User manual GE GRD33G3A

Satellite Receiver User's Guide GRD33G3A We bring good things to life. SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING To reduce risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this receiver to rain or moisture. WARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 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 indicates important instructions accompanying the product. This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage" inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury. Cautions Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top of the DSS Receiver. The slots on top of the receiver must be left uncovered to allow proper airflow to the unit. Blocking the airflow to the unit could impair performance or damage your receiver and other components. Do not stack the DSS receiver on top of a "hot component" such as an audio power amplifier. FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate it. Note to Cable TV Installer: This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code (Section 54 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1) which 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. This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article 810 and in particular article 810-15 of the National Electrical Code which covers proper installation and grounding of television receiving equipment as well as to article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code 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. Note to Satellite Dish Installer: IMPORTANT NOTICE: This device incorporates an anticopy process technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. The anticopy process is licensed for non-commerical, home use only. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. TABLE OF CONTENTS First Things First ...........................................................3 What is the DSS® System? ............................................................4 Ordering DSS® Programming ...................................................... 4 Unpacking the Box .......................................................................... 5 Installing Batteries In the Remote Control ................................... 5 Using This Manual .......................................................................... 6 Important Note about This User's Manual ................................... 6 Point and Select ............................................................7 What is Point and Select? ............................................................... 8 Program Guides ............................................................9 Bringing Up the Program Guides ............................................... 10 Using A Program Guide ............................................................... 10 Using the Number Keys (0-9) .......................................................10 Scrolling Channel By Channel ......................................................10 Scrolling Page By Page ................................................................. 11 Tuning to a Program ..................................................................... 11 Selecting A Program Guide from the Main Menu ..................... 11 Types of Program Guides ............................................................. 12 Sorting the Grid Guide ................................................................. 13 Exiting A Program Guide .............................................................. 15 The Menu System .......................................................17 Using the Menu System ............................................................... 18 Exiting a Screen ............................................................................ 18 Using Help ..................................................................................... 18 Menu Descriptions ........................................................................ 19 Lists & Limits...............................................................21 An Overview .................................................................................. 22 Setting the Ratings Limit .............................................................. 22 Setting Up Spending Limits ......................................................... 23 Creating Favorite Channel Lists .................................................. 23 Parent Approved Channel List .................................................... 25 Selecting a Channel List to Use .................................................. 25 Locking the System ....................................................................... 25 Unlocking the System ................................................................... 26 Session Unlock .............................................................................. 26 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS More Features .............................................................27 Pay-Per-View Programs ................................................................ 28 Using the Attractions Guide ......................................................... 29 Using the Purchases Menu ..........................................................30 Timer Feature ................................................................................ 31 Editing or Canceling a Timer ........................................................ 31 Using Fetch .................................................................................... 32 The Mailbox ................................................................................... 32 Alternate Audio Programs ............................................................ 34 Picture Size .................................................................................... 34 System Test ................................................................................... 35 New Access Card Setup ............................................................... 35 Using On-Line Help ....................................................................... 35 Connections.................................................................37 Connecting Your DSS® Receiver to Your TV ............................... 38 Choosing a Connection ................................................................ 39 Interactive Setup ........................................................................... 44 Disabling Interactive Setup ..........................................................44 Reference .....................................................................45 Parts of the DSS® System ............................................................. 46 Front Panel Controls ..................................................................... 48 Back Panel ..................................................................................... 49 Remote Control Buttons ............................................................... 50 Programming the Remote to Control Your TV .......................... 51 Programming the Remote to Control Your VCR ....................... 52 Programming the Remote to Control Other Devices ................ 52 Using the Remote Buttons to Control a Device ......................... 53 Glossary ......................................................................................... 56 Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 58 Appendix A: Warranty Information .......................... 59 Appendix B: FCC Regulations ................................... 62 Appendix C: Accessories ........................................... 63 Index ............................................................................ 65 DSS® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of GM Hughes Electronics 2 FIRST THINGS FIRST Read the First Four Sections The first four sections of the manual introduce you to your DSS® system, and show you how to use the on-screen guides and menus. Reading these sections gives you the basic information you need to navigate the DSS® system. 1 FIRST THINGS FIRST ¢ 2 3 4 5 POINT AND SELECT ¢ Lists & Limits The fifth section of the book introduces you to the Lists & Limits feature, which lets you control the way you watch DSS® programming by creating favorite channel lists, and by setting ratings limits and spending limits. PROGRAM GUIDES THE MENU SYSTEM ¢ ¢ The Rest of the Manual The rest of the book highlights the remaining features, and includes reference information such as a connections guide, a glossary, and an index. LISTS & LIMITS Take some time right now to read at least the first five sections. Then, as you have time, you can check out the rest of the book. 3 FIRST THINGS FIRST What is the DSS® System? You've purchased the DSS® Digital Satellite System, so you already know a lot of the great things it offers. You know that the DSS® system uses the latest satellite technology to deliver television programming to your home. And you know that the transmissions are digital, so the quality of the picture and audio rivals that of laser discs and CDs. You know the dish is small--18 inches wide--and that it often can be installed in a matter of hours. (See the DSS® System Installer Guide for specific information.) Those are the some of the things you probably know about the DSS® system. But what about the things you don't know? For instance... · The DSS® system works like your TV. Pick up the DSS® remote and push the DSS® button. Press the Channel Up/Down buttons to scan through the channels. Press the number keys to go directly to a channel. There is an on-screen Program Guide. The Program Guide is like a TV listing in the newspaper. It is designed to help you select regular programs and pay-per-view events. You can also sort the Guide to list only specific types of programs. You can select Sports, for example, and your guide will show current and upcoming sports programs only. Or Movies. Or News. There is the on-screen Menu System that allows you to customize your system. You can set up your system, build channel lists, preview coming attractions, set spending limits, and receive mail from your program providers. There are three types of On-line Help to assist you in learning how to use the DSS® system: Auto Help, Help buttons, and the About DSS menu. When you order programming, you need to know your Access Card number. To get the number, select Options from the Main menu, and then select System Test. Wait for the system to run all of it's tests. The Access Card number is displayed at the end of the system test. Write the Access Card number in the space below for easy reference: · · · Ordering DSS® Programming After you have installed your system, you should contact the service providers, DIRECTV and USSB to receive DSS® programming. Programming with DIRECTV: Programming with USSB: Call 1-800-347-3288 Call 1-800-204-USSB 4 FIRST THINGS FIRST Unpacking the Box The following items come with your DSS® receiver: · · Receiver (with access card inserted) Remote Control ON/OFF DISPLAY MENU SELECT ANTENNA Receiver OFF·ON VCR TV DSS ALT MENU·SELECT GUIDE DISPLAY CLEAR PREV CH 1 4 2 5 8 0 ANT REW 3 6 9 VOL CHAN Remote Control 7 FAV·INPUT ALT AUD STOP REC PLAY MUTE FF PAUSE FETCH Installing Batteries In the Remote Control Follow these steps whenever you need to install or change the batteries in your DSS® remote. 1. Pull off the cover of the battery compartment. 2. Place four AAA batteries as shown, matching the + and - end of each battery in each compartment. 3. Replace the cover. 5 FIRST THINGS FIRST Using This Manual There are a couple of conventions used in this manual that might help you read it. · · Words that appear in ALL CAPS indicate the name of a button. The names of on-screen menu option are shown in italics. Important Note about This User's Manual This manual assumes that your DSS® system has been installed, meaning: 1. The DSS® satellite dish has been installed, correctly pointed at the satellite, and connected to your DSS® receiver. 2. The DSS® receiver is connected to your television and to a telephone line. 3. The access card is installed in your DSS® receiver. Your access card has been matched to your receiver, and should already be installed when you take the receiver out of the packing box. The access card should only be taken out of the DSS® receiver when you are issued a new card by your programming providers. 4. The DSS® remote control has batteries and can be programmed to control both your DSS® receiver and your TV (if your TV is remote-controllable). If your system has not been installed, refer to the satellite dish Installer's Guide for information regarding proper installation. Then, refer to the section, "Connections," in this manual. See your dealer for specific information regarding professional installation or the purchase of a Self-Installer's Kit. 6 POINT AND SELECT A Navigation Method Point and Select is a method of navigating through the menu system and program guides. Once you know how to point and select, you can explore the menus to learn more about how your DSS® system works. 1 FIRST THINGS FIRST 2 POINT AND SELECT ¢ ¢ 3 4 5 PROGRAM GUIDES THE MENU SYSTEM LISTS & LIMITS ¢ ¢ 7 POINT AND SELECT What is Point and Select? Point and Select is the two-step method you use to control the DSS® system. 1. Point MENU·SELECT You point by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or front panel. Pressing the arrow keys moves the on-screen highlight to different items in the Program Guide and the menu screens. Pressing an arrow once moves the highlight one space in the direction of the arrow. For example, to point down (that is, to move the highlight toward the bottom of the screen), press the down arrow. To point right, press the right arrow. CLEAR ARROW KEYS 2. Select Once you have pointed to an item on the screen, select it by pressing the MENU·SELECT button on the remote or front panel. Selecting an item tells the menu system to make the change you have indicated. For example, the instructions in the User's Manual might tell you to "Point to the Help button and press MENU·SELECT." Once you've understand the Point and Select rule, you can use any part of the DSS® system, beginning with the Program Guides. Exiting A Screen Pressing the CLEAR button on the remote takes you out of the menu system and back to the program you were watching. 8 PROGRAM GUIDES What is a Program Guide? A program guide is an on-screen programming schedule. There are several types of guides, each presenting the schedule in a different format. Using Program Guides is easy as long as you remember the Point and Select rule. Point to items on the screen by pressing the arrow keys on the remote or front panel. Then, press MENU·SELECT to go to that program. 1 FIRST THINGS FIRST ¢ 2 3 4 5 POINT AND SELECT PROGRAM GUIDES THE MENU SYSTEM LISTS & LIMITS Take some time to explore the different types of Program Guides and use the one that best suits your viewing habits. ¢ ¢ ¢ 9 PROGRAM GUIDES Bringing Up the Program Guides You can access the program guides by using the GUIDE button on the remote, or by selecting Program Guide from the Main menu. When you press the GUIDE button on the remote, the Grid Guide appears on-screen. The Grid Guide is one type of program guide. Using A Program Guide There are several ways to navigate through a program guide, once it has been selected. OFF ON · VCR TV DSS ALT MENU SELECT GUIDE DISPLAY · Using the Number Keys (0-9) You can point quickly to any channel in a Program Guide by entering the channel number with the number keys (0-9). For example, to point to the first listing for Channel 128, press the numbers 1-2-8 on the remote. To point to Channel 102, press 1-0-2. 1 4 7 CLEAR PREV CH 2 5 8 0 ANT REW 3 6 9 VOL CHAN FAV INPUT ALT AUD STOP REC PLAY · MUTE FF Scrolling Channel By Channel The programs that you see on the TV screen make up one section--or page--of the total Program Guide. You can scroll to other sections using the arrows: point to other times with the left and right arrows; point to other channels with the up and down arrows. PAUSE FETCH 10 PROGRAM GUIDES Scrolling Page By Page If you want to scroll up or down through the Program Guide faster, press the Channel Up/Down buttons on the remote control. The highlight scrolls a page at a time. This is called "paging." Tuning to a Program To tune to a program listed in the guide, point to the program and press MENU·SELECT. Then, you can select View Channel to tune to that program. Selecting A Program Guide from the Main Menu When you access the program guides through the Main menu, you have more available options: 1. Press MENU·SELECT to bring up the Main menu. 2. Point to Program Guide and press MENU·SELECT. The Program Guide menu screen appears. This is the Program Guide menu. Use the arrow to scroll down to see the Attractions Guide option. 11 PROGRAM GUIDES Types of Program Guides There are three types of program guides: the Grid Guide, the Channel Guide, and the Attractions Guide. The Grid Guide Shows the schedule in a time-and-channel format, similar to a TV schedule listed in a newspaper. The seven-channel Grid Guide. The Channel Guide Displays the programming schedule in a channel-by-channel format. The Channel guide. Reminder You can use the GUIDE button on the remote to directly access the Grid Guide while you are watching a DSS® program. 12 PROGRAM GUIDES The Attractions Guide Displays coming attractions and special events information. The Attractions guide. Sorting the Grid Guide There are six on-screen choices--called "buttons"-- at the bottom of the Grid Guide: down arrow, Movies, Sports, Other, All, and Sort. The Sorting buttons are at the bottom of the screen. Down Arrow The down arrow button allows you to scroll down through other channels in the guide. Point to the down arrow, and then press MENU·SELECT to scroll down through the program guide. See the section on purchasing pay-per-view programs for more information on the Attractions guide. 13 PROGRAM GUIDES Using the Sorting Buttons The remaining buttons at the bottom of the guide are called "sorting buttons." These buttons allow you to simplify the guide to show specific types of information such as movies, or sports. The Movies button lists movies only. After selecting Movies, point to the Theme button that appears and press MENU·SELECT to sort the guide to list specific types of movies, such as comedies or thrillers. The Sports button lists sporting events only. After selecting Sports, point to the Theme button that appears and press MENU·SELECT to sort the guide to highlight specific types of sports, such as basketball or soccer. Allows you choose from a list of sorting topics. Once you have selected a sorting topic from the list, your guide will be simplified to show only that type of program. After selecting a topic, a Themes button may appear in the place of the Other button. Resets the guide to show all available channels and listings. The Sort button takes you to the Guide Filter menu screen 14 PROGRAM GUIDES Using the Themes Button After you select one of the sorting buttons, the name of that button changes into the Themes button. Use the Themes button to further sort the Grid or Info Guide to show subtopics ("themes"). For example, you could simplify the guide to show "baseball" under the Sports sorting button, or "comedies" under Movies. Exiting A Program Guide There are two ways to exit a Program Guide: · · Tune toa program. Press CLEAR on the remote. 15 THE MENU SYSTEM What is a Menu? The DSS® menu is a list of choices, just like a menu in a restaurant. And, just as a restaurant menu is divided into sections such as appetizers, entrees, and desserts, the on-screen menus are also separated into sections to help you find the information you need. 1 FIRST THINGS FIRST ¢ 2 3 4 5 POINT AND SELECT Don't Forget To Point and Select As with all of the on-screen displays, you use Point and Select to navigate. PROGRAM GUIDES THE MENU SYSTEM LISTS & LIMITS Use the MENU·SELECT button to bring up the Main Menu, and then use Point and Select to choose a menu option. ¢ ¢ ¢ 17 THE MENU SYSTEM Using the Menu System To bring up the Main Menu, press MENU·SELECT on the remote. The Main Menu. To use the menu system, you need to know the Point and Select rule. Use the arrows on the remote to point to an item on the screen, and then press MENU·SELECT to select it. Exit and Help There are Exit and Help buttons at the top of most screens. Point to Exit and press MENU·SELECT to leave that screen. Point to Help and press MENU·SELECT to see more information about that screen. Exiting a Screen There are two ways to exit a menu: · · Point to Exit and press MENU·SELECT. Press the CLEAR button on the remote control. The onscreen displays clear from the screen and you return to TV viewing. If the Main Menu doesn't appear when you press MENU·SELECT, the remote might not be in DSS® mode. Try pressing the DSS button on the remote, and then MENU·SELECT. Using Help All menus have a Help button. For example, selecting the Help button from the Main Menu shows you information about using the Main Menu screen. The rest of the Help buttons in the menu system bring up helpful information explaining one aspect of that menu. Context-Sensitive Help Most of the screens contain information to help you decide what to do next. If you get stuck, look for the help text. 18 THE MENU SYSTEM Menu Descriptions This section briefly describes each of the available Main Menu options. Detailed information about each menu is included in the sections of the manual which describe each menu. Program Guide Shows the on-screen programming schedule options. Mailbox Use to read your mail messages. Purchases Use to review or cancel upcoming purchases, and to review past purchases. Timers Allows you to schedule the DSS® system to tune to a specific channel at a specific time. Lists and Limits Allows you to set ratings and spending limits, and to create favorite channel lists. Options Allows you to run the system test and install a new access card. Dish Pointing Use to find your dish pointing coordinates, and to access the on-screen signal strength meter. Assistance Shows you information about using the system and setting the system to your personal preferences. Explore the System The best way to learn about the DSS® system is to explore the menus. The context-sensitive help at the bottom of the screen provides instructions for getting through any particular menu or control panel. Remember, press CLEAR at any time to leave the menu system and return to regular DSS® viewing. Don't Forget about the CLEAR button Press the CLEAR button on the remote to remove the on-screen menus and return to normal viewing. 19 THE MENU SYSTEM 20 LISTS & LIMITS Controlling The System The Lists & Limits feature puts you in control of your DSS® viewing by letting you create channel lists and set ratings and spending limits which can be password protected. 1 FIRST THINGS FIRST ¢ 2 3 4 5 POINT AND SELECT ¢ Especially for Parents You can set up a parent approved channel list so that selected channels cannot be viewed when the system is locked, unless the system password is entered. In addition to activating the ratings, spending, and channel limits, the system lock feature keeps anyone from changing any of the limits without first entering a four-digit password. PROGRAM GUIDES THE MENU SYSTEM LISTS & LIMITS ¢ ¢ 21 LISTS & LIMITS An Overview When you select Lists & Limits from the Main Menu, the first screen you see is the Ratings Limit screen. By moving down through the other options, you can set per-event spending limits, create favorite channels lists, and also lock the system by assigning a password. Setting the Ratings Limit The Ratings Limit menu enables you to set a maximum viewing limit for rated movies (based on the MPAA ratings system), as long as the program provider has transmitted the proper code. · Note that the ratings limit cannot be enforced if a program has not been rated, if rating information for that program is not transmitted by the program provider, or if the system has not been locked. 1. Point to Rating Limit and press MENU·SELECT. Use the arrow keys to move the selector up and down. 2. Use the up and down arrows to move the rating selector to the highest rating you want to be able to view; then press the left arrow to set the rating. (In the preceding illustration, movies that are rated up to and including an "R" rating can be viewed.) After the ratings limit is set and the system is locked, you must enter the system password to watch programs with a rating higher than your limit. You need to lock the system in order for rating limits and channel lists to go into effect. See "Locking the System" for details 22 LISTS & LIMITS Setting Up Spending Limits Use the Spending Limit option to indicate a per-event spending limit for pay-per-view programs. 1. Point to Spending Limit, and press MENU·SELECT. Set a per-event spending limit. 2. Use the arrow keys to enter a single-event spending limit. After a spending limit is set and the system is locked, you must enter the system password to purchase a pay-per-view program that costs more than your spending limit allows. Creating Favorite Channel Lists You can create as many as four different channel lists that can be easily accessed by using the FAV·INPUT button on the remote control. Select the Channel Lists option to create or edit a favorite channels list. 23 LISTS & LIMITS 1. Point to Channel Lists and press MENU·SELECT. Select a Favorite channel list to edit. 2. Point to a channel list option and press MENU·SELECT. Channels containing a checkmark are included in the channel list . 3. Use the arrow keys to point to a channel, and press MENU·SELECT to remove (or replace) the check mark. After you have set up the channel lists and locked the system, you will need to enter the system password before you can modify the existing channel lists. Add or Delete All Channels You might be able to save time when creating a channel list by using the Add All Chans option or the Delete All option to either add all channels or delete all channels before removing or adding individual channels. 24 LISTS & LIMITS Parent Approved Channel List The Parent Apprv channel list enables you to limit access to channels by creating a list of acceptable channels, and then locking the system. When the system is locked, the Parent Apprv list overrides all other channel lists, and requires that you enter the four-digit system password to view an unapproved channel. Note that when you enter the system password to view an unapproved channel, all spending, ratings, and channel limits remain unlocked until you turn off the receiver (see "Locking the System" for more information). OFF ON · VCR TV DSS ALT MENU SELECT Selecting a Channel List to Use When you turn on the DSS receiver, the unit defaults to the "Normal" channel list. You can easily change the channel list by pressing the FAV·INPUT button on the remote to scroll through the available channel lists (Normal, FAV A, FAV B, and FAV C). The active channel list is indicated in the channel banner at the top of the screen (which appears when you change channels or press DISPLAY on the remote). 1 4 7 · GUIDE DISPLAY CLEAR PREV CH 2 5 8 0 ANT REW 3 6 9 VOL CHAN FAV·INPUT button FAV INPUT ALT AUD STOP REC PLAY · MUTE FF PAUSE FETCH Locking the System You can lock the system in order to put into effect the ratings, spending, and channel limits you have set up. In addition, when you lock the system, no one can modify any of these setting without first entering the four-digit system password. 1. Point to Lock System and press MENU·SELECT. Enter a four-digit system password to lock the system. 25 LISTS & LIMITS 2. Use the arrows or the digit keys to enter a four-digit system password. 3. Enter the password a second time to confirm it. After the system has been locked, you must enter the correct password in order to access the Lists & Limits menu, so Don't Forget Your Password! If you do forget your password, contact your program provider's authorization center. Unlocking the System When the system is unlocked, the spending and ratings limits, that you have set are no longer in effect. 1. Point to Unlock Limits and press MENU·SELECT. 2. Point to Yes and press MENU·SELECT to confirm that you want to unlock the system. Session Unlock If your system is locked and you attempt to access a channel or program that is blocked by one or more limits, you are asked to enter the four-digit system password to override the system lock. If you enter the password to override the rating or spending limit, all limits are unlocked until you turn off the receiver. When you turn on the receiver again, the system will be locked, and the normal channel list will be selected. Forget Your System Password? You need to contact your program provider's authorization center to reset your system if you forget your system password. 26 MORE FEATURES Up to this point in the manual, you've learned how to use the on-screen program guides, how to get around in the menu system, and how to use the Lists & Limits feature. This section highlights the rest of the features offered by your DSS® system, including the following: · · · · · · · · · Pay-Per-View Programs The Timer Feature The Fetch Feature Mailbox Menu Alternate Audio Programs Picture Size System Test New Access Card Setup On-Line Help Use Point and Select to explore all of the DSS® features on your own. 27 MORE FEATURES Pay-Per-View Programs Pay-per-view programs (PPV) are programs that you purchase on an event-by-event basis. For instance, there might be a specific channel that runs nothing but previews for movies. After previewing the movie, you can purchase it or find out more details about it. PPV programs can also be found in the Program Guide. Purchasing and Viewing There are several ways to purchase PPV movies and events: · · · Tune to a PPV program while using the channel buttons on the remote to scan through the channel lists. Select a PPV program from the Program Guide. Select a coming attraction from the Attractions menu. Tuning to a PPV Program When you use the channel buttons or digits on the remote to tune to a Pay-Per-View channel, you see the Purchase Offer menu screen. Purchase Offer screen. You need to connect your phone line to your satellite receiver to be able to order PPV programs by using the onscreen menus. If your phone line is not connected, you may not be able to access some of the PPV purchase screens shown in this manual. Select Buy Program and then follow the on-screen instructions to purchase the selected program. You may need to enter your four-digit system password to order a PPV program if it costs more than the spending limit you set up in the List & Limits menu. 28 MORE FEATURES Using the Program Guide for PPV Programs When you use the Program Guide to select a PPV program, the Program Details screen gives you a few more options. Use the Program Guide to get to the Program Details screen. Select View Channel to see go to that channel and view a program preview (if a preview is available). Select Channel Guide to go to the channel guide. Select Buy Program to purchase the program. Select Other Times to see additional show times. Using the Attractions Guide Your program providers may offer future programming events not currently listed in the Program Guide. These events are called "coming attractions," and can be previewed and purchased through the Attractions Guide. Access the Attractions Guide by first selecting Program Guide from the Main menu, an then scrolling down the guide options. Buy and Record Option Your program provider may offer PPV programs that are coded so that you cannot record them. When these programs are offered, an additional option (Buy and Record) appears in the program details screen. Selecting Buy and Record allows you to record the program; selecting Buy Program allows you only to watch the program. The Attractions Guide is accessed through the Program Guide menu. 29 MORE FEATURES Using the Purchases Menu The Purchases menu allows you to review upcoming and past purchases. The Purchases menu shows you upcoming or past purchases. The list of purchases may be longer than one screen; use the down arrow keys to see more items. The display also shows the title, channel, date, time, and cost of each program. · Note that the Past Purchases list might be modified after each billing cycle and still show purchases for which you have already paid. Reviewing and Canceling an Upcoming Purchase Use Point and Select to choose an upcoming purchase and review the program description. From the Purchase Edit screen, you can also cancel an upcoming purchase. The Purchase Edit screen lets you cancel an upcoming purchase. 30 MORE FEATURES Timer Feature The Timer feature allows you to preset your system to automatically tune to a particular channel at a predetermined time. To use the Timer feature, select Timers from the main menu to bring up the Timers screen. Select a Timer (1, 2, 3, or 4) and then use the arrow keys to complete the on-screen sentence. When the sentence is complete, select Run Timer. Complete the sentence to set up the timer for each of the four available Timer options. Editing or Canceling a Timer From the Timers screen, select the Timer you want to edit or cancel, and then do the following: · · Use the arrows keys to edit the Timer, then select Run Timer. Select Clear Timer to cancel the timer. 31 MORE FEATURES Using Fetch Press the FETCH button on the remote to bring up the current channel list. Then Point and Select a channel from the fetch list (just as you would from the Grid Guide). The Fetch menu gives you a logo-based channel list. The Mailbox The mailbox shows you messages that are sent--or "mailed"-- from your program providers. For example, you may receive a message calling your attention to a new service. How to tell when you have mail There are two ways to tell if you have mail, depending on whether the DSS® receiver is turned on or off. · · If the DSS® receiver is turned on, a mail icon appears in the upper right corner of the channel marker. If the DSS® receiver is turned off, the power light on the front panel of the receiver flashes. Is your ON/OFF Light Flashing? Don't worry, your receiver's not broken. It means that you have mail. 32 MORE FEATURES Checking your mail Select Mailbox on the Main menu to view your mail. 1. Point to a message and press MENU·SELECT. The message is opened for you to read. The Mail menu. 2. Press MENU·SELECT again to close the letter. After you read a message and want to erase it, point to Erase and press MENU·SELECT. When you exit the display screen, messages not erased are saved in memory. Mailbox Size The mailbox has enough memory to store as many as ten (10) 200-character messages. You should periodically review and erase your mail messages to prevent any mail messages from being erased by the system when memory runs low. 33 MORE FEATURES Alternate Audio Programs Alternate Audio allows you to select different audio programs (when available) to be played with the video. For example, audio broadcast in a second language may be available for certain programs. There are two ways to change the audio: · · Press ALT AUD on the remote. Point to Alternate Audio from the Preferences menu and press MENU·SELECT. ALT AUD Remote Button Temporary audio selections are made by pressing ALT AUD on the remote. All the available audio types are selected one after another as you continue pressing the ALT AUD button. Once selected, the chosen audio remains selected until it is changed or until the DSS® receiver is turned off. Alternate Audio Display Screen When you select Alternate Audio from the Preferences menu, the Alternate Audio display screen comes up. Point to the audio program type you want and press MENU·SELECT. A check mark next to the program means you have selected that program. The DSS® system will then automatically set the audio program to the selected audio program type when that type is available. Picture Size The Picture size display screen allows you to choose between a standard TV screen and a Cinema option. A standard TV screen has an aspect ratio of 4:3; the Cinema option has an aspect ratio of 16:9. You should only use the Cinema option if you have a CinemaScreen® TV; using the Cinema option on a standard TV screen could crop the picture. 34 MORE FEATURES System Test The System Test display screen is accessed through the Options menu, and allows you to initiate diagnostic procedures on the DSS® system. You should use this feature to get your Access Card number, or when your receiver doesn't seem to be working correctly. There are four separate tests: signal, tuning, phone connection, and access card. A message screen appears, telling you whether the system passed each test. If your system fails a test, run the system test several times before concluding that there is a problem. Occasional fluctuations in the phone line or satellite signal can give temporary false readings. New Access Card Setup Periodically, your program provider may issue you a replacement access card. The New Access Card Setup display screen allows you to transfer the information from the old card onto the new one. Follow the display screen prompts to initialize your new card. Once you have transferred the information to the new card, your old card becomes invalid. Because your specific account information and custom settings are stored in the access card, power failures should have no effect on your DSS® system. Using On-Line Help On-line Help is available for all of the menus and display screens. The System provides Auto Help, Help buttons, and Menu Help. 35 MORE FEATURES Auto Help Most menus contain a short description of that menu. Help Buttons Help buttons appear in many display screens. To see information about the display screen you are using, point to the Help button and press MENU·SELECT. Press MENU· SELECT again to remove the message from the screen. Menu Help Select About DSS from the Assistance menu to choose from a list of on-line Help topics. Point and select to find out about the specific parts of the DSS® system, then use the right arrow key to continue through each of the Help screens or press MENU·SELECT to return to the Help menu. Program Guide shows a screen-by-screen overview of the Program Guide features. Menu System shows a screen-by-screen overview of the DSS® menu system. Remote Control shows an on-screen display of the remote control. Point to the different remote buttons to see a brief description of the highlighted button. Front Panel shows an on-screen display of the DSS® receiver front panel. Point to the different front panel features to see a brief description of the highlighted feature. Back Panel shows an on-screen display of the DSS® receiver back panel. Point to the different back panel features to see a brief description of the highlighted feature. Glossary shows a list of common DSS® and TV terms. Point to a glossary item to see a brief description. Use the About DSS menu (within the Assistance menu) to learn more about your system. 36 CONNECTIONS Things to Know Before Connecting Components Protect Your Components from Power Surges · Connect all components before plugging any power cords into the wall outlet. Always turn off the DSS® receiver, TV and other components before you connect or disconnect any cables. · Position Cables Correctly to Avoid Audio Hum or Interference · · Insert all cable plugs firmly into their jacks. Place the audio/video cables to the sides of the TV's back panel instead of straight down the middle after you connect your components. Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from the audio/video cables as much as possible. Make sure all antennas and cables are properly grounded. Refer to the Safety Tips sheet packed with your unit. · · Protect Your Components from Overheating · Do not block ventilation holes in any of the components. Arrange the components so that air can circulate freely. Do not stack components. Allow adequate ventilation when placing your components in a stand. Place an amplifier or DSS® receiver on the top shelf of the stand so heated air rising from it will not flow around other components. · · · 37 CONNECTIONS Connecting Your DSS® Receiver to Your TV If your DSS® system has not been professionally installed, or if you move your system or add a component, refer to these pages to help you connect your system. Jacks and Cables S-Video Jack and Cable (S-VHS) The S-Video jack provides the best picture quality for your DSS® system. This jack is available on many TVs and is used in conjunction with audio cables to connect the DSS® receiver to your TV. Remember also to connect the left and right audio cables because the S-Video jack carries only the picture signal, not the sound. S-Video Jack Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type) The audio/video jacks provide very good picture and stereo sound quality, and should be used if your TV has no S-Video jack. Audio/Video Jack Theses jacks are used for most audio/video connections between components. The DSS® receiver audio/video jacks are color coded (yellow for video, red for right audio, and white for left audio). If your TV has only one input for audio (mono), connect it to the right (red) audio jack on the DSS® receiver. RF Jacks and Coaxial Cables (F-type) The RF jacks provide good picture and mono sound quality, and are to be used if audio/video connections are not available for your TV. RF Jack These jacks are required for antenna or cable-TV connections. The RF jacks on the DSS® receiver are labeled IN FROM ANT and OUT TO TV. The coaxial cable supplied with your DSS® system is used to connect the RF jacks between the DSS® receiver and your TV's antenna input. 38 CONNECTIONS Choosing a Connection The following pages show four examples of hookups commonly used to connect the DSS® receiver with a TV and other components. Refer to your TV and VCR Owner's Manuals for more information on hooking up your specific components. Connection A Provides the best possible picture and stereo audio quality. To use Connection A, you must have: · · · TV with S-Video input, plus separate RF and audio/video inputs (jacks). VCR with RF inputs and outputs S-Video, coaxial, and audio/video cables Connection B Provides very good picture and stereo audio quality. To use Connection B, you must have: · · · TV with separate RF and audio/video inputs (jacks) VCR with RF inputs and outputs (jacks) Coaxial and audio/video cables Connection C Provides good picture and mono audio quality. To use Connection C, you must have: · · · TV with RF input (jack) VCR with RF input (jack) Coaxial and audio/video cables Connection D Provides good picture and mono audio quality. To use Connection D, you must have: · TV with RF input (jack) 39 CONNECTIONS Connection A Best Picture and Sound Quality To use this connection you must have: · · · TV with separate RF, audio/video, and S-Video inputs (jacks) VCR with RF inputs and outputs (jacks) Coaxial, audio/video, and S-Video cables VCR CH3 CH4 TV IN S-VIDEO VIDEO R AUDIO L SATELLITE DISH DSS RECEIVER OUT TO TV IN FROM ANT S-VIDEO CH4 CH3 VIDEO R