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Features
Remote Control
Inputs and Outputs Notes
Features
Product Overview: The SIR-T165
Digital TV Set-Top Box can receive Digital Television (DTV) over-the-air
broadcasts and deliver them to a compatible HDTV-ready TV or DTV-capable
computer monitor. If your TV is not HDTV-ready, the receiver can also convert a
DTV signal to a standard NTSC (analog) signal and send it through the composite,
S-Video, or component video outputs. An antenna (not included) is required to
receive these broadcasts. The SIR-T165 will also receive analog TV
broadcasts, either from an antenna or cable TV, through the RF inputs. In
addition, you can connect and switch between up to three external sources (DVD,
AV1 and AV2). The SIR-T165 has advanced digital connectors such as a DVI output
and FireWire input and output.
DTV Formats: This unit tunes
and decodes all 18 approved ATSC digital television formats (SDTV and HDTV) for
breathtaking picture quality when used with HDTV-ready TVs. Standard-Definition
Television (SDTV) program formats include 480-line interlaced (480i) and
480-line progressive (480p) video. 480i programs are essentially a digital
version of our current analog TV programs, while the 480p format offers improved
image detail over 480i. Some 480p programs are broadcast in widescreen and are
comparable to progressive scan DVD movies in image quality. High-Definition
Television (HDTV) program formats include 1080-line interlaced (1080i) and
720-line progressive (720p) video. Both HDTV formats are broadcast in widescreen,
and offer much higher picture quality than SDTV. A 4-way switch on the rear
panel allows you to choose the type of signal to be output through the Component
Video jacks.
Dolby Digital: The SIR-T165 can
receive DTV broadcasts encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. These Dolby
Digital signals are output through the Optical Digital and Coaxial Digital
outputs, and require connection to a Dolby Digital receiver or external decoder
in order to enjoy 5.1-channel surround sound. In the setup menu, you can choose
either PCM or a Dolby Digital bitstream for the Digital Outputs.
On-Screen Menu: Using the
remote or front panel controls, you can easily maneuver through the On-Screen
Menu System. The menu system has three different levels--a main menu and two
sub-menus. Through the menu system, you can access the program guide, display
preferences, channel selection, initial setup, and FireWire devices control.
FireWire Connections: FireWire
(also known as IEEE-1394 or i-Link) is a digital serial interface that allows
devices equipped with a FireWire connector to exchange digital video signals,
digital audio signals, and device control signals bi-directionally over a single
cable. Through the SIR-T165's FireWire connections, you can connect a D-VHS
device (a "digital" VCR) and program the device to perform automatic
timer recordings or manually control the device through the menu system.
Channel Selection: Once the DTV
receiver has been connected to an antenna and a TV/monitor, it can scan and
memorize the available DTV channels. You can then add channels not memorized,
delete unwanted channels or designate certain channels as Favorite Channels.
Fine Tuning: Through the
on-screen menu system, you can manually adjust the TV's tuner if you have
difficulty tuning analog channels.
Signal Strength Meter: Unlike
analog channels, which can vary in reception quality from "snowy" to
clear, digital channels have either perfect reception quality or you will not
receive them at all. So, unlike analog channels, you cannot fine tune a digital
channel. The Channel menu allows you to check the strength of an incoming signal
so you can physically adjust the antenna for optimum signal.
Screen Formats: To properly
display the video for any type of TV or monitor, you can select the screen
format that works best. If you are using a TV with a 4:3 aspect ratio and
receive a 16:9 (widescreen) program, you can choose to view it in Letterbox
(black bars on top and bottom), Full, or Zoom. If you are using a TV with a 16:9
aspect ratio and receive a program in 4:3, you can choose to view it in Pillar
Box (black bars on sides), Full or Zoom. The zoom view will fill the screen by
cropping portions of the picture.
Multi-track Languages: Digital
TV is capable of simultaneous transmission of many audio tracks, including
simultaneous translations of the program into foreign languages. You can choose
the multi-track language you desire with the MTS button on the remote. When
receiving an analog signal, you can choose mono, stereo, or SAP in the
multi-track options menu.
Digital/Analog Captions: If you
plan to use on-screen captions, there are several display options. With Digital
TV, you can choose the type of service, the size, font, foreground color and
background color. With analog TV or external video sources, you can turn on/off
the captions and choose the display mode.
Dynamic Range Compression (DRC): When
you switch channels, the volume may vary depending on the channel. The Dynamic
Range Compression function can adjust the volume difference automatically.
Parental Locks: To restrict
access to channels or programs, you can use Parental Locks protected by a
4-digit password. This receiver allows you to independently lock the receiver
using the ratings systems of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
for movies, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for TV programs. The
MPAA Rating System includes G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, and X ratings choices. The
FCC (TV) system includes age-based ratings (TV-G, TV-Y7, TV-Y, TV-PG, TV-14, and
TV-MA) and content-based categories (Violence, Sexual Content, Offensive
Language, Dialogue--Sexual Innuendo, and Fantasy/Cartoon Violence).
Electronic Program Guide (EPG): The
receiver has an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to help you navigate through all
the possible viewing options. The EPG supplies information, such as program
lists and start/end times of all available channels. In addition, detailed
information about the program is often available in the EPG (program information
availability depends upon the program source).
Remote
Control
MD59-00339D Wireless (IR)
Multibrand Remote: The supplied remote can fully control the SIR-T165 DTV
receiver, as well as basic functions of multiple brands of TVs, VCRs, Cable
Boxes, and DVD players and recorders. The Component Selection buttons (STB, TV,
VCR, CATV, DVD) illuminate in red with each button operation to indicate which
component you are controlling.
FireWire Remote Control: Through
the SIR-T165's menu system, you can manually control a FireWire-connected D-VHS
recorder. You can also program the D-VHS device to perform timer recordings.
Inputs
and Outputs Notes
DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
Output: The SIR-T165 has a 25-pin DVI-D jack for connecting a compatible TV
or monitor. This set-top box supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content
Protection) technology, which provides secure data transmission for high
definition video. Only DVI-HDCP supported devices can be connected. A DVI cable
is not supplied.
FireWire In/Out: These two
jacks are for connecting FireWire-capable external devices, such as D-VHS
recorders or camcorders. Since FireWire is bi-directional, both of these jacks
can input and output digital audio, video, and control signals. FireWire (also
called IEEE-1394 or i-Link) cables are not included.
DTV (RGB format) Output: The
15-pin connector allows you to connect to a TV, computer monitor, or another
video component with an RGB input. In the set-up menu, you can select the output
resolution (1080i, 720p or 480p).
DTV (Component) Output: Three
RCA video outputs (labeled Y, Pb, Pr) plus left and right RCA audio outputs
allow you to connect to a TV or monitor with component video input. As with the
DTV (RGB format) Output, you can select from 1080i, 720p or 480p output
resolution.
Component Video Inputs: This
input is for connecting a DVD player or another video device with component
video outputs. You can select this input from the remote. Note: The input
can accept 480p or 480i resolution only.
AV Inputs/Monitor Output: The
SIR-T165 provides you with two audio/video inputs and a monitor output featuring
stereo audio and composite or S-Video jacks. These inputs allow you to connect
other components such as a satellite receiver or VCR and access them through the
set-top box. The monitor output lets you connect the set-top box to conventional
TVs that may have composite or S-Video inputs but no component video inputs.
Dolby Digital Outputs: This
unit provides an optical and a coaxial digital output for sending digital audio
signals to a Dolby Digital receiver or TV with digital input. In the menu
system, you can select to output a Dolby Digital bitstream or PCM signal, as
appropriate to your connected component.
DTV Output Selector: The DTV
Output Selector lets you choose the type of signal, according to the DTV output
jacks you are using. The 2-way switch on the rear panel lets you choose "Y
Pb Pr" if you are using the component video output, or "RGB, DVI"
if you are using either of those outputs.
Resolution Select Switch: If
you are connecting the unit to a TV or monitor using the component video outputs
or the RGB output, you can select the output resolution. A 4-way switch on the
rear panel lets you choose between 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i.
Antenna Inputs: The SIR-T165
features two 75-ohm RF coaxial inputs. One input is an antenna input for
connecting an external indoor/outdoor over-the-air antenna. The other is for a
cable TV signal, with or without the use of a separate cable box.
RS-232C: This input is used for
service and upgrades only.