The Strong SRT 8900 is a Digital HD Terrestrial Receiver, also referred to as a set-top box, designed to provide high-definition television (HDTV) services. It allows users to receive and view digital terrestrial broadcasts, including those in HD quality. The device is compatible with both High Definition (HD) and traditional Standard Definition (SD) standards.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Strong SRT 8900 is to decode digital terrestrial television signals, offering significantly superior video and audio quality compared to standard definition. It supports HDTV broadcasts with resolutions up to 1080 lines, resulting in a sharper picture, richer colors, and a 16:9 wide-screen presentation. The device includes a Conax CA (Conditional Access) system, which allows access to encrypted pay-TV services based on a subscription. Users can manage their subscriptions, view event and token statuses, and change their CA PIN.
The set-top box features an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that displays TV programs up to 7 days in advance, enabling users to plan their viewing and set timers for future broadcasts. It also provides a zapping banner for basic information on current and next programs, and an information banner for detailed program options and synopses. The Mini-Guide feature allows users to browse what's on other channels without changing the current channel.
Channel management is comprehensive, allowing users to create and modify favorite channel lists, rename, reorder, add/remove, and lock/unlock channels through the Channel Organizer. The device supports DVB Subtitling and teletext, with options for selecting preferred subtitle languages. Audio options include stereo and multi-channel output, with preferences for two preferred audio languages. Parental control is available via a PIN code to restrict access to certain content based on maturity ratings.
The Strong SRT 8900 is upgradeable "over the air," meaning its software can be updated remotely to ensure continuous improvement and access to new features or standards.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Operating Voltage: 230 VAC / 50Hz
- Nominal Power Consumption: < 12W
- Standby Power Consumption (active): < 8W
- Weight (without accessories): 1 Kg
- Dimensions (W x H x D) without feet): 260 x 52 x 192 mm
- Operating Temperature Range: 5 - 45°C
- Storage Temperature Range: -25 - 70°C
- Remote Control Battery Type: 2 x AAA
- Conditional Access: ISO7816 - CONAX
- Video Decoding: MPEG-4
- HDMI Output: HDMI connector type A, supporting resolutions like 576p, 720p, 1080i.
- RF Input/Output: IEC60169-2 female (RF in), IEC60169-2 male (RF out)
- SCART Outputs: 2 Scart ports (TV Scart with CVBS/RGB, VCR Scart with CVBS)
- Analog Audio Outputs: RCA female (L and R)
- Electrical Audio Output: RCA female (S/P-DIF digital audio output)
- Video Standards: PAL, SECAM
- Zoom Modes: For 4:3 aspect ratio: letter box, pan & scan, zoom 14:9, full screen. For 16:9 aspect ratio: pillar box, zoom 16:9, zoom 14:9, full screen.
- TV Modes: CVBS, SVHS, and RGB.
- SPDIF Mode: Stereo, Multi.
- HDMI Device Info: Connected, Not connected.
- Resolution Policy: Automatic or manual.
Usage Features:
The device offers a user-friendly interface with bilingual on-screen menus available in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and English.
- Quick Installation: A guided setup process allows for quick channel scanning and configuration.
- Channel Navigation: Channels can be changed using P+/- keys or by directly entering the channel number. A green button allows returning to the previously watched channel.
- Information Display: The INFO key provides access to the zapping banner and detailed information banner, showing current and next program details, available options (subtitles, audio), and program synopses.
- Mini-Guide: Allows browsing programs on other channels without interrupting the current viewing.
- EPG: Provides a comprehensive program guide for up to 7 days, with options to set timers for future broadcasts.
- Menu System: An intuitive menu structure for accessing and configuring various settings, including languages, display options, parental control, and connection settings.
- Parental Control: A PIN code protects access to certain features and content, with adjustable maturity ratings (G, PG, A, X).
- Connection Settings: Extensive options for configuring TV format, zoom mode, video standard, and HDMI resolution to optimize the viewing experience for different TV types (HD Ready, Full HD).
- Smartcard Slot: For inserting a smartcard to access conditional access services.
Maintenance Features:
- Software Upgrade: The device supports "over the air" software upgrades, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest features and standards.
- Restore Default Settings: An option to reset the decoder to factory parameters, erasing all user preferences, favorite lists, and timers. This is useful for troubleshooting or re-initializing the device.
- Cleaning: The decoder should be cleaned with a dry, soft cloth, avoiding cleaning solvents or abrasive products. Regular cleaning of ventilation openings is recommended.
- Battery Management: Instructions for inserting batteries into the remote control, including warnings against mixing battery types, using rechargeable batteries, and observing polarity. It is advised to remove batteries if the remote control will not be used for an extended period.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A section in the manual provides common problems and suggested solutions, such as checking power connections, remote control functionality, and language settings.
- Environmental Information: Emphasizes proper disposal of batteries and the electronic appliance to protect the environment, adhering to European Directives for collection and recycling.
- Ventilation: Recommendations to leave 7-10 cm of space around the decoder for proper ventilation and to always place it horizontally to prevent overheating.