DIRECTV Plus HD DVR USER GUIDE
Safety & Care Your DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR has been designed and manufactured to stringent quality and safety standards. You should, however, be aware of the following important precautions for safe and optimal use of the equipment. Meaning of symbols printed on the rear panel of the product: • The “ bolt of lightning” indicates un-insulated material within your unit may cause an electrical shock. For the safety of everyone in your household, please do not remove product covering.
• CAUTION: Avoid moisture to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock. The DIRECTV Receiver should not be used near water (for example, kitchen sink, bathtub, pool, damp basement). Also, never spill liquid on the receiver, and do not place vases or other vessels containing liquid on top of it. • Ensure proper ventilation — the vent slots on the DIRECTV Receiver must be left uncovered to allow proper airflow to CAUTION: To reduce the risk of the unit.
Great TV viewing is in your hands! A good way to begin learning about your DIRECTV® System is to familiarize yourself with the remote control. You’ll find further details throughout the User Guide relating to specific functions. Navigating 101 To place batteries in your remote control: 1. Remove cover from the battery compartment by sliding it downward. 2. Insert 2 AA batteries (supplied), matching the positive (+) and negative (–) at each end. 3. Slide the cover back on to complete installation.
Getting Started.......................................................................................... 1 Welcome....................................................................................................................................................................... 2 About Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR............................................................................................................... 2 What You Can Watch.................................................................
Quick Menu............................................................................................. 25 Using the Quick Menu...........................................................................................................................................27 Help & Settings........................................................................................................................................................27 Help.....................................................................
More Info.................................................................................................. 39 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................40 System Upgrades..................................................................................................................................................40 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR or TV Problems..................................
Appendix A: Installation......................................................................... 63 Before You Begin......................................................................................................................................................64 Hardware Reference................................................................................................................................................64 Cables & Connections.........................................................
Appendix B: High-Def 101...................................................................... 79 About High-Definition..........................................................................................................................................80 Types of TV Broadcasts.....................................................................................................................................80 Resolution & Interlacing......................................................................
Chapter 1 Getting Started 2 Welcome 2 About Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR 3 Installation & Activation 4 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Front Panel 6 DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Rear Panel
Welcome With the DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR you can expect more than ever before, with access to over 225 channels, including our awesome HD selections and over 30 premium movie channels, with something to please everyone in the family. DIRECTV® HD service offers everything you’d want in your television experience: an astounding variety of channels and choices, crisp digital-quality picture and sound and one-of-a-kind sports and events.
What You Can Watch With the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, you have access to all types of televised programming, including: 4 DIRECTV high-definition and standard-definition digital programming via satellite, including local channels if offered in your area (DIRECTV service subscription required). 4 Local digital TV channels, including any local HD broadcasts shown in your area, available via the DIRECTV Satellite or an off-air antenna.
Package Contents The following items are included with your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR: 4 4 4 4 A/V cables (RCA type) Remote Control & batteries Power Cord Phone cord 4 4 4 4 User Guide Component Video cable (YPbPr) Access card (2) B-band Converters (also called BBCs) DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Front Panel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated. 1) DOOR PANEL, USB PORT – For future use. 2) POWER – Turns your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR on or off.
7) ARROWS – Move the onscreen highlight up, down, left or right. 8) SELECT – Selects the item highlighted. 9) LIGHT RING – 12 blue lights indicate the current state of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Press and hold the LEFT and RIGHT arrows to dim and turn off the lights. (Repeat to brighten.) 10) ACTIVE – Displays the DIRECTV Active™ Channel—local weather and more! 11) INFO – Displays channel banner or info to a highlighted program or channel cell.
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Rear Panel 1 2 3 4 6 5 COMPONENT OUT OFF-AIR IN 9 R1 R2 Pb L1 Y V1 V2 DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) L2 VIDEO OUT 7 11 13 14 S-ATA AUDIO OUT Pr PHONE SATELLITE IN SATELLITE IN 2 1 (FTM) 10 ETHERNET AC IN HDMI S-VIDEO OUT 8 USB 12 Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated. 1) OFF-AIR IN – Connect an ATSC antenna to the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR using this jack.
Connect video, audio, your satellite dish, a phone line, power, and you’re done! 5) COMPONENT OUT/ YPbPr (G, R, B) – Provides good HD picture quality, but not as good as HDMI. YPbPr carries only picture information, not sound; use it along with a digital audio connection or AUDIO (L/R red/white) jacks. 6) AUDIO (R-Red and L-White) – Audio cables offer better sound quality than RF coaxial cables. You can connect a second set of audio cables to another component, such as a VCR or stereo.
11 Watching TV Chapter 2 17 The Guide 18 The Mini Guide: Program Listings While You Watch TV 19 Recording Programs: A Great Way to Watch Your Favorites 21 Pay Per View: The Latest Movies, 24 Hours a Day What’s On 22 The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs
TIP Use the Channel Lineup (included in your Welcome package) to get familiar with our channel numbers. Watching TV Now that everything’s set up, you’re ready to grab your remote and start surfing! With the MODE switch to the left (under the DIRECTV logo), press PWR. To access the channel of your choice, simply key in its numbers on your remote (the channel will appear in a second or two, or press ENTER after the numbers and it will appear right away).
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Features in Live TV Live Buffer: The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR saves programs to the hard drive instantly and continuously, while you watch. This “live buffer” lets you pause, rewind, fast forward or “instant replay.” (Note: You cannot fast forward during live TV until you pause or rewind a program.
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR Features in Recorded TV Recorded programs can be found in the MyVOD tab on the Playlist screen. To view the Playlist, press LIST. To return to live TV, press EXIT. Cruise Controls: The PAUSE, FFWD, REWIND, REPLAY, RECORD and ADVANCE keys work with recorded programs just as they do with live TV. Pressing STOP while you’re watching a recorded program stops playback and displays the MyVOD tab on the Playlist screen.
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1 Current Date & Time 2 DIRECTV or Off-air Channel The Channel Banner Any time you tune to a channel, the Channel Banner appears across the top of the screen, displaying info on the channel and show you are currently watching: 1) Current date & time 3 Program Info 2) DIRECTV Off-air Channel – Channel logo, number and call letters of the station you’re currently viewing. 4 Info Panel 3) Program Info – Program title, stop and start time and rating of the current program.
The Guide Overview of the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide® The Guide displays listings of current and upcoming programs for up to 14 days in advance. Find out what’s on (now or later), change the channel, search for and purchase a pay per view movie or event, or search for a program you’re interested in. TIP skip the Channel Categories screen. TIP You can find additional information and the latest updates at DIRECTV.
E LIST E ACTIV GU ID IT EX 4 The UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys move you through listings and time slots. Highlight a program or channel cell to view its description. 4 Use the CHAN key up or down to scroll a full page. SELECT 4 Press the RED or GREEN keys to move forward or back in time. 4 To tune to a program that is on now, highlight the program and press SELECT. Selecting a future program displays program information.
Recording Programs: A Great Way to Watch Your Favorites Recording is a great way to see your favorite programs on your schedule. You won’t miss your favorite series because it moved to a different day or time, or miss your team’s playoff game because you had to work late. Just set a program to record and your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR will save it for you to watch later. To watch recorded programs, use the Playlist feature. (See The Playlist on page 22.
4 For episodic programs: • Pressing RECORD a second time schedules all episodes of the program for recording (Series Link™). • Pressing RECORD a third time cancels the recording. Autorecord a Search Programs that match a Search (see Search, page 31) can be scheduled to autorecord. When the search results are displayed, simply select Autorecord from the left menu, then follow the onscreen instructions to set the record options.
Recording to VCR To record a program on your VCR, make sure you’ve connected your VCR properly to your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, then select a recorded program from the MyVOD tab in the Playlist, set your VCR to record, and play the selected program. See your VCR User’s Guide for information on how to set it up for scheduled or manual recording.
The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs The Playlist displays all saved, recorded programs in the MyVOD™ tab. To display the Playlist screen, press LIST on the remote. Other programs, which may include behind-thescenes and video extras for new movie releases, DIRECTV content packages, special offers, free events and more, are saved in the Showcases tab. Check the Showcases tab frequently for exclusive video content from premium programming providers. To quickly jump to another tab, press RED or GREEN.
Disk Space Bar The MyVOD screen displays a Disk Space bar that shows the approximate amount of space available on your disk at any given time. The Disk Space bar shows programs you have designated Keep until I Delete in blue, programs subject to expiration in light blue, and the remaining unused disk space that is available for recording in black.
27 Using the Quick Menu Chapter 3 27 Help & Settings 29 My VOD 29 Audio Options 30 Category Sort Quick Menu 31 Pay Per View 31 Search 32 Date & Time 32 Favorites 33 Caller ID & Messages 34 Parental Controls 37 Quick Menu Features for Recording
Using the Quick Menu Press MENU on your remote to easily access DIRECTV features. Once the Quick Menu is displayed, use the UP and DOWN arrows to highlight a desired menu item, then press SELECT to access that item. Some menu items will display a submenu, others will take you directly to a new screen. To remove the Quick Menu at any time, press MENU again. The features in the Quick Menu change as needed to display only the most helpful features at any time.
Sat & Ant (Satellite & Antenna): This option is useful if your DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR has lost signal strength, or you need to realign your satellite dish or setup an off-air antenna. (See “Receiving Local ‘Off-Air’ Broadcast Channels on page 76.) Remote: Use this option to setup your remote to control your TV and other equipment. Audio: The Audio option in Setup lets you make lasting adjustments to settings such as language and Dolby Digital.
Parental Controls Check the current restrictions of your Parental Controls by clicking here, and make any adjustments. See page 34 for more details. My VOD This option displays a submenu that lists recorded programs, and also gives you access to the Playlist screen, where you can view and edit the list of recorded programs and see DIRECTV Showcases of special programming. (See “The Playlist” on Page 22) Audio Options What is 5.
Dolby® Digital The recommended audio format for HDTV is Dolby* Digital. Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR is capable of reproducing 5.1-encoded audio: five discrete channels of full-range digital audio, plus one channel of low-frequency (subwoofer) audio, for use by A/V receivers capable of decoding the 5.1-channel signal. The audio signals are broken into left-front, center, rightfront, left-rear, right-rear and low-frequency channels.
While in the Guide, from the Quick Menu, select Category Sort. To further narrow your search, select the category you want, then select a subcategory if you wish. To quickly move through the Category Search results, use the RED or GREEN key on your remote to advance or reverse in 90-minute increments. Press GUIDE to return to the regular Guide, or EXIT to return to live TV. Pay Per View This option enables you to check out DIRECTV Pay Per View listings by category.
select the title to display information about the found item. If you’d like to repeat a previous search, select Recent Searches, then select your search to view matching programs. Date & Time This option gives you a convenient way to jump several days ahead in the Guide, without having to scroll through pages of programs. Favorites Favorites allows you to set up special, customized Guide that shows only those channels you choose.
Channels I Get In addition to displaying all channels or creating lists of favorite channels, you can also set your DIRECTV Plus Receiver to display only the channels that are in your current subscription package. To see the channels you receive, select Ch’s I Get from the left menu of the Favorites screen. To set Ch’s I Get as your current channel list, select the Set Current menu item from the Favorites screen, then change the Current Favorites option to Ch’s I Get.
DIRECTV Messages This feature lets you view a listing of current DIRECTV messages waiting for you. Simply highlight and select a message in the list to read, then you’ll have the choice to keep or delete it. The messages icon will appear brightly on your channel banner whenever there’s any new or unread message in your Inbox. Parental Controls Parental Controls enables parents to place certain restrictions on just who’s watching what, and require a passcode to view restricted programming.
TV Programs TIP For ratings limits and channel blocks, as well as most other SELECT SELECT the TV tab, then highlight and select the TV rating you desire. You can also set ratings for particular content (for example, Fantasy Violence, Dialogue), each of which is described when highlighted. checkbox-type items, pressing Other Shows SELECT toggles the item on and off To block programming that has no rating — such as news and sports — select the Other tab. when setting them up.
Now, lock it Once you’ve set the restrictions you want, choose Lock Now from the left menu. You’ll be directed to create a passcode (which you’ll want to make easy enough to remember, but hard enough that the little ones won’t guess it!). This passcode will be your entry to unlocking and adjusting limitations in the future. An onscreen message will appear whenever anyone tries to tune to a channel or program that has been restricted, or attempts to spend or watch beyond limitations set.
To change your passcode at any time: 1) Press MENU, SELECT Parental Controls, then Edit Settings. 2) Scroll down to Passcode and press SELECT. 3) Enter your old password, then enter a new one twice to confirm. Quick Menu Features for Recording The Quick Menu includes special recording features over certain screens. Quick Menu over the Playlist screen: • List by... lets you sort how the programs appear in the list. • Mark & Delete lets you mark programs and delete them from the MyVOD™ screen.
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40 Troubleshooting Chapter 4 50 Limited 90-Day Warranty 54 Product Information 55 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN 57 FCC Customer Information More Info 60 TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF SOFTWARE (“TERMS”)
Troubleshooting Many problems can be corrected by performing a simple reset of the DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR. If you experience image freezes, audio freezes or blank screen, or the system won’t respond to front panel button or remote control, try one of these: 4 Press the red RESET button behind the access card panel door on the front of the DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR, then wait for program guide information to be acquired.
Having a problem? Then check the following: 1. Cables and connections 2. MODE switch on your remote DIRECTV Plus HD DVR or TV Problems Progress bar freezes during Satellite Data Acquisition This may be normal. After five minutes, the screen saver is displayed. Press any key on the remote to see the progress bar again.
4 You must subscribe to Caller ID service through your local phone company. Also, check to be sure your Caller ID feature is turned on (see page 33). 4 If you are plugging your receiver to a wireless phone jack, note that it typically does not transmit Caller ID information and you may need a special wireless phone jack to use with Caller ID service. See the user’s manual that came with the wireless phone jack to see if it transmits Caller ID information.
4 If your TV turns off while playing, and other lights/appliances in your house do too, you may have blown a circuit breaker or be experiencing a power outage. 4 Consult an electrician if the problem is frequent or severe, especially if other household appliances or electronics are affected. DIRECTV Plus HD DVR turns on or changes channels unexpectedly 4 An autorecord may have been activated. See page 20. 4 Your TV’s timer may have been activated. 4 Check your TV owner’s manual.
4 Your satellite system may be experiencing rain fade, a temporary loss of the satellite signal due to unusually heavy rain clouds or rainfall. Rain fade is usually brief, lasting only as long as the heavy rain cloud condition persists. 4 Your dish may be blocked. Check that something is not blocking the dish. Partial programming loss/channels missing from the Guide/Channel is in the Guide but I can’t tune to it 4 Your satellite dish antenna may be incorrectly configured.
My DIRECTV Plus HD DVR is “frozen” on a single frame of a TV picture. When all else fails, press the RESET button. 4 If you are on a Pay Per View channel, watching the free portion of a program, the free portion may be completed. You must buy the program to continue watching. 4 If that doesn’t work, restart your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Press the RESET button behind the access panel door on the front of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. You can also press MENU, press SELECT on Settings, then SELECT Setup.
4 Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR can record up to two programs at once, or it can record one program while you watch another. If you exceed these limits (for example, if you try to record three programs at 8 p.m. on Thursday), you will be notified there is a conflict. You will have to decide which program you want to cancel. 4 If the overlap is just a couple of minutes (for example, some networks occasionally start programs at 8:59 instead of 9:00 p.m.
Tired of reruns? Go to the To Do list and change the options to only record first-run shows. 4 If you recorded a pay per view program, but did not watch it, the time which you are allowed to purchase may have expired. To avoid in the future, check your pay per view recordings in the MyVOD™ screen for expiration dates. I’ve set up an episodic recording, but now I get a bunch of reruns and multiple copies of the same program.
Problems with the remote control 4 Check that nothing is between the remote control and the remote sensor. 4 Make sure the remote control is in DIRECTV mode. Slide the MODE switch on the remote to the DIRECTV position so the remote will control the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. 4 Check the batteries in the remote control. They may be weak, dead or installed incorrectly. Try replacing batteries.
If none of the preceding tips helped solve your troubleshooting issues, the System Test may help to figure things out. Running the System Test The System Test allows you to run a basic diagnostics check on your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. If you are experiencing any trouble with your receiver, run the system test. It will also allow you to get your access card and receiver ID numbers or to initiate diagnostic procedures on your digital satellite receiver.
DIRECTV warrants your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR (Model Number: HR20) and any included accessories against defects in material or workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days after the date of purchase. Who is Covered? You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other document showing that you purchased the product is considered proof of purchase.
Your warranty does NOT cover: 4 Labor charges for installation or setup of the product. So be nice to your DIRECTV Receivers. The warranty does not cover deliberate misuse. What is Excluded? 4 Installation, performance of, or repair of: audio/video cabling, telephone line, or accessory attachments used with the product. 4 Product replacement because of misuse, accident, lightning damage, unauthorized repair, or other cause not within the control of DIRECTV.
Please keep your sales receipt or other document showing proof of purchase. Attach it to this User Guide and keep both nearby. Also keep the original box and packing material in case you need to return your product. Before Requesting Repair Service... Please check the troubleshooting section of this guide. This may save you a call to DIRECTV Customer Care. To Get Warranty Service... Warranty service will be provided by DIRECTV.
Don’t despair if your warranty has expired. Service is just a phone call away.... WILL DIRECTV BE LIABLE FOR ANY AMOUNT GREATER THAN THE RETAIL PRICE OF THE DIRECTV RECEIVER. DIRECTV SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THE DIRECTV RECEIVER. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS.
Model No._____________________________________________________________________ Serial No.
You might not be able to buy happiness, but you can buy peace of mind. As little as $5.99 a month. How cool is that? DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN Protect your DIRECTV® System with the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN. For a low monthly fee, the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN covers the components of your DIRECTV System, giving you peace of mind and comprehensive support to ensure that you and your family enjoy nonstop DIRECTV® entertainment.
1. SIGN IN with your user name and password, or click on the “Register Now” link and go through the easy steps, then continue with Step 2. 2. SELECT Option B, and then click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page. 3. SCROLL down to Step 3 (Add Additional Services) and SELECT “DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN,” then CLICK on the “Next” button. 4. REVIEW your change and CLICK on the “Accept These Changes” button.
This equipment radiates radio frequency energy. Mad scientist beanie not required. FCC Customer Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Responsible Party: DIRECTV, Inc. 2230 E.
4 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the DIRECTV Receiver is connected. 4 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 4 CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Use the telephone cord supplied with this equipment to ensure proper operation. If this DIRECTV Receiver causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice isn’t practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF SOFTWARE (“TERMS”) THE DIRECTV RECEIVER INCORPORATES SOFTWARE WHICH IS OWNED BY DIRECTV, INC. (“DIRECTV”) OR ITS THIRD PARTY LICENSORS (the “Software”). BEFORE USING THE RECEIVER PLEASE READ THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS YOU MAY NOT USE THE RECEIVER AND SHOULD IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE RECEIVER TO DIRECTV OR YOUR SUPPLIER. THESE TERMS ALSO APPLY TO ANY MODIFICATIONS, UPDATES OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED TO YOU. A.
D. Termination These Terms are effective until terminated. You may terminate these Terms by returning the Receiver to DIRECTV or your supplier. These Terms will terminate automatically without notice if you fail to comply with these Terms or any other agreement between you and DIRECTV. Upon termination you must return the Receiver to DIRECTV or your supplier. E. Disclaimer THE SOFTWARE IS (TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) SUPPLIED “AS IS”.
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64 Before You Begin 64 Hardware Reference Appendix A: Installation 68 Making the Video Connections 70 Making the Audio Connections 72 Making the Basic Connections 74 Guided Setup 75 Activate Your DIRECTV® Service 76 Programming Your Remote Control 77 Using Your IR or RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR 78 Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels
Before You Begin Your satellite dish antenna must be installed before you can begin following the procedures in this User Guide. (Professional installation is highly recommended.) Your dish needs to be mounted in a position where it has access to the satellite signals, and RG-6 coaxial cables must be run into the room(s) where your receiver(s) will be located. If you choose to install the dish yourself, see the separate instruction manual that came with your satellite dish antenna.
Cables & Connections HDMI Jack and Cable The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR incorporates HDMI™ [or High-Definition Multimedia Interface] technology. HDMI offers a high-quality connection that combines the video and audio signal into a single cable. The HDMI jack uses HDCP content protection to allow you to view HD programming that has been encoded using the HDCP protection system. For the best access to HD programming at the highest available resolution, connect this to an HDTV that supports HDCP technology.
S-Video Jack and Cable S-Video jacks and cables provide the best non-HD picture quality. You will still need to connect the left and right audio cables to the TV, or optical audio cable to your stereo, because the S-Video cable only carries the picture signal, not sound. A separate audio connection is also required, using either Digital Audio Optical cable or the audio portion of an A/V cable. Audio/Video (A/V) Jack and Cable Audio/Video (A/V) cables provide very good picture quality and stereo sound.
Choose Your Setup TIP When working with cables, be sure to connect corresponding outputs and inputs (Video out to Video in, Right Audio out to Right Audio in, etc.). Never connect an IN to an IN or an OUT to an OUT. OUT IN All A/V jacks and inputs are color There are several ways to connect your DIRECTV System to match your particular equipment setup and to gain optimum signal quality. The basic steps are as follows: • Connect the satellite dish cable to your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.
Making the Video Connections Choose one of the following connections: • Best (HD Video and Digital Audio): Connect the HDMI cables to the HDMI jacks on the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR and your TV. HDMI cables also carry digital audio, so you do not need to make a separate audio connection, unless you would like to use other audio outputs; for example, if you want to connect your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to a stereo or home theater system. Note: HDMI cable is not included with the HD Receiver.
Television DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) COMPONENT IN Connect Video Cables – S-VIDEO IN HDMI The back panels of your equipment may not look exactly like those illustrated.
Making the Audio Connections • • • Best: If you connected your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to your TV with HDMI cables you do not need to make a separate audio connection, unless you would like to use other audio outputs; for example, if you want to connect your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to a stereo or home theater system. Note: HDMI cable is not included with the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.
Connect Audio Cables – Television The back panels of your equipment DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) COMPONENT IN may not look exactly like those illustrated.
Making the Basic Connections 1) Connect the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR to the Satellite Dish via FTM (Frequency Translation Module). Depending on the type of network connection you are using, you may have to connect the RG-6 RF coaxial cable from your FTM to the jack labeled SATELLITE IN on the back of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. Some systems may instead make this connection to a cable entry point in your house. Your DIRECTV installer will make the appropriate connection.
Connect Other Cables – The back panels of your equipment may not look exactly like those illustrated. While you’re looking at the back of your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, write down the serial number, receiver ID and model number. You’ll need them later.
Guided Setup AV1 Now that your equipment is all hooked up and plugged in, you’re ready to complete setup to begin enjoying your DIRECTV service. AV2 TV TV POWER TV INPUT ON PWR 1) Make sure the MODE switch at the top of the remote control is set to DIRECTV, which is the farleft position. 2) Press TV POWER ON. The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR will turn on. 3) The first screen will allow you to select a language. Using the arrow keys on the remote control, move to the language you prefer and press SELECT.
Guided Setup is as simple as following the onscreen instructions. When in doubt, we’ve usually highlighted the most likely choice for you. Now, let us lead the way… Simply follow the onscreen directions to complete your setup functions. If you’ve installed your satellite dish and system yourself, you’ll be guided though various functions for optimizing your signal and setup — including positioning your dish and a system test.
Programming Your Remote Control You may have already programmed your remote control during Guided Setup, but if you didn’t, or you want to make changes, or you’ve acquired some new equipment, follow these instructions. You can program the DIRECTV Remote Control to operate your TV power, volume and mute, additional equipment such as a DVD, VCR, stereo, or second TV or DIRECTV Receiver. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Press MENU to display the Quick Menu. Highlight Settings and press SELECT. Highlight Setup and press SELECT.
Using Your IR or RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR You can skip this section if you do not have an RF Remote Antenna and RF Capable Remote (sold separately) or you setup your RF Remote Control during Guided Setup. This information is included here if you skipped that part, or if you want to change your Remote setup later. A remote that can go through walls? That’s right. It’s the next best thing to X-ray vision.
Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels The DIRECTV Plus HD DVR can receive both satellite and locally transmitted, off-air broadcast channels, and will display these local channels in the Guide. In order to receive off-air channels, attach an off-air antenna to the OFF-AIR IN as instructed in the “Choose Your Setup” section starting on page 65.
80 About High-Definition 83 Options For Changing Video Output Appendix B: High-Def 101 85 Supported Resolutions and Formats 86 Wide-Screen vs.
About High-Definition This section describes HD, and how it differs from regular TV, including helpful information about highdefinition and your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. TIP You can find additional Types of TV Broadcasts Analog TV is the type of TV broadcast you may be most familiar with. If you get your broadcasts via a standard off-air antenna, it’s the type you receive, and most broadcasts from local cable companies are analog as well.
Resolution & Interlacing Two elements that determine the quality of a TV picture are: Resolution To get the best-quality TV picture, you need an HD TV to go with your DIRECTV Plus HD DVR. If you’ve ever looked very closely at your TV, you have noticed the picture is actually made up of many lines scanning across the screen. The set of lines that make up a complete image are called a “frame.
Aspect Ratio In addition to resolution and interlacing, a television picture is also defined by its aspect ratio—referring to the shape of the screen as defined by the ratio of the screen’s width to its height. For analog TV, the aspect ratio is 4 units wide by 3 units high (4:3). This is the familiar shape of conventional TVs—slightly wider than they are tall. SDTV and EDTV can be either 4:3 or 16:9. For HDTV broadcasts, the aspect ratio is 16:9—nearly twice as wide as it is tall.
The FORMAT key, made simple: Keep pressing the FORMAT key until you like the picture on your TV. Options For Changing Video Output In order to optimize the display of programs on your television, you may occasionally need to change the resolution and/or screen format. There are two keys that can be used to make changes: the FORMAT key on the remote control and the RES (Resolution) key on the front panel of the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR.
with a single key until the picture displays the way you like it. Navigating menus to modify settings is not necessary. If pressing this key causes a loss of video and audio, continue to press it until the picture returns. (Wait a second between presses to allow the Receiver to change the resolution.) This can happen if your settings include a resolution that your TV doesn’t support.
Supported Resolutions and Formats The tables on this page show the formats and resolutions supported by the DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, the interaction with the FORMAT key, the outputs supported by the different types of connections, and other, related information. See the beginning of this chapter for a full description of screen resolutions, formats, and Native mode.
Wide-Screen vs. Standard Formats 4:3 TVs Showing 16:9 programs For a standard 4:3 TV showing a wide screen program, the program is too wide to fit on the screen. To alleviate this, choose: Letterbox With this format, the 16:9 image is shrunk until the entire width of the program fits on your TV. Since the aspect ratio of the program is maintained, the image is no longer tall enough to fill your screen, so gray or black bars are seen at the top and bottom of the screen.
If your display is a 4:3 format TV or monitor, your format options include these: For 4:3 program signals: Fills TV Screen You can watch HD programs on a standard TV, but you won’t really be watching HD.
16:9 TVs Showing 4:3 programs For a wide screen 16:9 TV showing a standard 4:3 TV program, the program is too tall to fit the screen. Your choices here include: Pillar box Here the 4:3 image is shrunk until the entire height of the program fits on your TV. Since the aspect ratio is maintained, the image is no longer wide enough to fill the screen, so gray or black bars are seen at the left and right edges.
Fortunately, you can still watch regular TV on your HD TV.
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Index D G Date & time 15 Digital audio 7, 30, 65, 68 Digital TV 80 DIRECTV mode 42, 48, 76 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN 55, 56 Dish-pointing coordinates 48 Display Formats 85, 87, 89 Language 28 Dolby Digital 17, 28, 29, 30 DVI (Digital Visual Interface) 65 Guide iv, 4, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 32, 44, 47, 52, 64, 74, 78 Guided Setup 48, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 82 GUIDE key iv, 17 Batteries iv, 4, 41, 42, 48, 49, 77 E I C EXIT iv, 13, 31, 44, 47 Cables iii, 4, 7, 41, 49, 54, 58, 64,
L P R Language for audio 28 for display 28, 74 Letterbox 83, 85 Lock (Parental Controls) 15, 36 Parental Controls 15, 29, 34, 36, 37 channel blocks 35 hours (viewing) 21, 35 ratings 34 spending 35 unlocking 36 Passcode 34, 36, 37 Pay Per View 2, 17, 21, 31, 45 Pillar box 85, 88, 89 Power surge 42 Previous channel 11 Program guide iv, 4, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 32, 44, 47, 52, 64, 74, 78 Programming 2, 3, 11, 21, 22, 30, 31, 34, 35, 44, 51, 64, 65, 67, 68, 74, 75, 94 Ordering 2, 31 Tu
Spending Limits 35 Stretch 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89 System test 48, 49, 75 T Temporarily unlock 15, 36 Timer 43 To Do list iv, 20, 21, 46, 47 Troubleshooting 40, 45 TV aspect ratio 82, 83 TV ratings 35 U Unlocking 36 V Video output 65, 83 W Warranty iii, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 59, 66 Y YPbPr 4, 7, 65, 67, 85 93
The Fine Print ACTIVATION OF PROGRAMMING MAY BE SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL AND REQUIRES VALID SERVICE ADDRESS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND/OR MAJOR CREDIT CARD. DEPOSIT OR PREPAYMENT MAY BE REQUIRED. Programming subject to change. DIRECTV services not available outside the U.S. DIRECTV programming is sold separately and independently of DIRECTV System hardware. A valid programming subscription is required to operate DIRECTV System hardware.
Icon Reference Arrow Icons Indicate that a show’s start or end time is earlier or later than is visible in the Guide program cell. Other Icons Denotes one or more alternate audio tracks available for a program. LEFT and RIGHT arrows on the remote offer special functionality. Denotes that no alternate audio tracks available. Objects are scrollable above or below the visible window. Indicates no new messages are in the Inbox.
DIRECTV Plus HD DVR USER GUIDE
