DSR 4639 FAQs

The DSR4639 is a Dual Channel High Definition VAST certified recorder. This unit allows you to record 2 separate channels simultaneously and watch a third channel from the network you are recording. e.g if you are recording ABC and SBS you can watch another channel such SBS 2 or ABC news at the same time. 
You can also record 2 channels and watch a recorded program from the hard drive at the same time.

No the DSR 4639 is specifically designed to meet the VAST specification for remote/regional viewers that do not have access to normal terrestrial signals.

Chase play is a feature where a viewer can watch a recording from the beginning while the decoder continues to record in real time. This feature is ideal if you have time to start viewing a booked recording of a particular program.

The DSR 4639 has a time-shift “Always On” mode which will continually record the event that you are currently watching into a separate list called the “Time-shift List”. It is labeled "T.list" on the remote control. The programs in this list are just temporary, and will be deleted as the space on the hard drive is allocated to recordings. 
By always recording the current event, the DSR 4639 allows you to go back to view programs that were not consciously set up to be recorded, or to jump back and allow an instant replay of the current program.
These time-shifted programs which are stored with titles can be permanently stored in the Program list ( "P.list" on remote) by following the commands on the "T.list" menu screen.

The hard drive information screen in the menu shows the approximate number of hours remaining on the hard drive. These estimates are not exact and will depend on the broadcast quality of the programs being recorded.
On a brand new 500GB hard drive, there is approximately 421 hours of standard definition recording time or 162 hours of high definition recording time.

The software for the DSR 4639 was developed in Australia and is supported locally based Engineers in Sydney. 
After sales support. For help with installation and warranty, is also from Sydney.

The DSR 4639 has two physical LNB input connectors so that the unit can always record or view from either the Horizontal or Vertical polarity signals.
It is true that the current VAST services are all on the Vertical polarity, however we believe your new twin tuner PVR should be future proof, who knows what changes we may see on the VAST service in the future.
Further to this the DSR 4639 has been designed to maximise the use of existing installations and LNB configurations (no need to buy a new LNB if the services are moved to both polarities). An external loop through cable is included in the accessories with the box.    

There are no design limitations preventing the DSR 4639 from skipping ads, however to achieve VAST certification the software must to be compliant with the VAST set top box specification and this does not allow ad skipping.

There is no design limitation preventing the DSR 4639 from higher speed fast forward or rewind functionality. However, to achieve VAST certification the software has to be compliant with the VAST set top box specification, which requires a maximum fast forward and rewind speed of '30x'. 

Yes this functionality is more commonly known as “Series Record” on other devices and for purpose of explanation for the DSR 4639 is called “Episode Chain recording ( ECR )”. The chain recording feature will record any episodes of a program with a certain name, as long as there are no recording conflicts already in progress. 

Yes, if an event of a chain recording is skipped (for example if there were already 2 recordings in progress), then the DSR 4639 will record the repeated episode the next time it is broadcast.

Yes, in the PVR Settings menu there is an option to schedule chain recordings on only one channel or on all channels. By selecting “current channel”, it will record only the chain events on that the one channel the chain recording was set on. By selecting “All channels”, a program with a certain name on any channel will be recorded if there are not already 2 recordings in progress.

The DSR 4639 uses either the broadcast information to trigger the DSR 4639 recording functionality or a timer based system. If the broadcast information was incorrect or the event did not start at the advertised time, the event or part of it may be missed. Altech UEC has invested in specialised broadcast monitoring equipment to monitor the broadcast service information, and in most cases recordings that have not been triggered we have managed to trace the cause to the broadcast information. Unfortunately there is nothing that Altech UEC or any other set top box manufacturer can do to prevent this failure.
To avoid missing part of the show the DSR 4639 allows the viewer to set up a time buffer that starts the recording earlier and continues later than the advertised time. This should be globally set up in the menu system for the required performance.

There are no Altech UEC software limitations preventing the copying of content from the DSR 4639 to other consumer devices. However to achieve VAST certification and studio approval for content, the copying of content is not supported or encouraged.

To avoid missing part of the show the DSR 4639 allows the viewer to set up a time buffer that starts the recording earlier and continues later than the advertised time. This can be globally set up in the menu system for the required performance.

If you want to delete all the programs from your hard drive, the easiest way is to format the hard drive. There is an option to perform this in the PVR section of the main menu.
If you only want to delete programs with a certain name, sort the playlist by name and enable the grouping option. Pressing delete on the group will delete all items in that group.

Yes the timeshift program can be saved to prevent auto deleting. Timeshift events are listed in the temporary “timeshift list” in the PVR menu. Find the program in this list that you want to save and press the green button to copy it to the playlist for safe keeping. 

Press the P.list button on the remote to access all recordings.
In this list programs can be sorted and grouped by name or date to allow for easy searching. 

The DSR 4639 allows you to view subtitles on  playback if the original program contained subtitles. Press the “CC” (closed captions) button on the remote to enable subtitles.

Pressing the “i” button on the remote control will launch the information bar at the bottom of the screen. Then by using the left and right arrow buttons, you can browse the other channels. This information bar shows the current program that is playing for the channel on the top line and the next future program on the second line. While browsing through the other channels, there are some additional features available:

• Pressing “OK” on the top line will make the DSR 4639 change to that channel

• Pressing “OK” on the bottom event will set a reminder for when that event starts

• Pressing the record button on either event will schedule a recording on the selected event

Please see the manual for more detailed information.

There are no Altech UEC software limitations preventing the sorting of channels. However to achieve VAST certification, this functionality has been removed.

Yes, the DSR 4639 can record one program and allow you to listen to the radio channels at the same time.

The design goals for the DSR 4639 has been to provide remote and regional viewers with twin tuner PVR functionality within the strict confines of the VAST set top box certification requirements.
This has resulted in a very functional high definition viewer experience that limits certain functionality ideally required by those consumers who would like to “tinker” with the product and configure it for other purposes and applications.
 

The 36 watt rating is the maximum current that the unit will draw, the nominal consumption is closer to 20 watts under normal usage conditions.
The rating in the standby mode is similar to the nominal value as the VAST certification requires the unit to always be addressable by the conditional access system. This is to ensure that the unit can always receive software upgrades and conditional access entitlement management messages. To do this the LNB, processor and other power drawing devices cannot be totally switched off and hence the specified rating.  

The DSR 4639 has been designed specifically for the harsh Australian conditions and does not need a fan to keep its electronic components cool and running within their operating specifications. 
This has been achieved by using an energy efficient external switch mode power supply coupled with a low power consumption and cool running 2.5 inch hard disk drive.
Cooling fans in set top boxes are undesirable for the following reasons –

• Fans are electromechanical devices that are prone to failure, and once fail, normally result in the entire STB overheating and shutting down.

• Fans are noisy or become noisy with time.

• Fans attract dust and lint that clog and require maintenance for optimum performance and cooling.  

The DSR 4639 is covered by a manufacturer return-to-workshop warranty of 12 months from date of purchase. This warranty is conditional that the unit has not been tampered with or physically damaged and is claimed against a proof of purchase. The warranty covers the workmanship, build quality and components used for manufacture. 

The DSR 4639 makes use of an external power plug pack for the following reasons –

• Power supplies are one of the largest generators of heat in a set top box. By keeping the power supply external to the set top box the unit overall unit runs cooler and does not add to the normal degradation of the internal electronic components.
• As a result of the harsh Australian climate (lightning and temperature) coupled with fluctuations of 240 volt mains supplies in remote areas, switch mode power supplies are the weak link in most consumer electronic equipment. Using an external 12 volt 3 amp power supply to power the DSR 4639 allows all consumers the option to easily and cost effectively replace damaged units without the need send the entire set top box back to a repair facility.
• The external power supply design also allows the DSR 4639 to be installed into caravans and other mobile applications, with a well regulated  12 volt D.C power supply.  

The Ethernet port on the DSR 4639 is again a future proof feature for connectivity to the internet and possible additional services.
Unfortunately most homes in regional Australia that would purchase a DSR 4639 do not have sufficient internet bandwidth connectivity to utilize this function, however once the NBN is fully rolled out across the nation this functionality will become technically viable and cost effective for DSR 4639 owners to use.  

The USB functionality is currently limited to software upgrades only. However future software updates will include support for additional recording space (external hard disk drive or USB storage device) and other media play back for music, recorded video or picture playback. The only limiting factor is ensuring that all file formats future and past are compatible with the software and device drivers.

The specification for HDMI connectivity to other devices (surround sound processors, switches and TV panels) is fairly complex and sometimes loosely implemented/interpreted by some manufacturers. Part of the specification is a particular handshake process to establish the connection as well as a content copy protection functionality known as HDCP. HDCP prevents the recording of High Definition content for possible sharing or selling purposes.
The DSR 4639 has been certified to meet both the HDMI and HDCP specifications.

As the designers and manufactures of the product Altech UEC are best equipped to provide technical assistance to diagnose faults or suggest installation options.

The smart card and DSR 4639 are individually paired and will not work in another set top box either VAST approved or not. This is a VAST certification requirement and not an Altech UEC requirement. 

• Ensure the DSR 4639 external power pack is plugged into an active 240v outlet.

• Check that the DC connector is correctly inserted into the rear of the DSR 4639.

• Check that the DSR 4639 is displaying any indications on the front panel display.

• Check that the connectivity between the DSR 4639 is plugged in (HDMI or composite/component) and that the TV is set to the appropriate input setting.

• Reboot the DSR 4639 to make sure it is not temporarily frozen.

• Call the Altech UEC service hotline for technical assistance; (07) 3015 8790. 

The likely cause of this is the dish and/or LNB misalignment, water ingress into the RF cable, damaged connector, faulty LNB, incorrect dish size for your location or either up/down link rain fade. Wait for the weather to clear, correct the installation yourself or call an installer to check the dish installation.

Check the batteries are correctly installed or not flat. Replace with new batteries and retry. If you are still having problems call Altech UEC for support.
email; support@uec.com.au for any other information.

Error message E50-32 or E52-32 No services found please rescan.

This indicates that your decoder is not receiving any signal. This may be due to bad weather or a faulty connection in the installation. Please also confirm that your satellite dish is pointing to the OPTUS C1 Satellite at 156 degrees east.

NOTE: This is not an issue with your smart card.

You may need to re-point your satellite dish.  Please visit https://www.dishpointer.com for help aligning your satellite dish. Should you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to call NAS Australia UEC Support on 07 3015 8790 or email uecsupport@nasaustralia.com.au.

Your VAST DSR4639 smart card needs activation or reactivation. Please ensure you have registered your smart card. If you have already done so please be aware that there is a 48hour processing time. You can also call 1300 993 376 for more information.

If your VAST DSD4121RV PVR has been turned off for a long time, or your decoder has lost the services due to another issue - rain fade or other loss of signal, you can re-hit your smart card on-line by visiting mysattv

This is a common error for travellers and remote viewers who's system has already been activated and working but have not used their VAST decoder for some time. This arises due to the security information contained on the smart card expiring. There are two options to recover from this error.
 

1. Leave the decoder turned on and the information on the smart card will updated to restore all of the activated services. The decoder usually recovers within a couple of hours.
2. Reactivate the smart card by entering the smart card details here.

Displayed if an invalid smart card is inserted or if the card is incorrectly inserted. Ensure the card is inserted with the contacts towards the Set top box and on the underside.

If you have previously had access to the VAST services but have either lost all the services due to an unknown fault or because your decoder was not powered up at the time of registration please visit here for decoder rehit.

The Rehit process rehits or refreshes the information on the decoder smart card.

Should your DSR4639 appear 'dead' with no power, check the power lead and power socket to ensure the unit is correctly connected.

Should the DSR4639 remain unresponsive it is highly likely that the power supply unit is faulty.  The DSR4639 has been designed with an external 12 Volt D.C power supply that is easily replaced.

To confirm that you have no HDMI signal please check that the HDMI lead works with another device i.e. a DVD player.
 

At times of marginal signal, the signal level of the second tuner may be insufficient to resolve a picture leading to interrupted recordings.  Should this occur, it is imperative that you check that the signal received by the PVR is optimised and that the tuner loop through cable is connected properly.

Should the signal routed to the second tuner continue to remain below threshold, we recommend that a two way satellite splitter be used instead of the loop through cable.  You local installer or specialist VAST retailer should be able to assist with splitter and cable supply.

The hard drive information screen in the menu shows the approximate number of hours remaining on the hard drive. These estimates are not exact and will depend on the broadcast quality of the programs being recorded.

On a brand new 500GB hard drive, there is approximately 421 hours of standard definition recording time or 162 hours of high definition recording time.

The DSR4639 has two physical LNB input connectors so that the unit can always record or view from either the Horizontal or Vertical polarity signals.

It is true that the current VAST services are all on the Vertical polarity, however we believe your new twin tuner PVR should be future proof, who knows what changes we may see on the VAST service in the future.

Further to this the DSR4639 has been designed to maximise the use of existing installations and LNB configurations (no need to buy a new LNB if the services are moved to both polarities). An external loop through cable is included in the accessories with the box.    
 

The DSR4639 uses either the broadcast information to trigger the DSR4639 recording functionality or a timer based system. If the broadcast information was incorrect or the event did not start at the advertised time, the event or part of it may be missed. Altech UEC has invested in specialised broadcast monitoring equipment to monitor the broadcast service information, and in most cases recordings that have not been triggered we have managed to trace the cause to the broadcast information. Unfortunately there is nothing that Altech UEC or any other set top box manufacturer can do to prevent this failure.

To avoid missing part of the show the DSR4639 allows the viewer to set up a time buffer that starts the recording earlier and continues later than the advertised time. This should be globally set up in the menu system for the required performance.

There are no Altech UEC software limitations preventing the copying of content from the DSR4639 to other consumer devices.

However to achieve VAST certification and studio approval for content, the copying of content is not supported or encouraged. 

To avoid missing part of the show the DSR4639 allows the viewer to set up a time buffer that starts the recording earlier and continues later than the advertised time. This can be globally set up in the menu system for the required performance. 
 

If you want to delete all the programs from your hard drive, the easiest way is to format the hard drive. There is an option to perform this in the PVR section of the main menu.

If you only want to delete programs with a certain name, sort the playlist by name and enable the grouping option. Pressing delete on the group will delete all items in that group.

The 36 watt rating is the maximum current that the unit will draw, the nominal consumption is closer to 20 watts under normal usage conditions.

The rating in the standby mode is similar to the nominal value as the VAST certification requires the unit to always be addressable by the conditional access system. This is to ensure that the unit can always receive software upgrades and conditional access entitlement management messages. To do this the LNB, processor and other power drawing devices cannot be totally switched off and hence the specified rating.  

The DSR 4639 makes use of an external power plug pack for the following reasons:

• Power supplies are one of the largest generators of heat in a set top box. By keeping the power supply external to the set top box the unit overall unit runs cooler and does not add to the normal degradation of the internal electronic components.
• As a result of the harsh Australian climate (lightning and temperature) coupled with fluctuations of 240 volt mains supplies in remote areas, switch mode power supplies are the weak link in most consumer electronic equipment. Using an external 12 volt 3 amp power supply to power the DSR4639 allows all consumers the option to easily and cost effectively replace damaged units without the need send the entire set top box back to a repair facility.
• The external power supply design also allows the DSR4639 to be installed into caravans and other mobile applications, with a well regulated  12 volt D.C power supply. 

The Ethernet port on the DSR4639 is again a future proof feature for connectivity to the internet and possible additional services.

Unfortunately most homes in regional Australia that would purchase a DSR4639 do not have sufficient internet bandwidth connectivity to utilise this function, however once the NBN is fully rolled out across the nation this functionality will become technically viable and cost effective for DSR4639 owners to use.  

The USB functionality is currently limited to software upgrades only. However future software updates will include support for additional recording space (external hard disk drive or USB storage device) and other media play back for music, recorded video or picture playback. The only limiting factor is ensuring that all file formats future and past are compatible with the software and device drivers.

• Ensure the DSR4639 external power pack is plugged into an active 240v outlet.
• Check that the DC connector is correctly inserted into the rear of the DSR4639.
• Check that the DSR4639 is displaying any indications on the front panel display.
• Check that the connectivity between the DSR4639 is plugged in (HDMI or composite/component) and that the TV is set to the appropriate input setting.
• Reboot the DSR4639 to make sure it is not temporarily frozen.

The likely cause of this is the dish and/or LNB misalignment, water ingress into the RF cable, damaged connector, faulty LNB, incorrect dish size for your location or either up/down link rain fade. Wait for the weather to clear, correct the installation yourself or call an installer to check the dish installation. 
 

Check the batteries are correctly installed or not flat. Replace with new batteries and retry. If you are still having problems call email  for support.