Q. How far back can I rewind live TV?
A. The length of time you can rewind live TV depends on how long you
have been tuned to a single channel. Each time you change channels, a
new copy is automatically stored to the built-in recorder. For example,
if you have been watching the same channel for 15 minutes, you can
rewind that 15 minutes of the program. The maximum time a program is
stored without saving is 1 hour.
Q. How long can I pause Live TV?
A. You can pause up to one hour. After pausing one hour, the program
starts playing one hour behind the Live broadcast point.
Q. Can you time-shift (pause, rewind,
fast-forward) the 1/4 screen video on the DVR Recorded List or Program
Guide?
A. Yes, you can press the PAUSE, REWIND or FAST-FORWARD button on your
remote to control the 1/4 screen video in the Program Guide or any DVR
screen.
Q. Can you time-shift (pause, rewind,
fast-forward) the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) content?
A. Yes, but you must swap the PIP video into the Main screen first. Any
non-play mode in the Main screen (such as rewinding, fast forwarding) will
change to normal play mode if swapped into PIP.
Q: Can I
automatically "skip ahead" through commercials?
A: No, AllTouch AT-8400 remote control does not feature a 30-second skip
ahead button. However, you can fast forward and rewind stored programs at
three different speeds -- 4x, 10x and 32x normal speed. You can also skip
back 8 seconds using the key to the left of the green LIST key for instant
replays.
DVR Application --
General Settings / Parental Controls
Q. Do Parental Controls carry over to
DVR recordings?
A. Yes, if you block programs by channel or rating in General Settings,
those settings are carried over to DVR recordings. For example, if you
decide to block all R rated programs in General Settings, the R rated
programs will still be recorded, but you cannot play them back until you
enter the correct PIN.
Q. Can you change the colors of DVR
screens like you can in the Program Guide?
A. Yes, the color scheme you select in General Settings (ie. Ball Park,
Roller Rink, Campground, etc.) will change the DVR screen colors to match
the colors in the Program Guide.
Explorer 8000 and Explorer 8300 Set-top
Hardware
Q.
How much does an individual unit of the Explorer 8000 or Explorer 8300 DVR cost and how do
I order one?
A. The Explorer 8000 Home Entertainment Server is not available for retail
purchase in the US. It is currently available only through select cable
operators on a lease basis, plus monthly fee for the DVR service
(typically $4.95 to $11.95 per month). Please contact your local cable
company to find out if the Explorer 8000 is available in your area.
Q: Can I connect an
external hard drive to my Explorer 8300/8300HD?
A: The external SATA port on the Explorer 8300/8300HD allows you to
connect an external hard drive to expand storage of your recording. This
port requires a software upgrade for activation. Please contact your
cable service provider to confirm support of this feature and to learn
which External SATA hard drives can be connected.
Q: When will the
Explorer 8000 for HDTV be available? A: The Explorer 8000HD High
Definition Home Entertainment Server began shipping to cable operators
in December 2003. To find out if the Explorer 8000HD is available in
your area, please contact your cable company.
Q. How do I know if my hard disk needs
to be replaced?
A. The need for hard disk replacement is very rare; unless you see,
"disk trouble unrecoverable write error," on your screen, your
hard drive is probably working properly."
Q: I have my DVD
player connected to the AUX input. How do I change the input to
recognize the AUX input so that my DVD player will play?
A: The AUX Input port on the Explorer 8000 home entertainment server is
not currently active. It will be activated by a future software download
to your set-top. This is expected later this year.
Q: I have the
Explorer 8000 DVR. How do I add a video game device to it?
A: At present, because the AUX inputs on the Explorer 8000 are not
active, you need to plug the video game device directly into the TV
inputs according to the game device installation guide.
Q. Can the E8000 record and playback
High Definition programs?
A. Yes, if you have the E8000 HD version set-top, you can record and
playback HD programs.
Q. What is the hard disk drive
capacity? How many hours of TV programming can I store?
A. The Explorer 8000 and 8000HD have an 80 GB hard disk drive. Depending
on whether you are recording analog, digital or high definition
programming, you can record and store between 30 and 50 hours. The
Explorer 8300 and 8300HD have 160 GB hard disk drives. Again, depending
on the type of program these can record up to 90 hours of standard
definition digital programming. Analog programs are larger and take up
more space than digital programs and high definition programs take up
more space than analog and standard definition digital.
Q. Are all the recordings securely
encrypted on the hard drive? Can the hard drive be removed and the
recordings viewed or copied?
A. All the DVR recordings are encrypted and cannot be digitally copied or
viewed in another device, including another Explorer 8000 or 8300. However, the DVR recordings can be played back and copied to a VCR tape if the VCR is
connected to the RF output or the "OUT 1 (TV)", main composite output. In
addition, a future software release will activate the VCR Output on the
Explorer 8000 back panel. When you see an on-screen option called "Copy to
VCR" after you select to play back a recording, then you know this VCR
copy feature is active.
Q. How noisy is the hard drive?
A. The hard disk drive has a sound level of no greater than 27 dB. This is
quieter than a whisper.
Q. Does the Explorer 8000 or Explorer 8300 require a connection to a phone line or
Ethernet connection, similar to the TiVo and Replay personal video
recording units?
A. No, the Explorer 8000/8300 and DVR application uses the existing coaxial
cable connection. No extra phone line or network components are needed.
Q. What is the USB port for on the
back panel?
A. The front panel USB port (and optional back panel) are high-speed data
ports that allow transfers of data at a rate of 11 Mbps. This port
currently supports the Scientific Atlanta IR Extender which allows you to
store your set-top out of site up to 20ft away from your TV. S-A IR
Extenders are only available through your cable operator. The User Guide
can be found in the User Guides section of the Explorer eClub.
Q. What is the IEEE 1394 port on the
back panel?
A. The IEEE 1394 port on the back panel is a very high-speed data
port allowing transfers of data at up to 400 Mbps. The features and
functions of the 1394 port with respect to devices supported and
functions enabled vary by set-top model. Contact your cable provider for
further details.
Q. Can I view content from my VCR or
camcorder on my TV with my Explorer 8000 or 8300?
A. Not yet. A future software release will support pass-through mode,
allowing audio/video from an external device such as a game system or
camcorder to VIEW ONLY on the TV. This will not allow recording this
content on the hard drive of the Explorer 8000, though.
Q. Can I record content from my DVD
player?
A. Most likely not. Most DVD players contain Macrovision copy protection,
which keeps the content on the DVD disk from being recorded by another
device.
Q. How do I connect the Explorer 8000/8300
to my TV and VCR?
A. The "OUT 2 (VCR)" composite output on the E8000 back panel will be
supported in a future software release. When you see an on-screen option
called "Copy to VCR" after you select a recording from the Recorded List
screen, then you know this VCR copy feature is active. In the meantime,
the VCR can be connected to the RF output or the "OUT 1 (TV)", main
composite output.
Q. Can the Explorer 8000/8300 be connected
to a Dolby Digital receiver?
A. Yes, through the rear panel output labeled "DIGITAL AUDIO OUT".
Q. My Dolby Digital Receiver only
contains optical type connectors. Can I connect the Explorer 8000 to this?
A. No. However, you can purchase products that convert the coaxial type of
digital audio output (type on Explorer 8000) to the optical type.
Q. Can I access the Internet on the Explorer 8000/8300?
A. No.
Remote Control
Q: What's the code on my AT8400
AllTouch Remote Control that ties together all of the codes for the
peripheral devices I keyed in? I want to be able to press just one button
to turn on my Explorer 8000 Home Entertainment Server and all peripherals.
A:
- Press and hold SELECT and CBL until
the CBL mode key blinks twice.
- Using the remote control keypad, press
9 9 8. The CBL key blinks twice. Note: Do not press these keys too
quickly. The CBL key should blink once as you press each digit.
- Press one of the following keys to
specify how the power key should function:
- Press 1 if you want the Power key to
turn on the DHCT and then the TV.
- Press 2 if you want the Power key to
turn on the DHCT, then the TV, and then the VCR.
- Press 3 if you want the Power key to
turn on the DHCT, then the TV, then the VCR, and then the auxiliary
device.
- Press 4 if you want the Power key to
turn on the DHCT, then the TV, and then the auxiliary device.
- Press 0 if you want the Power key to
control each device independently.
Q. How do I program my remote control?
A. Follow the instructions in the AT8400 Remote User's Guide.
Q. What do I do if the remote control
does not control a particular device such as my TV?
A. There are typically multiple codes listed for each brand, try each code
until you find a satisfactory one. In addition, a 991 search can be done.
Q:
How do I know what remote control I have?
A: The model of your remote control is shown on the back. It will be
either ER-1, AT2000, AT2300, AT 2400, AT8400 or AT8420. If you have an
AT8400, there are two different versions B and D. These will be
indicated by the last letter in the SA Part Number shown below the model
number on the remote. The User Guides shown for these remotes will be
AT8400-B and AT8400-D.
Q:
I can't find the remote control code for my AIWA TV (or APEX TV, TV/VCR
combo unit, etc.) What should I do?
A: Scientific Atlanta has two new remote controls available to cable
operators which have twice as many codes -- now including codes for
AIWA, APEX and many TV/VCR/DVD combo units. These remote controls are
available for purchase by cable operators now. Please contact your cable
operator to request a replacement for your current remote control(s).
These new remotes are called the AllTouch AT8420 and AllTouch AT8400-D.
Q.
The cable company installed my Explorer 2000 and programmed the remote
control to use with my TV and VCR. I've bought a new TV since then. How
do I program it for the new TV?
A. Some cable companies use the remote control provided with the
Explorer set-top and others use a universal remote control. First check
which remote control model you have.
If it
is a Scientific Atlanta remote control, check on the back
of the remote. It should either read:
MODEL NUMBER: AT2000-4 or MODEL NUMBER: ER1
The
user's guide will tell you how to program these remotes.
Q.
None of the setup codes work for my TV or VCR. What can I do?
A. If none of the listed codes work, you can program the remote to
search through all of the available codes for the device specified,
beginning with the most popular codes. Complete steps to do this can be
found in the remote control user's guides. Refer to section "To Identify
Program Codes" in the
Remote Control User's Guide.
Q. Is the remote control a universal
remote?
A. Yes, the AT8400 model remote is a true universal remote designed to
operate all Scientific Atlanta set-tops and a wide range of TVs, VCRs,
DVDs and other audio devices.
Q. Why can't certain functions on
other devices like my TV or VCR, such as menus, be accessed with the
remote?
A. There are different levels of code associated with each device. There
is primary code to turn a device off and on, but there may not be enough
code to work some of the auxiliary functions such as the menus.
Q: Can I record my
content to a DVD?
A: Yes, you can connect and use a separate recordable DVD
device for recording from the DVR. In the DVR user guide, reference the
instructions for “Copy Recordings from Your DVR to a VCR tape”. In those
instructions, in place of the VCR or VCR tape, you will use the
recordable DVD. Note: The output video format will be standard
definition (480i, 4:3 aspect ratio).
Q: Is it possible by
connecting a DVD burner to my 8300HD to copy programs I want to keep on
to a blank DVD?
A: Yes, you can connect and use a separate recordable DVD
device for recording from the DVR. In the DVR user guide, reference the
instructions for “Copy Recordings from Your DVR to a VCR tape”. In those
instructions, in place of the VCR or VCR tape, you will use the
recordable DVD. Note: The output video format will be standard
definition (480i, 4:3 aspect ratio).
Q: Can I purchase an Explorer set-top
directly from Scientific Atlanta?
A: No. Explorer set-tops are only available through your cable
operator.
Q: Can I purchase
accessories like remote controls and IR extenders through
Scientific Atlanta?
A: Yes, some accessories are available for purchase on
Scientific Atlanta’s website in the Accessories section of this page:
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/consumers_new/index.htm
Q. Does the cable
operator gather information from what I'm watching or from what I'm
recording?
A. No.
Q: It says on your
website that I can change the "look" (foreground and background colors,
etc) of the Guide screen. How do I do this?
A: You can change the color scheme in General Settings -- press SETTINGS
button twice, the Page Up once, select "Color Scheme". If this process
does not work for you, it is because your particular cable operator is
running a non-Scientific Atlanta brand DVR software. Please contact your
cable operator with questions or to request the appropriate DVR User
Guide.
Q:
I would prefer to store my Explorer box in another room or out of
site and still be able to use my remote control. Is there a system you
can recommend which would work so the Explorer box doesn't have to be in
the same location as the television?
A: Yes, you need an IR Extender
(shown in the User Guide section of the Explorer Club in the Accessories
area). Check with your cable operator for availability.
Q. Is
Picture-in-Picture (PIP) the same as the ¼ screen video in the Program
Guide?
A. No, PIP is a small video screen (TV channel) tuned inside another
larger TV channel. Notice that the 1/4 screen in the Program Guide and
the DVR screens is NOT surrounded by a larger TV video channel. In fact,
the ¼ screen in the Program Guide and in the DVR screens is the
currently tuned channel (just reduced in size). If you press the EXIT
key on the remote, the ¼ screen video will become a full screen.
Q: why does the DVR show a screen that
says it will go into energy saving mode unless i push any button on the
remote? what if i am recording something- does it just decide it's time
to shut down?
A:
The Power-Save mode is intended to
help maximize the life of your DVR. Between 1:00 am and 6:00 am every
day, your DVR will automatically enter Power-Save mode. In Power-Save
mode, the set-top is powered-down, but all scheduled recordings still
occur. At approximately 1:10 am, the DVR displays a 5-minute warning
banner, which states that the DVR is about to enter Power-Save mode.
When the banner appears, either do nothing to let the DVR automatically
power down, or simply press any key on your remote control to stop from
entering Power-Save mode. The DVR will display the warning banner from
1:10 am until 6:00 am if you do not press a key on the remote control or
the front panel within 2 hours.
Q: How can I
get a VCR Commander Module for my Explorer 2000, 2100, 3000, or 3100?
A: VCR Commander Modules are available only through your cable operator.
Q. I've heard about new
Scientific Atlanta set-tops, such as the Explorer 8300 or 8300HD.
How can I get one? Can I purchase one from Scientific Atlanta?
A. Many cable operator have chosen to deploy only one Explorer model
at this time. Check with your cable provider to see if they have plans for
deploying other Explorer models. Scientific Atlanta has no plans to sell
Explorer set-tops in retail outlets at this time. Certain Explorer models
are only available through your cable operator.
Q: How do you get an Explorer User
Guide?
A: Several Explorer user guides are available in the
User's
Guides section.
Q: Can you provide a diagram
describing the connectors on the back of the Explorer set-top box?
A: Check the appropriate
user guide for your model of set-top. There are
several cabling diagrams availablefor each of the following Explorer models.
Q: Can you explain how to hook up a
home theatre or stereo configuration with the Explorer set-top box?
A: Check the appropriate
user guide for your model of set-top.
Q. In a home theatre configuration,
when does the Explorer use the digital audio connection? Per the diagram,
I connected both the stereo analog connections (Audio L, Audio R) AND I
also connected the digital audio connection with a digital audio coaxial
cable. How does the Explorer know which output to put the audio signal
through? Shouldn't I prefer that the Explorer send a digital signal all
the time?
A. It is correct to connect both the audio left/right and digital audio outputs
to the home theater receiver inputs. The digital audio output from
Explorer is active when a digitally delivered program is received. When an
analog-delivered program is received, the digital audio output is
inactive. The "cable out" and left/right outputs from Explorer
are active for all types of program delivery. The choice of which signal
to use is controlled at the home theater receiver. Most receivers provide
menu control so that you can identify which source device is associated
with the digital audio input. When the digital audio signal is absent,
most receivers will then fall back to using the associated analog
left/right inputs.
Q. I forgot my PIN number for the
Explorer set-top. What can I do?
A. Contact your cable operator. They can reset it for you.
Q: What is the USB port
for on the front panel?
A. The USB port was created to enable you to connect other devices to your
set-top. While there are currently no devices available for testing,
companies that market digital cameras, printers, home networking devices,
and MP-3 players, for example, have expressed an interested in qualifying
and testing their products to connect to the Explorer.
Q. In order to use the VCR Commander
feature to record movies on my VCR, I need the 3-digit code for my model
VCR. How can I get this information?
A. Complete steps for setting up the VCR Commander Module for the Explorer
2000 DHCT model, including the codes for VCRs, are in the VCR Commander
Module User's Guide
(PDF: 942 KB
/ 24 pages). For all other Explorer set-tops, including models 2100,
3100, 4100, and 6000, setup directions are in the VCR Commander Service
User's Guide
(PDF: 975 KB / 28 pages).
Q: What is the difference between
pay-per-view (PPV) and video-on-demand (VOD)?
A: PPV events - such as movies or sports events - usually start and
end at scheduled times. You are required either to call your cable
operator to order it or to press a button on your remote control, enter an
access code, then wait until the event begins. With VOD, you watch the
movie when you want to - complete with full pause, rewind and fast-forward
control. You simply press a button on your remote control to access,
select your movie and begin watching your movie. And depending on the
licensing arrangements your cable provider has made, the selected movie
can be enjoyed and accessed for up to 24 hours.
If the remote control is another brand or model, contact
your cable company for the codes.
Q. When I press the guide button, the
program information is not correct?
A. When the guide button is pressed, the default goes to the first
channel in the lineup (sometimes starting with channel 2, 3, or 4) and 2
hours ahead of the current time. Simply press the 'C' key for current time
and current channel you are viewing.
Q. Is there a way I can watch one
channel and record another?
A. Some cable operators provide an RF Bypass module for this purpose.
Check with your cable provider to see if they offer this module.
Q: My unit "freezes"
periodically, and I can't use the power-off button. I have to reboot by
unplugging and allowing it to come up again. Is there a fix for this?
A. This should not happen frequently. Unplugging and re-plugging will in
most cases solve the problem. If this problem persists, call your local
cable company.
Q. I can see squares and sometimes,
lines appear as gradients. Can this be my provider's fault?
A. Digital television signals can be encoded by the programmer in many
ways. In addition, from time to time atmospheric conditions, like
sunspots, can temporarily effect the signal. If the issue persists, please
contact your local cable company.
Q:
Will my 8300HD work with a 1080p TV?
Yes. The Scientific-Atlanta 8300HD will work with TV’s that have
1080p capability, meaning you will be able to connect your cable box to
a 1080p TV and see a high definition picture.
Q: Will my 8300HD provide a 1080p signal?
Currently the 8300HD can receive a 1080p video format (as defined by
the ATSC standard) into the box. The box then provides a signal to the
TV that is in one of four video formats: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i. Once
the 1080p TV receives the signal from the 8300HD, the TV will then
display it as a 1080p video format.
Q: I have an Explorer 8300HD – is the
HDMI output active?
A: Yes, the HDMI output on the Explorer 8300HD is active.
Q: My HDTV has DVI input, not HDMI.
Can I still connect the Explorer 8300HD?
A: Yes, if you use an HDMI to DVI converter cable provided by your
cable operator.
Q: I’m having audio problems when
using the HDMI connection on my Explorer 8300HD. Is there a solution?
A: If you have already consulted Explorer 8300HD User Guide and
connection diagrams, please contact your cable operator to report the
problem. In the meantime, connect your HDTV to your Explorer 8300HD
using the YPbPr and LEFT/RIGHT AUDIO connectors.
Q: When will the Explorer 8000 for
HDTV be available?
A: A: The Explorer 8000HD began shipping in December 2003. Please check
with your cable operator for availability in your area.
Q. How do I format
and select the best picture format and size for my HDTV with my Explorer
4200HD or Explorer 3250HD set-top box?
A. The answers are in this
Explorer HDTV Setup
Wizard Guide
Q: I have a
16:9 aspect ratio HDTV and an Explorer 3100HD set-top box. Can I change
the screen sizes so that shows broadcast in 4:3 aspect ratio fill the
screen?
A: The Explorer 3100HD does not have the capability to stretch or
manipulate the video. It outputs all channels at a 1080i scan rate. So,
standard-definition channels will be in a 4:3 mode with pillar bars on the
sides. We have been working on new hardware that has several enhancements
including the ability for you to stretch and zoom the video or change the
scan rate - all controlled from the Explorer. Check with your cable
provider shortly to find out about availability.
Q: I have a
4:3 aspect ratio HDTV connected to my Explorer 3100HD set-top. When I am
watching shows that are in 4:3 format, I get black bands on the
top/bottom and on both sides of the picture. How do I get rid of these
bands?
A: First, check to see if the HDTV has picture adjustments that will
manipulate the image so that it fills up the entire screen. If it does not
have picture adjustments, connect up the baseband video out or S-Video
from the Explorer 3100HD to the HDTV (in addition to the YPbPr connection)
and switch the HDTV’s video input over to that line where the baseband
or S-Video is connected. This will maximize the display area for analog
channels or standard-definition digital channels
The reason this happens is that the
Explorer 3100HD is outputting to what it believes is a 16 x 9 aspect ratio
HDTV. The true definition of HDTV is a 1920 x 1080i or a 1080 x 720P
resolution at a widescreen 16 x 9 aspect ratio. However, many TV
manufacturers have made HD ready 4 x 3 aspect ratio monitors. Some HDTV’s,
when connected via the YPbPr analog component inputs, think that the
signal coming in is an HD 1080i signal. Therefore, the HDTV displays the
letterbox bars.
Q. Why are all my programs displayed
in 1080i format?
A. You may have selected the Easy Setup mode and the Widescreen (16:9) TV
setting in the HDTV Setup Wizard. Choosing these two settings together
limits your programming to 1080i format, even on non-HD channels. To see
your non-HD programs in 480i on a widescreen HDTV, use the Advanced Setup
in the Explorer HDTV Setup Wizard. Make sure that you select 480i as one
of your saved formats, and then select Pass-Through in General Settings:
Picture Format for your default picture format.
Q: When will the DVI port on my Explorer 8000HD be
activated?
A: The software which activates the DVI port with HDCP is complete and has
been made available to cable operators. Please contact your cable
operator for availability in your area.
Q. Are local TV stations broadcasting in HDTV?
A. Many local TV stations are transmitting digital signals. However,
transmitting a digital signal does not mean transmitting an HDTV signal.
Some stations are using the new bandwidth to broadcast several
standard-definition channels. Most stations, however, once they begin
broadcasting in digital, or offering HD content from their parent network
(for example: CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, WB, UPN, and PBS).
Q. Why are some HDTVs 4:3 aspect ratio and others 16:9?
The aspect ratios differ because television manufacturers build both
standard and widescreen HDTVs to appeal to consumer viewing preferences.
On widescreen HDTVs, the programming is displayed on the full screen. On
standard screen HDTVs, the programming is displayed in letterbox format in
the middle of the screen (there are bars surrounding the picture).
If
you didn't find the
answer to your question above, submit your question here. We use
this feedback to develop new FAQs periodically.