Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista. A Step-by-Step Guide for Professional Technicians

Transcription

1 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista A Step-by-Step Guide for Professional Technicians Version: February 15, 2007

2 User Settings During setup, Media Center may require CableCARD, host, or Windows Vista Digital Cable IDs. Use the space below to note this information for quick access. CableCard ID CableCard Serial Number Digital Cable Product Key (located on Certificate of Authenticity and sticker affixed to PC) Data ID (ex nnn-nn) Unit Address (ex nnnn-nnnnn-nnn) Host ID

3 Information in this document, including URL and other Internet Web site references, is subject to change without notice. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft products are licensed to OEMs by Microsoft Licensing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows Server, Windows Vista, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Subject to the approval of Microsoft, cable providers are granted the right to modify the format of this Product Guide and to insert information that identifies its own hardware and trademarks. Cable providers may duplicate this document for internal use only, including training materials.

4 Contents Contents... 4 Introduction... 5 Before you Begin... 6 Check Hardware Configuration... 6 Navigating Windows Media Center... 8 Activating Digital Cable... 9 Power down and install the CableCARD(s)... 9 Launch Windows Media Center TV Settings Set Up TV Signal Activate the CableCARD Set Up Program Guide Verify CableCARD Activation Additional Diagnostics info Additional Resources... 33

5 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 5 Introduction Windows Media Center in Windows Vista is an all-in-one destination for digital entertainment, including live and recorded TV, movies, music, and pictures. The interface is designed for navigation using a mouse and keyboard or from a distance using a remote control. When the computer, referred to as a Windows Vista Media Center PC, is connected to a high definition display, such as a widescreen LCD or plasma TV, the consumer can enjoy a consumer-electronicsquality living-room experience. Windows Media Center includes enhancements for expanded support of digital and high-definition cable TV in two SKUs of Windows Vista: Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Home Premium. This support is enabled by a digital cable tuner that is preinstalled on a Windows Vista Digital Cable Compatible PC, available from a variety of retailers or directly from PC manufacturers. At this time, digital cable capabilities are not available on upgraded or customized Media Center PCs; similarly, other Windows Vista editions are not later upgradeable by the user to support digital cable TV. Specifically, you will perform the following steps: 1. Pair a CableCARD to the Digital Cable Tuner (DCT), the Digital Cable Ready SD/HD tuner included with Windows Vista Digital Cable Compatible PCs. 2. Confirm provider settings in the Program Guide to enable the customer to browse channel listings and view and record premium programming. 3. Verify that the customer can tune authorized channels, including premium and high-definition content.

6 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 6 Before you Begin Check Hardware Configuration Before you begin the digital cable setup, take a minute to confirm that the customer s computer is properly configured. Make sure that The Internet connection is active. During set up, Windows Vista will download TV provider information, program guide listings, and CableCARD provisioning data. The Digital Cable Tuner is an internal or external CableLabs-certified OpenCable Unidirectional Receiver (OCUR). o o Check number of tuners: Windows Vista Media Center PCs support up to two Digital Cable Tuners + up to two analog tuners. If two Digital Cable Tuners are present, you must have one CableCARD for each tuner digital TV service will not function correctly if only one tuner is equipped with a CableCARD. Check cables and connections: For external tuners, confirm that the tuner is connected to the computer s USB 2.0 port via an A/B USB cable, the power source is connected to a grounded electrical outlet, and the cable from the wall jack is connected to the CABLE IN jack on the tuner. Internal tuners will not have external power cords and may be connected to the computer internally. Figure 1a: Internal Digital Cable Tuner. 1) CableCARD slot 2) connectivity LEDs 3) CABLE IN

7 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 7 Figure 1b: Internal Digital Cable Tuner Daughter Card. 1) S-Video in 2) Audio in right channel 3) Audio in left channel 4) Composite video in Figure 2: External Digital Cable Tuner. 1) Top of Digital Cable Tuner 2) USB 2.0 connection 3) power connection to wall 4) Coaxial cable connection to wall 5) Audio in right channel 6) Audio in left channel 7) Composite video in 8) S-Video in 9) Windows Vista Media Center PC 10) Coaxial cable wall connection

8 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 8 Navigating Windows Media Center Windows Media Center is designed for navigation from a distance using a remote control, which complements the keyboard and mouse. For most setup tasks, such as setting up a TV signal, configuring the program guide, and activating digital cable, you may find the remote control the fastest way to quickly navigate menus and choices. At times, you many need to enter alphanumeric characters or access information outside the Media Center shell. In these cases, you may need access to the mouse and keyboard.

9 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 9 Activating Digital Cable This walkthrough guides you through service activation on a Windows Vista Digital Cable Compatible PC. In the steps below, end user will set up TV provider information, initialize the CableCARD, and then configure program guide listings. Power down and install the CableCARD(s) A Windows Vista Media Center PC supports up to two Digital Cable Tuners configured as two external devices, two internal card, or one external device/one internal card. Follow the steps below, based on the PC s configuration. Single Digital Cable Tuner: Follow the steps below to activate one Digital Cable Tuner. Dual Digital Cable Tuners: You will need one CableCARD for each tuner both tuners must be provisioned with a CableCARD to enable full TV viewing/recording capabilities. After setting up the first tuner, repeat steps 2-7 for the second tuner. 1. If the computer is on, turn off the power to the computer. Click the Start button, and then click the arrow next to the Lock button. Select and click the Shut Down option. Figure 3: Windows Vista Shut Down option 2. If the Digital Cable Tuner is external, unplug the power cable from the back of the tuner. 3. Note the CableCARD ID (it s not visible when CableCARD is inserted). 4. Insert the CableCARD into the slot on the Digital Cable Tuner. 5. Reconnect the power cable to the Digital Cable Tuner. 6. Press the Power button to turn on the computer and start Windows Vista.

10 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista External digital tuners include two indicator lights (LED) on the front panel. The LEDs will aid in determining the current status of the device. Confirm that both LEDs are solid green. LED Indicator Key Note: Location of LEDs may differ between tuner models/manufacturers. If you need help, refer to Digital Cable Tuner user documentation provided with PC. LED Location State Indicator Device LED CableCARD LED Off Green Flashing Green and Red Flashing Green and solid Red Red Off Green Flashing Green and Red Red No power. Normal connected to the computer. Booting, acquiring IP address. USB cable unplugged. Boot error or no IP address could be obtained within 5 seconds check connection with computer. No CableCARD inserted. CableCARD operating and out-ofband signal locked. CableCARD booting, searching for out-of-band signal, or CableCARD upgrade. CableCARD error, CableCARD not paired, or no out-of-band lock after 5 seconds. Launch Windows Media Center TV Settings 1. Press the green Start button on the remote control to launch Windows Media Center. If you are using the keyboard and mouse, click Start,

11 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 11 point to All Programs, and then click Windows Media Center. Figure 4: Windows Vista Start menu 2. If the customer has not previously run setup, a welcome screen will present three setup options. Select Express Setup.

12 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 12 Figure 5: Windows Media Center first-run wizard 3. If the customer has already run setup, Windows Media Center will take you directly to the Start screen. Select TV + Movies and then scroll right and click Set Up TV. Alternately, you can scroll to Tasks, click on Settings, and then click TV to access TV settings. Tip: if you are using the keyboard and mouse, use the arrow up / arrow down keys or the scroll wheel on the mouse to browse menu selections, and the arrow left / arrow right keys to select options. Figure 6: Windows Media Center start screen Tasks > settings tab selected Set Up TV Signal Next, you will configure the TV signal to work with Windows Media Center. 1. On the TV Settings menu, click TV Signal. Click Set Up TV Signal. A dialog box may inform you that changing settings will affect TV recording and active Extender experiences. Click Yes to continue.

13 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 13 Figure 7: TV Signal settings menu - Set Up TV Signal option 2. Click Next to begin setup. Figure 8: Set Up TV Signal - welcome screen

14 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista Confirm the region displays United States and then select Yes, use this region to configure TV services. Click Next. If a different region is displayed, select No to choose United States from a list of supported regions. Figure 9: Set Up TV Signal - region selection screen 4. Select Configure my TV signal automatically and then click Next. Windows Media Center will scan for an active TV signal and configure the appropriate settings automatically.

15 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista Confirm that Windows Media Center correctly identifies the signal as Digital cable, as shown below, and lists the correct number of digital tuners. Click Yes to configure the TV signal using the displayed results. If the results do not display Digital cable, check the cable and tuner connections, and then click No, I want to try again.

16 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 16 Figure 10: Set Up TV Signal - configuration result screen Activate the CableCARD You are now ready to activate digital cable. If Media Center does not identify a CableCARD, it will display the screen below. Insert the CableCARD(s) into the digital tuner(s), confirm that the top LED light is green, and then click Scan again for a CableCARD.

17 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 17 Figure 11: Set Up TV Signal - CableCARD inquiry screen When you set up Windows Media Center for use with CableCARD, the user will be asked to provide information about the CableCARD(s) to the cable service provider. The customer (legal owner) of the computer must agree to allow Windows Vista to do so. Ask the owner to perform step At the Windows Media Center Privacy Statement, click Yes to continue.

18 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 18 Figure 12: Set Up TV Signal - CableCARD activation screen 2. In rare cases, you will be prompted to enter the Digital Cable product key (PID). This happens when the PC manufacturer has not pre-populated the key in the factory or if the user reinstalled the operating system. The product key is located on the Windows Vista Certificate of Authenticity (COA), included within the Windows Vista packaging and affixed to the computer. Note that this product key is not the same product key used to activate Windows Vista (also included on the COA).

19 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 19 Figure 13: Set Up TV Signal Digital Cable PID screen 3. Media Center will prompt the customer to contact the cable provider to activate the digital tuner. Click Next to view CableCARD/Host pairing information.

20 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 20 Figure 14: Set Up TV Signal CableCARD pre-scan information screen 4. The CableCARD Information screen will display pairing information for each installed CableCARD. Activate or initialize the card by following your local CableCARD activation procedures. For PCs configured with two Digital Cable Tuners, you will need to obtain activation information for both CableCARDs, available by scrolling the details in the CableCARD pairing information box. Figure 15: Set Up TV Signal CableCARD information screen 5. Click Next to continue. On the TV Signal confirmation screen, select Set Up Guide listings. Set Up Program Guide If the customer has not previously run Guide setup, the wizard will start when you select Set Up Guide listings on the TV Signal Confirmation screen. You can access the wizard at any time from the Start screen: scroll to Tasks, scroll left and click Settings, click TV and then click Guide. Click Set Up Guide Listings. Important: Program Guide listings must be properly configured to enable viewing and recording of premium programming. Even if the

21 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 21 customer has previously set-up the guide for basic programming, complete the set-up wizard to confirm premium channels are activated. Once program guide information downloads, complete the steps listed in the Verify CableCARD Activation section. 1. At the Guide Setup welcome screen, click Next. Figure 16: Set Up Program Guide welcome screen 2. The Guide Privacy screen informs the customer that the Guide will send anonymous information to Microsoft to improve the quality and accuracy of the service. The customer (legal owner) must select Yes to continue setup.

22 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 22 Figure 17: Set Up Program Guide Guide Privacy screen 3. To use the Guide, the customer must agree to the Guide Terms of Service by clicking I agree.

23 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 23 Figure 18: Set Up Program Guide Guide Terms of Service screen 4. The Guide tailors program listings to the region and time zone. Enter the ZIP code and then click Next to continue.

24 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 24 Figure 19: Set Up Program Guide enter ZIP code screen 5. To ensure accurate program listings, you may want to complete this next step for the customer. The Guide will download a list of TV providers within the customer s coverage area. When the download is complete, as indicated in the status area, click Next. Use the onscreen arrows (or arrow up/arrow down on the keyboard) to browse the list. Highlight the provider/package, and then click Next. If the customer is completing this step, confirm that the selection is correct as shown below, some listings are similar.

25 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 25 Figure 20: Set Up Program Guide Select TV Signal Provider screen 6. The Guide will download program listings. This may take several minutes. When the download is complete, as indicated in the Status area, click Next to return to the Windows Media Center Start screen.

26 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 26 Figure 21: Set Up Program Guide Download TV Program Guide status screen Verify CableCARD Activation The final step is to confirm that the CableCARD is properly initialized to enable premium channels and the program guide is populated with accurate channel information. On the Windows Media Center Start screen, scroll to TV + Movies, and then click Guide. Select a basic channel, such as a local station. Confirm a strong signal. Tune to a premium channel in the subscriber s package Tune to a non-premium and, if available, premium highdefinition channel (i.e., local HD channel, HBOHD, ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD),. The guide will download all program listings, even those that the customer doesn t subscribe to. Instruct the customer to manually add/remove channels from the guide listings (Tasks>Settings>TV>Guide>Edit Channels).

27 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 27 Additional Diagnostics info If you need to reference tuner or CableCARD information, visit Diagnostics, located in the TV Settings. On the Settings main screen, click TV, and then click TV Signal. Click Digital Tuner Diagnostics. Figure 22: Diagnostics menu Select Digital Tuner Diagnostics to view the following information: Digital Tuner: Manufacturer, Serial Number, Host ID, Memory, Firmware Version, Application Version, Connection Type, IP Address, MAC Address

28 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 28 Figure 23: Diagnostics Digital Tuner screen Signal: Physical Channel, Channel Format, Frequency (khz), Modulation, Carrier Lock Confirmation, PCR Lock Confirmation, SNR (db), Signal Level (dbmv) Figure 24: Diagnostics Signal screen

29 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 29 Out-of-band: Status, Center Frequency (khz), Bit Rate (kbps) Figure 25: Diagnostics Out-of-band screen CableCARD: Card Status, Manufacturer, Card ID Figure 26: Diagnostics CableCARD screen

30 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 30 From the main diagnostics page, select from the following CableCARD applications screens to view detailed CableCARD, IP, and network information: CableCARD Pairing: CableCARD ID, Host ID, Data ID, Unit Address Figure 27: Diagnostics CableCARD Pairing screen CableCARD Status: CableCARD Manufacturer, Version, Unit Address; Download status: segments left to download, state; Entitlement Management Messages: EMM Provider ID; Out of Band Channel: Last Known Carrier

31 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 31 Figure 28: Diagnostics CableCARD Status screen Conditional Access: Unit Address, Encryption Type and state, Authorization, CA Enable, ECM PID, Component PIDs, Host Validation, Copy Protection Key, CCI Figure 29: Diagnostics Conditional Access screen

32 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 32 IP Service: IP Address, UPM Address, Downstream ID, Upstream ID, Downstream Status, Upstream Status, Ack Timeout, Cell Abort Count, MAC Abort Count Figure 30: Diagnostics IP Service screen Network Setup: LKC, Status, OOB Messages Figure 31: Diagnostics Network Setup screen

33 Digital Cable Tuner Setup for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista 33 Additional Resources Windows Vista home page Microsoft Windows Media Developers Center