Sony SAT-A1 User Manual

FOR POSITION ONLY

ITI TO PROVIDE

3-800-356-21

Digital Satellite Receiver

Operating Instructions

SAT-A1

WARNING

Owner’s Record

To prevent fire or shoc k hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert th e user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosur e that may be of significant magnitude to constitute a ris k of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert th e user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Caution

To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacl e, o r other outl et unl e ss the bl ades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Note to the CATV Installer

This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelin es fo r proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connec ted to the gr oundi ng system of the buildi ng as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Note to the DSS® Satellite Dish Installer

This reminder is provided to call the DSS satellite dish installer’s attention to Article 810 and in particular Article 810-15 of the NEC, which covers proper in st allation and grounding of t e le vision receiving equipment, as well as to Artic le 820 -40 of the NEC, which specifies that the satellite dish cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practi cal.

Telephone Line Interruption

Periodically, information on your DirecTicket and Pay-Per-View selections is sent, free of charge, via your telephone line to an 800 number. During the time the information is being forwarded, you cannot use your telephone and you will hear static noise for approximately 30 seconds. If you would like to use your telephone while the information is being sent, you can interrupt the sending of this information at any time by unplugging the phone line to the receiver.

The model and serial numbers are located on the back of the receiver. The number for the access card is on the front of the card and on the carton label. Record these numbers in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you need to call your sales or service repres entative regarding this product.

Model Number:

Serial Number:_____ ________________________________________

Access Card Number:_________________ ______________________

SAT-A1

Customer Support

For DSS P rogramming

For subscription information, or to resolve problems related to DSS programming, call:

DIRECTV® at 1-800-DIREC TV (347-3288) or USSB at 1-800-204-USSB (8772).

For DSS Hardware and Installation

To arrange for the installation of your DSS system, call the dealer from whom you purchased your system.

For general information, or to resolve problems related to the operation of your satellite receiver or antenna, please contact your Sony brand DSS dealer. If your dealer or installer is unable to answer your questions, call the Sony DSS Customer Support line at

1-800-838-7669

Trademark and Copyrights

Express Navigator is a trademark of Sony Corpor at ion . DI RE CT V and DSS are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics. USSB and USSB Entertainment Plus are official service marks o f the United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc. HBO is a registered trademark of Time Warner Entertainment Com p an y, L.P. Showtime is a service mark of Showtime. MTV: Music Television is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. Co me d y Central is a registered trademark of Comedy Partners.

Macrovision Information

This product incor porates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology is granted by Macrovision for home and other li mi ted DSS IR D pay- per-view uses only. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Note on Recording Programming

Programming may be taped for home viewing only. All other taping is expressly prohibited. Som e programming may not be taped. An additional taping fee may be applied. Call your program providers for details.

StarSight Li censed

The manufacture and sale of the television sched ule featur e of thi s product was licensed under one or more of the following patents of StarSight Telecast, Inc.: U.S. Patent Nos. 4,706,121; 4,977,455; 5,151,789; and 5,353,121; w it h us e righ ts reserved .

Chapter 1 Introducing the DSS System

5 DSS Features 6 Unpacking 7 Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control

Chapter 2 Using Basic Functions

10 Using the Master Guide 11 Using the Sta tion Index

Chapter 3 Connecting Your System

13 Overview 14 TV Only 16 TV and VCR 18 Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio Receiver 20 Home Entertainment System

(Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video Receiver)

22 Setting Up the RF Antenna 23 Setting Up Your DSS System

Chapter 4 Using the System Features

25 Overview 26 Before You Get Started ... 27 Using the On-Screen Displays: Highlight and Select 28 Displaying the Master Guide 29 Features of the Master Guide 30 Moving Through the Master Guide 32 Selecting a Program from the Guide 33 Selecting Program Guides and Lists By Category 35 Selecting the Custom Guide 36 Using the Sta tion Index 38 Selecting the Favorite Station Guide 39 Selecting Other (Program Provider) Guides 40 Using DISPLAY and JUMP 41 Selecting Alternate Audio 42 Canceling Purchases 43 Checking Your Purchase Record 44 Setting Up the Timer 47 Reading Your Messages

Chapter 5 Using the Custom Setup Menu

49 Overview 50 Displaying the Custom Setup Menu 51 Setting Up a Favorite Station Guide 53 Setting a Default Language 54 Setting Locks and Limits 59 Setting Up a List of Custom Stations 61 Selecting Data Services

Chapter 6 Using the Installation Menu

63 Overview 64 Displaying the Insta llation Menu 65 Setting Up the Satellite Antenn a 66 Replacing Your Access Card 68 Setting the Aspect Ratio 69 Setting Up the Remote Control 72 Running a System Test

Appendix Other Information

74 Location and Function of Controls 76 Using the Remote Control 79 Programming the Remote 82 Using the Lea r n Fu nction 83 Troubleshooting 86 Precautions 87 FCC Regulations and Information 88 Limited Warranty 89 Specifications 90 Index

Contents

Chapter 1

Introducing the DSS System

Welcome to the Sony brand DSS (Digital Satellite System), the ultimate digital entertainment experience. Read this chapter for an overview of the features of the system and to check the carton contents of the DSS receiver. This chapter also d e scribes how to insert batteries into the remote control.

DSS Features

Here are just a few benefits of the DSS system that you'll enjoy:

Excellent Performance

Superior, digital-quality video that rivals the performance of most



laser-disc players. Crisp digital-quality audio that will enhance your TV or home



theater experience.

Premium Entertainment

Choose from a variety of pr ogram packages avai lable throug h your



program providers, DIRECTV® and USSB

Convenience and Ease-of-Use

Order premium pay-per-view movies with the remote control.



Pay-per-view programs start as often as every 30 mi nutes, so you can watch programs when you want to see them. To watch a program, just use the remote to select it directly from the Master Guide.

Sony’s Express Navigator on-screen display system guides you



through all the system features and functions. Select from a variety of program guides that are sorted by program



categories, including Sports, Movies, News, and more. Use the Timer feature in coordination with your VCR’s timer



recording function to automate the recording of DSS programs.

Customizable

Create a Custom Program Guide and up to three of your own



Favorite Station Guides for stations you watch most often. Set up a passcode, which lets yo u se t up spe nding limits and



control viewing of programs by rating and station. Compatible with both 4:3 (standard) or 16 :9 (widescreen) TVs.



Unpacking

Check to make sure you’ve received the following items in the DSS receiver’s carton:

DSS Receiver with Access Card *

Size AA Batteries

POWER

AC Power Cable

Audio/Video Cable

RF Coaxial Cable Phone Line

* The access card comes already inserted into the DSS receiver. If you are missing items, contact the dealer from whom you purchased

the DSS receiver.

RF Antenna

Remote Control

S-VIDEO Cable

Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System

Note

Keep the original c a rton and packing materia ls to safely transport the system in the future.

Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control

Before you can use the remote control, you must first insert the supplied batteries. If you want to use this remote control to operate your TV, cable box, VCR, or laser-disc player, you must also program the remote, as described in the Appendix on page 79.

To install the batteries:

Push and slide open the battery compartment.

Insert two size AA batteries (supplied). Be sure to line up the +

–

on the batteries with the + and – on the battery

and compartment.

Notes on Batteries

If the remote control does not operate properly, the batteries might



be worn out. When replacing batteries, replace both of them with new ones, and do not mix different types of batteries together.

When you remove the batteries — to replace them, for example —



any codes you’ve set may be erased. If this happens, you must reprogram the r e mote. See “Programming the Remote” on page 79 for details.

Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System

frutiger bold

Chapter 2

Using Basic Functions

You can start watching programs using just a few buttons on the remote control. Here’s an overview of the buttons you’ll use most often.frutiger bold

POWER

MUTING

FUNCTION

SLEEP

CABLE

DSS

DSS POWER Button

DSSTVCABLE

Turns the DSS receiver on and off.

TV/VIDEO

1 4 7

DISPLAY

VOL

ALTERNATE

AUDIO

2 5 8

EXIT

FAVORITE

JUMPTV/DSS

3 6

ENTER

PAGE

GUIDE

Brings up the Master Guide.

Joystick

GUIDE Button

Moving the joystick up, down, left, right, and diagonally scrolls through the Master Guide. Pressing the joystick selects the program that’s highlighted. When a program guide is not displayed, pressing the joystick brings up the Station Index.

CH/PAGE Buttons

Changes the channel. When a program guide is displayed, pressin g the CH/PAGE buttons pages through the guide.

The following pages describe a quick start to using the Master Guide and the Station Index.

Chapter 4 contains procedures for using all the system features.

Using the Master Guide

The Master Guide is the main program guide. It contains all the programmi ng t hat’s available from your p rogram providers, i n c lud i n g the programming to which you subscribe.

Press the GUIDE button to bring up the Master Guide.

Your Master Guide may not look exactly like this. The stations displayed depend on the program provider(s) you select.

MASTER GUIDE

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Hugh Grant, Andie McDowell. A confirmed bachelor meets the

PRESS FOR PURCHASE INFORMATION

8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PMWED

SHO2987 MTV 989 COM 990 Monty Python...Saturday Night Live USSB999 DTV 100 DTV 102 DTV 105

Move the highlight to the name of the program you want.

Boxing

USSB Background Direct Ticket Pr e views

Four W eddings and a Funeral

woman of his dreams at a friend’s wedding and, for the first time, contemplates the idea of marriage for himself. (CC, S) (A,S,

In the Line of Fire

WED OCT 5 8:45 PM

The Real WorldMusic Videos

Like Water for ...Philadelphia

You’ll hear the audio and see the video (in the background) of each program as they are highlighted.

The table below lists the various ways in which you can move around in the guide.

Press the joystick to select the highlighted program.

Moving Around In the Master Guide

Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions

To Do This ... Press This Button

Go to other stations in the guide one station at a time

Go to other time slots in the guide

Move the joystick up and down

Move the joystick left and right to move one time slot at a time. Or press the GUIDE button repeatedly to move ahead in time quickly.

Go to other stations in the guide one “page” at a time

Go to a station directly 0-9 buttons

Return to the last station you were watching

PAGE (CH+) and PAGE (CH-) but tons

(to specify the station number) EXIT button

Using the Station Index

You can use the Station Index to select a station by its station logo/call letters (such as CNN), rather than its current program’s name.

Note

Before you can bring up the Station Index, you must f irst clear the program guide from your TV screen. Pressing E X IT removes all on-screen displays. Also, you may need to change to another station if a message appears, which requests that you press the joystick to purchase the program, etc.

Press the joystick to bring up the Station Index.

Your Station Index may not look exactly like this. The stations displayed depe nd o n the pr og ramm ing you’ve ordered.

Moving Around In the Station Index

STATION INDEX

206

216 220 222 224 225 226 227

229 230 232 233 235 236 240

Move the highlight to the station you want. You’ll hear the audio and see the video (in the background) of each

program, as they are highlighted. The table below lists the various ways in which you can move

around in the Station Index.

Press the joystick to tune to the program that’s playing on the station you’ve highlighted.

To Do This ... Press This Button

Go to other stations in the guide, one station at a time

207 208 209 211 212 215

DISC TLC

Move the joystick in any direction

Go to other stations in the guide, one “page” at a time

Go to a statio n directly 0-9 button s

Return to the last s tation you were watching

PAGE (CH+) and PAGE (CH-) but tons

(to specify the station number) EXIT button

Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions

Chapter 3

Connecting Your System

Read this chapter to set up your DSS receiver for the first time, or to add or remove audio or video components connected to your system.

Overview

You can connect the DSS receiver in a variety of configurations. The answers to the following questions will determine how you hoo k up and operate your DSS receiver. For example:

Do you have cable TV or a broadcast (terrestrial) TV antenna?



What type of connectors do your TV and VCR have: S-VIDEO,



A/V (RCA-type), or RF coaxial? Do you plan to integrate your DSS receiver with your audio or



video system?

General Recommendations

Detailed hookup instructions are provided on the pages that follow. For optimum audio and video performance, follow these general recommendations as much as possible when hooking up your components:

If you have an audio or audio/video system, consider integrating



the DSS receiver into a home entertainment configuration to take advantage of y our hi-fi system’s aud io capabilities.

If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use it to connect your TV to the



DSS receiver. An S-Video connection pr ovides a better pictur e than RCA-type video or RF connections.

If your TV doesn’t have an S-VIDEO jack, use your TV’s A/V



connectors to connect your components. An A/V connection provides a better picture and audio when compared to an RF connection.

If you have other Sony components that include CONTROL-S



jacks, you can connect these components via their CONTROL-S jacks in order to pass remote control signals between the DSS receiver and these components. This allows you to hide components behind cabinet doors.

TV Only

TV With RF Connector Only

Some TVs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.

Satellite Receiver

SATELLITE IN

LOW SPEED DATA

WIDE BAND DATA

Refer to the illustration below.

Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.

Connect the DSS receiver’s VHF(SAT)/UHF OUT jack to the TV’s VHF/UHF IN jack.

Note

A VHF/UHF connection does not provide stereo sound. To receive stereo sound, you must use an A/V connection (described on page 15).

Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver’s TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home’s modular telephone outlet.

Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver’s AC IN jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.

CONTROL S IN

OUT

RF REMOTE

AUDIO 3

OUT

AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO

(MONO)

VHF/UHF

CH 3 CH 4

VHF(SAT)/UHF

OUT

AC OUT

TEL LINE

AC IN

1234

RG-6 Cable from LNB

Coaxial Cable

Telephone Line

VHF / UHF

Optional Connections

If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,



connect it to the DSS receiver ’s VHF/UHF IN jack. To connect the DSS receiver to your audio system, use audio cables



to connect the DSS receiver to your audio receiver’s AUDIO IN jacks.

AC Cord

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

TV With A/V Connectors

Refer to the illustration below.

Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.

If your TV has only one AUDIO IN jack, connect the lower (mo no) AUDIO L jack on the DSS receiver to the TV’s AUDIO IN jack.

Satellite Receiver

SATELLITE IN

LOW SPEED DATA

WIDE BAND DATA

12 34

RG-6 Cable from LNB

Connect the DSS receiver’s A/V jacks to the TV’s A/V IN jacks.

Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver’s TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home’s modular telephone outlet.

Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver’s AC IN jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.

RF REMOTE

CONTROL S IN

OUT

A/V Cable

AUDIO 3

OUT

AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO

(MONO)

VHF/UHF

CH 3 CH 4

VHF(SAT)/UHF

OUT

TEL LINE

VHF / UHF

Telephone Line

VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

AC OUT

AC IN

AC Cord

S VIDEO

VIDEO

(

)

MONO

AUDIO

Some TVs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.

Optional Connections

If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,



connect it to the TV’s VHF/UHF IN jack.



Best Connection

: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO cable to connect the DSS receiver’s S-VIDEO jack to the TV’s SVIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use audio cables to connect one set of the DSS receiver’s audio jacks to the TV’s AUDIO IN jacks.

To connect the DSS receiver to your audio system, use audio cables



to connect the DSS receiver to your audio receiver’s AUDIO IN jacks.

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

TV and VCR

Refer to the illustration on the opposite page.

Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.

Connect the DSS receiver’s A/V jacks to the A/V IN jacks on the the TV and VCR. If your VCR has only one AUDIO IN jack (monoaural VCR), connect it to the lower (mono) AUDIO L jack on the DSS receiver.

Some VCRs and TVs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.

Connect the DSS receiver’s VHF(SA T)/UHF OUT jack to the VCR’s VHF/UHF IN jack.

Complete one of the following to connect the VCR to the TV:



Better Connection

connect the VCR’s A/V OUT jacks to the TV’s A/V IN jacks.



Good Connection

connect the VCR’s VHF/UHF OUT jack to the TV’s VHF/UHF IN jack.

Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver’s TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home’s modular telephone outlet.

Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver’s AC IN jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.

: If both your TV and VCR have A/V jacks,

: If your TV or VCR has only an RF jack,

Optional Connections

If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,



connect it to the DSS receiver ’s VHF/UHF IN jack.



Best Connection

cable to connect the DSS receiver’s S-VIDEO jack to the TV’s S-VIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use audio cables to connect one set of the DSS receiver’s audio jacks to the TV’s AUDIO IN jacks.

: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

To connect the DSS receiver to your audio system, use audio cables



to connect the DSS receiver to your audio receiver’s AUDIO IN jacks.

Note

When watching a program that is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.

Satellite Receiver

SATELLITE IN

LOW SPEED DATA

WIDE BAND DATA

CONTROL S IN

OUT

RF REMOTE

AUDIO 3

OUT

AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO

(MONO)

A/V Cable

CH 3 CH 4

VHF/UHF

VHF(SAT)/UHF

OUT

AC OUT

TEL LINE

AC IN

RG-6 Cable from LNB

A/V Cable

Coaxial Cable

Telephone Line

OUT

VHF / UHF

VCR

Coaxial or A/V Cable

VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

S VIDEO

VIDEO

(

AUDIO

MONO

AC Cord

LINE

LINE OUT

)

AUDIOVIDEO

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio Receiver

Refer to the illustration on the opposite page.

Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.

Connect the DSS receiver’s audio OUT jacks to the audio receiver’s audio IN jac k s.

Connect the DSS receiver’s A/V jacks to the VCR and TV’s A/V IN jacks.

Connect the DSS receiver’s VHF(SA T)/UHF OUT jack to the VCR’s VHF/UHF IN jack.

Complete one of the following to connect the VCR to the TV:



Better Connection: If both your TV and VCR have A/V jacks, connect the VCR’s A/V OUT jacks to the TV’s A/V IN jacks.



Good Connection: If your TV or VCR has only an RF jack, connect the VCR’s VHF/UHF OUT jack to the TV’s VHF/UHF IN jack.

Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver’s TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home’s modular telephone outlet.

Some VCRs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.

Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver’s AC IN jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.

Optional Connections

If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,



connect it the VCR’s VHF/UHF IN jack.



Best Connection: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO cable to connect the DSS receiver’s S-VIDEO jack to the TV’s S-VIDEO IN jack. This provides the best picture quality. Then use audio cables to connect one set of the DSS receiver’s audio jacks to the A/V receiver’s AUDIO IN jacks.

Note

When watching a program that is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Satellite Receiver

SATELLITE IN

LOW SPEED DATA

WIDE BAND DATA

CONTROL S IN

OUT

RF REMOTE

AUDIO 2

OUT

AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO

A/V Cable

UHF/VHF

CH 3 CH 4

VHF/SAT/UHF

OUT

TEL LINE

AC IN

RG-6 Cable

from LNB

Audio Receiver

Audio

Cable

Coaxial

Cable

Telephone

A/V Cable

OUT

VHF / UHF

Line

Coaxial or A/V Cable

VCR

Coaxial or A/V Cable

VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

S VIDEO

VIDEO

(

MONO

AUDIO

LINE

LINE OUT

AC Cord

)

AUDIOVIDEO

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Home Entertainment System (Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video Receiver)

Refer to the illustration on the opposite page.

Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.

Connect the DSS receiver’s A/V jacks to the VCR and A/V receiver’s A/V IN jacks.

Connect the VCR’s A/V OUT jacks to one set of the A/V receiver’s A/V IN jacks.

Connect the A/V receiver ’s MONITOR OUT jack to the TV’s VIDEO IN jack.

Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the DSS receiver’s TEL LINE jack. Connect the other end to your home’s modular telephone outlet.

Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver’s AC IN jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.

Optional Connections

Some VCRs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.

If you have a cable input, cable box, or a terrestrial TV antenna,



connect it the VCR’s VHF/UHF IN jack.



Best Connection

Note

In this configurat ion, the A/V receiver must be turned on in order to pass the video signals through to your TV. When watching a pr ogr am th at is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.

: If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use an S-VIDEO

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Satellite Receiver

SATELLITE IN

LOW SPEED DATA

WIDE BAND DATA

CONTROL S IN

OUT

RF REMOTE

AUDIO 2

OUT

AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO

A/V Cable

CH 3 CH 4

UHF/VHF

UHF/VHF/SAT

OUT

TEL LINE

AC IN

12 6

RG-6 Cable from LNB

A/V Receiver

MONITOR

OUT

Video Cable

LINE

A/V Cable

AUDIOVIDEO

A/V Cable

Telephone Line

VCR

OUT

AC Cord

LINE

LINE OUT

AUDIOVIDEO

VHF / UHF

VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

S VIDEO

VIDEO

(

MONO

AUDIO

)

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Setting Up the RF Antenna

The RF antenna lets you take advantage of the RF ( radio frequency) feature, which enables the remote control to operate the DSS receiver even if the receiver is located in another room or is placed behind a cabinet door. In other words, with the RF feature, the remote control does not require a direct line-of-sight to the front panel of the DSS receiver.

Note

You must set up the RF antenna only if you plan on taking advantage of the RF feature.

To set up the RF antenna:

Connect the RF antenna to the DSS receiver’s RF REMOTE jack.

Place the RF antenna at least one foot away from the DSS receiver.

Note

Do not place the RF antenna directly on top of the DSS receiver or any other metal object.

Use the on-screen displays to set up the DSS receiver to accept RF transmission (RF ONLY). See “Setting Up the Remote Control” on page 69 for details.

The DSS receiver is shipped with IR transmission enabled and RF transmission disabled. To use the RF feature, you must first change the factory setting (IR ONLY) to the RF setting (RF ONLY) using the on-screen displays, as described on page 69.

Note

The operating range of the DSS rem ote control is about 1 00 ft. This may decrease due to ambient radio wave conditions, your room’s walls, etc.

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Satellite Receiver

SATELLITE IN

WIDE BAND DATALOW SPEED DATA

Optional Setup

The RF antenna can be mounted to a wall using the enclosed



screws or by using two pieces of double-sided tape (supplied).

CONTROL S IN

OUT

RF REMOTE

AUDIO 3

OUT

RF Antenna

AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO

(MONO)

VHF/UHF

CH 3 CH 4

VHF(SAT)/UHF

OUT

TEL LINE

AC OUT

AC IN

Setting Up Your DSS System

Viewing Satellite Programs

T urn on the TV, and then set the TV’s line input to the DSS receiver. (For example, set the TV to channel 3 or 4, if you used an RF connection; or set to VIDEO1, etc., if you used an A/V connection.)

Turn on the VCR and A/V receiver, if you connected these components. Then set their output switches according ly.

Turn on the DSS receiver and select a stati on.

Viewing Cable or Off-Air Programs

Recording Satellite Programs While Watching Cable or Off-Air Programs

Note

The following instructions apply only if you connected your cable TV or terrestrial antenna to your DSS receiver.

Turn off your DSS receiver, or press the TV/DSS button to set the DSS receiver to TV mode (DSS indicator on the front panel is off).

Turn on the TV and then:

If you have a cable box, turn it on and then tune the TV to the



output channel of your cable box, usually channel 3 or 4. If you don’t have a cable box, just tune your TV to the station



you want to watch .

Note

The following instructions apply only if you connected your cable TV or terrestrial antenna to your DSS receiver.

Turn on the TV and then:

If you have a cable box, turn it on and then tune the TV to the



output channel of your cable box, usually channel 3 or 4. If you don’t have a cable box, tune your TV to the station you



want to watch.

Turn on the DSS receiver, and tune to the program you want to record. Then set the VCR to line input, and start recording, according to your VCR’s instruction manual.

Press the TV/DSS button to set the DSS receiver to TV (DSS indicator on the front panel is off).

The DSS receiver’s signal is sent to the VCR, while the off-air signal is sent to your TV for you to watch.

Note

For information on using the DSS receiver’s automatic timer, see “Setting Up the Timer” on page 44.

Note

You cannot record one satellite program while watching another satellite program (unless you have a second DSS receiver). Wh en wat c hing a program that is protected by Macrovision, turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.

Chapter 3: Connecting Your System

Chapter 4

Using the System Features

Read this chapter to learn how to use system features including the Master program guide, Station Index, Favorite Station Guide, and the ordering of pay-per-view programs.

Overview

This chapter provides detailed instructions for using most of the features of your DSS receiver. Topics include:

Checking to make sure your system is completely set up and ready

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to be used (page 26). Using Highlight and Select, the simple, two- step process for

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operating all the on-screen displays (page 27). Displaying and navigating through the Master Guide (page 28).

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Selecting subscription and pay-per-view programs from the

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program guides (page 32). Choosing from the two program guide formats, Guide and List,

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and selecting special program guides sorted by category and subcategory (page 33).

Using the Custom Guide (page 35).

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Using the Station Index ( p age 36).

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Using the three Favorite Station Guides (page 38).

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Using other (program provider) guides (page 39).

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Displaying the Program Banner and using the JUMP feature

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(page 40). Selecting an alternate audio track for the program you’re currently

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watching (page 41). Canceling pay-per-view programs you’ve ordered (page 42).

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Checking your pay-per-view purchase record (page 43).

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Setting the automatic timer (page 44).

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Reading mail messages sent to your DSS receiver (page 4 7).

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Before You Get Started ...

Make sure you (or your DSS system installer) have completed the following procedures before you start using your DSS receiver:

Install the satellite antenna, as described in the Satellite Antenna Installation Manual.

Note

Make certain that you (or your DSS system installer) have optimized the signal strength. If the signal is not optimized, yo u may experience losses in audio or video, especially during rain, snow, or other conditions that tend to degrade signal performance. See the Satellite Antenna Installation Manual for details on pointing the dish and optimizing the antenna’s signal strength.

Connect the satellite antenna to your DSS receiver. Then connect the receiver to your television and telephone line. (See Chapter 3.)

Note

Your phone line must be connected to the DSS receiver in order for you to purchase a pay-per-view program with the DSS remote control.

Make sure the access card is inserted into the DSS receiver. The receiver comes with the card already inserted. (See page 66 for details on inserting the access card.)

If Your System Is Not Completely Installed ...

Call your program providers (DIRECTV and USSB) to activate your service. You’ll need to provide information, including the model and serial numbers of your DSS receiver and the access card number.

DIRECTV® 1-800-DIRECTV (347-3288) USSB 1-800-204-USSB (8772)

See the manual that came with the satellite antenna and Chapter 3 of this manual for complete install ation instructions. Or, see your DSS dealer to arrange f or a professional installation or the purchase of the Sony-brand DSS Installation Kit.

Chapter 4: Using the System Features

Using the On-Screen Displays: Highlight and Select

All of the features and functions of the DSS receiver can be operated using a simple, two-step process: Highlight and Select. These two steps are explained below.

Step 1: Highlight

To highlight, move the joystick on the remote to move the on-

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screen to the item that you want to select.

Step 2: Select

After you’ve highlighted the item that you want, select it by

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pressing the joystick.

Example: Highlight and Select

In the sample menu that follows, moving the joystick up moves the highlight from ITEM 5...

highlight

Tip

In many of the on-screen displays you can move the joystick in eight directions: left, right, up, down, and diagonally (up left, up right, down left, and down right).

SAMPLE MENU

ITEM 1

ITEM 4

ITEM 7 ITEM 8

... to ITEM 2.

SAMPLE MENU

ITEM 1

ITEM 4

ITEM 7

Pressing the joystick selects ITEM 2.

You can apply this basic operation of highlighting and selecting to perform any of the system’s function s.

ITEM 2

ITEM 5

ITEM 2

ITEM 5

ITEM 8

ITEM 3

ITEM 6

ITEM 9

ITEM 3

ITEM 6

ITEM 9

Chapter 4: Using the System Features

Displaying the Master Guide

You can select programs using the CH+ and CH- buttons, or you can enter the station number directly using the 0-9 buttons. However, because DSS offers you such a variety of programming choices, you’ll get the most out of the system by using one of the on-screen program guides to find the programs you want to watch.

The Master Guide, the main program guide, lists all the programs being offered by your program providers, including regular programs and pay-per-view events.

To display the Master Guide:

Press the GUIDE button on the remote

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OR Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu. T o display the

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Master Guide, highlight and then select MASTER GU IDE from the menu.

Tip

You can select menu items directly by pressing the corresponding number button. For example, press 2 to select the Master Guide.

The symbol indicates that this selection has a submenu that contains additional selections.

MAIN MENU

SELECT GUIDE 1

MOVIES GUIDE 4

OTHER GUIDES 7

MASTER GUIDE 2

EXIT 5 CUSTOM

GUIDE 8

SELECT LIST 3

MOVIES LIST 6

SYSTEM MENU

The Master Guide is discussed in more detail on the following pages.

Chapter 4: Using the System Features

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