SiliconDust HD HomeRun PRIME - User Manual

The HDHomeRun PRIME is a digital cable tuner designed to integrate live television viewing into your home network, allowing you to watch and record TV on various devices. It acts as a bridge between your cable television service and your home network, enabling you to access encrypted digital cable channels (including premium content) on compatible devices such as Windows Media Center PCs, and other network-connected devices.

Function Description:

The core function of the HDHomeRun PRIME is to receive digital cable signals, decode them using a CableCARD, and then stream the live television content over your home network. This eliminates the need for a separate set-top box for each TV or device, offering a more flexible and integrated viewing experience.

The device comes in two main configurations: a 3-tuner model and a 6-tuner model. The 3-tuner model allows you to watch or record up to three different live TV channels simultaneously, while the 6-tuner model doubles this capacity to six channels. This multi-tuner capability is a significant advantage, as it means multiple users can watch different programs on different devices at the same time, or you can record several shows while watching another.

To function, the HDHomeRun PRIME requires a CableCARD, which is a credit card-sized device provided by your cable company. The CableCARD is essential for decrypting the encrypted digital cable channels, including high-definition (HD) and premium content. Without a properly installed and activated CableCARD, the device will not be able to access most digital cable channels.

Once the CableCARD is inserted and the device is connected to your cable and home network, the HDHomeRun PRIME makes the live TV streams available to any compatible device on your network. This includes PCs running Windows Media Center, which is a primary supported platform for this device. With Windows Media Center, you can watch live TV, pause, rewind, and record shows, effectively turning your PC into a powerful DVR. The device also supports other applications like HDHomeRun QuickTV for basic viewing.

The HDHomeRun PRIME is designed to handle high-definition content, supporting resolutions up to 1080i. This ensures that you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies in crisp, clear quality. The device integrates seamlessly with your existing home network, typically connecting via an Ethernet cable to your router.

In some cases, your cable provider may use Switched Digital Video (SDV) technology, which requires an additional component called a Switched Digital/Tuning Adapter. If your cable provider utilizes SDV, you'll need to connect this adapter to the HDHomeRun PRIME via a USB cable and a coaxial cable. The tuning adapter helps the HDHomeRun PRIME request specific channels from the cable system, ensuring you have access to all available programming.

Usage Features:

Setting up the HDHomeRun PRIME involves a few key steps:

1. Physical Connection: First, you connect the HDHomeRun PRIME to your cable line using a coaxial cable. Then, you connect it to your home network via an Ethernet cable. Finally, you plug in the power adapter. If your cable provider uses SDV, you'll also connect the optional Switched Digital/Tuning Adapter at this stage, linking it to both the cable line and the HDHomeRun PRIME.

2. CableCARD Insertion: The CableCARD, provided by your cable company, is inserted into the designated slot on the HDHomeRun PRIME. This card is crucial for decrypting digital cable channels.

3. Software Installation: You'll need to install the HDHomeRun software on a compatible computer (e.g., a Windows 7 PC). This software includes the HDHomeRun Install Wizard, which guides you through the setup process. The wizard helps detect the tuners, verifies the CableCARD status, and ensures proper communication between the device and your network.

4. Windows Media Center Configuration: For a full DVR experience, you'll configure Windows Media Center on your PC. This involves opening Windows Media Center, navigating to the Extras Library, and running the Digital Cable Advisor. The advisor helps ensure your system is ready for digital cable content. If the advisor isn't readily available, you can access it through the Extras Gallery. Following this, you'll go through the TV Signal Setup within Windows Media Center, which will detect your HDHomeRun PRIME and its tuners.

5. PlayReady Installation: During the Windows Media Center setup, you'll be prompted to install Microsoft PlayReady PC Runtime. PlayReady is a digital rights management (DRM) technology that protects premium TV content from unauthorized use. This is a necessary step to access encrypted channels.

6. CableCARD Activation: This is a critical step that requires interaction with your cable company. After the physical setup and initial software configuration, Windows Media Center will display important information about your CableCARD (such as CableCARD ID, Host ID, and Data). You will need to call your cable provider and provide them with this information to activate your CableCARD. The cable company will then "pair" the CableCARD with your HDHomeRun PRIME, enabling it to decrypt all the channels included in your subscription. Once activated, you can continue with the remaining Windows Media Center setup prompts.

Once fully configured, you can use Windows Media Center (or other compatible applications) to browse TV listings, watch live TV, schedule recordings, and manage your recorded shows. The multi-tuner capability allows for flexible viewing and recording schedules, accommodating the needs of multiple users or complex recording preferences.

Maintenance Features:

The HDHomeRun PRIME is designed for minimal ongoing maintenance.

• Firmware Updates: SiliconDust, the manufacturer, periodically releases firmware updates for the HDHomeRun PRIME. These updates can improve performance, add new features, or address compatibility issues. It's good practice to check the SiliconDust website for the latest software and firmware to ensure your device is running optimally. The HDHomeRun software typically includes a mechanism to check for and apply these updates.

• Troubleshooting: In case of issues, the HDHomeRun Install Wizard and the HDHomeRun software provide diagnostic tools. For example, the "Tuners" tab in the Install Wizard shows the status of each tuner and the CableCARD, indicating if they are "OK" or if there are any errors. This can help in identifying whether a problem lies with the cable signal, the CableCARD, or the network connection.

• CableCARD Management: While the CableCARD itself is managed by your cable provider, ensuring it remains properly seated in the HDHomeRun PRIME is important. If you experience issues with channel access or decryption, checking the CableCARD's physical connection can be a first troubleshooting step. If problems persist after activation, contacting your cable provider is necessary, as they are responsible for the CableCARD's functionality and pairing.

• Network Connectivity: Maintaining a stable home network is crucial for the HDHomeRun PRIME's performance. Ensuring your router is functioning correctly and that the Ethernet connection to the HDHomeRun PRIME is secure will help prevent streaming interruptions.

• Software Reinstallation: If you encounter persistent software-related issues, reinstalling the HDHomeRun software from the latest installer available on the SiliconDust website can often resolve problems.

The HDHomeRun PRIME is a robust device designed to be largely "set it and forget it" once properly installed and activated. Its primary maintenance involves keeping its software and firmware up-to-date and ensuring a stable network and cable connection.