C-Band FAQ's
- Thread starter dfergie
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C-Band FAQ's Contributers
Not in any particular order
gizzer777, tdti1, Shawn95GT, mkm4, iammike, nailz, Diamond Jim, charper1, Ken 2400, bryansr,GrumpyGuy, PSB, dfergie, goailebob99(technical help behind scenes), osu1991, McGuyver, MrFTAMan, tvropro, Sadoun (one of our former Gold Sponsors) and Scott Greczkowski for this site and forum.
Not in any particular order
gizzer777, tdti1, Shawn95GT, mkm4, iammike, nailz, Diamond Jim, charper1, Ken 2400, bryansr,GrumpyGuy, PSB, dfergie, goailebob99(technical help behind scenes), osu1991, McGuyver, MrFTAMan, tvropro, Sadoun (one of our former Gold Sponsors) and Scott Greczkowski for this site and forum.
Last edited:
Where to buy
Skyvison
The Satellite Shop
Satellite Engineering Group, Inc
Daves Web Shop
Global Communications
RPS Satellite
Mech Tech
Eye in the Sky
Prime Focus
Sat Systems
Sadoun
Chaparral
Information Sites
Alan's Satellite Page
Robert Smathers TVRO Satellite Web Page
includes this:
Official rec.video.satellite.tvro FAQ
Big Dish Info
Global Communications
NPS
Superstar
4DTV Rocks
Orbit Magazine
Satellite Help.Com (Superstar)
OnSat
Satellite911
Programming Providers
Programming Center
National Programing Service
Superstar/Netlink/Turner
Programming Resellers
SPS -Satellite Programming
Skyvision
Netlink
What Is Hits?
4dtv Receivers
Big Dish Info
4dtv on a mini BUD
4dtv/Hdtv on a mini BUD
Skyvison
The Satellite Shop
Satellite Engineering Group, Inc
Daves Web Shop
Global Communications
RPS Satellite
Mech Tech
Eye in the Sky
Prime Focus
Sat Systems
Sadoun
Chaparral
Information Sites
Alan's Satellite Page
Robert Smathers TVRO Satellite Web Page
includes this:
Official rec.video.satellite.tvro FAQ
Big Dish Info
Global Communications
NPS
Superstar
4DTV Rocks
Orbit Magazine
Satellite Help.Com (Superstar)
OnSat
Satellite911
Programming Providers
Programming Center
National Programing Service
Superstar/Netlink/Turner
Programming Resellers
SPS -Satellite Programming
Skyvision
Netlink
What Is Hits?
4dtv Receivers
Big Dish Info
4dtv on a mini BUD
4dtv/Hdtv on a mini BUD
Last edited:
Installation
Installation Links
Arrowe
Adjusting Polar Mount page 1
Adjusting Polar Mount page 2
Adjusting Polar Mount page 3
Explanation of Polar Mount
Setting up a Polar Mount
Dish Mounts
24" Actuator Schematic's
Superstar
Satellite help.com (Superstar)
Tracking links
Boresite
Installation Ideas and Tips
1. You will need at least an 8-12 FT BUD (depends on location) the bigger the better!
An Appropriate wireing harness(direct burial) with 2 rg6 leads, 2 Servo moter leads, 3 Polaroter leads and 2 Heavy Power Leads (Dish Mover)
C Band LNB (Ku for more options)
Feed Horn (I Like the chaparell Co Rotor 2)
A VCII Descrambler for analog (Optional) Digicipher Digital Is built into the receiver!
A Six foot pole into the ground (3.5-4.0 Inches in diameter)...Mine goes down another 3 Ft into a Cement foundation.
A Good view of the Clarke Belt (AT LEAST 83 Degrees East-133Degrees WestIMHO)
A good Dish Mover...I Like the SuperJack...Middle of the road and solid.
A Good Provider like NPS or Skyvision that is not affiliated with the DBS Dish providers.
An HDD200 HD Unit(Neccessary for HD If so desired)
Dolby Digital home Theater Receiver for the great digital sound (Optional but great, on the 922 especially.
75OHM Coax for Digital sound (AC3) (Optional)
Composite Cables or SVideo(Better) Cable or If you use an HDD200 Component Cables(Best)
Of course a rebuilt 4dtv 920 or preferably a new 922 4dtv Receiver!
Sure there is more but others will add!
Some more tips.
2. Start by getting a analog receiver and a signal meter. Some receiver have meters but a in-line SF-95 helps a lot. If you already have a digital receiver and have received some ku sats then you can start with that receiver. Why start with analog? It's a lot easier to position a dish on a analog signal than a digital one. There receivers are on e-bay, hamfests, garage sales, or sometimes given away with a dish. Once you find some sats with analog then get a digital reciever and look for digital signals on that sat.
Two look for dishes. There are many people who have dishes they want to get rid of. Just stop and ask if the dish looks un-used. Bring a measuring tape to find out what size it is. http://www.freecycle.org is another good place to ask. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It uses yahoo groups to post messages for a given area.
(courtesy of Ken 2400)
3. How to measure Depth of dish:
run a straight line (straight edge or piece of string) across the dish from edge to edge and measure the depth from the straight line to the center of the dish.
4. Can anyone tell me when setting up a big 8 foot dish ,,, how do i figure out the elevation? Because there are no elevation markings on my dish. I'm attaching a pic of how my dish looks like.
If you are moving the dish locally as long as you don't touch the mount the elevation should be already set for you.
Normally, though, you would use an inclinometer to set your angles.
5. Pole Recomendations and Ideas thread...
Installation Links
Arrowe
Adjusting Polar Mount page 1
Adjusting Polar Mount page 2
Adjusting Polar Mount page 3
Explanation of Polar Mount
Setting up a Polar Mount
Dish Mounts
24" Actuator Schematic's
Superstar
Satellite help.com (Superstar)
Tracking links
Boresite
Installation Ideas and Tips
1. You will need at least an 8-12 FT BUD (depends on location) the bigger the better!
An Appropriate wireing harness(direct burial) with 2 rg6 leads, 2 Servo moter leads, 3 Polaroter leads and 2 Heavy Power Leads (Dish Mover)
C Band LNB (Ku for more options)
Feed Horn (I Like the chaparell Co Rotor 2)
A VCII Descrambler for analog (Optional) Digicipher Digital Is built into the receiver!
A Six foot pole into the ground (3.5-4.0 Inches in diameter)...Mine goes down another 3 Ft into a Cement foundation.
A Good view of the Clarke Belt (AT LEAST 83 Degrees East-133Degrees WestIMHO)
A good Dish Mover...I Like the SuperJack...Middle of the road and solid.
A Good Provider like NPS or Skyvision that is not affiliated with the DBS Dish providers.
An HDD200 HD Unit(Neccessary for HD If so desired)
Dolby Digital home Theater Receiver for the great digital sound (Optional but great, on the 922 especially.
75OHM Coax for Digital sound (AC3) (Optional)
Composite Cables or SVideo(Better) Cable or If you use an HDD200 Component Cables(Best)
Of course a rebuilt 4dtv 920 or preferably a new 922 4dtv Receiver!
Sure there is more but others will add!
Some more tips.
2. Start by getting a analog receiver and a signal meter. Some receiver have meters but a in-line SF-95 helps a lot. If you already have a digital receiver and have received some ku sats then you can start with that receiver. Why start with analog? It's a lot easier to position a dish on a analog signal than a digital one. There receivers are on e-bay, hamfests, garage sales, or sometimes given away with a dish. Once you find some sats with analog then get a digital reciever and look for digital signals on that sat.
Two look for dishes. There are many people who have dishes they want to get rid of. Just stop and ask if the dish looks un-used. Bring a measuring tape to find out what size it is. http://www.freecycle.org is another good place to ask. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It uses yahoo groups to post messages for a given area.
(courtesy of Ken 2400)
3. How to measure Depth of dish:
run a straight line (straight edge or piece of string) across the dish from edge to edge and measure the depth from the straight line to the center of the dish.
4. Can anyone tell me when setting up a big 8 foot dish ,,, how do i figure out the elevation? Because there are no elevation markings on my dish. I'm attaching a pic of how my dish looks like.
If you are moving the dish locally as long as you don't touch the mount the elevation should be already set for you.
Normally, though, you would use an inclinometer to set your angles.
5. Pole Recomendations and Ideas thread...
Troubleshooting ,Maintaince and Repairs
Troubleshooting
1. 4dtv passwords: Installer password override: 92121
Entering this password will get you into the installer menu where you can set your own password. I've read that this number is GI's Zip Code
.
2. Parental Lock Password Reset:
Call your service provider and they can do this for you. I did this earlier today with NPS.
These two are VERY handy when using a used / second hand receiver.
3. Reed Switch: Inside the actuator arm there is a plastic wheel that is driven by the motor and it has magnets mounted on it. As the magnets pass close to the reed switch it is opened and closed. You can verify this by using a Ohm meter.
4. How To Measure Your Actuator Arm Info in this thread.
5. No 4DTV Guide?
Okay guys, this is what I did. I called NPS and talked to Claudia (she sounded fine) and she ask me if the DC light on the front of the 922 was on. It wasn't. She told me that the dish wasn't zeroed in on the satellite and to fine tune it until I got the light on and then she would give me a re hit. I messed with it for few minutes and the light came, I called Claudia back and she did a re hit, told me to wait about 25 minutes and it should come up, it took about 3 minutes.
From this thread.
6. Maintainance
Probably a good Idea to check your mounting bolts at least twice a year and replace as needed with good quaility bolts. Lubricate anything you can and use Wasp spray on the feedhorn.
7. Repairs:
Replacing Battery in VCII Board
A VCII + Batterectomy
VCII Replacement the Easy Way
Replacing Battery in 4DTV Receiver
4DTV DSR- 920 Saved it!
DSR-920 Battery Replacement Instructions (links to Alans SatellitePage)
Help Resourceshttp://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=12301&d=1159196859
Motorola 4DTV/HD200 help desk phone 1-800-976-5174
8. Reseting the 922
Here is how it is done on a 922:
************************************************** **************
COPIED FROM A FILE I HAVE: I edited & updated a few parts of it.
1. First you should write down each satellites position and skew for each satellite.
Options 6-4-4 then push enter on every satellite programmed in (satellite names that have a check beside them) and write down Dish Position (NOT move dish to number)
Write down the skew numbers both for H & V
Push go back then use arrow right once to Don't Save and push enter then move the yellow box to every other satellite that has a check and do the same thing that you did above till all satellites are written down on the worksheet
2. Note: The dish Limits Options 6-4-3 will be reset so write this information down both East and West limits
3. Note: Dish settings Options 6-4-2 write down Actuator, LNB Type & Feedhorn Polarization
4. Note: All timers will be erased when you do a MR on the 4DTV
5. Now move your dish to satellite G1 (G15) Channel 3 (on your Analog receiver for the sidecar) Remember the number this satellite is at. If you like you can tweak your dishes position up or down a few numbers to bring in the maximum signal number on digital channels.
6. Press Options 6-7-7-8 arrow down to Reset to Factory Defaults and press enter The receiver should reset and reboot and you will see the receivers front say WM UP
7. After WM UP (warm up) you need to enter in your new dish limits.
8. Go to Options 6-4-2 and set this up as you recorded it down as. Then set the limits of your satellite and then push 3 Program Satellites and program in satellite G1 it should be at a dish position of 5000. Now tune to transponder 3 you should get a DCII Lock light and leave the receiver here for at least 1/2 hour. If you like go to Options 6-5 and look at the box at the bottom called Channels. Once you start receiving the new channel maps this number should slowly start to increment.
9. If your 4DTV doesn't have the IPG (on screen Guide) you will have to call your program provider and ask them for a hit. Go to options 6-5 and now look at the Trip Counter number once you receive a hit from the program provider you will see this number jump from 0 to a positive number usually 5. This means you have got a digital hit and your guide is now enabled. To download the guide push the Guide button on the 4DTV remote and let it load. If you don't have satellite G1 programmed in or can't receive a strong enough digital signal on G1 TP.3 you won't be able to receive the 4DTV IPG guide.
10. Now you can program in the rest of your satellites remember to program in each satellites skew and position as you had written it down on your work sheet. But before you do that you'll have to set the dishes Limits, but should be done from above.
************************************************** **************
I think with the sidecar all you have to do is write down your skew info since the analog receiver controls the rest, then do the MR. Hit the unit, let the channels load & guide, program in the satellites and skew. The current channel count is 4710. You need at least a 40 quality to get a usable stable lock. Hope this help's
9. Clock Problem with 922
Reseting Clock on 922 and Here
10. Repair Parts for Chaparral Receivers
Here
11. Actuator Problems?
Redneck Actuator
12. How To Paint Your BUD
How I Painted My Bud
Troubleshooting
1. 4dtv passwords: Installer password override: 92121
Entering this password will get you into the installer menu where you can set your own password. I've read that this number is GI's Zip Code
.2. Parental Lock Password Reset:
Call your service provider and they can do this for you. I did this earlier today with NPS.
These two are VERY handy when using a used / second hand receiver.
3. Reed Switch: Inside the actuator arm there is a plastic wheel that is driven by the motor and it has magnets mounted on it. As the magnets pass close to the reed switch it is opened and closed. You can verify this by using a Ohm meter.
4. How To Measure Your Actuator Arm Info in this thread.
5. No 4DTV Guide?
Okay guys, this is what I did. I called NPS and talked to Claudia (she sounded fine) and she ask me if the DC light on the front of the 922 was on. It wasn't. She told me that the dish wasn't zeroed in on the satellite and to fine tune it until I got the light on and then she would give me a re hit. I messed with it for few minutes and the light came, I called Claudia back and she did a re hit, told me to wait about 25 minutes and it should come up, it took about 3 minutes.
From this thread.
6. Maintainance
Probably a good Idea to check your mounting bolts at least twice a year and replace as needed with good quaility bolts. Lubricate anything you can and use Wasp spray on the feedhorn.
7. Repairs:
Replacing Battery in VCII Board
A VCII + Batterectomy
VCII Replacement the Easy Way
Replacing Battery in 4DTV Receiver
4DTV DSR- 920 Saved it!
DSR-920 Battery Replacement Instructions (links to Alans SatellitePage)
Help Resourceshttp://www.satelliteguys.us/attachment.php?attachmentid=12301&d=1159196859
Motorola 4DTV/HD200 help desk phone 1-800-976-5174
8. Reseting the 922
Here is how it is done on a 922:
************************************************** **************
COPIED FROM A FILE I HAVE: I edited & updated a few parts of it.
1. First you should write down each satellites position and skew for each satellite.
Options 6-4-4 then push enter on every satellite programmed in (satellite names that have a check beside them) and write down Dish Position (NOT move dish to number)
Write down the skew numbers both for H & V
Push go back then use arrow right once to Don't Save and push enter then move the yellow box to every other satellite that has a check and do the same thing that you did above till all satellites are written down on the worksheet
2. Note: The dish Limits Options 6-4-3 will be reset so write this information down both East and West limits
3. Note: Dish settings Options 6-4-2 write down Actuator, LNB Type & Feedhorn Polarization
4. Note: All timers will be erased when you do a MR on the 4DTV
5. Now move your dish to satellite G1 (G15) Channel 3 (on your Analog receiver for the sidecar) Remember the number this satellite is at. If you like you can tweak your dishes position up or down a few numbers to bring in the maximum signal number on digital channels.
6. Press Options 6-7-7-8 arrow down to Reset to Factory Defaults and press enter The receiver should reset and reboot and you will see the receivers front say WM UP
7. After WM UP (warm up) you need to enter in your new dish limits.
8. Go to Options 6-4-2 and set this up as you recorded it down as. Then set the limits of your satellite and then push 3 Program Satellites and program in satellite G1 it should be at a dish position of 5000. Now tune to transponder 3 you should get a DCII Lock light and leave the receiver here for at least 1/2 hour. If you like go to Options 6-5 and look at the box at the bottom called Channels. Once you start receiving the new channel maps this number should slowly start to increment.
9. If your 4DTV doesn't have the IPG (on screen Guide) you will have to call your program provider and ask them for a hit. Go to options 6-5 and now look at the Trip Counter number once you receive a hit from the program provider you will see this number jump from 0 to a positive number usually 5. This means you have got a digital hit and your guide is now enabled. To download the guide push the Guide button on the 4DTV remote and let it load. If you don't have satellite G1 programmed in or can't receive a strong enough digital signal on G1 TP.3 you won't be able to receive the 4DTV IPG guide.
10. Now you can program in the rest of your satellites remember to program in each satellites skew and position as you had written it down on your work sheet. But before you do that you'll have to set the dishes Limits, but should be done from above.
************************************************** **************
I think with the sidecar all you have to do is write down your skew info since the analog receiver controls the rest, then do the MR. Hit the unit, let the channels load & guide, program in the satellites and skew. The current channel count is 4710. You need at least a 40 quality to get a usable stable lock. Hope this help's
9. Clock Problem with 922
Reseting Clock on 922 and Here
10. Repair Parts for Chaparral Receivers
Here
11. Actuator Problems?
Redneck Actuator
12. How To Paint Your BUD
How I Painted My Bud
Last edited:
Adding FTA or Dbs
Adding FTA to existing System
DMS International
Sadoun
Skyvision
Links to threads on same:
BUD and FTA
C-Band and FTA
Sadoun
Move your BUD with FTA Receiver
Sadoun
Dbs on a BUD
Eye in the Sky
Adding FTA to existing System
DMS International
Sadoun
Skyvision
Links to threads on same:
BUD and FTA
C-Band and FTA
Sadoun
Move your BUD with FTA Receiver
Sadoun
Dbs on a BUD
Eye in the Sky
Skyvision FAQ's here
Orbit Magazine FAQ's here
Usenet FAQ's and other links
4dtv FAQ's from Usenet
alt.video.satellite.4dtv -- FAQ
Table of Contents
1. General
1.1 What is 4DTV?
1.2 What receivers can be considered to be 4DTV receivers?
1.3 What digital receivers are not 4DTV receivers?
2. Digicipher II
2.1. What is Digicipher II?
2.2. What is the difference between DVB and DCII?
3. Frequently asked questions.
3.1 What can I do if the IPG is not downloading?
3.2 What can be done about the weak HBO/Max digital channels?
3.3 How can I set the remote to control the volume on the receiver?
3.4 Which VideoCipher modules are compatible with 4DTV?
3.5 How should I prepare for a Master Reset?
3.6 How do I interpret the meaning of the Diagnostic Screens?
3.7 What are the real names of the satellites in the 4DTV chart?
3.8 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 922?
3.9 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 921?
4.0 Autoresponders
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. General
1.1 What is 4DTV?
4DTV is a consumer level satellite receiver designed to receive a digital
transmission format which was created and developed by General Instruments.
4DTV has been manufactured under different company names, such as Next
Level, G.I, and Motorola. G.I is currently owned by Motorola. Next Level
was only a subdivision of G.I and this name is no longer in use.
1.2 What receivers can be considered to be 4DTV receivers?
All 4DTV receivers are currently manufactured by the General Instruments
division of Motorola. Current 4DTV models are:
DSR 920 (US IRD)
DSR 921 (Canadian IRD)
DSR 922 (Newer model US IRD)
DSR 905 (DCII digital sidecar)
Other StarChoice Canadian Receivers possibly may be considered to be 4DTV.
1.3 What digital receivers are not 4DTV receivers?
Only General Instrument consumer level receivers are called 4DTV receivers.
G.I. also produces commercial and educational receivers that are able to
process Digicipher II signals, but they are not called 4DTV. This is only
due to the nomenclature used by G.I.
DSS and DBS small dish receivers definitely are not 4DTV receivers. Dish
Network, DirecTV and Bell ExpressVue receivers for example do not process
Digicipher II signals and there for are not 4DTV or Digicipher II.
MPEG 1.5 and MPEG DVB receivers are not 4DTV or Digicipher II.
Although 4DTV receivers have a renewable security slot, this slot currently
serves no purpose. Any receiver that uses a CAM, H-Card or Hu-Card is not a
4DTV receiver.
2. Digicipher II
2.1. What is Digicipher II?
Digicipher II is Motorola's (G.I's) MPEG-2 based distribution system.
It's used by about many of "cable" channels in North America to distribute
their video to cable headends, DCII is also used by Canada's StarChoice
direct-to-home service.
2.2. What is the difference between DVB and DCII?
Where DVB and DCII are really different is in how the channel definitions
get into the receiver. DCII was designed before the DVB standard was
ratified and General Instrument (now a part of Motorola) designed their
own scheme without any interfacing to the work being done by the DVB team.
For detailed information on Digicipher II and MPEG DVB see:
http://www.coolstf.com/mpeg/index.html#dcii
3. Frequently asked questions.
3.1 What can I do if the IPG is not downloading?
http://my4dtv.tripod.com/ipgfix1.htm
3.2 What can be done about the weak HBO/Max digital channels?
These channels can be very difficult or impossible to receive. In many
areas of the country it appears that a 10' dish is needed. If you have
a dish smaller than 10' it needs to be peaked to the arc and properly
tuned. There is a chance that you will not be able to receive these
channels no matter what is done.
For info on peaking the dish see:
http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html
3.3 How can I set the remote to control the volume on the receiver?
For this information and other help with the remote see:
http://prestocomm.netfirms.com/remotehelp.html
3.4 Which VideoCipher modules are compatible with 4DTV?
VCII (or VideoCipher II) was the original VideoCipher technology, which was
compromised very early on. Many people modified the VCII module in order to
watch subscription programming without paying for it. This technology was no
longer manufactured after 1989, and was completely replaced by the VCII+
technology in 1993. VCII modules were black. VCII modules are not compatible
with 4DTV IRD's.
The following modules are compatible with 4DTV, but there have been a few
people reporting they have had difficulty getting the VCII+ module to work
with a 4DTV. The VCII+ module should be compatible, but no absolute promises
can be made.
VCII+ (or VideoCipher II Plus) was a more secure technology mainly because
GI integrated a bunch of separate chips into a single secure chip. The VCII+
boards also supported more scrambled channels than the VCII (256 tier bits
instead of only 56). VCII+ modules were originally the lighter color blue,
and then changed to pink to denote that they were covered by the Consumer
Security Protection Plan (CSPP), which guaranteed a free upgrade to VCRS
if the VCII+ security was compromised within the first three years of
ownership. These began shipping in 1990 and stopped shipping in 1992.
VCRS (or VideoCipher Renewable Security) was an enhancement to the basic
VCII+ technology, but added the security card (known as TVPassCard), which
is the replaceable security. The VCRS is shipped without a TVPassCard, but
is designed to accept a card if the base module becomes compromised. In that
event, all base modules without a card would no longer be able to decrypt
the signals. VCRS boards are navy blue or purple to denote that they can be
exported out of the US. The purple modules were known as VCRSi, but were
functionally the same. All VCRS boards were covered by the three year CSPP.
They began shipping in 1992, and stopped being manufactured in 1998.
3.5 How should I prepare for a Master Reset?
Master Reset
3.6 How do I interpret the meaning of the Diagnostic Screens?
4DTV Hidden Menus
3.7 What are the real names of the satellites in the 4DTV chart?
4DTV Satellite Forum
3.8 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 922?
http://members.rogers.com/4dtv/
http://members.rogers.com/4dtv/922/index.html
note: these links are dead, you must go to Rogers Yahoo! GeoCities service.
3.9 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 921?
The DSR 920 is a US IRD and can only be authorized for US programming
providers. The DSR 921 is a StarChoice Canadian IRD and can only be
authorized by StarChoice. The hardware and firmware in these 2 models
are identical.
4.0 Discussion Forum Info
Below is a list of links the archived messages at
http://www.satforums.com . This list also can be
found at http://www.macross.com/~drlev .
Installation Information and Discussions
Installation Info
Common Questions, Tips and Information
CommonTipsPart1
CommonTipsPart2
Reception Problems, Discussions and Information
Reception Problems
STARCHOICE 921 IRDs
Starchoice 921
DSR 905 Info.
905 Info
Orbit Magazine FAQ's here
Usenet FAQ's and other links
4dtv FAQ's from Usenet
alt.video.satellite.4dtv -- FAQ
Table of Contents
1. General
1.1 What is 4DTV?
1.2 What receivers can be considered to be 4DTV receivers?
1.3 What digital receivers are not 4DTV receivers?
2. Digicipher II
2.1. What is Digicipher II?
2.2. What is the difference between DVB and DCII?
3. Frequently asked questions.
3.1 What can I do if the IPG is not downloading?
3.2 What can be done about the weak HBO/Max digital channels?
3.3 How can I set the remote to control the volume on the receiver?
3.4 Which VideoCipher modules are compatible with 4DTV?
3.5 How should I prepare for a Master Reset?
3.6 How do I interpret the meaning of the Diagnostic Screens?
3.7 What are the real names of the satellites in the 4DTV chart?
3.8 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 922?
3.9 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 921?
4.0 Autoresponders
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. General
1.1 What is 4DTV?
4DTV is a consumer level satellite receiver designed to receive a digital
transmission format which was created and developed by General Instruments.
4DTV has been manufactured under different company names, such as Next
Level, G.I, and Motorola. G.I is currently owned by Motorola. Next Level
was only a subdivision of G.I and this name is no longer in use.
1.2 What receivers can be considered to be 4DTV receivers?
All 4DTV receivers are currently manufactured by the General Instruments
division of Motorola. Current 4DTV models are:
DSR 920 (US IRD)
DSR 921 (Canadian IRD)
DSR 922 (Newer model US IRD)
DSR 905 (DCII digital sidecar)
Other StarChoice Canadian Receivers possibly may be considered to be 4DTV.
1.3 What digital receivers are not 4DTV receivers?
Only General Instrument consumer level receivers are called 4DTV receivers.
G.I. also produces commercial and educational receivers that are able to
process Digicipher II signals, but they are not called 4DTV. This is only
due to the nomenclature used by G.I.
DSS and DBS small dish receivers definitely are not 4DTV receivers. Dish
Network, DirecTV and Bell ExpressVue receivers for example do not process
Digicipher II signals and there for are not 4DTV or Digicipher II.
MPEG 1.5 and MPEG DVB receivers are not 4DTV or Digicipher II.
Although 4DTV receivers have a renewable security slot, this slot currently
serves no purpose. Any receiver that uses a CAM, H-Card or Hu-Card is not a
4DTV receiver.
2. Digicipher II
2.1. What is Digicipher II?
Digicipher II is Motorola's (G.I's) MPEG-2 based distribution system.
It's used by about many of "cable" channels in North America to distribute
their video to cable headends, DCII is also used by Canada's StarChoice
direct-to-home service.
2.2. What is the difference between DVB and DCII?
Where DVB and DCII are really different is in how the channel definitions
get into the receiver. DCII was designed before the DVB standard was
ratified and General Instrument (now a part of Motorola) designed their
own scheme without any interfacing to the work being done by the DVB team.
For detailed information on Digicipher II and MPEG DVB see:
http://www.coolstf.com/mpeg/index.html#dcii
3. Frequently asked questions.
3.1 What can I do if the IPG is not downloading?
http://my4dtv.tripod.com/ipgfix1.htm
3.2 What can be done about the weak HBO/Max digital channels?
These channels can be very difficult or impossible to receive. In many
areas of the country it appears that a 10' dish is needed. If you have
a dish smaller than 10' it needs to be peaked to the arc and properly
tuned. There is a chance that you will not be able to receive these
channels no matter what is done.
For info on peaking the dish see:
http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/tuningp2.html
3.3 How can I set the remote to control the volume on the receiver?
For this information and other help with the remote see:
http://prestocomm.netfirms.com/remotehelp.html
3.4 Which VideoCipher modules are compatible with 4DTV?
VCII (or VideoCipher II) was the original VideoCipher technology, which was
compromised very early on. Many people modified the VCII module in order to
watch subscription programming without paying for it. This technology was no
longer manufactured after 1989, and was completely replaced by the VCII+
technology in 1993. VCII modules were black. VCII modules are not compatible
with 4DTV IRD's.
The following modules are compatible with 4DTV, but there have been a few
people reporting they have had difficulty getting the VCII+ module to work
with a 4DTV. The VCII+ module should be compatible, but no absolute promises
can be made.
VCII+ (or VideoCipher II Plus) was a more secure technology mainly because
GI integrated a bunch of separate chips into a single secure chip. The VCII+
boards also supported more scrambled channels than the VCII (256 tier bits
instead of only 56). VCII+ modules were originally the lighter color blue,
and then changed to pink to denote that they were covered by the Consumer
Security Protection Plan (CSPP), which guaranteed a free upgrade to VCRS
if the VCII+ security was compromised within the first three years of
ownership. These began shipping in 1990 and stopped shipping in 1992.
VCRS (or VideoCipher Renewable Security) was an enhancement to the basic
VCII+ technology, but added the security card (known as TVPassCard), which
is the replaceable security. The VCRS is shipped without a TVPassCard, but
is designed to accept a card if the base module becomes compromised. In that
event, all base modules without a card would no longer be able to decrypt
the signals. VCRS boards are navy blue or purple to denote that they can be
exported out of the US. The purple modules were known as VCRSi, but were
functionally the same. All VCRS boards were covered by the three year CSPP.
They began shipping in 1992, and stopped being manufactured in 1998.
3.5 How should I prepare for a Master Reset?
Master Reset
3.6 How do I interpret the meaning of the Diagnostic Screens?
4DTV Hidden Menus
3.7 What are the real names of the satellites in the 4DTV chart?
4DTV Satellite Forum
3.8 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 922?
http://members.rogers.com/4dtv/
http://members.rogers.com/4dtv/922/index.html
note: these links are dead, you must go to Rogers Yahoo! GeoCities service.
3.9 What are the differences between a DSR 920 and a DSR 921?
The DSR 920 is a US IRD and can only be authorized for US programming
providers. The DSR 921 is a StarChoice Canadian IRD and can only be
authorized by StarChoice. The hardware and firmware in these 2 models
are identical.
4.0 Discussion Forum Info
Below is a list of links the archived messages at
http://www.satforums.com . This list also can be
found at http://www.macross.com/~drlev .
Installation Information and Discussions
Installation Info
Common Questions, Tips and Information
CommonTipsPart1
CommonTipsPart2
Reception Problems, Discussions and Information
Reception Problems
STARCHOICE 921 IRDs
Starchoice 921
DSR 905 Info.
905 Info
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