VC II+ DIAGNOSTIC DATA (OSD Screen notation V1.07)
About this file: It consists of 4 parts. Starting out with a
simple representation of the On Screen Display using letters of the
alphabet, then progressing to more information. Part 4 includes
portions of the first 3 parts in an effort to have as much information
handy in one place when trying to figure out what YOUR OSD is showing
you. Firmware versions newer than V1.07 (circa 1990) will have a
somewhat different layout, but most of the info is still correct.
Hope you find this file of use. It's taken many hours to get it in
shape. If you know any of the "Unknown" fields, find errors, or
can expand on any of the data, please send the info to:
mikey@slic.cts.com and/or hughes@gary.enet.dec.com
----------------------------------------------------
P A R T 1
----------
V1.07
1) aaaaaaaa-aa-aa b-c
2) 3:dddd 2:dddd 1:dddd 0:dddd
3)
4) ee fff-fff-fff gg-h
5) iiii-iiii iiii-iiii.ii iiii
6) jj-kk-ll m nnnn o p qqqqqq
7) rrrr-ssss-tttt u v wxxxxxx
8) y.zzE-aa/b.ccE-dd ee f:ggg
--------------------------------------------------
P A R T 2
----------
DIAGNOSTIC DATA (Annotated; Short Version)
V1.07
Code version
1) aaaaaaaa-aa-aa b-c
Unit Address IPPV
2) 3:ddd 2:dddd 1:dddd 0:dddd
Tiers Tiers Tiers Tiers
3)
4) ee fff-fff-fff gg-h
Geographic Location
Time Zone
Daylight Zone
5) iiii-iiii iiii-iiii.ii iiii
General Insturment information only
6) jj-kk-ll m nnnn o p qqqqqq
Category Number Sync Type
Category Sequence Program Sequence
Channel Number Frame Count
? Sync 24 Count
7) rrrr-ssss-tttt u v wxxxxxx
Unit Address Messages Free preview Status
All Messages Epoch Frame Count
Frame Count Messages
Sync State
Service Selection
8) y.zzE-aa/b.ccE-dd ee f:ggg
? Short Term BER Audio Holds
?? ? Long Term BER Scrambling Mode
?? Authorization Status
--------------------------------------------------
P A R T 3
----------
DIAGNOSTIC DATA (Annotated; Long Version)
V1.07
Firmware Revision
LINE 1) aaaaaaaa-aa-aa b-c
[a] Unit Address (identity) of the descrambler.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 02406000 - 02FFFFFF
NOTE: the unit address range will increase as necessary.
[b] IPPV Enable (IPPV) indicates whether this unit is currently
enabled to purchase IPPV programs.
Format: binary
Values: "1" indicates unit is enabled to purchase IPPV programs.
"0" indicate unit is not enabled to purchase IPPV
programs.
NOTE: A value of "1" does not necessarily mean that IPPV tiers have
been assigned to this unit, however.
[c] Unknown
LINE 2) 3:dddd 2:dddd 1:dddd 0:dddd
[d] Line 2 contains the tiers assigned to the unit.
LINE 3)
Line 3 is intentionally left blank.
LINE 4) ee fff-fff-fff gg-h
Line 4 displays the following information (set when a unit receives
it's initial authorization).
[e] Unknown
[f] Geographic Location is a 36-bit number representing the location
of the descrambler in 3 coordinates (x,y,z). Each point on
the earth can be given a location in this way, accurate to
with in couple of miles. This information is used for
circular blackouts.
Format: hex-hex-hex
Range: 000-000-000 to FFF-FFF-FFF
[g] Time Zone is the number of half-hours away from the International
Dateline the descrambler is located.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 0 - 2F
Values: 04 = Hawaii
08 = Pacific Standard Time (PST)
0A = Mountain Standard Time (MST)
0C = Central Standard Time (CST)
0E = Eastern Standard Time (EST)
10 = Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
[h] Daylight Savings Enable (Daylight) indicates whether the unit is
to implement daylight saving time.
Format: binary
Values: "1" indicates the descrambler is to implement daylight
savings time when notified that daylight saving time
is in effect.
"0" indicates the descrambler never implements daylight
savings time.
LINE 5) iiii-iiii iiii-iiii.ii iiii
[i] Line 5 is for General Instrument information only.
LINE 6) jj-kk-ll m nnnn o p qqqqqq
Line 6 displays the following information:
[j] Current Category Number
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 00 - FF
[k] Current Category Sequence number. This number increments by 1
each month. Since the number is derived from a decryption,
it will be incorrect if the seed in the unit are lost.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 00 - FF
[l] VideoCipher Channel Number, formerly known as "Provider ID".
Format: hexadecimal
Range: O1 - FF
[m] Known
[n] Sync-24 detection counter is the count of the sync-24
detections. Approximately 28 should be detected every
second.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
[o] Sync Type identifies the kind of sync-24 being detected.
Format: decimal
Values: 0 = no sync-24's detected.
4 = VideoCipher sync-24 detected.
[p] Current program epoch increments after each program (modula 4).
Format: decimal
Range: 0 -3
[q] Current Frame Count. It should increment by 15 every 2 seconds.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 000000 - FFFFFF
LINE 7) rrrr-ssss-tttt u v wxxxxxx
Line 7 contains the following information:
[r] Number of good Unit Addressed messages received. Unit Addressed
messages are CATEGORY, REKEY (authorization message),
PASSWORD, RESET, DESCRAMBLER POLL, or TEXT messages.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
[s] Number of all non-FRAME COUNT messages (all messages) received
by the unit.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
NOTE: Count can be zeroed out by hitting a zero on keyboard.
[t] Number of Frame Count messages received by the unit. This
counter is a good indicator of the VideoCipher II Plus
signal quality. If the number is increasing rapidly, then
signal quality is good, but this number increasing slowly or
sporadically then the signal quality is poor. It should
increment by 15 every 2 seconds.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
NOTE: Count can be zeroed out by hitting a zero on keyboard.
[u] Current Sync State.
Format: decimal
Values: 0 = Non VC channel
1 = VC sync-24 seen, waiting for messages
2 = fade has occurred. Will either recover (go to 3) or
drop to 0
3 = full acquired, awaiting authorization or not
authorized
4 = fully authorized, subject to circular blackout and
rating lockout.
[v] Current Service Selection indicates which service is currently
selected and is being output. Utility Data is available
simultaneously with the VideoCipher Video/Audio service.
Format: hexadecimal
Values: 0 = VideoCipher Video/Audio
[w] "*" (astrick) indicates free preview is in effect.
[x] Epoch Frame Count, the frame count at which the current program
ends.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 0000 - FFFF
NOTE: The message counters can be zeroed by pressing "0" on the
RCU or front panel.
LINE 8) y.zzE-aa/b.ccE-dd ee f:ggg
[y] Unknown
[z] Short-term Bit Error Rate (BER) is a count of the number of
detected bit errors in exponential notation over the last 4-
5- seconds.
[a] Unknown
[b] Unknown
[c] Long-term Bit Error Rate (BER) is a count of the number of
detected bit errors in exponential notation over the last 45
seconds.
[d] Unknown
[e] Audio Holds represents the ability of the module to successfully
descramble the scrambled input signal.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 0 - FF
NOTE: Video and audio are muted when this value exceeds 90
(muted at 14 for the VCII).
[f] Scrambled Mode
Format: alpha
Values: "S" = Full scrambled
"P" = Processed Unscrambled
"F" = Fixed Key
[g] Authorization State:
Format: alpha
Values: "-OC" Old Category rekey; Possible causes:
unit hasn't received this monthly category
rekey message;
unit seeds have been lost due to tampering or
battery failure;
unplug unit for 30 seconds and retry.
"-MP" Missing Program rekey information; Possible
causes:
tuned to a channel in a different category
(e.g. DBS unit on a CATV-only channel);
brand new unit (never authorized) that needs
initial authorization via an instant
trip message;
unplug for 30 seconds and retry.
"-ME" Missing Event Blackout; the unit is awaiting the
receipt of ALL circular blackout messages for
this event before it can calculate it's
authorization status.
"-CB" Circular Blackout; this program is blacked in
your area.
"-PL" Purchasable but Locked out; this program is
offered of IPPV but a rating impediment
exists. To purchase the program or to view
the FREEVIEW, either raise the rating ceiling
(via Rating Ceiling OSD) or over-ride the
rating lockout (as prompted when the VIEW key
is pressed).
NOTE: rating over-ride is valid for the duration
of the program even if the unit tuned to another
channel and back again. The only way to
cancel rating over-rides is to press the
"OFF" key on the IRD.
"-SL" Subscribed but Locked out; unit is subscribed to
this program but a rating impediment exists.
To view the program either raise the rating
ceiling (via Rating Ceiling OSD) or over-ride
the rating lockout (as prompted when the VIEW
key is pressed).
"-NS" No subscription, unit is not subscribed to this
channel.
"-NI" Not IPPV enabled; this unit is not enabled of
IPPV purchase. To become enabled for IPPV
purchases, an IPPV account must be set up
with the Satellite Video Center (SVC) at 1-
800-5VIDEO (1-800-548-4336).
"-TL" To Late for Purchase; the program is nearly over
and is no longer available for purchase (at
the programmer's discretion).
"C" Can be bought (CANBUY); the current program is
offered for purchase and can be bought.
"B" IPPV Purchased; the current program has been
purchased; if the FREEVIEW is not over, the
purchase can be canceled by:
* Pressing the "VIEW" key and then pressing
the "ENTER" key when prompted to "Press
ENTER to cancel the program purchase".
* Changing channels during the FREEVIEW.
NOTE: If there is no FREEVIEW portion, or if
the FREEVIEW is over, there is no way of
canceling the program purchase.
"S" Authorized Subscriber.
--------------------------------------------------
P A R T 4
----------
DIAGNOSTIC DATA (Annotated; The Works)
V1.07
Firmware Revision
LINE 1) aaaaaaaa-aa-aa b-c
Unit Address IPPV
[a] Unit Address (identity) of the descrambler.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 02406000 - 02FFFFFF
NOTE: the unit address range will increase as necessary.
[b] IPPV Enable (IPPV) indicates whether this unit is currently
enabled to purchase IPPV programs.
Format: binary
Values: "1" indicates unit is enabled to purchase IPPV programs.
"0" indicate unit is not enabled to purchase IPPV
programs.
NOTE: A value of "1" does not necessarily mean that IPPV tiers have
been assigned to this unit, however.
[c] Unknown
LINE 2) 3:dddd 2:dddd 1:dddd 0:dddd
Tiers Tiers Tiers Tiers
[d] Line 2 contains the tiers assigned to the unit.
LINE 3)
Line 3 is intentionally left blank.
LINE 4) ee fff-fff-fff gg-h
?? Geographic Location
Time Zone
Daylight Zone
Line 4 displays the following information (set when a unit receives
it's initial authorization).
[e] Unknown
[f] Geographic Location is a 36-bit number representing the location
of the descrambler in 3 coordinates (x,y,z). Each point on
the earth can be given a location in this way, accurate to
with in couple of miles. This information is used for
circular blackouts.
Format: hex-hex-hex
Range: 000-000-000 to FFF-FFF-FFF
[g] Time Zone is the number of half-hours away from the International
Dateline the descrambler is located.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 0 - 2F
Values: 04 = Hawaii
08 = Pacific Standard Time (PST)
0A = Mountain Standard Time (MST)
0C = Central Standard Time (CST)
0E = Eastern Standard Time (EST)
10 = Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
[h] Daylight Savings Enable (Daylight) indicates whether the unit is
to implement daylight saving time.
Format: binary
Values: "1" indicates the descrambler is to implement daylight
savings time when notified that daylight saving time
is in effect.
"0" indicates the descrambler never implements daylight
savings time.
LINE 5) iiii-iiii iiii-iiii.ii iiii
[i] Line 5 is for General Instrument information only.
LINE 6) jj-kk-ll m nnnn o p qqqqqq
Category Number Sync Type
Category Sequence Program Sequence
Channel Number Frame Count
? Sync 24 Count
Line 6 displays the following information:
[j] Current Category Number
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 00 - FF
[k] Current Category Sequence number. This number increments by 1
each month. Since the number is derived from a decryption,
it will be incorrect if the seed in the unit are lost.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 00 - FF
[l] VideoCipher Channel Number, formerly known as "Provider ID".
Format: hexadecimal
Range: O1 - FF
[m] Known
[n] Sync-24 detection counter is the count of the sync-24
detections. Approximately 28 should be detected every
second.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
[o] Sync Type identifies the kind of sync-24 being detected.
Format: decimal
Values: 0 = no sync-24's detected.
4 = VideoCipher sync-24 detected.
[p] Current program epoch increments after each program (modula 4).
Format: decimal
Range: 0 -3
[q] Current Frame Count. It should increment by 15 every 2 seconds.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 000000 - FFFFFF
LINE 7) rrrr-ssss-tttt u v wxxxxxx
7) rrrr-ssss-tttt u v wxxxxxx
Unit Address Messages Free preview Status
All Messages Epoch Frame Count
Frame Count Messages
Sync State
Service Selection
Line 7 contains the following information:
[r] Number of good Unit Addressed messages received. Unit Addressed
messages are CATEGORY, REKEY (authorization message),
PASSWORD, RESET, DESCRAMBLER POLL, or TEXT messages.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
[s] Number of all non-FRAME COUNT messages (all messages) received
by the unit.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
NOTE: Count can be zeroed out by hitting a zero on keyboard.
[t] Number of Frame Count messages received by the unit. This
counter is a good indicator of the VideoCipher II Plus
signal quality. If the number is increasing rapidly, then
signal quality is good, but this number increasing slowly or
sporadically then the signal quality is poor. It should
increment by 15 every 2 seconds.
Format: decimal
Range: 0000 - 9999
NOTE: Count can be zeroed out by hitting a zero on keyboard.
[u] Current Sync State.
Format: decimal
Values: 0 = Non VC channel
1 = VC sync-24 seen, waiting for messages
2 = fade has occurred. Will either recover (go to 3) or
drop to 0
3 = full acquired, awaiting authorization or not
authorized
4 = fully authorized, subject to circular blackout and
rating lockout.
[v] Current Service Selection indicates which service is currently
selected and is being output. Utility Data is available
simultaneously with the VideoCipher Video/Audio service.
Format: hexadecimal
Values: 0 = VideoCipher Video/Audio
[w] "*" (astrick) indicates free preview is in effect.
[x] Epoch Frame Count, the frame count at which the current program
ends.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 0000 - FFFF
NOTE: The message counters can be zeroed by pressing "0" on the
RCU or front panel.
LINE 8) y.zzE-aa/b.ccE-dd ee f:ggg
? Short Term BER Audio Holds
?? ? Long Term BER Scrambling Mode
?? Authorization Status
[y] Unknown
[z] Short-term Bit Error Rate (BER) is a count of the number of
detected bit errors in exponential notation over the last 4-
5- seconds.
[a] Unknown
[b] Unknown
[c] Long-term Bit Error Rate (BER) is a count of the number of
detected bit errors in exponential notation over the last 45
seconds.
[d] Unknown
[e] Audio Holds represents the ability of the module to successfully
descramble the scrambled input signal.
Format: hexadecimal
Range: 0 - FF
NOTE: Video and audio are muted when this value exceeds 90
(muted at 14 for the VCII).
[f] Scrambled Mode
Format: alpha
Values: "S" = Full scrambled
"P" = Processed Unscrambled
"F" = Fixed Key
[g] Authorization State:
Format: alpha
Values: "-OC" Old Category rekey; Possible causes:
unit hasn't received this monthly category
rekey message;
unit seeds have been lost due to tampering or
battery failure;
unplug unit for 30 seconds and retry.
"-MP" Missing Program rekey information; Possible
causes:
tuned to a channel in a different category
(e.g. DBS unit on a CATV-only channel);
brand new unit (never authorized) that needs
initial authorization via an instant
trip message;
unplug for 30 seconds and retry.
"-ME" Missing Event Blackout; the unit is awaiting the
receipt of ALL circular blackout messages for
this event before it can calculate it's
authorization status.
"-CB" Circular Blackout; this program is blacked in
your area.
"-PL" Purchasable but Locked out; this program is
offered of IPPV but a rating impediment
exists. To purchase the program or to view
the FREEVIEW, either raise the rating ceiling
(via Rating Ceiling OSD) or over-ride the
rating lockout (as prompted when the VIEW key
is pressed).
NOTE: rating over-ride is valid for the duration
of the program even if the unit tuned to
another channel and back again. The only way
to cancel rating over-rides is to press the
"OFF" key on the IRD.
"-SL" Subscribed but Locked out; unit is subscribed to
this program but a rating impediment exists.
To view the program either raise the rating
ceiling (via Rating Ceiling OSD) or over-ride
the rating lockout (as prompted when the VIEW
key is pressed).
"-NS" No subscription, unit is not subscribed to this
channel.
"-NI" Not IPPV enabled; this unit is not enabled of
IPPV purchase. To become enabled for IPPV
purchases, an IPPV account must be set up
with the Satellite Video Center (SVC) at 1-
800-5VIDEO (1-800-548-4336).
"-TL" To Late for Purchase; the program is nearly over
and is no longer available for purchase (at
the programmer's discretion).
"C" Can be bought (CANBUY); the current program is
offered for purchase and can be bought.
"B" IPPV Purchased; the current program has been
purchased; if the FREEVIEW is not over, the
purchase can be canceled by:
* Pressing the "VIEW" key and then pressing
the "ENTER" key when prompted to "Press
ENTER to cancel the program purchase".
* Changing channels during the FREEVIEW.
NOTE: If there is no FREEVIEW portion, or if
the FREEVIEW is over, there is no way of
canceling the program purchase.
"S" Authorized Subscriber.
--------------------------------------------------