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For general information, or to resolve problems related to the operation of your Digital Satellite Receiver or Satellite Dish Antenna, please contact your Sony dealer. If your dealer or installer is unable to answer your questions, call the Sony Satellite System Information Center at 1-800-838-7669. Trademark and Copyrights Sony, Media Window and SmartFile are trademarks of Sony.
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Getting Started! Connecting Your Digital Satellite Receiver (Page 6) Setting Up Your Digital Satellite Receiver (Page 22) Using the Favorite Stations Guide (Page 39) Using Your Remote Control (Page 14) SATELLITE RECEIVER Using the Program Guide (Page 36) Setting Locks & Limits (Page 53)
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Features Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony Digital Satellite Receiver. This manual can help you to become familiar with the many great features of the Digital Satellite Receiver. Check below to find out about some of the most exciting features.
Step 3: Connecting Your TV... 9 Step 4: Adding a VCR and Audio System ... 10 Step 5: Connecting the VCR Controller... 11 Connecting a Sony SmartFile™ VCR ... 11 Step 6: Connecting the RF Antenna (SAT-A50 only)... 12 Step 7: Connecting the AC Power Cord ... 13 Step 8: Inserting the Access Card ...
Connecting Your Digital Satellite Receiver Carton Contents Check to make sure the following items are in the Digital Satellite Receiver’s carton. If you are missing any items, contact your Sony dealer. Digital Satellite Receiver Remote Control* AC Power Cord Size AA Batteries...
Connection Overview Follow the procedures or make the connections in each of the steps to connect your Digital Satellite Receiver. Step 1: Inserting the Batteries Step 2: Connecting the Satellite Step 2: Connecting the Satellite Dish Antenna and Dish Antenna and Telephone Line Telephone Line Step 3: Connecting Your TV...
Step 2: Connecting the Satellite Dish Antenna and Telephone Line Digital Satellite Receiver Connect the SATELLITE IN jack to your Satellite Dish Antenna using RG-6 coaxial cable. RG-6 Coaxial Cable from Satellite Dish Antenna Notes • The SAT-A50 model is shown. Connections for the SAT-B50 model are the same.
Step 3: Connecting Your TV Digital Satellite Receiver If your TV has A/V input A/V Cable jacks Connect the VIDEO OUT jacks on your Digital Satellite Receiver to the A/V input jacks on your TV using the supplied A/V cable. (Be sure to match the colors on the jacks with the colored plugs on the A/V cable.)
Connect the DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) of the Digital Satellite Optical Cable Receiver to the (SAT-A50 only) optical digital (optional Sony input of your audio accessory POC-15A) system. If you connect your Digital Satellite Receiver to a Dolby Digital receiver, set...
If the infrared sensor is not marked on your VCR, shine a flashlight into the front panel of the VCR to locate the sensor. If you are using a Sony SmartFile VCR to take advantage of the Program Data Download feature Use this connection instead of the VCR Controller connection.
Step 6: Connecting the RF Antenna (SAT-A50 only) If you want to use the RF feature Connect the RF Antenna to the RF REMOTE jack of the Digital Satellite Receiver. Then, place the RF Antenna in a convenient location. Digital Satellite Receiver Notes •...
Step 7: Connecting the AC Power Cord After all other connections are complete, connect the AC Power Cord to the Digital Satellite Receiver. Digital Satellite Receiver Step 8: Inserting the Access Card After you insert the Access Card and your Satellite Dish Antenna is installed, you are ready to begin enjoying digital satellite programming.
Viewing Pictures From Your Digital Satellite Receiver Using Your Remote Control RM-Y802 Remote Control (SAT-A50 model) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER...
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qa POWER buttons Turn on and off the Digital Satellite Receiver, TV and VTR (VCR). To operate your TV or VTR (VCR), you must first set up the remote control (see page 65). qs FUNCTION buttons Select the equipment (CABLE, TV or SAT) that you want to operate.
Using Your Remote Control (continued) RM-Y139 Remote Control (SAT-B50 model) MUTING POWER FUNCTION TV/VIDEO TV/VTR TV/SAT DISPLAY ENTER INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE JUMP EXIT MENU FAVORITE PAGE CODE SET RM-Y139 SATELLITE RECEIVER You may need to set up the remote control to operate your other audio/video equipment.
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9 VOL buttons Adjust the volume. To operate your TV, you must first set up the remote control (see page 65). q; CODE SET button Lets you program the remote control to operate your TV and other audio/video equipment (see page 65).
Selecting Items Note (SAT-B50 model) Whenever these Operating Instructions refer to using the joystick, use the arrow V/v/B/b buttons surrounding the button. Be sure to press the SAT FUNCTION button before operating the Digital Satellite Receiver with the remote control. In on-screen displays such as the Main Menu and program guides, you must first move the highlight to the item you want, then select the item.
Turning On the Power POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER The FUNCTION button indicators light up to show you which equipment the remote control is operating.
Changing Channels POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP CATEGORY GUIDE FAVORITE INDEX MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER You can see information about a program you are watching by pressing the DISPLAY button.
Using the On-Screen Displays Using the Main Menu The Main Menu acts as a gateway to all of the features your Digital Satellite Receiver has to offer. ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE...
Setting Up Your Digital Satellite Receiver (SYSTEM) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Return Closes the SYSTEM pop-up to show the Main Menu. Antenna Lets you find the position of the satellite and helps you get the strongest signal from your Satellite Dish Antenna...
ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Transponder Lets you select the transponder from which the Satellite Dish Antenna receives its signal. You do not need to change this setting unless instructed by your service provider.
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Setting Up Your Digital Satellite Receiver (SYSTEM) (continued) If it is more convenient for you to enter latitude and longitude, select “Latitude & Longitude” instead of “Zip Code”. Select “Zip Code”. The Zip Code pop-up appears. Enter your Zip Code, then select “OK”. The azimuth and elevation appear.
VCR using the Timer & Rec feature (see page 60). To use the VCR Control FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE feature you must connect the VCR Controller or a Sony SmartFile VCR (see page 11). MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP...
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VCR test is complete. Setting the VCR Manufacturer Code The VCR Manufacturer Code allows the Digital Satellite Receiver to control your VCR using the VCR Controller or a Sony SmartFile VCR. Highlight and select “Manufacturer” from the VCR Control display (see page 25).
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POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO CABLE VOLUME SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Note When you schedule two or more consecutive programs, the Auto Title Insert feature will only appear before the first program.
The System Test display appears. Highlight and select “Test”. The system test begins. If the system test fails, check your connections before calling your service provider or Sony. Select “Return”. The System Test display closes to show the Main Menu. Return...
POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Note To use the Wide aspect ratio feature, you must receive a 16:9 aspect ratio signal. Check with your service provider to see if 16:9 programming is available.
Setting Up Your Digital Satellite Receiver (SYSTEM) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Replacing Your Access Card Occasionally your service provider may send you a new Access Card.
ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Remote Signal Lets you select IR or RF as the type of signal the receiver accepts. RF Security Control Lets you change the security code. RF signals are used to control many devices.
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Setting Up Your Digital Satellite Receiver (SYSTEM) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Highlight and select “RF”. The Remote Signal pop-up closes to show the Remote Control display.
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Note If the remote control no longer operates your Digital Satellite Receiver after completing this procedure, use the controls on the front panel to open the Remote Control display (see page 31). Then repeat the steps in “Setting the Security Code” to try again. Select “Yes”.
Viewing Station and Program Information (GUIDES) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Return Closes the GUIDES Menu to show the Main Menu. Alpha List Shows a list of categories (movies, sports, etc.) and only the programs that match the category you select in...
Using the Alpha List POWER MUTING CABLE The Alpha List shows program information in the category you select (such as movies, sports, etc.) in alphabetical order. Program information FUNCTION AUDIO is available for up to four hours in advance. CABLE VOLUME SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO...
Viewing Station and Program Information (GUIDES) (continued) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Media Window Move the joystick up and down to highlight different stations. Press the CH V/v buttons to move the highlight to the next page of stations.
POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO CABLE VOLUME SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Press the EXIT button to close the Category Guide and return to the previous station.
Viewing Station and Program Information (GUIDES) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Press the EXIT button to close the Station Index and return to the previous station.
POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Press the EXIT button to close the Favorite Stations guide and return to the previous station.
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Viewing Station and Program Information (GUIDES) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP GUIDE FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP CODE SET RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Press the EXIT button to close the Favorite Stations guide and return to the previous station.
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POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP GUIDE FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP CODE SET RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Press the EXIT button to close the Favorite Stations guide and return to the previous program.
Viewing Station and Program Information (GUIDES) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Press the EXIT button to close the Other Guides display and return to the previous station.
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Select the category you want. If the category you select has subcategories, the available subcategories appear. Select the subcategory you want. The programs that match your selections appear in the lower half of the display. Highlight and select the program you want. If you select a current program, the Other Guides display closes.
Viewing Station and Program Information (GUIDES) (continued) Note To order pay per view by remote, a DIRECTV subscription is required and the Digital Satellite Receiver must be continuously connected to a land-based phone line. Viewing Pay Per View Programs Many programs are available as pay per view. By selecting a pay per view program you agree to be charged for that program.
Adjusting the Displays (PREFERENCES) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Return Closes the PREFERENCES Menu to show the Main Menu. Display Options Lets you change the color scheme of the on-screen displays, choose how the stations are ordered in the guides and select what is displayed in the...
Adjusting the Displays (PREFERENCES) (continued) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Colors Lets you change the color of the on- screen displays (see page 47). Station order Lets you select the order in which stations appear in the list area (see page 48).
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Changing the Color Scheme POWER MUTING Highlight and select “Colors” from the Display Options CABLE display (see page 46). AUDIO FUNCTION The Colors pop-up appears. VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP Highlight and select the color scheme you like. FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY...
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Adjusting the Displays (PREFERENCES) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Changing the Station Order You can select numerical or alphabetical for the order in which stations appear in the List Area of the Program Guide, Category Guide and Other Guides display.
Setting Up Custom Stations The Custom Stations display lets you choose which stations will be ALT AUDIO JUMP skipped in the Program Guide, Category Guide and Station Index, and FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE when you change channels using the CH +/– buttons. You can reduce the number of stations that appear by skipping unwanted MENU stations.
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Adjusting the Displays (PREFERENCES) (continued) Highlight and select a station icon to add or remove the “X” mark. The “x” mark indicates that the station will be skipped when you open the Program Guide, Category Guide or Station Index, or change channels using the CH +/–...
Viewing Messages (MESSAGES) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Delete Closes the message pop-up and deletes the message. Return Closes the message pop-up and saves the message. Note Your receiver can hold a total of between 10 and 20 new and old messages, depending on the size of the messages.
Setting Locks and Limits (LOCKS & LIMITS) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Spending Limit Sets a miximum limit on charges per event (see page 54). Rating Limit Sets a maximum limit on rated content (see page 55).
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Setting Locks and Limits (LOCKS & LIMITS) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Changing the Spending Limit The spending limit pop-up lets you limit the amount you can spend per event on pay per view purchases.
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Changing the Rating Limit The Rating Limit pop-up lets you limit programs according to the content rating. POWER MUTING CABLE Highlight and select “Rating Limit” from the Locks & AUDIO FUNCTION Limits edit display (see page 53). VOLUME CABLE The Rating Limit pop-up appears. SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY...
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Setting Locks and Limits (LOCKS & LIMITS) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Changing the Station Locks Settings The Stations Locks feature lets you prevent access to specific stations.
POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Do not forget your passcode. You will need this number to unlock your system or make any changes to the locks or limits you have set.
Setting Locks and Limits (LOCKS & LIMITS) (continued) POWER MUTING CABLE AUDIO FUNCTION VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER You can temporarily unlock your Digital Satellite Receiver with your passcode if you select a program from a guide and the station is locked or a limit has been...
Checking Pay Per View Purchases (PURCHASES) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER You can use any of the guides to purchase pay per view programs. See “Viewing Pay Per View Programs” on page 44. Checking Your Purchases You can view a history of the pay per view purchases you have made.
• Your Digital Satellite Receiver has a Program Data Download feature and will automatically send the following information when you record a program with a Sony SmartFile VCR: program title, program category, program date/time and duration. For further information regarding the SmartFile function, refer to your Sony SmartFile VCR Operating Instructions.
ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Date and day Channel number and station name Program title When using the VCR Control feature to record a future program, make sure that your VCR is turned off before the program begins.
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Scheduling Programs (TIMER & REC) (continued) 1 Press V/v to select from 2 Press the following. to move to the next • Any date up to 30 days from the current date item. • EVERY SUN • EVERY MON • EVERY TUE •...
Editing Timer Events ALT AUDIO JUMP You can easily edit or delete timer events. GUIDE FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY Press the MENU button, then highlight and select TIMER & REC. MENU The Timer & Rec display appears. EXIT CODE SET VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER...
Setting Audio Options (AUDIO) ALT AUDIO JUMP FAVORITE INDEX CATEGORY GUIDE MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP RM-Y802 CODE SET SATELLITE RECEIVER Current Audio Opens a pop-up that displays the languages available for the current program. Default Audio Opens a pop-up that displays the eight available default languages.
Other Information Setting Up the Remote Control POWER MUTING CABLE FUNCTION AUDIO VOLUME CABLE SLEEP TV/SAT TV/VIDEO DISPLAY ENTER ALT AUDIO JUMP CATEGORY GUIDE FAVORITE INDEX MENU EXIT VTR3 2 DVD AMP CODE SET RM-Y802 SATELLITE RECEIVER Remember to aim the remote control at the device you are trying to operate.
Location and Function of Controls Front Panel POWER 1 POWER Button Turns your Digital Satellite Receiver on and off. 2 Arrow and Buttons The arrow buttons move the highlight in the on-screen displays. The button selects the highlighted item. 3 MENU Button Opens the Main Menu.
VCR CONTROL jack Allows the VCR Controller to control a VCR and/ or cable box. Also allows connection of a monaural cable for use with Sony SmartFile VCRs. qs DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) Outputs digital audio signals to the digital optical...
A/V cables. 9 LOW SPEED DATA For future application. q; VCR CONTROL jack Allows the VCR Controller to control a VCR and/ or cable box. Also allows connection of a monaural cable for use with Sony SmartFile VCRs.
Antenna. • If the cable distance between the Satellite Dish Antenna and the Digital Satellite Receiver is more than 100 feet, you must use the Sony Amplifier EAC- DA1. • Make sure your Access Card is inserted correctly (see page 13).
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Problem You cannot see any Favorite Stations Locks & Limits feature not working properly You cannot access the Locks & Limits screens You cannot unlock the system Language of audio track is incorrect or audio track is not available You cannot record programs with your Access Card problems Remote control does not work Audio noise...
Model No.: SAT-A50/SAT-B50 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ. 07656 USA Telephone No.: 201-930-6973 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may...
In addition, if you enter into a service contract with the SONY Partnership within 90 days of the date of sale, the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts does not apply to you.
Index Access Card, inserting, 13 replacing, 30 slot, 13, 69, 70 AC Power Cord, connecting, 13 Adjusting the on-screen displays, 46 Alert. See Timer & Rec ALT AUDIO button, 14 Alpha List, 35 Antenna. See RF antenna, satellite dish antenna, and local TV off-air antenna.
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Languages, 64 Latitude and longitude, for setting antenna, 24 Limited Warranty, 75 List Area, 36 Local TV off-air antenna, 9 Locking your receiver, 57 Locks and limits, 53 display, 53 locking, 57 setting, 54 unlocking, 58 LOW SPEED DATA port, 69, 70 Macrovision copy-protection, 2 Manufacturer codes, 66, 67 Mail.