From wiring your system to advanced tips and tricks to make you a Star Choice system expert.

New Software update for Star Choice Receivers!

Beginning in late October 2008, Star Choice will be updating all DSR207, DSR317, DSR505 and DVR530 receivers with new receiver software. This software update will occur automatically during the late night hours and comes at no additional cost to Star Choice customers.

This software update will ready the advanced receivers for a larger update coming early next year, increase overall stability, and add HDCP and CGMS-A copy protection standards.

Many great new features are coming soon, check back on starchoice.com in the coming months for news and details on our next software update and the next generation of the Star Choice Interactive Programming Guide.

1. How do I know if I have the latest software on my receiver? What will I see on my screen during the download process?

This new software maintains the same appearance and usability as the previous software version. To see if your receiver has the new code press OPTIONS on your Star Choice remote control then choose: 6 - System Setup, 4 - System Setting, then 7 - System Status (Options 6-4-7). On line "H" you will see the heading Current Version. Starting in late October 2008 the latest software version for the DSR505 HD will display as F4. Shortly after all DSR505 receivers have the new software version. The DVR530 HD receivers will be update to a current version of F6. In the following months, the DSR207 and DSR317, will also display a current version as F4.

During the actual download process you will be unable to access the guide or video on your screen. This process occurs during the late night hours so that it won't interrupt your regular viewing. If you happen to turn on your receiver during the code download you should see the screen below on your TV. The image below has been labeled for easy reference. The entire process should take between 15 to 90 minutes (you can check this time as illustrated in item 2 below). Once the download is complete, your receiver will reset itself automatically. If this download timer remains on your screen for longer than 90 minutes, please call Star choice Technical Support at 1 888 STAR-WEB (7827-932) and we'll ensure your receiver is functioning properly.

Note: If your HD receiver is connected to an HDTV using only an HDMI to DVI cable, you will only see a black TV screen with a hexadecimal countdown on your front panel display. Once the download is complete, this countdown will disappear and reset, returning the display to the standard clock to denote that the download is complete.

2. I don't want to upgrade to the new software. Can I keep the current version software I have now?

This software update is automatic and mandatory to allow for future services and features coming soon to Star Choice. At this time, all current Star Choice receivers will be scheduled to receive the new software.

3. Following this update, my HD receiver (connected through an HDMI to DVI cable) no longer displays video and "HDCP" appears on the front panel of my receiver.

Your TV may not be compliant or configured properly to receive HD signal through your HDMI to DVI cables. For troubleshooting tips concerning HDCP please visit our No Video section for more information.

4. What is HDCP and CGMS-A Copy Protection? Will I still be able to record my favourite shows with my DVR530?

• HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection) protects digital HDTV signals transmitted by HDMI to DVI cables from being copied to third-party video recorders and redistributed.
• CGMS-A (Copy Generation Management System - Analog) protects analog TV signals transmitted by component, RCA or coaxial cables from being copied to third-party video recorders (such as DVD Recorder, VCR's, and Computer Media Centres).
• HDCP and CGMS-A standards will now be provided on all advanced Star Choice receivers, ensuring compliance with broadcast standards.
• HDCP and CGMS-A standards are recognized by the Star Choice receivers using "flags" embedded within the broadcast stream. Not all programs are transmitted with copyright protection, but Star Choice complies with applicable copy protection standards whenever flags are transmitted with digital or analog signals.
• CGMS-A flags vary depending on the content. Some programs may allow you to record a program to their VCR or DVD recorder only once, while other programs may completely restrict you from recording the program at all. CGMS-A flagging is determined completely by the production studios and is not controlled by Star Choice.
• Customers attempting to record flagged HDCP or CGMS-A material on a non-compliant third-party recording device such as a DVD Recorder, PC-based Media Centre Recorder or VCR will see a black screen in place of video dependant on the recording rules established in the programming.
• All CGMS-A flags are transmitted by the broadcasters and are not controlled nor determined by Star Choice.
• CGMS-A compliance has no affect on the functionality or recording abilities of the Star Choice DVR530.

5. My receiver is stuck "in a loop" while downloading the new software.

If your receiver is stuck in a loop while downloading the new software, please follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Unplug the Power cord to your receiver.
2. Unplug the Satellite feed cable.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Plug the Power cord back in (Do not plug the Satellite feed back yet!)
5. Wait approximately a minimum of 2-4 minutes or until the receiver reboots or until you see a blank screen.
6. When the TV screen no longer shows the download screen, plug the Satellite coax back in.

This should solve the issue. If you are still having issues, please call 1 866 STAR-WEB (7827-932)