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FAQ on the RCA DSS (Digital Satellite System) (the
------------------------------------------------------
RCA DSS (Digital Satellite System) Information & FAQ -
------------------------------------------------------
The RCA brand DSS system raises your television experience to whole new
level. Receive Digital Signals capable of delivering a sharper,
ghost-free laser disc quaility picture with up to 400 lines of
horizontal resolution. (Through S-Video Output[1])
You can hear television like you never have before. The RCA DSS System
can deliver digital audio performance comparable to compact disc[1] (though
the direct audio outputs), providing unsurpassed realism for your stereo
and surround sound systems.
Imagine receiving up to 150 channels[2] of quality entertainment. RCA
DSS puts the choice and control of your family's programming in your
hands. Enjoy everything from blockbuster movies to classic films; live
sports to the best of the arts; 24-hour news to childrens programming
and educational shows.
USSB subscribers will be able to enjoy the magic of multi-plexing! Up to
14 distinctly diffrent premium movie channels: 5 HBO channels, 3
Showtime Channels, 2 Channels Of The Movie Channel, 3 Cinemax Channels,
and FLIX. You'll also get great music videos on MTV and VH-1, the unique
comedy of Comedy Central, great childrens programming on Nickelodeon,
classic ttelevision on Nick at Nite, as well as quality women's programs
on Lifetime and the 24-hour-a-day All News Channel.
DIRECTV(tm) subscribers will enjoy today's biggest sporting events, from
college to the pros. Plus, with simple point and select from the DSS
remote, viewers can receive Pay-Per-View movies from Hollywood's hottest
studios, including Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Universal
Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, and
more.[2] Movies start as often as every 30 minutes and are never out of
stock.
The RCA DSS System works with any television, but with and RCA Home
Theatre(tm) TV, you'll enjoy out-of-this-world entertainment! The DSS
system is also compatible with today's new 16x9 format TVs and
tomorrow's HDTV technology.[3]
------------------------------------------
RCA DSS Digital Satellite System Options -
------------------------------------------
DS2430RW Deluxe System
----------------------
This deluxe DSS System offers the ultimate in direct broadcast satellite
enjoyment, including a deluxe DSS satellite reciver, universal remote
control and 18-inch dish antenna. The dish has a dual LNB for multiple
room hookups (with optional DSS receivers).
Satellite Receiver -
. Compact design blends with consumer electronic products
. 8-button front pannel provides access to all functions
. S-Video Output jack and 2 sets of video output jacks for superior
digital picture quality
. 2 sets of right and left audio output jacks for superior digital sound
quality.
. Wide band data port for HDTV (Additional equipment may be required!)
. Satellite input, antenna input and RF output
. Low Speed Data Port for non-video information
Antenna Dish -
. Small compact 18" parabolic reflector is both lightweight and
inconcpicuous.
. Durable metallic contruction with glass reinforced plastic reflector
. Dual polarity, dual output design for multiple satellite receiver and
TV hookups.
Universal Remote Control -
. Ergonomic design
. Color-coded 39 button keypad for easy operation
. Operates satellite reciver and most brands of TVs, VCRs, Laser Disc
Players and Cable Boxes.
DS1120RW Basic System
---------------------
An affordable way to start enjoyingg the sharper picture, clearer sound
and greater choice of the RCS DSS System. The basic system includes a
satellite receiver, unified remote control, and compact 18-inch dish
antenna.
Satellite Receiver -
. Compact design blends with consumer electronic products
. 8-button front pannel provides access to all functions
. S-Video Output jack and video output jack for superior digital picture
quality
. Right and Left audio output jacks for superior digital sound quality
. Wide band data port for HDTV (Additional equipment may be required!)
. Satellite input, antenna input and RF output
Antenna Dish -
. Small compact 18" parabolic reflector is both lightweight and
inconcpicuous.
. Durable metallic contruction
. Dual polarity, single output design for single TV hookup
Universal Remote Control -
. Ergonomic design
. Color-coded 30 button keypad for easy operation
. Operates satellite reciver and most brands of TVs
DRD102RW Receiver With Unified Remote -
---------------------------------------
This optional stand-alone DSS receiver lets you expnand your system to
additional rooms with in your home (When used with the DS2430RW system).
Includes the same features as the DS1120RW Satellite System Receiver.
UPC #034909470107
DSS System Installation -
-------------------------
The RCA DSS Digital Satellite System is easy and flexiable to install.
You have two options: Professional installation by an authorized RCA
installer or self-installation if you're handy and feel comfortable
working on a ladder. Thomson Consumer Electronics recommends
professional installation from the nationwide network of over 3000
authorized installers. For the self-installer, your RCA dealer has a
wide variety of DSS system accessories to make your installation easier.
Your DSS system dealer will be able to help you determine which
installation arrangement is right for you.
---------------------------------------------------------
RCA DSS Digital Satellite System Product Specifications -
---------------------------------------------------------
DSS SYSTEMS DS2430RW DS1120RW
Deluxe DSS System Basic DSS System
Shipping Weight 27 lbs. 27 lbs.
UPC Number 03490947190 034909470183
Satellite Receiver DRD203RW DRD102RW
Front Pannel 8 - Button 8 - Button
Remote Control Included CRK91B1 CRK91A1
Access Card YES YES
Channel Capability[2] 150 150
Audio/Video Jacks Yes/Gold Plated YES
Video Resolution Up to 400 lines Up to 400 lines
Signal Quality Subject to RAIN FADE Subject to RAIN FADE
Power Requirements 120VAC+/-10% 120VAC+/-10%
Power Consumption 34W 34W
Connections
Satellite In F-Type F-Type
In From Antenna F-Type F-Type
Out To TV F-Type F-Type
S-Video S-Video S-Video
Video 2-RCA Type RCA Type
R/L Audio 4-RCA Type RCA Type
Wideband Data 15 Pin "D" 15 Pin "D"
Low Speed Data 9 Pin "D"
Phone Modular Modular
Receiver Dimensisons
Width 15 Inches 15 Inches
Height 2.875 Inches 2.875 Inches
Depth 11 Inches 11 Inches
Weight 6 lbs. 6 lbs.
Finish Spatter Ebony Satin Grey
Remote Control CRK91B1 CRK91A1
Infrared Yes Yes
Number of Buttons 39 30
Universal Operations[4]
TV Yes Yes
VCR Yes N/A
Cable Box Yes N/A
Laserdisc Player Yes N/A
Batteries AAA (4) AAA (4)
Satellite Dish DSA400RW DSA100RW
LNB Input Frequency 12.2-12.7 GHz 12.2-12.7 GHz
LNB Output Frequency 950-1450 MHz 950-1450 MHz
LNB Output Twin "F" Type Single "F" Type
LNB Polarity Dual Dual
LNB Feed Circular Circular
Dimensions 18"x20" Parabolic 18"x20" Parabolic
Weight 10 lbs. 10 lbs.
Finish Light Satellite Grey Satellite Grey
Construction Metal with Glass Metal
Reinforced Plastic
----------------
DSS Acessories -
----------------
A wide variety of DSS accessories are available to add to your system's
convenience and versatility. Your RCA DSS system dealer has more
information on which options may be right for your needs.
* Exclusive RCA DSS Universal Remote Control - D900
* 5-outlet AC and Single Line Telephone Surge Protector - D917
* Exclusive RCA Wireless Phone Jack - D916 (Available Fall 1994)
* Cable Line Amplifier - D903
* Exclusive RCA Chimney Mount - D915
* Exclusive RCA Self-Installation Kit - DKIT94
[1] Quality of picture and sound are dependent upon the audio and/or
television used by the consumer and is subject to rain fade, ie, the
picture will freeze the last good received frame of video during periods
of moderate to heavy rain until signal level improves (usally after it
stops raining). Television requires S-Video input to realize full capability
of DSS receiver.
[2] 150 channel capacity available from two Hughes satellites.
[3] Additional Components May Be Required
[4] Controls Most Brands
This is information on the RCA DSS. The preparation of this information
was done using RCA and other nationally published reports and information.
-----------------------
RCA DSS Phone Numbers -
-----------------------
RCA DSS Customer Serivce & Support - (800)679-4776
RCA DSS Information & Sales - (800)898-4377
USSB (DSS Programming Information) - (800)204-8772
DirecTv (DSS Programming Information) - (800)347-3288
-------------------
USSB DSS Channels -
-------------------
Showtime / HBO / Cinemax / The Movie Channel / Flix / Lifetime
Comedy Central / Nickelodeon / MTV / VH-1 / All News Channel
----------------------
DirecTv DSS Channels -
----------------------
The Cartoon Network / Country Music Television / CNN International
CNN / CNN Headline News / Court TV / C-Span / C-Span 2
The Discovery Channel / The Disney Channel / ESPN
Encore Thematic Multiplex / E! Entertainment Television
The Family Channel / Newsworld International / Northstar
Playboy TV / The Golf Channel / The Learning Channel
Physicians Network / The Sci-Fi Channel / The Travel Channel
The Weather Channel / TBS / TNN (The Nashville Network)
Turner Classic Movies / TNT (Turner Network Television)
Universal Pictures / USA Network
--------------------------------------
Common Asked Questions About RCA DSS -
--------------------------------------
Q. - I would like to save myself some money! What is required in the
BASIC installation of a RCA DSS System?
A. - . Mounting the dish to antenna to a solid vertical roof or frame
. Running 100 Feet of cable through a normal frame structure or
one layer of masonry
. One Television Hook-up
. One phone line hook-up or running ann extention line if phone
jack is not near the IRD
. Grounding the Dish Antenna
. Adding additional optional stand-alone receiver to additonal
room in the house if needed. (Optional)
Q. - Does RCA provide a Do-It-Yourself Installation Kit with the
purchase or the DSS System?
A. - RCA offers the RCA DSS Self-Installation Kit (DKIT94) for
additional cost. RCA also offers a Chimney Mount Kit (D915) for
additional cost. Some dealers do NOT offer these kits and only
provide installation for additional cost. Make sure if you want to
do it yourself, that you ask your dealer if this is OK. You will
need the DKIT94 in order to do the install though.
Q. - What kind of warranty does RCA offer on the RCA DSS?
A. - RCA only offers a standard 90 day warranty. Some dealers do offer
extended warrranty for additional cost.
Q. - What about network programming? (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX)
A. - You currently have three options:
(1) Use a set of rabbit ears to bring in your local stations.
(2) Add an outdoor external antenna.
(3) Continue your BASIC cable service. (This should only be in the
range of $7 to $15 per month.)
(4) Install a traditional C Band dish instead. It offers over 100
FREE channels, DSS offers NO free channels.
Q. - Does DirecTV and USSB plan to add additional channels?
A. - Both DirecTV and USSB do plan to add additional programming.
Channels will be added over the course of time.
Q. - As of this writing how many channels are currently on line?
A. - As of this writing about 70 to 74 channels are currently on the
system. Many of them are Pay-Per-View.
Q. - Can I record Pay Per View programs from my DSS system on my VCR?
A. - Most of the time, NO. Most of the Pay Per View programs broadcast by
DSS are encrypted with a signal that will confuse your VCR's AGC
circuits and you will not get a good recording.
Q. - Do you really have to have the system hooked to your phone line?
A. - Yes, you do. The phone hookup is necessay to serve as an audit
trail and security for the system. The built-in modem on the
satellite receiver ensures that the receiver is in the paying
customer's home to prevent piracy. It also sweeps the memory
monthly to generate a monthly bill for the subscription services
as well pay-per-view. This also means that you cannot move your
receiver to your summer (or winter) vacation home and have it
continue to work for very long.
Q. - Is everything still on schedule?
A. - YES! DBS-1, North America's first high-powered DBS satellite was
successfully launched on December 17, 1993 which opened the road
to the Digital Skyway(tm) entertainment network. The DSS system
hardware, and DirecTV and USSB programming was on line beginning
April 1994.
Q. - When will the product be distributed in foreign markets?
(Will it work in Canada, Mexico, Alaska, or Hawaii?)
A. - The broadcast beam of the DBS Satellite will service the contiguous
48 initially. (The satellite footprint will not allow use of the
current DSS hardware in Hawaii or Alaska.) Expansion into foreign
markets rests with programming contracts and government regulation.
The Mexican and Canadian goverments must OK the reception of USSB
and/or DirecTV programming in their respective countries before DSS
or its programming can be sold in Mexico and Canada.
Q. - Does it do any good to buy the programming before I buy my system?
A. - No, you need to have the system first. Many places sell the
programming or offer to sell the programming when you buy your
system. Currently USSB and DirecTV offer some "FREE" programming
for the first month while you have your system. Check with your
dealer about this when you buy your system. It is most likely best
to buy some programming when you get your system, so once it is
installed you can call in and they can send a hit to make you
active right away. If you fail to get some programming, once the
system is installed all you will get is a test pattren till they
make activate your receiver.
Q. - What does it cost on the average for programming?
A. - This is a hard question to answer. Depending on what services you
take will set the cost of the programming. On the average to get
what you have now on cable including some movie channels it is
going to run you about $50 to $65 per month. Diffrent programming
packages are availiable and some discount is offered if you pre-pay
your programming for the entire year. The cost is about the same as
current average cable programming. Incidentally, the same programming
is available on traditional C Band systems and much lower costs.
Q. - OK, I'm SOLD! Where can I get a system?
A. - Good luck! Availability of the DSS system has been spotty at best.
Sears and Circuit City are dealers in areas that sell the RCA DSS
system. Many dealers in these areas will ship one to you, some will
insist that you come in and pick it up.
Q. - If I get a DSS System from one of these areas and I don't live in
the area that sold me the DSS System will RCA turn it on?
A. - Yes, they have no problem with someone going to get or ordering one
from one of the market areas.
Q. - What is the picture quality really like?
A. - Not bad at all! I was surprised to be honest!! The S-Video quality
is better that the composite video of course. Better than your
average cable system, but not by that much, unless you are using
the S-Video. On the technical side: the DSS system offers up to
400 lines resolution. Studio quality resolution is the full 525 lines.
If you want full 525 line studio quality resolution which looks
great on a big screen TV, the only way to get it is with the
traditional C Band systems.
Q. - It is compatible with my VCR? (Can I tape from it?)
A. - Yes, no problem, except for Pay Per View programs. Several different
ways you can do this. They are covered in great detail in the manual.
Although, the box itself has no programming/timer ability so, you have
to leave the box on to tape from it. You are not able to program the
box itself to come on at certain time and change the channel and shut
the box off when it is finished like you can on traditional C Band
systems.
Q. - It is compatible with all TVs?
A. - Yes, it will work with any TV, but of course newer TVs that have a
S-Video input are the best to use. TVs that have composite inputs
will also work quite well. It will also work with a standard RF
connection if this is all you have. Best quaility will take S-Video
connection and second choice is RCA type composite inputs and third
choice will we the RF Anntenna Input.
The traditional C Band system, on the other hand, is fully compatible
with ALL NTSC TV sets and you get the full 525 line video resolution
without having to have a TV set with the S-Video connector.
Q. - Is this a "flash in the pan" or is it something that
RCA/Thomson/USSB/DirecTV are really commited to?
A. - Well, they appear to want to make this work, but it is a little
early to tell. They do have some SERIOUS money tied up in DSS! They
will need to 'fix' the rain fade problem, though, because eventually
consumers will get tired of the picture freezing every time anything
other than light rain goes through their neighborhood.
Q. - What about a program guide for DSS?
A. - There are several publishers that publish one. Ask your satellite dealer.
Q. - Does the dish move?
A. - No, once you aim it and get it tuned to the strongest possible
signal, you are all set. Your dish only views 2 satellites, it does not
have the capability to 'look' at the other 22 satellites that are
viewable by the traditional C Band systems nor the additional 21
Ku Band satellites also viewable with upgraded traditional C Band systems.
Q. - Which system should I get? The Deluxe, Basic or C Band?
A. - Simple... Do you ever think you might want to add a second TV in
another area of your house to the system? If the answer is YES,
then buy the Deluxe system. The Deluxe system is constructed a
little better than the Basic and has a nicer remote, but really
they are very close. If you want the ability to look at ALL the
satellites in orbit, full video resolution, no digital artifacts
in the picture, over 100 free channels, better control of your
VCR and NO rain fade problems, you should seriously consider a
traditional C Band system instead.
Q. - If I move can the system go with me?
A. - Yes, if you move, all you have to do it re-install the system and
call in and they can put you back on line very quickly.
Q. - What is the difference between the RCA DSS and the Primestar System
that I have been seeing on TV as of late?
A. - Well, to be honest details about Primestar are quite hard to come
by. I have not been able as of yet to gather enough information on
Primestar to be able to tell you a lot, however it also suffers the
same kind of rain fade problems. Primestar is a DBS system similar
to the RCA DSS System, but it is quite different and uses different
programming and another satellite all together. The two systems are
NOT cross-compatible.
Below is a small look at the RCA DSS Vs. The Traditional C Band System.
(Note - Items marked with * are items that are currently unknown)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Question | RCA DSS | C Band
------------------------------------------------------------------
You Buy The Equipment | YES | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
You Can Install It Yourself | YES | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Current Number Of Channels Supported | 70+ | 250+
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Requires The Use Of A Phone | YES | NO
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Can Support Interactive TV | YES | NOT YET
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Can Be Upgraded To Support HDTV | YES | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Size Of The Dish | 18 Inches| 8.5 FT+
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Supports National Network Programming | NO | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Can Be Used In Areas Where You Have Cable | YES | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Supports 2nd Receiver In The House | YES | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Lines of Video Resolution | up to 400| 525
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Support for 16x9 Format Tv(s) | YES | YES
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Average Monthly Cost For Programming | $50.00 | $35.00
--------------------------------------------+----------+----------
Q. - What about these other new cable companies knocking on my door
telling me that they are selling direct TV? Is it a DBS type
system?
A. - Most likely not! Most likely what they are trying to see you is
another technology called Microwave Broadcast TV. The way this works
is that the company installs a special antenna outside your house
and the signal is microwaved around your comunity. The quality is
limited and is also subject to rain fade, but the cost is cheap. Most
of the time channel selection is also limited to 15 or 20 channels.
However, one such provider in my area is only charging $19.95 per month
for 15 watchable channels and an additional $10 per preminum channel. I
have heard of many scams in this area and I suggest the buyer be
careful, make sure you know what you are getting for the price and
make sure that the company who is installing it owns the equipment,
that way, your personal out of pocket money is less, should the
company go belly up. (This has been the case with many of these
Microwave TV companies!)
Q. - Is the RCA DSS better than a conventional satellite system?
A. - NO. You will have to look at what you are getting for the money and
then choose. With a conventional satellite system you are going to
get a lot more channels for the money, over 100 are free. The cost of
programming is less. If you live in an apartment or don't own the
property you are living on the RCA DSS might be a better solution.
Still, if you want the best, you are much better off with a traditional
C Band satellite system, if you can afford it, and have the space
outside to install a 8.5 foot or larger dish. (See the above comparison)
Q. - Does the RCA DSS System support some sort of parental lock-out?
A. - Not as far as I know. However, everyone I have asked doesn't know
the answer to the question either. All traditional C Band system DO
support parental lock out of any single or of multiple channels.
Q. - Will scrambling ever become an issue with the either type of satellite
system?
A. - I have been assured by more than one person that if they were to
change the scrambling technology, both the RCA DSS and the C Band system
is able to be changed as well to remain compatible. They are both
upgradable at little or no cost to you if they change the scrambling
they are currently using!
Q. - Is there anything else you can suggest if I want to learn more
about the RCA DSS or traditional C Band systems?
A. - Video Magazine says they are going to do a full write up on
the RCA DSS system in the October 1994 issue of the magazine.
Check with your local satellite dealer for questions regarding C Band
systems.
Revision 2.0 - 10/22/94
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