Sometimes when you use the master power button on the CABLE remote, something is already ON -- so, let's say, some careless person before you left the TV set ON. When you hit the master power button on the cable remote, it will turn ON the Cable Receiver, turn ON the DVD player and turn OFF the Vizio TV. So, then you've got to use the TV remote, labeled "Liv. TV" to turn the power on. So, be aware of what is ON and what is OFF when you go to use the entertainment system. It is best to turn everything OFF after using it. Then the master power button on the CABLE remote makes everything work.
What is HDMI? And why do you care? HDMI is the best cabling and format available for watching High Definition Television and DVDs. There should be no difference in watching DVDs or High Def. TV. They both look beautiful. You can only watch Cable TV when the INPUT is set to HDMI 1. The TV will not know where the cable signal is coming from unless you set the TV's input to HDMI 1. Similarly, for DVDs, you have to set the TV's input to HDMI2, so that the TV knows that you're using the HDMI input for the DVD. If you do NOT have the TV in either HDMI 1 or HDMI 2, then that TV will be blank and receiving no signal.
Use the Video Recorder for Movies:
Instead of renting annoying DVDs, go through the channel guide - especially for HBO HDTV, HD Net, HD Net Movies, and HD Universal for movies. Record these movies in High Definition -- they're better than a DVD. So take a moment to see what's on for the next few days and record those shows. Recording is easy -- when you find the movie you want in the channel guide -- then hit the red record button on the CABLE remote. Follow the screen -- hit the yellow triangle key to accept the recording. The show will turn red in the channel guide to show that it will be recorded. To play movies back, hit the green LIST button on the Cable remote to see what has been recorded. Play the movie when you want and then please ERASE when you are done. Mahalo.
DVD - watching: Use the Input button "HDMI" on the "Liv. TV" remote to switch from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 to watch DVDs. There is also an INPUT button on the side of the TV screen, where you can change from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2. Remember you have to be in HDMI 2 to watch a DVD. You have to be in HDMI 1 to watch cable TV.
CD - Listening: Turn ON the Stereo receiver labeled "1 Stereo CD" - located on the bottom shelf of the TV stand. Then turn ON the CD player labeled "2 Stereo CD" located on the lamp end table next to the TV. Load CD and hit "play" Make sure to turn OFF the CD player by pressing the power button AND the Stereo Receiver. NO LIGHTS should be ON when all is OFF.. If you want to hear the radio, turn on the Stereo Receiver and CD player as explained above and then push the FUNCTION button on the CD player to change from CD to radio - please put the CD player back in CD mode when done.
A stereo system is made up of 2 things -- a receiver -- that large silver box on the bottom shelf of the TV stand. It has to be turned on --- AMBER light. An Amber light means that it is ON and is waiting in Stand By mode for someone to use the CD player. If you don't have the Receiver ON -- then you can't use the CD player. Once you turn on the CD player, the lights turn to BLUE and you're ready to go. Make sure to power down both the CD player on the lamp table and the receiver on the bottom shelf of the TV stand. Don't leave the receiver in Stand by mode. All lights should be off.
Mahalo.