Safety & Care Your DIRECTV® HD Receiver 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 the CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF 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. Keys in the shaded area below can be programmed to function with your VCR, DVD player or stand-alone DVR unit.
“ Welcome to the DIRECTV Family!
Getting Started Welcome ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Installation and Activation ............................................................................................................. 4 DIRECTV HD Receiver Front Panel ............................................................................................ 5 DIRECTV HD Receiver Rear Panel ..................................................
Other Info Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................36 Limited 90-Day Warranty............................................................................................................ 45 Product Information .................................................................................................................... 50 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN ............................................................
“ Are you ready to watch totally cool, high-definition TV? We thought so.
Chapter 1 2 Welcome 4 Installation and Activation 5 DIRECTV HD Receiver Front Panel 6 DIRECTV HD Receiver Rear Panel Getting Started 1
Welcome With its astounding variety of channels and choices, crisp digital-quality picture and sound and oneof-a-kind sports and events, DIRECTV® HD service offers everything you’d want in your television You can find additional experience. With the DIRECTV® HD Receiver you can expect more than ever before, with access information and the latest to over 225 channels, including our awesome HD selections and over 30 premium movie channels, updates at DIRECTV.com.
What You Can Watch With the DIRECTV HD Receiver, you have access to all types of televised programming, including: 4 DIRECTV high-definition and standard-definition digital programming via satellite, including network 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 an offair antenna.
Installation and Activation If you or a professional installer have not yet connected your DIRECTV Plus HD Receiver and other components, please see Appendix A, Installation at the end of this User Guide. Following activation, you will need to activate your DIRECTV service. If you have not activated already, see page 69 for more information.
MENU ACTIVE SELECT INFO i 480p 720p 1080i Locate the access card that came with your DIRECTV HD Receiver. Write down the card number in the space below, then insert the card into the receiver, facing upward, fully into the slot. Card # Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated. DIRECTV HD Receiver Front Panel 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) POWER – Turns your DIRECTV HD Receiver on or off. Your Receiver still tunes and receives messages when powered off.
COMPONENT OUT 6 OFF AIR IN RF REMOTE ANTENNA SATELLITE IN DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) S-VIDEO OUT HDMI USB VIDEO OUT 1 72 3 AC IN PHONE JACK 4 AUDIO OUT 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated. DIRECTV HD Receiver Rear Panel 1) OFF-AIR IN – Used to receive local, off-air digital broadcast channels. 2) SATELLITE IN – Use to connect the DIRECTV HD Receiver to the satellite dish antenna. 3) USB – For future services and accessories.
6) 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 Connect video, audio, your satellite dish, a phone line, power, and you’re done! connection or Audio Out (L/R red/white) jacks. 7) AUDIO OUT (R and L) – Connect a second set of audio cables to another component, such as a VCR or stereo. 8) DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) – Provides digital-quality audio signal.
“ Now let’s watch some TV!
11 Watching TV Chapter 2 15 The Guide 17 Autotune 19 Pay Per View What’s On 9
Watching TV TIP Use the Channel Lineup (included Now that everything’s set up, you’re ready to grab your remote and start surfing! in your Welcome package) to get familiar with our channel numbers. 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).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 Current Date & Time The Channel Banner Any time you tune to a channel, the Channel Banner appears across the top of the screen, displaying 2 DIRECTV Channel 3 Program Info 4 Current Favorites info on the channel and show you are currently watching: 1) Current date & time 2) DIRECTV Channel – Channel logo, number and call letters of the station you’re currently viewing. 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 7 days in advance. Find out what’s on (now or later), change the channel, find and purchase a pay per view movie or event, or search for a program you’re interested in.
Press the GUIDE key on your remote, then choose how you want to fi lter the Guide (or press GUIDE E GU ID Getting Around in the Guide twice to skip the fi lter). Select All Channels, or channels in a specific category. E LIST IT GU ID EX E ACTIV Moving through the Guide is simple: 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. SELECT 4 Use the CHAN key up or down to scroll a full page.
Autotune An even better way to catch all your favorites Autotune is a great way to see your favorite programs on your schedule. You won’t forget to tune to Don’t you hate when you miss a show just because you forget it’s on? So do we. your favorite team’s playoff game because you got distracted. Just set a program to autotune and your DIRECTV ® Receiver will tune to it automatically when it starts.
Changing Autotune Options/Canceling an Autotune Once you have scheduled a program to autotune, you can change the autotune options or cancel the autotune by selecting the program in the Guide or the To Do List (press LIST); then, select the Autotune item in the left menu, and follow the onscreen instructions to change the program’s options or cancel the Autotune completely.
Pay Per View The Latest Movies, 24 Hours a Day You don’t have to go out for the best and biggest movies and special events! Recent hits and events like sports, comedy and more are available 24 hours a day on DIRECTV ® Pay Per View. You’ll find them listed in the Guide in the 100s. Tune to a pay per view program or press INFO on a highlighted pay per view program. Select the Buy TIP You can also order DIRECTV Pay option and follow the onscreen instructions.
“ This is no ordinary menu....
Chapter 3 22 Using the Quick Menu 22 Settings 24 Audio Options 24 Dolby® Digital 25 Category Sort 26 Pay Per View The Quick Menu 26 Find By 27 Date & Time 27 Favorites 28 Caller ID & Messages 29 Parental Controls 21
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® HD Receiver has lost signal strength, or you need to realign your satellite dish or setup an off-air antenna. 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. To make temporary adjustments, use the Audio Options item in the Quick Menu.
Favorites Check the current status of your Favorites list(s) by clicking here, and make changes if you like. See page 28 for more details. Parental Controls Check the current restrictions of your Parental Controls by clicking here, and make any adjustments. See page 30 for more details. Audio Options Some programs have alternate audio available (such as other language tracks or Dolby Digital). This option only appears in the Quick Menu over Live TV when the current program has alternate audio.
Dolby* Digital The recommended audio format for HDTV is Dolby® Digital. What is 5.1 Audio? It’s 5 channels of audio for theater-style sound, plus a subwoofer for heart-pounding bass. Go ahead. Try this at home. Your DIRECTV HD Receiver 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.
Category Sort This feature lets you temporarily arrange the Guide to list only programs in a particular category such as Movies, Sports or News. This option only appears in the Quick Menu over the Guide. 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.
Find By Would you like to locate a particular program, movie or sports event you want to see — even shows starring a favorite actor, or games with your favorite team? Find by offers some easy ways to spot just what you want to watch. Press MENU, then select Find by. You can find a program by Title, Person, Keyword or Channel. Your search will be quicker if you narrow your search by selecting subcategories; just follow the onscreen instructions.
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. So you can have easy access to the channels you like best, or perhaps a grouping of family channels just for the kids.
Caller ID & Messages This feature lets you receive important messages from DIRECTV about your service. Also, if you have Caller ID service*, you can also view phone calls you’ve received or turn call notification on or off. Press MENU to display the Quick Menu, select Calls & Msgs, then select Edit Settings. Select either Caller ID or Messages from the left menu, as desired. Caller ID The Call Log tab displays up to 25 recent incoming calls. Highlight and select a name to delete that listing from your log.
Parental Controls Parental Controls enables parents to place certain restrictions on just who’s watching what, and require a passcode to view restricted programming. Whether it’s for mature content or spending amounts, you’re always able to keep limitations where you want them for the whole family. Press MENU to display the Quick Menu, SELECT Parental Controls, then Edit Settings, and you’ll see the current status showing any restrictions. The system default is “unlocked” for all categories.
Other Shows To block programming that has no rating — such as news and sports — select the Other tab. Channel Blocks You can block viewing of a certain channel or channels from this menu. SELECT Chan Blocks in the left menu, then scroll down the channel list to SELECT those you wish to block, or key in channel numbers for quicker access. Use Block All or Allow All to save time if you wish to affect a large number of channels.
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.
Note: If you have Parental Controls set and temporarily unlocked, turning the receiver power off will relock the box. Making multiple entries aimed at guessing the passcode is discouraged by a time delay; each invalid passcode entered lengthens the delay for subsequent entry by one second. Don’t use obvious numbers, like birthdays or addresses, for your passcode. To change your passcode at any time: 1) Press MENU, SELECT Parental Controls, then Edit Settings. 2) Scroll down to Passcode and press SELECT.
“ Is there anything else you want to know? It’s probably here in the back....
Chapter 4 36 Troubleshooting 45 Limited 90-Day Warranty 50 Product Information 51 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN 53 FCC Customer Information Other Info 35
Troubleshooting Many problems can be corrected by performing a simple reset of the DIRECTV ® HD Receiver. If You can find additional 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: troubleshooting help at 4 Press the red RESET button behind the access card panel door on the front of the DIRECTV HD Receiver, then wait for program guide information to be acquired.
upgrades. Do not unplug your receiver while an upgrade is in progress. Please consult the System Info screen to check for an upgrade or modification planned by DIRECTV. Having a problem? Then check the following: 1. Cables and connections 2. MODE switch on your remote 3. Remote batteries 4. TV Input 5. Power Most problems have simple solutions. DIRECTV HD Receiver or TV Problems Progress bar freezes during Satellite Data Acquisition This may be normal. After five minutes, the screen saver is displayed.
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 29). 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.
Turns off while playing on again. 4 Unplug DIRECTV HD Receiver for a few minutes, then plug back in. If this happens frequently, the voltage in your house may be abnormally high or low. 4 Consider using a surge protector or line conditioner. 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 Check that all components connected to the input jacks are turned on. 4 Try another channel. 4 Your DIRECTV HD Receiver may be hooked up incorrectly to the TV. Press the INFO button on the front panel of the DIRECTV HD Receiver to see if the channel banner appears. If it does not, check the Setup and Connections section for instructions about connecting your satellite receiver.
4 Your satellite dish antenna may be incorrectly configured. Check the dish type set in your receiver’s preferences and change if necessary. Press the MENU key on the remote control, then select Settings, then Setup. In the next When all else fails, press the RESET button. menu, select Satellite, then Repeat Satellite Dish Setup. Follow the steps. From the Satellite Dish Type screen, make sure the proper dish type is selected (round, oval with a dual LNB or oval with a triple LNB).
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 HD Receiver. 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. Fine-Tuning the Signal If you self-installed your satellite dish antenna, you may have already used the Satellite Setup section of Guided Setup to find the dish-pointing coordinates, acquire and fine-tune the signal and run a system test. If you need to run Satellite Setup again, press MENU. Select Settings from the Quick Menu, then select Setup.
6) If your system does not pass the system test, check any of these potential trouble areas: cabling, pointing the satellite dish, phone connection and access card. 7) If you continue to have problems, call DIRECTV Customer Service at 1-800-DIRECTV. You should run a 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.
Don’t think of it as a 90-Day Warranty. Think of it as a three-month vacation.... Limited 90-Day Warranty DIRECTV warrants your DIRECTV HD Receiver (Model Number: H20) 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.
purchase, you pay for the replacement of all parts, and for all labor charges. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. What is Excluded? Your warranty does NOT cover: 4 Labor charges for installation or setup of the product. 4 Installation, performance of, or repair of: audio/video cabling, telephone line, or accessory attachments used with the product.
Keep the paperwork! And just as important, remember where you keep it! You’ll feel so clever if you ever need it. service access or “back doors” will void this limited warranty. 4 Reception transmission problems caused by signal conditions, telephone line, or cable or antenna systems outside the unit.
Warranty service will be provided by DIRECTV. If you believe you need service for your Receiver, contact DIRECTV at 1-800-DIRECTV. A representative will go through a diagnostic checklist with you. If it is determined that the product needs to be returned for service or exchanged, you will receive a return authorization number. The representative will give you complete shipping details. To Get Out-of-Warranty Service...
Don’t despair if your warranty has expired. Service is just a phone call away.... SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. DIRECTV, Inc. 2230 E.
serial and model numbers in case you need them. These numbers are located on the product. (You may have noted some of this information on page 67 when you connected the cables to your receiver.) 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.
call 1-800-DIRECTV. 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.
which can be determined by removing and applying power to the equipment, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: 4 Reorient or relocate the receiving satellite dish antenna. 4 Increase the separation between the equipment and the DIRECTV Receiver. 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.
rules and requirements adopted by ACTA. A compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this product. It is designed to be connected to a compatible modular jack that is also compliant. See installation instructions for details. The REN is used to determine the number of devices that may connect to a telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone Use the telephone cord supplied with this equipment to ensure proper operation.
the address and phone number listed below. If the equipment is causing harm to the network, the telephone company may request that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved. DIRECTV, Inc. 2230 E. Imperial Hwy El Segundo, CA 90245 1-800-DIRECTV If your home has specially wired alarm equipment connected to the telephone line, ensure the installation of this DIRECTV Satellite Receiver does not disable your alarm equipment.
Appendix A 58 Before you begin 58 Hardware Reference 62 Making the Video Connections 64 Making the Audio Connections 66 Making the Basic Connections 68 Guided Setup 69 Activate Your DIRECTV Service Installation 70 Programming Your Remote Control 71 Using an IR/RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV HD Receiver 72 Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels 57
Before you begin Your satellite dish antenna must be installed before you can begin following the procedures in this User TIP Guide. (Professional installation is highly recommended.) Your dish needs to be mounted in a position You can find additional where it has access to the satellite signals, and RG-6 coaxial cables must be run into the room(s) where information and the latest your receiver(s) will be located.
Cables & Connections HDMI Jack and Cable The DIRECTV HD Receiver 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 Note: You may need to encoded using the HDCP protection system.
Digital Audio Outputs (Optical Jack and Cable) The Digital Audio Optical cable provides the best quality audio. The jack and cable use light to send digital audio data to A/V receivers equipped to receive and interpret it. The jack and cable (cable not included) must be aligned before plugging in, and may be covered by protective caps, which must be removed before making connections.
Choose Your Setup There are several ways to connect your receiver to match your particular equipment setup and to gain TIP When working with optimum signal quality. The basic steps are as follows: cables, be sure to • Connect the satellite dish cable to your receiver. connect corresponding • Connect the receiver audio and video to your TV or VCR. outputs and inputs (Video • If you connected the receiver to a VCR, connect the VCR to your TV.
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 receiver 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 HD Receiver to a stereo or home theater system. Note: HDMI cable is not included with the HD Receiver.
Connect Video Cables – Television COMPONENT IN The back panels of DIGITAL AUDIO IN (COAXIAL) DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) S-VIDEO IN your equipment may not look exactly like those HDMI illustrated. S-VIDEO BE ST GO OD BE TT ER * HDMI (includes video & audio) S-VIDEO HDMI DIRECTV® HD Receiver RF REMOTE AN NTENNA ANTENNA SATELLITE IN S-VIDEO OUT DIGITAL AC IN PHONE JACK HDMI *Note: Do not confuse the component YPbPr cable with a standard Audio/Video (RCA-type) cable.
Making the Audio Connections • Best: If you connected your DIRECTV HD Receiver 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 HD Receiver to a stereo or home theater system. Note: HDMI cable is not included with the DIRECTV HD Receiver.
Connect Audio Cables – The back panels of your equipment may not look exactly like those illustrated. Television COMPONENT IN DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) S-VIDEO IN HDMI BE ST 2* DIGITAL OPTICAL GO OD RCA-type DIRECTV® HD Receiver RF REMOTE ANTENNA SATELLITE IN DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) AC IN PHONE JACK * NOTE: For best audio quality, use the HDMI cable for audio and video. (See “Making the Video Connections.
Making the Basic Connections 1) Connect DIRECTV HD Receiver to Satellite Dish. Connect the RG-6 RF coaxial cable from your satellite dish to the jack labeled SATELLITE IN on the DIRECTV Receiver. 2) Connect Off-air antenna to DIRECTV HD Receiver (optional). Connect the off-air antenna to the jack labeled OFF-AIR IN on your receiver. When you go through the Guided Setup process, be sure to select the Satellite & Antenna button when you reach the Satellite Dish & Off-Air Antenna screen.
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 HD Receiver, write down the serial number, receiver ID and model number. You’ll need them later.
Guided Setup AV1 AV2 TV TV POWER TV INPUT Now that your receiver and equipment are all hooked up and plugged in, you’re ready to ON PWR complete setup to begin enjoying your DIRECTV service. 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 Receiver will turn on. 3) The first screen will allow you to select a language.
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) Press MENU to display the Quick Menu. 2) Highlight Settings and press SELECT. 3) Highlight Setup and press SELECT.
Using an IR/RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV HD Receiver 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: We’re rethinking your remote, too. The remote control included with your DIRECTV HD Receiver works using IR (infrared).
Receiving Local “Off-Air” Broadcast Channels The DIRECTV HD Receiver 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 61.
Appendix B 74 About High-Definition 77 Options For Changing Video Output 79 Supported Resolutions and Formats 80 Wide-Screen vs.
About High-Definition What is HD, and how does it differ from regular TV? To learn more, here’s some helpful information about high-definition and your DIRECTV HD Receiver. 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 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.” For TV equipment and broadcasts, resolution is defined by the number of horizontal lines displayed to make up each frame of a video image.
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.
Options For Changing Video Output The FORMAT key, made simple: Keep pressing the FORMAT key until you like the picture on your TV. 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 RESOLUTION key on the front panel of the receiver.
program’s native resolution. The FORMAT key allows you to easily cycle all resolution and format settings 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.) Th is can happen if your settings include a resolution that your TV doesn’t support.
Supported Resolutions and Formats The tables on the next page show the formats and resolutions supported by the DIRECTV HD Receiver, 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 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 fi ll 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 Only Letterbox shows the entire original 16:9 image without distortion.
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 fi ll the screen, so gray or black bars are seen at the left and right edges.
If your display is a 16:9 format TV or monitor, your format options include these: For 4:3 program signals: Pillar Box Stretch Crop For 16:9 program signals: Fills TV Screen Only Pillar Box shows the entire original 4:3 image without distortion.
“ Now let’s watch some TV!
Index A D G Access card 5, 43, 44, 69 Analog TV 74 ARROW keys 5 Aspect Ratio 76, 77 Audio options 13, 24 Dolby® Digital 5.1 24 Language 24 Autotune 17 digital audio 7, 60 Digital TV 74 DIRECTV HD Receiver Problems 37 DIRECTV mode 38, 42 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN 51 DIRETCV Active™ 85 Dish-pointing coordinates 43 Display Formats 72, 74, 77, 78, 79, 81, 83 Dolby® Digital 5.
M MENU key 5, 22, 26, 27, 32, 41, 43, 62, 68 Messages 13, 28, 29 Mode switch remote control 43 Movie ratings 30 MUTE key 11, 44, 70 N Notification 29 P Parental Controls 13, 24, 29, 32 channel blocks 13, 24, 29, 32 ratings 13, 24, 29, 32 spending limits 13, 24, 29, 32 unlocking 13, 24, 29, 32 unrated programs 13, 24, 29, 32 viewing hours 13, 24, 29, 32 Passcode 31, 32 Pay Per View 2, 15, 19, 26, 31 Power surge 39 Previous channel 11 Previous channels 39 Program details 13 Program guide 36, 37, 47, 69 86 d
T Y Temporarily unlock 32 Timer 39 To Do List 18, 19 Troubleshooting 36 Tuning to 42 Tuning to a program 42 TV Aspect Ratio 77 TV ratings 30 YPbPr 7, 59, 79 Z Zoom 79 U Unlock a particular program 32 User profile spending limit 2 viewing hours 2 Index V Video Output 59, 77 W Warranty 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 60 87
Notes
Notes
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. LEFT and RIGHT arrows move the highlight in the indicated direction. Objects are scrollable above or below the visible window. UP and DOWN arrows move the highlight in the indicated direction. Scheduler Icons Shows an Autotune has been set for a future program, or a present program is Autotuned. Indicates an Autotune has been set for all episodes of an ongoing program.
