Every DirecTV receiver comes with a 45-button universal remote control. Whether your DirecTV box is a simple receiver or a digital video recorder (DVR), the remote is the same. All those buttons and functions are confusing at first, but you'll soon master the remote. The key is understanding how the buttons are grouped according to function.
Equipment Controls
The buttons at the top of the remote are used to control your DirecTV receiver, your television and up to two other devices. To turn other devices on or off, use the slider at the top of the remote to indicate the component, then press the "PWR" button. Also in this section, the "TV Input" button selects which signal to display--such as DirecTV, a DVD player or a game console. "Format" switches the resolution of the screen; this is used only with high-definition TV.
DVR Controls
This section has a round black button surrounded by seven smaller gray buttons. The center button is the "Play" button. Press it to play the current video; press and hold for slow motion. The smaller buttons surrounding this button are, clockwise from lower left: "Pause" halts playback; press again to resume. "Rewind" includes four speeds. "Replay" jumps the video back 6 seconds. "Stop" returns you to live TV. "Advance" jumps ahead 30 seconds; it's repeatable, so four quick pushes will move you forward 2 minutes. "Fast Forward" works the same as rewind, but moves forward. "Record" will record a program.
Menu Controls
Use the arrow keys to navigate through menus and the orange "Select" button to select highlighted items. This section also has seven function buttons. "Guide" takes you to the Program Guide. "Active" takes you to the DirecTV Active channel. "List" brings up the list of your recorded programs. "Exit" cancels all menus and returns you to live TV. "Back" takes you back one menu screen. "Menu" brings up the Quick Menu, where you can pick programs to record or change your system settings. "Info" displays information for a program you are watching or have highlighted.
Colored Buttons
The red, green, yellow and blue buttons have different functions depending on the context in which they are used. For example, when you are using the Program Guide, the green button takes you forward 12 hours. When looking at a list of recorded shows, the red button deletes the highlighted program. When there is an option to use a colored key, it will usually be indicated on the screen.
Regular Remote Buttons
The keys at the bottom of the remote should be familiar to anyone who has used a basic TV remote. Use the two-ended "Chan" and "Vol" buttons to change the channel and raise or lower the volume. "Mute" silences the volume. Use the number keys to jump to a specific channel, either in live TV or in the Program Guide. Some channels require a dash; for example, 703-1 is for the NFL RedZone Channel in HD. Use the dash button at lower left to access those channels.
Tags: Program Guide, DirecTV receiver, lower left, other devices, returns live, This section, your DirecTV
