Sony MRD-D1 User Manual

Multi-Room Distribution System
for Sony Digitai Sateiiite Receiver
Installation Manual
9-936-299-01 (1)
DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEM
MRD-D1
© 1995 by Sony Corporation
This unit is not designed for outdoor use and should be installed in a clean, dry location.

Radio Interference Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the 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 communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television 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:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna — 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 the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for
help.
Trademarks
Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. DSS® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation.
Patent Notice
Products utilize the following: U.S. Patent No. 4,509,211; Taiwan Patent No. 25,991; United Kingdom Patent No. 2,140,182 with Hong Kong Registration 182; Canadian Patent No. 1,200,024; other patents issued and pending, all of which are licensed by Multiplex Technology, Inc. from Xantech Corporation.

Contents

Introduction
Inspection.........................................................................5
Preparation for Use..........................................................6
installation Instructions
Connectiong the Remote TVs Setting up and Tuning the Modulator System Diagram
^ Common Questions...................................................................14
Specifications..................................................................15
Limited Warranty.............................................back cover
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10 11 13
4
7

Introduction

Congratulations on selecting the MRD-Dl multi-room distribution system for use with your Sony brand DSS® (Digital Satellite System). With it you will be able to enjoy crisp, clear pictures from the DSS receiver at up to five additional viewing locations within your home. As an added benefit, MRD-Dl will also distribute video and audio from a second source such as a VCR or laserdisc player.
Each video source connected to MRD-Dl is capable of being operated by infrared (IR) remote control from any of five viewing locations. The system is provided with one IR target (the device which enables IR commands to be sent from a remote viewing location to the video source) and two IR emitters (devices which actuate the video source).
In the event you require remote control at additional viewing locations within your home, your Sony dealer can provide additional IR target units (EAC-Tl) for use with MRD-Dl.
To order Sony brand DSS Accessories, visit your local retailer or call toll free 1-800-488-7669 Monday-Friday 7;00am - 7:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 4:30pm CST. American Express, Visa, Master Card, and Discover Card accepted.
Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting installation.
Note
• The MRD-Dl distributes mono audio which is not full DSS signal quality.
4 Introduction

Inspection

Your MRD-Dl multi-room distribution system consists of a modulator unit, a power supply, two IR emitter assemblies, an IR target, four mounting screws, and a channel tuning tool as shown.
Modulator Unit
IR Target IR Emitter (2) Tuning Tool
Introduction

Preparation for Use

Before installing your MRD-Dl, please read the following brief discussion of its parts and what they do:

Modulator Unit

The modulator unit accepts the video input from your Sony DSS receiver and one other video device of your choosing (VCR, laserdisc player, etc.) and creates an "in-house" television channel for them. The unit also accepts the input from an off-air antenna or cable service and provides some amplification of the signal. The outputs from the modulator unit can be connected to up to five TVs: two located within 30 ft. of the unit, and three located within 100 ft. of the unit. When connected to remote TVs, a Sony IR target EAC-Tl must be used in order to use your remote control.

Power Supply

The MRD-Dl is designed to operate from a 12 V AC power source. The power supply provided with your system will make the necessary voltage conversions when connected to 110 V AC, 60 Hz power.
Under no circumstances should you substitute the power supply
provided with MRD-Dl.

IR Emitters

There are two IR emitters provided with MRD-Dl. The IR emitters connect to the modulator unit and are to be placed over the IR receiver located on the video sources. One emitter is provided for each source.

IR Target

One IR target is provided with MRD-Dl. The IR target is to be installed in a remote viewing room and is connected to the modulator urrit via a 75-ohm coaxial cable. This IR target must be exposed so you can point your remote control at it.
Introduction

Installation Instructions

1 Make certain that your present system is functioning correctly
prior to installing MRD-Dl. Ensure that all antenna or cable signals are being received on all TVs that will be connected to MRD-Dl.
2 Determine whether your home TV service is cable (CATV) or off-
air (anterma).

Note

• You should make written notes on this step so that you can refer to them later.
□ If cable: determine the highest charmel number delivering a
-^cture signal, excluding channels 95-99. If uncertain, contact your local cable company.
□ If antenna: time the TV one channel at a time from channel 14
to channel 36. Write down the channel number of each channel that has no trace of a picture.
3 Deternune which of the remote TVs will be provided with IR
control capability using the IR target provided with MRD-Dl.

Note

• You can, at a later time, move the target to another remote TV, or add more IR targets. For now, you need to plan where the target will be used.
4 Select an installation location for the modulator unit that satisfies
all of the following conditions:
is close to the DSS receiver and the second video source;
has 110 volt AC power within easy access;
can connect easily to the coaxial input that delivers either the antenna or cable signal to the main TV; permits connection of the IR emitters to the video sources within the length of the emitter cable (6 ft.);
is clean and dry and likely to stay that way. Mounting near window or door openings is strongly discouraged.
Installation Instructions
Fasten the modulator unit to the desired location using the mounting screws provided with the unit. The orientation is not critical. Mounting that enables clear access to the top of the unit for tuning and easy access to connectors on the left and right sides of the unit is most desirable.
Connect the modulator unit to the video sources (when viewed from the end, the video and audio input cormectors on the left are for INPUT 1 and those on the right are for INPUT 2). Connect the DSS receiver video and audio outputs to INPUT 1 and the second video source (optional) to INPUT 2.
Video (Yellow)
Audio L \anini Ibi (White) Audio R
(Red)
jmii 1^1
* 1 ^
z
I- 1
Video (Yellow)
i=CZBro°<
Audio R (Red)
Audio L (White)
7 Connect the coaxial cable from the antenna or the cable source
directly to the modulator unit using the connector labeled RF IN.
8 Connect the main TV to the modulator unit using a coaxial cable
between the VHF/UHF input of the TV and one of the cormectors labeled LOCAL RF OUT on the modulator unit.

Note

• Whe7t the second video source is a VCR, connect the other LOCAL RF OUT connector to the VCR input connector using a coaxial cable.
8 Installation Instructions
9 Connect the IR emitters to the modulator unit. With firm pressure,
place one of the adhesive backed IR emitters over the remote sensor on the DSS receiver. Repeat the procedure for the second video source.
DSS Receiver

Note

• You may have to refer to the owners manual of the second video source to determine the location of its remote sensor.
Your modulator unit is now ready for use and can be turned on, tuned and tested without connecting the remote TVs. If you wish to turn on now, proceed to the section of this manual dealing with
set-up and tuning the modulator unit on page 11. If you wish to connect the remote TVs now, proceed to page 10.
Installation Instructions

Connecting the Remote TVs

1 MRD-Dl will support (provide signal for, and IR remote control of
two video sources for) five remote TV locations. Connect the modulator unit directly to each TV via a 75-ohm coaxial cable and an IR target.

Notes

Additional IR targets can be added as desired. They are available from
your Sony dealer.
• If the system is improperly tuned, the power indicator will blink. Do not ignore a blinking power indicator even if the TV is showing a
picture. Repeat the tuning procedure.
10 Installation Instructions

Setting up and Tuning the Modulator

Perform the following steps after your multi-room distribution system has been connected properly.
1 Connect the output (mini-jack) of the power supply to the modulator
unit and plug the power supply into a 110 V AC wall outlet. The green LED Power indicator should illuminate. If it does not, recheck all power connections.
2 Turn on the main TV. The mode of your TV (CATV or antenna)
will determine the "in-house" channels you will use. □ If antenna, you will use UHF channels between 14 and 35
inclusively.
□ TF cable, you will use CATV channels between 54 and 86
inclusively.
Refer to your notes made of channels delivered to your home (page 7).
3 Select your "in-house" channels and make a written note of what
they will be. Select a charmel for the second video source even if one will not be used.
□ For CATV: use channels higher than that of your notes.
Highest Channel
34 65 67
□ For antenna: select any bf the' unused channels provided that
they are at least one unused channel apart from one another and at least one unused channel away from a channel with a picture.
Highest Channel
15,16,17, 20,
24,25,26
14,15,19,20, 21
Set INPUT 1
54
Set INPUT 1 Set INPUT 2
16
14 20
Installation Instructions 11
Set INPUT 2
56 69
26

Note

INPUT 2 must be higher than INPUT 1 when using CATV channels,
and INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 must be separated by at least one unused channel.
• If the MRD-Dl is improperly tuned, the power indicator will blink. Do not ignore a blinking power indicator even if the TV is showing a picture. Repeat the tuning procedure until the power indicator is steady on.
4 Tune your TV to the channel you selected for INPUT 1. Turn on
the DSS receiver.
5 Using the tuning tool provided, turn the first two rotary controls
on the top of the modulator unit to the channel number selected in step 3. Begin the tuning process by setting the first digit of the channel with the first rotary control, and then the second digit of the charmel with the second rotary control. Tune only one channel at a time.
\
MODULATOR
LINE 1
LINE 2
3
%
When the channel is selected, the main TV should be displaying a
picture. This confirms proper operation and channel tuning. The
DSS channel will now be available on every TV connected to the system.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 using your second video source and your selected INPUT 2 number. If there is no second source, set INPUT 1.
12 Installation Instructions
J

System Diagram

A/V Cable
DSS Receiver
«TfUITE.« ^ ▼ ▼ ▼
nil 0 II ® .^.™c lllllllllllll “y* a ® ¿ I
ÍW5 • ó ® ® ® ® @
V
- Audio/
Video Out
Hs:©"
©-□
*
A
•/
' Coaxial Cable
to VHF/UHF Input
IR Target EAC-T1 (1 Supplied)
Coaxial Cable
to VHF/UHF Input
Installation Instructions 13

Common Questions

Can the modulator be connected to a remote TV without using an IR target?

Yes, but you won't have remote control capability. You can add an IR target at any time to get remote control capability. If you add an IR target, unplug the modulator unit before attaching it.

Can an amplifier be used on the output of the modulator to drive a signal over longer cable paths?

No. The IR remote control feature will be defeated if an external amplifier is used.

Can I use any remote control with the IR target?

The remote control you use with the IR target must be capable of operating the component you want to control. The Sony RM-Y130 remote commander can control a DSS receiver, TV, VCR, cable box, and laserdisc player, and has a learning feature for non-preprogrammed components.
Can a splitter be used on one or more of the remote video outputs
to operate multiple TV's on that line?
No. The MRD-Dl Multi-room Distribution System is a pre-engineered system providing optimum signal levels to each TV for clear, crisp picture quality. Each time a splitter is added there is lowering of signal level called insertion loss. Insertion losses upset system performance. Additionally, not all splitters pass DC voltage. Inability to pass DC voltage will cause the IR feature to be defeated.

Can I change from the off-air antenna to cable without problems?

Yes. Even though cable channels are set at different frequencies than
off-air channels, MRD-Dl will accommodate and work with either. If you change from one signal source to the other, you will have to retime your system following the procedures of this manual.

14 Common Questions

Specifications

General
Size (H/W/D) Mass Power
Performance
Signal Inputs
Signal Outputs
RF carriers
RF Power Output
Antenna Isolation
172 X 140 X 51 mm (6.8 x 5.5 x 2.0 in.)
1.19 kg (2 lbs, 10 oz.) Transformer Input: 115 VAC, 60 Hz
Transformer Output: 12 VAC, 60 Hz Consumption: 7 watts, typical
1 for CATV or Antenna 2 for video devices such as satellite receiver, VCR
or laserdisc player
5 for connecting to main TV, input to VCR and up
to 3 remote TVs
Note: All outputs support IR operation of remote
devices when cormected to a target assembly.
Stability ±1 kHz Frequency ranges: UHF channels 14 to 35
CATV channels 54 to 86 Charmel width: 6.0 MHz Audio offset: 4.5 MHz Sidebands: Double
Modulator: 12.0 dBmV nominal (4000 pvolts)
15.5 dBmV maximum (5670 pvolts)
Greater than 60 dB
Video Performance
Differential Gain: 4%, typical Differential Phase error: 4°, typical
Signal to Noise Ratio Input Signal Level
45 dB, typical Video: 1.0 volt peak to peak into 75 Q
Audio: 2.8 volt peak to peak into 47 kQ
Controls and Indicators
Function
Control/Indicator Type
Output Channel Select Four rotary indicators:
one (1) pair for each output channel.
Power On/Off
IR System Enabled
Green LED Indicator
Red LED Indicator
Purpose
Select output channel.
a) Confirms power
applied.
b) Blinks to aid channel
selector positioning.
a) Confirms IR repeater
system enabled.
15

Limited Warranty

If this product should prove defective in workmanship or material during the period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase at retail, the same will be replaced by either the Seller, or Sony Electronics
Inc.
SUCH REPLACEMENT SHALL BE THE SOLE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER, AND THERE SHALL BE NO LIABILITY ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER, DISTRIBUTOR OR SELLER FOR ANY
LOSS OR DAMAGE, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING OUT
OF THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PRODUCT. Some
states of the United States do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
To locate the servicer or dealer nearest you, for service assistance or
resolution of a service problem, or for product information or operation,
call:
SONY DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEM INFORMATION CENTER
1-800-838-7669
For an accessory or part not available from your authorized dealer, call:
1-800-488-SONY (7669)
Sony Corporation Printed in U.S.A.
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