guide for your TV for more information).
5.With the DVR powered OFF, press Guide and Info on the DVR front panel at the
same time. The TV Connection Set-up screen appears (within 20 seconds).
Notes:
• The TV Connection Set-up screen toggles between an HD and SD mode
selection screen until you make a selection. If you do not see video within 30
seconds, check your connections and TV settings.
• The DVR front panel displays either HD or SD while the TV Connection Set-up
screen toggles between HD and SD mode.
6.Choose one of the following options:
• To choose HD mode, press
• To choose SD mode, press
B
on the remote to start the setup.
on the remote to start the setup.
A
Note: If you are connected to your HDTV using the component ports and you
incorrectly select “SD” mode, your video may appear pink in color.
7.Choose one of the following options:
• If you selected SD mode in step 6, a Setup Complete screen appears. You’re
ready to begin using your DVR to watch and record programs. You may skip the
rest of this section and go to “Set Parental Control” on page 7.
• If you selected HD mode, the HDTV Setup Wizard screen appears.
A
Press
to continue the setup.
8.Choose one of the following options from the Setup Options screen:
• To choose the Easy Setup option, press
; then, go to the Easy Setup
A
Instructions on page 4.
• To choose the Advanced Setup option, press
B
; then, go to the Advanced
Setup Instructions on page 4.
Complete setup
3
PREPARETHE EXPLORER HD DVR TO WORK WITH YOUR TV, CONTINUED
EASY SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
1.Press A or B to select the type of TV screen you have. The setup is complete.
Standard or Widescreen
Press if your TV has a standard screen (4:3)
Press if your TV has a widescreen (16:9)
Restart setup
Complete setup
2.Press to begin watching TV.
Notes:
• If you pressed A for the standard screen (4:3) TV setting, the TV is set to
receive programming in 480i format on non-HD channels and 1080i format on
HD channels.
• If you pressed
B
for the widescreen (16:9) setting, the TV is set to only
receive programming in 1080i format (even on non-HD channels).
3.You’re ready to begin using your DVR to watch and record programs. Go to “Set
Parental Control” on page 7.
Note: If you need to make changes to your HDTV picture display, go to “Adjust
Your HDTV Picture” on page 5.
Tip: After you complete the setup, press to stretch or zoom the picture.
ADVANCED SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Standard or Widescreen
Press if your TV has a standard screen (4:3)
Press if your TV has a widescreen (16:9)
Restart setup
Save Picture Formats
Press to view shows in the 1080i format
Press to test the next format
1080i
480i Standard
480i Widescreen
720p
480p Standard
480p Widescreen
Complete setup
Complete setupReturn to previous format
Note: Refer to the user’s guide that came with your TV for information
about supported display formats.
1.Press
or B to select the type of TV screen you have and display an
A
Instructions screen.
2.The Instructions screen tells you that various picture formats will be displayed
for your selection.
3.Before you begin selecting picture formats, read the following note:
IMPORTANT! If you see a black screen or if the picture quality is not
optimal, do not press
. Press B again to view the next screen format.
4.Follow the on-screen instructions to select your picture formats.
5. Press
to toggle between the Save and Remove options, or press B to see
how the next format looks on your TV screen.
6.After saving the picture formats, press . The setup is complete.
7.Press
to begin watching TV.
8.You’re ready to begin using your DVR to watch and record programs. Go to “Set
Parental Control” on page 7.
Note: If you need to make changes to your HDTV picture display, go to “Adjust
Your HDTV Picture” on page 5.
Tip: After you complete the setup, press to stretch or zoom the picture.
4
ADJUST YOUR HDTV PICTURE
After using the Setup Wizard, if you feel that your HDTV picture quality needs
improvement, you can adjust the HDTV picture display using options within the Quick
Settings and General Settings menus.
If you do not need to make an adjustment to your picture quality, skip this section and
go to “Set Parental Control” on page 7.
Note: The picture format is tied to the content provider’s format and the
picture formats supported by your TV.
ADJUST YOUR PICTURE FORMAT USING QUICK SETTINGS
Because the picture quality of a program is affected by many factors, such as how the
program was originally recorded and the method used to broadcast the program, you
may find that displaying certain programs in a specific picture format provides the
Quick Settings
Highlight an option, then press SELECT.
Turn OFF Parental Control
Picture Format
Picture Size
720p
Normal
Return to TVMore Settings
picture quality you prefer.
Note: If your HDTV uses a composite, DVI, or HDMI port, it automatically selects the
best picture format for the program you are watching. DVI ports, however, can choose
only from the picture formats that your HDTV supports.
1.Press to access Quick Settings.
2.Press or to select Picture Format.
Note: If Pass-Through or Auto
DVI/HDMI is selected in the
General Settings: Set Picture
Format, you cannot change the
Picture Format in the Quick
Settings menu (the Picture
Format option will not be
shown). You can only stretch
and zoom the picture with the #
key on the remote or within
Quick Settings.
Pass-Through means that the
DVR is not changing the active
signal it receives. It is just
passing the signal through to
the TV. Changing the picture
format here to “Fixed” allows
you to “fix” or adjust the format
in Quick Settings.
3.Press
4.Press
to select the picture format setting.
again to display another picture format setting. Each time you press ,
another setting displays.
Note: If you used the Setup Wizard to select picture format settings and your
General Setting is not Pass-Through, the picture format settings that you selected
are available here. For example, if you used the Easy Setup method in the Setup
Wizard, only the settings 480i and 1080i are available for you to select.
5.Press
to view the picture with this setting.
6.If necessary, repeat these steps to find a setting that you prefer.
ADJUST YOUR HD PICTURE USING GENERAL SETTINGS
You can adjust how your DVR displays pictures using the Picture Format and TV
Borders General Settings menu options.
SET YOUR DEFAULT PICTURE FORMAT
By automating picture adjustments, the DVR uses a method that you choose to
automatically select the picture format that provides the best display possible. The
methods that you can select from depend partly on the type of video connection your
HDTV uses.
1.Press twice to access General Settings.
2.Press or to select Set: Picture Format.
3.Press
4.Press or to display each option.
Note: See the “General Settings: Set Picture Format” box on the next page for an
explanation of each option.
to select the picture format setting.
5.Press
A
to accept the option for the DVR.
Note: The Explorer 8300™ DVR (8300) front panel displays the selected option and scan
rate. For example, if you selected Pass-Through, the 8300 front panel displays AUTO.
6.Press
to return to normal viewing.
5
ADJUST YOUR HDTV PICTURE, CONTINUED
PICTURE FORMATSAND YOUR HDTV DISPLAY
The following table shows the relationship between the picture format method, the
signal the DVR receives, and the format of the picture that displays on your TV screen.
If you chose this picture
format method:
Fixed
Pass-Through or Auto-DVI
Upconvert 1
Upconvert 2
GENERAL SETTINGS: SET PICTURE FORMAT
Upconvert 1 and Upconvert 2 - When possible, the DVR tries
to improve the program display by taking an SD picture and
changing it to a simulated HD picture (upconverting).
Fixed - All programming is displayed using the picture format
you last selected. This setting remains fixed until you select a
new picture format from the Quick Settings menu.
Pass-Through or Auto DVI - The programming format is not
manipulated by the DVR. The DVR passes the signal through
to the TV. (See the box on the previous page for more
information about Pass-Through.)
And the DVR receives
this signal:
1080i, 720p, 480i, 480p
1080
720p
480i
480p
480i/480p
720p/1080i
480i/480p
720p/1080i
The HDTV displays the
picture in this format:
Picture format selected in the
Quick Settings menu
1080
720p
480i
480p
480p
1080i
480p
720p
If your HDTV uses a DVI or
HDMI port, Auto DVI/HDMI
appears here instead of
Pass-Through.
WARNING:
Avoid Screen Burn-In! Do
not display the same fixed
images on your HDTV screen
for extended periods of time.
Images such as letterbox
bars or side bars, bright
closed-captioning
backgrounds, station logos,
or any other stationary
images may cause the
picture screen in your HDTV
to age unevenly; this is
known as screen burn-in.
Refer to the user’s guide that
came with your HDTV for
more information.
CHANGETHE DARKNESSOF BARS USEDIN PICTURE DISPLAYS
The DVR automatically adds bars to certain types of program formats to reduce the
chance for screen burn-in. If you decide to use these settings to watch programs,
you can change the darkness of the bars from Light (default setting) to Medium or
Dark.
1.Press
2.Press
3.Press
4.Press
Medium, or Dark).
5.Press
with your selection shown.
6.To exit from this screen and return to live TV, press
twice to access General Settings.
or to select the option Set: TV Borders.
to display the Borders options (Light, Medium, or Dark).
or to select the shade you want to apply to the bars (Light,
A
to accept the setting. The DVR displays the Set: TV Borders option
.
6
SET PARENTAL CONTROL
Notes:
•This section covers the basics for setting up parental control and blocking
programs. You can also use parental controls to block recordings on your DVR.
For more information, see Block Recordings With Parental Control on page 9.
•If you do not wish to configure parental control and blocking, skip this section and
go to Search for Programs Using the Program Guide on page 10.
CREATINGOR CHANGINGA PIN
1.Using the remote, press twice to access General Settings.
2.Press
3.What is the current setting for Block: PIN?
• If Enabled and you do not know the PIN, contact your cable provider to
determine the default PIN, and then go to step 4.
• If Disabled, press IMPORTANT! The PIN must be Enabled for the Parental Control feature to work.
4.After receiving the default PIN, press
5.Press
6.When prompted, enter the 4-digit PIN given to you by your cable provider.
7.When prompted, enter a new 4-digit PIN.
8.Enter your new 4-digit PIN again for confirmation.
9.Press
or to select Block: PIN.
, press A, and then go to step 7.
.
or to select Change and then press A.
to exit General Settings.
BLOCKING SYMBOLS
Indicates that a recording or
program is blocked
Indicates that a recording or
program is not blocked
BLOCKING CHANNELS, RATINGS, AND PROGRAM TIMES
1.Using the remote, press twice to access General Settings.
2.When prompted, enter a PIN number and then re-enter it to ensure accuracy.
3.Press or and select one of the following options:
• Block: Channels—to block all programs on a specific channel
• Block: Rating—to block all programs according to program ratings
• Block: Time New—to block all programs broadcast during a specific time
4.Press
5.Follow the on-screen instructions to block channels, ratings, or time slots.
Note: The DVR will record the blocked programs, but the DVR blocks the
playback of the recording unless you enter a valid PIN.
6.Press
and enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted.
to exit General Settings.
UNBLOCKINGTHE CURRENT CHANNEL
1.Using the remote, press to access Quick Settings.
2.Press Move Up or Move Down to select Unblock this Channel.
3.Press Select
4.When prompted, enter your 4-digit PIN.
to change the Parental Control setting.
TURNING ONAND OFF PARENTAL CONTROL
1.Using the remote, press to access Quick Settings.
2.Press or to select Turn ON Parental Control or Turn OFF ParentalControl, respectively.
3.Press
4.When prompted, enter your 4-digit PIN.
to change the Parental Control setting.
Tip: Turning off the DVR and turning it back on by pressing the Power button
on the DVR or by pressing
Parental Control for all the programming you have chosen to block.
on the remote is an easy way to turn on
7
PROGRAM RATING CATEGORIES
The following list describes the rating categories and codes associated with movies
and television programs in the United States.
TVYThe program is appropriate for children of all ages, and specifically
designed for children ages 2 through 6 years.
TVY7The program is appropriate for children age 7 years or older. This rating
can include the code FV, indicating mild fantasy or comedy violence.
G, TVGThe program is appropriate for viewers of all ages.
PG , TVPG Parental guidance is suggested. The program contains material that
parents can find unsuitable for young children. This rating can also
include the following codes:
• V - Some violence
• S - Some sexual situations
PG-13Parental guidance is suggested. Parents can find some program
material unsuitable for children under 13 years. Additional codes may be
included with the rating.
TV14Parents are strongly cautioned as some program material may be
unsuitable for children under 14 years. This rating can also include the
following codes:
• V - Intense violence
• S - Intense sexual situations
• L - Strong indecent language
• D - Suggestive dialog
TVMAMature audience. The program is designed for an adult audience.
Parents can find the program material unsuitable for children under 17
years. This rating can also include the following codes:
• V - Graphic violence
• S - Explicit sexual situations
• L - Crude or indecent language
RRestricted to adult audiences only. The program contains material
unsuitable for children.
NC17Under 18 never admitted. The program or movie is considered too adult
(containing violence, sex, or drug use) for viewers under 17.
NRThis program or movie is not rated.
NR-Adult No one under age 17 permitted. This program or movie is not rated (NR)
but is considered too adult (containing violence, sex, or drug use) for
viewers under 17.
8
BLOCK RECORDINGS WITH PARENTAL CONTROL
You can keep others from watching a recording by using the Block feature. This
feature is useful if children also use the DVR and you do not want them to watch
certain recordings.
Note: To block a program that is scheduled to be recorded, block the program
rating from the General Settings menu. (For details, see “Blocking Channels,
Ratings, and Program Times” on page 7.) The DVR records the program, but the
recording can be watched only after entering your 4-digit Parental Blocking PIN.
1.Press
Recorded Program Options
"Soul Food"
Recorded: Fri 6/13
7:00pm 1hr 0min
Save: Until I erase
Options
Copy to VCR
Press to record this program
Play "Soul Food"
Unblock "Soul Food"
or press for more recording options.
Erase
Change Save Time
Choose Highlighted ItemRecorded List
Options
Preferences
2.Press or to select the recording you want to block.
3.Press
4.Press
5.Press
to access the Recorded Program Options screen.
to select the “Block [title of program]” option.
. The PIN Entry screen appears.
6.Enter your 4-digit PIN. The PIN Entry screen disappears, and
the Info icon in the Information area of the Recorded List screen. The lock icon
indicates that the program is blocked.
WATCH BLOCKED RECORDINGS
PIN Entry
Enter your PIN to turn OFF Parental Control
and ALLOW viewing of All programs.
Clear PIN EntryCancel
PIN Entry
This program is blocked.
Enter your PIN to unblock.
Clear PIN EntryCancel
Use either of the two methods described here to watch a blocked program.
1.Press to access the Recorded List.
2.Choose one of the following options:
• Press
. Enter your 4-digit PIN.
Note: Entering your PIN in this screen allows viewing of all programs and
recordings.
• Press
press . Enter your 4-digit PIN.
Note: Entering your PIN in this screen turns off blocking only for this recording.
to access the Recorded List.
appears next to
or to select the “Play [title of program]” option, and then press
or to select the “Unblock [title of program]” option, and then
SET FAVORITE CHANNELS
1.Using the remote, press twice to access General Settings.
2.Press or to scroll to Viewer: Favorites.
3.Press .
4.Press
then press .
5.Repeat step 4 to mark other desired channels as favorites.
6.Press
7.Press to exit General Settings.
ACCESSING YOUR FAVORITE CHANNELS
1.Press on the remote to access a channel you have set up as a favorite.
2.Continue pressing
or to scroll to the channel you want to mark as a favorite, and
A
to save your favorite list.
until the channel you want to watch appears.
9
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