Page 2
For general information, or to resolve problems related to the operation of your satellite receiver or antenna, please contact your Sony brand DSS dealer. If your dealer or installer is unable to answer your questions, call the Sony DSS Customer Support line at 1-800-838-7669.
Contents Chapter 1 Introducing the DSS System DSS Features Unpacking Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control Chapter 2 Using Basic Functions 10 Using the Master Guide 11 Using the Station Index Chapter 3 Connecting Your System 13 Overview 14 TV Only 16 TV and VCR 18 Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio Receiver 20 Home Entertainment System...
Page 4
Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Appendix Contents Using the Custom Setup Menu 49 Overview 50 Displaying the Custom Setup Menu 51 Setting Up a Favorite Station Guide 53 Setting a Default Language 54 Setting Locks and Limits 59 Setting Up a List of Custom Stations 61 Selecting Data Services Using the Installation Menu 63 Overview...
Introducing the DSS System DSS Features Welcome to the Sony brand DSS (Digital Satellite System), the ultimate digital entertainment experience. Read this chapter for an overview of the features of the system and to check the carton contents of the DSS receiver.
Unpacking DSS Receiver with Access Card * AC Power Cable Size AA Batteries RF Coaxial Cable Chapter 1: Introducing the DSS System Check to make sure you’ve received the following items in the DSS receiver’s carton: Audio/Video Cable Phone Line * The access card comes already inserted into the DSS receiver.
Inserting Batteries into the Remote Control Before you can use the remote control, you must first insert the supplied batteries. If you want to use this remote control to operate your TV, cable box, VCR, or laser-disc player, you must also program the remote, as described in the Appendix on page 79.
Chapter 2 Using Basic Functions POWER MUTING SLEEP CABLE FUNCTION CABLE ALTERNATE AUDIO FAVORITE GUIDE TV/VIDEO TV/DSS JUMP ENTER DISPLAY MENU PAGE EXIT You can start watching programs using just a few buttons on the remote control. Here’s an overview of the buttons you’ll use most often.frutiger bold DSS POWER Button Turns the DSS receiver on and off.
Using the Master Guide Your Master Guide may not look exactly like this. The stations displayed depend on the program provider(s) you select. Moving Around In the Master Guide Chapter 2: Using Basic Functions The Master Guide is the main program guide. It contains all the programming that’s available from your program providers, including the programming to which you subscribe.
Using the Station Index Your Station Index may not look exactly like this. The stations displayed depend on the programming you’ve ordered. Moving Around In the Station Index You can use the Station Index to select a station by its station logo/call letters (such as CNN), rather than its current program’s name.
RF connection. If you have other Sony components that include CONTROL-S jacks, you can connect these components via their CONTROL-S jacks in order to pass remote control signals between the DSS receiver and these components.
TV Only TV With RF Connector Only Some TVs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN. Satellite Receiver SATELLITE IN CONTROL S LOW SPEED DATA WIDE BAND DATA RG-6 Cable from LNB Chapter 3: Connecting Your System Refer to the illustration below. Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.
Page 15
TV With A/V Connectors If your TV has only one AUDIO IN jack, connect the lower (mono) AUDIO L jack on the DSS receiver to the TV’s AUDIO IN jack. Satellite Receiver SATELLITE IN LOW SPEED DATA WIDE BAND DATA RG-6 Cable from LNB Some TVs label this jack RF IN,...
TV and VCR Some VCRs and TVs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN. Chapter 3: Connecting Your System Refer to the illustration on the opposite page. Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.
Page 17
Satellite Receiver RF REMOTE SATELLITE IN AUDIO CONTROL S AUDIO 3 LOW SPEED DATA WIDE BAND DATA A/V Cable RG-6 Cable from LNB A/V Cable VHF/UHF VIDEO S VIDEO CH 3 CH 4 VHF(SAT)/UHF TEL LINE (MONO) Coaxial Telephone Cable Line Coaxial or A/V Cable...
Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio Receiver Some VCRs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN. Chapter 3: Connecting Your System Refer to the illustration on the opposite page. Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.
Page 19
Satellite Receiver RF REMOTE SATELLITE IN AUDIO CONTROL S AUDIO 2 LOW SPEED DATA WIDE BAND DATA RG-6 Cable from LNB Audio Cable Audio Receiver A/V Cable UHF/VHF VIDEO S VIDEO CH 3 CH 4 TEL LINE VHF/SAT/UHF Telephone Coaxial Line Cable A/V Cable...
Home Entertainment System (Hi-Fi TV, Hi-Fi VCR, Audio/Video Receiver) Some VCRs label this jack RF IN, instead of VHF/UHF IN. Chapter 3: Connecting Your System Refer to the illustration on the opposite page. Connect the RG-6 cable from the satellite antenna’s LNB to the DSS receiver’s SATELLITE IN jack.
Page 21
Satellite Receiver RF REMOTE SATELLITE IN CONTROL S AUDIO 2 LOW SPEED DATA WIDE BAND DATA RG-6 Cable A/V Cable from LNB A/V Receiver LINE MONITOR VIDEO AUDIO LINE Video Cable A/V Cable A/V Cable UHF/VHF AUDIO VIDEO S VIDEO CH 3 CH 4 TEL LINE...
Setting Up the RF Antenna Note Do not place the RF antenna directly on top of the DSS receiver or any other metal object. LOW SPEED DATA Note The operating range of the DSS remote control is about 100 ft. This may decrease due to ambient radio wave conditions, your room’s walls, etc.
Setting Up Your DSS System Viewing Satellite Programs Viewing Cable or Off-Air Programs Recording Satellite Programs While Watching Cable or Off-Air Programs Turn on the TV, and then set the TV’s line input to the DSS receiver. (For example, set the TV to channel 3 or 4, if you used an RF connection;...
Chapter 4 Using the System Features Overview Read this chapter to learn how to use system features including the Master program guide, Station Index, Favorite Station Guide, and the ordering of pay-per-view programs. This chapter provides detailed instructions for using most of the features of your DSS receiver.
1-800-204-USSB (8772) See the manual that came with the satellite antenna and Chapter 3 of this manual for complete installation instructions. Or, see your DSS dealer to arrange for a professional installation or the purchase of the Sony-brand DSS Installation Kit.
Using the On-Screen Displays: Highlight and Select In many of the on-screen displays you can move the joystick in eight directions: left, right, up, down, and diagonally (up left, up right, down left, and down right). All of the features and functions of the DSS receiver can be operated using a simple, two-step process: Highlight and Select.
Displaying the Master Guide You can select menu items directly by pressing the corresponding number button. For example, press 2 to select the Master Guide. symbol indicates that this selection has a submenu that contains additional selections. Chapter 4: Using the System Features You can select programs using the CH+ and CH- buttons, or you can enter the station number directly using the 0-9 buttons.
Features of the Master Guide MASTER GUIDE Program Guide Title Station Logo PRESS PURCHASE INFORMATION SHO2987 MTV 989 Schedule Grid COM 990 USSB 999 DTV 100 DTV 102 DTV 105 When you select the Master Guide from the Main Menu or press the GUIDE button on the remote, the Master Guide appears: Four Weddings and a Funeral Hugh Grant, Andie McDowell.
Moving Through the Master Guide Scrolling Paging Vertically Through the Stations Paging Through Later Program Start Times Direct Station Tuning Chapter 4: Using the System Features The on-screen program guides are displayed only one page at a time. Because the program guide usually contains many pages, you need to move through the guide to see more of the programs contained in the guide.
Page 31
Displaying Favorite Stations Exiting the Guide To see your favorite stations in the program guide: Press the FAVORITE button. Pressing the FAVORITE button repeatedly cycles through the stations currently set for the three Favorite Station Guides (FAV A, B, and C), and then back to the normal guide.
Selecting a Program from the Guide Ordering Pay-Per-View Programs Selecting RETURN returns you to the previous screen, without purchasing the program. Selecting TIMES brings up a list of additional show times that you can choose from for the program you selected. A PREVIEW button, which gives you a free preview of the program, appears only when the preview is available.
Selecting Program Guides and Lists By Category The buttons that appear for each program indicate start times. To select a program, highlight the start time button and then press the joystick. For example, in this sample Movie List, “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” with a start time of 9:00PM, is highlighted.
Page 34
Selecting a Program Guide or List By Program Category Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. Selecting ALL places a checkmark beside all the subcategories. Selecting NONE removes the checkmark from all the subcategories. Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections.
Selecting the Custom Guide The Custom Guide is a program guide that you can create to include only the stations you want. Note See “Setting Up a List of Custom Stations” on page 59 for instructions on setting up your custom stations. To select the Custom Guide: Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu.
Using the Station Index Your Station Index may not look exactly like this. The stations displayed depend on the programming you’ve ordered. Moving Through the Station Index Chapter 4: Using the System Features The Station Index is an on-screen display that contains the station logo (or call letters) of all the stations in the system.
Page 37
Displaying Favorite Stations in the Station Index The top row contains your seven favorite stations from FAV A, FAV B, or FAV C. The other rows represent all the other stations in the system. Selecting a Program from the Station Index To display your favorite stations on the top row of the Station Index: Press the FAVORITE button.
Selecting the Favorite Station Guide Note Before you can bring up the Favorite Station Guide, you must first clear the program guide from your TV screen. Pressing EXIT turns off the on-screen displays. Moving Through the Favorite Station Guide Chapter 4: Using the System Features The Favorite Station Guide is a program guide that you can create to include up to seven of your favorite stations.
Selecting Other (Program Provider) Guides This list of program guides may change, as guides are added or changed by your program providers. Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. The Other Guides option includes alternative program guides, which are made available by your program providers, such as DIRECTV and USSB.
Using DISPLAY and JUMP Displaying the Program Banner Jumping Back and Forth Between Stations Chapter 4: Using the System Features The program banner provides useful information about the program you’re currently watching. Note Before you can bring up the Program Banner, you must first clear the program guide from your TV screen.
Selecting Alternate Audio How to Determine if Alternate Audio Tracks Are Available for a Program Selecting an Alternate Audio Track Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. Your program providers may broadcast multiple audio tracks with a single video source.
Canceling Purchases Once you tune to a purchased program, you cannot cancel its purchase. Selecting RETURN returns you to the previous screen, without canceling the program’s purchase. Selecting NO returns you to the previous screen, without canceling the program’s purchase. Chapter 4: Using the System Features Use the Cancel Purchase screen if you order a pay-per-view program, and then decide you’d like to cancel the order before the program...
Checking Your Purchase Record To review more than one page of purchases, press the PAGE PAGE buttons to page through the displays. Use the Review Purchases screen to see a record of recent purchases you’ve made through your DSS receiver. Note The Review Purchases screen lists only purchases made using the DSS receiver’s remote control.
Setting Up the Timer Setting the Timer Chapter 4: Using the System Features Use the Timer Setup screen to specify a day and time on which you want the DSS receiver to automatically tune to a specific station. You can use this feature in coordination with your VCR’s timer recording function to automate the recording of DSS programs.
Page 45
Setting the Daily/Weekly Timer With the DAY item highlighted, move the joystick down repeatedly to cycle through all the available DAY options. Set the day, start time, stop time, and channel number as follows: To set each item (day, time, channel), move the joystick up and down.
Page 46
Changing/Checking/ Clearing Timer Settings Notes on Using the Timer Chapter 4: Using the System Features To change, check, or clear timer settings: Bring up the Timer Setup screen, as described on page 44. Check your settings. If you don’t want to make any changes, select OK to return to the System Menu.
Reading Your Messages How to Determine When You’ve Received Mail Displaying Your Messages Occasionally, your program providers will send messages to your DSS receiver. These messages contain useful information about your system, such as information about new services, program promotions, or billing.
Page 48
Reading a Message Chapter 4: Using the System Features To read a message: Select the envelope from the Messages screen. A selected message appears with a checkmark ( ) beside it. Then select READ. MESSAGES 11/6 Sign up now for our special ... 11/8 Welcome to USSB ...
Chapter 5 Using the Custom Setup Menu Overview Read this chapter to get information about customizing your system to match your personal viewing habits. Your DSS receiver includes several features you can use to customize your system to meet your individual preferences. You can: Create up to three Favorite Station Guides, with each containing up to seven stations (page 51).
Displaying the Custom Setup Menu Chapter 5: Using the Custom Setup Menu To customize your system, first bring up the Custom Setup Menu, as follows: Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu. Select SYSTEM MENU. MAIN MENU SELECT MASTER GUIDE...
Setting Up a Favorite Station Guide The Set Favorite Stations screen displays three rows of seven stations. Each row represents one of the three Favorite Station Guides, labeled FAV A, FAV B, and FAV C. The top row represents the stations that are currently set for the Favorite Station Guide you selected.
Page 52
You can select CLEAR to automatically clear all the stations from the top row. Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. Chapter 5: Using the Custom Setup Menu To replace a favorite station in the top row, select a station from one of the bottom rows of stations.
Setting a Default Language Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. Use the Set Default Language screen to specify the language you want to hear for programs broadcast in multiple languages. For example, if you set the default language to Spanish and a program is broadcast in both English and Spanish, you’ll automatically hear the audio in Spanish.
Setting Locks and Limits If your system is locked, the padlock symbol appears ( ), and you must first unlock it before you can make any changes to the locks and limits settings. See “Unlocking Your System” on page 58 for details. Chapter 5: Using the Custom Setup Menu The Locks and Limits feature gives you control over the use of your system.
Page 55
Setting a Spending Limit Selecting NO LIMIT allows you to purchase any pay-per-view program, no matter how much it costs. Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. Setting a Ratings Limit Selecting ALL allows viewing of all programs.
Page 56
Setting Station Locks To quickly unlock or lock all stations, select ALL (to lock all) or NONE (to unlock all). Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. Setting the Pay-Per-View Lock Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections.
Page 57
Locking Your System Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. To lock an unlocked system: Select LOCK from the Set Locks and Limits screen. SET LOCKS AND LIMITS SPENDING LIMIT $10.00 RATINGS LIMIT STATION LOCK 4 Stations Locked PPV LOCK Pay Per View Unlocked...
Page 58
Overriding the System Lock Unlocking Your System Determining the Status of the System Lock Chapter 5: Using the Custom Setup Menu You can temporarily override any locks or limits that have been set if you know the system passcode. For example, if you try to watch a program on a locked station, a message identifies the lock or limit exceeded.
Setting Up a List of Custom Stations To have the DSS receiver automatically skip all stations from the Master Guide that you are not authorized to receive, select AUTO. See “Using the AUTO Skip Feature” on page 60 for details. To quickly skip or “unskip”...
Page 60
Using the AUTO Skip Feature Selecting STOP interrupts the Auto Skip process and returns you to the previous screen, which displays the stations that have been set to be skipped thus far. Chapter 5: Using the Custom Setup Menu When you select the AUTO button, the DSS receiver automatically scans all the stations in the current Master Guide.
Selecting Data Services How to Determine if Data Services Are Available on a Station Selecting a Data Service DATA SERVICES appears only when the station you’re tuned to includes data services. Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections.
Page 62
Changing the Default Data Service Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections. The titles of the data services may be different, based on the service being provided. Setting the Baud Rate Selecting CANCEL returns you to the previous screen, without saving your selections.
Chapter 6 Using the Installation Menu Overview Read this chapter to set up your DSS receiver for the first time, check the antenna’s signal strength, or to run a system test to diagnose any difficulties you may be having with your system. The Installation Menu includes several options you can use to set up and troubleshoot your system.
Displaying the Installation Menu Chapter 6: Using the Installation Menu To set up your system, first bring up the Installation Menu, as follows: Press the MENU button to bring up the Main Menu. Select SYSTEM MENU from the Main Menu. MAIN MENU SELECT MASTER...
Setting Up the Satellite Antenna Selecting RETURN returns you to the Installation Menu. To install the satellite antenna, or to check the current signal level of the antenna, use the Set Up Antenna screen. Note Make certain that the signal strength of the satellite antenna is optimized. If the signal is not optimized, you may experience losses in audio or video, especially during rain, snow, or other conditions that tend to degrade signal performance.
Replacing Your Access Card Caution Handle the door gently to avoid breaking it. Chapter 6: Using the Installation Menu In the event that your program providers need to send you a new access card, use the Replace Access Card option to initialize your new card.
Page 67
Selecting RETURN returns you to the Installation Menu, without starting the initialization process. Select REPLACE ACCESS CARD from the Installation Menu. INSTALLATION MENU REPLACE ACCESS CARD SET UP ANTENNA EXIT SET UP RUN SYSTEM REMOTE TEST When the Replace Access Card screen appears, select OK to begin copying your old access card.
Setting the Aspect Ratio Selecting CANCEL returns you to the Installation Menu, without saving your selection. Chapter 6: Using the Installation Menu Use the Set Aspect Ratio option to set the DSS receiver’s display to match your TV's picture. To set the aspect ratio: Select SET ASPECT RATIO from the Installation Menu.
Setting Up the Remote Control Selecting IR/RF Transmission The DSS receiver is shipped with only IR enabled. The Set Up Remote screens let you set up the DSS receiver to accept IR (infrared) or RF (radio frequency) signals from the DSS remote control and to change the RF security code for the DSS receiver.
Page 70
Setting the Security Code The DSS receiver and remote control are shipped with the RF security code set to 000. Chapter 6: Using the Installation Menu If the DSS receiver is accepting or receiving signals from another RF remote control in your home (or from a neighbor’s house), you can eliminate this problem by changing the security codes for the DSS receiver and remote control.
To Determine the Current Security Code for the DSS Remote Control Step 2: Set the DSS Remote Control’s RF Security Code Press the CODE SET button on the DSS remote control. Using the number buttons on the DSS remote control, enter the three-digit security code you selected for the DSS receiver in step 3 on page 70.
Running a System Test If The System Test Reports Any Problems... Chapter 6: Using the Installation Menu The System Test lets you check the integrity of your system's components, including: Antenna signal System tuning Phone line Access card Use the System Test if you are experiencing problems with your system.
Appendix Other Information This appendix includes supplementary information, including: Locations and descriptions of the controls and indicators on the front and back panels of the DSS receiver (page 74). Remote control button descriptions (page 76). Programming the remote to operate your TV, cable box, VCR, and laserdisc player (page 79).
Location and Function of Controls Front Panel POWER Appendix: Other Information POWER MESSAGE/TIMER Button Description POWER Button Turns the DSS receiver on and off. MENU Button Brings up the Main Menu. EXIT Button Clears all on-screen displays, including program guides, menus, etc. If you press EXIT before you complete your selections, the previous selections are restored.
Page 75
Allows you to connect your DSS receiver to new technologies (such as high-definition television), as they are introduced. Additional accessories may be required. CONTROL-S Allows you to pass on remote control signals to another Sony (IN/OUT) infrared-controlled audio or video component. RF REMOTE Connects to the RF antenna.
Using the Remote Control Remote Control Button Descriptions Outside Panel POWER MUTING SLEEP CABLE FUNCTION CABLE ALTERNATE AUDIO FAVORITE GUIDE TV/VIDEO TV/DSS JUMP ENTER DISPLAY MENU PAGE EXIT Appendix: Other Information After you’ve installed the batteries and programmed the remote control, use these procedures to operate your system components: Select the component that you want to use: To operate a cable box, TV, or the DSS receiver, press the corresponding FUNCTION...
Page 77
Used with 0-9 buttons to change stations ENTER without any delay in tuning. Cable box Raises and lowers the volume. Brings up the Main Menu (Sony-brand TVs MENU only.) When moved forward, back, left, right, and diagonally, highlights items in the on-screen displays (program guides, menus, etc.).
Page 78
Button Operates Description Switches to VCR or laserdisc mode, depending VTR 1 2 3 MDP Laserdisc on how you’ve set up the remote for these positions. Eject (used only with Sony brand components) Laserdisc Rewind Laserdisc Play Laserdisc Fast-forward Laserdisc Turns the VCR or laserdisc player on and off.
The DSS receiver’s remote control is preset at the factory to operate Sony brand TVs. If you have a TV other than Sony brand, or you have a cable box, VCR, or laserdisc player that you want to control with the DSS receiver’s remote, use the following procedures to program the remote to control these components.
Using the Learn Function About the Learn Function Appendix: Other Information You can program the DSS remote commander to learn the functions of another component’s remote control. Use this function to operate components that are not listed in “Programmable Codes” on page 80. To use the Learn function: Set the slide switch in the inside panel to VTR3 or MDP.
Troubleshooting Symptom No picture (poor picture quality or loss of picture) Cannot access program Cannot order pay-per-view program Cannot find the station of the pay-per- view program you’ve ordered Possible Causes and Remedies If you are receiving only stations 100, 200, and 999, call your program providers to have your programming activated.
Page 84
Symptom Cannot cancel a pay-per-view order via the Cancel Purchase menu option Program guide does not bring up the program you’ve chosen Cannot bring up the Station Index button) Cannot display favorite stations Ratings limit, spending limit, or pay- per-view lock not working properly Cannot access locks or limits screens Cannot lock or unlock the system Alternate audio track is not available...
Page 85
Symptom Remote control doesn’t work Possible Causes and Remedies To operate your components, make sure you’ve programmed the remote properly. See “Programming the Remote” on page 79. Note: The remote codes may be erased whenever you remove the batteries. Program the remote again if you’ve removed or replaced the batteries.
Precautions On Safety On Power Sources On Placement On Cleaning On Repacking Appendix: Other Information If you spill or drop anything into the cabinet, unplug the receiver and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. Operate the receiver only on 120 V AC. For detailed safety precautions, see the “Important Safeguards”...
Shielded cables and I/O cords must be used for this equipment to comply with the relevant FCC regulations. Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by Sony Electronics, Inc., void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Federal Express (for calls Monday-Friday until 11:00 pm; Saturday delivery depends upon zip code). All it takes is a valid credit card to cover a security deposit, and Sony will pay freight in both directions. Our Express Support continues with our...
Page 91
languages. See default language and alternate audio. latitude and longitude, for setting antenna 65 LEARN button 78 Learn function 82 List format 33 lock, determining the status 58 locking the system 57 locks and limits setting 54–58 with timer settings 46 Macrovision copy-protection 32 mail.
Page 92
timer checking and changing 46 setting 44 troubleshooting 84 transponder 65 troubleshooting 83 TV/DSS button 74, 77 TV/VIDEO button 77 TV/VTR button 78 U, V, W, Z unlocking the system 58 VOL button 77 VTR1/2/3/MDP switch 78 Warranty 88 zip code, for setting antenna 65 Appendix: Other Information...