Dtv HR21P Book.indb DIRECTV

User Manual: dtv DIRECTV Receiver Manuals

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DIRECTV HD DVR PRO USER GUIDE

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 program your remote control:

You’ll find you can get around nearly all onscreen menus the same
simple way.
Highlight… a menu or button by using the ARROW keys (up,
down, left and right).
Choose it… by pressing SELECT while the item is highlighted.
1. See “Programming Your Remote
Control” on page 76.

Activates channel number entries quickly

ENTER

Tunes to last channel viewed

In live TV, changes channel up or down; in a menu,
such as the Guide, scrolls page up or down

CHAN/PAGE

In fullscreen TV, cycles through alternate audio
tracks; other functions vary — look for onscreen
hints

YELLOW

In live TV, displays the Mini Guide; other functions
vary — look for onscreen hints

BLUE

Displays info for a highlighted or fullscreen program

INFO

Move highlight to items in whatever direction needed

ARROWS

Displays the My Playlist screen

LIST

Exits any menu and returns to last channel viewed

EXIT

In live TV, records current program; in the Guide,
sets one-touch record for highlighted program

RECORD

Play/Pause current video; press and hold for slow
motion

PLAY

Jumps ahead in a recording

ADVANCE

Turns your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO and other
equipment on and off, as selected with MODE switch

POWER

Turns your TV and DIRECTV HD DVR PRO on and off

DIRECTV & TV POWER ON/OFF

Changes remote to control other equipment, for
example, a DVD

MODE SWITCH

Note: Don’t worry about getting stuck in a menu. You can always press EXIT
to return to video.
TV INPUT
FORMAT

Changes the “source” — the piece of equipment
whose signal is displayed on your TV
Cycles through HD resolution and screen format
options

STOP
In recorded TV, stops playback and displays the
My Playlist™ tab in the Playlist

REPLAY
Jumps back 6 seconds and plays video from that
location

FAST FORWARD & REWIND

PAUSE

Press up to four times to fast-forward or rewind
at increasing speeds (recorded or live-stored
video only). Press PLAY to return to normal play
Pauses current video

GUIDE
Displays the onscreen program Guide

ACTIVE
Access the DIRECTV Active™ Channel — local
weather and more!

SELECT
BACK

Selects any highlighted item
Takes you to the screen you visited previously

RED
MENU

In Guide, jumps 12 hours back; other functions
vary — look for onscreen hints
Displays a compact menu of settings and services

GREEN
In Guide, jumps 12 hours forward; other functions
vary — look for hints onscreen

VOLUME
MUTE

Raises or lowers volume
Toggles sound volume on/off

NUMBER KEYS & DASH
Tune to a channel directly; also input numbers
when needed in onscreen menus;
Press DASH twice to delete a show in the Playlist.

Keys in the shaded areas above operate your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO, or can be programmed to function with your VCR, DVD player
or stand-alone DVR unit.

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Safety & Care

WARNING

Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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:

To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this product
to rain or moisture. The apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall
be placed on the apparatus.

This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage consisting a risk of electric shock is present within this unit.
This symbol indicates that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying
this unit.

Important Safety Instructions
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

10)
11)
12)
13)
14)

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

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CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back).
No user-serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
IMPORTANT: Be sure not to place
your DIRECTV Receiver near anything WET or HOT!

If this product is used at 240VAC,
a suitable attachment plug should
be used.

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• 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.
We highly recommend plugging the
• Ensure proper ventilation — the vent slots on the DIRECTV Receiver must be left uncovered to allow proper airﬂow to
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO into a surge prothe unit. Blocking the airﬂow to the unit could impair performance or damage your receiver and other components.
tector to prevent damage from fluctuations
• Do not stack electronic components or other objects on top of the DIRECTV Receiver. Also, do not stack the receiver on
in your power supply.
top of a “hot component” such as an audio power ampliﬁer.
• Protect your components from power surges by connecting all the components before plugging any power cords into the
wall outlet. Use of a surge protector is also recommended.
• Don’t overload power outlets or extension cords, which can result in the risk of ﬁre or shock. It’s also important to use
only the type of power source indicated on the marking label or in this manual.
• Avoid audio hum or interference by inserting all cable plugs ﬁrmly into their jacks. Also, place Audio/Video (A/V) cables to the sides of the TV back panel rather than
down the middle once connected. Try not to coil any twin-lead cables and keep them away from A/V cables as much as possible.
• Never insert objects of any kind into any openings in the DIRECTV Receiver (other than the DIRECTV® Access Card as detailed in this manual).
• Place it on a ﬂat, hard surface — do not operate the DIRECTV Receiver on a carpet or other padded surface.
• Always unplug your DIRECTV Receiver before moving it.
• Always unplug the DIRECTV Receiver, TV and other equipment before you connect or disconnect any cables.
• The only way to disconnect the the DIRECTV Receiver from the power supply is to remove the power cord. The DIRECTV Receiver unit must therefore be installed
next to the power point which must be easily accessible.
• CAUTION: Electric Shock — never attempt to disassemble the DIRECTV Receiver yourself; always take it to a qualiﬁed service person when repair is required.
Opening or removing covers may expose dangerous voltage or other risks, and incorrect reassembly can cause shock when receiver is subsequently used. Attempted
self-repair may also void your warranty. Changes or modiﬁcations not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance (by the warranty or by the
manufacturer) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• Do not drop your DIRECTV Receiver and always move it with care.
• Have your DIRECTV Receiver professionally serviced (do not attempt to service it yourself).
• Any changes or modiﬁcations in construction of this device which are not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
• If you move your DIRECTV Receiver between locations at diﬀerent temperatures, allow it to reach room temperature before you apply power to it.
• Do not pick up or otherwise move your DIRECTV Receiver while it is connected to the AC power supply. If you want to move your set-top box, ﬁrst disconnect it,
then wait at least 30 seconds before continuing
For your information:
The identification sticker can be located underneath or on the back of your receiver.
The telecommunication network voltage used is the category number 3.

TIP

Note to Satellite Dish Installer
This reminder is provided to call your attention to articles 810 and 820 of the 2005 National Electrical Code. Refer to article 810, in particular 810-1 and 810-15,
for required grounding of the metal structure of the dish antenna. Refer also to the 810-2 which, by reference to article 820, requires that the satellite dish coaxial
cable shield be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

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Getting Started ......................................................................................... 1

Table of
Contents

Welcome ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
About Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO ............................................................................................................ 2
What You Can Watch.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Equipment You’ll Need ....................................................................................................................................... 3
DVR Service .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
HD Access Fee ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Installation & Activation ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Package Contents ................................................................................................................................................. 4
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Front Panel ............................................................................................................ 4
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Rear Panel .............................................................................................................. 6

What’s On ................................................................................................. 9
Watching TV ..........................................................................................................................................................11
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Features in Live TV.......................................................................................12
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Features in Recorded TV .............................................................................13
The Channel Banner..........................................................................................................................................15
The Guide .................................................................................................................................................................17
Overview of the DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide® .........................................................................17
Getting Around in the Guide ..........................................................................................................................17
The Mini Guide: Program Listings While You Watch TV...........................................................................18
Recording Programs: A Great Way to Watch Your Favorites .......................................................................19
One-Touch Record with Default Options ....................................................................................................19
Autorecord a Search ...........................................................................................................................................20
Changing Record Options/Canceling a Record .........................................................................................20
Recording to VCR..............................................................................................................................................20
Pay Per View: The Latest Movies, 24 Hours a Day.........................................................................................21
The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs............................................................................................22
Disk Space Bar .....................................................................................................................................................23
v

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The Menu ................................................................................................ 25
Using the Menu .......................................................................................................................................................27
Help & Settings .......................................................................................................................................................27
Help .......................................................................................................................................................................27
Setup ......................................................................................................................................................................27
Scheduler ..............................................................................................................................................................28
Favorites ................................................................................................................................................................28
Parental Controls ................................................................................................................................................28
My Playlist ................................................................................................................................................................29
Audio Options .........................................................................................................................................................29
Dolby® Digital ......................................................................................................................................................29
Category Sort ...........................................................................................................................................................30
Pay Per View.............................................................................................................................................................31
Search .........................................................................................................................................................................31
Date & Time ............................................................................................................................................................32
Favorites ....................................................................................................................................................................32
Channels I Get ....................................................................................................................................................33
Caller ID & Messages ............................................................................................................................................33
Caller ID ...............................................................................................................................................................33
DIRECTV Messages .........................................................................................................................................34
Parental Controls ....................................................................................................................................................34
Ratings...................................................................................................................................................................34
Channel Blocks ...................................................................................................................................................35
Spending ...............................................................................................................................................................35
Hours .....................................................................................................................................................................35
Now, lock it ..........................................................................................................................................................36
Let me in…! ..........................................................................................................................................................36
Menu Features for Recording ...............................................................................................................................37
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More Info................................................................................................. 39
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................................40
System Upgrades .................................................................................................................................................40
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO or TV Problems..............................................................................................41
Recorded TV Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................45
Remote Control Problems ................................................................................................................................48
Running the System Test ...................................................................................................................................49
Limited 90-Day Warranty .....................................................................................................................................50
Who is Covered? ................................................................................................................................................50
What is Covered? ...............................................................................................................................................50
What is Excluded? .............................................................................................................................................51
Make Sure You Keep... ......................................................................................................................................52
Before Requesting Repair Service... ...............................................................................................................52
To Get Warranty Service... ...............................................................................................................................52
To Get Out-of-Warranty Service... .................................................................................................................52
Product Information...............................................................................................................................................54
DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN .................................................................................................................55
DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN Benefits.............................................................................................55
Sign up for the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN Today....................................................................56
FCC Customer Information ................................................................................................................................57
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF SOFTWARE (“TERMS”)..........................................60

vii

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Appendix A: Installation........................................................................ 63
Before You Begin .....................................................................................................................................................64
Hardware Reference ...............................................................................................................................................64
Cables & Connections ......................................................................................................................................65
Choose Your Setup .............................................................................................................................................67
Connecting Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to your TV or VCR......................................................67
Making the Video Connections ..........................................................................................................................68
Making the Audio Connections ..........................................................................................................................70
Making the Basic Connections ............................................................................................................................72
Guided Setup ...........................................................................................................................................................74
HDTV Settings in Guided Setup ...................................................................................................................74
Now, let us lead the way… ................................................................................................................................75
Activate Your DIRECTV ® Service ......................................................................................................................75
Programming Your Remote Control ..................................................................................................................76
Factory Defaults ..................................................................................................................................................76
Using Your IR or RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO ...........................................77

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Appendix B: High-Def 101 ..................................................................... 79
About High-Definition .........................................................................................................................................80
Types of TV Broadcasts ....................................................................................................................................80
Resolution & Interlacing ...................................................................................................................................81
Aspect Ratio.........................................................................................................................................................82
Screen Formats ....................................................................................................................................................82
Options For Changing Video Output ...............................................................................................................83
FORMAT key on Your Remote ......................................................................................................................83
Resolution (RES) Key on Receiver Front Panel ..........................................................................................84
Supported Resolutions ...........................................................................................................................................85
Wide-Screen vs. Standard Formats .....................................................................................................................86
4:3 TVs Showing 16:9 programs .....................................................................................................................86
16:9 TVs Showing 4:3 programs .....................................................................................................................88

Index ........................................................................................................ 91

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Chapter 1

Welcome

About Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO

Installation & Activation

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Front Panel

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Rear Panel

Getting
Started

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Welcome
With the DIRECTV® HD DVR PRO you can expect more than ever before, with access to over 250
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. DIRECTV Pay Per View offers a handy choice in recent hit movies, plus
exciting live sports, concerts and specials, even Pay Per View selections in HD. There are exclusive sports
subscriptions for every taste and team. Even access to 68 XM Satellite Music channels!

TIP
You can find additional
information and the latest
updates at directv.com

To deliver this unique programming and enhance your entertainment experience, the DIRECTV HD
DVR PRO have been designed to be simple and user-friendly. You’ll find that most features are selfexplanatory, with onscreen directions to lead you through them.

About Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO
The DIRECTV HD DVR PRO is a high-definition, digital video recorder, that lets you record up to 400
hours of your favorite programs in standard-definition or 100 hours of high-definition, and use pause and
other video controls on live TV*. You can select a specific program and set it to record once or every time
it’s on, or you can search for and record your favorite shows with your desired name, title or keywords.
You can even record up to two shows at once†.
Important

• You must subscribe to DIRECTV DVR service in order to use the recording features.
• Additional HD Access Fee required to receive HD programming.
• DIRECTV hardware, programming, DVR service and HD Access fee available separately. For information and pricing
regarding programming, DVR service and HD Access Fee, please visit directv.com.
• *Actual recording capacity varies based on type of programming being recorded. Fewer hours of HD can be recorded.
• †Professional installation highly recommended. Land-based phone line required.

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What You Can Watch
With the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO, you have access to all types of televised programming, including:
DIRECTV high-definition and standard-definition digital programming via satellite, including local
channels if offered in your area (DIRECTV service subscription required).
Local digital TV channels, including any local HD broadcasts shown in your area, available via the
DIRECTV Satellite.

Equipment You’ll Need
To view HD programming, you’ll need, in addition to your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO:
A high-definition TV set (or HDTV monitor)
A 5 LNB Multi-Satellite dish antenna—MPEG4 and Ka/Ku compatible

DVR Service
Digital video recording capabilities are only fully functional with a land-based phone line connection and
a subscription to DVR Service, sold separately. For information and pricing, visit directv.com/DVR.

HD Access Fee
To receive HD channels, you will need to subscribe to HD Access. For information and pricing, visit
directv.com/HD.

Installation & Activation
If you or a professional installer have not yet connected your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO and other
components, please see Appendix A, Installation at the end of this User Guide. Following installation,
you will need to activate your DIRECTV service. If you have not activated already, see page 75 for more
information.
3

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Package Contents
The following items are included with your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO:

HDMI video cables
A/V cables (RCA type)
Component video cable (YPbPr)
Phone cord
User guide

Remote control & batteries
Power cord
Access card
(2) B-band Converters (also called BBCs)

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Front Panel
1

POWER

GUIDE

REC

10 11

ACTIVE

INFO

480i

480p

720p

1080i

SELECT

OPEN

Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.

DOOR PANEL, USB PORT – For future use.

POWER – Turns your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO on or oﬀ. Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO still
records and receives messages when powered oﬀ.

REMOTE SENSOR – The infrared sensor picks up commands from the remote control.

GUIDE – Displays the onscreen program guide.

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MENU – Brings up the Menu to access settings and services.

RECORD – In live TV, records current program; in the Guide sets one-touch record for highlighted program.

ARROWS – Move the onscreen highlight up, down, left or right.

SELECT – Selects the item highlighted.

LIGHT RING – 12 blue lights indicate the current state of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. 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.
12) RESOLUTION INDICATORS – Lights indicate the current resolution setting.
13) DOOR PANEL, ACCESS CARD – The access card slot and RESET button are located behind
the door panel.
Insert your DIRECTV Access Card
Locate the access card that came packed with your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO materials and insert the
card, facing upward, fully into the slot.
ACTIVE

INFO

480i

480p

720p

1080i

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DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Rear Panel
6

IR INPUT

11 12

9 10

HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

SWITCH
HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

HDMI

13 15 17

Your equipment may not look exactly like the model illustrated.

SATELLITE IN 1 (SWM-2) – Use to connect the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to a satellite dish antenna. If your installation includes an SWM (Single Wire Module), connect the SWM output to this
input. SWM is a technology that allows multiple tuners to work with a single satellite input, giving you
the ability to watch and record up to two programs at once.

SATELLITE IN 2 – If you do not have an SWM, both satellite inputs must be used to watch and record
up to two programs at once.

USB – For future use.

S-VIDEO OUT – Provides the best picture quality for standard-deﬁnition TV, better than VIDEO
RCA-type jacks. If your TV has an S-Video jack, use it along with the AUDIO jacks (S-Video only carries picture information, not sound) to connect to your TV. (Cable sold separately.)

VIDEO (Yellow) – Provides good picture quality for standard-deﬁnition TV. Connect the second RCAtype composite VIDEO jack to another device, such as a VCR. You must also connect the AUDIO
cables when using the VIDEO connection.

The Rear Panel
may look
complicated, but
you probably
won’t use all the
connections.

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Connect video,
audio, your
satellite dish, a
phone line, power,
and you’re done!

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.

AUDIO (R-Red and L-White) – Audio cables oﬀer good, non-digital sound quality. You can connect a
second set of audio cables to another component, such as a VCR or stereo.

RS232C – Receives data from external devices. (Future use.)

DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) – Provides digital-quality audio signal. (Cable sold separately.)

10) DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (COAX) – Provides digital-quality audio signal. (Cable sold separately.)
11) IR INPUT –Use with an external IR Repeater/Emitter when your receiver is enclosed and can’t “see”
the remote.
12) HDMI OPTICAL – Provides the best quality HD picture (better than YPbPr/component video).
HDMI also provides audio, for a high-quality, “one-cable” solution. With optional converter and ﬁber
optic cable, you may place your TV up to 300 feet from your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Receiver.
13) S-ATA PORT – For future use.
14) HDMI SWITCH – Move this switch to select the type of HDMI cable you are using.
15) ETHERNET 1 & 2 (RJ45) – Provides connectivity to your home network, and to the Internet, so you
can access your Music & Photos from your DIRECTV Receiver and access DIRECTV On Demand
broadband programming. (Note: This socket provides 5 Volts DC Power. Please ensure your equipment is
compatible prior to connection.)
16) HDMI – The same quality as HDMI Optical, using a traditional copper cable.
17) PHONE – Connects the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to a telephone wall jack. We require a land-based
telephone connection to communicate periodically with your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.
18) AC POWER – Connects the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to an electrical outlet. We recommend you use
a surge protector to safeguard your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO from power spikes.
7

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11 Watching TV
17 The Guide

Chapter 2

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

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22 The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs

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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). You can also navigate to different channels through the Guide, described in detail later in this chapter. Keep in mind, either way, you’ll only be
able to access those channels in your chosen DIRECTV® programming package. For a list of the channels
available in the DIRECTV programming packages, visit directv.com.
Use the black keys on the left side of your remote control to adjust volume up or down (VOL) or mute
the sound (MUTE). The black keys on the right side can take you to the next channel numerically up or
down (CHAN), or jump to the previous channel you watched (PREV).

* You may have noticed your DIRECTV remote contains keys labeled PWR and DIRECTV & TV POWER. The PWR
key turns your DIRECTV Receiver on and off. The DIRECTV & TV POWER keys turn both your receiver and your TV on
and off. However, the remote must be programmed to work with your TV. See “Programming Your Remote Control” in
Appendix A for more information.

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DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Features in Live TV
Live Buffer: The DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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.) If you start watching a program
late, even if it is not set to record, you can back up to the beginning (up to 90 minutes) using REWIND,
as long as you haven’t changed channels since the program started.

Cruise Controls: Use the PAUSE, FFWD, REWIND, REPLAY, RECORD and ADVANCE keys to
control your viewing time. Pressing FFWD or REWIND multiple times lets you increment the speed at
which you cruise through a program. Pressing and holding PLAY shows the program in slow motion. If
you press FFWD while a program is paused, the program is displayed in frame-by-frame.
When you use Cruise Control keys, a “control bar” shows you where you are in the program, the start
and end time of the program, how much of the program has been stored and the program title.
If you are viewing a screen with a TV Window, such as the Guide or an Info screen, icons are displayed
in the window to identify the current state (e.g., playing, paused, fast forward, etc.).

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DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Features in Recorded TV
Recorded programs can be found in the My Playlist 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 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 My Playlist tab on the Playlist screen.
When you’ve reached the end of a recorded program, the recorder will ask if you want to delete it to make
room for new programs.
For recorded programs, the control bar shows the program duration instead of the start and end times.
For screens with a TV Window, icons are displayed in the window as they are for live TV. The color of the
portion of the control bar that indicates the stored portion of a program is orange for recorded programs,
green for live TV.
Bookmarks: “Bookmarks” are a way of keeping track of places in a program you’d like to jump to quickly.
You can set Bookmarks in a recorded program by pressing PAUSE then the GREEN key. They can be
deleted by pressing PAUSE, then the DASH key. You can jump to Bookmarks by pressing and holding
the FFWD key to move forward, or the REWIND key to move back, or via the Menu. (See Chapter 3.)

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Current Date & Time

DIRECTV 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

Program Info

DIRECTV Channel – Channel logo, number and call letters of the station you’re currently
viewing.

Info Panel

Program Info – Program title, stop and start time and rating of the current program.

Info Panel – Displayed when you press INFO on your remote. Contains the program description
and other information. Press SELECT on the More Info button to see additional options.

Current Favorites – Favorite Channels list currently in use.

Audio options – A “ﬁlled in” icon indicates alternate audio options are available. A “hollow” icon,
no alternate audio options are available.

Messages – A “ﬁ lled in” icon indicates new DIRECTV messages in Caller ID & Messages. A
“hollow” icon, there are no new or unread messages.

Parental Controls – Parental Controls lock status. Three icons: Locked (“ﬁ lled-in” lock icon),
unlocked (“hollow” unlocked icon) and temporarily unlocked (“ﬁ lled-in” locked icon).

Button Hint – Tells you that you can see the Mini Guide by pressing the BLUE key on the remote.

Current Favorites

Audio Options

Messages

Parental Controls

Button Hint

Music Channels
Your DIRECTV service includes dozens of enjoyable, continuous music channels with something for every taste.
Tune to these just as you would to any channel. You’ll see a special Channel Banner that initially displays the channel
description (for example, “The ‘60s,” “US Country”). As each song is played, its info will appear in the banner, including
song title, artist and record company.

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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

screen.

TIP
You can find additional

Icons you may see in the Guide:

skip the Channel Categories

Press the GUIDE key twice to

– Broadcast in letterbox (16:9 widescreen) format

– All Day Ticket Pay Per View showings (pay once, watch all day)

– Scheduled to Record

– All episodes scheduled to record

– Program matches a Search, set to autorecord

– Currently recording

– HD program

– Dolby Digital audio available

Getting Around in the Guide
Press the GUIDE key on your remote, then choose how you want to filter the Guide (or press GUIDE
twice to skip the filter). Select All Channels, or channels in a specific category.

information and the latest
updates at directv.com

Moving through the Guide is simple:

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LIST

ACTIV

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.
Use the CHAN key up or down to scroll a full page.

SELECT

Press the RED or GREEN keys to move forward or back in time in 12-hour increments.
To tune to a program that is on now, highlight the program and press SELECT. Selecting a future
program displays program information.

CK
MENU

INF

Press INFO when you’ve highlighted a show in the Guide to view a more in-depth description and
options. Pressing INFO when you’ve highlighted the channel name displays the channel’s listing for
up to 14 days.
Press SELECT when you’ve highlighted a channel cell (far left) to view that channel in the TV
window.
Press MENU to see Guide options, change your Favorites list, or jump to a desired date and time.
Press RECORD to record the program.

The Mini Guide: Program Listings While You Watch TV
The Mini Guide is a special version of the Guide that displays only one channel at a time, and appears
over full-screen TV. To display the Mini Guide, press the BLUE key on the remote while watching TV.
Just as you can with the Guide, you can scroll through channels and times, set programs to record, access
program info, and other Guide features

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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 HD DVR PRO will save it for you to watch
later. To watch recorded programs, use the Playlist feature. (See The Playlist on page 22.)
To schedule a program for recording with specific options:
1)

Highlight a program that interests you and press INFO.

Highlight and select Record. A screen is displayed where you can set record options for that
program. Follow the onscreen instructions to set the program to record as you wish.

Select the Set Record button, then OK on the conﬁrmation screen.

You can record up to two programs at once.* However, if a program you select to record conflicts with
another recording, you will be notified of the conflict at the time and given a choice of which recording to
cancel.

Don’t you hate
when you miss a
One-Touch Record with Default Options
show just because
On any screen, you can press the RECORD key on a highlighted program to schedule it to record with
you forget it’s on? default options.
So do we.

Pressing RECORD once schedules the highlighted program to record. A recording icon is displayed
next to the program title to let you know it is scheduled.
For a one-time only program:
• Pressing RECORD again cancels the record.

* Professional installation highly recommended.

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For episodic programs:
•

Pressing RECORD a second time schedules all episodes of the program for recording.

•

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.

Changing Record Options/Canceling a Record
Once you have scheduled a program to record, you can change the record options or cancel the recording
by selecting the program in the Guide or the To Do List (press LIST, then YELLOW); then, select the
Record item in the left menu, and follow the onscreen instructions to change the program’s options or
cancel recording completely.
You can change the following record options:
•

For all programs, you can extend recording start and stop times (for example, start 1 minute before
the program; stop 5 minutes after the scheduled end of the program).

•

For programs with multiple episodes, you can select whether to record first run programs and repeats
or just first runs, how many episodes to keep, and how long to save the recorded program.

Recording to VCR
To record a program on your VCR, make sure you’ve connected your VCR properly to your DIRECTV
HD DVR PRO, then select a recorded program from the My Playlist tab in the Playlist, set your VCR to
20

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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.

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, starting at channel 125.
Tune to a pay per view program or press INFO on a highlighted pay per view program. Select the Buy
option and follow the onscreen instructions. As long as your receiver is connected to a land-based phone
line, you can use your remote to order.
You can cancel your pay per view order for any reason as long as none of the program has been viewed.
Press LIST, then press YELLOW to display the To Do List. Press SELECT on the Purchase item in the
left menu. Select the desired program and follow the onscreen instructions.

TIP
You can also order DIRECTV Pay
Per View movies and events on the
Internet at directv.com or over the
phone at 1-800-531-5000. Keep in
mind, though, there is an additional
ordering fee for purchases placed
over the phone.

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Important
To obtain optimum picture quality, make sure the receiver is connected directly to the TV. Connecting the receiver to
the TV through a VCR or DVD recorder is known to yield less than optimum picture quality, particularly when viewing
copy-protected programming.

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The Playlist: Watching Your Recorded Programs
The Playlist displays all saved, recorded programs in the My Playlist 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.
The time, date and channel of each recorded program are displayed to the right of the program title. Any
icon identifying program status is displayed to the left of the program title.

TIP

Highlighting a program title displays the program description, just as in the Guide.

For a list of icons you may see in

Episodic programs appear in the list in groups. For example, if you record a weekly comedy series, that
series is shown in the list by its name, and the episodes for that series are saved in a group under that
name. You can press SELECT on the series name to display all the episodes that have been recorded.
Programs recorded as the result of a Search are also saved under a group, where the name of the group is
the Search name. The number of new (not viewed) programs and total programs for each group are displayed to the right of the group name.

the Playlist, turn to the inside back
cover of this User Guide.

If you press SELECT or INFO on a program under the My Playlist tab in the Playlist, an Info screen is
displayed for the program that lets you update how long the program will be kept or delete the program.

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Disk Space Bar
The My Playlist 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.

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27 Using the Menu
27 Help & Settings

Chapter 3

29 My Playlist
29 Audio Options
30 Category Sort

The Menu

31 Pay Per View
31 Search
32 Date & Time
32 Favorites
33 Caller ID & Messages
34 Parental Controls
37 Menu Features for Recording

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Using the Menu
Press MENU on your remote to easily access DIRECTV features. Once the 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 Menu
at any time, press MENU again. The features in the Menu change as needed to display only the most
helpful features at any time. For example, when the Menu is displayed over the Guide, it displays special
features to help you with the Guide.

Help & Settings
Selecting Help & Settings in the Menu displays a submenu of items that lets you customize, adjust and
keep track of your DIRECTV viewing experience.

Help
The Help item in the Menu displays a list of help topics and Frequently Asked Questions.

Setup
The Setup item in the Menu displays the Setup screen, where you can access the Info & Test, Satellite &
Antenna Setup, Remote Setup, Audio Setup, Display Setup, Access Card and System Reset screens.
Info & Test: The System Info option lets you view the current system information. The System Test
option lets you run a test on the tuner, access card, receiver ID and phone line.
Satellite: This option is useful if your DIRECTV® Plus HD DVR has lost signal strength, or you need to
realign your satellite dish.
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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 Menu.
Display: This option lets you change display settings such as native mode, screen format, bar color, the
Channel Banner display time, the language in onscreen menus, time zone (for the clock) and screen centering.
HDTV: The HDTV option is where you can set your TV’s aspect ratio and resolution.
Access Card: Follow the onscreen directions to replace your access card. You will need your old and new
access cards to complete this process. (Note: DIRECTV will provide new access cards and instructions
when necessary.)
Reset: From here you can restart the receiver, reset to factory defaults, or reset everything.

Scheduler
This feature gives you an overview of and access to all the programs you’ve set to autorecord or purchase.

Favorites
Check the current status of your Favorites list(s) by clicking here, and make changes if you like. See page
32 for more details.

Parental Controls
Check the current restrictions of your Parental Controls by clicking here, and make any adjustments. See
page 34 for more details.
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My Playlist
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 5.1 Audio?
It’s 5 channels of
audio for theaterstyle sound, plus
a subwoofer for
heart-pounding
bass.
Go ahead. Try this
at home.

Some programs have alternate audio available (such as other language tracks or Dolby Digital). This
option only appears in the Menu over Live TV when the current program has alternate audio. You can
set the default so that whenever a program has alternate audio available, it automatically plays this audio,
or you can change the alternate audio temporarily for the program you are watching. In either case, press
MENU while in Live TV, then:
To change the default audio, from the Menu, select Settings, select Setup, then select Audio in the left
menu and follow the onscreen instructions.
To temporarily change the audio, from the Menu, select Audio Options, then select the audio track you
prefer. Once the program is over or you change the channel, the audio will change back to the default
setting.

Dolby® Digital
The recommended audio format for HDTV is Dolby* Digital.
Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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, right29

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front, left-rear, right-rear and low-frequency channels. The result, when your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO
is connected to a compatible Dolby Digital A/V receiver and 5.1 channel speaker setup, is an experience
that gives you much of the dynamic range, 360-degree imaging and sonic excitement of a real theater.
Not all TV programs deliver 5.1 channel signals, and not all programs are broadcast using Dolby Digital
for DIRECTV programming. Programs using this high-quality audio standard are indicated by the Dolby
Digital in the program description in the Channel Banner (see page 15) and Guide (see page 17).
To change the Digital Audio format, press MENU, select Settings, then select Setup. Select Audio in the
left menu. Highlight the Dolby Digital tab and press SELECT, then follow the onscreen instructions and
select from the following options:
On: Turns on Dolby Digital audio output. (Note: True Dolby Digital is only available via HDMI or
optical outputs.
Off: Select this option to turn off Dolby Digital Audio output.

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 Menu over the Guide.
While in the Guide, from the 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.
Note
30

* Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.

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Pay Per View
This option enables you to check out DIRECTV Pay Per View listings by category. This option only
appears in the Menu over the Guide.
While in the Guide, press MENU, then select Pay Per View. You will see three choices for sorting the listings. Choose All to display all current pay per view programs. Movies will give you listings of all current
movies available. Pick Special Events to see specific events such as sports, comedy specials and more. The
Guide will display only programs that match the selected choice.

Search
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? Search offers some easy ways to spot just what you
want to watch.
Press MENU, then select Search. You can find a program by Title, Person, Keyword or Channel. Your
Person and Keyword searches will be quicker if you narrow your search by selecting subcategories; just
follow the onscreen instructions. Once you’ve found what you’re after, all you have to do is highlight and
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.

Note
Keep in mind, when you use the Search feature, only those programs in the Guide slated to air within the number of
days of programming supported by your receiver will appear on your list.

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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 a 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.
When you’re using a Favorites list, the Guide will only display those channels you’ve chosen — and you’ll
also only see those channels when you change channels using CHAN UP/DOWN on your remote.
Keep in mind, no matter what Favorites list you’re currently using, you can still always access any channel
you receive by keying in its channel number on your remote. You can also edit or delete a list at any time
by returning to Favorites and editing your list(s).

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Channels I Get
In addition to displaying all channels or creating lists of favorite channels, you can also set your
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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.

Caller ID & Messages
This feature lets you receive important messages from DIRECTV about your service. Also, if you have
Caller ID service, you can view phone calls you’ve received or turn call notification on or off*. Press
MENU to display the 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.
The Notification tab lets you turn the notification feature on or off. When the Notification option is on,
you’ll see a notice on your TV screen whenever a call comes in.

Note
* You must subscribe to Caller ID service through your local telephone company, and your DIRECTV
Receiver must be connected to a phone line.

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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. 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 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.

Ratings
Here you can set rating limits for Movies and TV:
1)

SELECT Ratings.

Highlight the desired tab using the ARROW keys and press SELECT. Note: You can also use
RED or GREEN to cycle tabs.

Movies
Highlight and select the Movies tab, then set the overall rating limit you wish to impose. Brief descriptions
of the ratings appear for your guidance.

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TV Programs

TIP

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.

For ratings limits and channel
blocks, as well as most other

SELECT

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.

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.

Spending
From the left menu, SELECT Spending, then set your preferred spending limit for any single pay per view
purchase. Simply key in the amount using the numbers on your remote.

Hours
From the left menu, SELECT Hours, then set your preferred hours during which TV can be viewed. You
can set hours based on “school nights” and weekend nights—Monday-Thursday, Friday-Saturday, and
Sunday.

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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. He or she will not be allowed to proceed
without the passcode. Using your passcode, you can easily override the limits.

Let me in…!
Temporarily or permanently unlocking a restriction is easy. To temporarily unlock a particular program:
1)

When any controls are currently activated, Unlock Now will appear if you try to tune to a
restricted program.

Select Unlock Now and enter the password.

For more unlock options:
1)

Press MENU, then SELECT Parental Controls.

Various options for removing restrictions temporarily or permanently will appear. Select one and
enter your password.

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.

TIP
The Parental Control icon in the
Channel Banner will tell you if the
receiver is locked, temporarily
unlocked, or unlocked.

Locked

Unlocked

Temporarily
Unlocked

Note
36

Don’t use obvious numbers, like birthdays or addresses, for your passcode. Your kids are smarter than you think!

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To change your passcode at any time:
1)

Press MENU, SELECT Parental Controls, then Edit Settings.

Scroll down to Passcode and press SELECT.

Enter your old password, then enter a new one twice to conﬁrm.

Menu Features for Recording
The Menu includes special recording features over certain screens.
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 My Playlist screen.

•

Open/Close All lets you open and close all groups at once.

Menu over recorded TV:
•

Keep... lets you change how long a recorded program will be kept on disk.

•

Bookmarks lets you jump to bookmarks that have been set in a recorded program you are currently
viewing. (See page 13.)

•

My Playlist lets you view a list of recorded programs, or access the My Playlist screen.

Menu over a Record Options screen:
•

Record Defaults lets you set the default selections for the Start, Stop, Keep and Type options.

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40 Troubleshooting
50 Limited 90-Day Warranty

Chapter 4

54 Product Information
55 DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN
57 FCC Customer Information

More Info

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60 TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE OF SOFTWARE (“TERMS”)

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Troubleshooting
Many problems can be corrected by performing a simple reset of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. 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:

You can find additional
troubleshooting help at
directv.com.

Press the red RESET button behind the access card panel door on the front of the DIRECTV HD
DVR PRO, then wait for program guide information to be acquired.
If the problems persist, try unplugging the power cord of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO for 15
seconds, then plug it in again.
Running the System Test (later in this section) can also help you diagnose and solve many common problems.

System Upgrades
Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO is able to receive upgrades or modifications to some of its features and
functions. These modifications will occur automatically, usually at times when the receiver would likely
be turned off. If your receiver is on when an upgrade or modification is sent, you may experience a disruption in reception for a few minutes. Your reception should return to normal after the modification is
complete. Your receiver must be plugged in to AC power to receive any 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.

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Having a problem? Then check
the following:
1. Cables and
connections

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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. If Satellite Data Acquisition still does not move forward, press the RESET button
behind the access panel door on the front of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO and wait for program guide
information to be acquired.
Wrong picture, blue screen, snow or black/blank picture

2. MODE switch
on your remote

The DIRECTV HD DVR PRO and most TVs and VCRs let you toggle between video sources. If you
don’t see the signal you think you should be seeing, try using these buttons to toggle between the signals:
Press the TV/VCR button on the VCR remote or on the VCR’s front panel.

3. Remote batteries

Press the TV INPUT button on the DIRECTV remote control.

4. TV Input

Check your connections and cables.

If problems persist, turn off all equipment that is connected to your TV, wait a few minutes, then
turn the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO back on.

5. Power
Most problems
have simple
solutions.
41

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Problems with Caller ID
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).
If you are plugging your receiver to a wireless phone jack, note that it typically does not transmit Caller ID
information; you may need a special wireless phone jack for Caller ID service. See the user’s manual that came
with the wireless phone jack to see if it transmits Caller ID information. If it doesn’t, either connect the phone line
directly to a standard wall-mount phone jack or install a wireless phone jack that transmits Caller ID information.
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO will not turn on
Make sure the remote control is on DIRECTV mode, and press PWR (power key).
Press the POWER button on the front panel of the receiver.
Check to make sure the power cord is plugged into the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO and the wall outlet.
Check the wall receptacle (or extension cord) to make sure it is “live” by plugging in something else.
Press TV POWER ON, then press it a second time if needed.
Check batteries in remote control.
Be sure remote control is pointed at remote sensor, and front of receiver is not blocked.
Unplug the receiver. Wait five minutes. Plug it in again.
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO Turns off while playing
Excessive heat may have caused the receiver to go into a standby state. Insure that the receiver has plenty of
ventilation.
Electronic protection circuit may have been activated due to a power surge. Wait 30 seconds, then turn on again.
42

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Unplug DIRECTV HD DVR PRO for a few minutes, then plug back in. If this happens frequently, the voltage in
your house may be abnormally high or low.
Consider using a surge protector or line conditioner.
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.
Consult an electrician if the problem is frequent or severe, especially if other household appliances or electronics
are affected.
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO turns on or changes channels unexpectedly
An autorecord may have been activated. See page 20.
Your TV’s timer may have been activated.
Check your TV owner’s manual.
Blank screen
Check that all components connected to the input jacks are turned on.
Try another channel.
Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO may be hooked up incorrectly to the TV. Press the INFO button on the front
panel of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to see if the channel banner appears. If it does not, check the Setup and
Connections section for instructions about connecting your satellite receiver.
Press the TV INPUT key on the remote to make sure your TV input is set to the TV input your DIRECTV HD
DVR PRO is connected to.
Press the POWER button on the front of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO .
Press the red RESET button behind the door on the front panel of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO .
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Temporary loss of the satellite signal or Searching for Satellite Signal message
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.
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
The channels might be excluded from the Favorites list currently in use. Press MENU on the remote, select
Favorites, then All Channels, or enter the channel number manually.
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
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).
My video and audio are out of sync.
Try changing channels.
Press LIST, then EXIT.
If neither of those work, restart your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. Press the RESET button behind the access panel
door on the front of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. You can also press MENU, press SELECT on Settings, then
SELECT Setup. Select the Reset item from the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions.

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My DIRECTV HD DVR PRO is “frozen” on a single frame of a TV picture.
Try changing to another channel, then changing back.
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.
If that doesn’t work, restart your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. Press the RESET button behind the access panel
door on the front of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. You can also press MENU, press SELECT on Settings, then
SELECT Setup. Select the Reset item from the left menu, then press SELECT on Restart Receiver.
I want to turn the light ring on the front panel on or off, or dim it.
Press and hold the LEFT and RIGHT arrows to adjust the brightness of the blue lights in the light ring on the
front panel. You can dim the lights until they turn off completely. To turn the lights on, press and hold the LEFT
and RIGHT arrows again.

Recorded TV Troubleshooting
A program I tried to record does not show up in the My Playlist screen.
Someone else in your household may have prevented the recording, or erased the program after it recorded.
The recording may have been canceled due to a conflict with another program with higher priority in the
Prioritizer.
Press MENU, select Settings, then Scheduler. In the left menu, select History. You will see a list of recent
programs, with their recording status info.
If you delete a series recording by pressing RECORD on an episode in the Guide, you cancel the entire series, not
just the highlighted episode.
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I wanted to record a program, but I got an error message saying it conflicted with another scheduled record.
What do I do?
Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO can record up to two programs at once, or it can record one program while you
watch (or record) 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.
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.), try scheduling the recording manually (go to the Scheduler and select Manual) and change the start
and end times appropriately.
I recorded a program, and the recording got cut off just before the end, so I missed the last bit of the program.
Next time, try setting the end time of the recording in the Record Options so the recording ends one or two
minutes later (or more, if necessary). For sporting events, you may want to try 15 minutes or more, to protect
against overtime games. Some networks show program episodes several times during a week, so if you just watched
a program where the last few minutes were not recorded, try scheduling it again immediately. Note that adding
time to the beginning or end of a recording increases the likelihood of recording conflicts, so use time padding
sparingly. (See previous question.)
A program I recorded was displayed in the My Playlist screen, but got deleted before I could watch it.
When you schedule a recording from an Info screen, you can select how long your recordings are kept: Until I
Delete, or Until Space Needed. When you schedule a program with one-touch record, the recording defaults to
Until Space Needed. Programs that are set to be kept Until Space Needed may be deleted as new programs are
recorded. You can change this option for a completed recording by pressing LIST to view the To Do list, then
press SELECT on the desired program. When the program’s Info screen is displayed, select the Record menu item
and change the options as needed.
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If you recorded a pay per view program, but did not watch it, the time which you are allowed to purchase or
watch it may have expired. To avoid in the future, check your pay per view recordings in the My Playlist 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.
When you schedule an episodic recording, you can set an option for program type: First Run, Repeats or Both.
If you only want to record a program the first time it is shown, and not repeated showings, make sure you select
the First Run option. This is the default for one-touch recording, so if you want to record every occurrence of
a program, you need to change it using the program’s Info screen. Access the program’s Info screen (by pressing
the INFO key when the program is highlighted in any list or the Guide), then select the Record menu item and
change the options as needed.
When I am watching a recorded program, and the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO starts to record another program,
my image quality deteriorates.
Press PAUSE, then PLAY.
Press EXIT to return to live TV, then press LIST. SELECT the program you were watching from the My Playlist
screen and press PLAY. (You may have to fast forward back to the point where you were.)

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Remote Control Problems
Problems with the remote control
Check that nothing is between the remote control and the remote sensor.
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 DVR PRO.
Check the batteries in the remote control. They may be weak, dead or installed incorrectly. Try replacing batteries.
If you’re entering a channel number that is less than four digits long, the receiver might wait two seconds before
tuning to the channel. Press ENTER after entering a channel number to tune immediately.
If you are trying to operate a device other than the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO that you have programmed the
remote to control, make sure you first slide the MODE switch to the mode that is programmed for that device
(AV1 or AV2). The indicator light for the component you’re trying to control should light up when you press a
valid key for that component. If it doesn’t, make sure the MODE switch is in the correct position.
A remote control indicator light starts flashing.
The batteries in the remote control are running low and should be replaced soon. You may also see an onscreen message
that the batteries are low. Note that when you replace the batteries, you should not have to reprogram your remote to
control other devices unless the batteries have been completely dead for a month or more.
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. When the System Setup screen is
displayed, press SELECT on Satellite in the left menu, then select the Repeat Satellite Setup button.
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Running the System Test
The System Test allows you to run a basic diagnostics check on your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. 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.
First make sure that:
All connections — jacks, cables, etc. — are in place correctly (see Chapter Two, Getting Connected, for more
information)
There are batteries in the remote control, and they are working correctly
The access card is installed in the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.
Follow these steps to run the diagnostics system test on your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.
1)

Turn on your TV and the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.

Slide the mode switch to the DIRECTV position to put the remote control in satellite receiver-controlling mode, then
press MENU to display the Quick Menu.

Select Settings.

Select Setup, then Info & Test.

Highlight the System Test tab and press SELECT, then press SELECT on Run Test.

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.

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.
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Limited 90-Day Warranty
DIRECTV warrants your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO (Model Number: HR21P) and any included accessories against defects
in material or workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days after the date of acquisition.

Who is Covered?
You must have proof of acquisition to receive warranty service. A receipt or other document showing that you acquired
the product is considered proof of acquisition. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENDS ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL
CONSUMER ACQUIRER OR ANY PERSON RECEIVING THE DIRECTV HD DVR PRO AS A GIFT FROM THE
ORIGINAL CONSUMER ACQUIRER AND TO NO OTHER ACQUIRER OR TRANSFEREE. THIS WARRANTY
DOES NOT EXTEND TO COMMERCIAL USERS. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE OUTSIDE
THE UNITED STATES AND ANY SUCH USE VOIDS THIS WARRANTY.

What is Covered?
Warranty coverage begins the day you acquire the product. For ninety (90) days from the acquisition date, at the option of
DIRECTV, the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO will be repaired or replaced with a new, repaired, refurbished or comparable
product (whichever is deemed necessary) if it becomes defective or inoperative. This exchange is done without charge to you
for parts and labor. You will be responsible for the cost of shipping to and from the location designated by DIRECTV. If
DIRECTV cannot reasonably repair or replace the Receiver then DIRECTV may, at its sole discretion, refund the price you
paid for the product or the current retail price of the product.
All products, including replacement products, are covered only for the original warranty period. When the warranty on the
original product expires, the warranty on the replacement product also expires. After ninety (90) days from the date of acquisition, 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.

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What is Excluded?
Your warranty does NOT cover:
Labor charges for installation or setup of the product.
Installation, performance of, or repair of: audio/video cabling, telephone line, or accessory attachments used with
the product.
Product replacement because of misuse, accident, lightning damage, unauthorized repair, or other cause not within
the control of DIRECTV.
Incidental or consequential damages resulting from the product. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Any modifications or other changes to the product, including but not limited to software or hardware
modification in any way other than as expressly authorized by DIRECTV will void this limited warranty. Except
in the case of hardware or software provided by DIRECTV, installing software modifications, “hacks” or utilizing
service access or “back doors” will void this limited warranty.
Reception transmission problems caused by signal conditions, telephone line, or cable or antenna systems outside
the unit.
A product that has been modified or adapted to enable it to operate in any country other than the country
for which it was designed, manufactured, approved and/or authorized, or repair of products damaged by these
modifications.
A product used for commercial or institutional purposes.
DIRECTV makes no warranty that the access connection will be a local (not long distance) phone call.
The continued provisioning of any of the programming and other services delivered through the Receiver including but not
limited to television programming, show information, program guide data, and scheduling information.
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Make Sure You Keep...
Please keep your receipt or other document showing proof of acquisition. 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. If you believe you need service for your Receiver, contact DIRECTV at 1800-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...
To obtain out-of-warranty service contact DIRECTV at 1-800-DIRECTV for information on the possibility of and any costs
for repair or replacement of out-of-warranty products.
ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS EXPRESS
LIMITED WARRANTY.
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ANY WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY THE LAW OF ANY STATE OF THE U.S.A., THIS
EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES,
AGREEMENTS AND SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS OF DIRECTV. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED IN
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT
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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. YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
DIRECTV, Inc.
2230 E. Imperial Hwy
El Segundo, CA 90245
1-800-DIRECTV

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Product Information
Keep your receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of acquisition. Attach it here and record the 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 73 when you connected the cables to your receiver.)
Model No. ____________________________________________________________________
Serial No. _____________________________________________________________________
Acquisition Date: _______________________________________________________________
Dealer/Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________
Access Card: ___________________________________________________________________
Receiver ID: ___________________________________________________________________

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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.

DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN Benefits
Your DIRECTV Limited Warranty provides certain remedies for this receiver during the stated coverage term. The
DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN provides comprehensive coverage for your DIRECTV System, including:
In-home service calls when needed

24-hour Technical Support

Power surge related repairs

Dish antenna realignments

Cables, switches, and associated wiring
throughout home

Replacement of defective equipment (if problem
can not be resolved over the phone) *

Defective remote control replacements

All parts and labor for repair

Get all that for just $5.99 a month. This one low monthly fee covers every DIRECTV component and receiver on your
account.

Note
*A fee of $55 for standard IRD equipment, $200 for DIRECTV DVR, DIRECTV PLUS DVR or Ultimate TV equipment, $240 for HD
equipment, or $470 for DIRECTV HD DVR equipment will be charged to your DIRECTV bill if the defective equipment that we are
replacing for you is not returned within 21 calendar days. The plan will provide a return box for the defective equipment and even pick up
the shipping costs. You’ll receive replacement equipment in about 72 hours.
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Sign up for the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN Today
If you have standard DIRECTV Receiver(s), visit directv.com and SIGN IN using the simple steps below or 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.

SELECT Option B, and then click the “Next” button at the bottom of the page.

SCROLL down to Step 3 (Add Additional Services) and SELECT “DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN,” then CLICK
on the “Next” button.

REVIEW your change and CLICK on the “Accept These Changes” button.

If you have a DIRECTV Receiver, DIRECTV Plus DVR, DIRECTV HD Receiver, DIRECTV HD DVR PRO or
DIRECTV Receiver with UltimateTV Service, please call 1-800-DIRECTV to sign up.
The DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN is offered by AIG Warranty Guard and underwritten by New Hampshire
Insurance Company on behalf of DIRECTV where authorized by law. Certain limitations apply. Pricing, terms and
conditions of the DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN are subject to change. Full terms and conditions will be mailed to
you prior to service billing and are available at directv.com/protection. (Note: Annual payment option no longer available.)

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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. Imperial Hwy
El Segundo, CA 90245
1-800-DIRECTV
Trade Name: DIRECTV
Type of Equipment: DIRECTV Satellite Receiver
Model Number: HR21P
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): This equipment complies with both Part 15 and Part 68 of the FCC rules.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, 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:
Reorient or relocate the receiving satellite dish antenna.
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Increase the separation between the equipment and the DIRECTV Receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the DIRECTV Receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
The user may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission, helpful: “How to Identify
and Resolve Radio and TV Interference Problems.” This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC. To meet FCC requirements, only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with Class B limits may be attached to this device. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result
in interference to radio and TV reception. To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables are required to connect the device to a
personal computer, peripheral, or other Class B certified device.
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC Rules and the requirements adopted by ACTA. On the back of this equipment is a label that contains a product identifier in the format US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. If requested, this information, plus the
following Facility Interface and Service Order codes, must be provided to your telephone company.
Facility Interface code: 02LS2

Service Order code: 9.0Y

This equipment uses the following USOC Jack: RJ11C. A plug and jack used to connect this equipment to the premises wiring and telephone network must comply with the applicable FCC Part 68 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
line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most but not all areas, the sum of the RENs
should not exceed five (5.0).

To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as determined by the total RENs, contact your local
telephone company. The REN for this product is part of the product identifier that has the format US: AAAEQ##TXXXX.
The digits represented by ## are the REN without the decimal point (e.g., 03 is a REN of 0.3).

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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.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could affect the proper
functioning of your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance in order for you to make necessary modifications to
maintain uninterrupted service. Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission, public service commission or corporation commission for information.
If trouble is experienced with this unit, for repair or warranty information, please contact DIRECTV Customer Care at
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. If you have questions about what will disable alarm equipment, consult your alarm company, telephone company or a qualified installer.
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THIS EQUIPMENT. It does not contain any user-serviceable components.
We recommend the installation of an AC surge arrester in the AC outlet to which this equipment is connected. Telephone
companies report that electrical surges, typically lightning transients, are very destructive to customer terminal equipment connected to AC power sources.
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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. License Grant and Conditions
DIRECTV grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license to use the Software solely in executable code form and solely as integrated with,
incorporated into, and in conjunction with the Receiver. You must ensure that the copyright, trademark and other protective notices contained in the
Software are maintained and not altered or removed. The Software is protected by copyright and other laws and international copyright and other treaties. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the Software and all modifications, updates, enhancements and derivative works of the Software are
owned exclusively by DIRECTV or its licensors and you agree to execute any document reasonably requested by DIRECTV to evidence such ownership
rights. Certain third party software used in connection with the Receiver may be made directly available to you by the providers thereof. Use of such
Software is also subject to the terms of any applicable agreement between you and each such provider. DIRECTV reserves the right to modify, supplement, update and otherwise alter the Software via software download or other modification procedures, and these terms will apply to such Software as
modified, supplemented, updated, and otherwise altered.
B. License Restrictions
You may not copy, modify or transfer the Software, or any copy thereof, in whole or in part. You may not reverse engineer, disassemble, decompile
or translate the Software, or otherwise attempt to derive the source code of the Software, except to the extent allowed under any applicable law. Any
attempt to transfer any of the rights, duties or obligations of this license agreement is void. You may not rent, lease, load, resell for profit or distribute the
Software, or any part thereof. You may not export, transfer or re-export the Software in violation of any applicable law.
The Software may include some components that are covered by “free software” licenses, open source licenses and other similar license use rights, which
require such components to be used, modified and/or distributed only under the terms of such licenses. Any such components are subject only to the
terms of such licenses, and not these Terms.
C. Ownership of Software and Reservation of Rights
The Software is licensed, not sold, to you for use only under the terms of this license agreement, DIRECTV is NOT transferring title or any ownership
rights in the Software to you and DIRECTV and its suppliers reserve all rights not expressly granted to you. Except as stated above, this license agreement
does not grant to you any intellectual property rights in the Software.
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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”. NEITHER DIRECTV NOR ANY OF ITS LICENSORS
EXPRESSLY MAKES OR PASSES ON TO YOU ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF DIRECTV OR ITS LICENSORS
WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
(BUT NOT LIMITED TO) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.
IN NO EVENT WILL DIRECTV OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE TO YOU WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGE (INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS,
LOSS OF DATA OR THE COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, TECHNOLOGY OR SERVICES) ARISING OUT OF
THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF DIRECTV OR ITS LICENSORS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY A THIRD PARTY. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental, consequential or special damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
F. Third Party Beneficiaries
DIRECTV’S LICENSORS AND SUPPLIERS SHALL BE THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF THESE LICENSE TERMS, AS APPLICABLE.
YOUR USE OF THE RECEIVER CONSTITUTES YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT YOU HAVE READ THESE TERMS AND AGREE
TO BE BOUND HEREBY.
G. Additional Information
Certain additional terms and information for the Software and certain third party software (including the text of licenses applicable to any free, open
source and other similar software that may be included in the Software) may be found in the DIRECTV Customer Agreement, the DIRECTV website
located at www.directv.com, and the GNU website located at www.gnu.org.

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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 HD DVR PRO

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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.

TIP
You can find additional
information and the latest
updates at directv.com

Whether you’re having your system professionally installed or handling it yourself, be sure to read over
the following few pages to familiarize yourself with some important tips for safety and care.

Hardware Reference
Satellite Dish Antenna
This is your “dish” and related hardware, affixed to your roof or other surface, which picks up the broadcast signals from our satellites.
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO (Satellite Receiver)
Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO picks up the signal from your satellite dish antenna and translates it into
viewable TV programming.

POWER

GUIDE

REC

ACTIVE

INFO

480i

480p

720p

1080i

SELECT

OPEN

Access Card
Contains information about your DIRECTV service. It must be properly inserted for your DIRECTV
HD DVR PRO to work and to activate your programming.

DIRECTV
ACCESS CARD

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Cables & Connections
HDMI and HDMI Optical Jack and Cable
The DIRECTV HD DVR PRO incorporates HDMI™ [or High-Definition Multimedia Interface] technology. HDMI offers a high-quality connection that combines video and audio signals into a single cable.
HDMI

HDMI
OPTICAL

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.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is an older digital connection standard that has been replaced by HDMI
and is compatible with HDMI. DVI carries video only. You can also use an HDMI to DVI converter (not
included), which also carries video only, so must be used with audio cables to receive the audio signal.
HDMI Optical provides the same quality signal as regular HDMI. With an optional signal converter and
a fiber optic cable, you can place your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO up to 300 feet from your TV set.

Component Video Output ( YPbPr)
The component connector provides high-quality video for your HDTV system. Component video is also
referred to as “YPbPr.” It uses three separate cables—with connectors colored green, red and blue—one for
each component of the HD video signal. A separate audio connection is also required, using either Digital
Audio Optical cable or the audio portion of an A/V cable.
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. Use caution when handling optical cables: They are delicate!
65

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Digital Audio Outputs (Coaxial Jack and Cable)
The Digital Audio Coaxial cable provides excellent quality audio, second only to the Digital Audio
Optical cable.

HDMI
OPTICAL

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. The video cable should
be used if you don’t have HDMI, component or S-Video cables, or your TV does not have HDMI,
component or S-Video jacks. The audio cable may be used if you have connected your TV with S-Video
or Component cables, which don’t provide audio signals. The DIRECTV Receiver’s A/V 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 left (white) audio jack on the DIRECTV Receiver.
Telephone Jack and Cord
The telephone line cord connects your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to a land-based telephone line. The
phone line connection is used to periodically call DIRECTV. This connection is required for sports package subscriptions and for purchasing Pay Per View movies and events. You will need an RJ11-type modulator jack (the most common type of phone jack). Note: Do not connect your receiver to a digital PBX
phone system — doing so may permanently damage your equipment and void your warranty.
Warning
66

S-Video Jack

Video

Phone
Jack

Note: Not all cables come with your
digital satellite receiver; you may
need to purchase additional cables,
depending on your setup.

Do not connect your receiver (or any other equipment such as a TV or VCR) to the AC power supply until you have
properly connected all the other cables

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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

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 HD DVR PRO.
• Connect the audio and video outputs of your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to your TV or VCR.
• If you connected the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to a VCR, connect the VCR to your TV.
• Connect the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to a telephone line.
• Plug in all power cords.
This section gives detailed instructions on the types of connections you can make, depending on the
equipment you have, in order to get the best picture and sound quality. Note that the back panels of your
TV and other equipment may not exactly match those illustrated.

coded. Always match the color of
the plug to the same color of the

Connecting Your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to your TV or VCR

jack.

Depending on the inputs on the back of your TV or VCR, you have the following options for connecting
your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO:

Everybody wants
to be connected.

• S-Video
• Digital Audio Optical and Digital Audio Coaxial
• Analog Audio
• HDMI and HDMI Optical
• YPbPr Video
These connections are described on the following pages.
Important
Due to restrictions imposed by copyright holders, certain programming may include content protection measures that
may restrict viewing in high-definition and/or recording with certain consumer electronics equipment attached to the
receiver. Please contact the manufacturer of such equipment for additional information.

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Making the Video Connections
Choose one of the following connections:
• Best (HD Video and Digital Audio): Connect the HDMI or HDMI Optical cables to the HDMI
jacks on the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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 DVR PRO to a stereo or home theater
system. Note: HDMI cable is not included with the HD Receiver.
NOTE: You must set the HDMI switch on the back of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to the
appropriate setting for the type of HDMI cable you are using.
• Better (HD Video): Connect one end of the Component (YPbPr) video cables to the
COMPONENT OUT video jacks on the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. Connect the other end of the
component video cable to the component input on your TV, making sure to correctly match the red,
green and blue connectors. You will need to connect audio separately.
• Good (Non-HD): Connect one end of the S-Video cables to the S-VIDEO OUT jacks on the
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. Connect the other end to the S-Video input on your TV. Note: The
S-Video cable will not provide an HD signal to your TV.
• Not recommended (Non-HD): You can use RCA connectors to connect your DIRECTV HD
DVR PRO to your TV, but it is not recommended. To get the best quality of image, use one of the
above methods. However, if your TV does not support S-Video, component or HDMI connections,
connect one end of the RCA cable (usually with a yellow plug) to the VIDEO OUT jack on the
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. Connect the other end to the video input on your TV.

TIP
To switch between watching your
VCR and watching video from your
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO, you may need
to program the INPUT key on your
DIRECTV Remote. (See page 76 for
info.) Some TVs also have a MENU
button that allows you to change
the video source using an onscreen
menu. If you have trouble changing
the video source, refer to the
instructions that came with your TV.

Important
68

To obtain optimum picture quality, make sure the receiver is connected directly to the TV. Connecting your TV directly to
the Audio/Video output of your receiver will assure a more vivid picture and enhance your viewing enjoyment, particularly
when viewing copy-protected programming.

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Television

S-VIDEO
IN

COMPONENT IN

HDMI

Connect Video Cables –
DIGITAL
AUDIO IN
(OPTICAL)

DIGITAL AUDIO IN
(COAXIAL)

The back panels of your equipment
HDMI
(includes video & audio)

may not look exactly like those
illustrated.

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO

BES
T

BET
TER
*

GOO
D

S-VIDEO

To optional HDMI Optical
receiver/converter, which
allows you to place
DIRECTV HD DVR PRO up to
300 feet from your TV.

S-VIDEO

Y
HDMI

HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

HDMI
Optical

SWITCH
HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

HDMI

* Note: Do not confuse the component YPbPr cable with a standard
Audio/Video (RCA-type) cable. Observe the Red, Green, Blue color-coding.
You will not get HD video if you use the Video Out connector on your
TV, or your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.

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Making the Audio Connections
•

•

Best: If you connected your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO 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 DVR PRO to a stereo or home theater system.
Note: HDMI cable is not included with the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.
Best 2: You may also receive digital audio by connecting an Digital Audio cable from either the
DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack on your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to a DIGITAL
AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) jack on your TV, or the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (COAXIAL) jack to the
corresponding jack on your TV. The Digital Audio outputs can also be used if you wish to listen to
audio on a stereo or home theater system, even if you are already using an HDMI cable for audio on
your TV. Note: Digital Audio cable is not included with the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.
Good: For analog audio, connect the white (L) and red (R) RCA-type cables from the DIRECTV
HD DVR PRO to your TV.

If you used an
HDMI cable to
hook up video,
you can skip this
section.

Note
70

If your TV only has one audio input jack use AUDIO L (white) jack on the back of the DIRECTV Receiver to make the
connection.

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Connect Audio Cables –
The back panels of your equipment

Television

COMPONENT IN

S-VIDEO
IN
HDMI

may not look exactly like those
illustrated.
DIGITAL
AUDIO IN
(OPTICAL)

DIGITAL AUDIO IN
(COAXIAL)

DIGITAL OPTICAL (S/PDIF)
DIGITAL COAXIAL

GO
OD

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO

BET
TER
1*
BET
TER
2*

RCA-type

HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

* NOTE: For BEST audio quality,
use the HDMI or HDMI optical
cable for audio and video.
(See “Making the Video Connections.”)

SWITCH
HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

HDMI

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Making the Basic Connections
1)

Connect the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to the Satellite Dish via SWM (Single Wire Multiswitch).
Depending on the type of network connection you are using, you may have to connect the RG-6
RF coaxial cable from your SWM to the jack labeled SATELLITE IN on the back of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. Some systems may instead make this connection to a cable entry point in
your house. Your DIRECTV installer will make the appropriate connection.

Connect the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO to land-based telephone line. Plug one end of the telephone cord into a phone jack on your wall (or into a phone splitter that is plugged into a phone
jack) and the other end into the PHONE JACK on the back of the DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.

Plug all power cords into electrical sockets.

You’re almost
done!

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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 DVR
PRO, write down
the serial number,
receiver ID and
model number.
You’ll need them
later.

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO

HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

SWITCH
HDMI
OPTICAL OUT

HDMI

Serial #

Receiver ID

Model #
(Copy these numbers to page 54
along with your other acquisition
information)

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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

Make sure the MODE switch at the top of the remote control is set to DIRECTV, which is the farleft position.

Press PWR. The DIRECTV HD DVR PRO will turn on. (Make sure your TV is also turned on!)

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.

You may decide to set up,

You will see a Welcome screen.

settings later. When you’re

HDTV Settings in Guided Setup
Several screens in the Guided Setup process are related to HDTV:

TIP

change or adjust some of the

ready, press MENU on your
remote, press SELECT on
Settings then select Setup.

TV Ratio Screen: This screen lets you select your TV’s aspect ratio: 4:3 or 16:9.
TV Resolutions Screen: As you select each resolution, an onscreen message asks if you can still see
the screen properly. If you can, press the INFO key. If not, the unsupported resolution is turned off
after a few seconds. If you turn on Native mode, the receiver will automatically adjust resolution to
match the resolution of individual TV programs as they are tuned.

The User Guide
that came with
your TV will help
you set the HDTV
settings properly.

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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. If you had your system professionally installed, these
functions already have been completed.
After these setup procedures are complete, you’ll see a message onscreen that says, “Acquiring Satellite
Info,” as the receiver gathers information from the satellite for the onscreen program guide.
Next, you’ll be given the opportunity to program your remote to control other equipment such as your
TV and/or DVD player. Just follow the screen instructions and you’ll be ready to watch in no time!

Activate Your DIRECTV® Service
Once all the setup processes are complete, all that’s left to do is activate your DIRECTV service. Before
you make the call, be sure to:
Have on hand your service address, social security number and a valid major credit card.
Note your access card and receiver ID numbers. (You may have written them down earlier in this
chapter.)
When you’re ready, just call 1-800-DIRECTV (1-800-347-3288) and pick the programming package
that’s right for you and subscribe to DVR Service.
Important
In order to protect your TV screen from burn-in (a side-effect caused when a stationary image is displayed for too long),
the DIRECTV Receiver interface automatically goes into screen saver mode, and displays a black screen with a moving
logo when no key is pressed for 5 minutes or more while a stationary image is displayed on the TV. To dismiss the
screen saver and return to what you were doing, press any key on the remote. Burn-in may cause permanent damage to
your TV and DIRECTV is not liable for any damages that may be caused to your TV.

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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.
Press SELECT on Remote in the left menu.
Follow the onscreen instructions to program your remote for your TV or additional equipment
(AV1 and AV2).
Once your remote is programmed to work with your TV, the VOL and MUTE key control the TV
regardless of the MODE slide switch position. If you would like to change the VOL and MUTE to work
with other audio equipment, such as a stereo, you can. When you program the remote for the audio
equipment, onscreen instructions will direct you on how to do this.

If you
programmed your
Remote Control
during Guided
Setup, you can
skip this section.

Factory Defaults
To reset the remote control and clear all but DIRECTV mode, follow these steps:
1)

Point the remote away from your DIRECTV Receiver and components. Press and hold MUTE and
SELECT until the light above the slide switch on the remote ﬂashes twice (about 5 seconds).

Enter 9-8-1. The light on the remote will ﬂash twice, indicating you have cleared AV1, AV2 and
TV modes.

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Using Your IR or RF Remote to Control Your DIRECTV HD
DVR PRO
The DIRECTV HD DVR PRO comes with a dual IR/RF remote. You can skip this section if you are
using another, non-RF, remote, or you set up 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.

The remote control included with your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO works using IR (infrared) or RF. IR
is typical of remotes you are already familiar with from other remotes you may have — the remote must
be pointed at the device for it to respond. An RF Capable Remote can operate the DIRECTV HD DVR
PRO without having to point your remote directly at it, such as when the receiver is installed in a cabinet,
or you use the remote from another room in your house. The operating range of an RF Remote is up to
200 feet, with some possible decrease due to weak batteries or obstacles such as walls in your house. Once
programmed, your RF Remote will be addressed to only one receiver, so will not affect other receivers in
your home.
To setup an RF Capable Remote, press the MENU key, press SELECT on Settings, then select Remote
from the left menu. Press SELECT on the IR/RF Setup button. Follow the onscreen instructions to configure your remote.

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80 About High-Definition
83 Options For Changing Video Output

Appendix B:
High-Def 101

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85 Supported Resolutions
86 Wide-Screen vs. Standard Formats

11/5/07 4:05:05 PM

About High-Definition
This section describes HD, and how it differs from regular TV, including helpful information about highdefinition and your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO.

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 have ever received broadcasts via a standard off-air antenna, you received analog TV; most broadcasts from local cable companies
are analog as well.

information and the latest
updates at directv.com

Digital TV is a newer system for broadcasting TV signals delivering higher quality audio and video.
“Digital TV” refers to a television that can receive and display digital images. Following are terms you
might see used regarding Digital TV broadcasts. Although your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO is a “true”
HD receiver, the type of TV or monitor you plug it into (SD, ED, or HD) can affect the resolution of
the TV picture you see. See “Resolution and Interlacing” on page 81, for an explanation of display resolutions.
SD (standard definition) is digital TV that offers a picture quality that is better than older analog
televisions. SDTV displays images at a resolution of 480i.
ED (enhanced definition) is digital TV that can display a higher resolution picture than SDTV. An
EDTV can display at 480i or 480p.
HD (high definition) is digital TV that can provide the highest quality picture, at resolutions 1080i,
720p, 480p, or 480i.

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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 HD
DVR PRO.

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. The more lines of resolution used to compose each frame, the more
detailed and sharp the picture. Standard TV resolution uses 480 horizontal lines to make up each video
frame; HDTV uses either 720 or 1080 lines to compose each frame.
Interlaced & Progressive
The term “interlacing” refers to whether each of those frames contains all of the lines of image, or every
other line. Interlaced signals take every other line from 2 frames, each lasting 1/60th of a second, and
combine them into one frame lasting 1/30th of a second. In this way, interlacing tricks the eye into thinking it’s seeing twice the resolution that’s actually being displayed. In non-interlaced video, referred to as
“progressive scan” video, frames are displayed every 1/60th of a second containing all of the lines of video
information.
The specifications for video resolution are usually stated by giving the number of horizontal lines (480,
720 or 1080, as described above) followed by either the letter “i” (for interlaced) or “p” (for progressive
scan). Most standard TV broadcasts are 480i; some DVDs and non-HDTV digital broadcasts use 480p.
Specification for HDTV broadcasts and equipment requires either 1080i or 720p.

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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. This is, not coincidentally, more like
the shape of movies shown in theaters, which makes HD an ideal format for viewing movies on TV. You
will be able to see much of what is captured on film, but lost on an SDTV display.

Screen Formats
What if you’re watching a nearly square-shaped 4:3 broadcast on a 16:9 TV, or vice versa? The DIRECTV
HD DVR PRO lets you choose from a variety of screen formats to deal with those scenarios. You can set
up your preferences for format during Guided Setup and change them at any time.
See the next pages for your options.

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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 HD DVR
PRO.

FORMAT key on Your Remote
Pressing this key will cycle the resolutions that you’ve indicated in System Setup as being supported by
your TV. In addition, it will cycle the three available screen formats in conjunction with each individual
resolution. Available screen formats are based on the TV Aspect Ratio you set in System Setup. With each
press, an onscreen message will let you know what the current resolution/format setting is. For example, if
you indicated that your TV supports only 1080i, 480i and 480p and it is a 16:9 television, and Native is
turned off*, the cycle of settings for the FORMAT key are as follows:
1st press: 480i/Stretch
2nd press: 480i/Letter box
3rd press: 480i/Crop
4th press: 480p/Stretch
5th press: 480p/Letter box
*

6th press: 480p/Crop
7th press: 1080i/Stretch
8th press: 1080i/Letter box
9th press: 1080i/Crop
10th press: repeat cycle

In Native mode, the receiver automatically adjusts resolutions to match the resolution of individual TV
programs as they are tuned.

If your TV supports all formats (1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p), then your cycle would also include 720p.
If Native is turned on, the FORMAT key cycles through Stretch, Letter and Crop for the current TV
83

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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.) This can happen if your settings
include a resolution that your TV doesn’t support. To correct this, you’ll need to change your resolution
setting: Press MENU, select Settings, then Setup, then HDTV in the left side menu. Press SELECT on
the Resolution tab and mark or unmark the TV Resolutions to display the resolutions supported by your
television.

Resolution (RES) Key on Receiver Front Panel
This key is used to cycle all available resolutions on your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO. It does not cycle
format settings. If video and audio are not appearing, it may be because the current resolution setting is
not supported by your television. By pressing this key, you can check all available resolutions to see if that
solves the problem. The lights next to the RES key on the front panel will light below the resolution to
which the receiver is set; they will change with each key press.

Resolution made
simple: Set
the resolution
to the highest
number that your
TV supports by
pressing the RES
key.

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Supported Resolutions
The following table shows the resolutions that can be output from each type of connection:

NOTES:

Output Connection

Available Resolutions

YPbPr

1080i, 720p, 480i, 480p

HDMI

1080i, 720p, 480i, 480p

S-Video

480i

Video (RCA Type/Yellow)

480i

720p and 1080i are HD formats. 480i and 480p are not.
S-Video and RCA outputs display all resolutions as 480i.

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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

Only Letterbox
shows the entire
original 16:9
image without
distortion.

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. To change the bar color, press MENU,
then select Settings. Select Setup, then select the Display menu. Highlight the Preferences tab and press
SELECT, then set Bar Color option to the desired color. See your TV owner manual for information on
the best color for your set.
Stretch
In the Stretch setting, instead of adding bars to the top and bottom, the 16:9 program image is stretched
vertically until it’s tall enough to fill the screen. Your entire screen will be full, but the program images are
stretched to compensate.
Crop
This format crops (cuts off ) the left and right portions of the 16:9 frame so it fits the 4:3 screen.

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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.

For 16:9 program signals:
Letterbox

Stretch

Crop

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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. To change the bar color, access the HDTV screen in System Setup as described above,
then select the desired bar color option under the TV Ratio tab.
Stretch
In this setting, instead of adding bars to the sides, the 4:3 program image is stretched horizontally until
it’s wide enough to fill the screen. Your entire screen will be full, but the images are a little stretched to
compensate.

Only Pillar Box
shows the entire
original 4:3 image
without distortion.

Crop
This format crops (cuts off ) the top and bottom of a 4:3 frame, keeping the 4:3 ratio intact.

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Fortunately, you
can still watch
regular TV on
your HD TV. Isn’t
it nice to be one
step ahead of the
rest of the world?

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

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Index
A

Access card 4, 5, 54, 64
Analog TV 80
Aspect ratio 82, 83
Audio options 15, 28, 29
Language 28
Audio Options
Dolby Digital 17, 28, 29, 30
Autorecord 17, 20

Date & time 15
Delete 13, 22, 23, 32, 33, 34, 37,
45, 46
Digital audio 7, 29, 65, 68
Digital TV 80
DIRECTV mode 42, 48, 76
DIRECTV PROTECTION PLAN
55, 56
Dish-pointing coordinates 48
Display
Formats 87, 89
Language 28
Dolby Digital 17, 28, 29, 30
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) 65

Guide 4, 5, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20,
21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 32, 44, 47,
52, 64, 74, Back cover
Guided Setup 48, 74, 75, 76, 82
GUIDE key 17, Back cover

INFO key 47, 74, Back cover
Interlacing 80, 81

B
Batteries 41, 4, 42, 48, 49, 77, Back
cover
Bookmarks 13, 37

C
Cables 4, 6, 41, 49, 54, 58, 64, 65,
66, 67, 68, 70
Caller ID 15, 33, 42
Category sort 17, 30
Channel Banner 15, 28, 30, 36
Channel blocks 35
Channel list 33, 35
Connections 6, 41, 49, 65, 67, 68
Crop 83, 86, 87, 88, 89

EXIT 13, 30, 44, 47, Back cover

F
Favorites 15, 18, 28, 32, 33, 44
FCC Customer Information 57
FORMAT 83, 84, Back cover
Front panel 40, 41, 43, 45, 83, 84

H
HDMI 7, 30, 65, 66, 67, 68, 7, 70,
7
HDTV 3, 29, 65, 74, 81, 82, 84, 88
High-deﬁnition 2, 3, 67, 80
Hours, viewing 21, 35

J
Jacks 6, 7, 43, 49, 66, 67, 68

91
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L
Language
for audio 28
for display 28, 74
Letterbox 83
Lock (Parental Controls) 15, 36

M
MENU key 44, 68, 74, Back cover
Messages 4, 15, 33, 34
MODE switch 11, 41, 48, 74, Back
cover
Movie Ratings 34
MUTE key 76, Back cover
My Playlist 13, 20, 22, 23, 25, 29,
37, 45, 46, 47, Back cover

N
Native 74, 83
Notiﬁcation 33

O
Ordering (pay per view) 21
Other ratings 35

P
Parental Controls 15, 28, 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 88, 89
Power surge 42
Previous channel 11
Program guide 4, 5, 11, 12, 15, 17,
18, 20, 21, 22, 27, 30, 31, 32,
44, 47, 52, 64, 74, Back cover
Programming 2, 3, 11, 21, 22, 30,
31, 34, 35, 44, 51, 64, 65, 67,
68, 75, 94
Ordering 2, 31
Remote control 76
Tuning to 2, 31
Progressive scan 81
Purchases 21

Q
Quick Menu 13, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30,
31, 33, 34, 37, 48, 49, 76

R
Ratings 34

Rear panel 6
RECORD key 5, 12, 18, 19, 20, 45,
Back cover
Remote control 4, 11, 40, 41, 42, 44,
48, 49, 55, 74, 77, 83, Back
cover
Problems 48
Programming 76
Resolution 5, 28, 65, 74, 80, 81, 82,
83, 84, Back cover
Restart 28, 44, 45
RF Remote 77

S
Satellite Data Acquisition 41
Satellite Setup 48
Screen Formats 82
SDTV 80, 82
Search 2, 17, 30, 31
Settings 27, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37, 44,
45, 48, 49, 74, 76, 84, 86
Setup 27, 28, 29, 30, 43, 44, 45, 48,
49, 67, 74, 75, 76, 82, 83, 84,
86, 88
Showings 17, 47
Spending 35
Spending Limits 35
Stretch 83, 86, 87, 88, 89
System test 48, 49, 75

92
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T
Temporarily unlock 15, 36
Timer 43
To Do List 20, 21, 46
Troubleshooting 40, 45
TV aspect ratio 82, 83
TV ratings 35

U
Unlocking 36

V
Video output 65, 83

W
Warranty 50, 51, 52, 54, 59, 66

Y
YPbPr 4, 7, 65, 67, 85

93
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ACTIVATION OF PROGRAMMING SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. PREPAYMENT MAY BE REQUIRED. CREDIT CARD
REQUIRED (except in MA and PA). Programming subject to change. DIRECTV services not available outside the U.S. DIRECTV programming is available separately and independently of DIRECTV System hardware. A valid programming subscription is required to operate
DIRECTV System hardware. Activate your DIRECTV programming today at 1-800-DIRECTV (1-800-347-3288). ©2007 DIRECTV,
Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, ADVANCED PROGRAM GUIDE, DIRECTV Active, DIRECTV Plus and the DIRECTV
HD DVR PRO logo are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc.
Th is product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this
copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses
only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
Due to restrictions imposed by copyright holders, certain programming may include content protection measures that may restrict viewing
in high deﬁ nition and/or recording with certain consumer electronics equipment attached to the receiver. Please contact the manufacturer
of such equipment for additional information.
Rev. 1.0 — HR21P.071102

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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.

UP and DOWN arrows on the receiver front panel
offer special functionality.
Scheduler Icons
Shows a Record has been set for a future program.
Indicates a Record has been set for all episodes of an
ongoing program.
Indicates a program is currently recording.
Shows an Record has been set for matching programs
in a “Find by.”
Indicates a present or future pay per view program has
been scheduled for purchase.

HR21P_8 Inside Back Cover.indd 97

Indicates one or more new messages are in the Inbox.
Shows that Parental Control limits are currently
“locked.”
Shows that limits are temporarily unlocked.
Shows that there are no current limits imposed.
Indicates a rating level or channel that is blocked via
Parental Controls.
Indicates a pay per view program is available as an All
Day Ticket replay.
Indicates program shown in letterbox format.
Denotes an error condition has occurred.
Indicates Dolby Digital audio is available.

11/5/07 5:01:42 PM

11/5/07 5:11:59 PM

DIRECTV HD DVR PRO USER GUIDE

Navigating 101
You’ll find you can get around nearly all onscreen menus the same
simple way.
Highlight… a menu or button by using the ARROW keys (up,
down, left and right).
Choose it… by pressing SELECT while the item is highlighted.
Note: Don’t worry about getting stuck in a menu. You can always press EXIT
to return to video.
TV INPUT
Changes the “source” — the piece of equipment
whose signal is displayed on your TV

FORMAT
Cycles through HD resolution and screen format
options

STOP
In recorded TV, stops playback and displays the
My Playlist™ tab in the Playlist

REPLAY
Jumps back 6 seconds and plays video from that
location

FAST FORWARD & REWIND
Press up to four times to fast-forward or rewind
at increasing speeds (recorded or live-stored
video only). Press PLAY to return to normal play

PAUSE

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.
To program your remote control:
1. See “Programming Your Remote
Control” on page 76.
MODE SWITCH
Changes remote to control other equipment, for
example, a DVD

DIRECTV & TV POWER ON/OFF
Turns your TV and DIRECTV HD DVR PRO on and off

POWER
Turns your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO and other
equipment on and off, as selected with MODE switch

ADVANCE
Jumps ahead in a recording

PLAY
Play/Pause current video; press and hold for slow
motion

RECORD
In live TV, records current program; in the Guide,
sets one-touch record for highlighted program

Pauses current video

ACTIVE
Access the DIRECTV Active™ Channel — local
weather and more!

SELECT
Selects any highlighted item

BACK
Takes you to the screen you visited previously

RED
In Guide, jumps 12 hours back; other functions
vary — look for onscreen hints

MENU
Displays a compact menu of settings and services

GREEN
In Guide, jumps 12 hours forward; other functions
vary — look for hints onscreen

VOLUME
Raises or lowers volume

MUTE
Toggles sound volume on/off

NUMBER KEYS & DASH
Tune to a channel directly; also input numbers
when needed in onscreen menus;
Press DASH twice to delete a show in the Playlist.

EXIT
Exits any menu and returns to last channel viewed

LIST
Displays the My Playlist screen

ARROWS
Move highlight to items in whatever direction needed

INFO
Displays info for a highlighted or fullscreen program

BLUE
In live TV, displays the Mini Guide; other functions
vary — look for onscreen hints

YELLOW
In fullscreen TV, cycles through alternate audio
tracks; other functions vary — look for onscreen
hints

CHAN/PAGE
In live TV, changes channel up or down; in a menu,
such as the Guide, scrolls page up or down

PREV
Tunes to last channel viewed

ENTER
Activates channel number entries quickly

Keys in the shaded areas above operate your DIRECTV HD DVR PRO, or can be programmed to function with your VCR, DVD player
or stand-alone DVR unit.

HR21P_0 Front+Back Cover.indd backcvr1

GUIDE
Displays the onscreen program Guide

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