ViewTV AT-300 ATSC Digital Converter Box

Introduction

The ViewTV AT-300 ATSC Digital Converter Box is designed to convert digital broadcast signals for display on analog televisions or to add recording capabilities to HDTVs. This device allows you to receive over-the-air digital channels with a compatible antenna and offers features such as PVR recording, USB multimedia playback, and an LED time display.

Important Safety Information

• Overheating Prevention: Before initial use, REMOVE the clear plastic covering from the top of the ViewTV AT-300 box. Failure to do so can cause the unit to overheat and malfunction.
• QAM/Cable Use: This device is primarily for ATSC over-the-air digital broadcasts. It will work ONLY with DECRYPTED QAM channels. It may NOT be compatible with most cable providers. Do not purchase this device solely for encrypted QAM/Cable use.
• European DVB-T: European DVB-T RF signals are NOT supported and will not work with this converter box.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
• Power Supply: Use only the provided power adapter.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the box:

• ViewTV AT-300 Digital Converter Box
• Remote Control (New Upgraded)
• HDMI Cable
• Composite Cable (RCA)
• Power Adapter
• User Manual

Figure 1: Contents of the ViewTV AT-300 package, including the converter box, remote control, HDMI cable, composite cable, power adapter, and user manual.

Product Overview

Front Panel

Figure 2: ViewTV AT-300 Digital Converter Box front panel, showing the power button, channel up/down buttons, USB port, and LED display.

• Power Button: Turns the unit on or off.
• CH-/CH+: Changes channels or navigates menu options.
• MENU/OK: Accesses the main menu or confirms selections.
• USB Port: For connecting USB storage devices for PVR recording and multimedia playback.
• LED Display: Shows current channel number or time.

Rear Panel

Figure 3: ViewTV AT-300 Digital Converter Box rear panel, displaying RF In, RF Out, HDMI Out, Coaxial, L/R Audio, Video, and DC 5V power input ports.

• RF IN: Connects to your digital TV antenna.
• RF OUT: For connecting to the RF input of an older TV (optional).
• HD OUT (HDMI): Connects to an HDTV or monitor for high-definition output.
• COAXIAL: Digital audio output.
• L/R AUDIO (RCA): Left and Right analog audio output.
• VIDEO (RCA): Analog video output.
• DC 5V: Power input for the included adapter.

Key Features

• Converts digital broadcast to analog TV.
• PVR (Personal Video Recorder) function with USB drive.
• USB multimedia player (Divx, AVI, MKV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264/AVC, VOB, MOV, FLV, VC-1).
• Receives HD (720p) and Full HD (1080p) channels (with antenna).
• Auto Tuning and Program Guide (EPG).
• Favorite channel list and Parental control.
• Closed Captioning and EAS (Emergency Alert System).
• 1080P HDMI output and CVBS (Composite) output.
• Timing startup and shutdown.
• Front Panel 12 Hour Time Display.

Setup

1. Initial Preparation

1. Remove Plastic Covering: Ensure the clear plastic covering on top of the converter box is removed to prevent overheating.
2. Antenna Connection: Connect your digital TV antenna to the RF IN port on the rear of the AT-300.

2. Connecting to Your Television

Choose one of the following connection methods:

Option A: HDMI Connection (for HDTVs/Monitors)

1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HD OUT port on the AT-300.
2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to an available HDMI input on your TV or monitor.
3. Select the corresponding HDMI input on your TV using its remote control.

Option B: Composite (RCA) Connection (for Analog TVs)

1. Connect the yellow (Video), white (Left Audio), and red (Right Audio) plugs of the composite cable to the corresponding VIDEO, L AUDIO, and R AUDIO ports on the AT-300.
2. Connect the other end of the composite cable to the corresponding A/V input ports on your analog TV.
3. Select the corresponding A/V input on your TV using its remote control.

Figure 4: Diagram illustrating how to connect the ViewTV AT-300 Digital Converter Box to a TV using an antenna, HDMI cable, or composite cables.

3. Power Connection

1. Connect the power adapter to the DC 5V port on the AT-300.
2. Plug the power adapter into a wall outlet.

4. Initial Channel Scan

1. Turn on the AT-300 and your TV.
2. Navigate to the main menu using the remote control.
3. Select 'Channel Search' or 'Auto Tuning'.
4. Initiate the scan. The box will search for available digital channels. This process may take several minutes.
5. Once the scan is complete, the box will automatically tune to the first available channel.

Operating Instructions

Basic Operation

• Power On/Off: Press the POWER button on the remote or front panel.
• Channel Selection: Use the CH+/CH- buttons on the remote or front panel, or enter the channel number directly using the numeric keypad.
• Volume Control: Use the VOL+/VOL- buttons on the remote.
• Mute: Press the MUTE button to silence the audio.

Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

Press the EPG button on the remote to view program information for current and upcoming broadcasts. Use the arrow keys to navigate and the OK button to select.

Favorite Channel List

You can create a list of your preferred channels for quick access. Refer to the on-screen menu for instructions on adding and managing favorite channels.

Parental Control

The parental control function allows you to restrict access to certain channels or programs based on ratings. A password is required to enable or disable this feature. Set your password in the system settings menu.

Closed Captioning (CC)

Press the CC button on the remote to enable or disable closed captions for programs that support them.

Aspect Ratio Settings

Adjust the screen display format to best suit your TV and content. Options typically include:

• AUTO
• 16:9 Pillar Box
• 16:9 Pan G Scan
• 4:3 Letter Box
• 4:3 Pan G Scan
• 4:3 Full
• 16:9 Wide Screen

These settings can usually be found in the 'Picture' or 'Display' section of the main menu.

Recording (PVR) Function

The AT-300 allows you to record live TV to a USB storage device.

USB Drive Preparation

Plug a flash drive or external hard drive into the USB port on the front of the unit. The device supports various file systems, though FAT32 is commonly recommended for compatibility. If your drive is not recognized, you may need to format it via the converter box's menu (this will erase all data on the drive).

Real-time Recording

While watching a program, press the REC button on the remote control to start recording immediately. Press STOP to end the recording.

Scheduled Recording

You can schedule recordings using the EPG. Navigate to the desired program in the EPG and select the option to schedule a recording. Ensure your USB drive is connected and has sufficient space.

Note for HDTVs with built-in tuners:

If you have a new HDTV and wish to watch one channel using the TV's digital tuner while recording another via the AT-300, you MUST enable "Loop Through" under MENU / Channel Search / Modulation on the AT-300.

USB Multimedia Player

The AT-300 can play various media files from a connected USB storage device.

Supported Formats

• Video: Divx, AVI, MKV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264/AVC, VOB, MOV, FLV, VC-1
• Audio: WMA, MP3, M4A
• Image: JPEG, BMP, PNG

Playback Instructions

1. Connect a USB drive containing your media files to the USB port.
2. From the main menu, select the 'Multimedia' or 'USB' option.
3. Navigate through your files and folders using the remote control.
4. Select a file and press OK to begin playback.

Figure 5: Image showing the USB multimedia player capabilities of the ViewTV AT-300, highlighting supported video, audio, and image file formats.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Ventilation: Regularly check that the ventilation slots on the top and sides of the unit are not obstructed by dust or other objects.
• Power Off: Disconnect the power adapter from the wall outlet if the unit will not be used for an extended period.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact your retailer. Specific warranty terms may vary by region and retailer.