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Cisco Explorer 8000HD

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Explorer 8000 for HDTV be available?
The Explorer 8000HD began shipping in December 2003. Please check with your cable operator for availability in your area.

When will the DVI port on my Explorer 8000HD be activated?
The software which will activate the DVI port with HDCP is currently being tested. It will be made available to cable operators upon completion of the testing. This software will be automatically downloaded to your set-top by your Cable Operator. Expected availability is early 2005.

Are local TV stations broadcasting in HDTV?
Many local TV stations are transmitting digital signals. However, transmitting a digital signal does not mean transmitting an HDTV signal. Some stations are using the new bandwidth to broadcast several standard-definition channels. Most stations, however, once they begin broadcasting in digital, are offering HD content from their parent network (for example: CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, WB, UPN, and PBS).

Why are some HDTVs 4:3 aspect ratio and others 16:9?
The aspect ratios differ because television manufacturers build both standard and widescreen HDTVs to appeal to consumer viewing preferences. On widescreen HDTVs, the programming is displayed on the full screen. On standard screen HDTVs, the programming is displayed in letterbox format in the middle of the screen (there are bars surrounding the picture).

Features

160GB
Allows recording and storage of up to 90 hours of SD programming or 20 hours of HD programming.*

Dual Analog and Digital Service Tuners
Allows two programs (whether analog or digital, whether SD or HD) to be displayed simultaneously using the PIP function. Allows recording of two live programs while watching a third prerecorded show

Analog Component HDTV Outputs
Provide YPbPr outputs for quick and easy connection to most HDTV sets.

DAVIC Reverse Path Data Transmitter
Allows IP-based, real-time, two-way communication between the Explorer 8000HD Home Entertainment Server and the cable service provider's headend for rapid, seamless updates of program guides. Also can support interactive services such as xOD (anything-On-Demand), VOD (Video-on-Demand), and subscription VOD (SVOD.

Dolby Digital Audio and MPEG-1 Audio Support
Supports leading digital audio standards.

* The total number of program hours that can be stored depends upon the format and data rate of the programming source.

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
* Recording hours depends on the programming source.

Benefits

The Explorer 8000HD is a high definition, two-tuner digital video recorder (DVR) and cable-box in one that allows you to:

  • Benefit from dual-tuner functionality - Record one program and change channels to watch another program at the same time. In fact, you can record two programs airing simultaneously. And while recording the two programs, you can watch a third, pre-recorded program at the same time.
  • Control live TV - If the phone rings during your favorite live show, just press the Pause button on the Remote Control. The show will stay paused for up to one hour. Press Play to resume the show whenever you are ready.
  • Get your own personal Instant Replay whenever you want - If you missed the winning play or you want to see a scene again, just press the Instant Replay button to see what you missed.
  • Pre-set the Explorer 8000HD DVR to record all episodes of a TV program for you.
  • Create your own personalized video library of favorite TV shows - play back your shows at any time.
  • Display two high definition programs on-screen simultaneously - whether they're two live programs or one live and one recorded program - with the Picture-in-Picture feature.
  • Watch HDTV shows in any of four resolutions: 480i, 480P, 720P, or 1080i, depending on the scan-rate best suited for your HDTV set. You can watch TV in any standard-definition digital or analog format, too.
  • Stretch and zoom the video picture to maximize its viewable area and/or keep video in its correct aspect ratio on the HDTV display.

For technical support and other issues, please contact your operator directly.
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