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This symbol is intended to alert the user to the If you have questions about this Sony product, please presence of important operating and maintenance contact the Sony Customer Information Service Center at (servicing) instructions in the literature 1-800-222-SONY (7669).
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Connecting Additional Equipment CAUTION Trademarks and Copyrights Do not attempt to modify this product in any way Sony and Remote Commander are trademarks of Sony without written authorization from Sony Electronics, Corporation. Inc. Unauthorized modification could void the user’s In the United States, TV Guide On Screen and other authority to operate this product.
User Guide IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS For your protection, please read these instructions Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other completely, and keep this manual for future apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce reference. Carefully observe and comply with all heat.
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Connecting Additional Equipment Precautions Placement precautions • Place the recorder in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the Hard disk drive precautions recorder. • Do not place the recorder on a soft surface, The hard disk has a high storage density which such as a rug, that might block the ventilation enables long recording duration and quick access holes.
Connecting Additional Equipment Table of Contents Introduction to HD Digital Video Digital Video Recorder Recorder Understanding the Status Bar .....51 Package Contents ........3 Pausing TV .........52 Optional Item ........3 Using Trick Play Features ....53 Features ..........4 Recording Programs ......55 Front Panel Indicators and Playing Recorded Programs ....57 Controls ..........5 Deleting Recorded Programs .....57...
Introduction to HD Digital Video Recorder Introduction to HD Digital Video Recorder Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony HD Digital Video Recorder. This manual is to be used for the following models: DHG-HDD250 and DHG-HDD500. Package Contents The package contains the following. Be sure to check these items before you start making connections.
Operating Instructions Features Some of the features you will enjoy with your new HD DVR include: ❏ Digital Reception — You can watch digital television programs and enjoy the improved audio/video quality offered by these programs. With high-definition signal reception, you can watch TV signals broadcast in HDTV for the clearest possible broadcast picture.
Introduction to HD Digital Video Recorder Front Panel Indicators and Controls 3 45 Control Panel Description 1 POWER button Turns the HD DVR on or into inactive standby (off). 2 Display Window Shows the current status of the HD DVR with the following indicators: Power, Recording, Dolby Digital, Clock, Channel Number and Name (if available);...
Operating Instructions Display Window Display Description 8 Power indicator Shows that the HD DVR is on. Note that your HD DVR may continue to record programming even when the Power indicator is off. 9 REC indicator Shows that the HD DVR is currently recording a program. Recorded programs can be found in the Recordings List by pressing the REC LIST button or by selecting “RECORDINGS”...
CONTROL S OUT function. For example, it may be useful to connect to the CONTROL S OUT jack of a Sony TV so that you may point your HD DVR remote control at the TV and remote control commands will be passed directly to your HD DVR.
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Operating Instructions Connection Description w; DIGITAL AUDIO Use an optical digital audio cable (not supplied) to send a digital audio signal to an A/V amplifier or other device. The availability of Dolby Digital or PCM audio depends on the broadcaster. Use the Dolby Digital audio menu to select the appropriate audio settings that are best suited for the program content and the connected equipment.
Introduction to HD Digital Video Recorder Remote Control Inserting Batteries Insert two AA (R6) batteries (supplied) into the remote control as shown in the illustration below. Be sure to match the + and - terminals on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment.
Operating Instructions Remote Control Description Button Description DEVICE SWITCH Select the equipment (DVR, TV, DVD or AMP) that POWER you want to operate. The section “Using Your Remote Control to Operate Other Equipment” describes which buttons are available for each SCREEN FORMAT TV/VIDEO...
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If you lose your remote control, you may use the front panel buttons to operate your HD DVR (see page 5). Contact your nearest Sony dealer to order a suitable replacement remote control. To find the dealer nearest you, please refer to “Contacting Sony” on page 81.
Operating Instructions Programming the Remote Control If you would like to use your HD DVR’s remote control to control other equipment, you need to program your remote control. Follow the steps below to program the remote control. ✍ The equipment must have infrared (IR) remote capability in order to be used with the remote control Turn to “Manufacturer’s Codes”...
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Introduction to HD Digital Video Recorder To Search for a Code to Program the Remote Control If your device is not listed in the Manufacturer’s Code list, try the following: Power on the HD DVR and the device that you want to operate with the HD DVR’s remote control.
Operating Instructions Using your DVR Remote Control with Other Equipment Operating a TV Move the device switch to the TV position. Press To Do This... Power the TV on/off ENTER Enter a channel number Change channels on the TV Adjust the volume MENU Display TV menu Use the arrow buttons and Scroll/Select bar to make selections and adjustments in...
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Introduction to HD Digital Video Recorder Operating an AMP Move the device switch to the AMP position. Press To Do This... Power the Amp on/off Adjust the volume...
Connections Connections The connections you choose to make will depend on the video services you receive and on the connections available with your TV, audio amplifier or recording device (VCR or DVD Recorder). Select the appropriate examples for your conditions in the following pages. Basic Connection Connecting to Antenna/Cable HD DVR Connection Panel...
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Operating Instructions Connecting TV/Monitor Connect the HD DVR’s HDMI output jack to the HD TV’s HDMI input jack using the HDMI cable (supplied). ✍ If you are connecting an audio system, connect the digital audio optical cable to your audio system for your home theater.
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Connections HD TV with DVI connector Securely connect the DVI adapter (supplied) to the HD TV’s DVI input . Connect the HD DVR’s HDMI output jack to the DVI adapter attached to the HD TV using the HDMI cable (supplied). Connect the HD DVR’s Digital Audio Optical OUT to the HD TV’s Digital Audio Optical IN using a digital audio cable (not supplied).
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Operating Instructions TV with component connector Connect the HD DVR’s component output jacks to the TV’s component video input jacks using a component video cable (Y, P )(supplied). Connect the HD DVR’s Digital Audio Optical OUT to the HD TV’s Digital Audio Optical IN using a digital audio cable (not supplied).
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Connections TV with composite connector Connect the HD DVR’s composite output jacks to the TV’s composite input jacks using a composite video cable (supplied). ✍ If your TV comes with an S Video input, use the S Video connection instead of the composite video connection for better picture quality.
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Operating Instructions Inserting and Removing CableCARD Inserting a CableCARD Remove tape and insert the CableCARD into the CableCARD slot on the HD DVR. Gently push the card into the slot until it clicks into place. For more information about using CableCARD and activation, see “Connecting the AC Power Cord”...
Connections Connecting Additional Equipment Connecting a DVD Recorder or VCR Connect your HD DVR’s composite A/V output to your DVD recorder/VCR’s composite A/V input using the composite A/V cable (supplied). ✍ If your DVD or VCR recorder is equipped with an S Video jack, use the S Video cable to connect to the HD DVR instead of the composite video cable for better picture quality.
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Operating Instructions Connecting a Video and Digital Audio System Connect your HD DVR’s Digital Audio Optical OUT to Digital Audio Optical IN of your audio system using a Digital Audio Optical cable (not supplied). Connect your audio system’s Digital Audio Optical OUT to Digital Audio Optical IN of your TV using a Digital Audio Optical cable (not supplied).
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Connections Connecting the AC Power Cord When all necessary connections are completed be sure to connect the power cord. Connect the supplied AC power cord to the HD DVR rear panel AC IN. Connect the other end into the nearest AC power outlet. ✍...
Operating Instructions About CableCARD CableCARD provides cable subscribers with access to digitally encrypted cable channels — without the use of a cable box — this will enable you to receive not only standard definition but also high-definition television where available. CableCARD, which is provided by your cable TV service provider, is inserted into the HD DVR’s rear panel CableCARD slot (see page 24).
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Connections CableCARD Messages Here are some of the messages you might see on your screen. When you see them, follow the actions required. Message Do This... If your CableCARD is inserted correctly, select OK to remove Make sure you have a cable connection.
Operating Instructions Auto Setup Before you can enjoy the TV Guide On Screen, you will need to perform the Auto Setup. When your HD DVR is first powered on, the set up screen will automatically appear. ✍ If you do not see any image, check the connections to the TV. Also check the FORMAT setting by pressing the FORMAT button until the Front Panel Window displays a Format setting that is compatible with your TV and TV connections (see page 75 for more information about Format settings).
Connections Changing TV channels with your HD DVR Remote Control After you have successfully performed the remote control programming on page 12 you will be able to operate your HD DVR with your HD DVR remote control. Refer to “Using your DVR Remote Control with Other Equipment”...
Using the Menus This section covers the MAIN MENU of the HD DVR. It is the gateway to all of the applications available on the HD DVR to customize and enjoy them. The screen is shown in 4:3 aspect ratio. The screen may appear differently depending on your TV Format and Wide Mode settings.
Operating Instructions Using the Recent Channels Menu The Recent Channels feature lists up to 18 of the most recently viewed channels. Only channels that have been viewed for more than a few seconds will be listed. The Recent Channels list can also be accessed as a Favorite category.
Using the Menus Using the Favorite Menu The Favorite feature let you create up to 16 categories of favorite channels that you specify. You may then quickly tune your favorite channels by selecting a category and then selecting a channel within that category. Creating a List of Favorite Channels While Viewing a Program While you are viewing a broadcast program and you wish to add the channel to your list: While no other menus are displayed, press the right arrow button to open the Options...
Operating Instructions Accessing the Recordings List Use arrow buttons or scroll bar to highlight selections. Press SELECT to confirm the selection. For information on how to use the Recordings List feature, see “Using the RECORDINGS Service” on page 69. Accessing the TV Guide On Screen Feature For information on how to use the TV Guide On Screen system feature, see “Using the TV Guide On Screen™”...
Using the Menus Using the Recording History Menu The Recording History menu displays up to 100 of the most recent recording events. Recording events are programs that have been recorded or for some reason did not record as planned. Each recording event contains information on the channel number, date and time of recording, recording status and title and channel name if available.
IR code of the remote control and of the HD DVR. You may select code 50 (factory default) or code 51. This setting may be useful if you have more than one Sony HD DVR or Sony Digital Cable Receiver in your home and you wish to avoid interference between the two devices.
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Using the Menus Options Descriptions Live TV Pause Time: The Live TV Pause Time feature allows you Recording to set the amount of time of live TV programming that will be saved. For example, if you set the Live TV Pause Time to 30 Minutes, you will be able to pause live TV for up to 30 minutes before the paused point is no longer available.
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Operating Instructions Options Descriptions Closed Caption On/Off: Select Off to turn off Closed Screen Captioning display or select On to display analog closed captioning with Basic Only On or digital closed captioning with Advanced and Basic On. Closed Caption Options: Basic Analog Services: Select CC1-CC4 to display basic Closed Captioning, if available.
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Using the Menus Options Descriptions Screen Mode:You may select a picture size that best suits your TV for both standard-definition and high-definition programming. See page 78 for more information about Screen Mode settings: High Def to Standard Def: The Screen Mode settings when viewing 1080i or 720p content output in a 480p or 480i Format include Letterbox, Side Crop and Squeeze.
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Operating Instructions Options Descriptions Dolby Digital: If you are using an external audio system or TV Audio that supports Dolby Digital® audio, select Auto On. If you are using an audio system or TV that only receives PCM digital audio signals, select Off. ✍...
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Using the Menus Options Descriptions You must first create an initial password to use this function. Parental Lock For detailed information on the Parental Lock feature, see the Parental Lock section beginning on page 46. Once your password is set, you can select from the following options to block the programs with Rating Options, Restricted by Channel, Restrict by Time.
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Operating Instructions Options Descriptions Video Lock: Select Unlock to allow channels to be changed as Recent Channels Options you move through the Recent Channels List. Select Lock to keep the current channel tuned until a new channel is selected from the Recent Channels List. Favorite Options Sort: Select Channel Number Sort to order channels by number.
Operating Instructions Parental Lock Creating a Password You must first create a password to use the Parental Lock feature. Parental Lock passwords are comprised of four digits. Press the MENU button and the main menu will appear. Highlight Preferences Menu and press SELECT. Highlight Parental Lock and press SELECT to display the Password entry box.
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Using the Menus Forgot or Lost Your Password? See lost password under troubleshooting section of this manual (see page 84). Options Description See "Rating Guidelines" on page 48 Rating Options Allows you to restrict viewing of the selected channels. Select the Restrict Restrict by by Channel under the Parental Menu to display all the receivable Channel...
Operating Instructions Rating Guidelines There are different ratings for Movies and TV programs. Make your rating selections according to the table below. You also have the option of blocking unrated TV programs or movies by selecting “Allow” or “Block”. ✍ If you choose to block unrated TV programs, following programs may be blocked: emergency broadcasts, political programs, news programs, public service announcements, religious programs and weather.
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Using the Menus Viewing blocked programs When you try to view a blocked channel there will be a message indicating the restriction. The restriction can be temporarily removed until a channel change or playback ends by entering the correct password when asked. Recording a program with Parental Locks Your HD DVR will also record blocked programs.
Digital Video Recorder Understanding the Status Bar The Status Bar provides information about the currently displayed program. Program information Beginning of live TV pause time Chapter Mark Live TV (see page 58) Playback status/speed While viewing a program, press the V button or any of the Trick Play buttons (such as PLAY, PAUSE, etc.) to display the status bar.
Operating Instructions Pausing TV Live TV Pause Time The HD DVR’s Live TV Pause Time feature allows you to set the amount of time of live TV programming that will be saved (see “Live TV Pause Time” on page 39). If the Live TV Pause Time is set to 30 minutes, you will be able to rewind up to 30 minutes of programming.
Digital Video Recorder Using Trick Play Features REW (Rewind) and FF (Fast Forward) Press the REW (Rewind) or FF (Fast Forward) button to rewind or fast forward live or recorded programs. Each time the REW or FF button is pressed, the next available rewind or fast forward speed begins.
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Operating Instructions REPLAY and ADVANCE Press the REPLAY or ADVANCE button to jump back or forward while viewing live or recorded programs. Available jump times include 2, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 300 seconds (see page 39). Normal play automatically begins after the program has jumped back or forward. PREV (Previous) and NEXT If you have set Chapter Marks in a live or recorded program (see page 58), press the PREV or NEXT button to jump back or forward to the next available Chapter Mark.
Digital Video Recorder STOP Press the STOP button to stop playback of a recorded program. The STOP button has no function when viewing live TV. Select EXIT TO LIVE TV to begin watching live TV or select DELETE to delete the recorded program before returning to live TV.
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Operating Instructions If the current live TV program does not already fit within the Live TV Pause Time (30, 60 or 90 minutes), the TV Guide Schedule menu appears. Use the Schedule menu to confirm or adjust recording start/end times, recording frequency, etc. See “Using the SCHEDULE Service”...
Digital Video Recorder Playing Recorded Programs Programs that have been recorded can be accessed from the RECORDINGS List. See “Using the RECORDINGS Service” on page 69 for more information about using the RECORDINGS List. Press the REC LIST button on the remote control. Select a program to play back.
Operating Instructions Using Chapter Marks Chapter Marks can be used to mark favorite points in both live and recorded programs. Setting Chapter Marks While viewing a program and no other menus are displayed, press the SELECT button on the remote control to set a chapter mark at the current point of the program. The status bar appears, showing where in the program the Chapter Mark has been added.
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Digital Video Recorder Using Chapter Marks To Do This... Do This... While viewing a program, press the PREV (Previous) or NEXT buttons Skip to the next Chapter Mark on the remote control to jump back or jump forward to the next available Chapter Mark.
Using the TV Guide On Screen™ Your HD DVR features the TV Guide On Screen interactive program guide which provides an 8-day rolling list of TV programming, which makes record settings as easy as highlighting a show and pressing SELECT. Use the TV Guide On Screen system to find the shows you want to watch, and set them for automatic recording.
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Operating Instructions The Initial Guide Setup The Guide uses Setup information to provide you with show listings and lineups in your area- --which are updated several times a day. Welcome Screen Initial TV setup leads you to the Welcome screen or press the Guide key to begin setup. •...
Using the TV Guide On Screen™ TV Guide On Screen Components Approximately 24 hours after the Auto Setup is completed, you will see this TV Guide On Screen LISTINGS screen whenever you press the TV Guide button on your remote control or on the front panel of your HD DVR.
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Operating Instructions Screen Components Descriptions Title Displays the show’s title. Highlighted title indicates the active title. Info Box Provides information on the highlighted program. Info Button Press the INFO button on the remote control to cycle through the various Info Box sizes, Small (default setting), Large, No. The Info Button will appear on the button bar only if changes or additional information is available.
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Using the TV Guide On Screen™ Screen Components Descriptions Record Icon When this icon is displayed, it indicates that the program will be recorded. Once: Indicates that the program is set to record once. Daily: Select to set Monday through Sunday manual recording only. Weekly: Indicates that the program is set to record once a week on the same day of the week, on the same time and channel.
Operating Instructions Using the LISTINGS Service When the LISTINGS appear, press the INFO button to display a Help screen for detailed guide. To exit the Help screen, press the INFO button again. Use the SELECT bar to scroll or up/down/left/right (use icons) arrow buttons to navigate within the LISTINGS.
Using the TV Guide On Screen™ Using the SEARCH Service SEARCH service allows you to find a program from different categories. When SEARCH is highlighted on the Service Bar, some of the following categories may appear just below the Service Bar: KEYWORD, ALPHABETICAL, MOVIES, SPORTS, CHILDREN, EDUCATIONAL, NEWS, VARIETY, SERIES, HDTV.
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Operating Instructions To Do This... Do This... KEYWORD search 1. Highlight KEYWORD and choose SELECT to display the Keyword search menu. 2. Highlight New Search then press OK. The Search Options menu will appear. 3. Press the B or b button to select a category to search. Highlight Enter Keyword and choose SELECT to display the keyboard.
Using the TV Guide On Screen™ Using the RECORDINGS Service The RECORDINGS provides a list of previously recorded or currently recoding programs on the HD DVR. With RECORDINGS highlighted on the Service Bar press the MENU button to display the panel menu. Choose “Group”...
Operating Instructions Using the SCHEDULE Service SCHEDULE allows you to review, edit or delete record and remind upcoming events which you have already set. Highlight SCHEDULE on the Service Bar then highlight the event. Press the MENU button to display the options in panel menu To Do This...
Using the TV Guide On Screen™ Using the SETUP Service You can customize the TV Guide On Screen system settings. If you have not completed the initial setup please do so now. This service is only available after you have completed the TV Guide On Screen system setup (see page 30).
Operating Instructions Recording a Program A program can be recorded or the recording settings can be changed from any one of the following services: LISTINGS, SEARCH and SCHEDULE. There are three (3) ways to set a program for recording Recording with Remote Control’s REC Button Press the REC (Record) button for at least one second to schedule the recording of the current live TV program..
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Using the TV Guide On Screen™ Recording from a Panel Menu While in LISTINGS highlight a program which you want to record and press Menu to display an options menu. Highlight set recording and choose SELECT to view more options. Highlight the frequency option.
References References In this section you will find frequently asked questions and troubleshooting, product specifications, license agreements and the limited warranty. Learning About Available Video Services Your HD DVR can receive a variety of programs and make them available to you on your schedule. The HD DVR can receive signals from both an antenna and from a cable TV service provider.
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Operating Instructions Table 1: Signal Comparison Signal Format Analog Digital (SD) Digital (HD) Active lines 480i 480p, 480i 720p or 1080i Sound Stereo or Dolby Digital® (5.1 ch) Dolby Digital (5.1 ch) Mono PCM Audio (2 ch) PCM Audio (2 ch) Aspect Ratio 4: 3 4: 3 or 16: 9...
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References Table 3: Display Formats Display Format Mode Input Signal Format Output Signal Format 1080i All Formats 1080i 720p All Formats 720p 480p All Formats 480p 480i All Formats 480i Native 1080i 1080i 720p 720p 480p 480p 480i 480i Variable 1 1080i 1080i 720p...
Operating Instructions Learning About Screen Modes TV programs can be created in a variety of aspect ratios or Screen Modes. The most common are 4:3 and 16:9. TVs or monitors most often have an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9. To allow a wide variety of programs to be best displayed on the various TV and monitor shapes, your HD DVR features several Screen Mode settings.
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References SD Content to HD Output When standard-definition content is received and output in a high-definition format, the following Screen Mode settings are available: Table 5: SD Content/HD Output Normal The Normal setting will display black bars on the left and right sides of a 16:9 ascreen.
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Operating Instructions High-definition content output in high-definition format The following temporary Screen Mode settings are available when viewing high-definition content output in a high-definition format. Note that the setting is returned to Standard after each channel change. Table 6: HD Content/HD Output Standard Select the Standard setting when you want to view a high-definition image with no adjustment.
DVR. The serial number can be found in the Preferences/System/System Menu screen or printed on the back of your HD DVR. You may also contact Sony or new frequently asked questions at the Sony Support & Registration web site: www.sony.com/support.
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There may be more than one code for the equipment that you are attempting to operate. There is a possibility that some non-Sony equipment cannot be operated by your Sony TV remote. You may need to use the equipment’s original remote control. CableCARD...
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References Symptoms Possible Remedies Some digital cable Use the Edit CH+/- List in the Preferences/CH+/- menu to confirm that channels are not being the channel is added to the receivable channel list. displayed Certain cable TV service providers have limitations on the broadcast of digital cable channels.
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Operating Instructions Video Symptoms Possible Remedies Make sure the power cord is plugged in and the POWER indicator on the No picture, no sound display window is lit. Press the FORMAT button to select an output format that is compatible with your TV (see page 10).
The Software is owned and copyrighted by Sony, its affiliates or its third party licensors. User’s license confers no title or ownership in the Software and is not a sale of any rights in the Software. Sony’s affiliates and/or third party suppliers may protect their rights directly in the event of any User’s violation of this Agreement.
References GNU General Public License GNU General Public License Version 2, June 1991 Copyright (C) 1989, 1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed. Preamble The licenses for most software are designed to take away your freedom to share and change it.
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Operating Instructions 4. You may not copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute the Program except as expressly provided under this License. Any attempt otherwise to copy, modify, sublicense or distribute the Program is void, and will automatically terminate your rights under this License. However, parties who have received copies, or rights, from you under this License will not have their licenses terminated so long as such parties remain in full compliance.