Explorer® 8000
Home Entertainment Server
User’s Installation Guide
POWER
RECORD
United States FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the applicable
limits of Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio or TV reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on. The user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
• Consult your cable company or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Scientific-Atlanta
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Important: The information shown in the FCC Declaration of Conformity
paragraph below is a requirement of the FCC and is intended to supply you
with information regarding the FCC approval of this device. The phone
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numbers listed are for FCC-related questions only and not intended for
questions regarding the connection or operation for this device. Please
contact your cable service provider for any questions you may have
regarding the operation or installation of this device.
Software and Firmware Use
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. owns copyrights to the software described in this
document and furnishes the software to you under a license agreement.
You may only use or copy this software in accordance with the terms of
your license agreement.
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. owns copyrights to the firmware in this
equipment. You may only use the firmware in the equipment in which it
is provided. Any reproduction or distribution of this firmware, or any
portion of it, without the express written consent of Scientific-Atlanta,
Inc. is prohibited.
Canada EMI Regulation
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Réglement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Trademarks
Explorer, Scientific-Atlanta, and the Scientific-Atlanta arcs logo are
registered trademarks of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. VCR Commander and
“Bringing the Interactive Experience Home” are trademarks of ScientificAtlanta, Inc.
Disclaimer
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions
that may appear in this guide. Scientific-Atlanta reserves the right to
change this guide at any time without notice.
FCC Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: 1) the device may not cause harmful
interference, and 2) the device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
EXPLORER
®
Home Entertainment Server models:
Models E8000SD
Manufactured by: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.;
5030 Sugarloaf Parkway;
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30042, USA
Telephone 770-236-1077
United States: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.,
5030 Sugarloaf Parkway, Box 465447,
Lawrenceville, GA 30042
© 2003 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in USA www.scientificatlanta.com
Part Number 4002771 Rev B July 2003
IMPORTANT RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
Note to the Installer
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: 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.
Read and Retain These Instructions
• Read all of the instructions
before you operate this
equipment. Give particular
attention to all safety precautions. Retain the instructions for
future reference.
• Comply with all warning and
• Comply with all instructions
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
WARNING
caution statements in the
instructions. Observe all warning
and caution symbols that are
affixed to this equipment.
that accompany this equipment.
Placement
Place this equipment 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 Entertainment Server.
Place this equipment on a stable
surface. The surface must support
the size and weight of this
equipment.
WARNING:
Avoid personal injury and
damage to this equipment. An
unstable surface may cause
this equipment to fall.
This equipment has openings for
ventilation that protect it from
overheating. To ensure the
reliability of this equipment, do not
obstruct the openings.
• Do not place other equipment,
lamps, books, or any other
object on the top of this
equipment.
• Do not place this equipment in
any of the following locations:
- On a bed, sofa, rug, or
similar surface
- Over a radiator or a heat
register
- In an enclosure, such as a
bookcase or equipment rack,
unless the installation
provides proper ventilation
Cleaning the EquipmentVentilation
Before cleaning this equipment,
unplug it from the electrical outlet.
Use a damp cloth to clean this
equipment. Do not use a liquid
cleaner or an aerosol cleaner. Do
not use a magnetic/static cleaning
device (dust remover) to clean this
equipment.
Object and Liquid Entry
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 equipment to liquid
or moisture. Do not place this
equipment on a wet surface. Do not
spill liquids on or near this
equipment.
Accessories
Do not use accessories with this
equipment unless recommended by
your cable service provider.
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 equipment that requires
battery power or other sources to
operate, refer to the operating
instructions for that equipment.
Lightning and Power
Surges
Ground (earth) your cable system
to provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static
charges. Plug your equipment into a
surge protector in order to reduce
the risk of damage from lightning
strikes and power surges. If you
have questions, call your cable
service provider.
Power Cord Protection
Arrange all power cords so that
people cannot walk on the cords,
place objects on the cords, or place
objects against the cords, which can
damage the cords. Give particular
attention to the cords at the point at
which the cord connects to the plug,
at electrical outlets, and at the
places where the cords exit the
equipment.
Power Sources
A label on this equipment indicates
the correct power source for this
equipment. Operate this equipment
only from an electrical outlet that
has the voltage and frequency that
the label indicates.
If you are unsure of the type of
power supply to your residence,
consult your cable service provider
or your local power company.
Grounding
This equipment has a two-prong
plug. Properly ground (earth) this
equipment by inserting the plug into
a grounded electrical, two-socket
outlet. If this plug is polarized, it
has one wide prong and one narrow
prong. This plug fits only one way.
CAUTION:
To prevent electric shock,
match wide blade of plug to
the wide slot, and then fully
insert.
If you are unable to insert this plug
fully into the outlet, contact an
electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet.
Servicing
Do not open the cover of this
equipment. If you open the cover,
your warranty will be void. Refer all
servicing to qualified personnel
only. Contact your cable service
provider for instructions.
Damage that Requires
Service
For damage that requires
service, unplug this
equipment from the electrical
outlet. Contact your cable
service provider when any of
the following conditions
occur:
• There is damage to the
power cord or plug
• Liquid enters the equipment
• A heavy object falls on the
equipment
• There is exposure to rain or
water
• Operation is not normal (the
instructions in this guide
describe the proper
operation)
• If you drop this equipment,
or damage the cabinet of this
equipment
• If this equipment exhibits a
distinct change in performance
Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this equipment, the
service technician will perform
safety checks to determine that the
equipment is in proper operating
condition.
Getting Started
Congratulations for adding the Explorer® 8000
Home Entertainment Server to your television
viewing experience!
The Explorer 8000 Home Entertainment Server is
equipped with the following Digital Video
Recorder (DVR) and picture-in-picture (PIP)
features:
• A DVR feature to record a TV program while
you view a different program or to record two
programs simultaneously
• A PIP feature to simultaneously view another
program even if your TV does not have PIP
capability
Use the instructions in this guide to install the
Entertainment Server, to become familiar with the
keys on the front panel of the Entertainment
Server, and to access your cable services. Then,
begin enjoying the features of the Entertainment
Server.
Explorer eClub
To obtain additional information about the
Entertainment Server, Scientific-Atlanta invites
you to join the Explorer eClub. This online club
provides news and “what’s up” information about
the Entertainment Server and offers you a chance
to win premium items.
To join the Explorer eClub, you must know the
serial number of your Entertainment Server. The
serial number is on a bar code on the back of the
Entertainment Server and looks similar to this
example:
The serial number begins with SA and is located
in the lower left corner of the bar code. Write the
serial number here: _______________ .
You can access the Explorer eClub on the
Internet at the following Web address:
www.scientificatlanta.com/explorerclub
Before Installing the Entertainment
Server
• Read the IMPORTANT RULES FOR SAFE
OPERATION section of this guide.
• Locate the serial number, which is on a bar
code on the back panel of the Entertainment
Server. You will need this serial number to join
the Explorer eClub. Also, your cable service
provider may need to know this serial number
to provide technical assistance.
• If you plug the Entertainment Server into an
outlet that is controlled by a wall switch,
keep the switch in the ON position. The
on-screen guide is updated nightly. If the wall
switch is in the OFF position, your Entertainment Server will not receive the latest
programming updates.
• Keep the top of the Entertainment Server free
of all objects and electronic devices, including
your TV.
• It is recommended that you use a surge
protector with your cable equipment and
electronic devices.
Entertainment Ser ver Front Panel
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1 Power Provides power to the Explorer 8000. The light to the right of the
Power key illuminates when the power is on.
2 Message Indicator Indicates a message is waiting for you from your cable service provider.
The indicator is either blinking or illuminated. To access the message,
press the Info key
3 LED Display Displays the selected channel number or time of day
4 IR Sensor Receives the infrared signal from the remote
5 Recording Indicator Indicates the DVR feature is active when illuminated
6 VOL+ and VOL- Increases and decreases volume
7 Select Accesses your on-screen selection
8 USB Connects to external equipment, such as a keyboard or similar equipment.
(Universal Serial Bus) This connector is reserved for future use and may not be available on all
Explorer 8000 models.*
9 CH+ and CH- Scrolls up and down through the channels
10 Guide Accesses on-screen services, such as the on-screen guide,
video-on-demand, or pay-per-view
11 Info Displays a description of the selected program; available from the
on-screen guide and while viewing a program
12 Smart card slot Allows smart card access. (Contact your cable service provide for more
information.)
13 Exit Exits menus, on-screen guide, and program information
14 List Accesses list of recorded programs displayed on the TV screen
Installing the Entertainment Server
Connect the Entertainment Server to a Stereo TV and Stereo VCR
WARNING:
Electric shock hazard! Unplug all
electronic devices before connecting
or disconnecting any device cables.
1. Unplug all electronic devices before connecting the
Entertainment Server.
2. Connect the Entertainment Server to the stereo TV
as shown in the diagram.
3. Connect the Entertainment Server to the coaxial
cable coming from the wall.
4. Plug the Entertainment Server and the TV into an
AC power source.
Important: Do not press the Power key on the
Entertainment Server yet.
5. Turn on the power to your TV, and set the input
channel assigned by your cable service provider.
6. Wait for the time to display on the LED display.
Important: It takes 2 to 3 minutes for the Enter-
tainment Server to be updated with the latest
programming and service information. When the
front panel displays the time, the update is
complete.
7. Press the Power key on the Entertainment Server.
IR
S-VIDEO
1394 1394
VIDEO
DIGITAL
OUT
AUDIO OUT
CABLE/
ANTENNA
INOUT
CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO
LEFT
AUDIO
RIGHT
ETHERNET
INOUT
INOUT
USB
TV VCR
CABLE
OUT
INPUT (AUX)
OUT 2
(VCR)
OUT 1
(TV)
LR
VIDEO
AUDIO
Entertainment Server Back Panel
CABLE
OUT
CATV CONVERTER
MADE IN MEXICO
ETHERNET
INPUT (AUX)
IR
S-VIDEO
USB
1394 1394
OUT
DIGITAL
AUDIO OUT
LR
VIDEO
AUDIO
24 10931
OUT 2
(VCR)
OUT 1
(TV)
0003B4287797
SABDQXTL N0006246618
5 6 7 8
CABLE
IN
THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE
IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE
HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.
CAU
TIO
N
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
1211
1 1394 Connects to optional 1394-equipped (fire wire) devices.
This connector is reserved for future use and may not be available on all
Explorer 8000 models.*
2
S-Video Out Connects to S-Video input of TV or VCR (standard definition)
3 IR Port Connects to optional VCR Commander service
4 Digital Audio Out Connects to external digital input surround-sound receiver
5 TV Out Connects to video and left/right (L/R) audio inputs of a TV
(standard definition). The video outlet is also referred to as
COMPOSITE video
6 VCR Out Connects to video and left/right (L/R) audio inputs of a VCR
7 Cable Out Connects to cable input of TV or VCR (standard definition)
8 Auxiliary Input Connects to video and left/right (L/R) audio output of external
device
9 Serial Number Located in the lower left corner of the bar code. Your cable service
provider may ask for this number if your system requires troubleshooting
in the future. You must know the serial number to join the Explorer eClub
10 Cable In Connects to cable signal from cable service provider
11 AC Switched Outlet Connects the AC power cord from another device, such as a TV
12 AC Power Input Connects the Entertainment Server to an AC electrical outlet
* Contact your cable service provider for more information.
Stereo Sound
To listen to stereo sound, you must do one of the
following:
• Connect stereo audio cables from the AUDIO
OUT LEFT and RIGHT connectors on the
Entertainment Server to the AUDIO IN LEFT
and RIGHT connectors on your stereo TV.
• Connect an RCA cable (not shown) from the
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT on your Entertainment Server to the DIGITAL AUDIO IN on
your stereo receiver.
In addition, you may also connect an S-video
CABLE
IN
Cable Input
THIS DEVICE IS INTENDED TO BE ATTACHED
TO A RECEIVER THAT IS NOT USED TO
RECEIVE OVER-THE-AIR BROADCAST
SIGNALS. CONNECTION OF THIS DEVICE
IN ANY OTHER FASHION MAY CAUSE
HARMFUL INTERFERENCE TO RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND IS IN VIOLATION
OF THE FCC RULES, PART 15.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
120 VAC
60HZ 5A
120 VAC
60HZ 80W
cable from the S-VIDEO OUT connector on the
Entertainment Server to the S-VIDEO connector
on the stereo TV or VCR. (This connection is not
LEFT
AUDIO
RIGHT
VIDEO 1
INOUT
INOUT
INOUT
ANTENNA
TV
OUT TO
IN FROM
shown.) However, the S-video connection does
not supply audio. You must also use audio cables
with the S-video cable.
Different TV Connectors
T10491
If your TV has different connectors from the ones
shown here, or if you are connecting the Entertainment Server to additional devices, access our
Web site for connection information at the
following address:
www.scientificatlanta.com
120 VAC
60HZ 5A
120 VAC
60HZ 80W
T10490
Accessing Programs
Access cable services and programs by pressing
the following keys on the front panel of the
Entertainment Server or on the remote control.
(Refer to your remote control user’s guide for
programming instructions.)
• Guide — Access the on-screen guide. The
on-screen guide displays schedules of TV
programs and other services available from your
cable service provider, such as video-on-demand
and pay-per-view programs.
• Arrows — Highlight a program in the schedule.
• Info — Display the description of a specific
program (either from the on-screen guide or
while viewing a program).
• Select — View a specific program in the guide.
For more information, read the user’s guides that
your cable service provider included with the
Entertainment Server installation package. These
guides provide operating instructions for the
on-screen guide, your remote control, and the VCR
Commander™ service (if available).
If your Entertainment Server does not perform
as expected, check the following conditions:
• Verify that the power to your TV is turned on.
• Verify that the smart card is inserted in the
front slot of your Entertainment Server (if
required by your cable service provider).
• If plugged into a wall switch, verify the switch
is in the ON position.
• Verify that all cables are properly connected.
• Verify that your TV is tuned to the proper
output channel (3 or 4).
• Verify that the Entertainment Server power
light is on.
If the Entertainment Server does not perform as
expected after checking the power, the cables,
and the output channel, check the following
conditions:
No picture
• If your system includes a VCR and/or stereo
system, verify that you have properly
connected them to the Entertainment Server.
No color
• Verify that the current TV program is broadcast
in color.
• Adjust the TV color controls.
No sound
• If your setup includes a VCR and/or stereo,
verify that you have properly connected them
to the Entertainment Server.
• Verify that the volume is turned up.
• Verify that the mute function is not engaged.
The channel number on the LED flashes.
Press Info on the remote control or the front panel
of the Entertainment Server. You may have
pressed the Power key before the Entertainment
Server received all of the latest programming
updates.
The TV screen displays a message indicating
that the Entertainment Server is automatically updating its software.
Wait for the time to display on the LED before
continuing with the installation process. When the
front panel displays the time, the update is
complete.
Note: If you need further assistance, contact your
cable service provider.