Sony SAT-A3 User Manual
Digital Satellite Receiver
3-856-591-24 (1)
Operating Instructions
BEFORE USING YOUR DSS SYSTEM
You must activate your programming service
by calling your program providers:
DIRECTV®
USSR
For more Information, see page 22.
SAT-A3 MODEL ONLY
RF ANTENNA: The D55 receiver is shipped
with IR reception enabled and RF reception
disabled. To use the RF feature (and the
antenna), you must change the factory setting
(IR ONLY) to the RF setting (RF ONLY) using the
on-screen displays, as described in this
manual.
1-800-347-3288
1-800-204-8772
®
DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEM
SAT-A3
SAT-B3
>1996 by Sony Corporation
WARNING Owner's Record
To provent fire or shock hazard, ^o not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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,
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of
significant magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
Note to the CATV Installer
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's
attention to Article 820-40 obihe NEC that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable
ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building
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 installation and grounding of television
receiving equipment, as well as to Article 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 practical.
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 temporarily unplugging the
phone line to the receiver.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
exphessly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
_____________________________
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the
receir er. 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 representative regarding this product.
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Access Card Number:
Customer Support
For DSS Programming
For subscription information, or to resolve problems related to
DSS programming, call:
DIRECTV® at 1-800-DlRECTV (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 Digital Satellite System
Information Center at 1-800-838-7669.
Trademark and Copyrights
Express Navigator is a trademark of Sony Corporation. DIRECTV
and DSS are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of
Hughes Electronics, USSB and USSB Entertainment Plus are
official service marks of the United States Satellite Broadcasting
Company, Inc.
Macrovision Information
This product incorporates 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 limited DSS IRD 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. Some programming may not be
taped. An additional taping fee may be applied. Call your
program providers^for details.
StarSight Licensed
The manufacture and sale of the television schedule feature of this
pro'duct 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; with use rights reserved.
Network Broadcasting Information
ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS networks are available from
DIRECTV. Some restrictions apply.
Contents
Chapter 1 _
Introducing the DSS System
4 DSS Features
5 Package Contents
6 Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control
Chapter 2
Using Basic Functions
7 Remote Control for Model SAT-A3
8 Remote Control for Model SAT-B3
9 Using a Program Guide
10 Using the Station Index
Chapter 3
Connecting Your System
11
Overview
TV Only
12
14
TV and VCR
16
Home Entertainment System
(Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video
Receiver)
18
Connecting the IR Blaster
19
Setting Up the RF Antenna (SAT-A3 Only)
20
Setting Up Your DSS System
Chapter 4
Using the System Features
-
21 - Overview
Before You Get Started ...
22
23 Using the On-Screen Displays:
Highlight and Select
24 Displaying the Program Guide
Features of the Program Guide
25
26 Moving Through the Program Guide
28 Selecting a Program from the Guide .........
Selecting a Category List
29
30 Selecting a Different Category Guide or List
Using the Station Index
33
35 Setting Up the Timer/One Button Recording
37 Using the Favorite Station Guides
Displaying the Program Banner
40
41 Using the DISPLAY Feature
Chapter 5
Using the Options Menu
43 Overview
44 Displaying the Options Menu
45 Checking and Cancelling PPV Purchases
46 Setting Display Options
48 Using the Jump Loop Feature
49 Setting Locks and Limits
54 Setting Up a List of Custom Stations
56 Selecting Alternate Audio
58 Reading Your Messages
60 Selecting Data Services
Chapter 6
Using the Setup Menu
63 Overview
64 Displaying the Setup Menu
65 Setting Up the Satellite Antenna
66 VCR Recording
68 Replacing Your Access Card
70 Setting the Aspect Ratio
71 Setting Up the Remote Control
75 Running a System Test
76 Displaying Help, Tips, and Shortcuts
Appendix
Other Information
Location and Function of Controls
77
81 Using the Remote Control
Programming the Remote Control
85
87 T roubleshooting
Precautions
90
FCC Regulations and Information
91
92 Limited Warranty
Specifications
93
94 Index
- ■
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.
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
laserdisc players.
□ Crisp digital-quality audio that will enhance your TV or home
theater experience.
Premium Entertainment
□ Choose from a variety of program packages available through your
program providers, DIRECTV® and USSB®^.
Convenience and Ease-of-Use
□ Order premium pay-per-view (PPV) movies. PPV programs start
as often as every 30 minutes, so you can watch programs when you
want to see them.
□ 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.
□ The Timer feature, when used with Sony's IR Blaster, allows easy
One Button Recording of DSS programs.
Customizable
□ Create a Custom Category Guide and up to five of your own
Favorite Station Guides for stations you watch most often.
□ Change the color palette, and station ordering of the program
guides. Use the DISPLAY button to toggle among different sizes of
on-screen displays.
□ Set up a passcode, which lets you choose spending limits and
control viewing of programs by rating and station.
Package Contents
Check to make sure you've received the following items in the DSS
receiver's carton:
Remote
Control
Size AA Batteries
RF Coaxial Cable Phone Line S-Video Cable
* RF Antenna and S-Video cable are not included with SAT-B3. SAT-A3
includes RM-Y140 remote control shown above; SAT-B3 includes
RM-Y139 remote control shown on page 8.
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.
IR Blaster
Audio/Video Cable
Note
Keep the original carton and packing materials to safely transport the system
in the future.
Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System 5
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
other video components, such as a TV or cable box, you must also
program the remote as described in the Appendix on page 85.
To install the batteries:
1 Push and slide open the battery compartriaent.
SAT-A3 Remote Control:
SAT-B3 Remote Control:
2 Insert two size AA batteries (supplied). Be sure to line up the + and
— on the batteries with the + and — on the battery compartment.
Notes on Batteries
□ When the batteries become weak, the Function button indicator
blinks. 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 remote. See "Programming the Remote Control" on
page 85 for details.
□ When replacing the batteries', do not touch any buttons on the
remote control.
6 Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System
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.
Remote Control for Model SAT-A3
DSS POWER Button
Turns the DSS receiver on and off.
FUNCTION Buttons
Selects the component (DSS, TV, CABLE) that you want to
operate. These buttons flash to indicate which component the
remote control is set to operate. To control your TV or cable box,
you must first program the remote control, as described on
page 85.
0-9 and ENTER Buttons
Pressing the 0-9 buttons and then the ENTER button selects a
station number directly.
GUIDE Button
Brings up the Custom Guide.
CATEGORY Button
Brings up the Category Guide.
INDEX Button
Brings up the Station Index.
CH/PAGE Buttons
Changes the channel. When a program guide is displayed, pressing
the CH/PAGE buttons pages through the guide.
Joystick/-^- Button
Moving the joystick up, down, left, right, and diagonally scrolls
through the program guides. PfeSsingAhe button selects the
program that's highlighted.
See Also
□ Pages 9-10 for a quick start to using the program guide and the
Station Index.
□ Chapter 4 for procedures for using the main system features.
□ Pages 81-83 for a complete description of the buttons on the
remote.
Remote Control for Model SAT-B3
DSS POWER Button
Turns the DSS receiver on and off.
FUNCTION Buttons
Selects the component (DSS, TV, VTR) that you want to operate. These buttons
flash to indicate which component the remote control is set to operate. To
control your TV or VTR(VCR), you must first program the remote control, as
described on page 85.
VCR Control Buttons
Pressing the buttons will activate standard VCR features: Play, Record,
Pause, Stop, Rewind and Fast Forward.
0-9 and ENTER Buttons
Pressing the 0-9 buttons and then the ENTER button selects a station
number directly.
GUIDE Button
Brings up the Custom Guide.
CATEGORY Button
Brings up the Category Guide.
INDEX Button
Brings up the Station Index.
^ Button
Selects the program that's highlighted.
Arrow Buttons
Scrolls through the program guide.
CH/PAGE Buttons
Changes the channel. When a program guide is displayed, pressing
the CH/PAGE buttons pages through the guide.
See Also
□ Pages 9-10 for a quick start to using the program guide and the
Station Index.
□ Chapter 4 for procedures for using the main system features.
□ Page 84 for a complefe description of the buttons on the remote.
8 Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions
Using a Program Guide
The program guide displays the programming that's available from
your program providers.
1 Press the GUIDE button to bring up the Custom Guide.
CUSTOM GUIDE
First Knight
8:00 PM 10:00 PM PG-13
Act. Adv. 1995 Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia
Ormond. Thrilling romance results when rogue knight
Lancelot becomes torn between his loyalty to King
Arthur and his love for Queen Guinevere (CC, ST) (A, V)
WED
SH02 987 Boxing The Alamo
MTV
COM
USSR 999 USSB Programming Highlights
DTV
DTV
DTV
- 8:00 PM
989 MTV's Best of the 90's
990 Tracy Ullman
100 1Direct Ticket Previews
First Knight
102
105 Johnny Mnemonic Jefferson In Par...
T.8:30 PM ■ 9:00 PM
WED OCT 5 8:45 PM
DIRECTlft
Most Wanted...
It's Gary Shan...
2 Move the highlight to the name of the program 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 guide.
3 Press the button to select the highlighted program.
Moving Around
In a Program Guide
You can also change the look of the program
guide by pressing the DISPLAY button. See
"Using the DISPLAY Feature" on page 41.
In program guides, you can select station
call letters Inumbers to display a description
■ of the station.
To Do This... Use This Button
Go to other stations in the
guide one station at a time
SAT-A3 : Move the joystick up and
down
SAT-B3: Press the "f“ and buttons
Go to other time slots in the
guide one program at a time
SAT-A3: Move the joystick left and
right to move one time slot at a time.
SAT-B3: Press the and buttons
Both Models: Or press the GUIDE
biittonTo "page" to future time slots.
Go to other stations in the
guide one "page" at a time
Go to a station directly
Press the PAGEij' (CH+) and
PAGE^ (CH-) buttons
Press the 0-9 buttons and press ENTER
(to specify the station number)
Return to the last station you
Press the EXIT button
were watching
Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions 9
Using the Station Index
The Station Index lets you select a program from a grid of station logos
and call letters.
Note
Pressing EXIT removes all on-screen displays. Also, you may need to change
to another station if a message appears, which requests that you press the
button to purchase the program, etc.
1 Press (3 to bring up the Station Index.
Your Station Index may not look
exactly like this. The stations
displayed depend on the programming
you've ordered.
Moving Around In the Station Index
STATION INDEX
mj
OIRf CT>A
101
WLÀ
OiniCTW
107
114
mj
OINffCT«
108
mj
OIKECTW
115
mj-
DtniCr«
mj
mj
DIRECT«
102
DIRECT«.
109
116
Sports Center
mj
mj
mj
DIRECT«
103
DIRECT«
110
DIRECT«
117
mj
m2
m2
DIRECT«
104
DIRECT«
111
DIRECT«
118
m2
DIRECT«
105
mu
DIRECT«
112
m2
DIRECT«
119
m2
DIRECT«
106
m2
DIRECT«
113
m2
DIRECT«
120
2 Move the highlight to the station you want.
The program title is displayed at the top of the Station Index. Also,
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.
3 Press the button to tune to the program that's highlighted.
To Do This... Use This Button
Go to other stations in the guide, one
station at a time
SAT-A3: Move the joystick in any
direction
SAT-B3: Press the
# ^ # buttons
You can also change the look of the Station
Index by pressing the DISPLAY button. See
"Using the DISPLAY Feature" on page 41.
Go to other stations in the Station
Index, one "page" at a time
Go to a station directly
Return to the last station you were
watching
10 Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions
Press the PAGE1> (CH+) and
PAGE4> (CH-) buttons
Press the’ 0-9 buttons and press
ENTER (to specify the station
number)
Press the EXIT button
Chapter 3 I
Connecting Your
Overview
General Recommendations
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.
You can connect the DSS receiver in a variety of configurations. The
answers to the following questions will determine how you hook 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?
Detailed hookup instructions are provided on the pages that follow.
For opfimum audio and video performance, follow these general
recommendations as much as possible when hooking up your
components:
(SAT-A3 Only)
(SAT-A3 Only)
□ If you have an audio or audio/video system, consider integrating
the DSS receiver into a home entertainment configuration to take
advantage of your hi-fi system's audio capabilities.
□ If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack, use it to connect your TV to the
DSS receiver. An S-Video connection provides a better picture than
RCA-type video or RF connections.
□ If your TV does not 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 includeCONTROL-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.
□ If you have a Sony TV that has the S-Link feature, you can connect
it to the DSS receiver's S-LINK connector to simplify the operation
of your system. Using S-Link, when you turn on the DSS receiver
with the TV's remote control, it automatically turns on the TV and
switches the video input to DSS. When you press the SYSTEM OFF
button on the TV's remote control, it turns off both the TV and the
DSS receiver. (See your TV manual for more defails.)
11
TV Only
TV With RF ConnectOF-Only
Some TVs label this jack RF IN,
instead of VHF/UHF IN.
Satellite Receiver
Refer to the illustration below (SAT-A3 rcccwcr is pictured).
1 Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2 Connect the DSS receiver's VHE(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 13).
3 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. Do not connect to a "wireless" telephone
extension. Since these devices typically do not support high data
rates, it may result in very slow operation or may even prevent
connection with your program provider.
4 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 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.
12 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
TV With A/V Connectors
Refer to the illustration below (SAT-A3 receiver is pictured).
1 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 (mono) AUDIO L jack
on the DSS receiver to the TV's AUDIO
IN jack.
2 Connect the DSS receiver's A/V jacks to the TV's A/V IN jacks.
3 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. Do not connect to a "wireless" telephone
extension. Since these devices typically do not support high data
rates, it may result in very slow operation or may even prevent
connection with your program provider.
4 Connect one end of the AC power cord to the DSS receiver's AC IN
jack. Connect the plug end to an AC outlet.
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 13
TV and VCR
Refer to the illustration on the opposite page (SAT-A3 receiver is
pictured).
1 Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2 Complete one of the following to connect the DSS receiver:
□
Better Connection: Connect the DSS receiver’s A/V jacks to the
A/V IN jacks on the TV and VCR. If your VCR has only one
AUDIO IN jack (monoaural VCR), connect it to the lower
AUDIO L (mono) jack on the DSS receiver.
Soiiie VCRs and TVs label this jack RF
IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN.
□
Good Connection: Connect the DSS receiver's VHE(SAT)/UHE
OUT jack to the VCR's VHE/UHF IN jack.
3 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.
4 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. Do not connect to a "wireless" telephone
extension. Since these devices typically do not support high data
rates, it may result in very slow operation or may even prevent
connection with your program provider.
5 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 to the TV or 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 'TV's AUDIO IN jacky
□ 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.
□ If you are using the IR Blaster, see page 18 for setup instructions.
Note
If the screen appears fuzzy, the program you are watching may be protected by
Macrovision. Turn the VCR off to improve the picture quality.
14 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 15
Home Entertainment System
(Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video Receiver)
Refer to the illustration on the opposite page (SAT-A3 receiver is
pictured).
1 Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna's LNB to the DSS
receiver's SATELLITE IN jack.
2 Connect the DSS receiver's A/V jacks to the VCR and A/V
receiver's A/V IN jacks.
3 Connect the VCR's A/V OUT jacks to one set of the A/V receiver's
A/V IN jacks. .
4 Connect the A/V receiver's MONITOR OUT jack to the TV's
VIDEO IN jack.
5 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. Do not connect to a "wireless" telephone
extension. Since these devices typically do not support high data
rates, it may result in very slow operation or may even prevent
connection with your program provider.
Some VCRs label this jack RF IN,
instead of VHF/UHF IN.'
6 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 to the VCR's VHF/UHE IN jack.
□ Best Connection: If your A/V receiver has an S-VIDEO jack, use an
S-VIDEO cable to connect the DSS receiver's S-VIDEO jack to the
.A/V receiver's S-VIDEO IN jack. Then connect an S-VIDEO cable
from the A/V receiver 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.
□ If you are using the IR Blaster, see page 18 for setup instructions.
Note
If the screen appears fuzzy, the program you are watching may be protected by
Macrovision. Turn the VCR off to improve the picture quality.
In this configuration,-the AjV receiver must be turned on in order to pass the
video signals through to your TV.
16 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 17
Connecting the IR Blaster
SAT-A3 rccehvr if pictumi, but
connections arc itlcntical for SAT-B3.
The IR Blaster works with the DSS receiver's Timer function to
automatically start and stop the recording function of your VCR.
1 Conneef fhe IR Blaster to the DSS receiver's VCR CONTROL jack.
Then place the IR Blaster on top of and overhanging the front of the
VCR, about V2" to 1 ". For best results, place the IR Blaster directly
above the VCR's IR receiving area.
Satellite Receiver
Set the manufacturer, and code type of your VCR using the IR
Blaster Test menu on page 66. This must be done for the IR Blaster
to function properly.
If the IR Blaster doesn't seem to be
working correctly, first check that the JR
Blaster is positioned directly above the
VCR's IR receiving area and that the
VCR'sJine in/out is set to the DSS
receiver. If it’s still not working, try
this procedure again using the other
codes listed for your VCR on page 66 and
67.
To use the IR Blaster: 1) Set the DSS Timer (page 35), 2) Turn
on the VCR and set the VCR's line input to the DSS receiver,
3) Insert a tape, 4) Turn off the VCR.
18 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Setting Up the RF Antenna (SAT-A3 Only)
The RF (radio frequency) antenna 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 if you plan on using the RF feature.
To set up the RF antenna:
1 Connect the RF antenna to the DSS receiver's RF REMOTE jack.
Do not place the RF antenna directly on
top of the DSS receiver or any other metal
object. For best results, place the RF
antenna in a visible location.
Place the RF antenna at least one foot away from the DSS receiver.2
Use the on-screen displays to set up the DSS receiver to accept RF
3
transmission (RF ONLY). See "Setting Up the Remote Control" on
page 71 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 71.
The operating range of the DSS remote
control is about 100 ft. This may decrease
due to ambient radio wave conditions,
your room's walls, weak batteries, etc. -
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).
Chapter 3: Connecting Your System 19
Setting Up Your DSS System
Viewing Satellite Programs
Viewing Cable or
Off-Air Programs
Recording Satellite
Programs While Watching
Cable or Off-Air Programs
1 Turn 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 VlDEOl, etc., if you used an A/V connection.)
2 Turn on the VCR and A/V receiver, if you connected these
components. Then set their output switches accordingly.
3 Turn on the DSS receiver and select a station.
The follounng instructions apply only if you connected your cable TV or
terrestrial antenna to your DSS receiver.
1 Turn off your DSS receiver, or press the TV/DSS button to set the
DSS receiver to TV mode.
2 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 do not have a cable box, just tune your TV to the station
you want to watch.
The following instructions apply only if you connected your cable TV or
terrestrial antenna to your DSS receiver.
1 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 do not have a cable box, tune your TV to the station you
want to watch.
2 Turn on the DSS receiver, and tune to the program you want to
rècord. Then select the VCR to line input, and start recording,
according to your VCR's instruction manual.
3 Press the TV/DSS button to set the DSS receiver to TV.
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 35.
You cannot record one satellite program while watching another satellite
program (unless you have a second DSS receiver).
If the screen appears fuzzy, the program you are watching may be protected by
Macrovision. Turn the VCR off to improve the picture quality.
20 Chapter 3: Connecting Your System
Selecting a Category List
The Category List displays programs alphabetically by program title,
as opposed to the Guide format, which sorts the programs numerically
by station number. A sample Movies List is shown below.
The buttons that appear for each
program indicate start times.
For example, in this sample Movie
List, "First Knight," with a start time
of 9:00PM, is highlighted.
To select a program, highlight the start
time button and then press the -f
button.
MOVIES LIST
First Knight
8:00 PM-10:00 PM PG-13
Act. Adv. 1995 Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia
Ormond. Thrilling romance results when rogue knight
Lancelot becomes torn between his loyalty to King
Arthur and his love for Queen Guinevere (CC, ST) (A, V)
WED 9 PM 9:30 10 PM 10:30
The Alamo
Aspen
Bad Boys
First Knight <" ■
Free Willy 2: The Adventure ...
Johnny Mnemonic
Judge Dredd (Letterbox)
m
WED OCT 5 8:45 PM
DIRECTV^
1
>
To display a Category List, select MOVIES LIST from the Main Menu.
To set up a different program category for the Category List, see
"Selecting a Different Category Guide or List" on page 30.
To move to other programs in the list one program at a time:
□ SAT-A3: Move the joystick up or down.
□ SAT-B3: Press the up or down arrow buttons.
To move to other time slots in the list:
□ SAT-A3: Move the joystick left or right.
□ SAT-B3: Press the left or right arrow buttons.
To page through the list:
□ Press the PAGEIj" or PAGE-O-buttons.
To toggle through the three variations of lists:
□ Press the DISPLAY button repeatedly. (See "Using the DISPLAY
Feature" on page 41 for details.)
To exit the list:
□ Select a program from the list by pressing the "i” button.
Or
□ Press the EXIT button on the remote. You will be returned to the
last program you were watching before the list was displayed.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 29
Before You Get Started ...
Make sure you (or your DSS system installer) have completed the
following procedures before you start using your DSS receiver:
1 Install the satellite antenna, as described in the Satellite Antenna
Note
Make certain that yon (or your DSS system installer) have optimized the
.signal strength. If the signal is not optimized, you 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.
2 Connect the satellite antenna to your DSS receiver. Then connect
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.
3 Make sure the access card is inserted into the DSS receiver. The
Installation Manual.
the receiver to your television and telephone line. (See Chapter 3.)
receiver comes with the card already inserted. (See page 68 for
details on inserting the access card.)
If Your System Is Not
Completely Installed ...
4 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 installation instructions. Or, see your DSS
dealer to arrange for a professional installation or the purchase of the
Sony-brand DSS Installation Kit.
22 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 (SAT-A3) or press the arrow buttons
(SAT-B3) on the remote to move the on-screen to the
item that you want to select.
Step 2: Select
□ After you've highlighted the item that you want, select it by
pressing the button.
Example; Highlight and Select
1 In the sample menu that follows, moving the joystick up (SAT-A3)
or pressing the button (SAT-B3) moves the highlight from
ITEM 5...
Shortcut
(SAT-A3 Only)
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 2
ITEM 4 ITEM 5
ITEM 7
.. to ITEM 2.
SAMPLE MENU
ITEM 1
ITEM 4
ITEM 7
ITEMS ITEM 9
ITEM 2
ITEMS ITEMS
ITEMS ITEM 9
ITEMS
ITEMS
ITEM 3
2 Pressing the button selects ITEM 2.
You can apply this basic operation of highlighting and selecting to
perform any of the system's functions.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 23
Displaying the Program 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.
To display the Master Guide:
□ Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu. Then
highlight and select MASTER GUIDE from the menu.
Shortcut
You can select menu items directly by
pressing the corresponding number
button. For example, press 2 to select
the Master Guide from the Main
Menu.
MAIN MENU
CATEGORY
GUIDE 1
MOVIES
GUIDE 4
OPTIONS MENU
7
MASTER
GUIDE 2
EXIT
TIMER
SETUP 8
CATEGORY
LIST 3
MOVIES
5
LIST 6
SETUP MENU
9
Note
To bring up the Custom Guide, press the GUIDE button on the remote
control. See "Setting Up a List of Custom Stations" on page 54 for details.
Features of the program guide are discussed in more detail on the
following pages.
24 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
Features of the Program Guide
When you select a guide from the Main Menu or press the GUIDE
button on the remote, a program guide appears, similar to the
following:
Program Guide
Program ■
Description
Schedule Grid
MASTER GUIDE
First Knight
8:00 PM-10:00 PM PG-13
Act. Adv. 1995 Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia
Ormond. Thrilling romance results when rogue knight
Lancelot becomes torn between his loyalty to King
Arthur and his love for Queen Guinevere (CC, ST) (A, V)
WED V 8:00 PM V 8:30 PM
SH02 987
- MTV 989
COM 990
USSB 999
DTV 100
DTV 102
DTV 105 Johnny Mnemonic
Boxing The Alamo
MTV's Best of the 90's
Tracy Ullman
USSB Programming Highlights
Direct Ticket Previews
1 First Knight
Program guides, such as
variety of elements, including:
□ Program guide title, such as Master Guide, Custom Guide, Movie
Guide, Sports Guide, etc.
□ Current day of the week, date and time.
WED OCT 5 8:45 PM
DIRECTW
. v9;00PM
Most Wanted...
It's Gary Shan..,
Jefferson in Par...
the Master Guide shov
-Day, Date, Time
-Station logo
■ Page Indicator
□ Station logo (when available) and program description of the
currently highlighted station.
□ One Button Recording of programs.
□ Schedule grid, which includes:
□ Station names, numbers, and program titles. These appear in
ascending numerical order from top to bottom (unless you
have changed the listing to alphabetical order. See "Setting the
Station Order" on page 47 for details).
□ Time slots. These appear left to right, with the current time's
programming in the leftmosTposition.
□ Page indicator. This shows you approximately which page
you're on, relative to all the pages in the guide. The size of the
indicator is proportional to the overall size of the entire
program guide.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 25
Moving Through the Program Guide
The on-screen program guides are displayed only one page at a time.
Because the program guide usually contains many pages, you need to
mov'e through the guide to see more of the programs contained in the
guide. You can move by scrolling, paging, and direct station tuning.
Scrolling
Paging Vertically
Through the Stations
Paging Through Later
Program Start Times
To scroll, use the remote control to move the highlight one position at a
time. You can scroll to different stations or time slots.
To move to other stations in the guide one station at a time:
□ SAT-A3: Move the joystick up or down.
□ SAT-B3: Press the up or down arrow buttons.
To move to other time slots in the guide:
□ SAT-A3: Move the joystick left or right.
□ SAT-B3: Press the left or right arrow buttons.
To page, use the PAGE buttons to move through the guide one page at
a time. This allows you to move through the guide more quickly than
scrolling.
To page through the guide:
□ Press the PAGE 1j or PAGE <> buttons.
The PAGEIj' button pages in the up direction. The PAGE'O- button
pages in the down direction.
To display future time slots in the guide:
□ -Press the GUIDE button.
Pressing the GUIDE button repeatedly cycles through all the available
time slots in the guide as they are made available by your program
providers (for example, THU 3:00 PM, THU 10:00 PM, FRI 3:00 AM,
etc.).
Note
To select a future program guide directly, press the MENU button and then
select SELECT GUIDE/TIME. Seepage 30 for details.
Direct Station Tuning
To move to a station directly:
□ Press the 0-9 buttons to specify the station number. Press the
ENTER button to change the station more quickly.
26 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
Displaying Favorite Stations
To see your favorite stations at the top of the program guide:
□ Press the FAVORITE button.
Pressing the FAVORITE button repeatedly cycles through the stations
currently set for the five Favorite Station Guides (FAVORITE 1, 2, 3, 4,
5), and then back to the normal guide.
Note
See page 37 for instructions on setting up your favorite stations.
Changing the Appearance
of the Guide
Exiting the Guide
One Button Recording
To toggle through the three variations of program guide:
□ .Press the DISPLAY button repeatedly. (See "Using the DISPLAY
Feature" on page 41 for details.)
There are two ways to exit the program guide:
□ Select a program from the guide by pressing the "f- button. (See
"Selecting a Program from the Guide" on page 28 for details.)
OR
□ Press the EXIT button on the remote. You will be returned to the
last program you were watching before the program guide was
displayed.
Setting up the IR Blaster (See "Connecting the IR Blaster" on page 18
for details) and the VCR (See "VCR Recording" on page 66 for details)
will allow you to record a future program, simply and automatically,
when selected from a guide and added to the timer.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 27
Selecting a Program from the Guide
For all programs except pay-per-view (PPV), you can select a program
from the guide just by pressing the button. If the program is
currently showing, the guide disappears and the program you selected
appears.
If the program has not yet started, a pop-up window appears, which
gives you the option of adding the program to the Timer list, returning
to the program guide, or tuning to the current program on that station.
See "Setting Up the Timer" on page 35 for details on using the Timer.
Watching a PPV program is similar, except it requires you to order the
program before you- can watch it beyond the free preview period
(usually about five minutes after the program starts).
Ordering Pay-Per-View
Programs
Selecting RETURN returns you to the
previous screen, without purchasing the
program.
Selecting TIMES brings up a list of
additional show times that you can choose
from for the program you selected.
A PREVIEW button, which gives you a free
preview of the program, appears only when
the preview is available.
If the BUY button does not appear (and the
message "Purchase information not
available" appears), you must call your
program provider to order the program in
advance.
To order a PPV program listed in the program guide:
1 Highlight the program name in the guide and press the button.
2 Select BUY from the Purchase Program screen.
PURCHASE PROGRAM
First Knight
WED OCT 5
DTV102
Act. Adv. 1995 Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia
Ormond.Thrillingromance results when rogue knight
Lancelot becomes torn between his loyalty to King Arthur
and his love for Queen Guinevere (CC, ST, (A, V)
PriceAfiew:$2.99
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Rating:PG-13
RETURN
TIMES
HELP
3 When the Confirm Purchase pop-up window appears, select YES
to confirm your purchase. Selecting NO returns you to the
Purchase Program screen, without purchasing the program.
If the program has not yet started, a pop-up window appears, which
gives you the option of adding the program to the Timer list, returning
to the program guide, or tuning to the current program on that station.
See "Setting Up the Timer" on page 35 for details on using the Timer/
To watch a PPV program you've purchased in advance, just tune to the
station when the program is about to start. Your program providers
will bill you automatically.
About Copy-Protection
Some PPV programs are copy-protected by Macrovision at the
discretion of the copyright owner. When watching a PPV program,
turn the VCR off to ensure a quality picture.
28 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
Selecting a Category List
The Category List displays programs alphabetically by program title,
as opposed to the Guide format, which sorts the programs numerically
by station number. A sample Movies List is shown below.
The buttons that appear for each
program indicate start times.
For example, in this sample Movie
List, "First Knight," with a start time
of 9:00PM, is highlighted.
To select a program, highlight the start
time button and then press the -f
button.
MOVIES LIST
First Knight
8:00 PM-10:00 PM PG-13
Act. Adv. 1995 Richard Gere, Sean Connery, Julia
Ormond. Thrilling romance results when rogue knight
Lancelot becomes torn between his loyalty to King
Arthur and his love for Queen Guinevere (CC, ST) (A, V)
WED 9 PM 9:30 10 PM 10:30
The Alamo
Aspen
Bad Boys
First Knight <" ■
Free Willy 2: The Adventure ...
Johnny Mnemonic
Judge Dredd (Letterbox)
m
WED OCT 5 8:45 PM
DIRECTV^
1
>
To display a Category List, select MOVIES LIST from the Main Menu.
To set up a different program category for the Category List, see
"Selecting a Different Category Guide or List" on page 30.
To move to other programs in the list one program at a time:
□ SAT-A3: Move the joystick up or down.
□ SAT-B3: Press the up or down arrow buttons.
To move to other time slots in the list:
□ SAT-A3: Move the joystick left or right.
□ SAT-B3: Press the left or right arrow buttons.
To page through the list:
□ Press the PAGEIj" or PAGE-O-buttons.
To toggle through the three variations of lists:
□ Press the DISPLAY button repeatedly. (See "Using the DISPLAY
Feature" on page 41 for details.)
To exit the list:
□ Select a program from the list by pressing the "i” button.
Or
□ Press the EXIT button on the remote. You will be returned to the
last program you were watching before the list was displayed.
Chapter 4: Using the System Features 29
Selecting a Different Category Guide or List
You can use the SELECT GUIDE and SELECT LIST options in the Main
Menu to select subsets of the Master Guide in either the Guide or List
format.
1 Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu.
2 Select CATEGORY GUIDE or CATEGORY LIST from the Main
Menu. The Select Guide (or List) screen appears.
The GUIDE and TIME options are not
mmilable when you select CATEGORY
LIST
Selecting RESET resets the screen to the
default guide (Custom/CurrentIMoviesI
All).
, CAIhUUHY
Press the ( '> button on the remote
control to bring up the CATEGORY
GUIDE screen directly.
Selecting a Category Guide
Type
CATEGORY GUIDE
GUIDE
TIME
CATEGORY
SUBCATEGORY ALL
CUSTOM
CURRENT
MOVIES
RETURN
RESET
HELP
3 Select a different Guide, Time, Category, and Subcategory,
described as follows.
The GUIDE option lets you select from a list of alternative
program guides, which are made available by your program
providers. These guides may contain groups of stations with
similar subjects, for example, special promotions or pay-perview programs.
To select a guide type:
1 Select GUIDE from the Category Guide screen.
2 Select the type of guide you want to display.
CATEGORY GUIDE
, UAIbUUHY , .
Press the CD button on the remote
control to bring up the CATEGORY
GUIDE screen directly.
Select OK to display the selected program guide, or select different
options for time, category, or subcategory.
30 Chapter 4: Using the System Features
TIME
CATEGORY
SUBCATEGORY
1 SELECT GUIDE
CUSTOM
MASTER
SUBSCRIPTION
PPV
PROMO
MUSIC
▼
__________________
-
1
OK
RETURN
RESET
HELP
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