VOOM STB FAQ (Motorola DSR-550): Post-VOOM Edition

This FAQ was originally created back in May 2004 when DSR-550 was the main and the only HD receiver offered by VOOM. VOOM as a satellite company is now gone. VOOM Originals HD channels are now available through Dish Network and hopfully through other satellite and cable operators in the near future. The DSR-550 box can no longer be used for satellite channel reception. However, it still can be used a standalone ATSC over-the-air tuner, so I hope, this revised version of the FAQ will be helpful for some.

If you have a question that is not answered, please post it in a relevant thread of this forum, or start a new one. Someone will help you! I will be updating and expanding this FAQ on a regular basis, but I certainly cannot address every possible question. If you notice any mistakes in this FAQ, please send me an email to Ilya @ SatelliteGuys.us (remove spaces) or send me a PM. Comments and suggestions concerning this FAQ can also be posted in the following thread: VOOM STB FAQ - comments and suggestions.

Feel free to link to this FAQ by using the following URL: http://www.satelliteguys.us/motorola-dsr-550-voom-box-support/7178-voom-stb-faq-motorola-dsr-550-a.html I wouldn't link to individual sections, as they change from time to time.

Ilya.

P.S. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this FAQ, especially to Sean Mota for his inspiring hard work in this forum!

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 12:07 AM

What is VOOM STB (IRD)?

VOOM STB is a Set-Top Box that was offerd by VOOM (Rainbow DBS) as its satellite receiver. It is also known as “Integrated Receiver-Decoder” (IRD). VOOM offered just one type of STB: Motorola DSR-550.

If I buy a DSR-550 box from someone, can I use it as an OTA TV receiver?

Yes, you should be able to use the box as a standalone ATSC receiver for digital Over-the-Air channels (both HD and SD, but digital only, not analog!), as long as the following conditions are all met:

1. The box has been activated for a VOOM DBS customer. ("New-in-box" most likely won't work!)
2. The box was never deactivated: it was either active till the last day of VOOM DBS, or it has been disconnected from the satellite dish before the "kill" signal was ever sent to it.
3. The box has a recent software version: 6.10 or above, preferrably 7.37.
4. The box was not Factory Reset.
5. The PIN is not set or it is known.

What are the STB dimensions?

Width = 17"
Depth = 13" (not including cables and/or snap-on diplexer)
Height = 3"

How many tuners does the STB have?

The STB has 2 tuners: a built-in satellite tuner and a removable OTA (8VSB) tuner module. At the present time only OTA tuner can be used to receive programming.

Does VOOM STB support MPEG-2, MPEG-4 or WMV9 encoding?

Only MPEG-2 encoding is supported, though the STB was designed to be upgradable to MPEG-4 (more precisely MPEG-4.10, aka AVC, aka H.264) and WMV9 (aka VC-9) via an add-on module.

Is VOOM STB upgradeable?

Yes, it was designed to be upgradable, though since VOOM as a DBS company is now gone, upgrades are no longer possible. In the past, software updates were done automatically via satellite. The STB also has an expansion slot for MPEG4/WMV9 card (which was never released). Additionally, the OTA tuner module can be easily replaced.

P.S. DSR-550 User Manual (VOOM Viewer's Guide) is attached. Note, that this is an old version that may not reflect the latest changes in the software.

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 12:12 AM

Which input should the OTA antenna be connected to?

If your setup does not include diplexer, you will see five coaxial connectors on the back of the STB (see picture below). The labels are not very clear and it is not easy to tell which one is which. If you look from the back, the right-most connector is for your OTA antenna. It is actually on a small removable plastic module (8VSB OTA tuner module). If you don't see the module inserted, but see a small plastic door instead - the 8VSB module must be missing. The second coax connector from the right is labeled "SAT" and has a small dish icon next to it: this one is for the satellite dish.

DSR-550 view from the back. (Courtesy of geekygizmo)

Note, that if you do not have a diplexer but have an amplified OTA antenna, you will need to get a power supply (power inserter). Power inserter is normally included with Stealth, but may not be included with other types of antennas, like Winegard Sensar II. The Winegard Sensar II antenna shipped by VOOM normally relies on power comming from the diplexer and doesn't come with a separate power supply, which means you either need to use a diplexer, or you have to buy the power supply yourself.

In a diplexer setup the two connectors are combined with a small square-shaped snap-on diplexer module, and there is only one coax cable for both dish and OTA antenna (see picture below). For OTA-only applications, unlock and then remove the diplexer. (If you have an amplified antenna, make sure you have a stand-alone power supply, as the OTA connection does not supply voltage when the diplexer is removed.) In any case, do not use the coax connection labeled "UHF": this one is for RF remotes!

DSR-550 with diplexer attached.

Which video/audio outputs does the STB have?

The STB has 10 sets of outputs: 6 video and 4 audio. Video outputs include: DVI, Component (Y/Pr/Pb), S-video, two sets of Composite and RF Coaxial. There is no RGB output. Audio outputs include: Optical Digital (Toslink), 5.1 Coaxial Digital (S/PDIF) and two sets of analog outputs. All video and audio outputs are active at the same time.

Which outputs should I use?

HDTV sets should be connected via DVI or Component. Only these two types of outputs offer 1080i, 720p and 480p resolutions. All other video output types (S-video, composite and RF) can only offer 480i SD resolution. If you have a Dolby Digital surround sound receiver you should use digital audio outputs: coaxial or optical.

DVI and Component cables connected.

What type of DVI cable do I need?

The DSR-550 supports Single Link and Dual Link DVI-D cables. A DVI-D cable is now provided by VOOM with each install. Although Single Link DVI cables are sufficient for all supported HD resolutions, Dual Link cables are not much more expensive, so, if you are buying a new DVI cable yourself, you may consider the Dual Link version (see
http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI_Tutorial.htm

for explanation). HDMI, is not currently supported, but you can find a DVI-to-HDMI cable if your TV set requires HDMI.

Is HDCP enabled through DVI? Does this mean that component is downrezed?

HDCP seems to be enforced in recent software versions. Non-HDCP Monitors may not work with DSR-550 over DVI. However, component outputs support full HD resolution: 1080i and 720p.

Can I connect multiple TVs/VCRs/DVRs to one STB?

Yes. All video and audio outputs of the STB are active simultaneously. So you can watch and record the same program on several TVs/VCRs/DVRs at the same time.

Which video resolutions does the STB support?

The STB can output video in one of 4 resolutions over DVI and Component outputs: 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i. You can select the output resolution, that works best for your monitor (in which case the STB will convert everything to this resolution), or you can leave the STB in "Native" mode to follow the source resolution. Regardless of the selected resolution, the STB will convert everything to 480i for composite, S-video and RF outputs.

How do I switch the video resolution? Where is that "Red Button"?

Starting with version 6.00 you can change the STB resolution in the Installation Wizard on-screen menu (except for Native mode). Alternatively you can use the hidden Red Button behind a small door with the Motorola logo at the bottom right corner of the front panel of the STB. Press the button several times. Each time you press it, one of four horizontal bars on the front panel will blink orange, indicating a resolution change. The upper bar means 1080i, the second one - 720p, the third - 480p, the bottom bar means 480i. All four bars at once means "Native" mode, in which the output resolution follows the source.

Hidden Red Button.

Which video resolution should I choose?

If you have an HDTV set, 1080i fixed resolution mode would be a good starting point. Some HDTV sets do not support (or have problems with) 720p and Native modes. I recommend you start with 1080i and later experiment with other modes. For SD TV you should use 480i (or 480p if your TV set supports progressive scan).

Can I watch HD channels on an SDTV set?

Yes you can. All channels can be down-converted to 480i SD.

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 12:15 AM

How do I program my VOOM remote for my TV set and/or VCR?

To program the VOOM remote for your TV (or VCR), do the following:

1. Turn the TV set (or VCR) on.
2. Press TV and OK (VCR and OK in case of VCR) buttons simultaneously. VOOM button will light and stay on.
3. Press and hold down the CH+ button until your TV (VCR) turns off. This may take up to two minutes.
4. Press CH- five times. If the TV set (VCR) does not turn on automatically, turn it on manually.
5. Press CH+ one at a time until the television (VCR) turns off.
6. Press the TV (VCR) button to save the code.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 to find a different code (auto-scan will resume where you left off).

Can I use a different remote with VOOM?

Yes, you might be able to use other programmable remotes with your STB. If VOOM and Motorola are not listed, try codes for General Instrument (GI), Jerrold, Primestar or StarChoice.

Does the STB have discrete On/Off codes?

No. So far, such IR codes have not been reported.

Does the Page button work correctly?

This might not be so obvious, but the Page button is actually a two-directional button: it can be pressed up or down.

Is there an Exit button to exit from any menu?

Yes there is. The WATCH button behaves as an exit button.

Did VOOM offer an RF/UHF remote?

No, it didn't. But the STB has a port for a UHF remote and the port is active. It can be used with some non-VOOM UHF remotes. It is also possible to convert VOOM remote to an RF remote using
Remote Range Xtender

kit from Next Generation Home Products, Inc.

Note: For additional information and for discussion of specific questions click on

icons.

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 12:18 AM

Did VOOM deliver local channels via satellite?

No, VOOM did not deliver local channels via satellite. However, VOOM installation included an antenna to receive local Over-the-Air (OTA) digital channels. VOOM STB comes with 8VSB OTA tuner module.

Which local channels will I be able to receive?

The DSR-550 software relies on a predefined Super-DMA map of channels for each location (where it was activated). In addition, you can scan for local channels in the Installation Wizard menu. If you are located far from transmission towers, certain channels might not be available to you, or may require an upgraded antenna. You can check the list of available digital channels and antenna requirements for your location at
www.antennaweb.org

.

Can I tune to channels that are not listed in my channel map?

Yes, you might be able to. Starting with version 6.00 you can scan for additional OTA channels available in your area and add them to the map. However, if the channel does not send certain PSIP data in its digital data stream, such channel cannot be added.

Does the STB support multiple maps (multiple DMAs)?

Each activated STB is configured to a single OTA map based on where it was activated, but this map includes channels from neighboring DMAs (a Super-DMA map). Also, starting with version 6.00 you can scan for additional OTA channels available in your area and add them to the map.

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 12:20 AM

Does the Program Guide show OTA listings?

The Program Guide for both satellite and OTA channels was updated via VOOM satellite. It is no longer updated.

How do I create a list of Favorite channels?

Press "VOOM" and then the green button to enter the "Options and Settings" menu. Select "Favorites" menu option. Scroll through the list of all channels and press OK for each channel you want to be included to the Favorites. Only one Favorites list can be configured per STB.

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 12:29 AM

What is the Surf Bar?

The Surf Bar is a small text box at the bottom of your screen with the channel name and number, and other information. It appears for a few seconds whenever you change channels, or if you press "Info" or one of the navigation buttons. In addition to showing information about the currently selected channel, the Surf Bar can be used for channel navigation: you can use navigation buttons to browse through the list of channels while still watching the current program on the remaining portion of the screen.

How do I select a program with the Surf Bar?

Use navigation buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left) to scroll through the list of channels. Press "OK" to select the program. If the program is currently on, the STB will tune to it immediately.

Can I use the Surf Bar to browse through the Favorites list?

Yes. Once the Surf Bar is on, you can use the yellow button to navigate to the next channel in your Favorites list.

The Surf Bar is too small on SD channels. Can I make it bigger?

If your STB is set to Native mode, the Surf Bar, the Program Guide and all on-screen menus change size as you switch from HD channels to SD channels. If you don't like this behavior, try switching the STB to a fixed-resolution mode, e.g. 1080i.

**Ilya** · 05-10-2004 09:12 AM

How do I add a program to the Planner?

Simply navigate to a future program in the on-screen Program Guide or in the Surf Bar, press "OK" or "Info" to view the program information and then press the yellow button to schedule the program. You will get a reminder 15 seconds before the scheduled time, and the STB will change the channel when the program starts.

How do I view or change the list of scheduled programs?

Press "VOOM" and then the green button to enter "Options and Settings" menu. Select "Program Planner" menu option. Scroll through the list of all scheduled programs. You can delete schedules by pressing the red button on your remote.

Can I disable the 15-second warning?

Yes, you can. In the Program Planner select a scheduled program and press "OK" for schedule options. Press "Down" to select the "Auto On" option and press "OK" to activate it.

Will the STB automatically power up at the scheduled time?

It will, but only if you selected the "Auto On" option in the Program Planner as described above. The default "Remind" option does not turn the STB on.

**Ilya** · 05-17-2004 05:44 PM

What is the STB Software?

DSR-550 is essentially a specialized computer, and as any computer it needs a software program to operate. Various features of the STB, including on-screen menus and the Program Guide are controlled by this software. The "Neptune" software (also called firmware) now comes pre-loaded on each STB. When VOOM DBS was operational, it had a capability to update the software in all or select boxes at any time via satellite.

Which software version do I have?

There are several ways to check your STB software version. Here is the simplest one. On your VOOM remote, press “Help” and then “Info”. You should see three lines of version info. The last line should look like this: “Nep: 737”, where 737 is the software version. Currently, 737 is the latest released version. It is also referred to as “HAL 00.07.37” or as "Software Version 2.4C". If the Help-Info sequence doesn’t work for you, you might have an older version. Try this sequence instead: press “VOOM” button followed by “Info”. You should see a similar Version Info screen. The following versions have been officially released:

How do I update the software?

You can't. In the past, the software updates were done via satellite.

Thread: VOOM STB FAQ (Motorola DSR-550): Post-VOOM Edition

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VOOM STB FAQ (Motorola DSR-550): Post-VOOM Edition

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VOOM STB FAQ: About This FAQ

VOOM STB FAQ: General Questions

VOOM STB FAQ: Video/Audio Hookup

VOOM STB FAQ: Remote

VOOM STB FAQ: Local OTA Channels

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VOOM STB FAQ: The Surf Bar

VOM STB FAQ: Program Planner

VOOM STB FAQ: STB Software

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